JUNE 2021 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
SRG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
June 2, 2021 Approved Minutes
1. Call to Order + Opening Remarks
The meeting took place via Zoom call and was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
a. Recognition of Attendees: Elected Officials, Directors & Officers, New Members
Board Members present included: Jim Dallas (President), Michael Pastore (President-Elect), Neil Putz (Past-President), Debby Brown (Treasurer), Chris Currington (Secretary), Billy Tomber (Editor, The Renaissance), Nancy Kelly, Margi Koors, Nancy Lambert, Karen Moske, and Gary Toribio.
Committee Chairs present included: Julie Price (Membership Committee), Andrea Maddox-Dallas (Safety Committee), Jeanne Kirby (Parlour Tour Committee), Laura Grace, (Soulard Station Committee Co-Chair), Christopher Schwartz (Fundraising Committee), Veronica Putz (Historical Committee)
Speakers and other attendees included Dan Guenther (9th Ward Alderman) and Officer Sherdon Douglas (SLMPD Soulard Liaison).
Jim recognized special guests and welcomed everyone to the meeting. He also asked if there were any new members on the call.
Kat Matus introduced herself and sad that she and her partner, Constantine, moved to the neighborhood in November and they’re interested in participating in events.
Michelle Pawlowski introduced herself and said she moved here May 1 and she enjoys living here.
2. SLMPD Liaison Report
Officer Douglas reported and reviewed the crime statistics for the Month of May.
Michael Pastore inquired about the increase in noise, cars, and tire marks up and down Russel and on 7th Street between 9:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Officer Douglas said she’d be sure to get an email out to the precinct, and if anyone gets license plate numbers, call 911 or a non-emergency line.
There was a question about 911 service from someone who saw two accidents at nearly the same time, but couldn’t get through to 911. Officer Douglas said there’s a lot going on in the city and the hold, unfortunately, is what it is. Dispatchers try to triage incoming calls depending on the nature of what’s happening. Officer Douglas also reminded participants that there’s an app on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department website that can be used to communicate with SLMPD.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
Chris Currington explained that the minutes from the May 5, 2021, General Membership meeting were posted on the SRG website and there was one change and it had been made prior to this meeting.
Angie Leahy made the motion to accept the May 5 General Membership meeting minutes. Michael Pastore seconded the motion.
Those present voted in favor of this motion. No votes opposed it.
The motion passed unanimously.
4. Financial Report
Debby Brown reported that there was a loss of $2,691 for May, but SRG also paid out advance expenses for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, 2021, including $1,300 for the July Summer Concert (part of the Summer Concert Series).
Jim Dallas asked about the balances in reserves. Debbie said there was ~$62,000 in the main account, and ~10,000 in reserves. These amounts include some expenses that haven’t cleared yet. Jim said that soon, membership revenues will come in to create revenues, and the Board will continue to report on a monthly basis on what revenues are for the month.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
5. Soulardevents, Committee Reports, and other Neighborhood Associations
a. Membership Committee activities
Julie Price reported that there are currently 449 resident members and 39 business members. This may be changing, hopefully with the new membership drive June 27 from 3 to 6 p.m. This membership drive/community party will have a Mardi Gras theme. Julie asked attendees to dress up and wear old Mardi Gras shirts, hats, and be festive. The Membership Committee will provide drinks, and there are possibilities of sangria, alcohol, and beer bars. There won’t be food this year, but there will be snacks. The party will be at the American Legion, and the parking lot is going to be blocked. There will be one entrance in the alley at Sidney Street. The Pedestrians (band) will be playing and merchandise from SRG and SBA will be available to purchase. There will be a special gift for those who attend, and Julie said that if attendees pay their annual SRG dues online, they will be able to enter faster. The Star Awards and Lifetime Achievement awards will be given at the Community Party. There are also ~90 of the Soulard masks for sale.
Julie also said the Membership Committee is planning an “off the island” event—a winery tour with a charter bus, but there may be a small charge to attend. This will happen in the later part of the year.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next item on the agenda.
b. Safety Committee
Andrea Maddox-Dallas reported that on May 13, 2021, the Safety Committee held a Safety Walk with 26 volunteers and 8 police officers. They discovered ~90 safety issues (~2/3 lighting issues, lights out in alleys or streets, bad alley areas, etc.) and the committee is currently working with Alderman Coatar, Alderman Guenther, and Ameren to address them.
