July 2021 General Membership Meeting Minutes
SRG General Membership Meeting
July 7, 2021 DRAFT Minutes
1) Call to Order + Opening Remarks
The meeting was called to order at 7:07
Board Members present included: Jim Dallas (President); Michael Pastore (President-Elect); Debby Brown (Treasurer); Chris Currington (Secretary); Neil Putz (Past President); Margi Koors; Nancy Lambert; Karen Moske; Billy Tomber; and Gary Toribio. Absent: Nancy Kelly.
Committee Chairs present included: Julie Price, Membership; Richard Eaton, Beautification; Jay Gibbs, Plan Review Team; Bonita Leiber, Soulard Station; Christopher Schwarz, Fundraising; Jeremy Mehrle, Communications.
Speakers and Other Attendees included: Jack Coatar (7th Ward Alderman), and Kathleen Farrell and Wally Siewert of Reform STL, a campaign for redistricting and ethics reform in St. Louis.
Jim Dallas thanked everyone for attending and appreciated that we could gather outside for this meeting.
2) SLMPD Liaison Report
Officer Sherdon Douglas (SLMPD Soulard Liaison) was absent. Jim Dallas gave the statistics from the 60-day crime report, and then asked anyone who wanted additional information to contact him.
3) Minutes of Previous Meeting
Chris Currington reported that the approved minutes from the previous Board meeting and the draft of the General Membership meeting were entered on the SRG website a week earlier.
Margi Koors made the motion to accept the draft of the General Membership meeting minutes. Julie Price seconded the motion.
The vote was taken.
All voted to accept the General Membership meeting minutes. No votes opposed.
The motion passed unanimously.
4) Presentation of FY 2022 Board-Approved Budget, and Financial Report
Jim Dallas spoke briefly about the budget process. It began prior to the first meeting of the new Board in April. Committees presented their budgets in mid-May to the Board, and then further refinement took place at the May Board meeting. At the June Board meeting, the Board approved the budget so that it could be sent to General Membership for approval.
Jim explained to the members present that the previous budget had been passed in November, and the budget that was being considered for a vote was for the upcoming fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022 (FY 2022). The previous budget projected a closing balance for the SRG cash account of ~$55,700, but as of June 25, 2021 (close to the end of the fiscal year) the closing balance was ~$68,500, so just under $13,000 more than was projected. The projected loss built into the proposed FY 2022 budget is ~$25,000, which will leave the SRG with an ending cash balance of between $43,000-$44,000 for the fiscal year, which is still a higher balance than what SRG has historically operated with.
Jim said the Board-approved budget had been entered on the SRG website a week prior, and asked if there were any questions.
John Haas, SRG Member, asked about the Soulard Station budget ($22,800), and what the purpose of the Station actually is. He also went back to the June of 2019 Board Minutes when there was a discussion about the purpose of the Station, and the Board decided to postpone the discussion until July. At the July and August Board meetings, there were no agenda items discussing the purpose of the Soulard Station. At the September meeting, the Board decided to develop goals for the future direction of the Soulard Station, but since then, nothing has been decided about the purpose. John asked about the logic of committing the $22,800 on the building, and what the purpose of the Soulard Station would be.
Jim explained that the amount is to cover repairs for the Station’s roof and sidewalk (currently a tripping hazard), but most of it was for roof repair. Jim also explained that when the Board saw the proposed numbers from the Soulard Station, it questioned how to justify them. There has been a request given to the Fundraising Committee to help in raising funds specific to Soulard Station to justify the budgeted amount. The estimated amount for that fundraising effort appears in the Fundraising Committee’s budget.
John then asked again about the purpose of the Soulard Station because it appears the building is never being used.
