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St. Charles County Council names firearms training center for Sgt. John C. Bush, approves five ordinances
Summary
At its April 14 meeting the St. Charles County Council voted unanimously to name the county firearms training center for Sgt. John C. Bush and approved supplemental grant funding, easements and personnel reclassifications; two new measures were introduced and one bill remained tabled.
ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The St. Charles County Council on April 14 voted unanimously to name the county firearms training center on Highway 94 South the Sergeant John C. Bush Firearms Training Center and approved a package of ordinances addressing grant funding, easements, tourism designation and personnel changes.
The naming ordinance (Bill 53-78), sponsored by the council as a whole, passed on a roll-call vote with all seven councilmembers voting yes. Members present at the meeting were Councilman Joe Bridal, Councilman Hammond, Councilman Mike Elam, Councilman Terry Hollander, Councilwoman York, Councilman Baker and Councilman Swanson.
The measure honors Sergeant John C. Bush and commemorates his work improving law-enforcement training in the county. At the meeting, the county’s police chief described Bush’s career and training work: “He ran it with integrity and made sure there was discipline in all the training,” the Police Chief said. The chief also noted the Bush family’s 505 Foundation, which raises funds for department training equipment.
Why it matters: The naming recognizes an officer identified by county staff as having led decades of training improvements at the county facility. Council members said the family will be present for a planned dedication if the ordinance passed; the County Executive said the county will distribute details about a July 1 dedication and noted the Bush family’s related golf fundraiser scheduled “on the thirtieth” this year.
Votes at a glance
- Bill 53-78 — Ordinance to name the St. Charles County Firearms Training Center the Sergeant John C. Bush Firearms Training Center (pursuant to section 100.17 of the ordinances of St. Charles County). Outcome: Passed. Vote: Bridal — yes; Hammond — yes; Elam — yes; Hollander — yes; York — yes; Baker — yes; Swanson — yes.
- Bill 53-76 — Ordinance providing an amendment of ordinance 24-106 for a supplemental appropriation relating to the Local Violent Crime Prevention (LVCP) grant program funds and operation of an intergovernmental agreement between St. Charles County and the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Office of Homeland Security (as approved by ordinance 24-100). Outcome: Passed. Vote: Bridal — yes; Hammond — yes; Elam — yes; Hollander — yes; York — yes; Baker — yes; Swanson — yes.
- Bill 53-77 — Ordinance authorizing the county executive to execute a temporary construction easement with the Wentzville Public School District for Bike Walk Phase 1. Outcome: Passed. Vote: Bridal — yes; Hammond — yes; Elam — yes; Hollander — yes; York — yes; Baker — yes; Swanson — yes.
- Bill 53-79 — Ordinance designating the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau as the representative destination marketing organization (DMO) for participation in the Missouri Division of Tourism’s cooperative marketing program for state fiscal years 2025–2027. Outcome: Passed. Vote: Bridal — yes; Hammond — yes; Elam — yes; Hollander — yes; York — yes; Baker — yes; Swanson — yes.
- Bill 53-80 — Ordinance amending the Personnel Administration Program (PAP) section 115.710 pay grade assignments and amending the 2025 budget (ordinance 24-106) to reclassify three positions in the Parks and Recreation Department and create a new position in the Public Health Department division of Humane Services. Outcome: Passed. Vote: Bridal — yes; Hammond — yes; Elam — yes; Hollander — yes; York — yes; Baker — yes; Swanson — yes.
Introductions, tabled item and other business
- Bill 53-81 — Introduced (requested by Ryan Graham; sponsored by Joe Bridal): An ordinance granting a water easement to Public Water Supply District Number 2 along Forestell Road through New Meli Lakes Park. No vote taken; introduced for later consideration.
- Bill 53-82 — Introduced (requested by Kurt Frizz; sponsored by Mike Elam): An ordinance authorizing the county executive to execute an agreement on behalf of the Police Department with the City of St. Charles for tactical medics to support the county regional SWAT team. No vote taken; introduced for later consideration.
- One bill previously tabled remained tabled. Council members noted the item was being held to allow staff to notify citizens who attended the prior meeting.
Other meeting items
The council approved the consent agenda by voice vote and recorded no public comments during the public-comment period. During announcements, county officials promoted a Smart Field airport anniversary event and other community activities.
What council members said and next steps
The County Executive said the county would circulate details about honoring the Bush family and invited council participation at the planned July 1 dedication if the ordinance passed. The Police Chief described Bush’s training work and the continuing role of the Bush family’s 505 Foundation in supporting department training equipment.
The meeting concluded after routine business; dozens of introduced and passed items will return to staff and sponsors for implementation steps described in ordinance language (e.g., easement agreements, grant administration and personnel reclassification).
