Richmond Heights Community Update - March - July 2021

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COMMUNITY UPDATE PROPOSITION F: FIRE SALES TAX Dear Neighbors, On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Richmond Heights voters will decide on Proposition F, a quarter of one cent (.0025%) fire services sales tax increase. Revenue for the City has decreased in recent years while the cost of services has risen. The economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic has only widened the gap. The City Council will work with city staff to allocate existing and new resources to continue our excellent level of service and public safety response times. The additional tax revenue will allow us to continue offering competitive compensation to attract and retain personnel. Carefully consider these facts and please turn out to your polling place on April 6, 2021 to vote on Proposition F. Sincerely,

Mayor Jim Thomson Sales Tax Proposal Proposition F, if approved by voters, would generate about $500,000-$1 million of additional revenue per year, the vast majority of which would come from non-residents who visit Richmond Heights to shop or dine.

The Fire Department’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget is $3.2 million, of which 37% comes from the General Fund and 4% comes from the Capital Improvement Fund. The General Fund and Capital Improvement Fund would still support the Fire Department, but savings to these Funds will be used to offset rising costs. Proposition F is one of many steps the City is taking to meet additional demands while providing services in a cost-effective manner.

Budget Under Pressure Richmond Heights, like many other cities nationwide, is facing declining revenues while the cost of service continues to rise. Sales tax, which accounts for ~50% of City revenue, has declined over the last few years. Changes in state legislature continue to play a significant part in declining revenues.

Current projections show that without additional revenues, the Fire Sales Tax Fund reserves will be depleted in Fiscal Year 2021-2022. continued on pg. 4

March July 2021

INSIDE THIS EDITION Prop F

1,4

Vaccine

1

Calendar

2

New P&R Dir

2

Swim Lessons

2

Teens Awarded

3

RHHS

3

Grass Clippings

3

McKnight Rd

3

Mosquitoes

4

Gun Storage

4

Library Program

5

Basic Pruning

5

PARC Programs

5

Recycling

6

Council Actions

7

Pet Policies

7

Contact Us

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COVID VACCINE The RHFD is partnering with the St. Louis County Health Department to offer a COVID-19 Vaccine site at THE HEIGHTS - by appointment only.

St. Louis County schedules the vaccine appointments. Those interested must pre-register at stlcorona.com.

If you do not have access to a computer or email, call 314-615-2660.

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City Calendar

March - July 2021

City Council Meetings 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information, call 314-645-4595.

• March 15 • April 5, 19 • May 3, 17 • June 7, 21 • July 6, 19

Board of Adjustment Meetings 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information, call 314-646-7658.

• March 15 • April 5, 19 • May 3, 17 • June 7, 21 • July 6, 19

District 2 Community Meetings 10 a.m. at THE HEIGHTS. • March 15 • April 5, 19 • May 3, 17 • June 7, 21 • July 6, 19

Plan & Zoning Commission Meetings 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information, call 314646-7658.

• March 15 • April 5, 19 • May 3, 17 • June 7, 21 • July 6, 19

Meetings will be held virtually until further notice...

Holiday City Facility Closures EASTER APRIL 4 • Library and THE HEIGHTS are closed. No change to waste pickups this week.

MEMORIAL DAY MAY 31 • City Hall and the Library are closed; THE HEIGHTS open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

• Waste pickups moved to Thursday this week.

INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 4 & 5 • JULY 4 - Library closed; THE HEIGHTS open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• JULY 5 - City Hall closed; Library and THE HEIGHTS open regular hours. No change to waste pickups this week.

WELCOME NEW PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR The City welcomed Molly Curcuru, the new P.A.R.C. Parks and Recreation Director on January 11, 2021.

Molly received her Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation from Lindenwood University before joining the City of Arnold’s Recreation Department. She served their residents from 2005-2018 before joining the City of Brentwood as Parks & Recreation Operations Superintendent in 2018.

Since the City of Brentwood is part of the P.A.R.C. cooperative, Molly brings the added knowledge of our special Parks and Rec partnership with Maplewood and our unique relationship with Brentwood, Clayton, and other neighbors. As a believer in the value of recreation to the community, Molly’s enthusiasm and knowledge in the field is sure to be a great benefit to us all. Join us in welcoming Molly to the City!

the For information about tic ua Aq Maplewood Family it Center this summer, vis fo. .in AC www.myMF

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SWIM LESSONS Due to the pandemic, THE HEIGHTS will only be offering private, semi-private, and household swim lessons. For more information, contact Nate at nwilks@richmondheights.org.. nwilks@richmondheights.org

TEENS PRESENTED LIFESAVING AWARD On January 7, 2021, a member of THE HEIGHTS collapsed while in the Aquatic Center. The lifeguards on scene performed CPR until the Richmond Heights Fire Department arrived to take over.

