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Proposed School at Fatima Delayed at Petitioner’s Request
By Carol Arnett
The Florissant City Council once again postponed a final vote on an ordinance allowing Boonce Academy to open in the old Our Lady of Fatima convent, at 4450 Washington St. The proposed learning center would have up to 61 students from infants through grade 12, with up to 25 staff members.
The site is in Ward 7, represented by Karen McKay. McKay has said at previous meetings that she would not support the center because of she thought the building was too small for the number of students and faculty proposed. She also cited concerns with traffic along Washington and parking.
McKay said at the council meeting that the petitioner had requested the postponement.
In other matters, the council:
• Honored Frank Stahlschmidt for his service to the city in numerous capacities over the years. Most recently, Stahlschmidt has helped with the nature lodge at Sunset Park.
• Honored Coach Richard Nixon and the Hazelwood Central football team. Mayor Robert Lowery noted the importance of recognizing the youth of the city for their accomplishments.
The council held a discussion regarding the cable telecasts of the council meetings. Charter Cable has recently changed the public access
channel from channel 10 to either 993 or 118.1. Several council members said they had received questions from the public about the change.
They also had a discussion regarding the reading of letters at the council meeting. Councilman Andrew Podleski wanted to read a letter from a resident during the Communications portion of the agenda. Council President Tom Schneider advised him that he could not read the letter.
Later in the meeting, during the Council Announcements portion of the meeting, Schneider read an essay about the military and patriotism. Councilman Tim Lee then said that Podleski should also be able to read his letter.
Lee then moved to amend the agenda to go back to Communications and let Podleski read the letter. The council voted five to three to do so, with Schneider, Schildroth and Schmidt voting no. Podleski then read the letter, in which the letter writer thanked the council for voting for the recent bill banning city workers from campaigning in city elections.
