SRG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING JANUARY 2024
SRG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING JANUARY 2024
January 3, 2024
by Elizabeth Henry
At 7:01 p.m. Abbey Bethel, President, called the meeting to order.
1. Office of Violence Prevention Presentation
Abbey immediately gave the floor to Wilford Pinkney, Jr. from the Office of Violence Prevention. It is a new division within the City's Department of Public Safety.
Officer Pinkney described sources of violence in the City and the generational issues impacting its communities. Their priority focus is dealing with homicides and gun violence and spreading awareness about the range of services available to city residents.
If Soulard residents witness violence in the neighborhood and need something beyond 911, reach out to his office: STLouis-mo.gov/OVP
Abbey added that Officer Pinkney spent time with the SRG Safety Committee as well.
2. President’s Opening Remarks
Abbey Bethel introduced herself and the Board members present.
3. Committee Updates
Membership Committee
Julie Price, Chair of Membership, said their goal for the new year is to get to 500 SRG members. She reminded general membership that we are all ambassadors of the organization and are encouraged to recruit neighbors to join a meeting or neighborhood event. And welcomed new members to introduce themselves.
Throughout the year, the Membership Committee will be accepting clothing donations for the Saint Peter & Paul shelter.
Beautification
Jeff Weitzel, Chair of Beautification, plugged his Adopt-a-Pot program. The Communications Committee set up a website so SRG residents can view the 14 pots online and vote for the favorite. It's not too late to participate! Email Beautification@soulard.org.
Development
Margi Koors, Committee member and Board Liaison, thanked all the volunteers who raised over $11,000 at the Oktoberfest beer booth. Chris Currington joined her to present the return of the brick program to lay in custom engraved bricks at Soulard Station. Each engraved brick is $100: engraving allows for three lines of text with 20 characters per line. They need at least ten reserved bricks before orders will be submitted for engraving.
The SRG home plaques program is being reinstated as well for $100 each. Margi noted that these signs are made with higher quality materials than the last iteration and are not expected to show signs of rust. She encouraged members to enlist the services of the Historical Committee to confirm the circa date is accurate (Margi quoted $50, which Neil Putz subsequently reduced to $25 during his presentation). The City will want to receive an application if any sign is being mounted to the front of a house.
CI&E
Brad Pitlyk, Committee Chair, presented on the committee’s upcoming kickball tournament on January 13th. He also promoted the Yard Sale being held in the spring and noted that an article about it will be in the upcoming issue of The Renaissance. He said it is a small group and looking to recruit more members!
Historical Committee
Neil Putz echoed the encouragement to purchase the $50 home research for SRG plaques and then offered to cut the price in half to $25. "How inaccurate could City records be?" The general membership erupted in laughter.
PRT
Jay Gibbs, Committee Member, announced that a proposal has been submitted to the committee for development of an apartment complex on the lot at 18th and Barton. They will have to vote on it because opinions vary.
Jay shared what he knew of some neighborhood business licensing updates as well.
4. Treasurer's Report
Debby Brown, Treasurer, reported that six months into the fiscal year, the SRG has seen $31,000 in net income and has $111,000 cash on hand.
5. Secretary's Report
Abbey requested a motion be made on behalf of Secretary Elizabeth Henry to approve the minutes from the December 2023 meeting. Chris Currington made the motion, and Allyson Whipple seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the December minutes were approved.
6. Neighborhood Organizations
Soulard Business Association (SBA)
Shawn Caruso modeled this year's Mardis Gras sweatshirt and informed the SRG that businesses around the neighborhood are selling their own specific branded versions.
The business passports just expired at year-end. Once funds are in from business, the SBA will be able to report on the program's success.
Community Improvement District (CID)
John Durnell surveyed the SRG general membership and confirmed there were no questions in Terry Hoffman's absence.
Mardis Gras, Inc. (MGI)
Nancy Lambert declared it's time to start busting out your purple, gold, and green. She also shared this year's activity schedule. January 6th to February 13th is the Mardis Gras Season. There is no official Fat Tuesday event organized by MGI.
She walked the membership through the MGI-organized events.
Abbey encouraged general membership to visit STLMardisGras.org to volunteer and help run the scavenger hunt or the 5k. Help for a few hours!
7. Alderperson Update
Cara Spencer has a hearing on the 10th. They are considering additional legislation regarding homeless shelters generally but also specifically regarding the new Saint Peter and Paul shelter. She commended Soulard for its thoughtful approach toward the homeless and encouraged members of this community to weigh in. 314-556-7379.
Cara also acknowledged a couple of cannabis dispensaries coming in to the neighborhood and remarked that they generate significant revenue. John Durnell from the CID noted the dispensaries are within the CID so "buy local."
8. Police Liaison Report
Officer Kevin Dilg reviewed his crime report from the past month, which included an uptick on robberies. A couple of carjackings saw cars recovered in Illinois.
9. President's Final Remarks
The SRG Board Nominating Committee is meeting next week. If anyone is interested in getting involved in the SRG Board, contact Abbey or Adriano.
Abbey requested a motion to adjourn. Brad Pitlyk made the motion, and Dillon Goodson seconded. With unanimous approval, the motion passed, and the SRG meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm.