MARCH 2022 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
March Monthly Board Meeting
March 16, 2022
Approved Minutes
1. Call to Order + Opening Remarks
Jim Dallas called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Board Members present included: Jim Dallas, President; Michael Pastore, President-Elect; Debby Brown, Treasurer; Chris Currington, Secretary; Neil Putz, Past-President; Nancy Kelly; Margi Koors (via Zoom); Nancy Lambert; Karen Moske; and Gary Toribio.
Board Members absent included: Billy Tomber.
Jim thanked everyone for attending and acknowledged that this was his last meeting of this Board’s term. Jim said he’d acknowledge the departing members later in the meeting. Jim thanked everyone for a great year and for their service.
2. Minutes of the Previous Monthly Board Meeting
Chris Currington said that the minutes from the February Board meeting had been posted to the Cloud, but Neil Putz made a notation within the minutes that he wanted to discuss.
Neil said that on page 9 of the draft minutes, they speak to the topic of the neighborhood banners. Neil was concerned that the language would be misleading to membership, though it’s reflective of what happened at the meeting. Neil wanted it noted in the February minutes and at this meeting that the Historical Committee has conducted and presented to the SRG Board extensive research and has the funding to move forward with recommending signs/banners. Community Improvement District (CID) has also taken initiatives with the signs/banners, but they’re currently focusing on traffic calming. Neil wants to make sure it’s noted that the Historical Committee is the lead, from SRG’s perspective, when putting signs in place.
Jim opened the conversation to Margi, noting that there could be a duplication of efforts. Margi acknowledged that but expressed her interest in being part of the process. Neil said that the Board Liaison for the Historical Committee would be the person that would discuss these issues with the Board, so Margi, as a Board member, can then observe how the project is moving forward. Margi asked if this meant that Neil didn’t want her working on the project. Neil said that Margi is not part of the Historical Committee and reiterated that there will be no movement without Margi having an opportunity to review the Historical Committee’s work and progress. Margi said this was true and that she was in agreement.
Michael Pastore made the motion to accept the draft of the February meeting minutes as final, with a notation made that the Historical Committee is responsible for the signs/banners and the program. Karen Moske seconded the motion.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor of accepting the draft of the February Board Meeting minutes as final. No votes opposed it.
The motion passed.
3. Financial Report
Debby Brown, Treasurer, said that for the fiscal year through March 13, there was cash of ~$85,000; income is up to ~$58,000; expenses are at ~$58,000; and net income is at $16,730. There will be a large upcoming expense with the Membership Drive.
Debby said the Board has talked before about what it should do with the money for the neighborhood. Nancy Kelly said the Soulard Station (Station) is looking to spend money, but the committee hasn’t gotten back to Nancy despite many emails asking that information. There is an expense (~$2,200) for tree trimming at the Station approved.
Michael Pastore said he’d like to address the positive balance and he has a couple of ideas. There’s also the possibility of asking each committee that, if it had $3,000 or $5,000, what it would do with the money. The Board needs to start spending the money down; it’s here to enhance the community. Michael asked Neil Putz if he’d be willing to work on the ask of the committees and Neil agreed.
Gary Toribio asked if the Board would ever visit the idea alternative facilities in addition to the Station or adding on to the Station. This was something thought about during the pandemic, but it’s lost moment with respect to Preservation Hall. Gary asked if there’s any interest here. Jim said he’d like to explore it, too, and hopes the future Board will as well. Gary asked if there was a subcommittee looking at this. Jim said those initiatives had turned into looking at short-term uses for the Station.
4. Scheduling of Next General Membership Meeting
Jim Dallas said the Board needs to decide whether the April 6 General Membership meeting would be live, and if so, where it would be held. The choices are Peter & Paul Parish (The Rose Room) or inside the American Legion. Since these are indoor options, SRG has requirements for checking COVID-19 vaccination status or proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours. If the meeting is held outside, such as the parking lot at the Legion, and assuming that people weren’t allowed inside, then SRG can skip the COVID-19 screening/negative test.
Jim opened up the conversation.
Margi Koors said her preference would be in-person at Peter & Paul; this is the best option, and it would be easy for membership to check vaccine cards/negative tests.
Karen Moske said that (at this time), the City doesn’t require proof of vaccination or negative test, and if the SRG Board wanted to move in a similar direction, then we’d need a motion. Karen also said she agreed with Margi – the General Membership meeting should be held at Peter & Paul because it’s the better location.
Gary Toribio asked if there was a social planned after the April General Membership Meeting. Margi said there would be a social after the April meeting but wasn’t sure if all the paperwork was approved. Karen said the Membership Committee should approach the homeowner so they know we may not be checking vaccination status or negative COVID test.
Michael Pastore said he agreed with having the meeting at Peter & Paul and not risk the weather/rain if the meeting was held in the parking lot at the Legion.
Gary said that he was asking about the social after the meeting because the homeowners may have reservations about people in their home. Another alternative for the meeting could be the South Broadway Athletic Club. Margi said the people who signed up for the social did so when COVID was running rampant; she doesn’t think they’ll have an issue. The Membership Committee will call the homeowners to make sure they don’t have any issues.
Jim then asked if SRG was not going to check for vaccination status/negative test results at the next General Membership meeting. Nancy Lambert said she’d be inclined to wear a mask if there was no check for vaccination status/negative test. Karen said it wouldn’t hurt to add this kind of language (masks) to the announcement of where the meeting would be.
Margi said that, if it would be prudent to check the vaccination cards/negative test, the Membership Committee can take care of it.
Jim said that the Board needed to make a motion that it wouldn’t be checking vaccination status/negative tests if that was the route it wanted to take. Jim wanted a motion for all future events (since Smarty Gras is coming up and still planning to check vaccination status/negative tests).
Karen asked if it would be possible to watch the pandemic numbers and manage this via email (motion to lift the vaccination requirements/negative tests for entrance to SRG events). Gary said we’d have another Board meeting before Smarty Gras and could address this later. Jim said he wanted to avoid sending mixed messages. Michael said that Julie Price (Chair of the Membership Committee) and Margi can ask for vaccination cards/negative tests at the door; nothing more needed to be put out. Margi confirmed that if we wanted cards/tests checked, the Membership Committee will check them.
There were no motions made to lift the vaccination/negative test requirements. The April General Membership Meeting would also be held at Peter & Paul in The Rose Room.
5. Soulard Heritage Arts Revitalization and Education
Jim Dallas said that Gary Toribio sent a note the previous week that he had agreed to join the board of SHARE. Jim wanted to discuss this with the SRG Board, and the process that the Board should follow regarding Gary’s participation whenever SHARE or the Soulard Concert Series is discussed at SRG Board meetings. In addition, SRG also has received a specific request from SHARE for a $1,500 donation.
The discussion then turned to asking Gary some questions concerning SHARE.
Michael Pastore asked if SHARE wants to take over the SRG Concert Series. Gary said that even though that was the original proposal from SHARE, this is no longer the case.
Karen Moske said it would be to SRG’s advantage to have Gary as a SHARE board member to help inform SRG, but not participate in an actual vote. This would avoid a conflict of interests on two boards.
Nancy Lambert said when it comes to Gary’s integrity, she totally trusts him, and we should have Gary over on SHARE’s board; it will be good communication.
Michael asked if Gary was on the SHARE board as a resident; not an SRG Board member. Gary said that was correct. Karen said it would be helpful to have Gary’s input, and Debby Brown said she doesn’t see the Concert Series and SHARE’s events as the same. Gary said that if the lines become blurred, he won’t vote on any motions.
Gary said the reason he’s involved with SHARE is that he’s good friends with another SHARE board member. Gary isn’t sure what the final bylaws are for the number of total Board members for SHARE. Michael asked if Gary had seen the final bylaws. Gary said he hadn’t. Nancy L. said the bylaws aren’t on SHARE’s website, but she also said everyone should check out SHARE’s website; there’s a lot of good information there.
