STE. GENEVIEVE — The Ste. Genevieve Board of Aldermen met last night for its second and final meeting of January 2023.
During the meeting the aldermen decriminalized marijuana, raised the sewer and water rates and during a work session discussed the legalization of tiny houses in the city.
Seven members of the board attended, only Alderwoman Kristi Cleghorn was absent.
Reports were presented by Ste. Genevieve Housing Authority Executive Director Gina Bryant, City Administrator Happy Welch, Police Chief Jasen Crump, and Alliance Water Resources representative Steve Wilson.
A public hearing was conducted to hear comments on a proposed increase in water and sewer rates. No one spoke.
The aldermen approved one resolution during the consent agenda.
Resolution 2023-14 – Which states the intent of the city to apply for a Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant.
The aldermen approved seven measures:
Bill No. 4525 – A proposal from Cochran Engineering for the St. Marys Road Sidewalk/Trail improvement was given second round approval on a 7-0-1 vote.
Bill No. 4529 – Repealing section 135.175 was given second round approval on 7-0-1 vote. This section allowed the city to opt out of tax free holidays. Apparently the state has passed legislation barring communities from opting out of the state’s sale tax holidays. There is only one that the city opted out of and that was the back to school sales tax holiday.
Bill No. 4530 – A measure concerning the city’s disclosure of utility billing records was given final approval 7-0-1.
The aldermen approved a purchase order totaling $81,836 for two Dodge Durangos for the police department.
Bill No. 4534 – an agreement between the city and Ste. Genevieve County for 911 dispatching services was given first round approval 7-0-1.
Bill No. 4535 – Amending the city code regarding Chapter 210 offenses; essentially decriminalizing the use of marijuana in accordance with state law was given first round approval 7-0-1.
Bill No. 4536 – a measure raising the water rates was given both first and second round approval 7-0-1.
Bill No. 4537 – a measure raising the sewer rates was given both first and second round approval 7-0-1.
Bill No. 4538 – a measure authorising a rate increase for the city’s contracted law firm to $175 an hour. It was approved 7-0-1 on first reading.
The meeting was shown live on SteGenTV Channel 991 on the Spectrum Cable Television system and on the SteGenTV You Tube Channel.
It can be seen now at https://youtube.com/live/CkoeVgL6dHQ?feature=share