November 2014 Board Meeting Minutes

SRG Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 at Soulard Station

Meeting started at 6:59 p.m.

Members present: Nancy Kelly, Beth Bennett, Sean Cochran, Luann Denten, Jackie Parker, Steve Parker, Jill Weissgerber, Mike Ziemann.

Members absent: Jeremy Mehrle, Michael Pastore, Alicia Stellhorn

Guest: Lisa Otke of the Soulard Special Business District.

Lisa Otke noted that a direct phone call had been placed by Board members to GCI Security the day of the Pontiac Park fence installation (Saturday Nov. 1.) She said that people, including Board members, shouldn’t contact GCI directly. Several Board members said the situation had been somewhat urgent, with fence panels left on the ground overnight where they might be susceptible to theft. Nonetheless, Otke said, the call should have been placed to her or one of the other taxing district commissioners – Jack Coatar, Sue Ames, Mary Bander, Lynn Suydam and Cathy Weldon. (Note: The fence was officially installed on Nov. 2.)

Treasurer’s Report: The report that would have been submitted at the Nov. 5 General Meeting was submitted and approved.

Old Business:

Updates by Nancy Kelly:

She agreed that the cabstand situation as described by Mike Ziemann at the October Board meeting was an accurate depiction. She has been unable to contact Ron Klein to discuss.

Homes currently on the Parlour Tour were identified and Board members were urged to volunteer.

(This led to a general discussion about the planning of this year’s Parlour Tour. Jackie Parker suggested that more communication takes place between the Parlour Tour Committee and the SRG Board and SRG general membership. Mike Ziemann said he thought that the request for volunteer signups had been late in going out. Nancy Kelly and Sean Cochran replied that the “science of signups” is inexact, and that what’s too early and what’s too late is difficult to determine.)

The Dec. 17 SRG Board Meeting will be held at Franco’s. The dinner meeting is for Board members only, not spouses or significant others.

New Business:

Luann Denten reported that 20 of 25 tables for the Jan. 31 Vices & Virtues ball had been sold. Mike Ziemann questioned the wisdom of “buying” a table for the SRG Board with Board monies, given that the event is likely to sell out. He questioned why we would have a zero-sum transaction, that would reduce overall event revenue.  Luann Denten said the event wouldn’t be advertised until after Thanksgiving. (Note: Since the meeting, the event has sold out.)

Competitive runs in Soulard:

Nancy Kelly said she had not heard back from Ann Chance, the city’s Director of Special Events, on the matter.  Jill Weissgerber relayed reports that police officers had been “unkind” at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Nancy Kelly wondered if we should have a subcommittee look at the issue of runs in the neighborhood. Jill Weissgerber said that anyone who applies for race permits should have to notify the Board at that time of any street closures involved. It was suggested that we might have greater success in discussing the matter with Ann Chance’s assistant. Luann Denten suggested we talk with Billy Tomber and Rick Dungey to learn more about the running and biking companies that hold events in Soulard. We could then have the companies meet with the Board to let them know we want information and want input on runs. Such events are welcome, she said, but must benefit the neighborhood.  Sean Cochran wondered why we have a strong role in the Tap ‘N’ Run, and Jackie Parker noted that we supply the liquor license. She added that Billy Tomber’s relationship with Big River Running gives us added voice with their events. We again discussed the need for advance notice about street closures and no parking zones. Steve Parker asked if we should have a Board subcommittee with Tomber and Dungey among the members. Luann Denten suggested we first repeat our efforts with Ann Chance. Jackie Parker said she would send a letter to GO! about the Halloween race that went through the neighborhood without advance notice. She said the matter overall was one the Fundraising Committee would handle.

Mardi Gras Parade Route

The MGI Board held a special meeting regarding a proposal that the route of the Mardi Gras Parade be changed so that it goes by Ballpark Village. They voted to keep the 2015 route the same as it has been in recent years. Tim Lorson and Mack Bradley will come to the Dec. 3 SRG General Membership Meeting. It was noted that neither is a member of SRG.  Beth Bennett said that MGI uses the liquor license at other Mardi Gras events. Jackie Parker says we can get more information on MGI finances through the service Guidestar. Nancy Kelly said the MGI Board is scheduled to meet Dec. 4. Sean Cochran urged that we give Lorson and Bradley a heads-up that there will be many questions at the Dec. 3 SRG General Membership Meeting.

Committee Reports:

Fundraising: Smarty Gras is Jan. 17 at the Franklin Room. The Renaissance will be delivered the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. The next edition will be the Mardi Gras edition. The Blaster has strong viewership numbers, and now links to the SRG Meeting minutes.

Code and Zoning:

AT&T still says the Star’s explosion was not their fault.

Safety Committee:

Committee has three new members and attributes the increase to increased awareness brought about by NextDoor Soulard. David Simmons will work with Bill Clendenin and Christina Coleman on surveillance cameras.

Residential Promotion:

Afghan is being produced and will sell for less than $50.

Five quotes have been received on the entry marker project. Vote on them may come at January Board Meeting. Mardi Gras Foundation wants input.

First order for Soulard-themed merchandise is in. Hopefully, it will be available for purchase at the Parlour Tour. Nancy Kelly suggested the Blaster have a link for buying Soulard merchandise.

Vices & Virtues ball will have a costume contest. Five tables will be broken down after dinner to make room for dancing.

Beautification:

Pontiac Park panels are done.

Eight trees were planted today at the small park at Gravois and 13th.

Board members were encouraged to follow the Beautification Committee on Facebook.

Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.