MAY 2023 BOARD MEETING MINUTES

May 17

May 17, 2023

By Elizabeth Henry

Board Members present:
Abbey Bethel, President Abby Goodson, Director Stephen Shuman, Director
Adriano Martinez, President-Elect Margi Koors, Director Connie Suydam, Director
Debby Brown, Treasurer Craig Markham, Director
Elizabeth Henry, Secretary Aaron Terry, Director

Abbey Bethel called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. John Haas, General Member, was in attendance.

Board Introduction

Abbey Bethel introduced the Board’s newest member, Aaron Terry, who has accepted the position as seventh Director of the Board.

Secretary’s Report

Elizabeth requested a motion to approve the April 2023 Board Meeting Minutes. Aaron Terry abstained. All other members voted in favor. The motion passed, and minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Debby Brown reported on the status of SRG financials. With one month remaining in the fiscal year, the SRG has Revenues year-to-date of about $56,000 and $46,000 in expenses. Cash balances total approximately $82,000 – expected to be more like $85,000 once membership dues are in. This does not include the $10,000 donation pledged to the Beautification Committee.

Committee Updates

Margi Koors, Membership Committee liaison, presented on the recent Membership Drive, which saw 24 new members. The budget for the party was $7,500, and the Committee spent $4,025.

Stephen Shuman, liaison for both CI&E and the Parlour Tour Committees, said the CI&E committee is recruiting and looking to partner with other organizations. Stephen will be taking the helm for Bastille Day and will press general membership for Royals nominations. The update for the Parlour Tour is that there will not be a Fete de Noel this year.

Aaron Terry, Safety Committee liaison, noted that the Spring Safety Walk would take place immediately after the Board meeting. He said the Kickoff Meeting was very successful with 40 people in attendance. There will be a meeting with Cara Spencer about possibly installing ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection. Aaron also noted that Andrea, the committee chair, has put a tremendous amount of work into the Safety Walk and, after logging issues, will report and follow up with Ameren for street light replacements.

Connie Suydam, Beautification Committee liaison, commented on the institutional knowledge that needs to be downloaded to new members and future committee chairs. The committee received feedback on the neighborhood pots – 12 pots are actively being addressed.

Craig Markham, Historical Committee liaison, is coordinating with the Community Improvement District on historical signage.

Abby Goodson, Communication Committee liaison, mentioned the positive response to the new emails blasters since the email system migration. The website is the committee’s next major priority.

Abbey and Adriano presented for Properties and noted they are receiving bids for a fence to surround Soulard Station. Margi recommended they budget for a removable canvas canopy, perhaps in black.

Old Business

FY 2024 Budget Presentations

Abbey asked the Board if there were any questions or concerns before the budget presentations taking place in June. She also shared that the Mardis Gras Foundation wishes to support projects that are permanent and visible in the neighborhood.

Budget Increase Requests

Abbey requested a motion to approve increasing the budget for the Paul Kjorklie Memorial from $200 to $300 to better reflect actual expenses. Margi so moves. Connie seconds. All voted in favor. The motion passed.

Abbey requested a motion to approve increasing the budget for Soulard Station’s utilities from $5,100 to $7,500. The Board reviewed the property’s utility expenses and why the bills might have gone up and steps the Soulard Station committee might take to rein in cost increases. Margi made the motion to increase the budget. Craig seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed.

The Communications Committee requested a budget increase for web hosting from $200 to $300. Abbey requests a motion for $400. Adriano made the motion. Craig seconded. All approved a budget increase to $400. The motion passed.

Discussion: Candidates to MGI Board

Abbey said her appointment to the Mardis Gras Inc Board would begin their term in July. Margi volunteered for consideration and exited the room for discussion. Abbey requests the motion to approve Margi Koors to be appointed to the MGI Board. Connie so moves to appoint Margi. Aaron seconded. The motion passed with unanimous approval.

New Business

Development Committee Chair

The Board recognized the vote held previously over email to approve the appointment of Jim Dallas to chair the Development Committee. The electronic vote showed no objections.

Soulard “Clean Streets” Program

Abbey shared that the Soulard Community Improvement District is taking on the Clean Streets initiative. The Board has been asked to reinstate a $5,00 budget line item to contribute to this effort (it was noted that other entities also contribute $5,000). This request will be revisited during budget discussions.