At the February 2 virtual City Council meeting, RH Fire Chief Goode presented the lifeguards involved in the rescue with a Lifesaving Award. We applaud their employer, Midwest Pool Management, on their continued efforts in keeping our aquatic facilities safe.

From left to right, the lifeguards awarded are Brianna Schenck, Julia Gauvain, Noah Ceballos, and Olivia Zindel. Photo courtesy of THE HEIGHTS.

RH HISTORICAL SOCIETY DONATES COLLECTION Recently, the RH Historical Society donated much of their collection to the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO). This will make it much easier for the general public to view. The staff at SHSMO-St. Louis continue to add materials to the online record; view what is currently available on their website here. bit.ly/RHHSCollection.

GRASS CLIPPINGS Grass clippings in the road and sewers can cause big problems. In the road, they can be very dangerous to cyclists and motorcyclist. Since grass is mostly water it can be slippery; dry grass can also be hazardous as it creates a loss of traction, often resulting in an accident.

Debris like grass clippings, leaves, etc can clog our sewers and cause flooding. If the grass is treated with chemicals, it can negatively affect local wildlife if rain sweeps it into a nearby body of water.

What should we do with grass clippings then? Some ideas include: * Mulch the grass with your lawnmower to help feed the lawn; * Create a rain garden: Less grass to mow and more native plants to soak up the rainwater; * Compost it; * Bag it and put to the curb for yard waste pickup.

MCKNIGHT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS The City of Richmond Heights and St. Louis County have secured separate federal grants to perform road improvements on McKnight Road. Richmond Heights received a grant to install a sidewalk on the west side of McKnight Road between Clayton Road and I-64 as well as drainage improvements. St. Louis County received a grant for asphalt resurfacing between Clayton Road and I-64 and to replace the traffic signal at McKnight Road and Clayton Road. Both grants have been combined into one project that will be led by the City.

Gershenson Construction started construction on the sidewalk at Godwin Lane in early March and will move north to Clayton Road. This phase of the project will take approximately 8-10 weeks, weather permitting. Residents on the west side of McKnight may lose temporary access to their driveway and will be notified in advance.

For more updates, visit www.richmondheights.org.

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PROPOSITION F: FIRE SALES TAX, continued...

Maintain Quality of Service The City has worked to keep service fees (which directly impact resiThe high level of fire and emergency medical response dents and business owners) flat, has sought greater cooperation with provided by the Richmond Heights Fire Department surrounding municipalities to share costs, and maintained a capable is a vital service to our residents. workforce, while still providing efficient and effective services. The If approved, revenues from the fire sales tax could be City will continue working on ways to be lean yet maintain a stable used to: financial future.

• Replace outdated fire equipment such as turnout Maintain Quality of Service gear, thermal Imaging devices, cardiac monitors, The high level of fire and emergency medical response provided by etc.; the Richmond Heights Fire Department is a vital service to our resi• Pay off debt from previous fire department capital dents. If approved, revenues from the fire sales tax could be used to: purchases; • Replace outdated fire equipment such as turnout gear, thermal • Assist Richmond Heights’ desire to meet national imaging devices, cardiac monitors, etc.; standards for staffing requirements; • Assist Richmond Heights’ desire to meet national standards for • Help the city to retain its current competitive pay staffing requirements; structure.

• Help the city to retain its current competitive pay structure.

Without the passing of Proposition F, the city will have Without the passing of Proposition F, the city will have to consider to consider alternative measures such as cutting seralternative measures in an effort to not raise property taxes and other vices and public safety personnel in an effort to not service fees. raise property taxes and other service fees.

Beginning the week before Memorial Day, the City will spray for mosquitoes once every 2-3 weeks on Thursdays after dark (weather permitting). Help prevent mosquitoes by removing stagnant water and organic debris on your property.

SAFE GUN STORAGE Across the country and throughout the St. Louis region, Police Departments are seeing an uptick in the number of unsecured firearms stolen from homes and vehicles. Many times, these unsecured firearms end up in the hands of criminals or children. Richmond Heights Police Chief Gerry Rohr will tell you, “if the gun is not in your possession, it should be secured in a locked container, such as a safe or lock box, separate from its ammunition.” By safely securing firearms, we can continue to prevent the children in our community from getting seriously injured or worse.

According to a 2019 article on the NPR website, "More guns are being stolen out of cars in America, particularly in states that have made it easier for people to carry firearms on the road. While the crime (larceny theft) is not new, the amount of firearms being stolen across the country has increased significantly." In Richmond Heights, there were 39 reports in which a firearm was stolen in 2020. As of February 2021, there have been 8 reports.

