AUGUST 2020 BOARD VIDEO CONFERENCE MEETING MINUTES

Written By Gary Toribio

Soulard Restoration Group, Inc.

AUGUST 2020 BOARD VIDEO CONFERENCE MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Meeting was a video conference conducted on Zoom

Time called to order: 7:05 p.m. on 8/19/2020

(At the start of the meeting a quorum existed with 10 of 11 Board members present.)

              (Presence indicated by  ☑  -  Absence indicated by  ⦸)

SRG BOARD OFFICERS:

DIRECTORS / SRG BOARD MEMBERS

☑

Neil Putz (Pres./ Mtg Chair)

☑

Taylor Bodine

☑

Jim Dallas (President Elect)

☑

John Durnell (Left meeting @8:02pm)

☑

Jeff Roberts (Treasurer)

☑

Beth Hoops

☑

Gary Toribio (Secretary)

☑

Marilyn Morris

☑

Scott Plackemeier (Past President)

⦸

Dave Perry

☑

Billy Tomber (Exec. Editor SRG Communications)

SPEAKERS/OTHER ATTENDEES (at start of meeting):

☑

Jason Fossella (Res Promo Committee)

☑

Luann Denten (Res Promo Committee Chair)

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

  1. President’s Remarks: Neil Putz 

    1. Meeting with Alderman Jack Coatar on August 10, 2020 that discussed the following

      1. Restrict Pub Crawls in Soulard during COVID

      2. Enforcement of COVID restrictions

      3. Vehicles running stop signs

        1. Jack Coatar aware of the problem

        2. Dave Perry is being asked to take the lead on this with the reorganization of the Safety committee

      4. City support for Code & Zoning violations

        1. Such as Twisted Ranch, Henry’s Bar & others

      5. Clean up of entrances to Soulard including Interstate on & off ramps.

      6. Airport Privatization.

    2. City Messages

      1. Mayor Krewson would like to appear at a SRG General Membership meeting when COVID restrictions allow our General Membership meetings to resume.

      2. Mohiuddin Imran (for Travis Helmkamp) asked for residents to participate in the online survey for ADA pedestrian accessibility in St. Louis City at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stladasurvey 

        1. Neil to consider this item for inclusion in the next BlasterMemorials for long time SRG Members who died this year

      3. Don Kirby [lead: M. Pastore]

        1. Possible October 24th procession remembering Don Kirby that would end at Pontiac Park.

      4. Paul Kjorlie [lead: J. Gibbs])

      5. Taylor Bodine reminded us that the SRG Board in 2018 committed to plant a tree in the Soulard Market Memory Garden for Payton Keene, the Bastille employee killed in May 2018. [lead: T. Bodine, for now]

    3. Future of Soulard Station: Board strategic vision?

      1. John Durnell suggested that the Board holds a separate work meeting to discuss this issue rather than to attempt to address it at a regular monthly SRG Board meeting.

    4. Alert

      1. Phishing Campaign has been ongoing with SRG’s soulard.org email addresses

        1. Use 2-factor authentication by calling the person requesting any information or funds.

  2. Secretary: Gary Toribio

    1. Previous Board Meeting Minutes approval 

Motion to approve the minutes for the SRG Board Videoconference Meeting on July 15, 2020, as presented by the Secretary.

Motion by Scott Plackemeier, 2nd John Durnell

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

Motion passed unanimously

    1. Pub Crawl Resolution

Motion made by email on August 10, 2020 that:

"SRG formally oppose the Taco & Tequila Pub Crawl currently scheduled for September 26, 2020, and all other Pub Crawls in Soulard due to the public health risks to all of the residents until the pandemic is under control and the City of St. Louis COVID restrictions allow Bars & Restaurants to open at 100% of permitted capacity."

Motion made by Gary Toribio, 2nd by Scott Plackemeier

A majority of 7 of the 10 voting members of the Board replied via email voting in Favor of the Motion as of Tuesday August 11, 2020. (The President only votes in ties).

Motion passed

On August 18, 2020, SRG President Neil Putz emailed 7th Ward Alderman Jack Coatar informing him that “the SRG Board of Directors has considered and passed a resolution to formally oppose the “9/26/20 Taco & Tequila Pub Crawl” and any other Pub Crawl in Soulard during the pandemic.”

