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General Meeting

August 2019 General Meeting Minutes

SOULARD RESTORATION GROUP GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 7, 2019 Location: American Legion 2601 South 11th Street Minutes prepared by Neil Putz

Call to Order: 7:10 pm

Introductions:

  • Board Officers and Directors: Scott Plackemeier, Neil Putz, Christopher Schwartz, Billy Tomber, Marilyn Morris, Dave Perry

  • Absent: Beth Hoops, Taylor Bodine

  • Elected Officials

  • Jack Coatar, 7th Ward Alderman; Marty Jo Murphy, 7th Ward Committeeman

  • Absent: Dan Guenther, 5th Ward Alderman

  • Community Police Liaison: Officer Sherdon Douglas

  • New SRG members in attendance: 4 new members introduced themselves

Announcements and Reports:

  • Special Election Announcement: Marty Murray announced an upcoming Special Election (November 5) for Missouri House District 78. This will be to replace State Representative Bruce Franks. Also, a replacement is needed for staff member Marie Ceselski, who is resigning.

  • Police Report: Officer Sherdon Douglas reported 19 crimes in Soulard during the month of July, including 3 aggravated assaults, 9 larcenies, 3 vehicle thefts, 1 burglary.

  • Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Christopher Schwarz reported on our SRG financial status:

  • The SRG made $6,600 last year (for the year ending 30 Jun 2019). We have $100,000 in our checking account and the Soulard Station, our primary asset, is valued at $145,000

  • Budget was not available until today, so it will posted prior to the next General Membership meeting in order for everyone to digest it before it is out a vote. Paper copies were made available.

  • Without a budget, we are not cutting checks, so there is no report for the current year, but a draft final report of last year’s finances was distributed.

  • A specific question was raised about the Historic Signage Project. It remains well within the approved budget with expenses around $7,000.

  • Any checks needing to be cut for any bills or invoices will be done by exception through the Board.

  • Announcements: Recognition of Cathy and Ken Weldon of The Porch for their longtime commitment to the neighborhood

Old and New Business – SRG Committee Reports:

  • Soulard Station (Committee Chair Tracy Laxton; Board Liaison Marilyn Morris): no input

  • Safety (Committee Chair Sergio Sevillano; Board Liaison Dave Perry): no announcements

  • Membership (Committee Chair Julie Price; Board Liaison Dave Perry): Margie Koors announced

  • This evening’s social is hosted by John Durnell & Richard Eaton, 1842 S 9th St

  • The new annual SRG Rosters have been published, and are available for distribution to all active SRG members; distribution and info is restricted to active (paid) members

  • Beautification (Committee Chair Richard Eaton; Board Liaison John Durnell): Richard discussed the Triangle Garden at Sidney and 9th Streets; he handed out an informational brochure on this garden of native plants

  • Residential Promotions (Committee Chair Luann Denten; Board Liaison Taylor Bodine): Luann reported that:

  • The Garden tour Art Auction will be held on Sep 27

  • Our Bastille Day celebration was a big success, thanks to John Wallace and Neal Thompson who constructed a replacement guillotine

  • The new Royals for the neighborhood are Janet and Russ French

  • The Golf Cart Parade is scheduled for Friday, 25 Oct

  • Communications (Committee Chair Jeremy Mehrle; Board Liaison Billy Tomber): Billy reported:

  • Friday, Aug 16 is the deadline for the next issue of the Renaissance; those with contributions can email editor@soulard.org

  • To receive the Soulard Blaster, please sign up on the website to receive our e-mail blasts

  • Parlour Tour (Committee Chair Jeanne Kirby; Board Liaison Beth Hoops): Neil reported that

  • This year’s Parlour Tour will be held on 7-8 Dec

  • The committee will be holding its kickoff meeting for the new season next week (Wed, 14 Aug); we already have 3 homes lined up, but we are looking for other homeowners to step forward

  • PRT/Code and Zoning (Committee Chair Jay Gibbs; Board Liaison John Durnell): Jay reported:

  • Reminder that there is a builder with proposed plans for a new structure on the vacant lot at 9th & Soulard, just south of ITap

  • Luke Reynolds is seeking to upgrade the tents and temporary structures inside the Molly’s courtyard with a new structure – designs to be presented

  • There is a report that the Croatian Church at 12th and Russell is selling its building on the corner of 12th and Ann to a developer with plans to convert to a hotel

• Fundraising: (Committee Chair Christopher Schwarz; Board Liaison Billy Tomber):

  • The SRG made just over $3000 selling beer at the Lord Stanley’s Cup Celebration Parade. Special thanks to Ann Austin, Preston Humphreys, Sean Hadican, Chris Schwarz, Cliff Doucet, Billy Tomber, Katie Greer, and Alex Finn
  • Next committee meeting will be on Monday, August 12, at 7:30 at Janet Neuhaus’ residence.
  • Soulard Concert Series continues to operate smoothly. Last month Roland Johnson and the Soul Endeavor rocked the Market Plaza to 350-400 people. Next month the National Blues Museum All Star Jam will take the stage on Saturday, August 17 at 6:00 at Soulard Market Plaza.
  • The following concert (Patty and the Hitmen) will be held on Friday, Aug 30

Partner Organizations:

  • American Legion: Christopher Schwartz reported that the Legion will be holding its Third Friday Happy Hour from 5-8 pm on 16 Aug
  • Soulard Business Association: No announcements - Jill Weissgerber is moving to Oregon

Adjourn: 8:24 pm

Minutes by Neil Putz