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Historical February–March 2026 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Board Members Present: Mike Stephens (President, Parkview), Tracy Granneman (Vice President, Rosedale), Molly Rater (Secretary, Kingsbury Square), Yvette Kell (Treasurer,Washington Heights), JoAnna Schooler (Washington University), Jim Holzer (Rosedale), Adam Bergeron (Rosedale Neighbors), Auriann Sehi (At large), Jeff and Karen Stokes (Grace Methodist), Callie Kesel (Rosedale Neighbors) Not Present: Carl Merritt (Cote Brillante), Nathaniel Rivers (Washington Heights), Kathryn Bulard (Busey Bank), Michelle Davidson (at large on 3 month leave) Stefan Pabst (Parkview Agents), Roger Harris (Washington Heights) Visitors: NIS Max Magee, Andy Cross (Beautification chair), Samantha Smugala (East Loop, Commercial Districts), Officer Caruthers (District 5), Noah Goldberg (Neighbor) Project Manager: Victoria Headrick Alderperson: Shameem Clark Hubbard Meeting was called to Order at 7:02 PM in the SDCC office. Quorum with 10/16 board members present Public Comment: None Aldermanic report: Shameem reported that she was there for the whole meeting for questions. Repair dollars still available for tornado victims Approval of Minutes: October meeting minutes approved unanimously Presidents Report: Mike had commitments from almost all board members that they would be coming back in 2026 Priorities for 2026: · Increasing income since grant funding is gone and there is limited staff. Focus on more money from businesses and neighbors. More volunteer participation. · Bylaws revamp. Committee has been formed with Auriann, Joanna and Mike. Mike has already sent them revision drafts. Tracy added that an events committee is needed and more community engagement Project Manager Report Prepared by Victoria Headrick 11/10/25 1. Operations & Utilities • Gas Issue: The gas service was off despite our account being in good standing. It’s been resolved and turned back on today. • Wi-Fi Charges: Our Wi-Fi provider had been overcharging ($500–$600/ month) since September.
The issue was corrected, and billing will be paused for November. Normal billing ($70/ month) will resume next month. 2. Phone System • The Housing Corp. raised concerns
about missed calls and confusion with the outdated virtual receptionist. • We currently pay for three lines plus voicemail ($60–$70/month extra). • Proposal: Remove two lines and corresponding voicemail systems to simplify operations and reduce costs. 3. Community Partnerships & Programming • Montessori Playgroup: Christina (from MAP School) proposes a free, donation-based playgroup for ages 0–3, meeting Saturdays beginning next summer. • Kids’ Day – June 1: Christina also plans a neighborhood celebration for kids, primarily outdoors, showcasing the Montessori setup. • WashU Partnership: Carynn (neighborhood care program) – proposes a Gingerbread & Info Session in early December — a holiday-themed volunteer recruitment and awareness event for students. 4. Campaigns & Communications • PorchFest: Responsive letters were sent earlier this month. • Friends Campaign: Thank-you letters will be sent by end of November/early December (approved by Yvette). • Website: Review document and draft site will be shared with the board tomorrow for feedback. Target launch: before year-end. 5. Event Planning – Wintermarkt • Event Plan: Full plan shared via email link. • Budget: Need board approval to finalize a set event budget. • Food: Darren Merryweather has offered to provide all food (hot dogs, brats, sauerkraut, and German potato salad) at no cost. • Focus: Streamline volunteer roles (setup, cashier, cleanup, vendor check-in/out) for smoother operations.
• Goal: Keep the event fun and manageable for all participants — guests, vendors, and volunteers alike. 6. Year in Review & Role Clarity • A Year-in-Review Report and November Summary were shared with the Executive Board. • Recommend a follow-up discussion to clarify role expectations, focus areas, and ways to streamline operations for greater efficiency and rhythm. New title: Community Engagement Coordinator 7. Approvals Needed • Montessori Playgroup (Summer 2026) • Kids’ Day Event (June 1, 2026) • WashU Gingerbread & Info Session (Early December 2025) • Darren Merryweather Food Partnership (Wintermarkt) • Wintermarkt Event Budget Mike will draft a usage agreement and waiver for groups using the office Financial Report: We have exceeded goal of 10,000 dollars for the Friends campaign at 14,300 Yvette plans on wiping Quickbooks clean and starting from scratch at the first of the year.
We currently have 88,243.39 dollars in total assets. 1035 Garden is applying for a grant for tornado repairs for both gardens and wants our support.
They may present a report at the January meeting NIS/Aldermanic Report: Max McGee reported that there were 80 service calls since last meeting.
Most were regarding tornado damage, recycling and tornado recovery. More trash dumpsters requested by Max. Not a lot of places for new dumpsters. Need space to unload without blocking traffic and trucks need space for pick up Snow plan update: Salting will begin 12 hours before snow. Snow routes determined and arterial routes will be first (Waterman and Laurel in our neighborhood) then secondary streets around schools then intersection clearance. Pilot programs with salt banks.
