Board Appointments and Votes
The meeting began with the swearing-in of Alderman Conrad Phillip, who was appointed on September 22 to fill an unexpired term.
Mayor Ward also announced an emergency appointment of Attorney Gillespie to provide legal representation during the meeting, citing Missouri statute 79.280.
City Attorney Vacancy — Ordinance 783
The Board unanimously approved Bill 26-05, becoming Ordinance 783, following two readings by title only.
The ordinance addresses several matters involving the city attorney's office, including:
Acceptance of the previous city attorney's resignation.
Ratification of interim legal services and actions, along with authorization for payment.
Filling the city attorney vacancy for a definite term, subject to removal at will, and establishing compensation.
The mayor also provided an update on the city's search for a new attorney. The Request for Proposals (RFP) initially closed October 14, with two candidates submitting proposals by the deadline and another submitting information afterward. The city plans to reopen the process to attract additional candidates before scheduling interviews.
Note: The ordinance passed unanimously, but the full terms, compensation, and identity of the attorney covered by the appointment were not explained during the meeting. Those details would need to come from the ordinance itself.
Proposed New Business on Natural Bridge Road
Michael Lee presented plans for a new grab-and-go restaurant at 8445 Natural Bridge Road, the former church property that previously housed a floral business.
Lee currently owns House of Chen on St. Charles Rock Road and hopes to open a casual, affordable food business featuring ice cream, smoothies, pizza, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and other light food options.
Details shared during the presentation:
Proposed hours: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Target customers: Neighborhood residents, families, and nearby college students.
Dining options: Primarily takeout, with plans to use delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Alcohol: None will be sold or served.
Projected opening: Late December 2026 to mid-January 2027, if plans proceed.
Board members asked about the business's market research, competition from nearby businesses, restaurant experience, pricing, food preparation, and modifications necessary to convert the building to restaurant use.
Lee acknowledged that he had not conducted a formal market analysis but believes the neighborhood lacks convenient food options. He also explained that the kitchen would require relatively limited equipment, although some building modifications may be necessary.
No vote or formal approval was recorded during the presentation.
Police Report
Major Larson of the Normandy Police Department presented the September 2026 police report.
CALLS FOR SERVICE 143
MUNICIPAL PATROLS 138
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS 2
Police reported a relatively quiet month, with no incident reports taken. The calls included a burglar alarm, welfare check, domestic dispute, citizen contact, and traffic complaint. The two citations were for speeding and driving without a valid operator's license.
Flock License Plate Recognition Cameras
Mayor Ward raised residents' concerns about the use of Flock cameras, particularly the possibility of information being shared or used for immigration enforcement.
Major Larson described the department's policies and safeguards, explaining that:
Officers must document a lawful purpose for searches and connect them to specific investigations.
Supervisors regularly audit searches and system activity.
Department policy prohibits using the cameras for immigration enforcement or enforcement involving people seeking reproductive care.
Misuse can result in disciplinary action, referrals to state licensing authorities, and potentially criminal referrals.
The department is considering making more information about its Flock policies publicly available.
These statements were provided by the police department as an explanation of its current procedures.
Larson also announced the Normandy Police Department's October 24 Trunk-or-Treat event and the upcoming holiday impaired-driving enforcement campaign.
Financial Report
The city's accounting firm KEB presented the financial report covering the first nine months of 2026, ending September 30.
Figures are approximate and reflect the financial report presented at the October 15 Board of Aldermen meeting.
The increase in expenditures was primarily attributed to street repairs and additional legal expenses.
Compared with the approved budget, legal fees were approximately $11,000 over budget, while street repairs were approximately $14,000 over budget.
The accountant also explained that some reported reductions in interest income were due to missing CD account statements. Those statements had recently become available, and the financial report is expected to reflect the accrued interest next month.
Transportation sales tax revenue had also not yet been recognized in the financial statements.
No questions were raised by Board members following the report.
City Maintenance Report
Mike Johnson provided several maintenance updates.
Streetlight Repairs
The gas streetlight at No. 52 has been repaired after a lengthy process of coordinating with Spire to locate the gas shutoff. The line was clogged and required excavation and disassembly of the light.
Johnson noted that approximately two dozen other gas lights may eventually require similar work.
Fall Leaf Collection
Leaf collection was postponed approximately one week from the previously announced October 19 start because warm weather had delayed falling leaves. Leaf collection will now begin October 26th.
Residents were reminded to place leaves directly at the curb and keep leaves separate from brush. Brush mixed into leaf piles can clog or damage the collection equipment.
Proposal to Purchase a Wood Chipper
Johnson presented research into the possibility of purchasing a commercial wood chipper to reduce the city's reliance on roll-off dumpsters for brush disposal.
