SEPTEMBER 2023 SRG BOARD MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 2023 SRG BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 20, 2023
By Elizabeth Henry
Board Members Present:
Abbey Bethel, President
Adriano Martinez, President-Elect
Elizabeth Henry, Secretary
Abby Goodson, Director
Margi Koors, Director
Craig Markham, Director
Stephen Shuman, Director
Aaron Terry, Director
Abbey Bethel, President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Presentation from Project Review Team (PRT)
Walker Hamilton, PRT Chair, explained the role of the PRT is to provide review of residential and commercial properties in Soulard through a technical and historical lens. He noted that due to current economic conditions, people are choosing to build instead of purchase, and so the bulk of the plans coming through PRT are for new builds.
Specific plans for very large builds would need to be presented to the Board. The Board does not anticipate assuming control from the PRT for multi-family housing plans but would assume responsibility for communicating updates to General Membership, particularly if feedback is to be solicited. Walker shared that PRT is often asked for the opinions of the neighborhood, but collecting this information is outside the scope of the committee’s role.
The presentation concluded with a conversation about parking and public transit/walkability improvements. There was consensus that sidewalks under the highway overpasses need attention.
Secretary’s Report
After a request from Secretary Liz Henry, Margi made a motion to approve the July and August minutes that incorporate comments from Abbey Bethel and Aaron Terry. Stephen seconded the motion. The Board approved with unanimous approval.
Committee Updates
Abby Goodson, Communications Committee Liaison, updated the group on the SRG shared calendar, which will include SRG events (or events where SRG partners with other organizations) and will be shared in the next email blaster. Megan Merhle is stepping back from her role as editor of the Renaissance, and Allyson Whipple will step up as her replacement.
Stephen Shuman, liaison to both the CI&E & Parlour Tour committees, announced that the CI&E team met for the first time. New Chair Brad Pitlyk is focused on small, achievable events. The Parlour Tour has locked in seven houses and will be using trolleys this year. Stephen will determine the route, and research is underway in concert with the Historical Committee.
Aaron Terry, Liaison to the Safety Committee, noted that Dusk-to-Dawn lights are going to be ordered soon. The next Safety Walk will be October 19, kicked off with block captain training for National Night Out.
Margi Koors, Liaison for Development, announced that volunteers are needed for the Oktoberfest Beer Booth. The merchandise project is on hold. Development will be taking over the brick program from the Soulard Station committee. And finally, the team is pricing out house plaques to sell, and a new feature will be the option to include the year the home was built.
Also Liaison for the Membership Committee, Margi announced the SRG closer to its goal of having 500 active members. The next event will be an Off the Island Adventure on Sunday, October 29th from 2-8pm. With a $2,000 budget, they are contracting a $1,000 coach bus (Abbey will review the contract first).
Margi also presented for the Beautification Committee in Connie’s absence. They have found a new chair!
As such, Abbey requested a motion to appoint Jeff Weitzel as the new Chair of the Beautification Committee. Margi Koors so moved. Craig seconded the motion. All voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.
Craig Markham, Historical Committee Chair, said he had big news: the committee has twenty members now! Craig credits the terrific agendas Neil and Veronica Putz put together that bring in people who love the neighborhood. He noted the first Annual Historical Recognition Award went to Phyllis Young at the General Membership Meeting earlier in the month. The next featured presentation will be given by Mitch Goist on the history of brick-making, a vital part of Soulard. All are welcome to join.
Old Business
8th Ward Consortium
The most recent meeting was at Squire’s in Lafayette Square. Abbey represented Soulard. There was decent attendance from other neighborhoods as well as alderwoman Cara Spencer. The next meeting will be November 14th - Abbey will offer the Soulard Station as a meeting location.
Board Activity via Email
Abbey recognized three motions passed via email.
First, the Development Committee requested an additional $250 to their budget for the 2022 Oktoberfest Volunteer Party to accommodate any plus-ones that might wish to attend. They also requested $250 for food for the 2023 volunteers during their shifts. These adjustments would bring the net revenue from $9,500 to $9,000 for the fiscal year. Stephen Shuman made the motion, and Adriano Martinez seconded. The motion passed with no objections.
Second, Abbey requested Board approval to provide the budgeted $5,000 for the CID Clean Streets Program. Margi made the motion to approve, and Abby Goodson seconded. The motion passed with no objections.
Third, the Parlour Tour Committee needed Board approval on a contract for the trolleys. The quote was under budget. Craig made the motion to approve, and Connie seconded. The motion passed with no objections. A second payment request is forthcoming.
Soulard Station Fence
After reviewing three bids, the Committee has selected a vendor for the fence, which the SRG will need to finance fully because the grant application will not be funded.
Abbey requested a motion to approve the most competitive quote for $10,580. Margi made the motion, Adriano seconded. With no abstentions, the seven board members present voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.
Final Thoughts
Upon reflection of all the recent budget changes, Stephen recommended the Board review the current adjusted budget.
The Board decided it would also like to revisit the terms of the Soulard Station’s insurance requirements for users/borrowers of the space.
Abbey requested a motion to adjourn. Adriano made the motion. Craig seconded. All voted in favor, and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.