Health & Human Development Committee

Agenda Health & Human Development Committee Meeting St. Louis Board of Aldermen Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 9:00 AM Kennedy Room President Megan Green Alderwoman Pamela Boyd, Chair Alderman Thomas Oldenburg, Vice Chair Committee Members: Alderwoman Sharon Tyus Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier Order of Business I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the Thursday, January 15, 2026, and Thursday, January 22, 2026, committee meetings. IV. Board Bills for Review (The committee will discuss the following and take public comment on the following) Item Number 1 Board Bill Number 133 Sponsored by Alderwoman Pamela Boyd An ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee, on behalf of the City of St. Louis, to enter into the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Consulting Agreement and to accept funds awarded; appropriating said funds in the amount of up to Seventy-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and Sixty Cents ($78,253.60); authorizing the Department of Health to expend the appropriated funds for allowed purposes; and containing an emergency clause. Item Number 2 Board Bill Number 134 Sponsored by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer An ordinance amending Ordinance 72059 adopting the Forestry Division’s regulations relating to weeds, native plants, and other vegetation in the City of St. Louis; containing Page 1 of 48  definitions, reporting, abatement, enforcement, severability and emergency clauses. For the purpose of clarifying regulations for abatement on occupied and non-occupied parcels V. Resolutions for Review None VI. Committee Discussions None VII. Acknowledgment of Any Written Testimony VIII. Announcements IX. Excused Members X. Adjournment Page 2 of 48  Preliminary Minutes Health and Human Development Committee Meeting Regular Meeting St. Louis Board of Aldermen Thursday, January 22, 2025 – 9:00 am Webinar Alderwoman Pamela Boyd, Chair Megan Green, President Alderman Thomas Oldenburg, Vice Chair Committee Members: Alderwoman Sharon Tyus Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier Alderwoman Jamie Cox-Antwi Order of Business I. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. II. Roll Call The following members were present: Mr. Oldenburg, Ms. Sonnier, Ms. Cox-Antwi, and Ms. Boyd. 4 members were present. A quorum was established. III. Approval of Minutes None IV. Board Bills for Review None V. Resolutions for Review None VI. Committee Discussions (The committee will discuss and take public comment on the following) Discussions Item Number 1 Mayoral Appointments to Senior Citizen’s Service Fund Board The committee will discuss the Mayoral re- appointments to the Mental Health Board: Andrea Blaylock Held in committee Page 1 of 2 Page 3 of 48  Discussion Item Number 2 Forestry Division will give their Annual Vegetation Memo presentation . The Chair recognized Alan Jankowski, Forestry Commissioner. Mr. Jankowski provided information on the new forestry weed ordinance. After no further comments from the speaker, the Chair open the discussion up to the committee. The committee asked questions After no further questions from the committee, the Chair thanked Mr. Jankowski for sharing information. VII. Acknowledgment of Any Written Testimony None VIII. Announcements None IX. Excused Alderman None X. Adjournment Having no other business to discuss, the Chair entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Cox-Antwi moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Boyd. The motion was carried by unanimous consent. The meeting adjourned at 09:20 a.m. Minutes prepared by: Associate Clerk Rozlyn Smith Minutes approved: Page 2 of 2 Page 4 of 48  Preliminary Minutes Health and Human Development Committee Meeting Regular Meeting St. Louis Board of Aldermen Thursday, January 15, 2025 – 9:00 am Webinar Alderwoman Pamela Boyd, Chair Megan Green, President Alderman Thomas Oldenburg, Vice Chair Committee Members: Alderwoman Sharon Tyus Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier Alderwoman Jamie Cox-Antwi Order of Business I. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. II. Roll Call The following members were present: Ms. Sonnier, Ms. Cox-Antwi, and Ms. Boyd. 3 members were present. A quorum was established. III. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the Tuesday, December 16, 2025committee meeting. The Chair entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the Tuesday, December 16, 2025 committee meeting. Ms. Sonnier moved to approve the minutes of the Tuesday, December 16, 2025committee meeting. Seconded by Ms. Cox Antwi. The Chair directed the Associate Clerk to call the roll. The Associate Clerk called the roll and the following votes were recorded: The following voted Aye: Ms. Sonnier, Ms. Cox-Antwi, and Ms. Boyd. 3 Aye votes were cast. The following voted No: None The following voted Present: None Page 1 of 4 Page 5 of 48  The following Abstained: None The following members were present in the meeting but did not cast a vote: None A total of 3 votes were cast. The motion carried. IV. Board Bills for Review (The committee will discuss and take public comment on the following) Item Number 1 Board Bill Number 124 Introduced by Alderwoman Sonnier An ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee, on behalf of the City of St. Louis, to enter in the FY 2024 State Crisis Intervention Program Subaward Agreement and to accept funds awarded; appropriating said funds in the amount of up to Two Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand One Hundred Fifteen Dollars and Sixty-Nine Cents ($255,115.69); and authorizing the Department of Health to expend the appropriated funds for allowed purposes; and containing an emergency clause. The Chair recognized Ms. Sonnier on Board Bill Number 124. Ms. Sonnier provided and overview of Board Bill Number 124. Ms. Myia Woods, Attorney Manager with Problem properties and Beau Richmond, City of St. Louis Health Services Manager provided more information about the bill. After no further comments