That same day, CDC lifted some COVID-19 requirements, and there was a get together after the event. There will be another Safety Walk in the fall, probably in October.
The Safety Committee also wants to get something up and running on the website as a way for safety issues—what to do and how to prevent them. That is the work between now and October.
Andrea let attendees know that anyone who wants to join the committee can attend a meeting the second Tuesday each month at the Soulard Station.
Jim Dallas asked Andrea to clarify the wards for the Safety Walk. Andrea explained that this time the walk went south of the AB Brewery.
Hearing no questions, Jim Dallas moved to the next agenda item.
c. Parlour Tour Committee
Jeanne Kirby reported that the Parlour Tour Committee has not formally met. However, for this year’s tour, there are three options being considered:
1) Full, in-person tour as in all years past, expect for 2020, and maintain quality and integrity and increase income.
2) If that is not possible, then a hybrid tour which would be within St. Louis COVID guidelines to maintain engagement of previous customers as well as new visitors. The committee is not sure how this would look, but they are going to be meeting and several members are event planners.
3) A virtual offering, which was greatly received last year.
Jeanne said, for options 1) and 2), they will need access to residences to make the Tour happen. If anyone knows anyone interested in an in-person tour or virtual, please let Jeanne know. The residence could be a home, rental, or apartment. The committee will keep a running list and know people are willing to be on the tour.
Hearing no questions, Jim Dallas moved to the next agenda item.
d. Plan Review Team (PRT)
Karen Moske (Board Liaison) reported that Jay Gibbs and other members of the committee are looking at drawings and renderings of Calypso. This will be the bar across from the Great Grizzly Bear at Geyer and Menard. Currently, they’re working on drawings and renderings to comply with historic guidelines, and Jay is working with them. This is a work-in-progress. Any questions should be directed to Jay. Calypso does want to work with the neighborhood, so this has been a good experience.
Jay is also working with homeowners and renovations so they comply with historic standards.
There was a question about the damaged building at 11th Street and Ann. Jim Dallas said he would ask Jay about it.
e. Soulard Station
Laura Grace reported that the Soulard Station has updated its COVID-19 Guidelines to match the Center for Disease Control. Fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks when using the station.
The Station is available for official SRG business and committee meetings. Please contact Laura if you need the automated scheduling link or have difficulty in scheduling. Also, if there are difficulties while at the Soulard Station, you can text Laura directly and she can help to manage any issues.
The committee is continuing to make improvements both inside and outside the station and Laura invited attendees to walk by to see the ever-evolving beautiful grounds.
Laura said that members should stay tuned for announcements on fundraising in early fall and how you can support the beautification of the station grounds. The committee is also looking for members. If anyone is interested, please let the committee know. It is specifically looking for active members who don’t mind getting hands dirty, garden and water, cleaning and maintenance, and redoing cabinets.
Julie Price said that when she was at the Soulard Station recently, there was a puddle of water inside of the doors in front of the garage door. Laura thanked Julie for letting her know, and they have been working on issues with the roof and rot, and she would check it out.
Julie also said that when she went to schedule a meeting, she had problems with the date and time she picked. She said she would try again that night, and Laura asked Julie to reach out to her if the problem continued.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
f. Concerts in the Park
Chris Schwarz announced the return of the Soulard Concert Series. “Patty and the Hitmen” will be performing July 10; the “National Blues Museum All-Star Band” will perform Sept. 5. The concerts will start at 6 p.m. and run to 9 p.m. Chris asked interested parties to bring chairs. Beer and wine will be sold. Chris also told attendees to watch The Blaster and other media for updates.
The committee will also be selling merchandise at the upcoming membership meeting (see Community Party above). Chris told members on the call that anyone interested in participating with the fundraising committing that there will be a meeting June 24 at 7 p.m. and to contact Chris at fundraising@soulard.org. This email address can also be used for questions about the concerts and merchandise.
g. Beautification Committee Report
Richard Eaton asked to mention the upcoming event at Soulard Station Sept. 11. There will be more information forthcoming, but there is excitement about this event.
