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CITY OF OLIVETTE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
October 12, 2023
The City of Olivette Comprehensive Plan Update Advisory Committee hosted a meeting October 12,
2023, at 6:00 PM at the Olivette City Center, 1140 Dielman Road, Olivette, MO 63132. The meeting was
conducted both in person and via videoconferencing on Zoom.
1. ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following Consultants, Committee Members, and City Staff were present in person:
Consultants: Beth Quindry.
Committee Members: Rob Jurgiel, Carrol Waggoner, Rob Patershuk, Bryan Lewis, Annie Bocchetti,
Jim Persons, Stephanie Todd, Rick Knox, Eric Zegel, Robel Esayas (arrived later), and Kisha Lee
(arrived later).
City Staff: City Manager Jennifer Yackley, Director of Planning and Community Development Carlos
Trejo, and Senior Planner Dawn Doty.
Ms. Quindry opened the meeting by explaining that this is the final session of the Comprehensive
Plan Update Advisory Committee. She provided the Committee with information on the agenda,
survey results, and update strategies. Ms. Quindry also discussed the meeting's purpose, which
included finalizing comprehensive plan strategies, reviewing the plan adoption process, and
examining the survey results. She answered questions from Committee members about the meeting
and the plan. Information regarding the extension of the Comprehensive Plan process was also
provided.
Ms. Quindry then presented an update on the Comprehensive Plan Process Diagram and
encouraged all members to take the survey while it is still open. The chapters of the plan and the
structure of the goals were also reviewed.
2. CHAPTER/GOAL REVIEW
Chapter 1: Livable Built Environment
Ms. Quindry began with ‘Chapter 1: Livable Built Environment.’ She explained the survey results
related to Chapter 1. Vice Chair Waggoner expressed concerns about the definition of 'infill housing'
within Olivette, noting that the term is usually used for areas with a denser environment. In response,
Ms. Quindry clarified that it encompasses any redevelopment housing. Committee Member Todd
suggested that 'infill' might not have been adequately explained in the survey as 'redevelopment
housing.'
City Manager Yackley raised questions regarding the concept of infill housing, specifically whether it
includes homes with significant additions. She inquired if residents were concerned about additions or
just new homes. Ms. Quindry responded that it might relate to the scale of the homes, leading to a
discussion about the term 'McMansion.' 'Infill' was established as the professional and neutral term.
Ms. Doty explained what the survey conveyed about 'infill' housing.
The Committee reviewed the strategies associated with ‘Goal A: Encourage high-quality housing that
is diverse in terms of type and price.’ Ms. Quindry also clarified that the document provided to the
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Committee contained draft ideas for the actions corresponding to each strategy. She emphasized that
these were ideas, not concrete actions, intended to provide guidance to City Staff and Commissions.
The Committee engaged in a discussion about the strategies and their potential implementations,
considering that some might be more effective than others. These actions were seen as guiding
principles. Ms. Quindry conveyed that the actions would be presented in the plan as 'Ideas for
Implementation.' A discussion pertaining to the housing environment and its relation to Goal A took
place. Mr. Trejo acknowledged an error with the handouts and discussed their efforts to address
environmental concerns. The Committee received an updated handout from Ms. Doty.
Next was ‘Goal B: Provide a connected, safe, and equitable transportation network for all modes,
ages, and abilities.’ Survey results related to Goal B were presented. A discussion revolved around
the term 'accessibility' and the balance of traffic flow. An explanation of the 'resilient strategy' was
provided. The use of different wording was suggested, and it was noted that ADA falls under the
category of accessibility (strategy 1). Mr. Trejo clarified that the strategy is in place to improve user
and traffic safety.
Mr. Trejo shared information with Committee Member Todd regarding the intent and history of the
Olive Boulevard Conceptual Master Plan in relation to Strategy 2.
Next was ‘Goal C: Ensure reliable, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure.’ A discussion centered
around budgets and the balance of resources and funding. Ms. Bocchetti sought clarification on what
a stormwater master plan entails, and Ms. Quindry provided an explanation. Mr. Trejo detailed the
stormwater management process and its relationship to home redevelopments.
Next was ‘Goal D: Ensure high-quality city services and facilities for all residents and businesses.’ Ms.
Quindry highlighted the fantastic facilities in Olivette and discussed how to continue promoting them.