Jim explained that the main purpose for the Station is for various Committee and Board meetings, and that it is not currently rented out for other purposes (this was decided in 2017). The building is a symbol of SRG, and the community and the value is carried in the books. Julie Price, Membership Committee Chair, then said that SRG owns the building, and we have to maintain it. John then said he felt we shouldn’t own it. Jim responded that we should develop a long-term plan for the Station, to include grant money and other income. One idea has been to use the Station to display Soulard’s history. Currently, there is no long-term plan, but we need to keep maintaining it so the building does not deteriorate.
There was a question about the hit to the overall impact to the budget from the Soulard Station. Jim responded that if we net the estimated expenses of $22,800 with offsetting assumed fundraising of $12,000, the net cost becomes ~$10,000.
Jim Dallas asked for the motion to approve the proposed, Board-approved budget.
Michael Pastore moved to accept the budget. Julie Dinkelmann seconded the motion.
Those present voted in favor of the Board-approved budget. No votes opposed it.
The motion passed unanimously.
5) Soulardevents, Committee Reports, and other Neighborhood Associations
a) Membership Committee activities
Julie Price, Membership Committee Chair, introduced herself. She discussed the Membership Drive/Community Party that was held June 27 and besides some brief rain, it was a nice event, and “The Pedestrians” were the band that played. This was the first time the Membership Drive had live music. At the event, there were commemorative Mardi Gras beads given to attendees. Also, at this General Membership meeting, if paid members hadn’t received the beads, they could pick them up. The bead design was taken from a 2020 poster (limited Mardi Gras because of the pandemic).
Julie also reminded members present about the refrigerator magnets and she’s willing to share business cards that can be given to new residents in the neighborhood, encouraging them to join SRG. She also reminded everyone that there were remaining Soulard masks that could be purchased if anyone wanted them for keepsakes.
After the General Membership meetings, SRG is going to patronize bars that are active SRG members and ask them to host the social. After this meeting, SRG members were encouraged to gather at Boo Coo where there would be drink tickets and sampling of the restaurant’s food.
Julie then thanked her committee for their willingness to jump in and help out, especially at the last moment. She asked for questions. Hearing none, Jim Dallas then moved to the next agenda item.
b) Beautification Committee report
Richard Eaton, Beautification Committee Chair, recognized Mark Lambert and John Durnell for watering the pots around the neighborhood. Richard thanked them and said that there are more than 50 pots in the neighborhood, and watering them takes over five hours each time. Richard used to have workers use wheelbarrows and fire hydrants to water the pots. John decided to use a golf cart instead, and it’s saving SRG $100 each time they water the pots.
Richard said that the Beautification Committee had a meeting at the Soulard Station on June 25, and there were 26 people in attendance. They made the decision that it would be too late in the year to have a Garden Tour given the pandemic. The Committee has decided to have a fundraiser—Art & Floral Auction—to be held Sept. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. The floral designs can be interior or exterior and attendees can bid on them. Artwork is also being solicited for the event. Artists are encouraged to donate a piece of art about the neighborhood that will be auctioned off with proceeds going to SRG. Artists can also donate a second piece (of their choice) for auction, and the artist can profit from the second piece if it sells. If anyone is interested in donating the flower arrangements or art, they were asked to contact Margi Koors.
Richard also said that they are planning the annual event at Molly’s in October. He also mentioned that the Beautification Committee takes care of the grounds at Soulard Station, with the help of Bonita Leiber, Chris Koehler and Laura Grace, and if anyone is interested, they can help there as well.
c) Safety Committee report
Nancy Lambert, Liaison to the Safety Committee, gave the Safety Committee update. She acknowledged the Safety Walk that was held in May, and thanked those who participated. There were many different issues found, and Andrea Maddox-Dallas (Committee Chair) asked Nancy to report that of the 19 alley lights that were out, 15 have been fixed by Ameren, and of the 15 streetlights that were out, 12 have been fixed by the City. If anyone notices alley lights that are out, they are encouraged to contact Ameren at solutionscenter@ameren.com rather than waiting until the next Safety Walk. John Durnell said that if there is a number on the alley pole (Jim Dallas said they generally look like “license plates”), give that number to Ameren when reporting it. Nancy confirmed this. If there is no number, which is generally the case for the streetlights, then be specific about addresses when reporting these to the City (streetlights) or to Ameren (alley lights).