Margi Koors said that the name for the event is “Floral and Art Auction”. The committee is looking for Soulard artists who might want to make a donation, and they are encouraged to contact Margi. There will be opportunities to sell art and retain the proceeds. If anyone wants to contact her, she’ll be able to give more information. There was a question about the types of art. Margi said there will be floral arrangements that are donated, and then there will be art—of any kind. There will also be a communication that will go to artists who have participated in the Garden Tour in the past, and that will be sent in the next few days. If there are others who might be interested, please let Margi know.
h. American Legion
Chris Schwarz also gave the report for the American Legion, and said that there was a
very successful Memorial Day at Soldiers Memorial and Military Museum. If meeting attendees missed that event, there will be another ceremony on Sunday, June 13 for Flag Day. There will be flag-folding classes at 3:15 p.m. and a ceremony at 4 p.m. lasting about an hour.
Other big news is that happy hours are back and the next one will be June 18. These occur the third Friday of the month. There will be entertainment and alcohol, and it will last from 5 to 8 p.m. At this time, the Legion was still trying to line up the guest band and bar tender.
The Raffle is about to go over $25,000. If anyone wins, they get a certain percentage and the Legion gets a certain percentage. If there are questions, please email Chris.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
i. Bastille Day and SBA Sample Soulard
Jim Dallas reported that Bastille Weekend 2021 will be July 17-18. It will be a collaborative celebration by the Soulard Business Association (SBA) and SRG. Jim referred to the June 2 issue of The Blaster for more information.
This year, for Bastille Day, it will feature two days of celebrations. Saturday, July 17 at 4 p.m. we will honor the peasants who rejected the monarchy by “gathering the mob.” There will be a walking and golf cart parade in the neighborhood, stopping at bars and restaurants before ending at Market Park Plaza for the mock “beheading.” Stay tuned for the procession map and additional details and follow the event on Facebook.
Jim also said that SRG is happy to be working with SBA on this event, and we’re glad to see we can bring it back to the neighborhood.
j. Sample Soulard
On Sunday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., SBA is hosting Sample Soulard Sunday, Bastille-edition. It is anticipated that there will be more than 20 neighborhood bars and restaurants participating. More information about tickets, participants and menu options will be shared prior to the event at www.HistoricSoulard.com and on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/1Wn93w9lD
Jim said that normally Cathy Weldon would make announcements, but she wasn’t available for this meeting.
Gary Toribio added that, from MGI’s standpoint, it is going to have a “half-way to Mardi Gras” event. They are anticipating a 5k event Thursday, Aug. 12. And then Saturday, Aug. 14, there will be a regular Taste of Soulard, similar to the February event. This event will be Luau themed, and there will be more information later.
Hearing no additional questions, Jim moved to the next item on the agenda.
k. CID/SSBD
Terry Hoffman gave the update for CID and SBD, and hopes that those on the call noticed the new trash receptacles. Currently there are 61 permanently affixed and six more to get placed. The target is 67 receptacles, and they’ve hired a porter service to empty the trashcans weekly, typically working through the neighborhood between 8 a.m. and noon each day. They are also hoping for extra cans in additional locations to provide more trash coverage. Hopefully, this will get bigger and better and keep the neighborhood cleaner.
Terry also said the call’s participants should have received a postcard about a survey for CID and where it should be committing resources. The survey has been live for about 3 weeks, and to date there were over 400 responses. There are two weeks remaining to take the survey, and Terry encouraged members to respond.
The previous week, there was a contractual agreement between SBD and St. Louis City to start a traffic combing study, and Jack Coatar, CID and SBD are funding this together. The study will cover traffic counts, crash data, interviews, and traffic observation. Hopefully, this work will begin the middle of June through July, with preliminary findings in our hands by August, and final findings and a public meeting to discuss by the end of September. The hope is to have at least 15 concepts for improvement from the study to build long-term and short-term plans for traffic combing.
The SBD is continuing to focus on off duty patrol in neighborhood, every day of the week with weekends having more patrols. It just completed installation of the latest camera at 9th Street and Emmet. Between SRG and SBD, there are many cameras in the neighborhood, and the camera execution continues to be high on their list. There are probably an additional 4 or 5 cameras they’re looking to install this year.
Michael Pastore said the trash receptacles are phenomenal and there are new bags every morning. As far as SBD goes, however, he hasn’t seen a patrol car in over 2 weeks. They usually drive around every night with lights on. Over the holiday weekend, Michael said he didn’t see a patrol car at all, and asked if there’s something different. Terry said he couldn’t speak for the weekend, but he saw them once or twice at his end of the neighborhood. Terry offered to follow up with the supervisor to see if there was service patrol over the weekend and get back to Michael. Terry acknowledged that they are supposed to provide broad coverage, and if they haven’t been seen, this problem needs to be addressed.
