Historical February–March 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Welcome and Introductions. Meeting called to order by President Dan Schesch at 7:06 PM. Board members and guest were introduced. Minutes from November 11 Board meeting were reviewed and approved with corrections. Treasurer’s Report. Peggy Droege presented the Treasurer’s report for November, which was approved unanimously. Approval of the 2003 budget was deferred to the January meeting. Laure Porterfield reported that the Friends campaign had raised $2800 of its $6000 goal. Fundraising efforts are ongoing, and flyers had not yet been distributed door to door. Security Report. Captain Larry Isom introduced Sam Hill, the new public affairs officer for the 7th District. Officer Hill reported that auto thefts and burglaries continue to be a concern in the neighborhood, though these crimes are down in the neighborhood compared to last year.
He encourages residents to report all such crimes so that police visibility and patrols can be increased as needed. Aldermanic Report. Alderwoman Lyda Krewson presented the Aldermanic report. Lyda reported that she had met with the owner of Talanya’s to discuss concerns raised by neighbors about traffic safety and littering around the building.
The owner agreed to install a new curb cut from DeBaliviere, which should increase pedestrian safety. Lyda also reported that the Archway building at Pershing and DeBaliviere has outstanding exterior building code violation and would be coming up in housing court. Lyda reported that construction on the Delmar street enhancements should run from April to September. 2 lanes of traffic will remain open at all times, and parking will be available on one side of the street during construction. Nominating Committee Report. Steve Givens reported that a slate of candidates has been fielded for officer positions.
The candidates who were nominated and agreed to serve if elected are: President…Dan Schesch, Joe Keaveny Vice-President…John Thomas Secretary…Tim Schoemehl Treasurer…Peggy Droege Motion was made to accept the slate of candidates presented. Passed unanimously. Elections will be held at the January 2003 board meeting. Beautification Committee. Andy Cross reported that the Beautification Committee is applying for a grant from Gateway Greening to help defray costs for the community gardens. Andy distributed copies of a newspaper article about the sculpture installation in the McPherson Community. West End Arts Council. Andy Cross and Katrina Stierholz reported that there was great neighborhood participation in the Wintermarkt, including many neighborhood residents who were vendors.
The weather was good, and attendance was high. Katrina reported that the event was a financial success.
The proceeds from the event provide the neighborhood match for a grant the Arts Council is applying for from the Regional Arts Commission. Laure Porterfield reported that the West End Arts Council purchased additional canopies for use at Wintermarkt that will also be available for other neighborhood events. Washington Heights. John Thomas reported that another Washington Heights organizing meeting had been held and that an additional meeting was scheduled for December 18th. Transportation Committee. Dan Schesch provided an overview of discussions the transportation committee had about the construction drawings for MetroLink that Bi-State presented. Dan also presented the Transportation Committee’s recommendations regarding requests for design changes.
Following a discussion, the Council passed the following resolutions relating to the design of the Cross-County MetroLink extension in the neighborhood: All above ground construction elements and elevators should complement the architecture and character of the historic district. Similar barriers and fencing should be used throughout the neighborhood along the south side of the Forest Park Parkway to create architectural flow and consistency.
The fiberglass “wrought iron” on the “Texas barrier” would be more consistent with the neighborhood’s architecture and historic character.
A bus drop-off lane should be incorporated into the Skinker Station plan at the Southwest corner of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway. Bi-State should provide an aesthetically pleasing screening barrier between the Pershing alley and the Forest Park Parkway.
The screening barrier should run from DeBaliviere to Skinker, and the design should be agreed to by SDCC and BSDA. Bi-State should conduct a feasibility evaluation of an overpass that would cross both the Forest Park Parkway and the Metrolink tracks. Such an overpass would increase safety for pedestrian access to Forest Park. Screening to provide privacy for Pershing residents and a design compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood should be part of any design. Executive Director’s Report. Laure Porterfield referred board members to her written report.
She noted the board meeting schedule for 2003. Laure also noted that the police and firefighters appreciation lunch is December 19th. Executive Committee Report. Laure Porterfield reported that for the past two years, SDCC has been a community organization representative to the MSD Rate Commission. Laure has been the organization’s designated representative.
The term to which SDCC was appointed is coming to a close, and SDCCC must decide whether to apply for a new six year term. Discussion ensured about the merits of SDCC having such a role, whether neighborhood residents would be interested in serving on the Commission, and the burden on staff time of having the Executive Director fill this role.
A motion was made to have SDCC reapply for the position, provided that someone other than the Executive Director could be found to serve as our representative. Other Business. Katrina Stierholz noted that the Parks Department used to provide electricity to Four Corners Park that could be used for events such as Wintermarkt.
This service has been disconnected.
The Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a letter to the Parks Department requesting the electricity be reconnected. Dan Schesch reported that with the large number of events in the neighborhood it is sometimes a challenge to find enough volunteers.
He requested that board members consider what expectations there should be for board members to serve as volunteers, and help recruit volunteers for neighborhood events, and discuss this next month. Meeting adjourned 8:55 PM.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_02.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
