A $4,500 tax liability, the resignation of the Council’s project manager, and a way forward for the Westminster 1035 Garden highlighted the September meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council held on September 7. The Council did not meet in August.
Tax Issues: Council President Mike Stephens reported the potential tax liability and stated the Council continues to look into the matter, though it appears it may be related to a missed 2022 tax filing. Board members did mention that adequate funds are on hand to cover the obligation, if needed.
Project Manager: Victoria Headrick, part-time employee and project manager, announced her resignation. The board will be evaluating the position’s job description and the council’s needs as it explores filling the position and other alternatives, which may include reliance on volunteer staffing.
Regional Arts Council Grant: Designated to support neighborhood arts initiatives, Council Treasurer Yvette Kell proposed $1,500 contributions from the grant to both the neighborhood’s dog park effort and Delmar Main Street’s Levitt Vibe STL Music Series. The $13,000 remaining will be rolled into an 11-month CD. The council unanimously approved the recommendations.
Neighborhood 1035 Garden: John O’Gorman and Mark Banaszak (McPherson resident) said they are seeking a third person to assist them as they take over management of the community garden located across from the “Big Hamilton” school on Westminster. The group continues to seek advice from Andy Cross, who manages the McPherson Garden, and reports that approximately 50 to 60 percent of the beds are tended, despite maintenance challenges due to last year’s tornado.
“We need the gardens taken care of, the money managed and a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Housing Corporation and the Council,” said Mike Stephens while acknowledging the group’s progress.
Short-Term Rentals: Margaret Welch (6100 block of Kingsbury resident) reported the new owner of 6179 Kingsbury is planning to convert the property to a short- and intermediate-term rental. Ms. Welch also expressed concern about certain renovations to the property, particularly the paving of the entire backyard which directs all storm run-off into the public alley.
Council President Mike Stephens asked Ms. Welch to keep the council apprised of developments, while reminding her that short-term rentals in the city are legal and virtually unregulated because ordinances governing their operation are not being enforced due to court challenges and other issues.
Others in attendance urged residents to report problems (noise, parties, light pollution, etc.) from any short-term rentals or other housing to the City of St. Louis’ Citizens Service Bureau – (314) 622-4800.
Alderwoman’s Report: Shameem Clark-Hubbard reported that a new legislative session is underway and urged residents interested in tracking legislation to reach out to her at clark-hubbards@stlouis-mo.gov.
Moonrise Hotel and Magic Mini Golf: Joe Edwards sold both venues and they will join a Tru Hotel in the Loop as Hilton properties, reported Samantha Smugala, executive director of East Loop Improvement District.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2026.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