6. Recent Board Decisions and Actions
a. Re-appointment of Nancy Lambert to the MGI Board
Jim Dallas said that Mardi Gras Inc. (MGI) is a separate entity from SRG. MGI plans and executes the Mardi Gras festivities each year, including the Grand Parade. SRG has three representatives on the Mardi Gras Inc. Board of Directors, that each serve 3-year terms and the terms are staggered annually.
The Board has been appointing the SRG Representative for MGI, and the president has typically brought those candidates before the board. SRG makes the appointments per the president’s recommendation. Gary Toribio’s term on the MGI Board was renewed in 2020, and it is his fourth term. Billy Tomber is on his 4th term on the MGI Board, and his current term will expire in 2022.
Nancy Lambert is currently on her first term, and her term is set to expire in June 2021. At the May Board meeting, SRG voted to recommend to MGI that Nancy be appointed for another three-year term.
We are excited to have Nancy continue to serve SRG on the MGI board.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
b. Budget
Jim Dallas said one of the first acts of the new Board was to kick off the budget cycle for the coming fiscal year, which will run from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. On May 17 and 18 the Board held two two-hour Zoom meetings, where each committee chair was given the opportunity to present their plans and goals for the upcoming year, as well as each committee’s requested budget. All board members participated on those Zoom calls.
The Board then spent about an hour of the May 26 board meeting to discuss the budget and to tweak it in various aspects. The Board will further consider an updated consolidated budget at the June 16 Board meeting, and vote on the budget at that meeting. If approved, the Board-approved budget will then be presented for Membership approval at the July 7 general membership meeting.
Jim anticipates posting the Board-approved budget on the SRG website, and provide opportunities for members to review the budget ahead of the July 7 meeting, and to ask questions via email ahead of the July 7 meeting.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
c. Consideration of In-person meetings
Jim Dallas reported that this past week, the first in-person Board meeting, since March of 2020, was held. That meeting was held at Soulard Station, and he anticipates the Board will continue holding Board meetings in person at that location.
Many committees have already begun to hold in-person meetings recently whether at the Soulard Station or in homes.
We are in the process of assessing holding these General Membership meetings in person, as well, possibly beginning with the July meeting on July 7.
Jim asked those attending the meeting to please watch The Blaster for updates on when we will begin in-person meetings.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next item on the agenda.
d. Training session July 14 for committee chairs and board liaisons
Jim Dallas said that during the last president’s term, the SRG board passed two procedures: “Amendments to the SRG Approved Annual Budget” and “Budget Execution and Purchase Procedures by SRG Committees.”
As mentioned above, last week’s board meeting spent much time on the budget. During that budget discussion we discussed at great length these two procedures that were passed during the previous Board’s term. It was suggested – and agreed – that a training session should be scheduled for the Board members and for the Committee Chairs.
In addition, the Communications Committee is developing a file storage system that should be rolled out to the SRG in the near future. The board also agreed that a training session would be a good idea for that system, as well.
Making notice of this and giving notice to all committee chairs a meeting has been scheduled for the evening of July 14 as a training session for these topics. Jim will send out a “Save the Date” soon to all Committee Chairs, and additional details about the topics to be covered at that training session will follow as the date approaches.
There was a question about posting the procedures online for all members. Gary Toribio said that there is a spot on one of the SRG web pages with documents; we just need to make sure they’re on there.
7. Working Groups
a. Historic Code Review Working Group
Jim Dallas asked Neil Putz to give an update about the Historic Code Review Working Group. Neil said that the last meeting of this group was in May, and they will meet every three weeks. There are a number of members with deep experience with the historical code in Soulard and the City of St. Louis. Lafayette Square updated their codes a few years ago, and contains things the Soulard codes may want to embrace. The group is still on pace to have results produced by September of this year. The intention is to model Lafayette Square’s codes because their successes and attributes are strong.
Jay Gibbs is the PRT Code & Zoning Chair and he’s leading the charge and studying Lafayette Square’s code and making sure it can apply to Soulard. We are always open to communication on this and if anyone has input, or they want to talk to a working-group member, they can contact Lisa Otke, Wade Wistrick, or Lillian Thompson, listed in the yellow-colored SRG roster.