from the presenters, the chair opened the discussion up to the committee. The committee asked questions. Ms. Cox-Antwi made a motion to En Banc Board Bill Number 124 Seconded by Ms. Sonnier Previous roll requested by Ms. Boyd Hearing no objection to the request for previous roll, the Chair stated Board Bill Numnber124 has been En Banc. The Associate Clerk recorded the following from the previous roll: The following voted Aye: Ms. Sonnier, Ms. Cox-Antwi, and Ms. Boyd. 3 Aye votes were cast. The following voted No: None Page 2 of 4 Page 6 of 48 The following voted Present: None The following Abstained: None The following members were present in the meeting but did not cast a vote: None A total of 3 votes were cast. The motion carried After no further comments from the committee, the Chair recognized Ms. Sonnier to close. Ms. Sonnier as for a Do Pass Recommendation of Board Bill Number 124 The Chair she would entertain a motion to pass Board Bill Number 124 out of committee with a Do pass Recommendation. Ms. Cox-Antwi made a motion to pass Board Bill Number 124 out of committee with a Do Pass Recommendation. Seconded by Ms. Boyd. Previous roll requested by Ms. Boyd Hearing no objection to the request for previous roll, the Chair stated Board Bill Number 124 has pass out of committee with a Do Pass Recommendation. The Associate Clerk recorded the following from the previous roll: The following voted Aye: Ms. Sonnier, Ms. Cox-Antwi, and Ms. Boyd. 3 Aye votes were cast. The following voted No: None The following voted Present: None The following Abstained: None The following members were present in the meeting but did not cast a vote: None A total of 3 votes were cast. The motion carried Page 3 of 4 Page 7 of 48  V. Resolutions for Review None VI. Committee Discussions (The committee will discuss and take public comment on the following) Discussions Item Number 1 Mayoral Appointments to Senior Citizen’s Service Fund Board The committee will discuss the Mayoral re- appointments to the Mental Health Board: Andrea Blaylock Held in committee VII. Acknowledgment of Any Written Testimony None VIII. Announcements None IX. Excused Alderman The Chair excused Ms. Tyus and Mr. Oldenburg for necessary absence. X. Adjournment Having no other business to discuss, the Chair entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Cox-Antwi moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Sonnier. The motion was carried by unanimous consent. The meeting adjourned at 09:29 a.m. Minutes prepared by: Associate Clerk Rozlyn Smith Minutes approved: Page 4 of 4 Page 8 of 48 Summary Board Bill Number 133 Introduced by Alderwoman Pamela Boyd January 30, 2026 This Board Bill recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee, on behalf of the City of St. Louis, to enter into the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Consulting Agreement to accept funds awarded; appropriates said funds in the amount of Seventy-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and Sixty Cents ($78,253.60); authorizes the Department of Health to expend the appropriated funds for the allowed purposes; and contains an emergency clause. Page 9 of 48  BOARD BILL NUMBER 133 INTRODUCED BY ALDERWOMAN PAMELA BOYD 1 An ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorizing the 2 Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee, on behalf of the City of St. Louis, to 3 enter into the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Consulting Agreement and to accept funds 4 awarded; appropriating said funds in the amount of up to Seventy-Eight Thousand Two Hundred 5 Fifty-Three Dollars and Sixty Cents ($78,253.60); authorizing the Department of Health to expend 6 the appropriated funds for allowed purposes; and containing an emergency clause. 7 WHEREAS, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Crisis 8 Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) is working in conjunction with the U.S. 9 Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Center for Mental Health Services, within the 10 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide funding to 11 states, tribes, or territories (STTs) to provide assistance to individuals and communities in 12 recovering from the psychological effects of disasters in jurisdictions that have received a 13 Presidential major disaster declaration through the provision of community-based outreach and 14 educational services; and 15 WHEREAS, a FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Assistance and Training Program Grant 16 was awarded by FEMA to the Missouri Department of Mental Health as one of the STTs, which 17 in turn subcontracted with the Missouri Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers dba 18 Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC); and 19 WHEREAS, the MBHC is subcontracting with the City of St. Louis Department of Health 20 to provide consulting services under the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Grant in the amount 21 of Seventy-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and Sixty Cents ($78,253.60) 22 through a Consulting Agreement. Page 1 of 2 Board Bill Number 133 Boyd January 30, 2026 Page 10 of 48  1 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS AS FOLLOWS: 2 SECTION ONE. The Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee is hereby 3 authorized, on behalf of the City of St. Louis, to enter into the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program 4 (CCP) Consulting Agreement with the Missouri Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers 5 dba Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC) to accept the CCP Award. Said Consulting 6 Agreement shall be in substantially the same form as the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program 7 Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Attachment A and incorporated herein. The 8 Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee is hereby authorized to make, 9 negotiate, and execute any and all contracts or other documents on behalf of the City as necessary 10 or appropriate to receive the funds set forth in the CCP Award. 