October 2021 Board Meeting Minutes
October Monthly Board Meeting
October 20, 2021
APPROVED Minutes
1. Call to Order + Opening Remarks
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
Board members present included: Jim Dallas, President; Michael Pastore, President-Elect; Chris Currington, Secretary; Neil Putz, Past President; Nancy Kelly; Margi Koors; Nancy Lambert; Karen Moske, Billy Tomber and Gary Toribio.
Absent: Debby Brown, Treasurer.
SRG Member John Haas asked and attended the meeting.
Laura Grace, co-chair of the Soulard Station, attended to give some updates about the Soulard Station.
The bricks to be engraved for the patio are available for $100. This fundraising program is going to end after this round. Nancy Lambert asked if there was a link somewhere; Nancy Kelly is facilitating this and has been in touch with the Communications Committee to see if something can be included in the next Blaster, with a link to the form to fill out and payment.
Laura spoke about different uses at the Soulard Station and proposed two specific items. In order to use the station, one has to be an SRG member, and they need to be sponsored by a committee chair or member. Laura was requesting that the Station offer a three-session series of yoga, sponsored by her, for three Saturdays over a short period of time. This is a trial program. The other request is from Bonita Leiber, who is working with Mardi Gras and changes to the upcoming parade. She’s looking for walking crews. These would be SRG members who are sponsored by the Station. Laura asked if these could be offered at the Station on a trial basis, and then come back to the Board to discuss them further.
Margi Koors asked if there would be any revenue from these events. Laura said there wouldn’t be; she’s only looking at things that are a free service for SRG members, but attendees could make a donation.
Neil Putz said he was in favor of these because SRG is providing something to members, and these should be supported by SRG. It’s a way to use the resource (Soulard Station) that the organization owns.
Chris Currington asked for more information about the parade/walking event. Tim Lorson of MGI has asked for help changing the parade, and community groups are being recruited to support more participation from the neighborhood as walking/golf cart groups; not floats. Bonita wants to offer an informational session about this with a craft, perhaps something related to a Mardi Gras costume.
Michael Pastore said he agreed with Neil; SRG has the property, and we should encourage membership to use it. Michael then asked if Laura would attend the yoga sessions. For these trial events, she and/or her co-chair will be there. Michael then asked if Laura/Bonita will be responsible for locking up and trash. Laura said they would.
Gary Toribio asked if there was a need for additional insurance coverage. Jim Dallas said he would check into it. There was a question about alcohol at the events; it will not be served but if someone wants to bring a cooler, they won’t say no. Jim asked the dates of the events, but Laura didn’t know yet.
Karen Moske asked if there would be preference given to SRG Members. Laura said yes, but limited to 20 people because of space. It was then suggested that if non-members attend, they be asked to become members. Laura said she would ask them. Karen asked if they will be checking masks and vaccines. Laura said she’d be happy either way, and there’s the sign on the Station’s door, too.
Nancy Kelly made the motion that the Soulard Station committee be allowed to open a trial period and host a couple of events open to SRG members. Margi Koors seconded. Before the vote was taken, Laura reminded the Board that the yoga and parade meeting were only trial events, and if they’re successful, then there will be a more formal plan; this is to see who in the community is interested.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor to allow the trial events at the Soulard Station. No votes opposed it.
The discussion turned back to the brick/patio project. Margi Koors asked if the Station would be doing bricks for past presidents. Laura said it would. There was also a discussion about the budget for the brick engraving program and why the program was previously halted (so they could get enough people interested again to justify additional engravings; need at least 10 to pay for it). Laura also anticipates raising ~$1,000 from the brick program.
Nancy Kelly and Laura then encouraged everyone to notice the work that’s gone into refinishing the cabinets in the Station’s kitchen area.
2. Minutes of the Previous Monthly Board Meeting
Chris Currington said that the minutes from the September Board Meeting had been shared via email the Friday before this meeting, and that Neil Putz had only minor suggested edits.
Karen Moske made the motion to accept the meeting minutes. Nancy Lambert seconded the motion.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor of accepting the draft of the September Board Meeting as final.
3. Financial Report
Jim Dallas gave the Financial Report for Debby Brown.
Linda Howdeshell, CPA, will be at the November Board Meeting for the audit report. Tax filing is due Nov. 15, but she has already filed an extension for us until she has completed and presented the audit.
