Webster Groves Board of Adjustment Fails to Reach Quorum; Agreement for Docket 24-20 to Move to City Council

The Webster Groves Board of Adjustment failed to reach a four-member quorum at its March 13, 2025 meeting, and members said an agreement prepared by the city attorney for Docket 24-20 will be reviewed with the applicant and forwarded for city council approval rather than formally ratified by the board.

The lack of quorum mattered because the board had previously granted Docket 24-20 at its Feb. 13 meeting and the city attorney prepared a post-decision agreement for the petitioner. The presiding board member said the three members present had reviewed the document and “we don't see any omissions in it,” but because a four-member quorum was required the board could not take the formal ratification vote.

Board member John Vers, board member Randy Sprague and board member Debbie Solberg were present. The presiding board member noted the vice chair was absent and said, “This is not a quorum. We need a a 4 member quorum.” The presiding member added, “Had there been a quorum, we would have asked for a motion to ratify. It is not technically necessary,” and said the group would instead discuss the agreement with the applicant and the applicant’s attorney and move the matter on to city council approval.

Meeting administration issues were also raised: the presiding board member pointed out that the dates on the printed agenda were incorrect for both the current and next regular meeting. The board confirmed its next meeting date as Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., contradicting a separate Zoom notice that listed a 7 p.m. start time.

With no other substantive business to conduct, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and carried by the members present.

The board did not take any formal action to ratify or alter Docket 24-20 at the March 13 meeting; board members said staff, the applicant and the city attorney will pursue the agreement and seek city council approval as the next procedural step.