Historical February 1983 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council (SDCC) held its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 20, 1982, in the lunchroom of St. Roch’s school building.
There were eight neighborhood and institutional representatives present as well as an observer from DeBaliviere Place, Bruce Yampolsky, and SDCC Executive Director Ann McKerrow FitzGibbons. Grace Methodist had a new representative, Ruth Durham. Also in attendance were several members of Washington Heights Neighbors (WHN), St. Roch’s parish, and Alderman Dan McGuire. Chairman Frank Burke requested changing the printed agenda to consider the WHN secession item earlier and Dan McGuire asked to add an item about the Hamilton Community School.
After several routine matters such as accepting minutes, treasurer’s report, and commissioning the budget committee, the Council began the business of the evening. Washington Heights Neighbors Frank Burke reported receiving a letter from WHN withdrawing from the Council. (See box.) He remarked that the grievances are years old and he felt a better working relationship had been established in the last months. Despite the fact that a general meeting of WHN had resulted in a 26 to 16 decision to withdraw from SDCC, it in no way changes the Council’s willingness to solve problems of the whole neighborhood.
He regrets that many people will be unrepresented. Also the office of vice-president of the Council, formerly held by Harold Williams, will need to be filled. a Shirley Polk, a long-time WHN representative, said she will continue to attend Council meetings because she is a part of the neighborhood. Harold Williams, president of WHN, then addressed the Council.
He said the secession is not to be viewed as adversary. WHN feels they can better serve their own interests.
They feel SDCC does not address their concerns, and they are spending too much time dealing with the actions of SDCC. Frank said that the executive director will continue to send a copy of the agenda to the WHN president. Ray Breun suggested that SDCC attempt to involve individuals directly from that part of the neighborhood and not filter efforts through the WHN organization. Frank Burke pointed out that any projects dealing with that area of the neighborhood between Des Peres and DeBaliviere will be decided upon by SDCC without consulting the WHN organization. Karleen Hoerr raised two questions at this point: What is now a quorum and does the Council have a mechanism for accepting new representatives from areas? Frank Burke ruled that as the Council now consists of 13 members (four from funding institutions, three from Parkview, and six from Rosedale), a quorum is seven.
He referred the second question to Ray Breun who chairs the By-laws Revision Committee. Ray stated-that the current by-laws contain no process but the proposed set does. Karleen then suggested that the Council could vote to accept any organization for membership as long as a quorum was present. Chairman Burke pointed out that they would request from such an organization documentation of a public meeting and attendance lists to assure that a bona-fide organization did exist and an election had been held. Ray Breun commented that SDCC does not exist to keep organizations happy but to solve problems of people.
At this point Willis Lloyd, a resident of Rosedale and property owner in Washington Heights, asked to address the Council.
He stated that if any organization (he named DeGiverville, Inc., for example) sought to represent the Washington Heights area, many of the same people would join it and force it to secede also. Peter Schmit moved and Ray Breun seconded that SDCC accept with regret the letter from the WHN president and that SDCC continue to maintain meaningful contact between the two organizations.
This motion carried unanimously. Executive Director’s Report Ann McKerrow FitzGibbons stated that she had hired a new secretary, Joyce Crigley.
The Christmas walk was estimated to have attracted over 1,000 people and all responses were positive.
It has been suggested that this become an annual event and that a light decorating contest be added.
The Poetry Reading had about 200 people in attendance. Ann reported that she has been working organizing the Feb. 6 retirement reception for Capt. Carroway by contacting businesses for donations.
Dan McGuire suggested that not only Capt. Alphin but also the four new lieutenants at the 7th District be invited so that neighbors could meet them all. Ann announced that Pantheon Corp. had contributed $500 to the SDCC general fund. Karleen Hoerr moved that $200 be earmarked for The Paper and that SDCC provide a news release commending Pantheon for this gift.
This motion passed.
According to Ann, the SDCC office will be open on Saturday, Jan. 8, to help in referrals to the Urban League’s Homeowners’ Assistance Program. Peter Schmit requested that a detailed flyer by prepared and distributed in the neighborhood so that residents know about this program and what the requirements and guidelines are.
An update on SDCC’s actions following the fatal assault on Noah Kimbrough was next.
A letter was sent to the 7th District commending them for the quick arrests and a letter was sent to the family offering aid.
The only aid requested was a food donation which was provided.
A fund has been established at Central West End Savings and Loan which can be used as the family sees fit, either to meet their needs or to establish a memorial for Noah. Old Business The executive director. reported that the Neighborhood Assistance Grant request has been sent to the state and she expects to hear the results by Jan. 1, 1983. SDCC Referrals Service Ray Breun, St. Roch’s representative, presented an implementation scheme to – start serving personal needs of residents.
He reminded the Council that it had adopted the principle in September and was waiting for the hiring of a new executive director.
He suggested naming a Social Welfare Committee, and the SDCC chairman appointed Mary Watkins to chair. Also invited to be on the committee were Sr. Agnes Puricelli, Horace Busch, Shirley Polk, Karen Bynum, John Nelsen, Bob Homer, Elizabeth Barron, Faith Smith, Rose Storey, Jim Kerr, and a representative each from Washington U. and DeBaliviere Place. New Business—SYEP The Summer Youth Employment Program will be funded through the Monsanto Fund and all ten participating organizations will compose a joint proposal. Ann has been working with the group which has , established the following guidelines: —The Metropolitan YMCA will be the central program coordinator. —Each participating organization will select its own kids. —Ages to be served are 14-21 years old. —The youth hired must be economically disadvantaged. —The program will employ them for 24 hours per week for six weeks. —The youths are required to help raise funds for the sponsoring organizations. Ann suggested using the youth workers to landscape public areas in the neighbor. hood and help in the Code Abatement Program. Education Seminar on City Plans An SDCC-sponsored seminar will be held in late February or early March, as code enforcement will start in April.
The seminar will include an overview of the mayor’s plan, sessions on code enforcement, spot blighting, and available self-help programs. Community School Funding Dan McGuire, 28th Ward Alderman, announced that in the bill passed by the Board of Aldermen Hamilton Community School would be fully funded.
All that remains is for the School Board to sign the contract.
He suggested that SDCC write letters to Board of Education members urging the signing of the contract.
Originally published in The Neighborhood Paper, February 1983.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: The front-page story places acceptance at January 10; this report places the motion at December 20. Both contemporary accounts are preserved.
Original source: SD_Times1983_02.pdf, printed page(s) 11; PDF page(s) 11.
