Festus council tables ordinance to build police outdoor firing range after residents raise noise and environmental concerns

The Festus City Council on May 20 heard extended public comment and staff testimony on a proposed outdoor police firing range near Kreitz Park and surrounding neighborhoods, then declined to approve land-clearing work and voted to table an ordinance that would have authorized construction.

Residents said the proposed site is too close to homes, a park and wetlands and urged the council to study noise and environmental impacts before proceeding.

The debate matters because the council must weigh the police department’s need for controlled local training against potential effects on residential quality of life, nearby park facilities and wildlife habitat.

At the public-comment portion, Michael Chelly, a resident, said he supports the police but questioned building a new range instead of using nearby facilities. “I wonder about the cost benefit analysis of the building an entire range for our police department,” Chelly said, noting officers already use the DeSoto range. He asked whether an annual membership would be more cost‑effective than construction and whether the city plans to use the site for other…