CITY OF FLORISSANT
CITY COUNCIL
OPEN EXECUTIVE SESSION
July 25, 2011
The City Council of the City of Florissant met in open Executive Session on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 7:30 pm. in the Council Chambers at 955 rue St. Francois, with President English presiding. On Roll Call the following Council members were present: Grib, English, Schildroth, Podleski, McKay, Schmidt, Hernandez and Lee. Also present were Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, City Clerk Karen Goodwin, and City Attorney John Hessel.
Council President English stated that the first item on the agenda was the discussion of a possible bill to address the sagging pants issue. He stated that 8 states have passed ordinances regulating them. He was approached by a resident and wanted to see if the council was interested in addressing this issue. Councilman Podleski asked how something like this could be enforced. Council President English stated that it varies in different areas. Councilman Podleski asked if Pine Lawn had passed an ordinance. Councilman Schmidt stated that has no desire to get involved with this issue at all. He does not feel it is enforceable. Councilman Lee stated that he concurs with Councilman Schmidt. He would hope that there are current ordinances that could be used to enforce indecency.
Council President English stated that the next item on the agenda was the discussion of grass height regulations. He stated that he wanted the council to discuss the allowable grass height. The current allowable height is 8 inches, however the weeds get much taller in the time it takes for the grass to grow to 8 inches. He asked if anyone felt the need to reduce that the allowable height or continue to enforce as it is. Councilman Podleski asked how this ordinance was currently enforced. Council President English stated that they are given a warning and time to abate the issue. The Council passed an ordinance a few years ago that eliminated the need to give a repeat offender the notice so the City could take care of these issues in a more timely manner. Councilman Lee asked the Mayor if the Public Works Department could weigh in on this issue. Mayor stated that he would look into it. He stated that the staff needs to be able to use common sense when dealing with the residents. Councilman Lee concurred with the Mayor.
Council President English stated that the next item on the agenda was the discussion of portable trash dumpster regulations. He explained that he is seeing more of the portable dumpsters that are the cloth type that are sold at Lowes and picked up by Waste Management. He feels these are being used more often because of cost. Mayor Schneider encouraged council to look into this because they are becoming more popular.
Council President English stated that he will do some home work and present something in the future. Councilman Lee stated that we have regulations that address this issue. Currently a resident cannot have any trash container in front of the property line. Councilman Schmidt stated that the problem is you cannot move these containers once you put several thousand pounds in them. It was suggested that they be regulated in the same manner as a roll off dumpster requiring a permit if it will be there for any length of time and regulate locations.
Council President English stated that the recent smoking regulations have put pressure on some of the businesses that cannot allow smoking because they serve food. The exemptions have made it very difficult for the restaurants/bars. He wanted to see if the Council would be interested in a City wide smoking ban. Councilwoman McKay stated that St. Louis County Council was having a meeting tomorrow night (July 26th) and encouraged everyone to attend and express their opinion on the recent ban and all of the exemptions.
There being nothing further Councilman Schmidt motioned to adjourn, seconded by Podleski. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Karen Goodwin
City Clerk