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Council hears board and commission interview, approves a Business Development Commission appointment and advances county easement bill
Summary
Council held interviews for multiple boards, discussed vacancies, approved the appointment of Joe Drest (Vanilla Sugar Bakeshop) to the Business Development Commission, and conducted first and second readings of a county easement ordinance for Marshall Avenue.
Council members conducted a board and commission interview and reviewed several vacancies, then made at least one formal appointment and considered a county easement ordinance.
At the start of the meeting council interviewed Allison (Allison) DeWald for a library board opening. DeWald said she wants to support local libraries and cited prior board experience, including bylaws and policy work at a preschool and as secretary of a local figure‑skating club; she told council she “stand[s] with the American Library Association” on free‑speech issues when asked her position on banned books.
Council discussed vacancies across multiple boards including the Green Space Advisory Commission, Police Community Engagement Board (PCEB), Traffic Advisory Commission and the Business Development Commission (BDC). Members noted an upcoming BDC opening left by Stephanie Skis and discussed two previously interviewed candidates for the business‑owner seat: Joe Drest (co‑owner, Vanilla Sugar Bakeshop) and John Sauter (current PCEB member). Council signaled intent to appoint Joe Drest at the regular meeting and to consider John Sauter for a subsequent opening.
In other business the council gave first and second reading to Bill 9277, an ordinance authorizing the city manager to grant permanent pedestrian and traffic signal easements to St. Louis County related to a county roadway project (Marshall Avenue / project STP‑5613). Council commentary indicated the county is in a right‑of‑way and easement phase with construction anticipated in 2026.
Consent agenda actions included the appointment of Joe Drest to the Business Development Commission and adoption of a number of consent items. Council also adopted Resolution 2025‑10 (replacement of a marquee/message sign) following a roll call where one member voted no (Hickson Shepherd) and the remaining members voted yes.
Ending
Councilmembers asked staff to confirm vacancies on other commissions and said they would proceed with the regular appointments at the next meeting; staff indicated they will confirm plan commission openings and follow up with applicants.