Linda requested several items from Debby as part of the audit, and we’re on track to have that completed.
Jim then shared the updated financials from July 1 to Oct. 18. There is a net positive of $7,000 and a balance of +$77,200. This reflects the wonderful job the Fundraising Committee has done, the success of the Beautification Committee events, and the Summer Concert Series. Still to come are some large expenditures, and there are some donations SRG gives and some insurance payments due in December.
Jim said that the Board may look at ways to put money back into the community and he’s going to keep an eye on the numbers and ways to use money. Gary Toribio asked Jim to clarify this. Jim said that some members feel that SRG has too big of a balance, so perhaps we should be contemplating using some money and putting it back into the Soulard community. He asked people to brainstorm how to use the money.
Jim then referred to the handouts of the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows. With the Parlour Tour coming up, everything looks good financially.
*The Depreciation of a Fixed Asset resolution, proposed Sept. 20, 2021, and passed by Board Members Sept. 28, 2021, is at the end of these minutes.
4. Memorials
Jim Dallas turned the discussion over to Neil Putz. It was agreed at the last Board Meeting that we would consider memorials, and there is $500 in the budget. Two individuals who SRG would like to contribute to are John Peyton Keene and Paul Kjorli.
Neil then brought up the idea of the commemorative bricks (discussion notes above) and that this wasn’t something we thought of but may be more appropriate for Peyton.
Referring to Paul Kjorli, Neil said that when scanning The Restorationist (old neighborhood newspaper) in 1976, in one of the issues, Paul was welcomed to the neighborhood, and it said he worked for the St. Louis Streets Department in tree services. Paul was instrumental in this, and there were 700 trees planted in Soulard. Soulard said Paul’s memorial would cost around $200 and there would be a tree and plaque in his name. Karen Moske asked where it would be. Neil said he, Veronica, and Marylyn Morris did a walk during the pandemic around the park area south of Soulard Market, between the bandstand, and there’s a large field with rows of trees, and there are places for a tree in Paul’s memory. Neil said he had formed a small working group to take the lead on the appropriate memorial for Paul, and Jay Gibbs was the “captain” of forming the ideas.
Neil said for Peyton, the memorial brick comes to mind. It would be here in Soulard. Peyton was a former employee of Bastille, and he was murdered in Soulard.
The third memorial would be for Don Kirby, and Michael Pastore was asked to be the lead on putting this memorial together. Jeanne Kirby preferred a walking procession the following weekend, beginning at The American Legion and walking a block around Soulard. After the walk, attendees will head back to the Legion where there will be music, food, and drinks throughout the afternoon. This will be a celebration; not a sad event. Billy Tomber has helped a lot with this event as well. Everyone in the neighborhood who knew Don or knows Jeanne are welcome. Michael Pastore reminded everyone that this was not an SRG event, and the Kirby family is incurring some of the expenses for this, so perhaps some of the budgeted memorial money should go to Jeanne.
There was then a discussion about the budgeted amounts for the memorials. Jim said that there is $500 budgeted, and Karen Moske asked how long that will last. It will last until June 30, or the new budget process to begin. For the $500: $200 would be used for Paul’s memorial (tree and plaque); $200 would be used for Don’s memorial (given to Jeanne); and $100 would be used for Peyton (engraved brick at The Soulard Station patio). Neil will take the lead on Paul’s memorial.
Neil Putz then made the motion for the memorials: $200 would be used for Paul Kjorli’s memorial (tree and plaque); $200 would be used for Don Kirby’s memorial (given to Jeanne); and $100 would be used for John Peyton Keen’s (engraved brick at The Soulard Station patio). Nancy Kelly seconded the motion.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor. No votes opposed it.
The motion passed.
5. Signing up for SRG Cloud
Jim Dallas reminded everyone that the SRG Cloud is the shape of things to come for document sharing and collaboration. Neil Putz has been using the cloud for the Historic Code Working Group and getting members used to editing in the folder. There was then a brief discussion about how and when documents should be edited and by whom. Chris and Jim are talking about editing procedures for minutes. Billy reminded everyone that if there are questions about how to use the cloud, they can email him and Megan Mehrle.