This does not include those not reported to police.

Safe Gun Storage

While the state of Missouri does not mandate gun storage, the general assembly “strongly promotes parental supervision of minors in the proper use, storage, and ownership of firearms”, (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 1.320). In February of this year, the RH City Council passed Resolution #21-02 aimed at supporting safe firearm storage and laws aimed at preventing children from accessing firearms. The Richmond Heights Police Department also gives out free gun locks but they do not prevent guns from being stolen.

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LIBRARY PROGRAMS BETTER TOGETHER, continued...

FORESTRY: BASIC

Adult Book Group takes place every second PRUNING GUIDELINES Monday of the month at 7would pm. take control of general municipal services, such as law enforcement, street and In this proposal, Metro City Spring will be here soon. Is that the best time to • April 12 sidewalk maintenance, snow plowing, licensing, public health andyour safety, lawand enforcement, prune trees plants? municipal court, and • May 10 economic development. (School districts are a completely separate governmental entity andDepartment would not beof affected According to the Missouri Con• June 14 in this proposal. ) servation, timing is very important to the health • July 12 of your plants. To damage synchroThe Richmond to maintain ourminimize current city ownedand facilities until Readers ages 18+Heights municipal district might be allowed nize with the natural growth cycle, prune in the such time as Metro are welcome!

ThisCity decides to take over, eliminate, and/or sell any local municipal facilities. THE HEIGHTS could winter. Light pruning can be done in March but group will operate meet via potentially as a separate enterprise fund, fee supported, but this would likely result in a fee increase, as the the absolute worst time to prune is April and May Zoom further notice.

To get the link, regis- We have City of until Richmond Heights subsidizes THE HEIGHTS. informed the state auditor that we expect a budget as leaves are expanding and tree energy reserves ter at http://www.richmondheightslibrary.org/ deficit of $5.5M per year due to the loss of sales tax revenues, use taxes, local Road & Bridge sales taxes. are low.

Forand maximum display of flowering species, events/.

Our excellent Richmond Heights Police, Public Works, Zoning/Code Enforcement Departments staffed by those prune after bloom (June or later). Dead limbs and Teen Activities at the RH Library who are professionals in the field would transition to larger, metro departments.

The assets we have acquired branches can be trimmed at any time.

Always cut The RH Library hosts a service opportunity for back to the main trunk, base of a branch or above within all City departments like facilities, trucks, snow plows, and police cars would become the property of Metro teens each month though the Teen Advisory Board a bud. Do not leave a stub in the middle of a (TAB).The Teens intogrades whopermits are interested in City. place acquire7-12 building for home improvement projects would likely or becut in downtown St. Louis. branch as it can create entry points for decay and planning uniquestates programs, out or reviewThe Amendment that allpicking budget requests must be submitted to Metro City. Residents choose to live here in pests. ing books or movies for the collection, earning Richmond Heights because of the current amenities, excellent services, and much more. Mayor Thomson believes,

service hours, or socializing with other kids their Read more at http://bit.ly/PruneRH age are encouraged to visit the teen page on the Board of Freeholders Library’s website for more information to register.

Better Together’s proposal bypasses the State Legislative process entirely and instead proposes placing a petition TAB meetings are currently being held virtually on PARC PROGRAMS & EVENTS on the ballot for ALL Missouri voters to decide. structure changes should be voted on by Zoom one Saturday a month.

Activity kits,“Decisions includ- on government ing citizens a craft who or art are available for pick-up the areproject, impacted.

It seems illogical to think we should determine how the cities are governed in Joplin, For the most up-to-date information on upcomprior to each meeting through curbside services.

Kansas City, Rolla, Springfield, Columbia, etc..” is a concerned Mayor Jim Thomson, the City Council ingexpressed Recreationby events, check on THE HEIGHTS website at Please register online for upcoming meetings. and many other St. Louis County elected officials. www.myheights.info Summer Reading Program “Decisions on government structure In September 2017, the Richmond Heights City CounElectronics Recycling Drive - See page 6 Tails and Tales, the 2021 summer reading program cil Resolution No. 17-12 stating part reading “....that the changes should be voted on by the forpassed all ages, runs from June 1–July 31,inwith Council of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri hereby incentives, raffles, and fun activities celebrating all citizens who are impacted. It seems creaturesany great and small! opposes statewide vote or legislative mandate on “ services such as snow plowing and leaf pick up would be severely curtailed and may be eliminated.”

governmental reorganization regarding the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County and the municipalities therein”.

