The Florissant City Council held held a public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) the fiscal year 2019 action plan and the 2016-2020 consolidated plan regarding the CARES Act/COVID-19. They also held second reading on some bills, and first readings on others.

Carol O’Mara, the city’s Director of Community Development, spoke to the council at the public hearing for the CDBG and CARES act.

The CARES Act provided the CDBG with a first round allocation of $151,584 and a third round allocation of $242,112, for a cumulative amount of $393,696.

The funds must be used for eligible activities, O’Mara said. They must meet at least one of three objectives: benefit low to moderate citizens, deal with slum or blight, or meet an urgent demand.

Because of this, Florissant is making some changes to the existing plan. There are also changes to the amount of time that the CDBG fund has to allow for public review of the plans.

Changes are on the city’s website. The new funds will be used for Mortgage, Ren, and Utility assistance, Food Bank and Coordinated Entry Funding, mobile COVID testing clinic, and the Home Improvement program.

O’Mara noted that needs are changing constantly with the pandemic, and the Community Development department is changing to keep up.

The council also passed some bills. The first added a new section of the city code establishing a Citizens Police Review Board and outlining its composition, duties and procedures.

The second bill passed regulates the use of laser pointers. Councilman Robert Parson moved to remove a section that pertains to minors. The council voted against the amendment and voted to pass the bill as presented.

The council also passed a bill that will establish an Economics Development Commission.

In other action, the council:

• Approved the request for a special use permit from Jay’s Lounge to Plush Hookah LLC and approved a request to authorize a liquor by the drink license for the business. They also passed a bill that will allow the special use permit.

The council also passed two resolutions.

The first resolution endorsing reasonable accommodations to the current order impacting bars and restaurants. Councilman Joseph Eagan said that the resolution encourages County Executive Sam Page to make accommodations for businesses during Covid-19 restrictions, including allowing indoor dining. Councilman Andrew Harris abstained, saying that he would like residents to support restaurants with take-out and delivery.

The second resolution urges St. Louis County not to increase the speed limit on Howdershell Road. The county council has proposed raising the limit to 40 miles per hour. The resolution asks that the speed limit remain at no higher than 35 miles per hour.

The council also held a first reading on a bill that would modify the city ordinance to clarify grievance procedures.