Shrewsbury aldermen adopt public-safety resolution, amend zoning and approve construction contracts

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Shrewsbury voted March 24 to adopt a public-safety resolution, advance changes to the municipal code on nonconforming residential uses and approve several construction contracts and project change orders.

Resolution No. 2026-01, which the board said signals the city's commitment to public-safety efforts aimed at reducing violent crime as part of the state's Blue Shield program, passed on a motion from Alderman John Odenwald and a second from Alderman Ben Stark. The minutes record the resolution as passing unanimously among members present.

The board also approved final passage of Bill No. 4066, an amendment to Section 405.040 of the Shrewsbury Municipal Code to permit structural alterations to buildings containing residential nonconforming uses in specified circumstances. Alderperson Bette Welch moved the second reading; Alderman Jacob Riley seconded. A subsequent motion for final passage was made by Alderman John Odenwald and seconded by Alderman Ben Stark; the motion passed unanimously.

In other formal actions, the board renewed and approved final passage of Bill No. 4073, which amends a special-use permit authorizing Kenrick PM, LLC to operate a restaurant at 7401 Watson Road. Alderman Riley said his earlier nay vote reflected neighbor concerns about noise and late operating hours but that conversations with condominium residents led him to change his position; Alderperson Bette Welch said her earlier nay vote reflected similar resident concerns. The motion for final passage carried unanimously.

The board authorized a Public Works roof replacement contract for the building at 7309 Melbourne Avenue, approving Trusted Roofing's bid for $125,000 and an optional gutter replacement for $3,450. Public Works Superintendent Chris Miene presented bids; the motion, made by Alderman Ben Stark and seconded by Alderperson Bette Welch, passed unanimously.

Parks and Recreation Director Chris Buck informed the board that soil under the planned sports courts proved unstable; the board approved a remediation plan not to exceed $42,716 (lime stabilization) on a motion by Alderman Stark, seconded by Alderperson Welch. The minutes note a discussion of an alternative cement-mixing option for the soil, but a formal quote for that approach had not been provided.

Alderman Beth Parker asked staff to research a city policy on noxious weeds; City Administrator Dustin Ziebold said he would report back to the board at a future meeting.

The board voted unanimously to move into closed session and later adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.