6. Lewis Reed – Nov. 3 General Membership Meeting
Jim Dallas reminded the Board that the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen is beginning the redistricting process. Over the next 8-10 weeks, the Legislation Committee will be publicly meeting to create a fourteen-ward map. They will be planning and determining how the new aldermanic structure will function to handle larger geographic wards, staffing, and handling constituent matters. The map will be drawn and passed by Dec. 31.
There was an offer to SRG to have Alderman Lewis Reed speak to our group about this topic. Jim thought this may be important enough to have a separate meeting with only Lewis Reed. However, Lewis Reed wants to talk to the SRG General Membership. The invitation was extended to Lewis Reed to attend the Nov. 3 General Membership meeting.
7. Crow Bar Request
Jim Dallas said that SRG had been informed that The Crow’s Nest (bar/restaurant in Maplewood) wants to put The Crow Bar (new bar/restaurant in Soulard) at the former location of Nadine’s. Because the Soulard Station (owned by SRG) is within 350 feet of the proposed location, the SRG is requested to sign a petition for a liquor license.
There was a discussion about what The Crow Bar is doing and if the Board foresees any issues. Michael Pastore thought this had to be done in person; Nancy Kelly said it used to be that way. Karen Moske asked what the deadline was. Jim said there wasn’t one, but that what he was hearing from the discussion was not to sign the petition but gather more information.
Nancy Kelly said SRG should see a representative from The Crow Bar at an upcoming Board meeting. Billy suggested that, to save time, the representative could submit a menu and design before the Board meeting. Jim agreed with the direction he was given.
8. Donations
a. Central Patrol Trivia Night
Jim Dallas said that last year, SRG donated $250 to this cause even though there was no trivia night. In the current budget, this Board agreed to a $500 donation, which was what we gave prior to 2020.
This year, tables are $280. There were some questions and a discussion about the $500 budgeted. Karen Moske said that if SRG has traditionally done this, then there’s no reason not to give $500 if we have it. Jim asked what comes with the sponsorship. SRG is included on the board, will be announced, etc. Jim then asked if the total donation would be $530 ($280 for the table + $250 as a donation). Jim then asked for a motion to approve the amount.
Karen Moske made the motion to increase SRG’s donation to the Central Patrol Trivia Night to $530, covering the table ($280) and the remaining donation ($250). Billy Tomber seconded the motion. Before the vote was taken, Michael Pastore suggested that Safety Committee members be given the first crack at attending.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor. No votes opposed it.
There was then a discussion about who would captain and attend the trivia night. Billy Tomber also said that he would ask Officer Douglas (Soulard Liaison to the St. Louis Police Department) if she would be interested in attending.
b. Clean Team
Jim Dallas said that Sts. Peter & Paul hire the Clean Team members to pick up garbage in the neighborhood and that SRG typically donates $5,000 to them. The Soulard Business Association (SBA) gives them $5,000 and the Community Improvement District (CID) is planning to give them $10,000. Because of COVID-19, Sts. Peter & Paul don’t have enough people in their facility to work on the Clean Team.
There was a discussion about not seeing Clean Team members working in the neighborhood and if SRG should reach out to get more information about what we’re contributing to. Jim said that the number of occupied beds at the facility is down to 25%. Gary Toribio said that he’s not sure why SRG is donating if the CID is—one of their missions is to deal with trash in Soulard. Gary also said he’s not in favor of spending $5,000 a year for the clean team. Nancy Kelly also suggested SRG not donate. Michael Pastore said that, as a community organization, it’s important that SRG support these types of programs. SRG does fundraisers and puts money back in the community. Gary countered and said when SRG has fundraisers, they’re for SRG; not all the other nonprofits in the neighborhood. When those organizations need funds, you don’t see them doing fundraisers at Molly’s or The Soulard Station. It isn’t fair to the people making donations and then turn around and give the money that isn’t doing the work like SRG is. Karen Moske reminded the Board members that Sts. Peter & Paul does fundraise, and they do good work in the neighborhood. Billy Tomber suggested we get some numbers and not just guess. Jim said that he’s anticipating getting an invoice from them in the future and that this is about the time they ask for funds from SRG. Jim said he would talk to the director of the Clean Team program and see if she wants to attend a future Board meeting.