11 SECTION TWO. There is hereby appropriated the sum of Seventy-Eight Thousand Two 12 Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars and Sixty Cents ($78,253.60) in CCP Award funds, solely to the 13 extent received, for the purposes allowed under the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Consulting 14 Agreement. The Commissioner of the Department of Health or her designee is authorized and 15 directed to execute any documents on behalf of the City to expend such funds for allowed purposes. 16 The Comptroller is authorized and directed to issue warrants upon the City Treasury for payment 17 of all expenditures authorized in this Section provided that such warrants do not exceed the total 18 amount of funds appropriated by this Section. 19 SECTION THREE. Emergency Clause. This being an ordinance for the preservation of the 20 public peace, health and safety, it is hereby declared to be an emergency measure within the 21 meaning of Sections 19 and 20 of Article IV of the Charter of the City of St. Louis, and therefore, 22 this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor. Page 2 of 2 Board Bill Number 133 Boyd January 30, 2026 Page 11 of 48  BOARD BILL NUMBER 133 FISCAL NOTE Preparer’s Name Craig Schmid Phone Number or Email Address (will be available publicly) (314) 657-1534 Bill Sponsor Alderwoman Boyd Bill Synopsis: This Board Bill authorizes the Department of Health (the “DOH”) to accept a FEMA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) award of up to $78,253.60 in accordance with the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Consulting Agreement with the Missouri Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers dba Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC) to fund up to 50% of the time of a Project Manager and a Resource Director (no fringes) up to a year; supplies; and advertising costs as set forth in the Immediate Service Program and Regular Service Program budgets (Exhibits A & B to the Consulting Agreement) that are part of Attachment A to the Board Bill; appropriating such funds to the Department of Health; authorizing the expenditure of such funds to fulfill the obligations of said Consulting Agreement; authorizing contracts and other documents to expend such funds, to the extent received; and containing an emergency clause. Type of Impact: This Board Bill authorizes the Commissioner of Health or her designee to enter into a Consulting Agreement with MBHC for the Department of Health to provide consulting services under the FEMA Crisis Counseling Program Grant of up to $78,253.60 granted by FEMA to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, which is subcontracting with MBHC for both the Immediate Service Program (2-3 months) and Regular Service Program (9-10 months) to provide consulting services related to assisting individuals and communities in recovering from the psychological effects of the May 16, 2025 disastrous tornado (receiving a Presidential major disaster declaration) through the provision of community-based outreach and educational services. It supports short-term interventions to assist disaster survivors in understanding their current situation and reactions, mitigating stress, promoting the use or development of coping strategies, providing emotional support, and encouraging (01/2017) Page 12 of 48  links with other individuals and agencies who may help survivors in their recovery process. This includes striving to meet the needs of people with access and functional needs, such as people with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities, such as people who are deaf or hard of hearing who may use sign language or captioning. It includes consulting for -- individual and group counseling connections to improve coping strategies, review their options, and connect with other individuals and agencies who may assist them either in person or via telehealth crisis counseling; educational information for general support and information on resources and services available to disaster survivors; building and/or supporting community networking and support among community resource organizations, faith-based groups, and local agencies; assessment of needs of adults and children and providing resource linkages such as referral to additional disaster-relief services, mental health or substance abuse treatment; development and distribution of educational materials; and obtaining media and public service announcements. Services are provided at no cost and are available to any survivor who has been impacted by the disaster. Agencies Affected: Department of Health (the “DOH”) SECTION A Does this bill authorize: • An expansion of services which entails additional costs beyond that approved in the current adopted city budget? __X__Yes No Costs covered entirely by CCP award • An undertaking of a new service for which no funding is provided in the current adopted city budget? ____Yes X_ No • A commitment of city funding in the future under certain specified conditions? ____Yes X No • An issuance of bonds, notes and lease-purchase agreements which may require additional funding beyond that approved in the current adopted city budget? ___Yes X No • An execution or initiation of an activity as a result of federal or state mandates or requirements? ___Yes X No 2 Page 13 of 48 • A capital improvement project that increases operating costs over the current adopted city budget? ____Yes X No • A capital improvement project that requires funding not approved in the current adopted city budget or that will require funding in future years? ____Yes X No If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, then a fiscal note must be attached to the board bill. Complete Section B of the form below. SECTION B • Does the bill require the construction of any new physical facilities? ____Yes X__No o If yes, describe the facilities and provide the estimated cost: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ • Is the bill estimated to have a direct fiscal impact on any city department or office? ____Yes X___No o If yes, explain the impact and the estimated