2021 Highlights

As 2021 draws to a close we look back on all that the City of Webster Groves has accomplished throughout the year. Last week’s edition took a look at new businesses and professional accomplishments. This week’s edition of The Friday Page takes a closer look at how our police and fire department have served the community and how our Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments have made improvements throughout the City to better serve our community this year and beyond.

Ensuring Safety

Fire Department: Site work and construction began in March on the new Firehouse #2. Demolition of the old firehouse was completed in November, and completion is anticipated for April.

Dr. Brett Ellis is the Webster Groves Fire Department’s new fire chief and will begin the role on Jan. 3. He replaces retiring Fire Chief Tom Yohe, who served the department for nearly 30 years.

Police Department: For meeting the highest standards in public safety, the Webster Groves Police Department has earned its sixth accreditation award from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Improving Our Assets

Cybersecurity: The City has made large cybersecurity improvements to the City’s technology by transitioning to cloud data on the Microsoft Government Community Cloud (GCC). With the transition, the City is also moving to a .gov domain name, webstergrovesmo.gov, for city email addresses. The GCC is the federally mandated platform for the storage of data in the cloud. Technology upgrades will continue with the transition to the Microsoft Office 365 suite, online permitting and city business applications, meeting room upgrades, and the addition of Wi-Fi at City Hall.

Public Space: A renovated walking trail is complete and new basketball courts will be installed in the spring at Ivory Crockett Park. More improvements will be coming soon, thanks to the feedback provided by residents. At the City Council’s request, parks staffers are researching timing and cost for a water feature or spray ground, conversion of the tennis court to a multipurpose space with lines for pickleball, corkball, and basketball, additional playground pieces, and more.

In 2021, the Public Works Department milled and overlaid four miles of streets and improved parking lots at Alma, Crossroads, and Glencoe/McClure.

Supporting Sustainability

Parks and Recreation changed to more sustainable LED lighting in the parks, many areas of the Rec Complex, and parking lots, and received an $18,000 Ameren rebate for use of LED lighting. Parks employees recycled metal, aluminum, and paint through Earthbound Recycling, returning $1,100 back into the budget.

Members of the Sustainability Commission thank residents for their feedback as a Sustainability Plan for the City now is being drafted. “Data from the resident and business surveys have been analyzed, we have hosted an open house for public comment, we have had one-on-ones with key stakeholders, and are beginning to work on a plan that will help shape a safe and healthy future for Webster Groves residents, today and tomorrow,” Sustainability Commission Chairperson Jamie Hasemeier said.

What's Ahead in 2022

In April, residents will elect a new Mayor and three Councilpersons. Both the Mayor and Council serve four-year terms. The candidates are:

Mayor
Laura W. Arnold
Kathy Hart

Councilmember (3 positions open)

Emily Hixson Shepherd
Pam Bliss
David Franklin
John J. Eppers
Dawn Cole
Karen A. Beck

Also on the ballot will be Prop. U, which would allow for the collection of sales tax on out-of-state items purchased online. Missouri is one of only two states that does not provide the ability to fully collect online sales taxes. The purpose of the proposal is to assess the same tax rate on out-of-state purchases as local purchases. As internet purchases increase, local revenues decrease. Funds generated from the Use Tax can be used to pay for vital municipal services including public safety, additional sidewalks and parks, and emergency equipment.

Council Meeting on Tuesday

The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, January 4. We begin the meeting at 6:30 p.m. with a work session including an update on the budget and American Rescue Plan funding. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. with the first and second reading of an ordinance authorizing and directing the submission for a ballot proposition allowing voters to consider the formation of a Charter Review Advisory Board. You can attend the meeting in person or view it online.

Upcoming Events

Candidate Education Meeting
Wednesday, January 5
City Hall
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The City of Webster Groves is holding two candidate education sessions for public office candidates in the April 5 election. These meetings will give candidates for the mayor and councilmember positions an overview of the City structure, Council responsibilities, and allow for questions of City staff.

Fitness Showcase & Patron Appreciation Day
Saturday, January 8
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Come check out some of our many fitness and wellness programs FREE! Talk with personal trainers, snacks, prizes and drawings! Check Facebook for the full schedule.

Join the list at webstergroves.org/thefridaypage. The Friday Page is published at the end of each week online at www.webstergroves.org/thefridaypage and is distributed to subscribers via webstergroves.org/notifyme.