The Crestwood Board of Aldermen discussed a wide variety of ordinances at its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 24, ranging from added security to the aquatic center, a new playground at one of the city’s parks and a revision of the city’s code on regulations regarding solicitors and canvassers.

Security cameras

One of the items on the consent agenda – that was passed unanimously by the board – was an ordinance authorizing a contract update with Elliot Data Systems, Inc.

Per the memorandum, during the security upgrade to the government center, public works and the community center, city staff decided to add security cameras to the aquatic center within Whitecliff Park. This was because, throughout the year, the city has experienced several incidents of property damage during the off-hours at the center. Staff believes that the additional security cameras will deter future property damage, though if it continues, there will now be video evidence provided.

Under this ordinance, Elliot Data Systems will add five cameras to the aquatic center. These cameras will be capable of providing live feeds and storing video, which will operate on the upgraded system installed in the city’s government center, public works and the community center. In total, this will cost $9,965.86.

Playground

An ordinance approving purchase orders to replace the playground structure and resurface the ground of the playground at Ferndale Park was also on the consent agenda, though it was removed by Ward 3 Alderman Grant Mabie as he wanted further discussion.

A memo from the Parks and Recreation Department explained that the Poured in Place (PIP) playground surfacing, essentially the playground “floor,” was budgeted to be replaced in 2023. After meeting with the installation technician from Pro-Tech Surfacing, however, it was recommended that the city replace the playground in addition to and at the same time as the surface because the current playground is showing “advanced signs of aging.”

“He didn’t feel it was in good conscience to replace the surfacing and then the city having to replace the playground within the next 2-5 years,” The memo stated.

According to the memo, the city was recently approached by Play & Park Structures with a 50%-off year-end sale. Through this sale, the city would be able to purchase the play system for $24,116 as opposed to its regular price of $48,232. Adding in the installation cost – $22,645 – and the freight cost – $1,155 – the playground would cost $51,453.54 in total.

The PIP surfacing would cost $35,199.82 when procured through the TIPS program, which the city has utilized in the past. In total, the combined projects would cost the city $86,653.36.

“I would recommend the board approve replacing not only the playground surfacing but the playground itself. With the clearance sale, the city can save substantial money and make a fiscally responsible decision to not have to tear out the PIP in a few years to install the playground. Replacing the playground is on the Master Plan and needed,” The memo stated. “If not doing both the surfacing and playground I would not recommend doing either of the projects, knowing that we will have to tear out the surfacing in the future to replace the playground.”

Because Mabie removed this item from the consent agenda, he began the discussion. He started by giving his appreciation to the city staff’s work and creativity on the project and applauded the coupling of the two projects into one ordinance. He did, however, have some concerns about the playground chosen to replace the current one.

“I do remain of the opinion that for an extremely modest amount of more money, less than $10,000, we could get a much better playground. Rather than maintain the status quo, we could improve the enjoyment of the public of that park,” he said.

He went on to say that overall the ordinance is fine, but he believes the city could do better. This led to his decision to abstain from voting.

When it was time for a roll call vote, the six other aldermen in attendance voted in favor, passing the ordinance. Ward 4 Alderman Tony Kennedy did not vote as he was absent from the meeting.

Solicitors and canvassers

Also on the consent agenda was an ordinance amending city code to revise regulations applicable to solicitors and canvassers. This ordinance came to be after the board had “extensive” discussions about soliciting in Crestwood earlier this year.

“The general consensus was that we didn’t want salespeople going door to door,” Simpson said. “However, the Board ultimately arrived at a compromise which would allow door-to-door sales for residents who ‘opt-in’ to having solicitors contact them.”

Per the memorandum, this new ordinance defines canvasser, private residence and solicitor. It also outlines a procedure for creating a list of residents who wish to be visited by solicitors and provides details of the content of the application permit form, the process by which such a permit would be issued and how such a permit could be revoked.

This ordinance does not affect charitable organizations and things like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.