July 2016 General Meeting Minutes
June 2016 SRG General Meeting Minutes
Date: July 6, 2016
Location: Sts. Peter and Paul Church Parish Hall
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by SRG President Bill Clendenin.
Members in attendance: Beth Bennett, Bill Clendenin, Luann Denten, Venessa Kobrin, Scott Plackemeier, Neil Putz, Christopher Schwarz, Wade Weistreich
Alderman present: Ken Ortmann, 9th Ward
Guests: Marty Murray, Dana Franks and Patrick Hamacher
Members absent: Jackie Parker, Gary Toribio, Mike Ziemann
April and May Minutes were tabled for approval at the meeting in August.
Police Report (Scott Plackemeier)
Officer Brian Min was unable to attend the meeting this evening. A general safety update was provided by Scott Plackemeier. The detailed report will be provided at the August meeting.
New business
The Soulard Concert series picks back up on July 9 with the Jeremiah Johnson Band at the Soulard Market stage. The concert runs from 6-9 p.m.
Legion Report (Bill Wirtel)
On June 11, Auxiliary Unit 422 kicked off the Soulard Concert Series selling beverages and raffle tickets.
On Flag Day, June 14, Post 422 disposed of torn and tattered flags with ceremonial burning and burial. The fire department provided a permit for burning. The 3rd Friday Family Happy Hour took place on June 17 with 4th City Rag providing the music. On Friday, June 24, the City Board of Election representatives visited BKZ to inspect the number of available electrical outlets in anticipation of additional voting machines for the Aug. 2 election.
Three funerals were observed at Jefferson Barracks with an Honor Guard composed of three riflemen and bugler playing Taps:
Ray Schneider, 44 year member and Navy radar man in WWII, was buried Monday, June 27.
Bill Mitchell, a Korean War Army veteran, was also buried on June 27.
Bob Soaib, a Korean War Marine Corp veteran, was buried on June 28.
On Saturday, July 2, veterans of Legion Post 322 distributed American flags at the Soulard Market in celebration of America’s 240th birthday.
Please take a few moments to stop by the Legion and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Joe and Luann Denten have planted climbing plants in the large planters in front of the chain link fence and the plants are spreading and blooming gorgeously. A big thank you to the Dentens as well as those who generously take time to water and care for the Legion grounds.
SBA (Dan Shields)
No report given.
MGI (Billy Tomber)
Request for MGF grants to be released next week with the applications due the first week of August.
Committee Reports
Bill Clendenin thanked Alicia Stellhorn for all the work that she has put into the budget for the last two years and recognized her work as the outgoing treasurer.
Beautification (Richard Eaton)
MaryBeth Wallace was the chair of the fundraiser at Molly’s and the Beautification committee thanks her for all the handwork that was invested in the hugely successful Beautification Committee fundraiser. The Beautification Committee thanks all those who took part in and invested time, money and energy into the Garden Tour. The Soulard Art in the Garden Tour was a huge success. MaryBeth Wallace, E.M. Harris Construction, Anne McDonnell, Precision Engraving and Riley’s Florist were all thanked for their generous sponsorships of the event. More than 150 people came through the tour and the tour raised around $1,500. There is also the Art Auction. Amy Grove is taking over as the chair of the event and is ready to serve as the chair of an event that will continue for a long time.
Amy thanked Luann, and as the representative of the committee, offers thanks for all the years of service that Luann gave to the Garden Tour. Luann was gifted a garden bench to add to the enjoyment of her own beautiful garden at her home.
Communication (Jeremy Mehrle)
No report given.
Code and Zoning (Jay Gibbs)
The apartment complex at 1400 Russell was asked to conduct a traffic study for the proposed development. They have hired a traffic study which takes a few weeks. Additional information on this project is anticipated by the next general meeting.
The 7th and Victor development, the Victor Iron Works projects, has passed each of the various requests for variances and exceptions. There are still some dangling details on the design.
Concerns were raised regarding Henry’s outdoor space and whether or not it is conforming to the required standards. Jay Gibbs reminded those present that concerns and complaints need to be directed to the Citizen’s Service Board Hotline as this is the mechanism for change in regard to these issues. The phone number is 314-622-4800.
Paul Kjorlie raised concerns about the BP Station and the lack of following the design that was actually approved. Gibbs recommended that Kjorlie follow-up with his various contacts at the city level.
Fundraising (Rick Dungey)
Rick Dungey reported that the next large scale fundraiser is Oktoberfest, though dates have yet to be released for the event.
Membership (Jill Weissberger)
The two membership events for July are the following:
1. A tour of the Fabulous Fox on July 23rd. This event is new and was arranged by Veronica Putz.
2. The Gateway Grizzlies game on July 30.
All questions regarding membership events and potential events can be directed to membership@soulard.org.
Residential Promotion (Luann Denten)
Thank you to everyone who helped and continue to help with residential events.
Residential Promotion is contributing to the very busy month of July. The Bastille Days celebration will take place as follows:
Marie’s Last Dance at the South Broadway Athletic Club which includes a fashion show, cake eating contest and dance party. This event continues the following day with the Gathering of the Mob and beheading of the king and queen at Pontiac Park.
Safety
National Night Out is Tuesday Aug. 2.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made by Michael Pastore, seconded by Julie Dinkelmann and the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.