Festus council approves hotel incentive, annexation and equipment purchases; hears firing-range sound concerns

The Festus City Council on May 20 approved a Chapter 100 incentive agreement for a proposed Hampton Inn, passed an ordinance annexing properties on CC Highway to allow city water service, and authorized several equipment purchases for public safety and parks operations.

The council passed Resolution No. 48-16.5, the Chapter 100 incentive memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Hampton Inn project, after staff said the developer is ready to begin work. A city staff member told the council that the MOU “does contemplate a refunding of the $20,000 that they already have on deposit with us in the event that they do not pull their building permits,” and that the MOU includes “a penalty of up to two years of loss of the real estate tax abatement” if the developer does not obtain a certificate of occupancy within the agreed time frame. Council members confirmed that the incentive applies to real estate taxes only and does not exempt business personal property.

The council also passed Bill No. 48-18, an annexation ordinance covering properties on CC Highway. A city staff member said the annexation “wraps up all the properties out on CC Highway, in order for them to receive water from the city of Festus,” and noted contractor KCI is expected to begin substantial work on Highway 67 in May.

On public-safety equipment, the council approved two related purchases from Sentinel Emergency Solutions. The fire department requested a $1,150 budget amendment to buy two Bullard thermal imaging cameras to match equipment on a new apparatus; the council authorized the cameras for $17,150. The council separately approved the purchase of six sets of turnout gear from Sentinel for $30,502.20; staff said a $50,000 line item for turnout gear was budgeted and is available to cover that purchase.

Parks staff requested and received approval to buy a used 2021 Ford F-350 1-ton dump truck from Perez Ford for a listed price of $49,594 and to set the project budget at $60,000 to allow for lights, bed lining and other outfitting. Parks staff described the vehicle as “exactly what we’ve been looking for” and said the truck’s lower price would save the city compared with building a new vehicle.

Council members discussed the police firing-range proposal and a city-conducted sound study. Police Chief Wendell said the sound study is underway and offered to arrange live-fire demonstrations tied to that study. “The patrol rifles are both somewhere in the low 150s and then it’s a couple decibels higher for a 12-gauge shotgun,” Chief Wendell said in describing relative sound levels for weapons the department uses. Several council members urged more public outreach, including an open house and posting the sound-study results so neighbors can review technical data before the council considers final action. Councilwoman Templeton said range training is needed but stressed the city must do due diligence and public engagement before proceeding.

The council also approved two temporary liquor licenses: Good Times Slushy LLC for the city’s fireworks event on June 27–28 and Living Life on 2 Wheels for the Festus Art Walk in May. The council appointed Tim Bennett to an alternate seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (bills totaling $642,329.18): approved (unanimous among members present). - Purchase 2 Bullard thermal imaging cameras from Sentinel Emergency Solutions, $17,150: approved (unanimous among members present). - Purchase 6 sets of turnout gear from Sentinel Emergency Solutions, $30,502.20: approved (unanimous among members present). Staff said a $50,000 turnout-gear line item exists in the budget to cover this. - Purchase 2021 Ford F-350 dump truck from Perez Ford, vehicle price $49,594; council set budget authorization at $60,000: approved (unanimous among members present). - Resolution 48-16.5, Chapter 100 MOU for Hampton Inn (industrial revenue bond/ tax abatement terms): approved (unanimous among members present). Staff: $20,000 deposit refundable if permits not pulled; abatement applies to real estate taxes only; ambulance district had the option to opt out and is participating at a 50% level per staff discussion. - Bill 48-17: tabled to May 27 because required public-hearing notice had not been published 15 days in advance. - Bill 48-18, annexation ordinance (CC Highway properties): approved (unanimous among members present). - Temporary liquor licenses for Good Times Slushy LLC (fireworks) and Living Life on 2 Wheels (Art Walk): both approved (unanimous among members present). - Appointment of Tim Bennett to Planning & Zoning Commission (alternate): approved (unanimous among members present).

What it means going forward The Hampton Inn incentive clears a major permitting and incentive hurdle for that hotel developer but includes conditions tied to building permits and occupancy certificates. Annexation of CC Highway properties gives the city the authority to provide municipal water service to those parcels as Highway 67 construction proceeds. The purchases approved this week prioritize firefighter safety and parks operations while preserving budget oversight; staff said the turnout-gear purchase uses an existing $50,000 budget line, and the dump-truck authorization includes extra funding for outfitting.

Council members requested that staff share the firing-range sound study and consider public open houses and live demonstrations so residents can review technical decibel data before the council makes further decisions about range operations.