Current estimated brush disposal expenses:
Dumpster rental: Approximately $7,560 annually.
Labor associated with loading dumpsters: Approximately $2,000 annually.
Total estimated annual cost: Roughly $10,000, including anticipated additional fees.
He estimated that commercial chippers cost approximately $30,000–$60,000 new, with some used equipment available around $30,000–$35,000.
A chipper could reduce repeated handling of brush and allow the city to use the resulting wood chips for pathways or other appropriate landscaping projects.
Board members discussed equipment condition, maintenance, and the potential benefits of purchasing used equipment.
No purchase was approved. The discussion was exploratory, with further research needed.
Johnson also reported that the road through the wooded area had been cleared and reopened for access.
No Legal Report or Code Enforcement Report was provided.
Committee and Board Reports
Bellerive Acres Community Association (BACA)
BACA reported a successful Fall Picnic, with particular appreciation for volunteers and newer residents who participated and helped with cleanup.
Upcoming events announced included:
Neighborhood Halloween Potluck, # 72 - October 17 @ 7pm
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Flag Island - November 22 @ 6pm
Santa at the Island, Christmas Tree Island - December 20 @ 2pm
BACA also reported that welcome baskets for new residents were up to date.
The maintenance department clarified that the lift needed to install holiday tree lights was scheduled for November, not December, so the planned November 22 tree lighting remained on schedule.
Tree Board and Bird Sanctuary
The Tree Board announced a honeysuckle removal event with Professor Megan Humphre and her students at the Bird Sanctuary on October 16.
There was also a brief discussion about potentially using chipped honeysuckle for walking paths, rather than around desirable plants.
Ordinance Committee Review
A concern was raised about a trailer parked and connected to electrical service at a residence. The matter was identified as a potential ordinance violation, with additional review anticipated.
Upcoming Municipal Elections
Alderwoman Paunicka encouraged residents to consider serving on the Board of Aldermen in the April 2027 election. She noted that candidate filing would begin in December.
Mayor's Report
Mayor Ward provided updates on several projects and administrative matters.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The city still needs to determine how to use available CDBG funding. The mayor plans to share potential project ideas with Board members and residents and schedule another public hearing before submitting the city's plans to St. Louis County.
Disaster Recovery Funding
The city has also received information about another St. Louis County funding opportunity for disaster recovery and infrastructure improvements. Officials will review the eligibility requirements and potential uses before providing additional details.
iWorQ Code Enforcement System
The city has signed its contract with iWorQ, the software system approved earlier this year.
An introductory meeting with the vendor was scheduled for October 19, involving the mayor, city staff, and the city's webmaster.
The system is expected to include online features accessible through the city's website. Implementation had not yet begun at the time of the meeting.
AT&T Fiber Service
Following the installation of fiber-optic service throughout the neighborhood, AT&T expressed interest in hosting an informational event for residents to discuss available services and pricing. A date had not yet been arranged.
The increase in expenditures was primarily attributed to street repairs and additional legal expenses.
Compared with the approved budget, legal fees were approximately $11,000 over budget, while street repairs were approximately $14,000 over budget.
The accountant also explained that some reported reductions in interest income were due to missing CD account statements. Those statements had recently become available, and the financial report is expected to reflect the accrued interest next month.
Transportation sales tax revenue had also not yet been recognized in the financial statements.
No questions were raised by Board members following the report.
City Maintenance Report
Mike Johnson provided several maintenance updates.
Streetlight Repairs
The gas streetlight at No. 52 has been repaired after a lengthy process of coordinating with Spire to locate the gas shutoff. The line was clogged and required excavation and disassembly of the light.
Johnson noted that approximately two dozen other gas lights may eventually require similar work.
Fall Leaf Collection
Leaf collection was postponed approximately one week from the previously announced October 19 start because warm weather had delayed falling leaves. Leaf collection will now begin October 26th.
Residents were reminded to place leaves directly at the curb and keep leaves separate from brush. Brush mixed into leaf piles can clog or damage the collection equipment.
Proposal to Purchase a Wood Chipper
Johnson presented research into the possibility of purchasing a commercial wood chipper to reduce the city's reliance on roll-off dumpsters for brush disposal.
Current estimated brush disposal expenses:
Dumpster rental: Approximately $7,560 annually.
Labor associated with loading dumpsters: Approximately $2,000 annually.
Total estimated annual cost: Roughly $10,000, including anticipated additional fees.
He estimated that commercial chippers cost approximately $30,000–$60,000 new, with some used equipment available around $30,000–$35,000.
