November 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

Soulard Restoration Group, Inc.

NOVEMBER 2019 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Soulard Station, 1911 S 12th St

Time called to order: 7:10 p.m. 11/20/2019

(A quorum existed with 8 of 10 Board members present.)

              (Presence indicated by  ☑  -  Absence indicated by  ⦸)

SRG BOARD OFFICERS:

DIRECTORS / SRG BOARD MEMBERS

☑

Scott Plackemeier (Pres./ Mtg Chair)

☑

Taylor Bodine

⦸

Neil Putz (Vice Pres) 

⦸

John Durnell

☑

Jeff Roberts (Treasurer)

☑

Beth Hoops

☑

Gary Toribio (Secretary)

☑

Marilyn Morris

☑

Billy Tomber (Exec. Editor SRG Communications)

Arrived shortly after meeting called to order

☑

Dave Perry________________________ SPEAKERS/OTHER ATTENDEES:

⦸

⦸

Nancy Lambert

⦸

⦸

Michelle Northington

“Soulard Blaster weekly email newsletter” is referred to as the Blaster in these minutes.

1. Presentation on Mardi Gras Children’s Parade: Nancy Lambert and Michelle Northington

   1. Nancy & Michelle discussed their attached proposal for the expansion of the Mardi Gras Children’s Parade in conjunction with the MGI Family Winter Carnival (FWC) on January 11, 2019.

   2. They both have worked to widen the educational and artistic aspects of the FWC event through strategic partnerships with Soulard schools and community organizations.

   3. In summary they requested that SRG provide $2,500 in support for the purchase of educational and art materials for schools and youth organizations.

   4. They were also requesting similar funding from Soulard Business Association for other needs in support of the FWC.

   5. The Board thanked Nancy & Michelle for their presentation as well as their personal efforts on the FWC and Children’s Parade.

2. Old Business: Scott Plackemeier 

   1. Treasurer Update: Jeff Roberts

      1. SRG’s balance in our combined accounts is approximately $111,000. Since July 2019, the revenues have been similar to the same period in 2018. The Profit and Loss Statement for July – November 2019 will be provided once they are prepared through the end of November. 

      2. The SRG Insurance was paid late, and Jeff is getting everything reinstated.

      3. The filing of the SRG tax report is being completed by an outside accountant.

      4. SRG Financial Audit

         1. The President or President-Elect will be coordinating with the accountant that specializes in Not For Profit organizations who was recommended by a member familiar with their work.

      5. Due to the change in Treasurers, Jeff and Scott Plackemeier transferred signature authority on the SRG bank accounts at Together Credit Union, formerly American Eagle Credit Union. 

         1. Because of the complicated process required by all Credit Unions to change signature authority, Jeff would like to look into moving the SRG Accounts back to Carrolton Bank. Some Board Members expressed their reluctance to move our accounts from the Credit Union since it is in Soulard.  No decision was made to make any changes at this time.

      6. Jeff explained that SRG pays the City of St Louis $40/yr. for the metal sign/banners on light poles, $10/pole/year.  It was discussed that perhaps next year these remaining 4 signs could be taken down to save on this cost and then sold at a fund raiser next year.

      7. Payment of Check Request greater than $500

Approval of the SRG Treasurer paying the Check Request in the amount of $666.58 for the rebuilding of the guillotine used for Bastille Day.

Motion by Billy Tomber, 2nd by Taylor Bodine.

Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.

Motion passed unanimously

1. Minutes update and vote to approve 

Approval of the minutes for the SRG Board Meeting on October 16, 2019, with the changes recommended by Board Member review comments.

Motion by Beth Hoops, 2nd by Taylor Bodine.

Discussion: The Secretary is to resend the final revised minutes for the October Board Meeting to all Board Members 

Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.

Motion passed unanimously

1. Historic Signage Program Update 

   1. Beth Hoops & Taylor Bodine met with the Chairman of the Residential Promotion Committee, Luann Denten, to review proceeding with the Historic Signage Program after the decisions made at the October Board Meeting.

   2. The wording/text on a few signs is being reconsidered due to the initial information provided by the property owner(s).

   3. The Chairman of the Residential Promotion Committee was asked to obtain written confirmation from the contractor, Precision Engraving (Joe Denten), that the originally quoted unit costs would continue to be the same.

   4. Billy Tomber provided a draft letter for possible use in explaining to owners why any signage for their property is being reworked.

2. Progress on Board Goals for FY 2019/2020

   1. Timely minutes (always posted within 2 weeks)

   2. Determination of Station goals / future of Soulard Station.

      1. Work in progress. Marilyn Morris to talk with the Chairman of the Station Committee, Tracy Laxton, for a potential time in the next couple of months for the Board to work with her on the Station issues.

   3. Development of ad hoc committee to review bylaws.

      1. Gary Toribio has volunteered to coordinate a special subcommittee for the bylaw review and potential revisions.

      2. If revisions are to be voted on at the April 2020 General Membership Meeting at the same time as officer/board elections, the revisions must be provided to the membership by February 2020.  Therefore, the revisions might not be prepared and agreed upon by the Board by that time resulting in the revisions not being voted on until June or later in 2020.

   4. SRG sponsored social event for coordination between neighborhood organizations and partners. (SBA, City, SSBD, CID, MGI, MGF, Legion, etc.) 

      1. Beth Hoops is to work with Residential Promotions Committee to schedule a date perhaps on the second Thursday evening in March 2020, after Mardi Gras.