She clarified that this goal focuses on buildings, while parks are highlighted in a later chapter.
Chapter 2: Resilient and Equitable Economy
Next was ‘Chapter 2: Resilient and Equitable Economy,’ and ‘Goal E: Proactively lead economic
development and redevelopment to create a diverse and resilient economy.’ Ms. Quindry provided the
Committee with survey results related to this chapter. There is a desire for more entertainment, retail,
and restaurants. Consider scale and buffering in relation to commercial development. Committee
member Mr. Esayas asked about the parcel on Dielman and its private ownership. Ms. Quindry
provided details about the plot and its condition. A discussion about the business parks/centers took
place. Ms. Quindry made a note about creating a map highlighting core commercial areas. There was
a discussion about the types of commercial properties and communication with developers. Mr. Trejo
stressed the importance of being proactive and promoting Olivette.
Committee Member Lee asked, “How do we support the existing redevelopment of parcels we have
within the city?” Committee Member Patershuk responded by stating that the Economic Development
Commission is already working in that direction by collaborating with landlords, developers, and
assessing plans. There was a discussion about non-industrial businesses entering industrial parks
and their transformation into business parks. Information about the occupancy rate of these parks
was provided. The Committee agreed to possibly add an additional strategy regarding the balance of
diverse income within the industrial parks.
Chapter 3: Healthy Community
Next, the Committee moved on to Chapter 3 and reviewed ‘Goal F: Ensure Olivette is welcoming to
everyone and supports diversity among our residents, businesses, and visitors.’ A discussion ensued
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regarding public art and the need for clarification on strategy two (2). Points were raised about using
the word 'public' before art.
'Goal G: Promote public safety for all generations.' Ms. Quindry provided additional information to
address a typo, as Goals G and H were inadvertently identical. She clarified that Goal G pertains to
public safety, while Goal H concerns public health and recreation.
'Goal H: Promote healthy lifestyles for all generations.' Mr. Esayas provided an example of a
healthcare provider and explained the nature of their business.
Chapter 4: Harmony with Nature
Next, the Committee reviewed Chapter 4 and examined 'Goal I: Strengthen our environmental
sustainability to ensure resilience to future impacts and provide prosperity for future generations.' Ms.
Quindry provided information regarding the strategies and survey results. She also explained the
Smart Growth principles to the Committee, which led to a discussion on these principles.
A question arose about collaborating with neighboring municipalities and whether it needs to be
explicitly mentioned in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff clarified that it was already included within one
of the strategies.
Chapter 5: Future Land Us and Community Design
Next, the Committee shifted its focus to 'Goal J: Promote strategic redevelopment and growth that is
sustainable, responsible, and meets the needs of future generations.' A question arose about the term
'sustainable' and whether it refers to the environmental side or the economic side. Ms. Quindry
clarified that it encompasses both aspects, and the final plan will provide defined terms.
3. QUESTIONS AND GENERAL COMMENTS
Committee member Patershuk noted that private investment may need to be included in the plan,
leading to a discussion on private investment limitations and its correlation with zoning and impact.
The Committee also discussed the economic impact of various ordinances and how they might
support residents' investments in their livelihood.
4. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
Ms. Quindry presented the Committee with website visit statistics and shared additional information
about the small group outreach conducted by the staff. She also provided updates on previous
developer interviews and reported that there were 336 responses to the survey at the time.
Furthermore, Ms. Quindry offered insights into outreach strategies for target audiences and city
mailings. She informed the Committee about the next steps and the dates for the Comprehensive
Plan Process, mentioning that they would furnish the Committee with an updated draft reflecting the
discussed edits.
Ms. Quindry also explained the public comment process, outlining the release of the November 30th
Draft Plan Recommendations and a subsequent public comment period beginning after the first of the
year. The Committee engaged in a discussion about the possibility of meeting again as a group.
5. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN EXCITEMENT DISCUSSION
Ms. Quindry went around the room and asked each Committee member what they were most excited
about regarding the new Comprehensive Plan. Committee members expressed enthusiasm for
various aspects, including policy changes, housing affordability, sustainability strategies, the future of
Olivette, implementing a stormwater master plan, strategies related to public and private
developments, strengthening the sense of belonging, future technology use, environmental changes,
and more.
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6. ADJOURMENT
Ms. Quindry asked for any closing questions and comments. There were none. The meeting
adjourned at 8:48 PM.
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