cost: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ • Does the bill create a program or administrative subdivision? ____Yes X____No o If yes, then is there a similar existing program or administrative subdivision? ____Yes ____No o If yes, explain the how the proposed programs or administrative subdivisions may overlap: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ • Describe the annual operating, equipment, and maintenance costs that would result from the proposed bill, as well as any funding sources: NA ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 3 Page 14 of 48 ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 4 Page 15 of 48 Complete the chart below to list the total estimated expenditures required of the City resulting from the proposed board bill and any estimated savings or additional revenue. Financial Estimate of Impact on General Fund Fiscal Impact Year 1 (current) Year 2 Year 3 Additional Expenditures 0 0 0 Additional Revenue 0 0 0 Net 0 0 0 Financial Estimate of Impact on Special Funds Fiscal Impact Year 1 (current) Year 2 Year 3 Additional Expenditures 0 0 0 Additional Revenue 0 0 0 Net 0 0 0 • Describe any assumptions used in preparing this fiscal note: Acceptance and signature of Consulting Agreement with expenditure of grant funds for the purposes authorized only. ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ • List any sources of information (including any City officials, agencies, or departments) used in preparing this fiscal note: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ • Have the financial estimates of this bill been verified by the City Budget Division? ____Yes _X___No o If yes, by whom? _______________________________ . 5 Page 16 of 48 Board Bill No. XX Attachment A Page 17 of 48 Page 18 of 48 Page 19 of 48 Page 20 of 48 Page 21 of 48 Page 22 of 48 Summary Board Bill Number 134 Introduced by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer January 30, 2026 An ordinance amending Ordinance 72059 adopting the Forestry Division’s regulations relating to weeds, native plants, and other vegetation in the City of St. Louis; containing definitions, reporting, abatement, enforcement, severability and emergency clauses. For the purpose of clarifying regulations for abatement on occupied and non-occupied parcels. Page 23 of 48  BOARD BILL NUMBER 134 INTRODUCED BY ALDERWOMAN ANNE SCHWEITZER 1 An ordinance amending Ordinance 72059 adopting the Forestry Division’s regulations relating 2 to weeds, native plants, and other vegetation in the City of St. Louis; containing definitions, 3 reporting, abatement, enforcement, severability and emergency clauses. For the purpose of 4 updating fee and fine language. 5 WHEREAS, St. Louis City encourages the preservation, restoration, and management of native 6 plant communities and wildlife habitats within the City limits. The city recognizes that the use of 7 wildflowers and other native plants in home, school, corporate, municipal, or other managed 8 landscapes is economical, reduces maintenance, and effectively conserves water, soil, and other 9 elements of the natural community. Moreover, landscaping with native plants and the 10 preservation, restoration, and management of native plant communities and wildlife habitats may 11 preclude the introduction of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other pollutants into the 12 environment; and 13 WHEREAS, the City further acknowledges the need to enjoy and benefit from the biodiversity, 14 beauty, and practical values of natural landscapes, and seeks to assure that residents have the 15 freedom to employ varying degrees of natural landscaping as viable and desirable alternatives to 16 other conventional modes of landscaping; and 17 WHEREAS, the City seeks to encourage each property owner to create and sustain a condition 18 of ecological resiliency on their land. It is not the intent of this legislation to allow vegetative 19 areas to be unmanaged or overgrown in any way that may adversely affect the public health or 20 safety, or pose a threat to agricultural activity; and Page 1 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 24 of 48 1 WHEREAS, it is the express intent of this city that it shall be lawful to grow native 2 plants, including, but not limited to, ferns, grasses, forbs, aquatic plants, trees, and shrubs in a 3 landscape when these plants were obtained not in violation of local, state, or federal laws; and 4 WHEREAS, Growth of weeds and other vegetation and the presence of debris on land in the 5 City of St. Louis are detrimental to and endanger the public health, safety, and welfare of the 6 residents of the City; and 7 WHEREAS, The City recognizes the need to monitor and regulate the growth of nuisance and 8 noxious plants, and through this ordinance amends and strengthens the process for the collection 9 of fees and fines assessed by the Forestry Division; and 10 WHEREAS, Pursuant to Rule 58 of the Board of Aldermen, the proposed amendments to 11 Ordinance 72059 are set out in the body of this bill, with additions marked in boldface, 12 underline, and italicized and deletions marked with [brackets, boldface, and strikethrough]. 13 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, AS FOLLOWS: 14 SECTION ONE. Amend 15 Ordinance Number 72059 is hereby amended in its entirety to read in the following words and 16 figures. 17 SECTION ONE. Repeal 18 Ordinance Number 59860 is hereby repealed in its entirety, and in lieu thereof, a new 19 ordinance is hereby enacted as follows. 20 SECTION TWO. Purpose and Intent 21 The Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis finds and declares as follows: Page 2 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 25 of 48 1 A. Growth of unmanaged vegetation and the presence of debris on land in the City of St. 2 Louis are detrimental to and endanger the public health, safety, and welfare of the 3 residents of the City; and 4 B. Such growth of unmanaged vegetation and the presence of debris are a concern to the 5 residents of the City; and 6 C. Prevention and correction of such conditions are properly the duties and responsibilities 7 of property owners, but if the owner does not manage it then it shall be abated by the 8 City. 9 SECTION THREE. Definitions 10 A. “City” shall mean the City of St. Louis, Missouri. 