University City council approves Circle K conditional use permit with safety conditions; farmers market agreement renewed

University City’s council approved a conditional use permit for a Circle K convenience store and gas station at 7430 Olive Boulevard and separately renewed a farmers market facility use agreement at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Interim Planning and Zoning Director Becky Alvin told council the conditional use permit (CUP 24‑04) had been approved previously by the planning commission (Sept. 25, 2024) with conditions that include meeting city property‑maintenance standards, removal of debris and storage tanks prior to occupancy, and public‑safety measures described in Police Chief Larry Hampton’s memo.

Council member Fuller moved to approve the CUP; Council member Teeman seconded. When members asked about enforcement if conditions are violated, the city attorney said the city could revoke the CUP or pursue prosecution for violations, noting those are enforceable remedies.

Elizabeth Lum, counsel for the applicant, said the property is being marketed and introduced the project team (Premier Engineering, AKG Development and Circle K representatives) and answered questions about tank removal. City staff confirmed the project will remove the existing tanks prior to occupancy.

Council debate included criticism of the applicant’s past operations in University City. Council member Fuller said he expected to hold the operator to the permit conditions and warned he would not support the item on principle but that the CUP should be closely monitored. The council conducted a voice vote and the mayor announced the item passed.

Separately, the council approved a one‑year facility use agreement to continue the farmers market at Centennial Commons on Thursdays and Saturdays and to allow use of the Heman Park community center in winter months. The market secured a University City address and was offered a reduced resident rate; staff will provide on‑site presence 6–8 a.m. Saturdays outside pool season at a cost capped at $800 per year, covered by the market. The agreement switches the market to special‑event rules to permit a popular petting zoo.

Council members also heard first readings of two bills: Bill 9578, an ordinance authorizing taxable industrial revenue bonds for a project at 8021 Olive Boulevard in a principal amount not to exceed $8 million, and Bill 9579, approving a final plat for a minor Purdue Avenue subdivision lot split. No final votes on those bills occurred during the meeting.

Council also announced City Manager Gregory Rose’s retirement effective Feb. 6 and said a national search firm has been engaged to lead recruitment; a public forum and staff interviews were planned as part of the process.

The council moved on to other business and adjourned following tributes and closing remarks.