Historical September–October 2022 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
SDCC Board meetings were held by ZOOM on June 13 and July 11 of 2022 at 7 P. M.
The only committee activities covered are those described in oral reports to the board. Official minutes of board meetings are posted on the SDCC website, https://skinkerdebaliviere.wordpress.com/sdcc-board-meeting-minutes/ , after they have been approved at the following meeting. Committee reports or minutes submitted to the board in writing are also posted but are no longer read or discussed at the board meetings. June 13: Ald. Shameem Clark-Hubbard highlighted Juneteenth activities in the neighborhood.
She noted the opening of 1207 Urban Eatery, a vegan restaurant across Delmar from the Pageant. Chiemic Johnson, Neighborhood Improvement Specialist (NIS), discussed trash pick-up and recycling. Many people use recycling bins for non-recyclable items. Audits are being done of trash bins in the alleys. JoAnna Schooler’s WU team keeps a close eye on the trash situation and reported that students are not doing the dumping that is occurring. WU monitors the alleys during the end of May and June when students are moving out. Many non-profits make use of the donation events held by the university for repurposing of discarded student items.
Residents are encouraged to contact Ald. Clark-Hubbard or Ms. Johnson (314-657-1372) regarding waste removal or recycling; report illegal dumpster activity at Citizens Service Bureau (CSB) or call the police non-emergency number (314-231- 1212). Security Committee co-chairman Grady Vaughan reported that crime is down 30% since last month. Ald. Mike Gras plans a public meeting on the six metered parking spaces now allotted to the Regional Arts Commission 24 hours, seven days a week. Andy Cross, Beautification Committee Chairman, reported record donations for Planting/Electronic Recycling Day.
He called for volunteers to water Four Corners Park.
The garden tour took in over $1000. Yvette Kell will be the new SDCC treasurer. Exec. Dir. Mike Reid reviewed financials, reporting assets and income as outpacing last year’s numbers.
He reported Stanley Hoffman’s intention to develop the southeast corner of Delmar and Skinker himself rather than sell it. Hoffman wants input from the neighborhood. Mike has been having porch chats during neighborhood walkabouts and working to reestablish neighborhood clusters to improve communication.
He is developing suggestions for committee operations. No oral reports were given by the following committees: Historic District Review, Community Development, Residential Housing and Zoning. Andrew Cawood of Parkview Agents, having moved away, will no longer serve on the SDCC Board.
The board plans a retreat in autumn, where it will update the SD Strategic Plan. Ald. Mike Gras discussed trash removal issues.
The city cannot use outside contractors to supplement city resources because the dumpsters require the city’s proprietary trucks for dumping.
The city may consider using pushable bins.
There was discussion as to why this would not work well in many
situations.
It was suggested that there are not enough dumpsters and that some have rusted out bottoms.
These problems can be reported to the CSB. Beautification Committee chairman Andy Cross said that heat did not preclude fun at the recent Dog Show. Heat is a challenge for reseeded grass and plants at Greg Freeman Park.
There are signs at Des Peres and Forest Park Parkway asking that surveys be filled out regarding a walking bridge there. Security Committee co-chairman Grady Vaughan said their meeting was postponed due to technical issues. Treasurer will present a financial report next meeting.
There is a current deficit which upcoming income will cover. Mike Reid reported that air conditioning repair for the SDCC office cost $395, covering a blower fan and capacitor. No oral reports were given by the following committees: Historic District Review, Community Development, Commercial Districts, Residential Housing and Zoning.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2022.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2022_09.pdf, printed page(s) 3, 6; PDF page(s) 3, 6.
