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General Meeting

October 2026 General Meeting Minutes

Soulard Restoration Group General Membership Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 7PM

Minutes prepared by Andrew Paniello, Secretary

LOCATION
Saints Peter & Paul Parish Hall in the Rose Room | 816 Allen Ave

Call to Order/Opening Remarks

President April Flores called the meeting to order at 7:00pm sharp. She began by alerting the membership that the gate locks after our membership meeting, so please don’t leave your car in the parking lot overnight. She also noted that there will be a guest speaker after the meeting to talk about a ballot issue.

Police Report

Officer McClendon noted that crime in the neighborhood has decreased by 21% compared to last year. He was happy to announce the person doing a series of break-ins in South City has been caught. He then fielded a few questions from membership.

Aldermanic Update

Jamie Cox-Antwi, our alderwoman, gave a few updates about City issues. There was a bill passed regarding norms and behavior among the alderpersons. The City is changing how some of its services, such as speed bumps, will be provided for residents. The City has been working with the CID to install ADA-compliant ramps and address other projects. They are looking into the Social House problems. Additionally, Adam Lynn, City Treasurer discussed issues such as parking and security in the neighborhood.

PGAV Speaker

A speaker from PGAV (an urban planning group), Katherine, noted the team has been hired by the CID and tasked with collecting information about the neighborhood. A survey has been distributed, which residents can complete.

Committee Roundup

  • Membership: The Membership Committee happily welcomed several new members, noting that our membership total now sits at 363. The committee is providing decals to supporting neighborhood businesses. The Protagonist Cafe hosted the social.
  • Station/CI&E: Topher Jaworski provided updates for both the Station and CI&E. For the station, he noted the stucco work is in progress, they might have a fundraiser for the roof, and the station is currently available for rent. For CI&E, he encouraged membership to attend several events, including Oktoberfest (10/9-10), Movie Night (10/24), Trunk or Treat (10/25), Halloween Decorating (10/29-31), and the Electronics Recycling Event (10/31). The Rummage Sale and National Night Out were both successful. He kindly reminded us, “don’t be an ass–be an asset.”
  • Safety: Dana Woodall told a heartwarming story about giving someone an orange safety vest so they won’t get run over while working on their car. He thanked us all for making safety a priority.
  • Beautification: The patio crawl was a big success–thank you, hosts! The committee is exploring the creation of some subcommittees.
  • Communications: Brenton Henry, despite a broken elbow, has been working hard on the new website. He announced that a neighborhood map function will be available for all committees to use.
  • Development: Jim Dallas noted the concerts were a big success and he is looking forward to Oktoberfest. New merchandise, including scarves and beanies, is being ordered. So far, merchandise has made $3,800 over time.
  • Historical: Neil Putz announced the ghost tour will be on 10/17–tickets are available but are selling fast.
  • Parlour Tour: The Parlour Tour is just 59 days away (from when this meeting took place)–please sign up to help if you are interested.
  • PRT: Matt Cushman is working as the temporary PRT chair while we look for someone to permanently fill the position. He is working on the PRT portal.
  • Bylaw Committee: We are currently earmarking potentially problematic bylaws. Next year, we may do a comprehensive review.
  • 1222 Allen: We gained temporary possession of the church on 9/3 and immediately handed it over to the receivership, who now holds all liability. Many options are being considered.

Treasurer’s Report

Abbey Bethel, Treasurer, reported our accounts sit at $72,030.35. Major expenses have included the stucco work and paying our accountant. Sources of income have included the concert, patio crawl, and ghost tour.

Secretary’s Report

Andrew Paniello, Secretary, thanked everyone for covering for him so he could be present for the birth of his daughter, our newest SRG member. He noted that the minutes have been posted but we will vote on them next time.

Organization Roundup

  • CID: John Durnell discussed the progress that has been made at the Soulard Triangle and Pontiac Square Park. A lot more work, including a major clearing, is currently planned. An electronic recycling event will take place on 10/31. The CID is experimenting with a new strategy for collecting trash on Mardi Gras.
  • SSBD: The SSBD will sponsor national night out events. The next meeting is on 11/9 at the South Broadway Athletic Club–all who are interested are welcome.
  • KVV: Trunk or treat will take place at the Legion on 10/25 around 1pm. Additionally, Santa will be coming to Soulard this December, assuming his work visa from the North Pole is approved.
  • 1222 Allen (Committee): the contract with the receivership has been signed. Phase One is in progress and will take about 2-3 months.
  • Neighborhood Stabilization: a series of “ancient” cars are scheduled to be towed in the near future. James Simpson plans to meet with Social House to look for possible solutions.

President’s Report

April Flores announced that we have acquired a storage unit and are in the process of moving things in. We are addressing the FedEx vans on Lami–though they might already be gone now.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm–tying the shortest meeting since I began taking notes in Spring 2025.

Next Meeting

Wednesday, November 4 at 7pm.