The resolution goes on to recommend “...local discussions and local votes on any reorganization or consolidation

illogical to think we should determine how the cities are governed in Joplin, Kansas City, Rolla, Springfield, Columbia, etc..” ~ Mayor Jim Thomson

plan that may be developed…”

The Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, an organization of local municipalities (including St. Louis City) as members has begun its own effort to call for the creation of a Board of Freeholders as set forth in the Missouri State Constitution. In order to do so, 20,000 signatures are needed (15,000 from St. Louis County residents and 5,000 from

Festivities begin with a 2-hour kickoff party on Saturday, June 5 with liveperformances and activiSteve Stenger to appoint the Board of Freeholders. Krewson and Stenger would each name nine members to the 19 ties for the whole family. Save the date for children’s person board and activities such asthe theMissouri Governor would name one member. The Board of Freeholders process is contained in Article Garden VI of theParty Missouri State9, Constitution.

It states the method by which residents of St. Louis City and County Dragon on June Butterfly Workshop on June 23, Start-a-Story Kids’ Writing Workshop onSt. Louis City becoming part of St. Louis County. The Board could develop a plan for a merger.

This might lead to July 7, have and Stuffed Library Sleepover on July plan developed through this process would only be subwould a year toAnimal develop their report.

Any proposed 21. Stay tuned for more information on this year’s ject to a vote of the residents residing in St. Louis City and County.

Virtual Escape Room and Digital Scavenger Hunt!

Conclusion We’re also introducing screen free Get-Outside-&The Better Together plan brings to light hunts many serious Explore St. Louis community treasure for all issues affecting our region. The City Council urges all residents to educate themselves and understand the impact this proposed plan would have on you. These regional ages this summer. issues to befor addressed through a thoughtful, transparent, collaborative, and most of all, democratic process.

Pleaseneed register summer activities by phone or email registration@richmondheightslibrary.org.

Call the RH Library or visit www.richmondheightslibrary.org for more information.

5 5 St. Louis City residents). The petition would require St Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive

RH RECYCLES The City of Richmond Heights was awarded a $5,000 grant from the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to help educate residents on recycling.

Each Community Update will have a full page dedicated to recycling information; our 2021 city calendar is also focused on recycling as well.

We hope our efforts help!

FROM THE EXPERTS Our waste hauler, Republic Services, states, "plastic bags/ film are not only our #1 recycling contaminant (from any city), but they also bind up our sorting equipment and results in us having to shut down our line up to three times a day just to pull the plastic out of the conveyer belts, wheels, cogs, etc resulting in lost productivity and lost value of recycling. Funny to think that something like an accumulation of simple plastic bags can shut down more than $20 million worth of equipment!”

JUST SAY NO TO PLASTIC If we only did one thing to help the environment, it would be greatly reduce the use of plastic plastic. Check out the Lifecycle of a Plastic Water Bottle from cleanup.org.au.

When it comes to plastic bottles, it takes less energy to recycle them than to create new plastic from virgin materials. However, only 27% of this type of plastic (PET #1) is recycled. This is because it is currently too expensive to create a food-quality grade plastic, so plastic bottles are often recycled into a lower quality plastic that cannot be recycled again.

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CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS ORDINANCES Bill #5604 approves the final plat for a minor subdivision dividing tracts of land, part of lot 4 and all of lots 5 and 6 in block 2 of "Richmond Heights", commonly known as 1428 and 1430 Silverton Place, into three separate parcels of land, Lots 1, 2 and 3 of "Rintoul's Addition", in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri.

Bill #5601 as amended emergency measure, amends Ordinance No. 4788, the Municipal Code of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, Title III, Traffic Code; amends Chapter 325 one-way streets, Schedule II one way streets: Table II-A; at all times; adding 1200 block Highland Terrace one-way northbound and setting forth an effective date and expiration date.

Bill #5603 approves a site plan review, preliminary and final development plan for a portion of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri located along Eager Road to allow construction of 113 multifamily dwelling units.

Bill #5602 approves a first amendment to Ordinance No. 5415, adopting a budget for the funds of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

Bill #5600 levies and establishes the rate of annual taxes for library purposes to be collected in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, for the year 2020.

Bill #5599 levies and establishes the rate of annual taxes for the Police and Firemen Retirement Fund to be collected in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, for the year 2020.

Bill #5598 levies and establishes the rate of annual taxes for municipal purposes to be collected in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, for the year 2020.

Bill #5597 approves a second amendment to development agreement in connection with the Manhassett Village Redevelopment Area Development Plan.

Bill #5596 offers property owners within the Manhassett Village Neighborhood Improvement District the opportunity to prepay special assessments.

