SEPTEMBER 2020 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Soulard Restoration Group, Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2020 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Meeting Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Time called to order: 7:05 p.m. (Quorum with 9 of 11 Board members present.) Meeting was a video conference conducted on Zoom
Date Minutes Approved by Board for release: October 21,2020
SRG BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Neil Putz (Pres./ Mtg Chair), Jim Dallas (President Elect), Jeff Roberts (Treasurer), Gary Toribio (Secretary), Scott Plackemeier (Past President – Joined late at 7:20 pm), Billy Tomber (Editor, Renaissance), Taylor Bodine, John Durnell, Beth Hoops, Marilyn Morris; ABSENT: Dave Perry
SPEAKERS/OTHER ATTENDEES (at start of meeting): Officer Sherdon Douglas, SLMPD
1. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS: Neil Putz
· Memorials for SRG Members who recently passed
o Don Kirby [lead: M. Pastore] - Procession to be delayed until Don’s Family feels it is the right time
o Paul Kjorlie [lead: J. Gibbs] Likely to be a plaque & tree planted at Pontiac Park
o Peyton Keene [lead: T. Bodine, for now] To fulfill the Board’s 2018 resolution to plant a tree in the memory garden for this Bastille employee who was murdered in May 2018.
· Human Waste in Alleys
o Neil prepared a President’s letter to the community that will be put out in the Fall edition of the Renaissance which includes information on the human waste problem that has been occurring frequently in Soulard posing health risks.
o Neil spoke with Alderman Coatar and both pastors of Sts Peter & Paul and Trinity Lutheran (Fr Bruce Forman of Sts P&P and Josh Hatcher of Trinity) about this issue resulting from the limited availability of toilet facilities for the transient homeless population between the 2 churches.
o Trinity has obtained a porta pottie and hand wash station along the side of the Church on Soulard Street at the Alley.
o Steve Campbell of Sts Peter & Paul Community Services is to also obtain a porta pottie near Allen and S 8th but they wanted SRG to suggest a suitable location for it.
o When asked by Gary Toribio, Officer Douglas said that SLMPD has a homeless unit that can respond to homeless problems and extend resources to them. Officer Frost heads up this Unit in the 4th District but serves the entire City. If an emergency call 911, otherwise problems can be reported to the Police non-emergency number, (314) 231-1212.
· Highlighting Soulard’s Historic Code requirements
o The Fall edition of the Renaissance will include the President’s letter that will remind the neighborhood about the City’s Historic Code for Soulard and that the SRG Code & Zoning Committee can help with guidance.
· Approach to fill expiring Director and resigned Committee Chair positions
o Vacant Now: Soulard Station Committee Chairperson.
o Next Director Vacancies (John Durnell, Taylor Bodine)
o April 2021 Director Vacancies: (Dave Perry, Beth Hoops, Marilyn Morris)
o Engage other June 2020 President-Elect candidates
o End Objective: Staggering terms to ensure overlap.
· Procurement Process Procedures
o SRG POLICY 1-2020: Annual Budget Planning Process to be prepared by Neil.
o SRG POLICY 2-2020: Budget Execution by SRG Committees. Gary Toribio provided a draft to the Board on 8/18/2020.
o SRG POLICY 3-2020: Small Purchase Procedure. Draft also to Board on 8/18.
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: AUGUST: Secretary, Gary Toribio
· Previous Board Meeting Minutes approval
Motion to approve the minutes for the SRG Board Videoconference Meeting on August 19, 2020, as presented by the Secretary.
Motion by Marilyn Morris, 2nd John Durnell
Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.
Motion passed unanimously
3. TREASURER’S REPORT: Jeff Roberts
· Account Balances
o Current Balance $89,900.
o Spent $5,500 since start of Fiscal Year on July 1, 2020, with Historic Signage being the main expense.
o Last year taxes of $2,700 to be paid at end of September.
o Jeff will be sending each committee head their quarterly budget statement starting with this First Quarter through 9/30.
· Closure of Together Credit Union account
o Scott Plackemeier to sign the last check withdrawing the balance from the account which will be closed in approximately 10 days.
