Politics & Government
Streets, Sidewalks Improvements Discussed at Aldermanic Meeting
Some work was accomplished by the Brentwood Board of Aldermen following the public comment period, where citizens shared their frustrations with the city's recent financial scandals.
Although most of Monday’s Brentwood Board of Alderman meeting and citizens’ frustration about them, some work was accomplished during the hour-long session.
The board approved three ordinances; two of which dealt with street and sidewalk improvements to Litzsinger Road and Rose Avenue, respectively. The other ordinance pertained to a residential energy efficiency loan program.
Specifically, the board of aldermen approved ordinances for:
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Improvements to Litzsinger Road
The board approved a Surface Transportation Program (STP) agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation for improvements to Litzsinger Road, from McKnight Road to Brentwood Boulevard.
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Improvements include resurfacing, curb cuts, new lighting and storm sewers. Locally, MoDOT administers the federally-funded grant that will pay $1.5 million (80 percent) of the project’s total cost. It will take three years to complete.
Sidewalks on Rose Avenue
The board selected George Butler Associates of Lenexa, KS, to design the Rose Avenue Pedestrian Improvements Project. It's the Brentwood Recreation Complex.
This is part of another, previously approved, STP grant that will provide construction of pedestrian access along Rose Avenue to The Brentwood Promenade. It includes sidewalks, curb cuts and lighting.
Despite a no vote by Ward 3 Alderman Andy Leahy—who was concerned about the wear and tear of construction trucks on Rose Avenue while the city continues to —the motion was approved.
“If we do not execute the agreement tonight, we lose the grant,” said Mayor Pat Kelly.
Energy efficiency loan program
The board agreed to enter into an agreement with St. Louis County to offer a residential, energy-efficiency loan program to Brentwood homeowners. The program is designed to promote energy efficiency improvements to owner-occupied, single-family homes. Improvements include replacing aging HVAC systems and water heaters.
The program is called St. Louis County SAVES and is supported by St. Louis County, EarthWays Center, which is a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Abundant Power Solutions.
Rec center still on ice
The status of a yet-to-be renovated was briefly addressed by Ward 4 Alderman Tom Kramer. Although the city has selected an architect to provide a drawing of the proposed changes, financing the project with a . Despite wrangling about operational costs, the board hopes to have the bond issue in the upcoming November or April 2012 ballot.
Kramer also spoke about the center’s aging equipment and the importance of its maintenance program.
“We have dark clouds coming our way,” should any of the center's boilers worsen, he said.
Brentwood Boulevard resurfacing not on the radar
Not on the agenda but brought up by Kramer was the surface condition of the Brentwood Boulevard, which is to be maintained by the St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic. Kramer cited numerous citizen complaints.
Kelly said that Brentwood officials had contacted St. Louis County “multiple times” and that the city’s concerns about the street “isn’t on the (county’s) radar for major maintenance, much less for an overlay.”
He suggested that a resolution be passed at the next board meeting to contact the county. Kramer agreed to do just that.