Arnold Council Approves Property Purchase Beside Ferd B. Lang Park

A piece of property beside Ferd B. Lang Park could soon be added to the park.

During its July 9 meeting, the Arnold City Council approved the purchase of 2215 Maxville Lane, a property immediately adjacent to the park. City officials said the additional land could be incorporated into the existing park and eventually provide space for a new picnic shelter and some additional parking.

The proposed shelter would likely be available on a first-come, first-served basis, giving families and park visitors another place to gather for lunch, barbecues and other activities.

Before the property can be fully opened for public use, the city will need to make the site safe and prepare it for park purposes. Staff members said they plan to begin seeking bids after the purchase is completed, with work potentially beginning toward the end of August depending on contractor availability and the final cost.

Council members also approved a minor record plat for Mattingly Subdivision No. 1. The decision allows the property at 1703 Ozark Drive to be divided from one lot into two.

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, residents spoke about several concerns involving city services and communication. The issues included questions about property-maintenance, gravel and paving debris collecting along a sidewalk, access to recordings or livestreams of council meetings and broader concerns about city transparency in wake of the auditors report.

City representatives responded to some of the concerns during the meeting and indicated that staff members would continue speaking with residents afterward.

The council also received an update on efforts to bring a Smalls Sliders restaurant to Arnold.

The company had been considering an outlot near Aldi and Kohl’s, but the proposal depended on a variance from the city’s minimum parking requirements. Creating the outlot would have reduced the number of parking spaces available to Kohl’s by approximately 67, leaving the property below the amount required under city code.

The Arnold Board of Adjustment denied the parking variance after determining that the request did not meet the necessary criteria. Smalls Sliders later withdrew its related zoning applications.

That does not necessarily mean the restaurant’s plans for Arnold are over. City staff said they remain in communication with the company and are discussing other locations and possible alternatives.

Another business improvement may soon move forward at the U-Pump Gulf gas station near Dollar General. The Board of Adjustment approved a setback variance allowing the station to build a new canopy over two of its fuel pumps.

The business must still obtain the necessary permits, but city officials said the project should eventually allow the temporary fencing around that portion of the property to be removed.

Mayor Bill Moritz also reminded residents about a service offered by the Arnold Police Department. Residents who plan to be away from home can contact the department and request a vacation check, allowing officers to keep an additional eye on the property while they are gone. He encouraged any resident interested to call the non-emergency line and inform the police of the dates they plan to travel.

Council members closed their public reports by discussing recent Fourth of July celebrations, praising the efforts of the city. Also mentioned were concerns brought forward by residents, including stormwater, yard-waste collection, water and neighborhood maintenance issues.

The evening ended as the council entered a closed session.