2014-08-11 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Glickert made a motion to nominate Mr. Sharpe, noting the great job he has done in this capacity for the last eight years, was seconded by Mr. Jennings and the motion carried unanimously.  University City High School alumni picnic requested by Dr. Carr and Mr. Crow Dr. Carr stated that she was troubled by the fact that she had not been informed about the th alumni picnic that coincided with a tragic event which occurred on the morning of July 27 at Heman Park, which is in her ward. She stated that her belief is that it is important to ask several questions for the purpose of allaying concerns expressed by her constituent’s and determining whether there are changes that can be made to improve these types of events in the future. 1. How are special events structured? 2. Was enough security provided? 3. Should the City be responsible for providing public safety? 4. Was the size of the crowd anticipated? 5. How is drinking handled at these events? 6. Were there any warning signs that could have prevented this tragedy? 7. Is the granting of the park for no fee a violation of the Sunshine Law? 8. Should Council be informed of such events and provided with an estimate of the costs that are either being reduced or waived? 9. Is there a need to review the application process and establish some of the same standards that have now been implemented for block parties? Mr. Crow stated that he was a little surprised that his colleagues had expressed concerns about having this conversation, because as public stewards, his belief is that questions needed to be asked. Statement made by the Chief of Police that his officers were in harm’s way while making arrests among an extremely large and belligerent crowd, should be given consideration. He stated that his hope is that the City can come up with some level of consistency with respect to fees and the application process, and would also agree that Council should be provided with the estimated costs of these events. Mr. Crow stated that recently he learned that the alumni picnic will no longer be allowed in University City but the ultimate decision will be made by this administration and not the members of Council. Mr. Jennings stated that his desire is to allow the administrative staff to handle any and all issues regarding the University City High School Association’s annual picnic as they have done successfully in the past. He stated that given the recent events in Ferguson, the City needs to be sensitive. As a result of the events that occurred after the picnic the University City High School Alumni Association cancelled the picnic for 2015. Mr. Jennings stated that the Mayor, City Manager, President of the Alumni Association and facilitators will meet to discuss what must happen before there can ever be another successful gathering of University City alums at an annual picnic in University City. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Kerry Wilson, 4468 Holly, St. Louis, MO Mr. Wilson stated that he is an alumnus of University City High School and the purpose of this picnic was to maintain camaraderie. He stated that since the picnic’s inception 13 years ago there has never been an incident. They have always worked with City officials and paid for extra police officers, so many of the alumni; many who are also residents, consider the decision that there will be no more picnics to be a bit unfair. He stated that everyone looks forward to attending this event Linda Jones, 1532 Park Way Drive, St. Louis MO Ms. Jones acknowledged members of the Alumni Association who were in the audience. She stated that every year she has been a facilitator for the picnic; they have conducted a pre-meeting 9