Aldermen pass controversial firefighters pension change; spy plane bill dies
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO)
Feb. 6 ST. LOUIS
The Board of Aldermen on Friday gave final approval to legislation giving a firefighter-controlled board supervision of all city fire pensions over the objections of two key city financial officials.
Aldermen passed the bill, 19-3, despite warnings from Comptroller
Darlene Green and Budget Director
Paul Payne that the measure reverses some of the reforms passed in 2012 that put a check on the city s pension liabilities.
The issue, backed by the politically influential firefighters union, now goes to Mayor
Lyda Krewson, who has yet to take a position on it.
County Leadership Opposes Air Surveillance in St. Louis, Mo.
As St. Louis lawmakers consider authorizing a controversial aerial surveillance program in the city, the St. Louis County Council is telling city officials they don t want any of those planes spying on the county. by Nassim Benchaabane, St. Louis Post-Dispatch / February 4, 2021 Shutterstock/enzozo
(TNS) As St. Louis, Mo., lawmakers consider authorizing a controversial aerial surveillance program in the city, the
St. Louis County Council is telling city officials they don t want any of those planes spying on the county.
The council on Tuesday voted 6-1 for a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman
St. Louis, Mo., Officials Narrowly Endorse Aerial Surveillance
A controversial aerial surveillance proposal aimed at curbing violent crime narrowly received approval from the city’s alderman last week. Opponents called the program an invasion of privacy. by Mark Schlinkmann, St. Louis Post-Dispatch / January 25, 2021 St. Louis Shutterstock/Carlos E. Santa Maria
(TNS) By the narrowest of margins, the Board of Aldermen on Friday endorsed a potential aerial surveillance program aimed at helping police investigate the city s soaring violent crime problem.
The board voted 15-14 to give preliminary approval to the measure. It would direct Mayor Lyda Krewson or her successor to contract with an Ohio-based company proposing to fly airplanes up to 18 hours a day over the city.
Limits Placed on St. Louis, Mo., Aerial Surveillance Proposal
A proposal that would allow a privately funded company to provide the city with aerial surveillance services was adjusted at the request of Mayor Lyda Krewson, signalling a possible willingness to sign the bill. by Mark Schlinkmann, St. Louis Post-Dispatch / January 19, 2021 Shutterstock/Paul Brady Photography
(TNS) The sponsor of an aerial surveillance proposal at the Board of Aldermen says he s making changes at Mayor Lyda Krewson s request and hopes that indicates she ll sign his bill if it is passed.
Alderman Tom Oldenburg, D-16th Ward, said Monday that the mayor is adamant that the Ohio company flying the video-taking aircraft up to 18 hours daily wouldn t get direct access to existing street cameras owned by the city and neighborhood groups.