May 11, 2026
Editor’s Note: Meetings are held the second Monday every month at 7 p.m. at the Community Council office at 6008 Kingsbury Avenue. May meeting highlights appear below. Visit https://www.skinkerd.com/meeting-minutes for complete meeting minutes and announcements.
Highlights
Council President (Mike Stephens, Parkview)
Council Offices Lease — The Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council appears to have reached an agreement in principle to renew the lease for the Council’s offices at 6008 Kingsbury Ave. The current lease ends at the end of May 2026.
The proposed new lease is a two-year term with a $20/month rent increase.The Council and Housing Corporation and the Council will split the cost of replacing the building’s HVAC system.
Community Gardens — Consideration must be given to the management of the neighborhood’s two community gardens. One is located on McPherson and the other on Westminster across from Big Hamilton School. Of concern are the lack of full-time staff to manage them and whether the Council should oversee them.
At issue: the management of bed fees, liability insurance, and taxes and fees.
A robust discussion about the issue will take place at next month’s meeting after the distribution of the Memos of Understanding.
Alder’s Report (Ald. Shameem Clark-Hubbard)
Rams Settlement — Would like to hear from residents about the proposed uses of Rams settlement funds. Encouraged residents to call or email their comments. The Board will have four meetings on the issue. Meetings are held at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and they are exploring adding an evening session.
Water Infrastructure — Under current proposals, the Water Department is slated to receive $60M of Rams settlement money. She indicated that a water rate hike is also likely, given the system’s infrastructure needs. The Council could invite representatives from the Water Department to a meeting for discussion.
A board member commented that it is a decision of having a municipal system where residents have direct input, or s corporation. Alderwoman Clair-Hubbard said if things get worse, the state could take over the system.
City Neighborhood Improvement Specialist Max Magee
The city mows lots and streets on a rotating basis.
There is $1 million set aside for summer camps, pools and programs for young people aged 19 to 24.
Refuse trucks now have tablets in their cabs helping crews avoid missed route segments.
Planning and Zoning has the first draft of maps online for review.
Delmar Mainstreet (Tamika Stigers) The first of the organization’s 10 Levitt VIBE STL Concert Series had 500 in attendance. The free concerts take place through the fall on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and feature nationally-known and locally-based performers. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://delmarmainstreetstl.com/levitt-vibe/.
Victoria [Surname?], Council Project Manager
Continues to update the Council’s webpage.
Working on a “Friends” campaign to boost neighborhood engagement.
Working on 60th Anniversary t-shirt concept to help raise funds for the Council and neighborhood activities.
Samantha Smugala — Delmar Loop
Joe Edward’s Mini Golf has closed, but a new concept for the space will be coming soon.
Jekyll-Hyde is the new concept that will be opening in the Prime 55 space, and will include a restaurant upstairs and a speakeasy downstairs.
