Shrewsbury aldermen approve routine purchases, hold first readings on three ordinances, set Nov. 26 hearings

The Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen on Nov. 12 held first readings on three ordinances, approved multiple routine purchases and grant acceptances, and directed staff to bring several items back at the Nov. 26 meeting.

Alderman Grant Diel introduced Bill No. 4027, an ordinance to revise the composition of the Shrewsbury Plan Commission. Alderman Presley Barker seconded the motion for first reading, and the board approved it unanimously on voice vote. Alderperson Bette Welch moved the first reading of Bill No. 4028, to add automotive sales as a special use; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Alderman Presley Barker moved the first reading of Bill No. 4030, a lease authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with St. Louis County for a special-purpose monitor; Alderperson Beth Parker seconded, and that measure passed by majority voice vote (5–1), with Alderman Grant Diel recorded as voting no.

The board approved a range of administrative and capital items. Fire Chief Chris Amenn said the department has two open positions and announced it had been awarded a grant; Alderperson Bette Welch moved to accept the grant, Alderman Presley Barker seconded, and the board approved the acceptance. Chief Amenn said the grant acceptance will be presented as an ordinance at the next work session.

The board approved resuming a contracted cleaning service for the police facility (motion by Alderman Presley Barker; second by Alderman Ben Stark) and authorized IT purchases recommended in the FY2024 budget. "In the FY2024 Budget we included funding for replacement of our main Network server for the entire city, as it is at the end of its primary use service life," Fire Chief Chris Amenn told the board; he added the existing server will be moved to the Public Safety Building as an off-site backup. The board also approved a citywide desktop-computer replacement plan for machines that Chief Amenn said are "over seven years old." Alderman John Odenwald moved to approve the server purchase; Alderperson Bette Welch seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Finance Director Henrietta Brown told the board the FY2023 audit identified excess revenues and departmental leaders presented a list of potential capital uses; the board agreed to revisit allocations at the Nov. 26 work session rather than act immediately.

The board discussed commissioning mayoral portraits (typical cost estimated at $2,000–$3,000) and agreed to commission a portrait of the former mayor now, deferring decisions about future portraits.

The board set a public hearing on Grow Automotive for the Nov. 26 meeting and received reports from departments including parks and public works. The meeting adjourned after public comment; the next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 26, 2024, at 6 p.m.