SRG BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 2024

Sep 24

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 7PM

PRESENT
Officers: Abbey Bethel, Past President; Adriano Martinez, President; Amanda Ramcharan, President-Elect; Neil Putz, FY25 Treasurer; Abby Goodson, Secretary; Directors: Beth Bennett, Joy Christensen, Paula Dostal, Wade Weistreich

REGRETS
Aaron Terry, Director; Alan Ziegler, Director

LOCATION
Soulard Station | 1911 South 12th Street

Call to Order/Opening Remarks

Meeting called to order at 7:01pm by Adriano Martinez.

Secretary’s Report

Abby Goodson reported that drafts of the June and July board meeting minutes had been circulated with the board for review via email and asked for a motion to approve both minutes. Abbey Bethel motioned to approve. Joy Christensen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Neil Putz shared that the SRG is operating three separate bank accounts:

Carrollton Bank Checking: $61,622.18

Carrollton Bank Savings: $10,111.88

Carrollton Bank Money Market: $12,518.15

Cash balance: $84,252.21

Neil Putz announced that our current CPA, Linda Howdeshell, is retiring and has recommended her colleague, Jason Green, as her replacement. Neil will assess the transition and prepare for our audit year.

Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) — Christy Finsel

Christy Finsel, citizen of the Osage Nation, presented her interest in purchasing some parcels of land near 2nd Street and Plum currently owned by the LRA due to her family’s history and involvement with the block. The property is outside of the Soulard boundaries, but she requested that neighboring organizations sign a community letter of support for the purchase. Christy Finsel’s plans for the property include archeological digs, green infrastructure (fruit trees and vegetation planting), French colonial home reconstruction, and historical tours for the public. After discussion, the board decided to support Christy Finsel’s plans and Adriano Martinez agreed to send a letter of support.

Committee Roundtable

Beautification: Wade Weistreich reminded everyone of the Art and Floral Auction on August 24 and the Soulard Patio Crawl on September 28.
Community Involvement & Events (CI&E): Adriano Martinez reported on behalf of Aaron Terry that the Fall Movies in the Park series will resume on September 13 with The Incredibles and continue on October 18 with Hocus Pocus; announced a new initiative — a seasonal Haiku Hike through Soulard; mentioned plans for a monthly neighborhood pet walk; shared the potential for regular fitness/wellness events next year; and added that they are considering a Mardi Gras float for Bastille Day royalty.
Communications (ComCom): Abby Goodson shared the working title for the committee’s new initiative, Propertunities (opportunity properties), with the goal to work with the neighborhood to address damaged, vacant, or nuisance properties and get them up to code and activated.
Development: Adriano Martinez noted on behalf of Alan Ziegler that the final concert of the Summer Concert Series was last weekend and that turnout was great.
Historical: Beth Bennett said the committee is working on their three goals for the year: Soulard Ghost Tour, brochure/guide to Soulard features, and the Soulard Time Capsule.
Membership: Paula Dostal shared that the Membership Rosters are in production and will be released at the September general membership meeting, and said an off-the-island event is being planned for September 21. Adriano Martinez added that there are two interested candidates for the open Membership Chair position, and that he will address the appointment later in the meeting under the Old Business agenda item. The board recommended putting the off-the-island event on hold until the new chair is appointed and has a chance to meet with the committee and incorporate their ideas on membership events and budget planning. Adriano Martinez agreed to reach out to the current chair to share this update.
Parlour Tour: Joy Christensen announced that the 2024 Parlour Tour will be held on December 7 with a party the following Sunday; reported transportation for the event has been secured; shared that 4 homes have committed (with a goal of 7); noted that a happy hour for interested homeowners will take place at Molly’s on September 12; shared that an ornament is being designed as a gift; and added that next year will be the 50th anniversary and they are planning a 2-day tour.
Planning Review Team (PRT): Amanda Ramcharan shared that the developer for the property at 2344 South 18th Street revised their 23-unit plan based on feedback and is proposing to construct a 16-unit townhome development; added that the plan has zoning approval from the city’s Cultural Resources Office; and noted that the committee wants more design details from the developer.
Properties/Station: Abbey Bethel presented ideas from Bonita Leiber on how to utilize the Soulard Station and benefit financially, including partnering with other Soulard event venues (such as the Franklin Room) to allow them to rent it out for smaller events, and added that rental protocols were developed for use of the Station but would likely need to be updated to accommodate future plans. Wade Weistreich commented that he received a roof repair quote for $14,500 (which does not include the removal and reinstallation of the solar panels).
Safety: Wade Weistreich announced that National Night Out will be held October 1, that the deadline to register is September 10, and that SRG will reimburse your block $150; and mentioned that folks looking to start a neighborhood watch group via the GroupMe app should reach out to safety@soulard.org.

Old Business

Shelter inside Sts. Peter & Paul Church: Amanda Ramcharan said there was a follow-up meeting with Terry Hoffman from the Soulard CID, 8th Ward Alderperson Cara Spencer, and the Soulard Neighborhood Stabilization Officer about plans for the shelter. Amanda Ramcharan stated that Sts. Peter and Paul Church does not have a shelter operator or a funding mechanism secured, so they are looking to form discussion groups and work with the community at large, including representatives from the unhoused community, to help develop a plan.
Membership Chair Position: Adriano Martinez noted that he had initially heard from two interested parties about the open Membership Chair position, but that only one person had submitted their letter of intent. Adriano Martinez recited Christina Del Azodi’s letter to the board and asked for a motion to go into Closed Session. Neil Putz moved. Wade Weistreich seconded. The motion passed unanimously. After discussion during the Closed Session, Adriano Martinez appointed Christina Del Azodi as the next Membership Chair.

New Business

No new business.

Adjourn

Joy Christensen motioned to adjourn at 8:48 pm. Paula Dostal seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Action Items

Adriano Martinez will write a letter in support of Christy Finsel’s property purchase from the LRA.
Adriano Martinez will reach out to Julie Price to let her know of the board’s appointment of Christina del Azodi as the new membership chair, and the board’s recommendation to pause current event plans so the new chair and committee can brainstorm event ideas and plan their budget accordingly.