There was then a brief discussion about formal/informal agreements and the Clean Team’s jurisdiction for cleaning trash. Jim said that they’re thinking about expanding the current area they cover. Nancy Lambert said if they expand the area, then they’ll need more help. Nancy Kelly said her opinion is that it’s great that SRG is in a position to give money to other nonprofits.
c. Legion
Michael Pastore said the American Legion will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in November. They have been very generous to SRG with their property and events and when they do charge SRG, it’s nominal. It’s become like Soulard’s town hall. He thinks supporting them is incredibly important that, as a community, we show our support for the Legion and our veterans. Unfortunately, the Legion is woefully underfunded. There haven’t been many events for the past two years. Their major fundraiser is the fish fry and it’s been canceled for 2020 and 2021. There’s been a new committee formed, “Friends of the Legion,” to come up with new ideas and suggestions to bring the neighborhood back.
Michael Pastore made the motion for SRG to donate $1,000 to Post 422 to support this invaluable neighborhood asset and help defer the Legon’s loss of revenue. Nancy Kelly seconded the motion.
Before the vote was taken, Karen Moske suggested the donation be increased to $2,500. Gary Toribio suggested that instead of using SRG funds, why doesn’t it consider sponsoring a fundraiser for the American Legion, and those funds will go to the legion. In Gary’s mind, the Legion is a private club (for veterans who served active duty during foreign war) and if they don’t have enough members to support the club, other nonprofits shouldn’t be supporting them. Michael said that even though the Legion is a private club, they open the facility to the public and don’t turn anyone away. Gary said that he still thinks SRG should be more careful with money when it comes to supporting other nonprofit organizations. Michael said that we should look at the Legion as a Soulard institution for 75 years and they’re struggling.
Billy Tomber said the Board draws the line with these sorts of discussions and it doesn’t write a check to every nonprofit that approaches us; we discuss it and vote our conscience.
Nancy Kelly said that any nonprofit that operates in Soulard can come to SRG and ask for support.
Karen said that SRG/Soulard does get benefits from the Legion above and beyond what it does for members and it’s more than a bar (i.e., for Karen’s Girl Scout troop, they created care packets at the Legion to send overseas).
Margi Koors said that no one on the Board can deny that the Legion hasn’t been a huge benefit for SRG and the neighborhood, and that she has no problem with the $1,000 donation for the 75th anniversary.
Nancy Lambert said that when it comes to fundraising, including beautification and Parlour Tour events, we should be telling people what we will be using the money raised for. Jeanne Kirby is getting ready to send the Parlour Tour letters and she wants to know where the money is going so she can encourage people to donate.
Margi said that we should remember that with the pandemic, it has been tough on a lot of businesses and organizations, there’s more of a need than before, and although this request is unusual, it’s warranted.
Jim reminded everyone about the motion regarding the $1,000 donation for the Legion’s 75th anniversary.
The vote was taken.
Eight board members voted in favor.
No votes opposed it.
Gary Toribio abstained from the vote.
The motion passed.
After the vote was taken, Michael said that he wanted to make it clear that what we’re doing will help the Legion move forward. Nancy Lambert said she supports the idea of helping with a fundraiser for them. Billy also said the voices of the minority are always welcome at the table and no one should be quiet.
9. Community Involvement and Events Formation
Jim Dallas said that he had provided a resolution for the formation of the Community Involvement & Events Committee as a pre-read for this meeting. Chris Currington has been working collectively with a subgroup of the Board on this topic. Jim took the two pages that Chris presented at the previous Board meeting and turned it into a resolution (projected on the monitor). Everyone read over the resolution.
Jim asked for a motion to adopt the resolution for the formation of the Community Involvement & Events Committee.
Nancy Lambert made the motion to accept the resolution for the formation of the Community Involvement & Events Committee. Michael Pastore seconded.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor of the resolution.
No votes opposed it.
The resolution for the formation of the Community Involvement & Events committee passed. Please see below the minutes for the copy of the approved resolution.
Chris Currington then asked if it was appropriate to dissolve the Residential Promotions committee. Jim Dallas said that current by-laws revision doesn’t include Residential Promotions as a committee, and Gary Toribio said it’s not in the current by-laws. Billy suggested that the Res Promo committee go unstaffed. Nancy Kelly said she was in favor of abolishing the Res Promo committee and not leaving it in hiatus. Gary asked if we have the authority to remove it without the membership voting on it. Jim said that the Board does not have this authority; the membership does. Jim said that if the by-laws revisions go through, then dissolution of the Res Promo committee will take place.
