Crestwood Board of Aldermen Approve New Aquatic Center Rates, Deny 24-Hour Fitness Club

Tuesday’s Crestwood Board of Aldermen meeting kicked off with a resolution calling for the election of five aldermen on April 3, 2012. The resolution passed unanimously, and candidates may file for an office and have their names printed on the ballot by filing with the city clerk or her designee. Candidates may file beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 and no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The board aimed to keep Community Center and Aquatic Center fees in Crestwood competitive with neighboring Sunset Hills’ current rates. There was a motion on the floor that the non-resident family rate price should be lowered from $400 to $350, and that non-resident Aquatic Center passes will now be able to be purchased anytime throughout the year and they will be good 365 days from date of purchase. The motion did not pass, and is tabled for a later date.

“If we keep our rates at a lower rate than our competition and we provide excellent service, I think we’ll have better volume,” Alderman Deborah Beasley said. 

Temporary no parking signs have been installed on the west side of Sappington Road directly in front of Long School. Vehicles that are parked on this side restrict the sight of motorists entering and exiting the school parking lot. The parking restriction was passed unanimously by the board.

Anytime Fitness representatives were back to try to gain an ordinance for a conditional use permit for the construction and operation of a health and fitness facility at 343 Watson Plaza. Several audience members came forward, citing safety concerns of a 24-hour facility. Night hours would not be staffed, and tanning beds also would be in use during unstaffed hours. Crestwood business owners came forward, arguing the point of themselves being restricted to 10 p.m. closing hours previously by the board.

The representatives of Anytime Fitness argued that this patented formula for the facility has worked for hundreds of franchises across the nation, however the motion for the conditional use permit did not pass.

Lastly, an ordinance approving the compensation and other employment terms, also waiving the residency requirement for City Administrator Petree Eastman, was on the new business agenda. It passed unanimously. James Eckrich was commended by Mayor Jeff Schlink for his service in the dual role of director of public services and acting city administrator. Eckrich received a standing ovation.

The next Crestwood Board of Aldermen meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Editor's Note: Look for a Q&A next week with new Crestwood City Administrator Petree Eastman.