Ellendale Meeting Notes for July 11, 2016
A PDF of the meeting notes can be downloaded by clicking here.
MEETING NOTES
Location: Abbott EMS, 2500 Abbott Place, St. Louis, Missouri
Meeting began at 7:03 pm
Call to Order 7:01 p.m.
Matt Sisul, President, called the meeting to order.
Matt asked if everyone had a chance to review the meeting notes from the May meeting and whether the notes can be accepted as the official minutes. Maria Gray motioned to accept the May meeting notes. The motion was seconded. All in favor, no opposed. The May meeting notes were accepted as the official meeting minutes.
Seeing that we are entering into an election season we have received several requests from candidates for elected office to speak to residents. Before introducing them however, Matt read from the Association Bylaws as a reminder: This organization is not formed for business purposes of any kind or for financial profit in any form; nor shall it endorse in any person as a candidate to an elected public office. Matt also read as a reminder: To inform and advise its members and the general public in matters pertaining to the general welfare of the neighborhood and community.
With these two statements in mind, the following guests spoke to the Assembly.
Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal — Candidate for the 1st Congressional District
Patrick Hamacher — Candidate for Circuit Attorney
Matt thanked the guests and continued the meeting with reports from community leaders.
7:21
Matt introduced Alderman Ogilvie.
Ald. Ogilvie announced a new proposal that has been introduced to him since the last Association meeting. The proposal is for the construction of a three-story self-storage facility to be built on the parcel of land along McCausland north of Southwest Avenue and the railroad overpass, and south of the current shopping complex with the Family Dollar, SSM WorkHealth, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The lot is zoned ‘J’. They do not need any variances and they are not asking for one. The property is currently under contract. If/when the project proceeds, they could begin breaking ground anywhere from 8-12 months from then.
Ald. Ogilvie wanted to remind everyone that most parcels along the McCausland corridor and railroads are zoned either ‘J’ (Industrial district) or ‘K’ (Unrestricted district).
Question: Irene Jones asked about the Gathering Church’s property next to the Walgreens and when they might start building on it. Ald. Ogilvie said it may take a couple years before they begin building on the sight (after seeking the congregation’s input on how to build), but in the mean time there may be periodic demolitions and clean up.
Question: Matt Sisul inquired about the traffic study being completely along McCausland, particular the information pertaining to the traffic signal at Arsenal. Ald. Ogilvie stated that he, himself, expected the report today, but that it will not be available until next week. When it becomes available he will share it with us so that we may post it in the Association’s social media outlets.
Maria Gray wanted to thank Ald. Ogilvie and the people at the Forestry Department for finally coming to clean up the overgrowth at the end of Ellendale Avenue (at the stairwell at Southwest Avenue) and also cleaning up Southwest near the stairwell where all the major construction was.
Jim Howard stated that there has been much clean up activity at the Wilkinson School as well. A lot of bunch and overgrowth has been cut down and it looks a lot nicer. Ald. Ogilvie added that they SLPS is still showing the school to prospective buyers but there is still no contracts yet. Matt Sisul also mentioned that a group has contacted the ENA with interested in the school for more business use. He will provide more information when it comes available.
Ald. Ogilvie mentioned that the Emerald Ash Borer has made its way to Missouri and the City has a lot of ash trees. To be const efficient, the City will be cutting down many of the ash trees and eventually replacing them with other species. Some of the older established ash trees will be treated to try to save them, however.
7:48
Matt introduced our interim Neighborhood Improvement Specialist (NIS), Kathryn Woodard.
Kathryn has been with the Neighborhood Stabilization Office for twenty years. She currently is the interim NIS for the 11th and 24th Wards. She is nearing retirement, but until they get a replacement, she will be assisting us.
As a reminder, Kathryn brought a handout describing the City of St. Louis Problem Properties Task Force — “a partnership between the Neighborhood Improvement Specialist, Problem Property Police Officer, and Problem Property Prosecutor who together focus on eliminating problem properties (a.k.a nuisance properties) and address issues such as problem solving for crime prevention and public safety.”