Neil Putz made the motion that SRG Board of Directors resolve to no longer staff nor resource the Residential Promotions committee; and that, in lieu of that, staff and resources be committed to the newly created Community Involvement & Events Committee until the new by-laws are in place. Karen Moske seconded the motion.
Jim asked for any further discussion. There was none.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor. No votes opposed it.
The motion passed.
10. Retreat topics update
a. Fundraising
Margi Koors said that since the last Board meeting, she has revamped the job description for the Fundraising Committee Chair and she went over it with Jim. It was supposed to be included in last issue of The Blaster, but it wasn’t included. Jim projected on the monitor the copy that would have been included in The Blaster. Margi and Jim will work to get the word out that SRG needs a Fundraising Committee Chair, but Jim also asked the Board members to think about other ideas about getting the word out.
b. Board Goals
Nancy Lambert said that she and Jim had worked on the board goals again the day of this Board meeting. They have added the year for which the goals apply. Nancy read over her document for the Board and said that the fifth goal was new. She also said that the operational goals lead to the aspirational goals, and the aspirational goals can carry over from one Board term to another if a new Board chooses to do so.
Jim Dallas said that he wasn’t asking for adoption at this point, just a discussion. Karen Moske said the goals look great. Michael Pastore said they’re succinct. Nancy Kelly said she was particularly inspired by the fourth goal, and asked Jim and Nancy if they’re ready to adopt the board goals. Nancy Lambert said she was.
Karen Moske made the motion to adopt the board goals that Nancy Lambert has proposed. Margi Koors seconded.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor. No votes opposed it.
The motion passed.
SRG BOARD GOALS –
AS ADOPTED AT THE OCTOBER 20, 2021, SRG BOARD MEETING
Operational Goals:
Operational goals are core annual tasks. These are things you need to get done each year in order to have a functioning organization.
For the term that begins April 2021 and ends April 2022, the SRG Board adopts the following goals:
1. complete an audit.
2. approve financials with quarterly updates from the Treasurer and conduct monthly reporting.
3. create and distribute training manuals for all Committee Chairs.
4. complete the revision and adoption of the SRG Bylaws.
5. create, maintain, and revise as necessary any documents pertinent to the organization for a Policies and Procedures Manual.
6. maintain, revise as necessary, and adhere to the Soulard Historical Code Review.
7. search and recruit a new Fundraising Chairperson.
8. reinvent the Residential Promotions Committee to reflect the goals of our organization more accurately.
9. continue to encourage membership use of our SRG Website, Facebook page, and Blaster for updated information about current ongoing SRG activities and events.
10. continue the Soulard Concerts in the Park series.
11. hold in-person meetings as much as possible during COVID – always following CDC and local guidelines.
12. adopt a highway or other community project.
13. study the current functionality and use of the Soulard Station to aid in future decision making concerning SRG goals.
Aspirational Goals:
Aspirational goals are short- and long-term reach goals. They’re goals which should evolve your organization’s governance capabilities.
The SRG Board will:
1. nurture, grow, and maintain increasing involvement in SRG general membership and its activities. (IMAGE)
2. increase outreach and awareness of all organizations serving Soulard to enhance the engagement of our membership. (COMMUNITY OUTREACH)
3. continue to foster a positive, friendly, and inclusive organization that works on behalf of ALL to improve the quality of life in Soulard. (INCLUSIVITY/SAFETY)
4. gather, research, and study the demographics of Soulard to encourage continued diversity in the SRG organization and its activities. (DIVERSITY)
5. maintain and abide by all requirements as stated in the adopted SRG Bylaws. (GOVERNANCE)
11. By-Laws Review
Jim Dallas said that he had not received any comments on by-laws revisions of Articles VI through the end of the document. The Board also received the memo from Jim with the side-by-side comparison. In Jim’s mind, he wants to table passing the by-laws for one more month.
Karen Moske said she looked over Articles VI through the end and doesn’t have any changes.
