September 2016 General Meeting Minutes
Minutes September 2016 SRG General Meeting
Date: Sept. 7, 2016
Location: Sts. Peter and Paul Church Parish Hall
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President-Elect Wade Weistreich
Officers and directors in attendance: Beth Bennett, Venessa Kobrin, Jackie Parker, Scott Plackemeier, Christopher Schwarz, Gary Toribio, Wade Weistreich, Mike Ziemann
Officers and directors absent: Bill Clendenin, Luann Denten, Neil Putz
Alderman Present: Ken Ortmann
Guests: Marty Joe Murray Jr., 7th Ward Committeeman
Guest Announcements
Marty Joe Murray Jr., 7th Ward Committeeman: A special election for the 78th Legislative District to be held Sept. 16 between Bruce Franks and Penny Hubbard.
Board and General Meeting Minutes
Board and General Meeting minutes were available for review. Craig Markham motioned to approve the minutes and Richard Eaton seconded. The minutes were approved.
Police Report (Officer Min)
August: 2 assaults, 6 stolen autos (1 motorcycle) 3 burglaries (1 was a family friend), 2 robberies (all involving entering/exiting a vehicle), 36 larcenies (28 were car break-ins), 10 property damage incidents (6 vehicle related), 3 separate reports involving heroin overdoses, 2 arrests for disturbing the peace, several summonses issued for officers to address issues in Soulard.
Officer Brian Min reminded attendees to be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting vehicles.
September (to date): 1 robbery, 6 larcenies (4 vehicle break-ins), 1 disturbance. Of total incidents in September, two were related to the Social House (1 robbery and 1 disturbance).
New business - No new business.
Parlour Tour (Billy Tomber)
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED DURING THE MEETING IS REFLECTED BELOW BUT IS INCORRECT. THE INFORMATIONAL PARLOUR TOUR MEETING IS INVITATION ONLY.
If you would like to open your home for the 2016 Parlour Tour, please contact tour@soulard.org Stated, but incorrect, information presented at the meeting: The Parlour Tour will be held Dec. 3-4. An informational meeting will be taking place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at Molly’s.
Legion Report (Bill Wirtel)
The Happy Hour for September is canceled due to the special election taking place on Friday, Sept. 16, the Legion serves as a polling place. The October Happy Hour, Friday, Oct. 21, will be held as usual. The post installation of officers will take place at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14.
SBA (Ted Greenfield)
Founder’s Day was a success, especially for a first year event. The collaboration between the SBA and the Soulard Market was wonderful. We are looking forward to continuing this event in the coming years.
The Hispanic Festival is taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-25, at the Soulard Market.
The SBA will be hosting Oktoberfest at Soulard Market, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22. The event will be family friendly and will be held as Soulard Market Park. The vendors will be parking on Broadway, which should relieve any parking concerns related to the event. The event will be promoted over the next two weeks.
MGI (Gary Toribio)
MGI is assisting SBA with the Oktoberfest at Soulard Market, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22. MGI is working to roll-out events leading up to and including Mardi Gras.
Committee Reports
Beautification (Richard Eaton)
The Terra Madonna statue was placed in Pontiac Square Park and is a wonderful addition. The sculpture was a gift to the neighborhood. The costs to the neighborhood were the footings, transportation of the stature to the park and required permits. Landscaping will be completed around the statue and a celebratory event will be held for the neighborhood in October. Details to follow.
The “Art in the Garden” art auction will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Soulard Station, 1911 S. 12th St.
This event is the culmination of the Art in the Garden Tour. Each of the tour gardens hosted an artist, who created an original piece of art within the garden. Each of the pieces is unique and influenced not only be the garden in which it was created but also by the neighbors and friends who enjoyed the gardens through the day. The art auction is your opportunity to own one of these beautiful pieces while supporting the SRG’s Beautification Committee
Communication (Jackie Parker) - No report given.
Code and Zoning (Jay Gibbs)
The Plan Review Team (PRT) approved the plans for the South 13th Street and Russell Boulevard Development, an open house was held and following the open house the SRG Board issued a letter of support for the project. The design itself has been accepted by the city and the project will move forward. The single family residence, a portion of the original streetscape, on Dolman and Ann will not be torn down.
Paul Kjorlie made a point of thanking Jay Gibbs for all the time, handwork and attention that he has given to this endeavor and ensuring the project was a good fit for the neighborhood.
A question was again raised regarding the fence at Henry’s. It was relayed that Henry’s has been cited by the city. The city has not yet asked SRG for input on the fence or other ongoing issues at this time. Numerous complaints and reports have been made and the city is aware and appears to be taking action.
The proposed new construction on South 7th Street between Barton and Victor streets has verbally indicated revisions. These revisions have not been seen in paper format at this time. The height of the building, amount of parking and parking garage are the elements with changes indicated. If and when any revisions are submitted, the PRT will review them and offer opinion, an open house will be held and letter of support sought by the Board.
Questions regarding codes, code enforcement and the consequences for not adhering to code were raised.
A hearing on the Huckleberry Finn Youth Hostel, 1908 S. 12th St., is taking place next week. There are not details available at this time. A questioned was raised regarding the condition of said property and the current usage of the building (hostel versus boarding house). Details will be reported on as they become available.
Fundraising (Rick Dungey)
Soulard Oktoberfest, which for years has been run by John McKinstry, has been canceled for 2016. This has, historically, been a large fundraiser for the SRG. Questions have been raised regarding replacing the lost revenue. Several smaller fundraising opportunities have been raised and need volunteer participation.
1. Que-In-The-Lou is Sept. 23-25 and we are looking for volunteers to run a beer booth which requires 10-15 volunteers per shift.
2. The new SBA-run Oktoberfest at Soulard Market is Oct. 21-22 and we are looking for volunteers to run a beer booth.
3. The Christmas wreaths will return as a Soulard fundraiser.
Pricing is as follows:
24 inch plain: $22
24 inch decorated: $24
28 inch plain: $28
28 inch decorated: $30
You can order your wreath online at soulard.org under upcoming events and click on the wreath!
You can buy more than one. You do not need to live in Soulard to order one but you will need to come into Soulard to pick it up. If you are not in town on the designated pick-up date you can arrange logistics with Rick Dungey. If you do not want to purchase online and you want to write a check, you will need to submit it prior to the order date of Oct. 15.
The goal is to raise at least $1,500.
All questions regarding fundraising, as well as inquiries for fundraising participation, can be made to fundraising@soulard.org
Membership (Jill Weissgerber)
The committee chair position is still open and we need a volunteer to fill the position! This is a great committee to be involved in. If you have any questions regarding the position, feel free to contact Jill!
All questions regarding membership events and potential events can be directed to membership@soulard.org
Residential Promotion (Venessa Kobrin)
Halloween Festivities will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at B-K-Z American Legion, 2601 S. 11th St. Festivities will include the Decorated Gold Cart parade and costume contest and the kid-friendly agenda will culmination with Trunk-or-Treat. Adults are welcome to participate in the costumed pub crawl once the Trunk-or-Treat concludes. More information to follow.
Santa Comes to Soulard has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Soulard Station, 1911 S. 12th St. More information to follow.
Soulard’s Vices and Virtues Mardi Gras Ball will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the South Broadway Athletic Club, 2301 S. 7th St. More information to follow.
Safety (Scott Plackemeier)
The semi-annual safety walk will take place next month after the general membership meeting.
Adjournment - Motion to adjourn made by Julie Dinklemann and seconded by Richard Eaton, the meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.