Michael asked if Billy Tomber was on SHARE’s board or planning to be. Gary said that Billy was not on the SHARE board of directors.
Nancy L. referred to a letter from SHARE—on the back, it says SHARE is an all-volunteer organization; no officers are being paid or compensated at this time. Nancy asked if compensation is potentially something for the future. Gary said he asked pointed questions about this at a previous SHARE meeting and was told that no one on the SHARE board will be compensated this year. However, Gary is not going to speculate on future years, but he’ll keep the SRG Board posted, and if anyone has questions, Gary will ask and report back.
Jim said that he was a bit shocked when he received Gary’s email informing him that Gary had agreed to join SHARE’s board and felt that Gary potentially had a conflict of interest by sitting on SRG and SHARE meetings.
Margi agrees that Gary needs to recuse himself if SRG is discussing SHARE. However, as long as SRG is in charge of the Concert Series, she doesn’t see why Gary needs to step aside on that issue. She also gives her vote of confidence that Gary knows when to recuse himself and when to vote.
Karen said she stands by her comments; she doesn’t see a problem with Gary participating in discussions about the Concert Series, but he shouldn’t vote. She wants it on record that she has complete faith in Gary but wants to avoid the appearance of impropriety when voting.
Jim raised the point that SHARE and SRG would be going after the same donation dollars for the similar, but separate, events. If the Board starts talking about various donors, then Gary is going to be privy to that. Nancy L. said that SBA goes after the same dollars as SRG, too. Unfortunately, there are so many nonprofits that that’s going to happen.
Michael asked if SHARE would give SRG money for the Concert Series. Gary said he didn’t know. Michael said Gary had a problem a couple months ago giving a nonprofit money (referencing a last-minute surprise with Mardi Gras Inc. and Krewe Vices & Virtues). Michael asked if Gary was ok giving SHARE—a nonprofit—$1,500. Gary said he would recuse himself from further SRG Board discussion of SHARE’s request and would be willing to leave the Board meeting if anyone else would like him to. He would also abstain from any SRG Board voting on this matter. Gary said he doesn’t think the Blues, Beers and Bites festival SHARE is planning is a bad idea and would be an additional event in Soulard. They’ll have three or four bands; won’t be closing roads; and maybe there’s an opportunity for SRG to participate in having another free concert for residents and visitors. Michael said again that Gary was now willing to give a nonprofit SRG’s money, but he previously didn’t want to.
Nancy L. turned the conversation, saying that one of the Board’s goals was to support other nonprofits in our community, and have them come to speak to SRG if they want a donation. Referring to Michael, Nancy said that he’s said before—and Nancy supports this—SRG should offer support when we’re able to. We should listen to the other nonprofits, have a discussion, and think about who we serve. SHARE is new, this is their first event, and SRG should give them a shot, support them, show good will, and do something good for the community with art, music, and culture.
Jim asked if there was a motion on what Gary’s role would be in relation to serving on the SHARE and SRG boards. Nancy Kelly said she thinks Gary shouldn’t vote on the SRG Concert Series or anything regarding SHARE. Gary said he understood confidentiality on different boards. He’ll use discretion, which he thinks he’s proven he can do. If Gary can help explain what SHARE is doing, he’s glad to. If SRG gives money or doesn’t give money, that’s up to the Board and Gary won’t take it personally.
The discussion turned to SRG’s meeting minutes being made public, but not necessarily SHARE’s minutes. So, there’s no transparency about what SHARE is saying. Gary said he could cover this in future SRG Board meetings, but if SRG wanted Gary to make a choice regarding which boards he serves on, he would. Karen said the Board doesn’t want to go there; we don’t want to say directors of one nonprofit board can’t serve on other nonprofit boards—this would be overstepping. She thinks it would be good to have an SRG member on SHARE’s board in terms of explaining issues and concerns to us. There wouldn’t be confidential discussions because Gary is on both boards. Neil Putz concurred. He’s comfortable with directors and them listening, bringing insights, and helping to make decisions in the best interest of SRG. If Gary recuses, that’s fine, but Neil trusts Gary and his input, and as an individual representing SRG membership, he trusts Gary to do the right thing.
