Pigs, Flash Floods, Streets of St. Charles Plan all on Council Agenda

The St. Charles City Council is scheduled to discuss the Streets of St. Charles plan, potbellied pigs and the flash flood on Runnymede Drive on June 25 and June 26.

The city council's regular session will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers at city hall.

Members of the public can address city council members regarding Cullinan Properties' new plan for the Streets of St. Charles.

The original plan called for a set square footage for commercial and retail buildings and set the number of stories for each building.

The revised plan would allow developers to build a range of buildings of different stories and sizes to adjust to the changing market.

Vice President of Development for Cullinan Properties Robert Wetherald told the St. Charles Planning and Zoning Commission that a flexible plan makes more sense.

Planning and Zoning Commission members approved the plan with one condition: that the developer establish a set range of residential spaces they will build in the development.

The Streets of St. Charles development is on the former Noah’s Ark restaurant site.

Piggy back

There also will be a public hearing on a bill that would allow one potbellied pig in all residential zoning districts if approved by the city council for a conditional use permit.

In 2008, former Ward 10 City Councilman Erv Emeling attempted to pass a similar ordinance to allowing potbellied pigs in St. Charles, but the proposal was not brought to a vote.

Runnymede runneth over

During a 6:30 p.m. work session, council members will receive an update on the flash flooding along Runnymede Drive and nearby areas.

Several inches of rain inundated the area in just a few hours during storms June 25 and June 26. City officials said about 250 structures were affected by flash floods.

Some residents had several feet of water pour into their basements or main floors.

The city has a hotline for affected residents to call 636-255-6153 for information on cleanup.

Residents can set out debris at the curb for collection on July 12.

Levees, permit fees and H.A.M.'s

Other items on Tuesday's city council agenda include possible final votes on the following:

• Terminating a funding agreement with the Elm Point Levee Association
• Deleting an exemption for colleges and universities from paying permitting fees
• Authorizing a sidewalk café for H.A.M.’s Deli on Main Street

In addition, a new ordinance being introduced would abolish the Youth Advisory, Early Childhood Care Advisory, North 94 Redevelopment and Revitalization and St. Charles Wellness commissions.