JULY 2023 SRG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JULY 2023 SRG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
July 12, 2023
By Elizabeth Henry
Abbey Bethel, President, called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
1. Opening Remarks
Abbey introduced herself along with the other present SRG Board Members: President-Elect
Adriano Martinez, Secretary Liz Henry, and directors Aaron Terry, Craig Markham, Margi Koors,
Stephen Shuman, and Abby Goodson.
2. Committee Reports
A. Membership
Julie Price, Membership Committee Chair, asked new members to come forward and
introduce themselves. Julie remarked that they have over 300 registered members currently
and encouraged membership to participate in the SBA’s Soulard Business passport.
B. Safety
Aaron Terry, Board member and liaison to the Safety Committee, presented for the Safety
Committee. He shared information for participating in the Committee’s security camera
program. He also reminded general membership about National Night Out on October 3 rd .
C. Beautification
Richard Eaton, Beautification Committee Chair, announced the Art and Floral Auction
fundraiser on Saturday, August 5t, 3-6 p.m. at the Soulard Station.
D. Communication
Brenton Henry, CommComm Chair, noted that mock-ups are ready for the new website. He
will be reaching out to other committee chairs to review content in the coming weeks.
E. Community Involvement & Events
Stephen Shuman, Board Member and Liaison to the CI&E Committee, noted that they are
looking at some recruits to lead the committee. He updated membership on Bastille Day
festivities, which would be held on July 15 th and requested volunteers. He also echoed
encouragement to purchase SBA Soulard Business Passports.
F. Development
Margi Koors, Board member and Liaison to the Development Committee, noted that they
are developming a merchandise program. Also, the Oktoberfest Beer Booth will need
volunteers on October 13 th and October 14 th .
G. Historical
Craig Markham, Board member and Liaison to the Historical Committee, presented. He said
in the Committee’s June meeting, Joy Christenson shared updates on their restoration
project. He also provided updates on their interview series and home research books.
H. Soulard Station
Abbey Bethel, Liaison for the Committee, noted some projects and maintenance line items
in the proposed budget.
3. Annual Budget
Abbey provided some high level remarks on the proposed budget for FY24. Multiple members
made the motion to approve the budget, and then multiple members seconded. One member
voted to oppose approval. Three members abstained. The rest of the membership voted to
approve the budget. The motion passed.
4. Soulard Neighborhood Organizations
A. Community Improvement District (CID)
John Durnell of the CID announced that Phase 1 of the speed hump installation was complete.
Phase 2 would be a nine-month process, so members are encouraged to reach out to get a
hump. The CID is also replacing sixteen lights at Pontiac Park to the tune of $2,000 each. Luke
Reynolds will paint existing fixtures so that everything matches. They are also getting prices for
street signs and plaques.
B. Crime Report
Officer Kevin Dilg of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Third District Police Liaison,
reviewed his crime report. He said his Captain asked him to stress what they know about
firearms: that criminals are getting their firearms exclusively from breaking into cars. Please tell
visitors to the neighborhood to not bring / leave firearms in their vehicles.
General membership had concerns about unauthorized fireworks going off in the neighborhood
around July 4 th . Officer Dilg noted that regulating that is simply a manpower issue and
considered Code 4 (lowest priority). The number to call for low level crime with no suspect
information is 314-231-1212, prompt 1.
Officer Dilg also provided an update that the homeless who usually slept at St. Vincents have
been spreading out around the neighborhood after experiencing crime there. Being homeless is
not a crime, so the best they can do is offer resources to the homeless.
C. Alderwoman Update
Cara Spencer noted there is a special session coming up. She plans to advocate for AirBNB
regulations. She agrees with the sentiment that the pathway to securing liquor licenses could be
smoother but with the caveat that it also needs to be easier to revoke those licenses. She agrees
with remarks that fumes coming from Illinois are a big problem. A small working group is coming
together around the fume issue and engaging Cori Bush.
D. Neighborhood Improvement Specialist
Qiana Baxton introduced herself to SRG members who may not know her and made the general
membership aware of the services her group provides.
Abbey requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Brenton Henry made the motion. Craig Markham
seconded. All voted in favor. The motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.