Jim asked if anyone was willing to make a motion. Michael said he didn’t think we needed to; there’s been a general show of support and Gary is offering to recuse himself when discussions come up. Michael is good with the whole thing and thinks the Board trusts Gary.
Debby said she thought the Board needed to make a motion; it should be clear and on the record.
Karen Moske said that, if Gary is on the board of SHARE, then he recuse himself on voting on the SRG Concert Series and SHARE issues. Gary agreed to this and said he’d leave the meetings when asked. Nancy L. said that, if this does come up in the future and since the Board is currently working on Policies & Procedures, this could be included (Board participation) since we’re all individuals who are going to be on different committees and groups. Karen said she thought a conflict-of-interest policy would cover that.
Michael said that, originally, Christopher Schwarz wanted to take the Concert Series (under SHARE), but SRG didn’t want to give them up. The Concert Series is something we do to give back to the neighborhood, and Michael hopes to protect this. Nancy L. said that originally, she thought SHARE would be willing to do the concerts on SRG’s behalf, and SRG would have board members on SHARE’s board. However, the SRG Board didn’t accept having seats on SHARE’s board. Then, everything got changed. Now SHARE wants to work together with us. They have a lot of contacts with bands. This is how Christopher was hoping to help SRG. It’s not that we can’t do it ourselves.
Gary said that he was hoping to bring to SHARE his experience as a nonprofit board member with SRG and Mardi Gras Inc. (MGI)
Jim then turned to the request for donating $1,500, and made the following points.
* Most issues that come before an SRG board are open and shut cases. Very little dissension, and usually unanimous or near-unanimous decisions posted quickly. This issue with SHARE has bucked that trend. Over the many months that SHARE has been discussed at SRG Board meetings, this board is clearly not unanimously supporting this organization, and it’s a bit surprising that SHARE has actually brought the request for a donation forward.
* We’ve already experienced the cost of running the concert events, and one of the handouts for tonight shows the cost of running concerts. Breaking even relies heavily on specific donations to offset the expense. Absent enough donations, the costs have to come from SRG’s general funds. Such donations can come from anyone we ask, but last year’s donations came from a real estate agent and two local neighborhood organizations.
* If SRG is dedicated to continuing to run concerts on its own, it is questionable why SRG should also hand over our hard-earned funds to another entity that’s basically doing the same thing, and even has a vision for a more grandiose event than our concert series events and the associated problems with traffic, trash, and potential for disrespectful behavior.
* If the board does decide it can/should do both (run our own and give funds to SHARE) then we have to be careful stewards of the funds that we hand over to SHARE. So, if we seriously consider their request for $1,500, that involves adequate due diligence of SHARE: who is running it; review of the bylaws and articles of incorporation; review of specific plans for specific events; is the organization following rules? SHARE had provided preliminary documents a number of months ago but has not sent any of their final documents or made a presentation to SRG Board.
* Both Michael and Jim have spoken with other organizations in the neighborhood and none of those other organizations have told us they have committed any dollars to SHARE. Last year, SBA indicated that if SRG were considering handing over the concerts to anyone, then SBA would want the right of first refusal. So, by us agreeing to give SHARE some funds then that could be seen as the wrong signal being sent to our friends at SBA. Similarly, when Jim asked CID last year about donating money to the SRG concert series, there was no enthusiasm from CID for doing so without taking control of the event. So Jim’s sense is they would have a similar reaction if SHARE were to approach the CID.
* This board has said previously that SHARE should bring all neighborhood organizations together in one common meeting and hammer things out—much like we recently did between SRG and SBA on the pub crawls issue. When Jim presented that to Christopher Schwarz, as the representative of SHARE, last year—per this board’s guidance—he rejected bringing everyone to the table to openly discuss.
