STE. GENEVIEVE — Ste. Genevieve’s former fire chief was honored last night at the regular meeting of the board of aldermen.
Gregory “Mick” Schwent served as a member of the volunteer fire department for many years, rising to the fire chief position.
Ste. Genevieve Mayor Paul Hassler presented Schwent with a plaque and thanked him for his many years of service to the people of Ste. Genevieve and surrounding counties where he led his firefighters on mutual aid calls.
“This is a little plaque in honor of 50 years of service,” the mayor said.
Following the presentation, several members of the fire department, including the current fire chief, Kenny Steiger, joined the mayor in congratulating Chief Schwent.
The aldermen heard a request from Donna Marler to allow her to plant grass in a field adjacent to the Headstart building on Ste. Genevieve Drive. Her plan is to have the grass cut twice a season for hay. The grass would exceed the city’s limit of seven inches for the height of grass. The aldermen didn’t believe it would be problem. She noted that this is already being done at other locations in the city. The aldermen approved it on a voice vote.
City Administrator Happy Welch discussed the plans for remodeling city hall, including the board room.
The aldermen approved four resolutions which were included in the consent agenda.
Resolution 2023-19, an agreement with a firm to have credit card and ACH payments for customer bill paying services.
Resolution 2023-20, adopting the mobile phone stipend policy.
Resolution 2023-21, re-appointing Nichole French to the Ste. Genevieve Tourism Tax Commission.
Resolution 2023-22, a hold harmless agreement for an event.
The aldermen also approved a street closure on Market Street from South Third to South Main and South Third from South Gabouri to Market Street for the 3rd Annual Honey Festivaland Market Saturday, June 24.
There was no old or new business.
Aldermen Robert Donovan and Jeff Eydmann did not attend the meeting.
During the work session which followed the regular meeting:
The aldermen discussed allowing officers to take their patrol cars home, within a 30-mile radius, on a regular basis.
Police Chief Jasen Crump said it is seen as something that will attract new officers and retain existing officers. He told the aldermen nearby communities like Festus, Potosi, Park Hills, Bismarck, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office are either already allowing take home vehicles or are about to.
Police officers would only be able to take their cars home if they live in a 30-mile radius if the city on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River.
Chief Crump said he is aware that several officers are considering leaving Ste. Genevieve for other communities. He said the cars will be used for official business only.
The chief estimated the cost of allowing the officers to take their patrol cars home would total $34,665, for extra fuel, oil changes, and tires.
The city administrator noted that the current policy of only allowing the chief and officers who live in town to take their cars home, is a police department policy. The chief can make the change on his own, but wanted the aldermen to be on board. The aldermen approved the change unanimously.
Bill Fischer appeared before the aldermen to request permission to construct three small two-bedroom, one bath, homes on a lot on Triangle Drive that previously had three mobile homes on it. He said he removed the mobile homes because they were beyond repair.
The lot’s single family residential district zoning doesn’t allow Fischer to do what he wants to do. City Administrator Welch said the code would have to be changed to allow it. He said the city staff does not recommend making the changes in the code that would be necessary to allow Fischer to do what he wants to do.
Fischer said his plan would be good for the city.
“There were three ugly-looking mobile homes there, I am going to increase the appearance by 1,000 percent. I am only increasing the property value. I am bringing in more tax revenue for the city. I am helping people who want a place to stay and need a place to stay. If you drive around Ste. Genevieve to find more property, it’s impossible. He said he is willing to alter his plans, “If I can’t get three, I will try for two.”
The aldermen appeared to disfavor Fischer’s plan. He is expected to re-work his plan and return to city hall with a revision.
Last night’s meeting was shown live on SteGenTV Channel 991 and now available on the SteGenTV You Tube channel at: https://youtu.be/VjcuynyeKvI