d) Parlour Tour report
Nancy also gave the update about the Parlour Tour. This committee is hoping for the full-blown Parlour Tour in December, and they are searching for people interested in opening their homes. If anyone is interested, please contact Jeanne Kirby at parlourtour@soulard.org.
e) Plan Review Team report
Jay Gibbs, Plan Review Team Chair, said that during Covid-19, it has been very quiet on the construction front, but some things have happened, and if anyone has questions, they can contact him.
PRT has been working with a group of investors who have purchased what was at one time The Stable (at Geyer and Menard). There was a design concept/model developed and presented to PRT, where it was approved. The concept then went to the Cultural Resource Office (CRO) where it was rejected. CRO makes the final decision on what’s accepted and rejected, so the investors are coming up with a different concept.
There was then a discussion about a developer who wants to build two attached townhomes at Menard and Lami. PRT has been working with this developer for two years on design concepts that have not been approved. The developer went to CRO and the plans weren’t approved by them either.
There was also a discussion about an old bar located at Emmett and 10th that might be purchased and renovated.
Hearing no more questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
f) Soulard Station
Bonita Leiber, Co-chair of the Soulard Station Committee, reported that being in this position is incredibly exciting for her, that she loves working there and the building and grounds are looking very good. A lot of work has gone into the infrastructure and the foundation, so the money that’s being spent on the building can’t really be seen.
Bonita also recognized her husband, Chris Koehler, for his hard work on the building maintenance. The committee’s goal is to create a beautiful spot, make sure everything is working, and nothing is rotting or falling apart. She said with the budgeted money, SRG Members will appreciate how it’s being spent.
Bonita said the co-chairs need some help from Members, such as weeding and figuring out equipment, and if anyone is interested, to please see her.
Hearing no questions, Jim Dallas moved to the next agenda item.
g) Concerts in the Park
Christopher Schwarz, Fundraising Chair, reported that the Summer Concerts are back, and that the next one would be Saturday, July 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., with “Patti and the Hitmen” playing at Soulard Market Plaza. This is one of two concerts this summer, and there will be beer and wine for sale. There will also be a food drive, and Members were encouraged to bring non-perishable items.
The next concert will be Labor Day Weekend, and “The National Blues Museum All Star Band” will be the musical act.
Chris acknowledged merchandise sales and thanked those who have helped/contributed. There has been a little under $600 in merchandise sold (after Square fees).
h) American Legion
Christopher Schwarz said that the American Legion is back open after a long year. The happy hours have started, and the next one scheduled would be the Shanty Reunion, and it was anticipated that “Pickin’ Lickin’” would be the band. The happy hours are the third Friday of each month at 5 p.m.
Christopher also acknowledged the Membership Drive/Community Party that was put on at the American Legion. Despite the rain, it was a successful event.
From a patriotic standpoint, the American Legion held a Memorial Day and Flag Day celebration.
Christopher then mentioned the American Legion’s Queen of Hearts raffle, which at the time of this meeting, has ~$26,000 in the jackpot.
Hearing no questions, Jim Dallas moved to the next agenda item.
i) Soulard Business Association (SBA) Bastille Weekend and Sample Soulard
Cathy Weldon, SBA Representative to SRG, said that she now works for the Soulard Business Association, located at 822 Lafayette. If anyone needs to see Cathy, her office hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by appointment.
During the pandemic, SBA gave money in relief funds to 40 businesses.
SBA has a couple of events coming up. SBA is taking the lead and working with SRG on the Bastille Day Weekend.
—There will be an event at Nadine’s, “Boos and Berets,” July 14 at 6:30 p.m., where there will be three craft stations to make berets, signs and scarves for the Saturday parade.
