2013-08-12 Regular City Council Session

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protect, and maintain the River des Peres and its watersheds as a vital natural and cultural resource in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Ms. Fried, also is a member of the Missouri Conservation Department’s Stream Team program and has done water quality testing in the main channel of the upper River des Peres for several years. As part of both of these organizations, she stated she had spent a lot of time in the River des Peres and provided several observation points: 1. Ms. Carr’s statements in the July 19 issue of the West End Word were rather worrisome to those who have devoted time to river improvements. One of the reasons the River des Peres finds itself in its current condition is because generations have considered it, as she does not, to be a “natural river” and people have felt free to use and misuse the river in countless manners. 2. Ms. Carr’s comment that overgrowth was in it large part responsible for flooding, noting Ms. Carr needed to understand that the removal of natural vegetation has caused much of the erosion in the river and has made it possible for water to travel too fast. The River des Peres Watershed Coalition has spent hours and energy putting in plants to try to reduce the impact of past activities. 3. Residents on Mona Drive and Glenside Lane are disappointed that they have not been bought-out as promised by candidate Ms. Carr. Ms. Fried stated Ms. Carr and her supporters need to refrain from making judgments about natural events or at least have more informed opinions. Ms. Fried also spoke of the importance the Sutter-Meyer House has been for University City. The Sutter-Meyer House is a unique historical farm structure which has been maintained and improved upon by hard-working, dedicated and educated volunteers. She wondered what the thought was behind the attempt to convert a well- functioning jewel of a public asset into something it was never meant to be. Ms. Fried agreed with the need for more park space, but the Sutter -Meyer location is decidedly short on space for walking trails, parking, playground equipment, and so on and is perfectly suited for the role it has played,. Irving Logan 1336 Waldron Ave Mr. Logan noted votes are always important and they have consequences and unintended consequences, some good and some bad and gave the example of the dramatic increase in the number of car break-ins, as a direct result of the recent enactment of Missouri’s “Carry and Conceal” gun law. He noted with signs posted on public and private properties, “No Firearms Permitted”, criminals now think someone has probably left their gun in their car. Mr. Logan stated this is the law of unintended consequences of more firearms falling into the wrong hands and becoming a greater threat to public safety. He noted that citizens have witnessed the consequences of stand your ground laws applied in Florida in the Trayvon Martin case. Mr. Logan noted that he is a retired administrator with 20 years in public service and was aware of both the intended and unintended consequences of laws created to solve one problem only to create another. He said if it is not broke, don’t fix it. Mr. Logan’s intent was to request Council’s assistance noting that Council’s presence and participation is important in any citizen-generated community based function, which provided physical evidence to residents of Council’s support or lack thereof. Mr. Logan invited Council to participate in the Fair UCity as a public expression of support to the constituents participating in this community family- friendly event. Mr. Logan welcomed their 2