Arnold Council Approves Club Car Wash Following Strong Legal Warning
The Arnold City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit Thursday, August 6, for a second Club Car Wash at 917 Arnold Commons Drive, the former Fireside Hearth and Home property between Pasta House and Panera Bread.
The vote followed a public hearing and a direct explanation from Arnold legal counsel Bob Sweeney. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval by a 5 to 3 vote, with eight conditions, after Club Car Wash revised its proposal to address concerns from staff, agencies, commissioners, and residents.
Sweeney said he initially suggested discussing possible litigation in closed session. The council chose to hear his opinion publicly, which he said could waive or reduce attorney client privilege and make the advice no longer confidential.
His central point was that council members were not simply deciding whether Arnold needed another car wash. When considering a conditional use permit, they must apply the city’s ordinance and base their decision on credible evidence presented through the public process.
“Supposition, speculation, surmise are not credible pieces of evidence,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney said Club Car Wash had satisfied the criteria established by the city. If the council denied the application, he said the decision would need to be supported by identifiable, credible evidence. He also warned that communications among officials outside the hearing process could interfere with the applicant’s right to due process.
“It is my opinion that the actions that have transpired would have given the applicant an opportunity to litigate this matter successfully,” Sweeney said.
He warned that a successful case could result in attorney fees, court costs, engineering expenses, and other professional costs. Litigation could also expose communications among council members and planning commissioners through discovery.
The broader point was that officials cannot disregard governing standards, credible evidence, or due process without increasing the risk of litigation.
Residents had raised concerns about traffic, noise, and possible chemical odors. The company made nearly a dozen revisions, including changes to vehicle stacking, additional parking and vacuum spaces, masonry enclosures around vacuum turbines, a six foot screening fence, and evergreen landscaping. Staff said a sound study found that the operation would comply with Arnold’s noise standards at the property lines.
New Water Tower Planned Near Richardson Road
During public comment, Jason Fulbright of Public Water Supply District No. 1 announced that the district purchased property from Drury Corporation behind Circle K and McDonald’s near Richardson Road and Interstate 55. The district plans to build a water tower with an anticipated capacity of approximately two million gallons.
Fulbright said the district uses roughly two million gallons of water per day. He said last year’s tornado exposed vulnerabilities when sensor communications were lost while the system was also dealing with a major water main break.
The tower project itself was not presented as a reason for a rate increase. Fulbright said the district has not raised its rates during the past decade unless Missouri American Water, its wholesale supplier, increased its charges.
Missouri American Water has filed a rate case with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking approximately $191.9 million in additional annual base rate revenue. The commission’s current schedule places local public hearings in December, although specific dates and locations have not been announced.
Residents may comment by calling 800-392-4211, emailing [email protected], or using the commission’s online public comment system. Comments should reference case WR-2026-0304.
Fulbright said the case matters locally because the district purchases its water through a meter on the St. Louis County side of the county line.
When several people asked about the tower’s color, Fulbright said that decision was much farther down the road. He joked about painting it red to pair with Arnold’s blue tower as “hot and cold,” while others renewed calls for green. Fulbright acknowledged that he had previously fought for green and lost that battle.
Annexation, Recreation Center, and Other Business
The council unanimously approved the voluntary annexation of approximately 15 acres in the northeast quadrant of Old Lemay Ferry Road and Vogel Road. City officials clarified that the property owners petitioned for annexation. O’Reilly Development Company hopes to develop a senior living community on the site, although additional city approvals will be required. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with a possible opening in late 2029.
The council also approved its annual conflict of interest ordinance, purchased 1,000 tons of road salt for $98,900, and approved $13,500 for Arnold Days promotion through Great Day St. Louis, subject to Tourism Commission review.
Council members approved $25,739.42 for 20 picnic tables and two outdoor games at the Arnold Farmers Market pavilion. Officials also reported that pickleball court construction was approximately two weeks behind because of rain.
The indoor pool at the Arnold Recreation Center is scheduled to close August 31 for approximately two months for maintenance and repairs. The outdoor pool is expected to remain open during the closure.
From major development proposals and utility projects to recreation improvements and city spending, The Jefferson Review helps residents understand what local government decisions mean for their community.
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