  1. Treasurer’s Report: Jeff Roberts

    1. Financially SRG is okay but our total balance is now below $100,000.

    2. Paying an invoice in the amount of $3,300 for the additional work for signs completed to date under the 1st Phase of the Historic Sign Program.

    3. The account fees for an audit and tax preparation are also being paid as well as another $3,975 cost that was in a previously approved Residential Promotions Budget.

    4. After making these payments the SRG balance will be approximately $90,000

    5. The SRG Liability insurance was paid in late Fall 2019, but the Treasurer just became aware of the amount due for the insurance related to liquor sales at events. So, the $460 premium is being paid which is the premium through Fall 2020.

    6. The Secretary will obtain insurance proposals that combine these 2 policies.

  2. Old Business

    1. Budget for 2020-2021

      1. The President reviewed the process and timeline for completing the development, review, and approval of our annual SRG budget.

        1. For each committee, sent 2018, 2019, and 2020 slide template to: Chair and their Board Liaison

        2. Added budget line for laptop or iPad and card swipe for each committee

        3. Liaisons to work closely with Committee Chairs, initiatives to build morale and advertise recurring events even though they may be suspended this year

    2. President Elect Actions: Jim Dallas

      1. Web Site Updates

        1. Jim Dallas did a thorough review of all aspects of the SRG website and recommended revisions which the Communications Committee has addressed.

      2. By-Laws Revision

        1. The bylaws have been reviewed by Gary Toribio and an ad hoc committee in April 2020 and many potential revisions have been noted.

        2. Jim Dallas has prepared draft PowerPoint slides that summarize several of the main issues.

        3. The next step will be for the Board to have a separate work session to review the bylaws but there are several other priority issues that the Board has been busy dealing with. So, bylaws will be addressed by the Board as time and priorities allow.

      3. Neighborhood Cleanup List

        1. Jim Dallas and John Durnell worked to develop a list of areas that need trash picked up.

        2. MODOT and City Parks/Forestry are responsible for some of these areas, and Jim will coordinate with Alderman Coatar, City Department(s), and MODOT.

        3. The Sts. Peter and Paul Community Services Clean Team that SRG and SBA help fund have been affected by COVID restrictions reducing their number of shelter occupants by 50% but may be able to restart limited trash pick-up.

  3. Committee Liaison reports

    1. Soulard Station: Marilyn Morris

      1. This Committee’s budget has already been prepared and submitted.

      2. The Committee is trying to give away the old folding chairs that have been replaced.

    2. Safety: Neil Putz (for Dave Perry who did not attend)

      1. Officer Douglas will be on the September 16th SRG Board Zoom videoconference.

      2. Neil Putz is attempting to find new volunteers to be members of the Safety Committee.

      3. Focus to be on:

        1. Slowing Traffic in Soulard.

        2. Resuming semi-annual Neighborhood Safety Walks

    3. Residential Promotions: Taylor Bodine (with brief update by Luann Denten and Jason Fossella at the start of the meeting.)

      1. New Res Promo member Dr. Jason Fossella was introduced to the Board.

      2. Luann Denten updated the Board on the Res Promo Committee. The 2020 “Royalty” for the Bastille Day and Vices & Virtues Ball will continue in their roles for 2021.

      3. Neil Putz said he liked the style of street signs used in Lafayette Square neighborhood.

      4. Historic Signage Program Update by Taylor Bodine

        1. 25 signs completed and installed, one property owner withdrew from allowing a sign to be installed, 2 signs prepared but installation waiting for property owner signatures on the sign agreement.

        2. Next phase is the Historical Signage Brochure.

          1. Draft has been prepared.

          2. To be color, tri fold paper.

          3. Digital copies to be on SRG Website and social media.

            1. There could also be an audio link eventually.

          4. Luann Denten wants the brochure included on other media outlets for the City, Visitor Bureau, Vista, Blues Museum, etc. 

          5. Quotes will be obtained for printing

        3. QR code stickers added to historic signs.

          1. The Board supported doing this.

          2. Beth Hoops, Billy Tomber and the Communications Committee will help ensure this gets added to our soulard.org website for use upon completion of the brochure and implementation of the QR code.   