* Jim closed by stating that SRG should not agree—at least at this point—to SHARE’s request until all the neighborhood organizations can openly and with SHARE’s endorsement come together and figure out how all the pieces fit together.
Opening the conversation to the Board, Jim said he didn’t want SRG to be the first to write a check to SHARE without other organizations agreeing to do so as well. Michael said he supported that. Nancy Kelly agreed.
Gary asked if SRG will suggest that procedure for other nonprofits requesting money from SRG since Neil Putz had another request. Gary asked if the same approach would apply if similar neighborhood nonprofits come to SRG for funding assistance, such as The Boys and Girls Club. Nancy K. said all non-profits are not created equally; there are some that have history and have shown what they can do. When it comes to SHARE, it’s new and there are a lot of questions asked and not answered to her satisfaction. If SRG puts in with a nonprofit, $1,500 is significant, and that could tie us to that organization and everything they do going forth. Nancy K. doesn’t feel comfortable tying to this organization without having answers to questions. At this point, Gary offered to recuse himself.
Michael said that SHARE needs to come before the board and ask what they want the money for. Karen said the $1,500 seems like a lot when the Board was just talking about not being willing to pay the band that came to our concert. Gary said he doesn’t think it’s all or nothing, and he has the impression that Christopher Schwarz sent the same letter to other nonprofits (SBA and MGI) in the neighborhood. Gary said he’d have more information in the future.
Debby thinks donations should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially if the organization is new. SHARE has not presented to SRG final bylaws, articles of incorporation, and not sure they have the financial wherewithal to pull off the festival.
Nancy K. added that SRG is a “big fish” for a new nonprofit to start up with, and asked if SRG signs off, would others also donate. She doesn’t want to see SRG used this way. Michael reminded everyone that SRG is asking for money for its own concerts.
Michael made the motion to table this discussion ($1,500 donation to SHARE) until further information is received.
Nancy Lambert said she’d like to make the motion that Gary go back to Christopher Schwarz and ask SHARE to present to the Board. There was not a second made on this motion, so it was not considered any further.
Nancy Kelly seconded Michael’s motion to table the discussion.
Except for Gary Toribio, who abstained from the vote, all others voted in favor of tabling the discussion.
6. Landmarks Association Request
Neil Putz said that The Landmarks Association has purchased and are renovating a structure—Soulard Cottage. It was a lodge where servants would come from the downtown area. They’re going to make it a learning center dedicated to City preservation, which is perfect in keeping with SRG. With the renovation of the building, the Landmarks Association is offering SRG an opportunity to help with funding by contributing to the outside shutters. The shutters are going to be crafted and placed on the building. They will have a plaque with the various donations from the organizations.
Neil said his motion is that SRG donate or contribute a set of two shutters at a cost of $2,160 as a gesture of goodwill as The Landmarks Association will be joining the neighborhood of Soulard.
Jim Dallas asked if they’ll have two offices or if they’re moving from Grand. Neil didn’t know. Jim asked if Neil knew how long The Landmarks Association had been around. Neil didn’t know, but they previously put on tours of the Lion House at Sidney and 12th Street. The Historical Committee participated in that, and it was fronted by The Landmarks Association. Through these efforts, they promote the study of history and the preservation of structures.
Margi Koors asked when the facility is scheduled to open. Neil said late summer to early fall 2022, and they’re looking forward to inviting SRG to tour the new facility when it’s opened. Jim asked if there was any timeline for the request for the donation for the shutters. Neil said there wasn’t. But based on the previous discussion (above) about donations, Andrew Weil, from The Landmarks Association, would appear and present to the SRG Board. Jim said that someone should come speak to the Board. Neil said he knows with full confidence that Andrew Weil would.
Michael Pastore made the motion that the Board table the discussion until Andrew Weil appears before the Board at the May Board meeting. Jim asked if the Board would want that. Karen Moske seconded the motion.