—About the parade Saturday, July 17: “Funky Butt” will be the band that will lead the parade. Walkers will be in the front with golf carts following.
—Sunday, July 18, is the Sample Soulard Sunday. People can purchase a book of tickets and sample food and beverages in the neighborhood. They will also receive a commemorative mug. Cathy mentioned that Medusa’s and Morgan Ford spa are also participating.
Cathy also mentioned that Oktoberfest would be happening Oct. 8-9. SBA is happy to host this event, and the Beer Booth is big for SRG.
There will be a Mardi Gras party in August—Halfway to Mardi Gras. The poster concept for the 2022 Mardi Gras will be awarded there.
There were no questions. Jim Dallas thanked SBA for all they do in the Soulard Neighborhood, and moved to the next agenda item.
j) Community Improvement District (CID) and Soulard Special Business District (SSBD)
Terry Hoffman, head of CID and SSBD treasurer, gave these updates.
CID
Terry said that he hoped everyone in attendance had responded to a recent survey that’s been running the last couple of months about where CID should be focusing its resources. There were 565 responses, and they are now going through data and will report back at the next meeting what they learned about prioritizing projects for the remainder of the year and into the next.
One of the projects the CID is currently focused on is the trash cans in the neighborhood. Currently there are 78 permanently placed, nine to replace, and one that needs to be repaired. There’s a porter service that was picking up trash five days a week, but now they are out seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. emptying trash.
CID is also working with Peter & Paul Community Services to expand the Clean Team effort to include all of Soulard; not just the North end of the neighborhood. For now, the CID is waiting on the paperwork for this, but it is hoped that the Clean Team will cover all alleys. This is a combined effort between SBA (that started it), SRG, Trinity Lutheran Church, SSBD, and others.
CID has finally engaged St. Louis to get a traffic calming study under way, and it will hopefully begin shortly, and we can see the results of the survey in the September-October timeframe. The purpose is to get people to slow down and stop at stop signs.
They’ve recently approved their fiscal budget, which has a balance ~$445,000, but the types of projects they undertake are expensive. Once the money is allocated, it’s spent quickly. Currently, CID is getting around $50,000 in tax revenue from area businesses. The economy is good in Soulard and fortunately CID is getting a piece of that.
SSBD
This organization’s primary mission is security, and it’s funded through property tax dollars. Their primary activity is hiring off-duty police officers to provide security in the neighborhood. Currently, Soulard is averaging 65 to 85 hours a week, and they’re looking to expand the camera program. Between SSBD and SRG, they have funded locations for cameras, and looking to increase the number over the next year. They are talking to additional property owners and asking if they’re willing to add cameras.
SSBD is also involved in the traffic calming study.
Michael Pastore asked about the statistics on the patrol car that drives the neighborhood and what they do exactly. Terry said that he didn’t currently have statistics, but he did provide slides back in May with the number of arrests, field interview reports, and other activities. Terry also said that they will be posting “vapor trails” (digital map of where off duty officers go through the neighborhood) to the website.
Karen Moske asked what the hours were for the neighborhood patrol. Terry said primarily mid to late afternoon, evening and morning and you can typically see them between 3 p.m. and 3 am. Terry also mentioned the project manager who is typically in Soulard in the morning, and that he feels there’s good coverage.
Karen then asked about the substation in Soulard and if it’s funded by CID or SSBD. SRG used to fund the cleaning and supplies for the substation; now SSBD covers those, as well as maintenance and refreshments for the officers.
There was a question about bike patrols. Terry said that would be at the discretion of the Board, but it’s a possibility. It was also noted that those on bikes require specially trained officers and bikes. This has been avoided in the past because of the size of our district and it doesn’t really fit the prototype of those patrols, but it is something we can consider.
There was a question about how to contact the patrol if something not worthy of a call to the police or emergency. Terry said that SSBD’s response is that, if there’s an issue, residents should call 911. That needs to be logged with the police because officers are allocated based on those statistics.
