Festus Council Meeting Draws More Data Center Criticism, Recall Frustration, and Routine City Business
The Festus City Council’s June 22 meeting opened with another round of pointed public comment from residents frustrated over the proposed data center, the handling of recall petitions, and the vacant Ward Two council seat, before the council moved through a series of city business items that included a rezoning request, fireworks sales licenses, annual liquor license renewals, and an expansion of the Festus Farmers Market.
Before the regular meeting began, the city held a 5:50 p.m. public hearing to seek input on a proposed rezoning from R-3 to E-2 Attached One Family at 1235 Hill Road. Later in the meeting, that item appeared as Bill No. 4884, an ordinance rezoning the parcel from R-3 Single-Family District to E-2 Clustered Home Single-Family District. Staff said the applicant intends to demolish the existing house and build two two-family townhouse structures, creating four units that would be sold individually.
Council members approved the rezoning unanimously after briefly discussing the project. One council member said he believed the development would be a “positive movement forward for that area” and could help encourage further improvements in the neighborhood.
Much of the meeting’s early energy, however, centered on the “Remarks of Visitors” portion, where several residents again spoke about the data center and the recent recall controversy.
During one weighty moment a resident directed much of her criticism at Mayor Sam Richards and council members who voted against sending recall questions to the ballot. Her remarks included sharp personal criticism of the mayor and council members. At one point, Fakes referred to Richards as a “former and now disgraced Marine, in my opinion.” Richards interrupted and told her, “First Amendment is fine. But you will not attack my Marine Corps.” Fakes responded that she had attacked him, not the Marine Corps, and continued her statement.
The exchange reflected the continued tension in the room, especially when residents reference Richards’ military service. Richards has reacted strongly in prior meetings when comments move toward his Marine Corps background, and the June 22 exchange again showed how quickly the subject can escalate.
Several residents continued to argue that the recall issue is not over. Another citizen criticized city spending priorities and called again for a full financial city audit. Other speakers raised concerns about the process, the legal advice the city has relied on, and whether residents are receiving answers to basic questions.
Yet another resident spoke about concerns including trees being cut down behind homes and the lack of clear answers for nearby residents. He also raised questions about potential wells associated with the data center. Others asked about the status of a traffic study and a stop sign that had not been replaced despite being knocked down several weeks prior.
After public comment, the council moved through its formal agenda. There were no bids. The council approved appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions, with some council discussion about encouraging more residents to apply for local boards, including Planning and Zoning, Parks, Library, Tourism, Police, and other commissions.
The council also approved a request from the Festus Farmers Market to expand to the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The market currently operates on Saturdays, and organizers said there has been interest in adding a midweek market.
Annual liquor license renewals were approved without objection after the police chief indicated there were no issues with the listed renewals.
Under old business, the council approved fireworks sales license applications for Jake’s Fireworks and Richards Produce. During discussion of Jake’s Fireworks, staff said the tent had been moved to a safer location near the north end of the parking lot toward 7 Brew. Council members also discussed fireworks use inside city limits, noting that fireworks complaints are handled by on-duty officers and asking residents to be respectful of neighbors, veterans, pets, and cleanup.
The meeting ended with council reports covering fireworks safety, a batting cage at Sunset Park, board and commission transparency, road safety, Gamel Cemetery Road traffic concerns, e-bikes, and the city’s annual independent audit process.
While the council completed several routine business items, the meeting again made clear that the data center, recall petitions, transparency questions, and Ward Two vacancy remain unresolved political pressure points in Festus.
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