A chipper could reduce repeated handling of brush and allow the city to use the resulting wood chips for pathways or other appropriate landscaping projects.
Board members discussed equipment condition, maintenance, and the potential benefits of purchasing used equipment.
No purchase was approved. The discussion was exploratory, with further research needed.
Johnson also reported that the road through the wooded area had been cleared and reopened for access.
No Legal Report or Code Enforcement Report was provided.
Committee and Board Reports
Bellerive Acres Community Association (BACA)
BACA reported a successful Fall Picnic, with particular appreciation for volunteers and newer residents who participated and helped with cleanup.
Upcoming events announced included:
Neighborhood Halloween Potluck, # 72 - October 17 @ 7pm
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Flag Island - November 22 @ 6pm
Santa at the Island, Christmas Tree Island - December 20 @ 2pm
BACA also reported that welcome baskets for new residents were up to date.
The maintenance department clarified that the lift needed to install holiday tree lights was scheduled for November, not December, so the planned November 22 tree lighting remained on schedule.
Tree Board and Bird Sanctuary
The Tree Board announced a honeysuckle removal event with Professor Megan Humphre and her students at the Bird Sanctuary on October 16.
There was also a brief discussion about potentially using chipped honeysuckle for walking paths, rather than around desirable plants.
Ordinance Committee Review
A concern was raised about a trailer parked and connected to electrical service at a residence. The matter was identified as a potential ordinance violation, with additional review anticipated.
Upcoming Municipal Elections
Alderwoman Paunicka encouraged residents to consider serving on the Board of Aldermen in the April 2027 election. She noted that candidate filing would begin in December.
Mayor's Report
Mayor Ward provided updates on several projects and administrative matters.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The city still needs to determine how to use available CDBG funding. The mayor plans to share potential project ideas with Board members and residents and schedule another public hearing before submitting the city's plans to St. Louis County.
Disaster Recovery Funding
The city has also received information about another St. Louis County funding opportunity for disaster recovery and infrastructure improvements. Officials will review the eligibility requirements and potential uses before providing additional details.
iWorQ Code Enforcement System
The city has signed its contract with iWorQ, the software system approved earlier this year.
An introductory meeting with the vendor was scheduled for October 19, involving the mayor, city staff, and the city's webmaster.
The system is expected to include online features accessible through the city's website. Implementation had not yet begun at the time of the meeting.
AT&T Fiber Service
Following the installation of fiber-optic service throughout the neighborhood, AT&T expressed interest in hosting an informational event for residents to discuss available services and pricing. A date had not yet been arranged.
Code Enforcement Officer Vacancy
The mayor announced that the city's current code enforcement officer had requested to terminate his services.
The city is working to finalize outstanding matters with the officer and plans to issue a new RFP to identify candidates for the position.
The resident also questioned if iWorQ had yet been implemented. The mayor explained that the city had delayed moving forward while completing additional review of the software and that the October 19 kickoff meeting would begin the implementation process.
No Board vote was taken regarding the code enforcement position.
Additional Updates
The mayor also discussed:
An Eagle Scout project involving the Bird Sanctuary or a community garden, including a potential request for city funding.
Information received about a proposed Normandy School District bond issue, reportedly intended to address facility needs without increasing the tax rate. More details were expected.
Resident concerns about a daycare facility on Natural Bridge Road, which the city is reviewing to determine what action it may be able to take.
Ongoing concerns about speeding and drivers failing to stop at stop signs within the neighborhood.
A reminder that burning leaves and yard waste is prohibited in St. Louis County, including Bellerive Acres.
Public Comments — Natural Bridge Road Properties
During public comments, a resident asked about code enforcement activity.
The mayor reported that 14 code enforcement summonses had been issued since the officer began serving in January 2026.
Another resident raised concerns about the appearance and maintenance of several properties along Natural Bridge Road, particularly because the corridor serves as a visible entrance to the neighborhood.
The concerns included:
Former Church and Floral Shop: Questions about the vacant building and overgrown landscaping. The mayor explained that Michael Lee had presented a proposed restaurant for this location earlier in the meeting.
Daycare Property: Concerns about deteriorating concrete barriers with exposed rebar near the daycare, which the resident suggested may have become a safety hazard. The mayor acknowledged that the city was already reviewing concerns about the property.
Hanley and Natural Bridge Corner Lot: Concerns about heavy equipment, vehicles, and a portable toilet on the property. The mayor stated that the city would need to establish which jurisdiction had authority over the property before determining whether it could address the issue.
No formal actions were taken in response to the public comments.
Source: Transcript of the October 15, 2026, Bellerive Acres Board of Aldermen meeting.