      2. on concept, lead person for event, scheduling, budget, and other details.

3. Social for SRG Committee Chairpersons and limited key committee members.

   1. Scott is working with the Membership Committee on scheduling and other details for a working dinner meeting to coordinate and cooperate among themselves.

Approval of the expenditure of up to $800 of SRG funds for the SRG Committee Chairpersons Social.

Motion by Billy Tomber, 2nd by Beth Hoops.

Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.

Motion passed unanimously

1. New ideas for general membership meetings are still being developed.

2. Wireless Mic for general meetings.

   1. Billy Tomber is purchasing the microphone by the next General Membership Meeting on 12/11/2019

1. New Business

   1. Expansion of the Mardi Gras Children’s Parade in conjunction with the MGI Family Winter Carnival (FWC) on January 11, 2019.

      1. There was discussion regarding the proposed $2,500 to expand the participation in the Family Winter Carnival and Children’s parade from the customary 200 to 300 children by getting schools involved.

SRG to fund up to $2,500 for the arts, crafts and other supplies associated with the expansion of the 2020 MGI Family Winter Carnival and its Children’s Mardi Gras Parade.

Motion by Taylor Bodine, 2nd by Neil Putz.

Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.

Motion passed unanimously.

1. Future of Safety Committee: Scott Plackemeier

   1. The Committee Chairman, Sergio Sevillano, resigned.

   2. The Safety Committee’s mission is similar to that of the Soulard Special Business District (SSBD).

   3. The President feels that a separate SRG Safety Committee may not be necessary especially due to a lack of volunteers willing to coordinate it.

      1. There could be an SRG member appointed by the President to addend SSBD meetings and help coordinate between the District and SRG.

      2. SRG and SSBD could partner on the Safety Walks.

   4. The future of the Safety Committee was tabled until further discussion at the General Membership Meeting on 12/11/2019.

   5. Residential Camera Program

      1. Past President Wade Weistreich has some remaining cameras for use by residents, but the formerly established “Release Liability” agreement needs to be signed before being given to them. No costs expected as the program is ending. This may also be mentioned at the December 11, 2019, General Membership Meeting.

2. Digital Cloud for e-files: Billy Tomber

   1. Communications Committee is discussing technical alternatives which would allow multiple users and passwords.

3. Volunteers at SRG Events

   1. The President Elect will work with individual volunteers before the Parlour Tour to address any concerns and avoid any issues occurring.

4. Communications Committee purchase of approved budget items.

   1. The FY 2019/2020 budget approved an additional iPad and Square Reader for a second Point of Sales system.  

   2. Billy Tomber will coordinate with the Communications Committee to start the process of making this purchase.  He will provide an update at the next Board meeting.

5. Upcoming Meeting Dates: Scott Plackemeier 

   1. There may be a need to change the December 18, 2019 Board meeting date. More info to follow via email.

   2. The next General Membership Meeting is the second Wednesday of January, 1/8/2020, to avoid meeting on New Year’s Day.

1. Liaison reports

   1. Soulard Station

   2. Plan Review Team (PRT) / Code & Zoning

   3. Beautification

   4. Communications / Renaissance: Billy Tomber

      1. Soulard Renaissance Holiday edition to be distributed in by November 20th and the Mardi Gras edition to be out in February.

   5. Parlour Tour

      1. First weekend in December 12/7 & 12/8

      2. Orientation Training for Volunteers to be held on the 4th or 5th of December.

      3. As of the date of this meeting, 49% of the volunteer spots were unfilled.

      4. Tickets sales started on Nov 1st and is doing well.

   6. Residential Promotion: Taylor Bodine

      1. Santa to Soulard, Friday, December 13, 2019

      2. Vices and Virtues Ball is on Saturday February 8, 2020, at Casa Loma Ballroom; and there is a rental contract that needs to be executed.

Motion to allow the contract for the Vices and Virtues Ball with Casa Loma Ballroom as presented by the Board Liaison, Taylor Bodine, to be signed by the Residential Promotions Committee Chairperson, Luann Denten.

Motion by Billy Tomber, 2nd by Beth Hoops.

Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.

Motion passed unanimously.

1. Safety

2. Membership: Dave Perry

   1. Goal is to increase membership by 100 persons in FY 2019/2020.

   2. There is an ongoing need for additional members on the Committee

   3. SRG Membership Representatives to be recruiting at the 1400 Russell Christmas Party for their residents.

   4. Dave to obtain the current, updated status of the Membership Budget for the Committee.

   5. The Committee has developed a new informative SRG flyer for distribution.

   6. The Membership Committee would like to get more involved with the Beautification Committee.

   7. All SRG Business Members are to be invited to attend the May Membership Drive Meeting/Social.

3. Fundraising: Billy Tomber

   1. Concert Sub Committee is planning and working on the 2020 Soulard Summer Concert Series.

   2. There will not be a Smarty Gras Trivia Night for the 2020 Mardi Gras Season.

4. Community Improvement DistrictAdjournment

Motion to Adjourn the Meeting.

Motion by Beth Hoops, 2nd by Marylin Morris.

Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.

Motion passed unanimously

1. Meeting Adjourned at approximately 10:10pm

______________________________________________________________________

These minutes summarizing this meeting were prepared by SRG Secretary, Gary Toribio.

Minutes Approved by SRG Board on December 30, 2019

Note:  The above information is the Board Secretary’s understanding of the motions, votes and general issues that were discussed but are not intended to be a verbatim transcript of the meeting.