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Webster Groves appoints Christie Phelps to Planning Commission; library board, ARB leadership and other vacancies remain under review
Summary
The council appointed Christie Phelps to the City Planning Commission and John Sauter to the Business Development Commission. Interviews were held for library board and other commission vacancies; council discussed ARB leadership and possible short-term extensions for current chair and vice chair.
The Webster Groves City Council appointed Christie Phelps to the City Planning Commission and John Sauter to the Business Development Commission during a regular meeting after a series of interviews and staff updates.
Christie Phelps, who introduced herself at a council work session as a licensed architect who moved to Webster Groves in 2019, was the only applicant shown at the meeting for the planning commission vacancy. In her interview she said she is interested in “the big picture,” cited experience with historic neighborhoods and described an interest in creating walkable districts in the downtown area.
Leanne Coates interviewed for one of five applicants to the library board’s single vacancy. Coates identified herself as a Webster Groves resident for more than 36 years with experience in senior services; she told council she opposes banning books and said library materials should remain available for people to choose whether to read them. Council members said the library liaison would discuss candidates with the board before a final appointment.
The council also reviewed openings on several boards and commissions: the Green Space Advisory Commission has openings (an interview is scheduled April 1), the Police Community Engagement Board has three openings (one resident, one business owner and one medical professional), and Traffic Advisory has one alternate vacancy. Staff noted the planning department will be open on Tuesdays starting April 1.
Council members discussed the Architectural Review Board (ARB), where Chair Bob Buckman and Vice Chair Tracy Collins are term-limited. Council members said both are senior members and the board lacks leadership experience among remaining members; staff liaison Jim Bailey will be asked whether either officer would consider a short-term extension to provide continuity while the council considers other candidates.
Appointments made in the meeting: Christie Phelps was formally appointed to the City Planning Commission and John Sauter was appointed to the Business Development Commission; the council said other appointments will be finalized later.