The vote was taken.
All voted in favor. No votes opposed it.
The motion that Andrew Weil, of The Landmarks Association, appear before the Board at the May meeting passed.
7. Mayor’s Ball and MGF
Michael Pastore said that, in years past, every year after the Mayor’s Ball, SRG puts in a grant to request from MGI something that everyone in Soulard can see. MGI has always been very supportive in sharing their funds from the Mayor’s Ball with us. Sometimes the funds were split between SRG, SBA, and the Boys and Girls Club. Michael said he’s not sure this has been happening for the last six or seven years. He asked if anyone on the Board knew if this has been happening, how it can move forward, and who wanted to help with requesting with grant writing. Nancy Lambert said that for the last two years this hasn’t been done because of COVID-19. Before that, she wasn’t sure if MGI got proposals from anyone after the Mayor’s Ball.
Gary Toribio said there was a Mayor’s Ball in 2020, but then the pandemic hit, and the Mardi Gras Foundation (MGF) wasn’t sure how things were going to work out. MGF didn’t ask for proposals in 2020, and in 2021, there was no Mayor’s Ball. Gary said he hasn’t heard anything from MGI that they’re not doing grants in 2022, but he thought there was a pretty good grant before the pandemic to work on the Soulard Market Park ball field (sprinklers, irrigation, drainage, etc.), but nothing has happened and Gary’s not sure if SRG was in on this grant. Gary said SRG needs to get up to speed about this.
Michael said that the Historical Committee would be perfect to ask for money from MGI. Gary said it could also be that The Landmarks Association could ask for shutters (grant money from MGI/MGF). Michael asked Gary if he wanted to reach out. Karen Moske said this could be a good project to get out there for the grants. Neil said that when he gets to the committee reports (later), he’s going to discuss the banners/signs, CID is focused on the traffic calming (and not giving anywhere else), so he and the Historical Committee would be happy to write the grants for five of the 20 banners (but not banners within the CID). MGI could help complete the picture for the banners project.
Jim said this was a great discussion. Nancy L. said that the grant for the banners (but not within the CID) was a great idea and was grateful for bringing the discussion up.
8. Other topics
a. Election update
Jim Dallas said that no one had emailed before March 11 (the deadline) to be on the Board, so the slate of candidates for the next year is complete. Karen Moske asked if Jim would announce the slate again. Jim went through the slate of candidates.
Jim said that at the April General Membership Meeting, he or Michael Pastore will ask for the vote of affirmation. Unless anyone stands up and tries to contest the election, it should go smoothly.
b. Pub crawls update
Jim Dallas said that he and Jim Lettau (of SMA) sent a letter to Jack Coatar and Dan Guenther (St. Louis aldermen) expressing SBA’s and SRG’s concerns about pub crawls and provided the suggested legislation. They’ve heard back from both of them and they’re both receptive. There will be more to come on this topic. The initial reaction is that something needs to be done.
Nancy Lambert referenced a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl coming up the next weekend. Jim Dallas said that SRG got a $200 donation from Big Daddies from a previous Pajama Pub Crawl.
9. Committee Specific Reports
Karen Moske said the Beautification Committee is focusing on the street pots (planters) and park cleanup. As for the Garden Tour this year, Richard Eaton, Beautification Committee Chair, said he is thinking of doing something similar to last year with artwork and flower arrangements. The committee will be meeting soon to discuss this, and Richard will provide more information to the Board later.
As for trimming trees, Richard has helped Bonita Leiber (Soulard Station Co-Chair) and Chris Koehler with bids, and a $2,100 bid was accepted. However, Bonita wanted money to come from the Station’s budget; not Beautification. Nancy Kelly agreed that the money should come from the Station budget.
Michael Pastore asked Karen if she was still the liaison for the PRT Committee. There was then a discussion about Jay Gibb’s involvement and interactions with the City’s Cultural Resources Office (CRO).