· Insurance updates and consolidation of insurance for liquor sales.
o Policies expire in December 2020.
o Jeff getting advice from Julie Price and will rebid policies with three commercial insurance companies.
o To try to have one policy for all insurance but may have one policy plus a rider.
· Update: Utilities auto-pay
o Only Station utility bill not on auto pay is for the City Water service.
o Jeff needs to go to City Hall to set this up in person.
· Update: hiring Linda Howdeshell, CPA, for audit, taxes, and developing best practices.
o Jeff has her proposal that the Board approved before Spring but has not yet signed a letter of commitment with her.
o Linda’s combined fees for taxes ($750) and an audit ($4,000) will be less than last year’s fees paid.
o Jeff and Neil discussed perhaps only having a full audit every 2 or 3 years.
· FY 2020 Budget.
o Jeff continuing to finalize budget summary spreadsheets to make it easier for the Board to make decisions and approve the final budget.
o Marilyn Morris suggested that each Committees’ template that has their income and expense history be sent out prior to their future budget preparations. Jeff said that he intends to send out that info quarterly, so when we go through the process in 2021, the Committees should already have their financial status.
4. SLMPD REPORT: Soulard Neighborhood: Officer Douglas.
· The crime statistics for the period of 1 Aug through 15 Sept 2020 in Soulard were reviewed by Officer Douglas.
· When asked by Neil Putz, Officer Douglas agreed to resume providing a releasable form of the monthly crime statics that can be shared with the SRG Membership.
5. OLD BUSINESS
· Budget for FY 2020 (July 2020 – June 2021): Neil Putz
o Completing development, review, and approval of our annual budget.
o The Board Officers will be working on the “Board Expense” budget which will include the costs for the memorials for D. Kirby, P. Kjorlie & P. Keene.
o By the middle of next week (9/23) Neil will provide the final budget information to the Board for consideration followed by another video conference.
o Requesting Liaisons to wrap-up committee modifications in the next 2 days, no later than Friday, 18 Sep, 6 pm
o Communications Committee needs to get their budget slide in the final form.
o Fundraising Committee Chair, Chris Schwarz, asked for some assignments on needed funds in terms of what level and what possible activities. Their liaison, Billy Tomber will be involved.
o Code and Zoning to omit the $300 for office supplies.
o Residential Promotion Committee shall provide a spend plan for the $5,000 for the Vices & Virtues Ball line item since there will not be a ball in 2021.
o Neil will send a note to the Committee Chair, Luann Denten, and their liaison, Taylor Bodine, on the historical signage program and breaking out the budget by their proposed phases.
o Neil will be sending out an email requesting this needed budget information on Wednesday night, 9/16, with responses by Friday evening, 9/18.
6. PRESIDENT ELECT ACTIONS: Jim Dallas
· Web Site Updates - Completed
o Suggested revisions incorporated by Communications Committee.
o Neil Putz complimented everyone involved for doing a great job with this.
· Update: By-Laws Revision
o Jim provided a brief review of his PowerPoint slides that summarized many of the possible revisions.
o Neil Putz explained that the Bylaws require any proposed changes be in an amendment to the Bylaws that need to be distributed to the membership prior to the next anticipated Annual General Membership Meeting in April 2021.
Secretary’s Note: Although not discussed at the meeting, the Bylaws Article XI requires “proposed amendments to the current SRG Bylaws be submitted in writing to all voting members not less than two (2) monthly meetings, before the meeting at which voting on such is conducted”.
o Neil asked that any other thoughts on the Bylaws be emailed to Jim.
o A Board Working Session will need to be scheduled on the bylaws, but finalizing the FY 2020 Budget is the Board’s priority at this time.
o In Zoom chat messaging, Billy Tomber thought that an attorney did not review the last Bylaw amendments in 2006
· Update: Pub crawl legislation
o Jim provided another review of PowerPoint slides that summarized his research on example codes, ordinances and regulations from other Cities that control pub crawls.
o Jim recommended that we develop guidelines largely like the pub crawl guidelines used by the Washington, DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.
o The Soulard Business Association’s Administrator, Cathy Weldon, expressed an interest in pub crawl legislation from their standpoint.
