September 3rd, 2024 General Assembly Meeting Minutes

Benton Park Neighborhood Association

General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, September 3rd
Meeting Called to Order: 7:07 PM
Attendance: 51 people

1. Welcoming New Members:

  • Angie: Southside of the park.

  • Melissa and Paul Smith: Southside of the park.

  • Mike and Megan: Been in the neighborhood for 10 years.

  • Cale O.: Haven’t attended in a while.

2. Returning Members:

  • Barbara Potts: Former NSO for 19 years.

  • Katosha Harris: New NSO, with over 20 years of experience in public safety.

Ketosha Harris contact

3. Introduction:

  • Courtney Armistead: Noted that old minutes and the agenda are available on the website via QR code.

4. Alderman Report - Cara Spencer:

  • Currently, in a legislative break.

  • Several initiatives passed through the charter commission will be on the ballot in November.

  • Discussed changes to the voting cycle and accessing more information from SLPS.

  • New legislation is addressing reckless driving.

  • Funded 5 additional positions for CA Gore.

  • Benton Park’s condition is a priority, with ongoing efforts to ensure park departments address issues.

Questions: None

  • Upcoming Cleanup Date: September 15th from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. The city will conduct a cleanup, and Christina Cousins has organized a park cleanup.

5. Officer Report:

  • Officer Rojas: On vacation, will return for the next meeting. Contact her with any questions.

6. Committee Reports:

Events Committee - Brittany Nelson:

  • Announcement Social: Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4th at Station No. 3 from 7 PM to 9 PM. Fundraising for those affected by car window break-ins on August 15th.

  • Summer Concert Series: September 22nd, 4 PM - 7 PM featuring Alligator Wine.

  • Tunes on Tap Event: Saturday, October 19th. One more house is needed to commit to the event.

  • Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 26th.

  • Holiday Party & Santa Parade: December 6th.

Questions:

  • Are we doing a raffle again?
    Yes.

  • Acknowledgments:

    • Cherokee Rec Center Open House: September 11th.

    • Farmers Market in Carnegie Park: Next 2 Saturdays.

    • Discussed membership renewal and auto-renewal process. No meeting in November due to the election.

Parks Committee - Dan Guenther:

  • Lake Issues: 4th sinkhole in 20 years. The lake is a concrete pond with a joint that takes on water. Ongoing efforts to patch and seal the area.

  • Graffiti Cleanup Requests: Submitted more requests yesterday.

  • Dead Trees: Focusing on removing trees that pose a threat.

Question:

  • What about the pond?
    Ongoing efforts to address issues, including replacing the stolen fountain and managing vegetation for the ducks.

Cave/Garden - Bill Kranz:

  • Park Update: A proposal is out to test where the water goes. A robotics initiative for the cave is in progress.

Building Review - Tim Mulligan:

  • Assistance: Generally assists homeowners and developers with property improvement plans.

  • Neglected Property: Working with an Illinois law firm regarding a neglected property on Cherokee owned by Dara Dougherty.

  • Receiver Role: Discussed the potential to act as a receiver for a property on Whithnell with the neighborhood’s consent.

Questions:

  • Do we need insurance?
    The developer will carry the risk.

  • Is there a financial gain?
    No, the neighborhood association isn’t seeking financial compensation.

  • Are we becoming landlords?
    No, this is a state program to address problem properties.

  • Title Search?
    Legal services handle previous debts, with utilities being the only questionable factor.

  • Developers?
    No developers lined up yet for Whithnell; three are in place for Cherokee.

  • Vote:
    Majority in favor.

7. Breathe Better STL Group Update:

  • Public meeting on hazardous concerns at the Jackie Joyner Center in East St. Louis.

8. Guest Speaker - Michael Browning (9th Ward Alderman):

  • Prop T Discussion:

    • Prop T creates a Department of Transportation (DOT) for St. Louis, updating the city charter language from 1914.

    • Aims to create safer streets, more organized road maintenance, and flexibility in addressing infrastructure issues.

    • Will be on the ballot on November 5th.

Questions:

  • Other Cities with Similar DOTs:
    Nashville, Chicago, Milwaukee, Denver, and Cape Girardeau.

  • State Funding:
    Yes, it will allow for more state funding and expedite timelines.

  • Tax Increases:
    No, it reallocates existing funds.

  • Alternative Options:
    Prop T offers the most flexibility.

  • Metal Plates in Streets:
    Improved coordination with utility departments.

  • Relation to MO Infrastructure Bill:
    No direct relation; Prop T focuses on city-level improvements.

  • Impact on Ward Funds:
    Allows for better planning and flexibility in addressing street issues.

  • Additional Information:
    Contact Michael Browning or check online as more information becomes available.

9. Conclusion:

  • Reminder: Social event tomorrow at Station No. 3.

Follow-Up Needed:

  • More information required on Breathe Better STL group.