Jack Coatar then mentioned that the officers are commissioned and can monitor channels on radios. These patrol officers typically don’t arrest anyone, because then they’d have to leave the area. Terry said they take calls and know resources assigned to particular incidents, and they know if they’re important or not important; they don’t necessary want them responding to every 911 call, especially making an arrest, because then they’re pulled out the neighborhood to do hours of paperwork.
Hearing no additional questions, Jim Dallas moved to the next agenda item.
k) Reform STL
Jim Dallas introduced Wally Siewert and Kathleen Farrell, of Reform St. Louis.
Siewart and Farrell discussed the following positions of Reform STL:
— City government should be working for the people of Soulard
—Petition to change some things at City Hall, predominantly conflicts of interest with Board of Alderman:
-Drawing their own districts and possibly then choosing their own voters
-Recusing themselves is something conflicts with their financial interest (some have; others have not)
—Invitation to sign a petition
There was a question about if Reform STL has anything to do with the income tax debate. It does not.
There was a question about who or what is funding the operation of Reform STL. Most of the money has come from contributions from those in the city. Some from national support for the election reform and a small contribution from the Center for Election Science. All of the leadership of Reform STL are local people who live in St. Louis.
There was a question if the money came from a political party. It has not.
There was a question about disclosing donors. All of the donors are on Reform STL’s website.
There was a question about why the League of Women Voters is supporting this. It was confirmed that this is a non-partisan initiative. Kathleen said that:
—There are few left that do not have a direct conflict of interest requirement; that’s a state requirement
—This would require disclosure of financial reports on the City’s website
—We need open and transparent redrawing; don’t support drawing districts behind closed doors
—We need to do everything to advance equity in the city
Hearing no more questions, Jim moved to the next item on the agenda.
l) Historical Code Review and Historical Committee Update
Neil Putz reported on the Historical Code Review and the Historical Committee.
Historical Code Review
This working group continues to make many contributions about the historical code in Soulard. The group is keeping an eye on the revisions in the Lafayette Square codes, and the Soulard Historical Code Review committee will be watching those and what will be most helpful to Soulard.
Historical Committee
Neil said that Veronica Putz, Committee Chair, was not able to attend, but he provided the report as the Liaison to the Historical Committee.
Jay Gibbs is going to assist the committee by providing online access to back issues of the Soulard newspapers, “The Renaissance,” and its predecessor, “The Restorationist.”
Philip Hanley has also suggested cataloging all of the past Mardi Gras posters that have been produced, all the way back to the 80s.
The Historical Committee is also investing in its members skills by training and cross-training in research, such as records on homes and developing best practices. This will benefit all of Soulard.
As a committee, they want to offer a benefit to membership, such as developing research on Member’s homes, and asking for a financial donation that’s modestly prices. They are still developing this, but there may be tiers of housing research and history and the donation request.
This committee is also unwavering in its support of the Parlour Tour, and will support it since they do the research on the houses.
As for historic signage, one phase has already been deployed: an upgrade with rustic caps on free-standing signposts. These caps cost less than a dollar per post. The second phase is still being planned, and that will be selecting the next batch of homes, venues and structures that are of historic interest for further research.
Hearing no questions, Jim moved to the next agenda item.
6) Recent Board Decisions and Actions
Jim Dallas said that the Board held a 5-hour retreat on June 12 to help develop the overall agenda over the next year, and beyond. The Board used the services of a third-party facilitator to help focus on eight to 10 topics, out of a potential 25-30 topics that had been developed since coming on the board as president-elect. The goal of the retreat was to not only develop items to accomplish during this term, but also develop items that may take 2-3 years of effort. The Board will also continue to have retreats each year to refine the list with each new president and board.
a) Recent board focus has been on
Jim Dallas reported on recent items that the Board has been focused on.
i) Developing the budget
Jim pointed out that the Board had spent considerable time developing the budget, and that this had been discussed earlier in this meeting.
ii) Determining when/where to hold these general membership meetings
Jim stated that the Board had discussed when and where to resume General Membership meetings, and that several additional facilities in the neighborhood had been considered, but the Board decided to keep the meetings at the American Legion.