o Jim explained that Alderman Coatar is prepared to engage this type of legislation, but Jim recommended that we coordinate with SBA before following up with our Alderman.
o Jim and Neil will get back with Cathy Weldon on this issue, share our preferred approach based on the Washington, DC guidelines and coordinate recommendations before making them to Alderman Coatar.
o If anyone learns of a pub crawl during COVID restrictions, the Citizens Service Bureau (CSB) should be contacted and asked to report it to the City Health Department as a COVID violation.
o Billy Tomber mentioned that he learned from the SBA (Cathy Weldon & Tom Gullickson) that the Soulard Community Improvement District (CID) is interested in a central pick-up and drop-off point in an off-street parking lot for buses and shuttles with patrons of bars and restaurants.
· Neighborhood Cleanup List
o Jim was able to contact MODOT staff to request clean-up of the Interstate on and off ramps that are in the Soulard area, however MODOT has not yet made any progress on it.
o Jim also worked with the Beautification Committee on issues that SRG volunteers could possibly address, and John Durnell provided an update later in the meeting under his committee report.
7. NEW BUSINESS
· November General Election: Scott Plackemeier
o Discussed including community questions and concerns
o Scott has been coordinating with Marty Murray, the 7th Ward Democratic Committeeman.
o Scott will be preparing a summary of voter information (locations and times of polling places, absentee ballot submission, etc.) for inclusion on the SRG website. Neil Putz suggested we include it on the weekly SRG Blaster as well.
o Although no motion was necessary, SRG will help be a conduit to disseminate voting information.
o Neil Putz said information could also include reassurances based on the good job neighborhood polling places did for the recent August primaries.
· Franklin Room Update: Neil Putz
o Provided info to the Board on enhancements to Soulard’s large indoor meeting and event space. An article on this will be in the upcoming Fall edition of the Renaissance.
o Neil wanted us to look at having a general membership meeting or two in the Franklin Room when COVID restrictions are lifted, especially since it is now ADA accessible.
8. COMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
- BEAUTIFICATION: John Durnell
· Neighborhood Cleanup efforts.
o Triangle by the Conoco station. Alderman Coatar trying to find out who owns that area.
o Soulard Market Bandstand. SRG only maintains the celebration garden, and SBA is responsible for the other areas. But we went ahead and cleaned it up. Cathy Weldon felt uncomfortable cleaning up. But Marilyn has gone over there herself. Bagged some of the stuff that homeless were living.
o The needed tree trimming at 9th and Ann was reported to the Citizens Service Bureau.
· The Committee will be a meeting at Molly’s, p.m., Thurs 9/17 to discuss possible fundraising ideas.
- CODE & ZONING: John Durnell
· 802 Geyer
o The owner is submitting final documents to the City for approval/permits.
o A City Building Division representative has been seen making a recent site visit and discussed the project with the owner.
· Ongoing projects under various stages of consideration by the Committee:
o 7th and Shenandoah.
o 2309 Menard.
o 3311 S 7th St.
o 9th & Soulard
· Llewelyn’s Replacement of Overhead Garage Door
o No progress made during COVID Restrictions.
o The Committee Chair, Jay Gibbs, will be asked to consider reminding the owner about their previous commitment to replace the current doors with garage doors that resemble more historic garage doors in that block of S 9th St.
· City action on Twisted Ranch & Henry’s code non-conformance.
o John Durnell will contact Alderman Coatar for an update.
- COMMUNICATIONS: Billy Tomber
· Fall edition of the Renaissance Paper
o Not quite “wrapped” because it is waiting for information on the SBA’s Oktoberfest event on 9 & 10 Oct which is still pending City approval.
· Format of Minutes on the SRG website
o At the August Board meeting, several Board members wanted to have the minutes posted to the website in a PDF or other format similar that used by the Secretary for the review & approval set of minutes provided to the Board as well the final set provided to Com Com for the website.
o Jeremy Mehrle prefers the version he has been using. (No further discussion during this meeting to resolve this matter.)
· Board and Committee meetings open to members
o Gary inquired about ways to inform the SRG membership on planned Board and Committee meetings which were open to members prior to COVID Restrictions.
o Billy Tomber and Beth Hoops were concerned about general membership participation on video conference meetings due to possible problems with our Zoom meetings getting hacked/interfered with.
o Committees can provide their scheduled meeting information to the Communications Committee for inclusion in the weekly Blaster, but it will not offer an opportunity for non-Board or non-Committee participation.