Jim said that, after reviewing Robert’s Rules of Order, he had some suggestions to the revisions of Article V. The current by-laws aren’t clear about how votes are counted based on who’s present and who’s not present, if there’s an abstention, etc.
There was then a discussion about voting based on number of Board members present, when the President votes, and how it could potentially affect the outcome of the vote. There was also a discussion about keeping less in the by-laws, but more in the Policies & Procedures.
12. Additional Committee Reports
a. Beautification
Karen Moske said that the Molly’s fundraiser was very successful. Richard Eaton sent an email to the Board, and between the Floral & Art Auction and the Beautification event at Molly’s, there was ~$13,300 raised. Margi Koors raised $1,150 from the Balloon Pop/gift cards at Molly’s.
Neil Putz asked if the Beautification Committee was planning to use the cloud for files. Karen said she would ask Richard about that.
Gary Toribio commented that if people attend the Beautification fundraising events, then the money raised should be spent on beautification. Michael Pastore said he believes that money gets earmarked for Beautification. Neil said that a precedent has been established in the budget procedures and a committee cannot spend above the budget line. However, if that committee is in good standing, and has brought in a certain amount of money, then they can ask for additional money from the Board. Karen said the Beautification Committee always goes above and beyond, but there may be years when they don’t make money.
b. Communications
Billy Tomber said that Jeremy Mehrle was the chair of the Communications Committee for five years and resigned at the committee’s previous meeting. In that meeting, the committee discussed job sharing and responsibilities they’re going to take.
There was then a discussion about The Blaster, how frequent it would be, and who would be responsible.
This committee only has four members, and now it’s down to three. Billy asked for patience as the committee figures things out. For now, the committee is going to do the essential work and Billy will handle website updates.
The committee received a proposal about hiring someone for SRG’s website maintenance, but the rates are hundreds a month. This money isn’t in the current budget. Gary asked how many hundreds. Billy said over a hundred. Nancy Lambert said she thinks the Board should take a closer look at this. Billy said this isn’t in the budget. Beth Hoops is still going to run Facebook promotions for events and anything else we sell tickets for.
Discussion turned back to The Blaster and how communications would go out. The Blaster email list is very large; over 1,500. Jim says the President, generally, needs a way to send out announcements. Billy said emailing The Blaster takes four hours a week and it’s not easy. The template is there, but the information and email address date base are constantly being edited. Then there are the bounce-back emails, too. Nancy Lambert asked if The Blaster could be sent every two weeks or once a month. The Blaster has become more vital given the pandemic, but this has tripled the work on the Communications Committee.
There was a discussion about the importance of website updates if The Blaster isn’t going out as frequently. Michael Pastore asked about changing the budget and hiring someone. Billy said he likes this idea. However, this person would still require time and information.
Jim Dallas asked if a subcommittee could do a brainstorming meeting in two weeks, and any Board member who wants to attend could. This meeting will be formed around Billy’s schedule. Jim said we need to get our arms around the communications issues in Jeremy’s absence.
Discussion turned back to the budget and if the Board wants to look at a webmaster. Billy said the problem with this is the message can get disjointed if the person is an outsider of SRG. The Board also discussed a pull strategy (website and maintenance) vs. a push strategy (The Blaster). Nancy Lambert also mentioned the survey results (asking where people get communications) and the NextDoor app and The Blaster were the top sources.
Jim said there are some short-term communication needs, such as announcing the location of the next General Membership Meeting Nov. 3. Billy committed to requesting the content and sending an email (The Blaster) out on Nov. 1.
Billy commended Jeremy Mehrle and said he will be hard to replace.
c. Fundraising
Margi Koors asked if we’ve given more thought to volunteer t-shirts. These are shirts that everyone gets for the Parlor Tour, for example, and they’re given out the night of the wrap-up party. It’s in the budget, and Jim has all the numbers. Fundraising buys the t-shirts. There was then a discussion about who gets the t-shirts.
Margi also reminded everyone about the wreath sales coming up.
Jim Dallas asked if there’s a line item for the t-shirts. Margi said there was. Michael Pastore said that if the money is budgeted, then move forward. There was a discussion about the line-item in the budget, and Jim agreed that the Fundraising Committee should move forward with the t-shirts, keeping in mind the process laid out in the budget procedures which is based on the amount they want to spend for the t-shirts.
d. Historical
Neil Putz said the Historical Committee has a detailed plan for the cloud file storage and it’s been provided to Megan Mehrle. The committee is scanning and uploading posters and back issues of The Renaissance and The Restorationist. The committee is also going to upload house research, historical signage, and ghost signs.