Karen said that things with Calypso are ongoing. Margi asked what the date was for The Crow Bar’s opening and if there was an update about the wall at Henry’s. Karen didn’t have an update about either.
For the Development Committee, Margi said the only update was about Smarty Gras (covered above).
Neil Putz said that, for the Historical Committee, the first update would be budget. The committee is paying its own way and they have their first customer for the home research. They will be writing a $100 check and the committee will be providing history on 1000 Allen Ave.
Neil said that he took the SRG nonprofit letter about sales tax to Office Depot, but they wouldn’t accept it without processing an application for an Office Depot tax-exempt card. Neil went through the process and got a tax-exempt card; the Historical Committee will probably be using this more than other committees. If anyone needs the card, though, they can let the committee know. Jim asked that if he wants to make copies, he can get the card and go make copies without sales tax. Neil confirmed this. Nancy Kelly said that if anyone goes to Vincent’s Market and says what they’re purchasing is for SRG, they’ll knock off the sales tax.
Neil then passed around handouts about the banners/signs. Neil has had conversations about the program with Terry Hoffman (of CID) and John Durnell. The CID is ready to invest in new banners and to update historical signage (aluminum signs) with cast brass or bronze signs, but this is after the traffic calming.
Neil discussed the historic neighborhood signs and compared them to the ones in Lafayette Square. Neil also discussed the neighborhood banners; some will be placed within the CID coverage area, some could be placed outside the CID area.
Nancy Kelly said there’s no mention of the Phase 1 signs being removed. Neil said that those aren’t attractive, and it would be nice if we did something with bronze and lettering. Gary said that before he was the Board Secretary, there was a lot that transpired with a previous Board member and where SRG got with the current signs; and asked if now the Board is reversing course and saying those signs are ugly. Nancy Kelly and Michael Pastore said yes, a lot of people are unhappy with them and there were problems. Neil said this is now under a dedicated committee that will do the signs right with the right research and results. Margi Koors said the committee is doing a great job and much better than she could.
As for banners, Jim asked which one was being recommended. Margi said a lot of people in the neighborhood would like to see the banners project done. Neil said that he was presenting concepts so the Board could see what was possible. Margi said that she asks, no matter what project is done, that it be done throughout the whole neighborhood. Nancy Lambert said she wanted to make sure she understood correctly; the CID will kick in eventually, but SRG’s Historical Committee will also ask for grant money from MGF for the signs/banners. Jim said that some money can come from the aldermen, too.
Referring to the historic street signs, Gary said those are more suitable in residential areas than the historic banners. He hopes Neil isn’t talking about metal banners in the neighborhood; Lafayette Square has the street signs replaced now. Jim reiterated that any designs would go before the SRG Board.
Gary said the Membership Committee is now focusing on the membership drive/community party. This will be at the South Broadway Athletic Club, but he’s not sure where the committee stands on contracts. Fortunately, Julie Price is a member of SBAC, and SRG is getting a discount rate. Most important from this committee is the Star Awards winners being considered. Jim went back to the membership drive and said it would be Wednesday, May 4, the eve of Cinco de Mayo, and that will be the theme. Jim asked if there were any contracts that needed to be signed. Margi said there wasn’t anything over $1,000 at this point.
Regarding the Parlour Tour Committee, Nancy Lambert said she got together with Jeanie and has the final numbers. ~$7,600 has already been deposited in sponsorship, but $1,000 from SBA hasn’t come in yet. Pizzeoli has $100 to give, so there could be an additional $1,100 more. Tickets for the Parlour Tour and Fete de Noel came up to $7,500. Income was $15,172. Expenses were $7,252. There’s a profit of $7,919, and if the committee gets the other $1,100, there will be over $9,000 in profit. Jim said this was great momentum going into SRG’s new year.
For the Safety Committee, Jim said that Andrea Maddox-Dallas, committee chair, was working on the database for the camera surveillance program, but there’s still no police liaison for SRG at the moment. There’s a date picked for the next Safety Walk in May.