You can contact Kathryn by phone: 314-657-1355.
7:55
Matt introduced Officer Don Veile, our 2nd District SLMPD liaison. Officer Veile handed out the latest crime numbers for our Neighborhood. Our numbers are good and crime is low. Officer Veile pointed out the one burglary we had recently (at the Phillips 66) and explained that the perpetrator has been caught.
7:57
Matt introduced Jerod Boyd, a representative from the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office. Mr. Boyd gave a short presentation about the Treasurer’s Office and what they do for the City including management of on- and off-street parking operations in the City as well as the City’s Treasury Operations. They also have established financial empowerment programs through the Office of Financial Empowerment (www.stlofe.org). Through the OFE residents can get help with budgeting and financial literacy training.
8:03
Matt continued the meeting by moving on to the Board reports.
Our Treasurer, Joe Nea, was unable to attend the meeting but submitted a report which Matt read. Joe was able to eliminate a banking fee we were being charged as well as get reimbursed for past charges. The account currently has $360. We currently have 36 paid resident members and 3 business members.
Jacqi Kamp, Vice President, reported on the progress being made to participate in this year’s Nation Night Out program. This will be our first social event. We will be using the space of Slay Park along the new trail that runs along Ellendale Avenue between Emilie and Arsenal. Setup may start as early as 4:30, but we are promoting the event for between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. So far we have a 10x10 foot pop-up canopy that we can borrow, a donation of ground beef, and a volunteer to do face painting. We are also considering doing a sidewalk chalk drawing contest, having bags and/or washer games going on, visits from local police patrols and fire stations, and hopefully some sort of music. We are still looking for volunteers. We are encouraging people to also participate by turning on porch lights, getting out and talking with neighbors, visiting our location in Slay Park, bringing snack or sides to share with others, bringing lawn chairs and just simply hanging out. Lloyd Henry, from Abbott, volunteered to try to get an Abbott ambulance to visit during the event. Kathy Howard volunteered to facilitate a walk along the new path. If you would like to volunteer your time or other materials, please contact Jacqi (jacqi_beachler@yahoo.com).
Matt introduced the opportunity to produce street signs to make people aware of our neighborhood meetings.
Angela Sebben, Communications Officer, passed out information about yard signs — estimates from three print vendors along with a simple two-color design that reads “Ellendale // Meeting // Monday 7:00 pm // 2500 Abbott Place // All residents may attend.” She also suggested six locations to locate the signs for minimum yet optimal exposure. Jim Howard suggested (based on the information) that we should get signs of the larger size (24x18 inches) and get 10 signs rather than just six for if/when some signs go missing. After a short discussion, Matt motioned that the 10 signs of the 24x18 size be authorized and ordered at a cost not to exceed $150. Maria Gray seconded the motion. All in favor, no opposed. Motion carried.
8:24
Matt reminded everyone that per the ENA Bylaws, elections for three of the Officer positions are coming at our September meeting — President, Vice President, and Secretary. (The Treasurer and Communications Officer server 24 month terms and are not up for election until 2017.) Per the Bylaws there are not term limits for any officer positions. He said he has spoken with all the current officers and they are all happy to continue if re-elected. He reminded everyone that only Association members in good standing (dues paid up to date) are eligible to vote in the elections.
Jim Howard asked how someone might go about running for an officer position. Matt explained, per the ByLaws, one must be an Association member in good standing and may be nominated by another member or can nominate themselves. Nominations and elections will take place during the September 12th meeting.
Matt had Jacqi draw for the attendance prize, which was won by Jenise Nea. She chose a gift certificate to LeGrands.
Seeing no other new business, Matt said he would entertain a motion for adjournment.
Irene Jones motioned to adjourn the meeting.
Jim Howard seconded the motion.
Matt adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Mingling continued to about 8:40 p.m.
The next Ellendale Neighborhood Association meeting
will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016, at 7:00p.m.
at Abbott EMS, 2500 Abbot Place, St. Louis.
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