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Schneider Takes Office; Podleski Holds Seat Until August Election
Meet the Schneiders: After new Mayor Thomas Schneider was sworn-in as mayor at the recent city council meeting, this photo was taken with wife Rachel (center) and their youngest son, Paul.
(Posted May 3, 2011)
By Carol Arnett
The Florissant City Council welcomed a new mayor last week, as Tom Schneider was sworn in at the council meeting. Three council members were also sworn in after winning re-election to their seats: John Grib, Keith English and Mark Schmidt.
Councilman Andrew Podleski had given up his seat in order to run for mayor. However, the election to replace him resulted in a tie. City Attorney John Hessel explained that a run-off election would be held in August between Steve Purgahn and Pat Stinnett, at the same time as the election for Schneider’s seat. Until the election, Hessel said, Podleski would remain on the council as determined by city statutes.
Florissant City Clerk Karen Goodwin gives the Oath of Office to Concilman Keith English, Mark Schmidt and John Grio, all reelected incumbents.
Schneider thanked his family and campaign workers. He also thanked former Mayor Robert Lowery and all of the council members he has worked with through the years.
In other news, the council approved a liquor license for the Tinderbox, which is moving from Jamestown Mall to 2714 N. Highway 67, in Surrey Plaza I. Owner Larry McSpadden said that the shop has had a liquor license for approximately five years. In addition to tobacco and tobacco products, the shop sells some wine and a few spirits, he said.
Several council members thanked McSpadden for moving the business to Florissant.
Council Postpones Bath Salt Ban
In other matters, the council postponed a bill that would prohibit the sale of imitation and/or synthetic drugs marketed as bath salts.
Police Chief William Karabas spoke to the council about the bill. He said that although there have not been problems in the city, “as other cities have banned these substances, they’ll come here.” Several cities in the county have enacted, or are considering, bans on the substances.
Councilman Mark Schmidt said he had some concerns about the bill. “But the Chief thinks it’s a good idea, and sometimes it better to be proactive.”
However, other council members expressed concern about enforcing the bill and asked for postponement to they could gather more information. The council will again take up the bill at the next meeting.