The Legion has a been a good friend to SRG and it’s what the Members are familiar with. Also, at the Community Party in June, SRG was awarded an Official Friend of the Legion placard, and it will be decided at the next Board meeting where to permanently place the award plaque.
iii) Reviewing the development of a cloud file storage system from Megan Mehrle and Com Com
Jim said that Megan Mehrle presented the cloud storage system to the Board at the June meeting, and that there was still some refinement and rules that need to be defined. More information should be coming out to the General Membership soon. Each committee will have their own space on the cloud to post and share documents.
iv) Awareness Night program on July 14 with our committee chairs and board, with Margi Koors as the Facilitator
The Committee Chairs have been asked to attend a session July 14, which has been called an “Awareness Night.” Margi Koors is the facilitator for this event, and it will focus on making sure all committees and the Board are on the same page regarding certain procedures that have been implemented over the years as well as by the previous Board.
v) First look at the by-laws review
Jim said that he has been giving periodic updates about the bylaws for a number of months. Since the June Board meeting, he has sent the Board a redrafted bylaws document for individual review and reactions. This will be a topic on the agenda for the July Board meeting to gauge the Board’s initial impression of the suggested changes by the bylaws working group. There will be more to come about this topic in the coming months.
7) Star Awards and Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation
Julie Price, Membership Committee Chair, and Margi Koors, Board Liaison to the Membership Committee, presented the Star Awards. Each year, the Membership Committee receives nominations for those who go above and beyond with their volunteerism.
Stars Awards
—A Star Award was presented to Stephen Shuman (not present) who has been a volunteer in SRG, but was instrumental in the 2020 Parlour Tour. He spent hours helping to produce a virtual Parlour Tour experience, which was a rousing success, despite the pandemic.
—A Star Award was presented to Megan Mehrle. Megan has served as associate editor on “The Renaissance” (also contributing articles) and has been active in the Communications Committee (social media). Megan has been leading and implementing SRG’s cloud storage the past several months, and continuing through its rollout.
—A Star Award was presented to Phyllis Young. Phyllis is a past SRG president and was integral in starting SRG and SBA. She helped secure land for the Community Garden, and helped pass the CID tax. Phyllis has also been instrumental in helping to get SBD started, historic standards, improvements at Soulard Market and organizing the brick patio at the Soulard Station.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Margi said that since starting the Lifetime Achievement Awards three years ago, it’s been her privilege and honor to speak about people who have been part of Soulard’s history. Soulard is a better place to live, work and play because of the efforts of the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was John Durnell. Among his many volunteer responsibilities, John has:
—Been a member of SRG for longer than 30 years
—Been SRG president and a committee chair
—Instrumental in the Soulard House Tour
—Hosted many dinners and events
—Worked on construction and renovations in neighborhood homes
—Been a mentor, helping others to lead initiatives within SRG
—Been a part of the annual alley clean-up and the Garden Tour
—Collaborated on the Butterfly Garden at Pontiac Square Park
Jim Dallas thanked Margi and Julie for their work.
8) Adjourn
Prior to adjourning the meeting, Julie Price made an announcement about the Night at the Ballpark to support police in the 3rd District. The ballgame will be representing the 2019 and 2020 Officers of the Month, and it will be held Thursday, July 22 at 6:15. The officers will be recognized on the field and the jumbotron. The cost to attend is $25, and anyone interested should contact Julie. Soulard will have a section together, and Julie’s brother—who also lives in Soulard—will be recognized as an Officer of the Month.
Jim Dallas made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Margi Koors seconded the motion. The vote was taken.
All voted in favor to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.