11 B. “City Property” shall mean all real property which is owned, leased, or maintained by the 12 City, any part of any right-of-way within the City, including city-managed parks. 13 C. “Commissioner” shall mean the Commissioner of Forestry of the City of St. Louis. 14 D. “Chronic violation” shall mean the third or more confirmed violations of this Code on the 15 same property during a calendar year. 16 E. “Chronic violator” shall mean a property that qualifies as a chronic violation in the 17 current year or the prior year. 18 F. “Carriage Walk” shall mean a section of concrete in the tree lawn connecting the public 19 street to the public sidewalk. 20 G. “Department of Health” shall mean the designated employees of the Department of 21 Health and Hospitals of the City of St. Louis. Page 3 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 26 of 48 1 H. “Forestry Division” shall mean designated employees of the Forestry Division of the City 2 of St. Louis. 3 I. “Health Commissioner” shall mean the Health Commissioner of the City of St. Louis. 4 J. “Invasive Plant” shall mean a non-native vegetation species that grows aggressively in 5 the State of Missouri, as listed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and/or listed 6 in the annual Vegetation Memo. 7 K. “Managed natural landscape” shall mean planned, intentional, and maintained planting of 8 native and ornamental plants, including but not limited to rain gardens, meadow, prairie, 9 vegetation, and ornamental plantings. For purposes of this definition, the following words 10 and phrases shall have the following meanings: 11 a. “Meadow vegetation” shall mean grasses and flowering broad-leaf plants that are 12 native to the State of Missouri, and that are commonly found in meadow and 13 prairie plant communities, not including invasive plants, nuisance plants, or 14 noxious weeds, as defined in this section. 15 b. “Ornamental plants” shall mean grasses, perennials, annuals, and groundcovers 16 purposefully planted for aesthetic reasons. 17 c. “Rain garden” shall mean a native plant garden that is designed not only to 18 aesthetically improve properties but also to reduce the amount of stormwater and 19 accompanying pollutants from entering streams, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of 20 water. Page 4 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 27 of 48 1 L. “Native Plant” shall mean those plants, including but not limited to, grasses (including 2 prairie grasses), sedges, rushes, forbs (flowering broadleaf plants), vines, shrubs, ferns, 3 groundcovers, and trees that are native, as listed by the Missouri Department of 4 Conservation and/or listed in the annual Vegetation Memo. 5 M. “Non-Occupied Parcel” shall mean a parcel of land with no lawfully permitted occupant. 6 N. “Noxious Weed” shall mean a vegetation species that is listed as a Missouri State 7 Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture and/or listed in the annual 8 Vegetation Memo. 9 O. “Nuisance Plant” shall mean toxic species known to cause death or severe allergic 10 reactions among a segment of the human population, such as Poison Hemlock, Poison 11 Ivy, and Ragweed, as listed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and/or listed in 12 the annual Vegetation Memo. 13 P. “Owner” shall mean a person owning or otherwise in legal control of property. 14 Q. “Person” shall mean an individual person, corporation, association, or entity of any kind. 15 R. “Shared Use Path” shall mean a multi-use path designed primarily for use by bicyclists, 16 pedestrians, and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users, for transportation 17 purposes, and that may also be used for recreation. Shared use paths are physically 18 separated from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier and are either within the 19 highway or other public right-of-way. 20 S. “Sidewalk” shall mean the portion of the street between the curb line and the adjacent 21 property line, intended for the use of pedestrians. Page 5 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 28 of 48 1 T. “Sustenance Garden” shall mean a cultivated area dedicated to growing vegetables, herbs, 2 fruits, nuts, and seeds meant for human consumption. 3 U. “Tree Lawn” shall mean the area between the public sidewalk and public street that often 4 has trees or other vegetation that is part of the public right-of-way. 5 V. “Turf-grass lawn” shall mean a lawn comprised mostly of grasses commonly used in 6 regularly cut lawns or play areas intended to be maintained at a height of no more than 7 seven (7) inches. 8 W. “Right-of-Way” shall mean property located within and adjoining streets, roads, and 9 alleys within the City, which is owned, controlled, or maintained by the City, including 10 but not limited to areas commonly referred to as the “tree lawn” between the public 11 sidewalk and the public street. 12 X. “Unmanaged vegetation growth” shall mean an area not maintained in which any 13 turfgrass, hay, weeds, brush, or other vegetation has grown to a height of over seven (7) 14 inches or the presence of invasive, nuisance, or noxious plant vegetation as a result of the 15 absence of active cutting, mowing, or other maintenance. This definition shall not 16 include: 17 a. Sustenance Garden as defined in this section; 18 b. Managed natural landscape area(s) that is wholly contained within the parcel on 19 which it is planted and maintained; 20 c. Vegetation located on agricultural land; 21 d. Vegetation found on shoreland within 35 feet of the ordinary high-water mark. Page 6 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 29 of 48 1 SECTION FOUR. Reporting 2 A. The Forestry Division shall annually report to the Health and Human Development 3 Committee or its successor the second week in January, presenting the Vegetation Memo. 4 a. Annual Vegetation Memo may include: 5 i. List of prohibited debris on lots and land; 6 ii. Methods the City will use during the year to abate weed and debris 7 nuisances; 8 iii. Abatement fee including equipment, labor costs, quantity of material used, 9 clerical costs, and other data appropriate to document the actual cost of the 10 abatement; 11 iv. Other information the Commissioner of Forestry deems necessary and 12 appropriate, including any Native Plants, Noxious Weeds, and Nuisance 13 Plants that are not on the Missouri Department of Conservation or United 14 States Department of Agriculture lists, and examples of native landscape 15 restorations and best practices for design and maintenance. 