Herculaneum Welcomes New Alderman as Police Secure Firearms Training Facility

HERCULANEUM — Herculaneum welcomed a new member of city government and addressed a growing training challenge for local law enforcement during the Board of Aldermen meeting Monday, July 20.

Sam Shelton was formally appointed and sworn in as the new alderman representing Ward 1. Shelton took the oath of office at the beginning of the meeting before joining the board for its remaining votes and discussions.

City leaders closed the meeting by thanking Shelton for agreeing to serve and welcoming the perspective he will bring to the board.

Aldermen also approved business licenses for three businesses planning to operate in the city.

A&B Detail STL received approval for an automotive detailing business that will operate from a customized home garage. The owner told the board that the business began as a mobile detailing service in 2021 and now has a home base equipped with secured chemicals, cameras, locked doors, and a water-softening system.

The board also approved a license for Kizuna Japanese Cuisine, which plans to open on Scenic Drive in the former hibachi restaurant location. The restaurant is expected to serve sushi, hibachi, ramen, and other Japanese dishes.

A license was also approved for CDHC Barber Academy. Representatives described the business as a barber trade school that will train students seeking professional barber licenses in Missouri. The academy plans to operate from two units on Scenic Drive.

The board also filled several positions on the city’s Board of Adjustments. Jim Matzker and Dawn Warner were reappointed to the board, while Rex A. Wright II and Jason Brice were appointed to serve.

Police Department Finds New Training Range

During departmental reports, Herculaneum police officials announced that the department had entered into an agreement with the Arnold Rifle and Pistol Club for firearms training and qualifications.

The facility was previously known as the Arnold Gun Club and is still commonly referred to by that name by many area residents and law enforcement officers.

The arrangement comes as law enforcement agencies across Jefferson County face fewer options for completing required firearms training.

According to the department’s report, a range in the De Soto area stopped allowing local law enforcement agencies to conduct qualifications following noise complaints from neighboring residents. The loss of that location created another obstacle for departments that must regularly train and qualify their officers.

Herculaneum officers will now use the Arnold Rifle and Pistol Club, which the department described as having a well-maintained facility capable of meeting its training needs.

Police officials told the board that officers must complete firearms qualification or training at least once each year. Finding an available range can become difficult when multiple departments are seeking access to a limited number of facilities.

The issue also carries practical consequences for smaller departments. When officers must travel farther for required training, departments can face additional fuel costs, scheduling problems, and time away from regular patrol duties.

The agreement gives Herculaneum a more dependable location for its officers while the broader shortage of suitable law enforcement training facilities continues to affect departments throughout the county.

In other business, the board approved updated building and electrical codes, moved forward with improvements to the city’s website and meeting-record system, and discussed changing auditing firms to reduce costs and improve service.

Aldermen also approved the purchase of a used bucket truck from the special road district for $10,000. Officials said a comparable new truck could cost approximately $170,000.

The board tabled the proposed purchase of a new GMC Sierra for the sewer department while city officials seek additional bids and attempt to secure a better price.

Public works officials also reported progress on playground improvements, a reading trail, street projects, and preparations for Herculaneum’s Aug. 8 water parade.