Historical November–December 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
1. Welcome / Introductions: The meeting was called to order by President Bob Mahon at 7:00 pm, with self-introductions. Robyn Nagle recorded. 2. Presentation by Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD): Jim Derby, principal engineer, provided general information about MSD, including informational handouts, and noted MSD’s emphasis on capital improvement/replacement over the next 20 years.
He also provided information about maintenance and assistance programs: (314) 728-6260 for assistance (live contact), and/or www.msdstl.com.
In response to a question, Mr. Derby clarified that the burden to pay for the capital improvement program will fall on ratepayers — $14/month over next few years. 3. Minutes, 8/13/07: Continue to 10/8/07. 4. Executive Director’s Report: Darcell Braylock reported on the following: * Upgrades: Computers and the financial systems in the SDCC are currently being upgraded.
A more comprehensive report will be given at the Annual Meeting. 5. Financial Reports: Alice Stanley provided an overview of the reports, noting the following: The financial reports were approved. 6. Aldermanic Reports: Frank Williamson, 26th Ward: (1) Continuing to work on nuisance properties; (2) successful back-to-school giveaway program; (3) in response to questions concerning the Harambe home repair program, Alderman Williamson advised that there was only $75,000 allocated for the program this year, but that he is trying to get more next year, while Darcell nted that 3-4 homes participated during the summer; (4) in reponse to questions concerning the townhouses under construction at Westminster/ Laurel, Alderman Williamson advised that the zoning is appropriate, and that it is his understanding that the units will be built only as they are sold. Lyda Krewson, 28th Ward: (1) The Balloon Glow will be held in Forest Park on Friday, September 14th, and the Balloon Race on the 15th, with both events being held at the Golf Course due to construction on Art Hill; (2) the Tour of Missouri bike race will be held on the 16th, with some signs starting to go up – traffic will be a mess. 7. Community/Neighborhood Reports: 7th District: Lt. Steve Martin: (1) August had the lowest crime rate in 17 years, with the exception of burglaries (12 – mainly unsecured garages); (2) using foot patrol, and hoping for a possible decrease in burglary with patrol of alleys; (3) specific individual targeted/seen (Kevin Grimes) , and residents asked to contact SLMPD if he is seen in the neighborhood – call 231- 1212 . Washington University PD: (1) Aware of burglaries in area; (2) students are back, and so far no major problems; (3) Safety Seminar on 9-20-07 at Regional Art Commission; (4) Kate Nash raised concerns about resources for foreign students, and Alice Stanley raised concerns about students walking through neighborhood alone at night – were advised that full-time officer working on student contact/ public information. Chris Howard (NSO/28th Ward): (1) Reported that another meeting is scheduled with the property owner of 5839 Pershing, and would appreciate any information on the tenants; (2) property at 5928 Waterman is vacant, with contractors working at night, so it’s difficult to check on permits but working on abatement – Norb Hart advised that it was his understanding that the owner is in area (mother-inlaw in building to the east); (3) requested that residents please report youth congregating on overpass over MetroLink, and that tennis shoes have been taken down off the power line; (4) Bob Mahon noted that the property at 6200 Pershing is basically abandoned with a visible problem with rodents – Lyda and Chris advised that the City is working on abatement, and that it is difficult to enforce the ordinance regarding vacant properties. * Rosedale Neighborhood Association: Arline Webb distributed a report on this year’s “Rags to Riches,” noting that this year was the largest event yet (49 houses, 11 vendors, and higher price). Advertising on the internet (First Civilization) probably helped increase attendance.
The food venue was moved to 4 Corners Park, had some problems (including Health permit), so food sales were a little down. Shirley Polk raised issue of toilet facilities – will address this issue next year. * WEAC: Andy Cross reported that WinterMarkt is scheduled for December 8th, and that a Committee meeting will be scheduled as soon as possible.
He also noted that WEAC is co-sponsoring the upcoming Concert Series, with Darcell recognizing Jeff Stone’s help in lining up bands.
There has been lots of interest in the concerts, particularly Lamar Harris on September 29th. Food will be available for sale, provided by Loop restaurants. Great Rivers Greenways: Joe Gudiswitz reported that there hasn’t been too much progress on St. Vincent and Centennial – still working on the trail from UMSL to DeBaliviere. Transportation: Norb Hart reported that the Kingsbury alley (6100) is being paved, and there are some possible improvements at Skinker/Waterman. * Grant Writers: Brenda Davis reported that Darcell and the grant writers met last Fall, and have been working on grants including the Enterprise foundation for workreadiness training for youth in the neighborhood.
They are also working on a grant with Bank of America, and hope to identify funding for the Grace UMC summer program with computers/youth. * SDCHC: Gary Boehnke reported that the Alanson Building is complete and residential tenants are moving in.
There are no commercial tenants as yet, and they are working on parking issues. Parking problems with the use of Lucier Park (football program) were also noted, and Darcell was asked to contact Hamilton School to see about the possible use of the school parking lot. Additional Issues: Norb Hart raised issue of the townhouses under construction at Westminster/Laurel, whether project should come through SDCC. Katie Kurtz responded that the project has been discussed for several years, but the current project did not come through SDCC. Alice Stanley raised the issue of the soccer park lighting grant. Joe Gudiswitz responded that the project hasn’t moved too far forward. * Shirley Polk raised the issue of the Food Drive, and will meet with Darcell to establish the date for announcement at the Annual Meeting. 8. Annual Meeting: October 8th at New Cote Brilliante, with the potluck dinner beginning at 6:30 pm and the Annual Meeting following. Committee Chairs have been asked to make short presentations (no more than 5 minutes), which will be followed by presentation of awards. Board Retreat: Washington University will host the Retreat at the new Rosedale (North) Campus on Saturday, October 20th. Cheryl Adelstein will arrange for a facilitator, and details will be provided at a later date. 9. New Business: A resident of the 6000 block of Kingsbury expressed concern over parking and other problems on Kingsbury on Thursday evenings relating to “Joe’s CafÈ ” (Bill Chrisman), and questioned whether the sculptures and art in front of the building were consistent with the historic district ordinance.
She also cited a lack of response from the City to date, and is planning on pursuing this issue to higher levels. Darcell indicated she is willing to facilitate a meeting between Bill and the residents to see if the problems can be resolved, and asked that the complaint be submitted in writing. 10. Adjournment: Robyn Nagle, Assistant
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2007.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2007_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