16 SECTION FIVE. Public Nuisance and Responsibility of Property Owner 17 A. All unmanaged vegetation growth or noxious weeds that have attained a height of seven 18 (7) inches or more growing or being upon any lot or land, including the tree lawn and 19 midpoint of the alley within the City, are hereby declared a public nuisance. Every owner, 20 occupant, or person in control of any lot or land, including the tree lawn and midpoint of 21 the alley within the City, shall cause such lot or land to be kept free from such noxious Page 7 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 30 of 48 1 weeds, invasive plants, or nuisance plants by methods approved by the Commissioner of 2 Forestry. 3 B. Managed natural landscapes may include plants and native grasses in excess of seven (7) 4 inches in height and which have gone to seed, but may not include any noxious weeds, 5 nuisance plants, or invasive plants, and shall be maintained so as not to include 6 unintended vegetation. 7 a. Managed natural landscapes may not include any noxious weeds, nuisance plants, 8 or invasive plants, or any other plantings, which, due to location and manner of 9 growth, constitute a hazard to the public or may cause injury or damage to 10 persons or property. 11 b. Managed natural landscapes shall not include turf-grass lawns left unattended for 12 the purpose of returning to a natural state. 13 c. Managed natural landscapes on the right-of-way shall not obstruct sight distance 14 for vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic as determined by the City. 15 d. All vegetation on private property shall be maintained so that no part thereof is 16 obstructing the public right-of-way, and shall be trimmed or maintained in order 17 to allow at least eight (8) feet of vertical clearance for streets, sidewalks, and 18 shared use paths. Vegetation shall be cultivated so as not to intrude into the public 19 right-of-way in such a manner as to create a hazard for pedestrians using the 20 sidewalk or shared use path. Page 8 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 31 of 48 1 e. Street light poles, public utility poles, traffic signals, and street signs of any type 2 shall be kept free of all climbing or creeping vegetation. 3 f. Managed natural landscapes in the tree lawn shall adhere to the following 4 parameters and be maintained by the property owner: 5 i. In a four (4) feet radius from all fire hydrants, no vegetation shall attain a 6 height of seven (7) inches or more; 7 ii. All vegetation shall be maintained to ensure the public right-of-way is 8 clear, including carriage walks; 9 iii. All vegetation shall not attain a height greater than twenty-four (24) 10 inches; 11 iv. At least every ten (10) feet if no carriage walk is present, then there shall 12 be no vegetation greater than twelve (12) inches for a continuous four (4) foot 13 area. 14 C. The City shall not be liable for damage to any vegetation planted, or to any property or 15 fixtures placed, in or upon the City right-of-way that results from work performed by the 16 City in the tree lawn or right-of-way. 17 D. The presence upon any lot or lands, other than properly licensed and operated salvage 18 yards, within the City of debris of any and all kinds and varieties included in the annual 19 Vegetation Memo or determined by the Commissioner of Forestry to be unhealthy, 20 unsanitary, or unsafe is hereby declared a public nuisance. It is the duty of every owner, Page 9 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 32 of 48 1 occupant, or person in control of any lot or land, including the tree lawn and midpoint of 2 alley within the City, to remove debris from such lot or land forthwith. 3 E. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to be in conflict with or in 4 violation of any of the provisions of any code relating to nuisances in the City of St. 5 Louis, as such codes exist at the time of the effective date of this ordinance and as such 6 codes may be amended in the future. 7 SECTION SIX. Abatement 8 A. Whenever the Forestry Division determines that there has been a violation of Section 9 Five[,] on an occupied parcel, notice shall be given to the owner or the person or persons 10 responsible therefore in the following manner: 11 a. Such notice shall: 12 i. Be in writing; 13 ii. Include a description of the lot or land; 14 iii. Include a statement of the violation(s) and the reason(s) the notice is being 15 issued; 16 iv. Include a correction order allowing up to ten (10) calendar days to abate 17 the nuisance; and 18 v. Inform the property owner of the right to appeal within thirty (30) days to 19 the Forestry Division, whose decision shall be final. Page 10 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 33 of 48 1 b. The notice shall be directed to the owner(s) of such lot or lands as recorded most 2 recently in the City of Saint Louis Assessor's Office. The notice shall be served in 3 one of the following ways: 4 i. Hand-delivered to the owner or owners; or 5 ii. Posting the notice in a conspicuous place in or about the lot or land affected 6 by such notice and shall be deemed served twenty-four (24) hours after the 7 posting thereof; or 8 iii. Mailing a copy of said notice by regular mail, postage prepaid, direct to the 9 owner(s) place of business or the address currently recorded in the Assessor's 10 Office of the City of Saint Louis, and shall be deemed served twenty-four (24) 11 hours after the mailing of the notice. 