Rolling Hills Lane Gets a Fire Hydrant, Ladue Council Gets off Easy

Often, the Ladue City Council deals with big picture issues. They may be faced with discussions about new sidewalks; commercial development or even plans to build new fire houses.

This month’s monthly meeting Monday was far more mundane. The council approved a new fire hydrant and the purchase of a new police patrol car. In fact, the meeting lasted just 40 minutes, and much of that time was spent in discussion of eradication of honey suckle at the entrance to Mary Hill Lane.

Next month’s meeting (August 20) promises to be weightier. If there is a nod on federal grants, sidewalks will be rediscussed along with another look at the fire house plans including cost estimates.

The council approved by voice vote 5-0 the installation of a new fire hydrant for the three homes on Rolling Hills Lane behind the Litzsinger School. Councilman Walter Stern was absent from the meeting.

At the same meeting, the council approved 5-0 the ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with the St. Louis County Emergency Communications Commission to replace police and fire radios with a new regional system.

Police Chief Rich Wooten explained how the new radio system would help local fire and police departments to communicate better and more accurately. This is all paid for and provided by the voters approval of the E-911 bond issue that voted on sometime back. 

Wooten also reported on the stepped up of late night patrols in the neighborhoods to cut down on petty crimes.

He outlined how Olivette and Ladue police officers worked together to arrest several individuals who were attempting to rob cars in the local neighborhoods of Chevy Chase and La Hacienda.

The council approved the purchase of a new squad car from Lou Fusz Chrysler with a final trade in difference of $14,597.00. The department traded in a 2009 model, helping to keep the fleet current.

At the same time, the council approved a two-year contract with the Omega Group for crime mapping services at an annual cost of $1,200.00. The chief pointed out this website provided for the residents would be free of any popup advertising and that the Omega Group does not sell any names or give out an email addresses of its customers.

Fire Chief Eric Hinson reported that Assistant Chief Jeff Johnson had passed the test and was now an approved state fire inspector.

Public Works Director Dennis Bible said he had nothing new to report. To that, Councilman John Fox said “Dennis, best report of the evening.”