The Historical Code Review Working Group met at The Soulard Station the previous Monday and they’ll be meeting again the following Monday. These are the people that Jay Gibbs interacts with for City approval. They listen to and trust us when approving requests. This subcommittee is reviewing Article II of the Historical Code regarding governance of existing structures. Lafayette Square revised their code a few years ago and added a lot of improvements, but for Soulard, it won’t be as restrictive. Megan will also help this group with the cloud file system.
Michael Pastore told the Board that he’s had two meetings with CID, and they’re excited about working with the Historical Committee on signage for the neighborhood.
e. Membership
Gary Toribio said the next event for the Membership Committee is a wine tasting on Nov. 12. The committee is currently looking at vintners to bring the wine for the tasting. The emphasis at this event will be to get new members to join committees. Members are also encouraged to bring prospective members. Nancy Kelly talked about her neighbors who are new SRG members and excited. Neil Putz said that if new members sign up, Veronica Putz will take them a welcome basket.
Neil asked Gary if the committee is planning to use the cloud storage. Gary said not at this point.
f. Parlour Tour
Nancy Lambert said that the Parlour Tour committee has been meeting about the event since June, but because of the pandemic, plans have been changing. They have settled on a plan for the event. This year’s Parlour Tour will be Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. It was decided that the only way to bring people into Soulard is to have an in-person event. There will be four houses on the Parlour Tour (limited to four homes; five tours; and 20 people at a time). Then, there will be a holiday night at The Franklin. Tickets for the Parlour Tour will be limited; up to four can be purchased by any one person.
Nancy then handed out the new budget, which was different from what was originally proposed, and included the holiday night at The Franklin. A lot of the expenses are variable based on the number of tickets sold. If they hit their target, there could be a net profit of $11,000. If they sell half the number, then it could still be more than $9,000. Jim reminded everyone that the original budget was all fixed costs. Nancy said that if the Board looks at the proposed expenses, transportation went down considerably, and it’s hoped that the committee can get beer, wine, and soda donated, but she wanted it included in the budget.
Michael Pastore asked if we have to guarantee a number of attendees for the food. Nancy said the committee just has to give the number of people to cook for, and that The Franklin holds 350, but the committee doesn’t want to use that number. If the number of attendees is lower, then the expenses go down as well as income.
The discussion moved to the amount that would be budgeted for the gift bags for Parlour Tour attendees. The committee just made the decision that $1,500 would be the maximum amount for the 100 gift bags. Nancy said if the amount is less, then that will be good, but the amount shouldn’t be more than $1,500.
Billy Tomber made the motion to approve the new budget for the Parlour Tour Committee. Neil Putz seconded.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor of the new budget for the Parlour Tour Committee. No votes opposed it.
The motion was accepted.
g. PRT
Karen Moske said there are currently three projects: 1) Calypso is moving forward and has gotten approval from Cultural Resources for the Menard facing area; 2) new windows at Mauki’s Bakery & Country Store, but this isn’t going forward at this point; 3) and potentially a new balcony at Bastille. .
h. Safety
Nancy Lambert said that the October Safety Walk has been rained out. But everybody has assignments from Andrea Maddox-Dallas (Committee Chair) and they’ll be going out this week.
Nancy asked Jim Dallas if they talked to the representative from The Hill neighborhood about the camera program. Jim said they’d talked to him two days previous and discussed the voluntary camera program they have in place. This database is only accessible to the safety chairman and the police liaison. If crime happens, the police liaison has access to the database and can tell a detective where to check. Then, there’s an email or phone call to the resident to see if they can obtain the footage. Andrea wants to move forward to see if the committee can set up something like this in Soulard.
i. Soulard Station
Nancy Kelly referred to Laura’s discussion at the beginning of the meeting (see minutes above) and reiterated how excited Laura is about opening the venue for the trial events.
13. Executive Session
Neil Putz made the motion to go into Executive Session. Billy Tomber seconded the motion.
