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.
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.