          3. The brochure & website info will match already approved copy for the signs. 

          4. QR codes were noted to be created and tested by Res Promo. 

Motion to approve the addition of QR code stickers on the Historic Signs that are on public property or signs that are sidewalk accessible.

Motion by Taylor Bodine, 2nd Billy Tomber

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

Motion passed unanimously

4. Parlour Tour: Beth Hoops

  1. The Committee is meeting on August 22nd to brainstorm alternatives for a virtual Parlour Tour because COVID restrictions are likely to continue to be in place during the weekend of December 5th and 6th.

  1. Membership: Scott Plackemeier 

  1. Scott Plackemeier recently met with the Committee Chair, Julie Price.

  2. Regular Committee meetings to resume on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

  3. The Committee’s FY 2020 budget is to include a new iPad for membership meetings and events.

  4. A separate Membership sub-committee is to consider our approach to honoring deceased SRG Members.

  5. Consideration is being given to a Yard of the Month recognition program.

  1. Fundraising: Billy Tomber

  1. Billy Tomber is meeting with the Committee Chair, Christopher Schwarz later in August to develop their budget for FY 2020. Date & time TBD.

  1. Communications: Billy Tomber

  1. Jim Dallas was thanked for his assistance with the review of the SRG Website and suggested revisions.

  2. The deadline for the Fall edition of the Renaissance will be September 11th.

  3. Ideas and articles are needed as this edition normally features Soulard Oktoberfest which has been cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

  1. Code & Zoning: Neil Putz (for John Durnell who had to leave the videoconference p.m. before he could provide this report.)

  1. 802 Geyer

    1. Committee Chair, Jay Gibbs to email the City on the acceptability of the improved appearance of the project.

  2. 7th and Shenandoah – There was a meeting with the developer.

  3. 2309 Menard - ongoing

  4. 3311 S 7th St – ongoing

  5. EM Harris is the contractor for the rehab of the S 9th St. building for the new offices of the Landmarks Association of Saint Louis.

  1. Beautification: John Durnell

  1. John Durnell had a prior commitment and needed to leave the videoconference meeting at p.m. before he could provide this report. He will email any major updates.New Business/Other

    1. Duplicate of Jim’s report provided under Old Business.Human Waste in Alleys: Gary Toribio

      1. The President has mentioned this to Alderman Coatar as well as Sts. Peter & Paul.

      2. Neil Putz also was to contact Trinity Lutheran for their assistance.

      3. Hopefully, the situation will improve with:

        1. Additional Porta Potties

        2. Churches discussing with homeless that they service to stop using alleys for their human waste.

    2. Pub Crawls: Billy Tomber

      1. Jack Coatar thinks it needs to be addressed.

      2. Billy Tomber suggested some city legislation on Pub Crawls that would control them.

      3. Jim Dallas will research Pub Crawls and make a presentation at a future Board meeting.

    3. Franklin Room Update: Neil Putz

      1. The elevator SRG donated funds toward has been installed.

      2. The catering service that have been operating the Franklin Room decided to retire while the facilities were closed during the COVID restrictions.

      3. A new caterer is trying to resume operations of the Franklin Room once COVID restrictions allow.

    4. COVID and Mardi Gras 2021: Gary Toribio.

      1. The Board was asked to consider taking a position regarding large crowds in our neighborhood if normal Mardi Gras events for 2021 are allowed despite the COVID situation in January & February 2021.

      2. Jeff Roberts suggested a joint meeting with SBA to discuss resident concerns regarding any potential large crowds in Soulard during Mardi Gras 2021.

      3. Gary Toribio recommended that we do not have a survey of members/residents until the MGI Staff presents the proposed 2021 COVID safe events to the MGI Board in late September 2020.

    5. Policies and Procedures Manual including Budget, Financial and Purchasing practices: Gary Toribio

      1. Sent an email to Board with a proposed purchasing procedure.

      2. Recommended the Board revisits this at the regular Board Meeting in Mid-September.

  1. Adjournment

Motion to Adjourn the Video Conferencing Meeting.

Motion by Scott Plackemeier, 2nd by Billy Tomber.

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

Motion passed unanimously

    1. Meeting Adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

Minutes Approved by SRG Board at their meeting on September 16, 2020

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

Gary Toribio
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