Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen approves Weil Avenue, City Center stormwater bids; holds first readings on three ordinances

The Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen on Feb. 10 approved two infrastructure contracts — one for improvements on Weil Avenue and another to address stormwater issues at Shrewsbury City Center — and conducted first readings of three ordinances, the board recorded.

Public Works Superintendent Chris Meine and a consultant, Mr. Weis of Weis Consulting, reviewed contractor bids and project details. Alderman Beth Parker moved to accept Jokerst Paving and Contracting, Inc.'s bid for the Weil Avenue improvement project; Alderman John Odenwald seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Later the board voted unanimously to accept Enterprise Sewer and Drain's bid for the Shrewsbury City Center stormwater improvements after a second motion by Alderman Grant Diel and a motion by Alderman Odenwald.

The approvals advance procurement for two capital projects the city has been scoping. Mr. Weis fielded questions from Aldermen Parker and Odenwald about sidewalk placement for the Weil Avenue work; Public Works staff said they would finalize schedules and construction details with the chosen contractor.

The board also completed first readings of three ordinances. Bill No. 4069 would authorize an amendment to the city's existing contract with St. Louis County for housing municipal inmates (sponsored by Alderman Ben Stark). Bill No. 4070 would adjust compensation for designated elected officials (sponsored by Alderman John Odenwald). Bill No. 4071 would authorize participation in training with the Central Core Fire Training Commission (sponsored by Alderman Beth Parker). Each bill passed its first reading by unanimous voice vote.

Department heads reported routine operational updates. Fire Chief Chris Amenn said a new staff member, Joseph Smith, was sworn in and began training; Amenn said "the new HVAC systems and water heater were installed" and that donated cabinets and tile will complete remaining station renovations. Police Chief Lisa Vargas said an officer injured while placing cones during a winter storm has returned to work and that the department is assembling a "soft interview room" for victims and witnesses, noting the department would donate $2,500 in furniture from Project Beloved (Fort Worth, Texas) to help outfit the space. Finance Director Amanda Guntrum said preparatory work for the 2025 financial audit has begun and that a financial software RFP issued Feb. 6 is due April 10.

Parks and Recreation Director Chris Buck briefed the board on upcoming projects and outreach: a sports-court kickoff meeting is scheduled Feb. 18 with Next Level and SWT, an RFQ for an aquatic-center feasibility study was published Jan. 30, and the Park Board plans to host its next meeting Feb. 18 with Zoom access. Buck reminded residents that "we do not remove snow from our park's sidewalks or courts," saying doing so could give the impression that the city can guarantee safe navigation.

Public Works reported street plowing for a Jan. 24–25 storm that produced approximately 8.5–9 inches of snow, recent wall repairs at Laclede Station Rd. and Murdoch Ave., a poured concrete pad for new HVAC units at the Public Safety Building, and the issuance of an RFP for roof replacement with bids due March 6. The board set its next regular meeting for Feb. 24 at 6:00 p.m.

During the public-comment period, Valery Welch, representing the QUAD (the Webster Groves–Shrewsbury–Rock Hill–Brentwood chamber), promoted a Red Velvet Pancake Coffee and Connections event on Feb. 13 at the Golden Oak Pancake House and a Shrewsbury Business Exchange on Feb. 26 at MyPlace in Shrewsbury.

A motion to move into closed session passed unanimously; the meeting adjourned thereafter.