2014-03-10 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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diligence not been performed, this Council authorized a letter in support of the project without even knowing all of the details. Mr. Sullivan stated that so far the only thing that has been accomplished by this quote, “exciting project,” is to cut down virtually every tree on De Baliviere between Delmar and Forest Park Parkway. The permit to cut down 124 trees was given to the Loop Trolley on th February 13 by the City of St. Louis. Mr. Sullivan stated that next there was an attempt to cut down more trees in the Loop. He stated that Mayor Welsch had even advised a reporter that she was in favor of removing the Loop trees, but the public was not informed of this request until the Friday afternoon before the Monday Council meeting. He then asked Mayor Welsch when she had first learned of the request to remove the trees. Since the Mayor is also on the Board of the Loop Trolley TDD, one has to wonder who she is representing, the Loop Trolley or the residents of University City. Mr. Sullivan then questioned whether Mayor Welsch had also supported cutting down the 124 trees along De Baliviere. Mr. Sullivan stated that this permit allows the project to go beyond the defined boundaries approved by the St. Louis County Circuit Court, as well as the language drafted for the ballot used to establish the Loop Trolley TDD and authorize the sales tax. He stated that the approval of this extension would go against the order from the Circuit Court and the laws of this State, both of which are rather serious matters for public officials. Gregory Pace, 7171 Westmoreland Mr. Pace stated that in 2008 Council approved $250,000 to get this project rolling and every vote since that time has been unanimous. So in his opinion, what would really make University City a laughing stock is to stop this process and give up the Federal money. Mr. Pace stated that if the City had stopped this a long time ago, that would have been fine, but that is not what happened. And as far as the Mayor recusing herself, there is no money involved and the only reason that she is even on the Board of the TDD is because the State Legislature put her on there. Mr. Pace stated that he recalls standing before Council and asking them not to obtain the funding for the firehouse grant. First it was free. And then it was a $200,000 match. Now the City is in over a million dollars if you include what it has to give to the East/West Gateway Transportation Council who is funding the lights on Olive. He stated that at that time he was told that the City could not give up free money, and now it takes an additional mile for an ambulance to even get to his house. Mr. Pace stated that if the City wants to be in the newspaper and wants to be the laughing stock for a very long time, then Council should turn this project down at this late date. But otherwise this has got to be approved. COUNCIL’S COMMENTS Ms. Carr stated that she still had a question about the Loop Trolley Company versus the Loop Trolley TDD. Director of Community Development Andrea Riganti stated that as a matter of process she would like to clear up two things. One is that Conditional Use Permits typically lasts for one year, unless otherwise stated or construction has commenced. She stated that it had not been otherwise stated in this case and the physical construction had not commenced, although there has been significant progress. Ms. Riganti stated that the City’s Zoning Ordinance permits the initiation of a C.U.P. or an extension by the owner of a project or an authorized representative. The City did have a letter authorizing the Loop Trolley TDD to act on behalf of the Loop Trolley Company, which is a matter of practice. Since the Mayor is on the Board of the TDD, Ms. Carr questioned whether the City would be responsible if something happens once the Loop Trolley TDD takes over the operations. She stated that her question was based on a statement made by Mr. Kraft wherein he had commented that the City is not putting in one dime and therefore it is not responsible for any of this, and the fact that the pending lawsuits specifically name the Mayor. City Manager Walker stated that the City Attorney has previously advised that the City would not be liable if something were to happen. And as it has been previously indicated, the Mayor is on the Board by virtue of her position. Mr. Crow asked Ms. Riganti when the letter granting authorization was dated. Ms. Riganti stated that it was dated March 5, 2014.