Seat Belt Law Voted Down By Aldermen

Seat belt laws in won’t be changing.

The Missouri Department of Highway Transportation asked the city to consider making seatbelt laws a primary violation. Currently a driver can’t be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt—the driver can only be reprimanded if the traffic stop is for another reason, like speeding. State legislation hasn’t moved forward to make seatbelt use a primary violation, so cities are being asked to alter their own laws.

New Melle is the only city in St. Charles County to change the seatbelt laws and, after Thursday, the number won’t change. The Board of Aldermen turned down a proposal during Thursday’s work session to modify seat belt laws in the city.

Aldermen Tommy Roberts (Ward 3), Jerry Hollingsworth (Ward 3), Rocky Reitmeyer (Ward 1) Gus Elliott (Ward 3) and Don Aytes (Ward 4) voted against the proposed change in the Work Session and killing the potential city code change. Patrick Barclay (Ward 4) Judy Bateman (Ward 2) and Tommy Roberts (Ward 1) were in favor of the change.

Board President Roberts wondered during the discussion how difficult it would be to enforce. Unlike with speeding where there would be certain documentation, a seat belt violation would be the officer’s word against the defendant. Police Chief Tom Bishop said it would be like any other case where the police would have to testify and the courts would have to decide.

In the end, the city won’t have to worry about how the police will enforce the measure after the defeat in the work session.

Two Officers Join Police Department

the welcomed a new officer to the team, but the city was still a few officers short of a full staff. With the addition of two new officers on Thursday night, the police department is now operating at full capacity.

Officers Eddie G. Harris II and Christopher E. Mueller were sworn in as the newest members of the St. Peters Police Department. Chief Bishop said the city performed an exhaustive search and background check before finally hiring Harris and Mueller.

“Iit’s very difficult to get hired to this city,” Bishop said. “… We’re as thorough as we can be. (We look for) a quality individual with a good family.”

Harris is a four-year veteran of law enforcement while Mueller has five years of experience. Both graduated from the

“On behalf of the entire city, thank you very much,” Mayor Len Pagano said. “We’re proud to have you on board.”

Other Notes

• The city recognized State Senator Tom Dempsey with a resolution. The Board was "expressing the gratitude of the City of St. Peters, Missouri, to State Senator Tom Dempsey for his untiring efforts in successfully gaining passage in the Missouri General Assembly of bills relieving the tax burden on the residents of the City and establishing a Water Line Insurance program."
• The first presentation of the 2011-12 budget was presented. For the fifth straight year, the city has a balanced budget.  The Board will vote on the budget at the Aug. 25 meeting.
• The Board approved a contract with Liberty Dock Company for the purchase and installation of a floating boat dock at 370 Lakeside Park.
• Progress is being made in the planning of the Celebrate St. Peters event. The three-day festival will feature barbecue, paddle boat races, live music, and fireworks per board approval. The event takes place Sept. 16 to Sept 18.
• All bills, besides the , were passed with a 7-0 vote.