Nancy Kelly said the Soulard Station Committee is looking to start work on tree trimming in six to eight weeks, but Billy Tomber wants to make sure the solar panels are not impacted.
General discussion:
Gary said that at the last SRG General Membership Meeting, he heard that SBA was involved with Trinity Lutheran Church and a community center. Jim was asked to be on the advisory committee. Jim has dropped off because The Clean Team is getting muddled between Trinity and Peter & Paul. Michael Pastore said this is off in the future; they don’t even have a concept for the community center. Jim said that Bridges of Success has hired Dray from Peter & Paul; he wants to do Bridges to Success and The Clean Team. Peter & Paul said they’ve received $1.8 million in grants and want to move out of Soulard. Gary said he doesn’t want to see any momentum for another homeless shelter. Michael said they need to approach the SRG Board.
Neil Putz said that SRG has a new business member: AmeriCorps, and Tim Elwell is the general director. Neil and Veronica Putz made an office visit to Tim Elwell, to help get AmeriCorps on board as members. Michael said they’re good, energetic young kids. Neil said that about three years ago, AmeriCorps hosted an after-meeting social. AmeriCorps has since converted the inside of its building as a homeless shelter.
10. Board Goals
Jim Dallas discussed the Board Goals that had been established and completed during his term as SRG president, and referenced things to keep an eye on for the upcoming year and new Board, including:
* New chair for the Development Committee
* Merchandise program
* Roof at the Soulard Station
* Need to get Community Involvement & Events up and running
11. Recognition of Departing Board Members
Jim Dallas recognized departing Board members:
Billy Tomber: has decided not to run for anything. He wasn’t at this meeting because he wasn’t feeling well. Jim thanked Billy for 18 years of service to the SRG Board. Michael and Jim will get in touch with Billy to see where he wants to remain involved in (ComCom, MGI). Michael acknowledged and thanked Billy for his support for the many years.
Nancy Kelly: Michael said that Nancy is a good friend and an asset to the Soulard community. It’s not easy for a past president to come on as a Board member, but Nancy tackled the assignment with determination and a desire to contribute, which is appreciated. Nancy is well prepared and doesn’t guess, and her heart is fully entrenched in Soulard. Michael thanked Nancy for her time, input, and advice. Nancy said she had no thought of coming back to the Board, but it worked out that way. She’s enjoyed the past year and she thanked everyone for their hard work.
Neil Putz, departing as immediate Past President: Jim said that Neil was on the Board for eight years, and was president while Jim was president-elect. Jim said he learned a lot from Neil as he guided SRG through the most difficult period of COVID-19. Neil is an invaluable source of information and support for the community, and the work he’s started with the Historical Committee is fantastic. Gary acknowledged Neil’s leadership during the pandemic, for steering SRG in the right direction, and going above and beyond to protect the residents of Soulard. Neil said that being president of SRG is not about being popular, having friends, or making decisions based on who we drink with. We’re all here for the best of the organization. Neil challenged the Board members staying behind and welcomed the camaraderie of all.
Gary Toribio said the Board needs to say thank you to Jim Dallas. Michael acknowledged Jim’s ability to look at SRG as a business more than anyone—as an actual entity that we need to carry forward to make money and spend money. Jim has done a phenomenal job of organizing SRG as an actual business. Even with COVID, Jim has gotten out, met people, gone to events, and as a result, Jim has taken SRG in a great direction. Michael looks forward to what Jim can accomplish in the next couple of years. Jim thanked everyone for all they’d done to make the organization stronger. Nancy Lambert said Jim’s accomplishments were huge, that it all came from the retreat, and the Board’s work was a result of it. Nancy Kelly said that she doesn’t have kids, but redoing the by-laws seemed like childbirth, and acknowledged Jim’s work seeing the by-laws revisions through. Jim said it was an honor to be the president of SRG and thanked everyone.
12. Adjourn
Nancy Kelly made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Nancy Lambert seconded.
All voted in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
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