Michael Pastore asked a question about PRT and anyone new to the neighborhood who wants to rehab a house or wants to join PRT. Who is the person in charge? Karen Moske said Jay Gibbs is the contact. Neil added that for all attendees on the call, if anyone is considering any type of projects to the exterior of their home to please reach out to PRT and they can help coordinate projects. Jim added that if anyone isn’t sure how to contact Jay or PRT, to please email president@soulard.org.
8. Other committee reports
a. Beautification
Please see above.
b. Historical
Veronica Putz said that her report is covered above, and there will be additional, separate training for and by this committee in the future.
9. Adjourn
Jim Dallas asked if there were any other topics to discuss. Hearing none, Margi Koors moved to adjourn the meeting. Veronica Putz seconded.
The vote was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Notes from Zoom Chatroom
From Officer Sherdon Douglas to Everyone: Sdouglas@slmpd.org (her email address)
From Kat Matus (she/her) to Soulard Restoration Group(Direct Message): Hi Jim, can you please share how to learn more about the available committees to join? Would love to get involved. Thank you!
From Soulard Restoration Group to Kat Matus (she/her)(Direct Message): can you email me at jimdallasfsa@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you a separate email?
19:08:59 From Scott Plackemeier to Everyone: what was the address of that last crime?
19:09:25 From Veronica Putz to Everyone: 2700 S. 13th
19:09:31 From Scott Plackemeier to Everyone: thank you!
19:14:11 From Christopher to Everyone: American Legion in Soulard Queen of Hearts Rafflehttps://www.goraisedough.com/tickets.html?raforg=298&seller=268531
19:27:11 From Billy Tomber to Everyone: Register for the June 27 Community Party today!
Pay your dues, you get entrance to the party and your membership through May 0f 2022.
http://www.soulard.org/#soulard-community-party
19:28:45 From Walker & Jen to Everyone: FYI: The Apple Pay option for membership dues throws and error related to “shipping” and so doesn’t work
19:42:37 From Laura Grace to Everyone: Hi All You can text me directly at 314-307-2741 if you have issues at the [Soulard] station, please include your name
19:42:55 From Sherdon Douglas to Everyone: The department partnered with MobilePD to develop this application in an effort to increase transparency and openness with the community, with the ultimate goal of increasing crime tips from citizens. SLMPD is the second major city in the United States to launch MobilePD’s new real-time citizen reporting platform, which allows citizens to submit tips to the Real Time Crime Center. Tipsters, who have the option to be anonymous, can include their GPS location, text a photo and have a secure two-way chat with officers. Additional features include emergency push notification alerts, the ability to submit requests for various city services to the Citizens’ Service Bureau and access to St. Louis CrimeStoppers and SLMPD social media pages. The SLMPD mobile app is free to download on the iOS AppStore and Google Play Marketplace.
19:44:19 From Lilli to Everyone: Art includes photography or sculpture as well as paintings
19:44:29 From Sherdon Douglas to Everyone: Thank you everyone
19:46:59 From Christopher to Everyone: Link to Queen of Hearts Raffle: https://www.goraisedough.com/tickets.html?raforg=298&seller=268531
19:47:54 From Terry Hoffman to Everyone: any questions re: the CID can be directed to chair@soulardcidorg
19:51:03 From Andrea Maddox-Dallas to Everyone: If anyone wants to join Safety Committee or has questions/ideas, you can contact me at safety@soulard.org
19:53:33 From Scott Plackemeier to Everyone: Thank you for the trash cans. I've noticed the intersections where they are located are much cleaner!
19:56:58 From Terry Hoffman to Everyone: any questions re: the SSBD can be directed to info@soulard-sbd.org
19:59:16 From Daniel Guenther to Everyone: your neighbors up in Benton Park would like to invite everyone to our Summer Concert Series, as well. second to last Sunday of each month through October, next show is June 20th featuring The Mighty Pines:)
19:59:22 From Lisa Otke to Everyone: I've noticed a few more police - not sure if it is an answer to recent crimes, but have seen more. I am not sure about City's Finest. I see the police during the day and evening though.
20:14:48 From Lilli to Everyone: The Soulard Star directory has a nice write up about the home renovation approval process which Jay wrote