On call pay for those drivers
with CDL licenses. Leaking hydrants should be reported to CSB to prevent ice incidents. Warming shelters available at Charing Cross and Schlafly libraries Committee Reports: Security Report: Grady was not present but Mike attended last meeting and reported that crime stats are stable.
There have been some incidents on the 6100 block of Washington and more patrols have been added. Grady has installed a ring camera for security at the office. Turnstyles have been delivered for the Metrolink Skinker Station and should be installed soon. Board member suggested that we get an electronic door lock. Operational Office Issues: Tracy reported that Coffee bar still needs to go in Handicapped access needed for entrance More chairs for office need to be purchased Reusable signs for events Discussion/Decision about whether groups should be charged for office usage Historic committee: No report Commercial District Committee Report: 1. East Loop Streetscape Project The East Loop CID will be requesting that the City of St. Louis apply for a federal grant through East-West Gateway on behalf of the East Loop. Grant applications are due in February. Samantha is beginning to secure letters of support from key partners and stakeholders.
The project will be presented to: SDCC Commercial Districts Committee SDCC Community Development Committee Followed by a request for a formal Letter of Support from the full SDCC Board This federal funding opportunity would support pedestrian-focused improvements including lighting, safety, walkability, and streetscape enhancements. 2. Business Recruitment & Letters of Support Claws Out (Claw Machine Business) – Letter of Support Requested A business proposal was evaluated using the Commercial Districts Committee scoring rubric. Score: 21.2 out of 25, which meets the threshold for a Letter of Support.
The committee agreed the business is a strong fit for the Loop, noting the owner Jane Kaiser presented a clear, thorough plan and has significant business experience. Action Requested: SDCC Board approval of a Letter of Support. Presentation and average scoring sheet attached. 3. Incoming Businesses / Space Activations Coffee Shop – 5874 Delmar Blvd Previously occupied by The T (they now only occupy the 2nd floor for tornado relief operations). Samantha has asked the property owner for an introduction so the business can present to the Commercial Districts Committee. New Concept by Chef Andrew Cisneros (Owner of Brasas) – 6140 Delmar Blvd New restaurant concept scheduled to open Spring 2026 Andrew will present to the Commercial Districts Committee when he is ready. Bridge Bread – Opening December (exact date TBD) Social enterprise bakery providing employment for individuals experiencing homelessness.
They will participate in the Holiday Cookie Crawl.
Please support and help promote their opening. 4. Business Closures Prime 55 – 6100 Delmar Blvd (Closed) STL Subs (Goodcents) – 6150 Delmar Blvd (Closed) 5. District Business Activity — At a Glance Since 2023: 20 new businesses have opened 3 more to open in 2026 3 of those new businesses have since closed 10 total closures overall (including those 3) Turnover is expected in commercial districts—especially during early launch phases of new businesses.
The data shows more growth than loss, demonstrating strong recruitment activity and district momentum. Motion to approve a letter of support for Claws Out passed unanimously FBD: Board member reported that ZOUP (St Louis Zoning Upgrade) committee members announced and SDCC was not on it. Many found this surprising since we worked on and paid for the development of a FBD that will be used in the new city zoning plan. Mike, Adam, Samantha and Nicole Blumner all applied for positions. Shameem will follow up to see why we were not included Beautification Committee: Our Oct 25th SD Food Drive collected 1,855 items.
This is the largest amount we have collected in the last 7 Food drives.
We usually
have 1 or 2 food drives each year, but this year we included a Tornado Relief Food Drive in June which also had a high yield at 1,523 items.
The Grace Methodist Church and the New Cote Brilliante pantries were very happy with the deliveries. Thank you so much to the volunteers and to the neighbors who donated. Wintermarkt is on Sat Dec 6, 11am to 4pm. Past vendors have been contacted, and the early parts of the event are underway. Flyers are ready to be copied but it is too early to deliver them now, some large size Flyers are posted on the kiosk & bulletin board.
The big wood signs will go up in a few days. Andy thanked the SDCC board for the donation of flowers for his father’s funeral Community Engagement Free Little Pantry: Auriann proposed establishing a Free Little Pantry by the Free Little Library across the street from Greg Freeman Park at the last meeting.
She was flexible on the location and Grace Methodist was also suggested due to their proximity to the Grace Methodist Food Bank. Auriann was put in contact with Karen Stokes of Grace Methodist after the last meeting about best location for a Free Little Pantry. Karen reported that Grace was generally accepting of this proposal but would have to taken up with full Grace Board for a decision. Discussion ensued about potential problems including liability for SDCC, pest and spoilage issues, ventilation needed for pantry. Signs would be needed to state only non-perishable items allowed for donations. Mike suggested Auriann talk to other Free Little Pantry owners about how they handle these issues. Issue was tabled until next meeting. Jeff recommended more visibility for operating food banks rather than starting a Free Little Pantry.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2026.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Unsigned minutes have no secretary signature or adjournment printed. Embedded Project Manager Report explicitly prepared Victoria Headrick, not assumed author of entire minutes. November meeting forecast Bridge Bread December opening differs January thirty first press release in same issue; preserve chronology, not contradiction silently repaired.
Original source: SD_Times2026_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2, 3, 5, 6, 7; PDF page(s) 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
