ST. LOUIS COUNTY’S “BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION” SCHEDULES JUNE 12 PUBLIC HEARING IN CLAYTON

June 2, 2008
More Information: David Wrone at 314-615-8173

St. Louis County’s “Blue Ribbon Commission” will hold a public hearing June 12, 2008 in Clayton as it continues to develop solutions for County Government’s aging buildings, parks and roads

The June 12th hearing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the St. Louis County Council Chambers, located on the 1st floor of County Government’s Lawrence K. Roos building (41 S. Central).

County Executive Charlie Dooley formed the Blue Ribbon Commission, a group of regional business, political and civic leaders, earlier this year. He has asked the commission – officially named St. Louis County’s Capital Investment Initiative Blue Ribbon Commission - to recommend a viable, publicly acceptable plan to generate funds needed to correct widespread problems the County faces with many key pieces to its infrastructure puzzle.

“We need to reinvest in our community,” Dooley explained. “We have numerous long-term challenges to face, and we’re relying on the advice and expertise of the commission to help us overcome those challenges.”

The June 12th hearing will allow the Blue Ribbon Commission to explain County Government’s infrastructure dilemma, related funding needs and potential revenue sources. More importantly, commissioners will hear from citizens who wish to speak.

“The benefits of public involvement will be invaluable,” noted Commission Chairman Skip Mange. “Our work cannot proceed without the public’s understanding and support, and a forum like this will help us accomplish both.”

Many of County Government’s Clayton-based buildings are old, cramped, leaking maintenance-related money and need to be replaced, officials say. Besides the antiquation of many structures, “space” also is a prominent issue – with many departments shoe-horned into work areas that are simply too small to accommodate their work and serve the residents of St. Louis County. The County Police Department’s well-respected Crime Lab is in particular need of more room.

In total, an estimated $430 to $530 million will be needed in the next 10 to 20 years, county officials say.

In addition to an expanded crime lab, St. Louis County faces a very keen need for a new Family Courts, health center, animal shelter, and office space into which it could transfer that portion of County Government now operating out of the Family Courts Facility off of Brentwood, and the 121 and 111 S. Meramec buildings in Clayton. One potential plan would entail the demolition of the 121 and 111 buildings to clear the way for a new family courts building that could be physically connected to the regular courthouse and county jail.

The County’s parks system and arterial roads need significant, additional cash infusion, as well, officials stress.

In April, the Blue Ribbon Commission toured the County’s problem facilities, and saw firsthand the 1960s-era elevator systems, jerry-rigged heating and cooling systems, corroded pipes, cracked concrete, dribbling roofs and windows and inadequate animal shelters. (The animal shelters are exceptionally pressed for cage space.)

At previous Commission meetings, County staff (primarily Director of Administration Pam Reitz, Public Works/Highways and Traffic Director Sheryl Hodges and Darin Cline, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Charlie Dooley's office) explained funding mechanisms that included the POSSIBILITY of general obligation bonds and certificates of participation.

And Chief Operating Officer Garry Earls explained the funding needs currently facing Metro (which has placed Proposition M on the November 2008 general election ballot), Missouri American Water and MSD. The Municipal League's Tim Fisschesser discussed the need for a new, regional communications system for emergency responders.

The Blue Ribbon Commission’s goal is to produce an official recommendation to the County Executive by this August.

In addition to Mr. Mange, commission members include: Frederick Douglas (chairman of The Workforce Investment Board), David Mason (David Mason & Associates), Don Musick (Don C. Musick Construction Company), James Qin (Q&C International), Pat Kellett (Plumbers and Pipefitters), John Siscel (former executive director of the Mechanical Contractors Association), Nancy Cross (SEIU), Sally Roth (Regions Bank), George Brill (Talisen Tech), Colleen Wasinger (St. Louis County Council), Hazel Erby (St. Louis County Council) and Barbara Fraser (St. Louis County Council), Judith Metzger (Knoll Inc.) and Steve Lichtenfeld (Clayton Board of Alderman).