Reading of E-Mails Debated Before Florissant Council

By Carol Arnett

“I feel like I need a whistle and striped shirt,” City Attorney John Hessel said at Monday’s Florissant City Council meeting.

Hessel’s comment came after Councilwoman Karen McKay asked to have e-mails between the council and the administration entered into the meeting under communications. Councilman Tom Schneider questioned Hessel as to whether the e-mails should be entered.

McKay said that the council has been entering e-mails since she has been on the council. “This has never been questioned in years past,” she said.

Councilman Andrew Podleski asked Hessel if there was anything in city ordinances allowing the “message from the mayor,” agenda item at city council meetings. Hessel replied that there is not.

McKay asked Hessel if she could read the e-mails during the “council announcements” portion of the meeting, and Hessel replied that she could. McKay pointed out to the rest of the council that reading the messages in their entirety would take more time, so she would prefer to enter them as she originally planned.

“Let’s follow the precedent we’ve set over the last ten years and accept Mrs. McKay’s communications,” said Councilman John Grib. “Let’s quit spinning our wheels over this,” he added.

McKay’s communications were accepted.

In other matters, the council approved a special use permit for a cell phone tower at 1325 Paddock Drive. The tower will be on the Church of the Master property.

The council let a bill that would authorize a new barbecue restaurant at 2714 North Highway 67 to die without a second reading. At the public hearing for the restaurant, several council members expressed concern about the proposed portable smoker at the restaurant.

Also at the meeting, liquor licenses were approved for the 7-11 at 105 Dunn Road at for Quiktrip at 2124 North Highway 67. The 7-11 already had a liquor license, but it has changed owners, and the new owner needed to apply under his name. The Quiktrip will be a new store located at the corner of Lindbergh and Thunderbird.

The council postponed a vote on a liquor license for JL Package Liquor Convenience at 12779 New Halls Ferry, and denied a request for a liquor license to ATN Nails and Spa, at 2536 North Highway 67.

The council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the expansion of the National Park Service to oversee and operate Grant’s Farm.

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