Jefferson County Council Advances Development, Road Repair and Budget Measures
Council members also approved board appointments, discussed housing growth and moved proposed attendance fees forward.
By The Jefferson Review Team
The Jefferson County Council advanced several development, infrastructure and budget measures during its Monday, July 13, meeting, including a revised development plan for WOW Entertainment and an agreement allowing limited street repairs in the Valley Oaks subdivision.
All seven council members were present for the meeting.
One of the evening’s most closely discussed items was Bill 26-07179, which would approve a revised development plan for WOW Entertainment in Council District 2.
Councilman Bob Tullock questioned whether issues raised during the Planning and Zoning Commission’s review had been resolved. Councilman Tim Brown also asked whether requirements from the property’s original development plan, including fencing and other unfinished improvements, had been completed.
Councilman Billy Crow said he had discussed the proposal with county planning staff and understood that the revised plan returned the project to what had originally been approved by the county’s planning department. County staff confirmed that the bill reflected the recommendations contained in the staff report.
The council advanced the bill to perfection by a vote of 6-0, coucilman Charles Groeteke. Moving a bill to perfection allows it to proceed through the council’s legislative process but does not constitute final passage.
The council unanimously advanced a separate measure authorizing Jefferson County to enter into a right-of-entry agreement with the Valley Oaks Subdivision Association. The agreement would allow the county to perform limited street repairs within the subdivision in Council District 4.
Two budget amendments also moved forward without opposition.
One would recognize additional revenue and appropriate it to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for drug incineration. The other would provide additional funding to the county’s juvenile office for a multidisciplinary training program.
Council members also unanimously advanced the county’s periodic ordinance governing the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests by certain county officials.
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Subscribe to The Jefferson ReviewAttendance Fees Proposed for County Boards
Two proposals establishing attendance fees for members of county boards also advanced to the next stage of consideration.
The first would create an attendance fee for members of the Jefferson County Board of Parks Commissioners. The second would establish an attendance fee for members of the county’s Code Commission. Each bill advanced by a vote of 6-1, with Charles Groeteke being the only no vote.
During public comment, resident Alan Leaderbrand said he was not necessarily opposed to the fees but wanted more information about their expected cost and which county department budgets would fund them.
Brown later asked that the funding question be addressed on the record. County officials confirmed that money had been included in the 2026 budget in anticipation of the proposals.
Public Safety Appointment Approved
The council unanimously approved several appointments and reappointments to county boards, including positions on the Board of Equalization and the Jefferson County Community Mental Health Fund Board.
Council members also approved Rock Community Fire Protection District Chief Kevin Wingbermuehle’s appointment to the Jefferson County Public Safety Commission. The commission works with the county’s Office of Emergency Management on emergency planning and coordination.
Councilman Crow praised Wingbermuehle before the vote.
“In the short time I’ve been on the council, I’ve had wonderful interactions with Chief Wingbermuehle,” Crow said. “I think he is one of the finest this county has to offer.”
Housing and Future Growth
During council member reports, Councilman Brian Haskins raised concerns about the limited number of major homebuilders currently working in Jefferson County.
Haskins said a recent St. Louis Business Journal list of 14 major regional homebuilders showed only two operating in Jefferson County. He contrasted that with previous decades, when more large builders were active locally.
Haskins said attracting additional residential development could help provide affordable housing opportunities and make it easier for young adults who grew up in Jefferson County to remain in the community.
“We want to keep the next generation and have a place to live, affordable and a house,” Haskins said.
MoDOT Seeking Input on Highway 61-67
Councilman Charles Groeteke announced an upcoming Missouri Department of Transportation public meeting concerning traffic and safety improvements along U.S. Highway 61-67.
The open-house meeting will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Windsor High School, 949 Windsor Harbor Road in Imperial. There will be no formal presentation, and residents may attend at any point during the meeting.
MoDOT is studying possible traffic and safety improvements along Highway 61-67 from Route 231 to Route Z in addition to upcoming pavement work. Residents will be able to review information, speak with project representatives and provide feedback about conditions along the corridor.
Groeteke also updated the council on regional transportation planning and the East-West Gateway Council of Governments’ Bridge to Home pilot program, which is intended to help individuals and families experiencing housing instability connect with case management, rental assistance and other services.
County officials also reminded residents that local libraries, Salvation Army facilities and Jefferson County Health Department sites may provide places to cool off during periods of extreme summer heat.
The meeting concluded with the council voting unanimously to enter a closed session to discuss legal matters and confidential communications with county attorneys.
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