Kimmswick Finalizes Festival Details, Welcomes New Business Activity
The Kimmswick Board of Aldermen covered a wide range of city business during its May meeting, with discussion centered on preparing for the city’s busy festival season, supporting new business activity, and addressing public safety concerns as more residents and visitors move through town.
With the Strawberry Festival approaching, aldermen discussed several of the final logistical pieces needed to support one of Kimmswick’s largest annual events. The board reviewed festival-related services, including waste management and portable restroom arrangements, while noting that some event costs continue to rise.
Officials discussed increases in delivery and pickup fees for portable restrooms, as well as the continued need for reliable waste service during the festival. While the rising costs were a point of concern, the board acknowledged that the services are necessary for an event that brings large crowds into the city.
The meeting also included discussion of new food-related businesses coming into Kimmswick. Two barbecue business proposals were brought before the board.
One proposal involved reopening Smokey Robinson's location as a hub for barbecue and street-food-style service, with the operator explaining that the business would not be a full restaurant at this time but would operate from the deck area when open. The applicant said he planned to work with the health department and meet necessary requirements before moving forward with permits.
A second barbecue operator, Missouri Pit Fire, also appeared before the board. That business is expected to operate on a more limited schedule, with the owner explaining that the team travels for barbecue competitions and would likely sell in Kimmswick on select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Board members discussed the importance of making sure food-related businesses have the proper approvals from the health department, fire department, and other agencies before final city licenses are issued. The conversation reflected both excitement about new business activity and the city’s need to make sure requirements are followed.
The arrival of two barbecue-related business proposals also brought a lighter moment to the meeting. After aldermen heard from both operators, one attendee joked that Kimmswick had gone from “zero barbecue to two barbecue real quick.” Another added that the city might have to “change Mill Street into barbecue street,” reflecting the enthusiasm around the new food activity coming into town.
The board also discussed changing the city’s insurance representative. City officials said the change would keep the city with the same insurance company in some areas, but would move representation to a new agent who they believe will provide more direct service and better support.
The new representative told aldermen he wanted to work more closely with the city on festival and vendor-related insurance issues. He said one area of focus would be reviewing certificates of insurance to make sure vendors are carrying the proper coverage and naming Kimmswick as an additional insured when needed.
He also discussed the need to review liability questions connected to festivals, vendors, volunteers, and city-related events. In particular, he said volunteers are an important area to review because Kimmswick relies heavily on volunteer help during festivals and community events.
Traffic safety was another area of discussion, especially with large events bringing more pedestrians, vehicles, vendors, and families into town. Officials discussed concerns about speeding, stop sign violations, and how best to keep residents and visitors safe.
The city reviewed the possibility of updating or clarifying traffic ordinances so officers can issue citations when needed.
The city attorney indicated he would review the city’s code and work on a more formal traffic ordinance for the board to consider at a future meeting.
Also briefly discussed was a possible farmers market concept, including whether such an event would be city-operated or privately hosted. While there appeared to be interest in the idea, officials noted that the city is currently focused on the Strawberry Festival and that questions about location, insurance, vendors, parking, licensing, and event responsibility would need more time.
The board agreed to revisit the farmers market discussion later, after the Strawberry Festival and after more details can be worked through.
Other meeting items included approval of a mosquito treatment agreement, discussion of park use by Windsor Elementary, and continued conversation about city infrastructure projects.
Overall, the meeting reflected a city preparing for one of its busiest seasons while also trying to balance growth, public safety, insurance protection, and the practical demands that come with hosting major events in a small historic community.