Bill #5595 amends Chapter 335 Section 280: Headgear required - motorcycles or motor tricycles is hereby repealed in its entirety as a result of changes in state law.

RESOLUTIONS #21-01 authorizes the city clerk to take all actions necessary to place on the April 2021 ballot a proposal to allow the city council to increase the current sales tax for the purpose of providing funding for fire services from onequarter of one percent (.0025%) to one-half of one percent (.0050%). #20-12 reappoints Michael Jones, a resident citizen, as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Police and Firemen Retirement Fund, to a term ending December 1, 2022. #20-11 authorizes certain persons to withdraw funds, to endorse and sign checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money from the Municipal Court division account in the Commerce Bank of St. Louis, n.a., Richmond Heights banking center, 7910 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, for Municipal Court purposes. #20-10 reappoints Mark W. Westfall, Susan M. Ferrara, Ken Gordon and Mark Mueller, all resident citizens, to office as members of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals; each to a term ending November 1, 2025. #20-09 reappoints A. Earl Wendt and James Renz, both resident citizens, to office as members of the Plan and Zoning commission; each to a term ending November 1, 2023. #20-08 requests that St. Louis County distribute $47 million of CARES Act funds on a per capita basis to the municipalities within the county to be used for eligible expenses, authorizing the mayor of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, to accept CARES Act funding and execute a Municipality Relief Program Funding Agreement, and confirming agreement to indemnify and hold harmless St. Louis County from such distribution.

If you have questions about any ordinance or resolution, please contact City Hall at 314-645-0404.

PET POLICIES: LEASHES, FECES, & BARKING Please review & abide by these Richmond Heights Muncipal ordinances surrounding your pets/animals.

Section 210.220 No person shall permit any dog, cat or other animal, whether vaccinated or not, to run at large or to go off the premises of its owner unless such dog, cat or other animal is under restraint. [Leashes must be no more than 6 ft in length.]

Section 210.230 Pet Feces Removal: It shall be unlawful for the owner or handler of any animal to fail to remove fecal matter deposited by his animal on public property or public easement or private property of an other, before the owner leaves the immediate area where the fecal matter was deposited.

Section 210.270 Barking or Annoying Dogs: No person shall own, keep or harbor upon his/her premises any dog that by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, or by threat of attacking or biting, causes fear or annoyance to the neighborhood, or to persons passing upon the streets and sidewalks.

Thank you for being a considerate neighbor.

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Time sensitive mail: Please deliver by March 15, 2021

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Richmond Heights, MO 63117

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Newsletter Contact Mary Binns

mbinns@richmondheights.org 314-655-3504

City Departments City Hall 1330 S. Big Bend Blvd.

Main Number........................................... 314-645-0404 Office of the City Manager.................. 314-645-4595 Building Department............................ 314-646-7658 Finance Department............................. 314-655-3550 Public Safety 7447 Dale Ave. Dispatch..................................................... 314-645-3000 Fire Department..................................... 314-645-8800 Municipal Court...................................... 314-645-1982 Police Department................................. 314-655-3630 THE HEIGHTS 8001 Dale Ave. Memorial Library.................................... 314-645-6202 Parks and Recreation............................ 314-645-1476 MFAC Outdoor Pool............................... 314-646-3665 Public Works 7997 Elinor Ave. Main Number........................................... 314-645-2277

Important Phone Numbers Ameren Missouri......................................... 800-552-7583 Spire Gas........................................................ 314-621-6960 Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District..... 314-768-6260 Missouri American Water......................... 866-430-0820 PARC Van Service........................................ 314-655-3667 Republic Waste Services.......................... 636-947-5959 Sewer Lateral Replacement.................... 314-267-5477 St. Louis County main number.............. 314-615-5000 Voter Registration...................................... 314-615-1800

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Richmond Heights City Council Mayor Jim Thomson jthomson@richmondheights.org 314-644-2128

District 1 Council Member Lisa Eppert leppert@richmondheights.org 314-799-2520

District 3 Council Member Ashley Metcalf ametcalf@richmondheights.org 314-210-9276

Council Member Greg Vescovo gvescovo@richmondheights.org 314-304-0680

Council Member Megan Moylan mmoylan@richmondheights.org 314-348-7191

District 2 Council Member Reginald Finney rfinney@richmondheights.org 314-795-6126

District 4 Council Member Daniel Sebben dsebben@richmondheights.org 314-991-3832

Council Member Maurice Muia mmuia@richmondheights.org 229-395-0670

Council Member Danny Hebenstreit dhebenstreit@richmondheights.org 314-779-6811