12 B. A non-occupied parcel shall only have to have one [violation] notice at the beginning of 13 the growing season to be abated. Such notice shall: 14 a. Be in writing and delivered in the manner described in Subsection A(b) of this 15 Section Six; 16 b. Inform the property owner(s) that any violation of Section Five on such non- 17 occupied parcel may be abated by the Forestry Division without further notice; 18 and 19 c. Inform the property owner(s) that they may be subject to charges for the cost of 20 such abatement and/or an administrative citation fine for such violation as 21 described in this Section Six. Page 11 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 34 of 48 1 C. If a [condition] violation on an occupied parcel is not abated within the time provided 2 following the notice, or if the Forestry Division determines that a violation exists on a 3 non-occupied parcel, the Forestry Division may abate it, and the code official shall have 4 the authority to issue an administrative citation to any person responsible for the 5 violation. 6 D. In the event any parcel in the City shall receive three (3) or more confirmed violations of 7 this ordinance specific to violations in the tree lawn or by written notice of the Forestry 8 Commissioner or their designee, the Forestry Division may remove or abate all 9 vegetative growth causing the source of violation. 10 E. When debris is found that, in the judgment of the Commissioner, may constitute an 11 immediate danger to public health and safety, they shall notify the Department of Health, 12 which shall inspect the property. Pursuant to Article XIII Section 14-C (c) of the City 13 Charter, if the Department of Health, on such inspection, finds a nuisance and that its 14 continuance is a danger to the public health and safety, they may order the Forestry 15 Division to abate such nuisance as soon as practicable. 16 F. After abating any nuisance, the Forestry Division shall record the following: date of the 17 abatement, location of the abatement, condition abated, the amount of personnel time and 18 equipment, quantity of material used, clerical costs, other data appropriate to document 19 the actual cost of the abatement, and date(s) of notice. 20 G. The Forestry Division shall bill the owners of any property on which the City abates a 21 nuisance under this ordinance for the cost of such abatement and an administrative Page 12 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 35 of 48 1 citation fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for unmanaged vegetation growth and five 2 hundred dollars ($500) for debris. 3 a. The administrative citation fine for repeat violations of the same code provision 4 by the same person at the same property shall be subject to additional fines as the 5 code official deems appropriate, so long as any such fine is assessed 30 days or 6 more after the previous fine date unless the property is marked in chronic 7 violation or as a chronic violator, then each day after notice of a nuisance and the 8 correction period from this ordinance is unabated may be considered a separate 9 violation. 10 b. The administrative citation fine shall include the following information: 11 i. The date of the violation or, if the date of the violation is unknown, then 12 the date the violation is identified; 13 ii. The address or a definite description of the location where the violation 14 occurred; 15 iii. The section of the applicable code violated and a description of the 16 violation; 17 iv. The amount of the fine for the code violation; 18 v. A description of the fine payment process, including a description of the 19 time within which and the place to which the fine shall be paid; 20 vi. An order prohibiting the continuation or repeated occurrence of the code 21 violation described in the administrative citation; Page 13 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 36 of 48 1 vii. A description of the administrative citation review process, including the 2 time within which the administrative citation may be contested and the 3 place from which a request for a hearing form to contest the administrative 4 citation may be obtained; and 5 viii. The name and signature of the citing code official. 6 H. The Commissioner shall have the authority to waive fines and fees at their discretion. 7 I. Any administrative citation fine paid pursuant to subsection shall be refunded if it is 8 determined, after a hearing, that the person charged in the administrative citation was not 9 responsible for the violation or that there was no violation as charged in the 10 administrative citation. 11 J. Payment of a fine under this ordinance shall not excuse or discharge any continuation or 12 repeated occurrence of the code violation that is the subject of the administrative citation. 13 Fines and fees may be collected in the following manners: 14 a. The fine and fee shall be paid to the City within thirty days from the date of the 15 administrative citation. 16 b. The amount of the unpaid abatement fee may be certified by the Forestry Division 17 and submitted to the Office of the Comptroller for issuance of a special tax bill, to 18 be collected according to and in the same manner as real estate taxes under, 19 Chapter 71.285 R.S.Mo, 71.780 R.S.Mo and 67.398 R.S.Mo. These special tax 20 bills may not be forgiven except by the City Counselor, who shall, in writing, 21 instruct the Forestry Division to forgive such special tax bills or liens. Further, Page 14 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 37 of 48 1 special tax bills shall be permitted to be waived when ownership of said property 2 for which the bill was issued is accepted by the Land Reutilization Authority, 3 Saint Louis Development Corporation, or any other City agency. 