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Florissant Council Honors Ben Hernandez at His Last Meeting
By Carol Arnett
The Florissant City Council honored Councilman Ben Hernandez Monday night for his nine years of service on the council. Hernandez lost the recent election to Tommy Siam.
“It’s been a pleasure to serve on the council,” Hernandez said. He said he was influenced by several people and mentioned former councilwomen Karen McKay and Nancy Lubiewski as especially helpful when he first became a councilman. “To be elected is a gift,” he said. “It was a great adventure and I met a lot of good people.”
Councilman Tim Lee thanked Hernandez for his service and noted “he’s had an opponent every time, unlike some of us who have been blessed to never have one. He’s been very successful.”
Siam will be inducted to the council seat at the next meeting after the election returns are certified. So will four other council members and the city judge, all reelected.
Councilman Jeff Caputa noted that he and Hernandez were both former Marines. “Semper fi and good luck,” he said.
“The first phone call I received when I won my election was from Ben,” said Councilwoman Jackie Pagano. “You said you would always be there if I had questions, and you always were.”
In other matters, the council held a public hearing regarding a request from Brite Worx Car Wash to install a pole sign at the business at 475 N. Hwy. 67. The sign would have an electronic message center to display different messages. Joe Phillips, representing the car wash, said the sign would not be used when the business is closed. The council held a first reading on a bill authorizing the sign.
The council voted 6-3 to approve a request for a beer and wine package liquor license for United Mart, Inc., at 2020 Patterson Road.
Caputa expressed some reservations about the license. He said he was happy to see a gas station going into the site. “The building has been vacant for two or three years now. My only concern is the liquor at the location.” He pointed out that there was both a convenience store and a bar nearby.
“I don’t like three different spots so close together where you can purchase alcohol,” he said. Caputa was joined by Councilmen Tim Jones and Hernandez in voting against the approval.
The council also authorized the transfer of a special use permit from White Auto Body Inc. to White Auto Body West for the auto body shop at 8300 N. Lindbergh. Councilman Joseph Eagan noted that White has been there since 1986. “The new owner is continuing the same business,” he said.
In another instance of a business changing hands, the council approved the transfer of a special use permit from Halls Ferry Services LLC to AM and LB Inc. for the gas station at 3575 Parker Spur. Hernandez said he had spoken to the manager and “the operation is not going to change at all.”
In other news, Mayor Tom Schneider thanked voters for reelecting him in the recent election. “I am honored to have been reelected to a second term,” he said. He also had special thanks for his campaign volunteers. “I am humbled by all those who helped me. Thank you very much.”
