Committee adopts amendment defining Rams settlement funds and sets two-thirds Board vote threshold

Alderman Oldenburg urged the Legislation and Rules Committee on Tuesday to adopt Amendment 1 to Resolution 245, which clarifies the definition of settlement proceeds related to litigation with Rams owner Stan Kroenke and the National Football League and would require an affirmative two-thirds vote of the full Board of Aldermen to appropriate those funds.

Oldenburg, who introduced the amendment, said the change would ‘‘ensure widespread support’’ for spending what he described as ‘‘transformative funds’’ and would slow down rushed decisions. "It prevents rushed or impulsive policy… It encourages careful discussion," he said, arguing the higher threshold would give smaller constituencies a stronger voice in allocation decisions.

The amendment clarifies that "Rams settlement funds" means funds received by the city as a result of the city's settlement and litigation with Rams owner Stan Kroenke and the National Football League, including any accrued interest. Under the change adopted by the committee, any appropriation of those funds would require an affirmative two-thirds vote of all Board members.

There was no registered public testimony on the resolution. Committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as cosponsors; Alderman Narayan specifically cited the need to preserve funds for tornado recovery and homelessness response. During the roll call to adopt the amendment, the clerk recorded five ayes and one no (Alderwoman Sonnier opposed); the amendment passed.

Members then moved to give Resolution 245 a due-pass recommendation as amended. Following committee procedure the motion was made and seconded and the committee moved the resolution forward to the full Board.

The committee discussion emphasized that the same two-thirds threshold would apply to any future rule changes tied to the settlement proceeds. The resolution, as amended, will next go to the full Board of Aldermen for consideration.