4 c. The amount of the unpaid administrative fine and abatement fee may be certified 5 by the Forestry Division and submitted to the Office of the Comptroller for 6 issuance of a special tax bill or judgement lien, to be collected according to and in 7 the same manner as described under Chapter 479.011.5 R.S.Mo. These special tax 8 bills or judgment liens may not be forgiven except by the City Counselor, who 9 shall, in writing, instruct the Forestry Division to forgive such special tax bills or 10 judgment liens. Further, special tax bills or judgment liens shall be permitted to be 11 waived when ownership of said property for which the bill was issued is accepted 12 by the Land Reutilization Authority, Saint Louis Development Corporation, or 13 any other City agency. 14 K. Any recipient of an administrative citation may contest that there was a violation of the 15 code or that they are the responsible party by completing a Request for Administrative 16 Hearing petition and returning it to the Forestry Division, along with a non-refundable 17 filing fee of $20.00, within thirty days from the date of the administrative citation. 18 a. A Request for Administrative Hearing petition may be obtained from the Forestry 19 Division 20 b. The person requesting the hearing shall be notified of the time and place set for 21 the hearing at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing. Page 15 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 38 of 48 1 c. If the code official submits an additional written report concerning the 2 administrative citation to the hearing officer for consideration at the hearing, then 3 a copy of this report also shall be served on the person requesting the hearing at 4 least five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. The Forestry Division shall 5 designate the hearing officer for the administrative hearing. 6 d. A hearing prior to the hearing officer shall be set for a date that is not less than 7 fifteen (15) days and not more than ninety (90) days from the date that the request 8 for hearing is filed in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance. 9 e. At the hearing, the party contesting the administrative citation shall be given the 10 opportunity to testify and to present evidence concerning the administrative 11 citation; The party contesting the administrative citation may be represented by 12 counsel at any hearing, though this is not a requirement. 13 f. The failure of any recipient of an administrative citation to appear at the 14 administrative citation hearing shall constitute a failure to exhaust their 15 administrative remedies. 16 g. The code violation notice, property record, and related documentation in the 17 proper form, or a copy thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of the municipal 18 code violation. The code official who issued the notice of violation need not be 19 present. Page 16 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 39 of 48 1 h. The hearing officer may continue the hearing and request additional information 2 from the code official or the recipient of the administrative citation prior to 3 issuing a written decision. 4 i. After considering all of the testimony and evidence submitted at the hearing, the 5 hearing officer shall issue a written decision to uphold or cancel the 6 administrative citation and shall list in the decision the reasons for that decision. 7 The decision of the hearing officer shall be considered the final decision. 8 j. If the hearing officer determines that the administrative citation should be upheld, 9 the hearing officer shall set forth in the decision a payment schedule for the fine. 10 k. If the hearing officer determines that the administrative citation should be 11 canceled and the fine was deposited with the City, then the City shall promptly 12 refund the amount of the deposited fine, together with interest at the average rate 13 earned on the City's portfolio for the period of time that the fine amount was held 14 by the City. 15 l. The recipient of the administrative citation shall be served with a copy of the 16 hearing officer's written decision. 17 SECTION SEVEN. Enforcement 18 A. Enforcement of this Ordinance shall be the joint responsibility of the Forestry Division, 19 the Health Department, Street Department, Building Division, and the Police 20 Department. The Forestry Division or Health Department may however, refer properties Page 17 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 40 of 48 1 subject to this ordinance to the Building Division if they believe the building may also 2 have building code violations. 3 B. This ordinance should not be construed in any way as in contravention of the duties and 4 powers of the Forestry Commissioner relative to the abatement of any matter which may 5 constitute a nuisance, and shall not negate or preclude the availability of any other 6 remedies for violation of any other City of St. Louis Ordinance that might be applicable. 7 SECTION EIGHT. Severability 8 If any term, condition, or provision of this Ordinance shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or 9 unenforceable, the remainder hereof shall be valid in all other respects and continue to be 10 effective and each and every remaining provision hereof shall be valid and shall be enforced to 11 the fullest extent permitted by law, it being the intent of the Board of Aldermen that it would 12 have enacted this Ordinance without the invalid or unenforceable provisions. In the event of a 13 further subsequent change in applicable law that renders valid a provision of the Ordinance that 14 was previously held to be invalid or unenforceable, said provision shall thereupon be restored to 15 its full effect, be capable of enforcement without further action by the City, and shall thereafter 16 again be binding. 17 SECTION TWO. Emergency Clause 18 This being an ordinance for the preservation of public peace, health and safety and providing for 19 public work or improvements and repair thereof, it is hereby declared to be an emergency 20 measure within the meaning of Section 19 and 20 of Article IV of the Charter, and, therefore, 21 this Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval of the Mayor Page 18 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 41 of 48 1 of the City. 2 Page 19 of 19 Board Bill Number 134 Schweitzer January 30, 2026 Page 42 of 48 1 Page 43 of 48 1 Page 44 of 48 1 Page 45 of 48 1 Page 46 of 48 1 Page 47 of 48 1 Page 48 of 48