The Board entered Executive Session at 10:25 p.m.
Billy Tomber made the motion to exit Executive Session. Neil Putz seconded. All voted in favor of exiting Executive session at 10:47 p.m.
14. Adjourn
Karen Moske made the motion to adjourn the Board Meeting. Margi Koors seconded.
All voted in favor of adjourning the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m.
SRG BOARD RESOLUTION
Depreciation of a Fixed Asset
9/20/2021
This resolution by the SRG Board (the “Board”) is in response to the current audit taking place, whereby SRG’s auditor has observed that the SRG does not currently have a policy in place regarding the circumstances to post on its balance sheet the value of a fixed asset, and to then depreciate the value and charge to income the cost of that asset over time.
WHEREAS:
1. Fixed assets are tangible assets, meaning they are physical assets that can be touched.
2. The cost of fixed assets should be expensed each year over the useful life of the asset.
3. An organization should establish a written procedure that documents the minimum asset amount that should be expensed over its lifetime.
4. Absent a written procedure, all fixed assets with a reasonably long useful lifetime should be expensed over that lifetime (as opposed to being fully expensed in the year of purchase).
NOW, THEREFORE:
1. In accordance with By-Laws Article V, “Board of Directors”, Section 2., “Powers and Duties”, SRG will establish the following SRG Board Policy:
a. SRG will set the minimum fixed asset amount that should be expensed over its useful lifetime as $2,500.
b. Any fixed asset purchase of an amount below $2,500 will be fully expensed in the year of purchase.
c. For any fixed asset purchase of $2,500 or higher, a depreciation schedule will be established for such fixed asset and depreciation schedule will be followed to determine the cost of the fixed asset to be charge into income.
Motion: Adoption of this resolution and the actions described herein will take effect immediately once the terms of Article V, Section 8 of the SRG By-laws have been achieved.
Motion by: Email communication per Article V, Section 8 of the SRG By-laws
Votes in favor: 9
Votes against: 0
This motion was passed on 28 September 2021 via the procedures as stated in Article V, Section 8 of the SRG By-laws.
Board Resolution of Soulard Restoration Group for Creation of Community Involvement and Events Committee
Adopted on October 20, 2021
At the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Soulard Restoration Group (SRG) on 20 October 2021, the following resolution was proposed and approved by the SRG Board:
WHEREAS The SRG functions as a neighborhood association, and its purposes include fostering community improvement, and fostering civic pride;
WHEREAS, ARTICLE V, Section 2 of the SRG By-laws grants the SRG Board the power to create and appoint committees to assist in the conduct of the affairs of the SRG;
WHEREAS, ARTICLE IX of the SRG By-laws grants the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to appoint committees as the need arises to fulfill the purposes of the organization;
NOW, THEREFORE, there shall be the following standing committee:
Community Involvement & Events Committee – The Community Involvement & Events Committee’s purpose is to build, leverage, and engage a diverse and inclusive membership through a set of events where everyone in the Soulard neighborhood is invited to attend. The events will be diverse in nature and appeal to a broad base of neighbors and families of all backgrounds. This Committee will also work with other committees on their events to ensure that every attempt has been made to invite all Members and non-members to various events that are held and sponsored by SRG throughout the year.
Basis of Organizational Authority
In accordance with the SRG By-Laws (Article V, Section 2.E), the SRG Board of Directors hereby creates and appoints a Community Involvement & Events Committee to:
* Nurture, grow, and maintain increasing involvement in SRG general membership and its activities
* Increase outreach and awareness of ALL organizations serving Soulard to enhance the engagement of our membership
* Continue to foster a positive, friendly, and inclusive organization that works on behalf of ALL to improve the quality of life in Soulard
* Gather, research, and study the demographics of Soulard in order to encourage continued diversity in the SRG organization and its activities
Events to achieve the Committee’s goals include, but are not limited to, events celebrating diverse historical figures and holidays (including international holidays), National Night Out and community block parties, diverse events in local Soulard parks such as movies, concerts, or storytelling.
Motion: Approval of this resolution and the actions described herein.
Motion by: Nancy Lambert, Director
Seconded by: Michael Pastore, President-Elect
Votes in favor: 9
Votes against: 0
Motion was unanimously adopted at the 20 October 2021 SRG Board Meeting.