· Advertising is way down for the upcoming Fall edition of the Renaissance.
· Door to door distribution of the next Renaissance
o Marilyn Morris inquired about door to door distribution of the next Renaissance edition like the way the previous edition was distributed.
o Billy Tomber explained that this is a decision for the Publisher, Jeff Fister, as he incurs the expense. Billy will ask him about possibly distributing it door to door again.
- FUNDRAISING: Billy Tomber
o Nothing new to report as the committee is waiting for direction from the Board on funding goals to support the FY 2020 Budget.
- MEMBERSHIP: Scott Plackemeier
· 2020-2021 Membership Roster
o The new roster has been completed and will be going to print.
o It will be mailed to each member along with a surprise gift promoting SRG
· New Resident introduction to SRG
o Ann Austin will look up people who have posted on Nextdoor or Facebook as being new to the area and introduce them to SRG and possible membership.
- PARLOUR TOUR: Beth Hoops
· Virtual Parlour Tour Planning
o Committee recently met on Tues Sept 15th
o The Committee is proceeding with planning a virtual event but nothing major to report since their proposed budget presentation for FY 2021.
o Neal Thompson has drafted a recruitment letter for property owners to be on this year’s virtual tour.
o There is a possibility of having Santa at Soulard Station included with the virtual Parlour Tour.
o Beth Hoops will be coordinating efforts with the Fundraising Committee.
- RESIDENTIAL PROMOTION: Taylor Bodine
· Current action items:
o Historic Signage Program – definition of next Phases
o Historic Signage Brochure printing quotes
o Status of Stickers with QR Codes to be added to Historic Signs.
· Nothing to report since the FY 2020 budget presentation.
o The Committee Chair has been out of town and may not be available until later in the week of September 21st.
o Providing clarifications and supporting details for the Committee’s requested budget and goals may not be possible by the President’s deadline of Friday 9/18.
· Halloween 2021
o Halloween activities are still under consideration and a plan may not be available until early October.
- SAFETY: Neil Putz (for Dave Perry who was not in attendance)
· National Night Out
o It would normally be held in October 2020, but it has been postponed to the Spring of 2021 by the City.
· Soulard Special Business District (SSBD)
o Neil Putz participated in the SSBD meeting earlier this week.
· Restart of the Safety committee
o Gave an update on the restart which be collaborative and supportive to SSBD and not duplicate efforts.
o Neil is in the process of reaching out to a likely chair who is interested in helping the community.
- SOULARD STATION: Marilyn Morris
· Current Issues
o Looks like someone took the bottom of a bottle and broke windows facing S 12th St last weekend. Repairs will be costly because it is a double thermal window. It has been boarded up.
o Mold was discovered in the wall.
o Marilyn suggested that we need to have the alarm system that we were looking at. We should not pass that by.
o Not much more to report with limited activity currently.
o Ann Austin and Marilyn are working together on what needs to be done for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
o The latest roof leak was due to a rainwater inlet grate on the roof that was clogged by an accumulation of leaves and the ponding of water caused some leaks. Leaves removed and leaks caulked for $137.
o The Committee is soliciting help to serve on the Station committee. Volunteers can reach out to Marilyn or Ann Austin.
· Past Rental Income
o During the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Station produced rental income but it was questionable whether we netted any money.
o Jeff Roberts said we actually did not net any revenues and will send out a 6-yr. profit and loss summary for the Station.
9. OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION REPORTS
· MGI
o MGI’s next Board meeting is Sept 24th and the Staff’s proposed events will be reviewed based on current COVID restrictions.
· Nothing else reported on SSBD, CID, SBA or others.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn the Video Conferencing Meeting.
Motion by Jeff Roberts, 2nd by Scott Plackemeier.
Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.
Motion passed unanimously
· Meeting Adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
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These minutes summarizing this meeting were prepared by SRG Secretary, Gary Toribio.
Minutes Approved by SRG Board at their meeting on October 21, 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.
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