Fenton aldermen approve package of ordinances, grant Best Box special‑use permit; police detail multi‑jurisdiction theft arrest

The Fenton Board of Aldermen approved a package of ordinances Tuesday, granting a special‑use permit for a self‑storage facility and authorizing several city contracts and amendments while hearing a police report about a multi‑jurisdiction theft and arrest.

The board voted to adopt an ordinance approving a special‑use permit for Best Box Storage (Best Box Fence in Missouri Gravois LLC) to operate a self‑storage facility at 747 Gravois Road. Beau Reinberg, one of the owners, told the board he appreciated staff help as the project was adjusted and said, “we appreciate the staff and the effort that’s been made to continue this special use permit as we work through … some changes that we had to make to the project.” The motion for final passage was made and seconded during the meeting and carried on roll call.

Council members also approved several routine and contract ordinances on second reading, including: an irrigation services agreement with Allen Landscaping Solutions Inc.; an assignment of agreements from Everstream Solutions LLC to Unite Private Networks LLC; a second amendment to the city’s agreement with GovBuild LLC for a module; agreements with Blue Sky Restoration Contractors LLC and JSC Incorporated (d/b/a SERVPRO) for on‑call emergency restoration services; a third amendment with DECA Corporation for HVAC maintenance; an agreement with Gateway Tree Care LLC for stump restoration services; and a master services agreement with Commerce Bank. Each ordinance was introduced and advanced through a motion and roll‑call vote.

City staff presented financial and administrative reports. Finance figures showed $576,645 in sales tax receipts with roughly 49.8% redistributed; the city’s combined cash and fund totals were reported at about $24.9 million. The board approved the month’s warrants totaling $1,065,864.72.

Fenton’s precinct commander, Captain Kevin Lawson, delivered the monthly police report and described community outreach events planned for the coming days, including trunk‑or‑treat nights and a DEA drug take‑back. Lawson also outlined the conclusion of a multi‑jurisdiction investigation into a series of vehicle and trailer thefts. According to Lawson, investigators used camera and GPS evidence to identify and track a suspect; officers and other agencies pursued the vehicle through several jurisdictions before the suspect was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals. Lawson said investigators allege the suspect stole a trailer from an Ameren substation that was loaded with three spools of copper wire valued in excess of $285,000.

Lawson described the bond recommendations and court proceedings on the case: “The prosecutor recommended a $100,000 cash‑only bond…he put 250,000 cash only. So he’s got 550,000 cash only,” reflecting multiple counts and previously filed bonds. Lawson said charges included several theft counts and other offenses; he added prosecutors “hit him with everything that they could.”

On public safety statistics, Lawson said calls for service in September were down from a year ago, while self‑initiated incidents and arrests increased (33 arrests reported for the month). He reported 30 shoplifting incidents among property crimes and listed five crimes against persons in September, including an aggravated assault and a stabbing at locations in the city. Law enforcement said targeted traffic enforcement would continue in locations where residents have raised speeding concerns.

The board also approved parks and recreation items, including a parks project list to be considered for the 2025 draft capital plan and a park donation policy. Community Development reported a new occupancy permit for Cobalt Communications and reminded residents of the Nov. 22 City Hall lighting ceremony and winter market.

The meeting closed after the board confirmed there would be no executive session and a motion to adjourn carried.

Votes at a glance - Bill 24‑91 (becomes Ordinance 44‑93): irrigation services agreement with Allen Landscaping Solutions Inc. — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑96 (becomes Ordinance 44‑94): special‑use permit for Best Box Storage, 747 Gravois Road — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑97 (becomes Ordinance 44‑95): zoning code amendment related to hemp shops — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑98 (becomes Ordinance 44‑96): consent to assignment from Everstream Solutions LLC to Unite Private Networks LLC — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑99 (becomes Ordinance 44‑97): second amendment to agreement with GovBuild LLC for a licensed module — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑100 (becomes Ordinance 44‑98): repeals and reenacts municipal judge compensation rate — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑101 (becomes Ordinance 44‑99): agreement with Blue Sky Restoration Contractors LLC for on‑call emergency restoration services — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑102 (ordinance number recorded during process): agreement with JSC Inc. (d/b/a SERVPRO) for on‑call emergency restoration services — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑103 (becomes Ordinance 45‑01): third amendment with DECA Corporation for HVAC maintenance and repair — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑104 (becomes Ordinance 45‑02): agreement with Gateway Tree Care LLC for stump restoration services — motion passed on roll call. - Bill 24‑105 (becomes Ordinance 45‑03): master service agreement with Commerce Bank — motion passed on roll call.

What’s next The board noted upcoming appointments for advisory boards and continued review of capital items; the Best Box special‑use permit and the several contracts adopted at this meeting will proceed to implementation steps managed by city staff. The mayor and staff also encouraged attendance at the Nov. 21 award presentation and the Nov. 22 lighting and market events.