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Benton Park Neighborhood Association General Assembly Meeting Minutes - July 1st, 2025
Benton Park Neighborhood Association
Meeting Minutes
Date: July 1, 2025
Location: Epiphany UCC - 2911 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118
Attendance: 46 total attendees
Board Members Present:
Tim Mulligan
Bill Kranz
Mark Bates
Christina Cousins
Jeremy Rentfro
Courtney Armistead
Derrick Kilgore
Lori White
Welcome & Introductions
New Residents Introduced:
Aaron – Lives at 1901 Cherokee, across from ICP. Whole family resides there; has a dog named Betty White.
Ethan – Resides near Lynch and Missouri, close to Small Change.
Lester – Recently purchased a storefront on S. Jefferson; plans to open a snack/donut shop.
New Business
Thank you to everyone who voted in the 8th Ward Aldermanic Election. As of 7 PM, over 500 ballots had been cast.
Upcoming Social: July 10th from 4:30–6:00 PM at Peacemaker.
Social Media Contact: Kimber (resident of Withnell) is managing BPNA social media. Contact her at hello@bentonpark.org.
Committee Reports
Events Committee – Report by Jeremy Rentfro (on behalf of Amanda Rammacher)
Thirsty Thursday hosted by the Safety Committee – 6:00 PM to close.
Movie in the Park: Monthly movie event; “National Treasure” will be shown Saturday, July 5 at sunset.
Cherokee Market: Also July 5, 2:00–5:00 PM. Occurs every other Saturday. No vendor fee.
Live Music:
July 20: Zero to 90 cover band
July 27: Music from a Tent DJ event featuring Ssipi Wine.
Sponsorship Committee: Omar has been appointed as the new chair.
Building Review Committee – Tim Mulligan
Overview of the committee’s responsibilities.
Lester’s Proposal: Opening Addictive Donuts, Snacks and More at 3002 S. Jefferson next to Lefty’s. Plan includes coffee, snack foods, retail snacks, tobacco products, and indoor/outdoor dining.
Vote: Unanimous support from attendees. No opposition.
The committee will provide a letter of support.
Friends of Benton Park – Christina Cousins
Grants in Progress:
Brightside St. Louis: $1,500 grant for native plantings near Missouri & Arsenal.
Missouri Department of Conservation: Up to $25,000 for tree care.
Collaborating with the Parks and Streets Departments.
Volunteers needed for gardening and tree-related projects.
Contact: friendsofbentonpark@bentonpark.org
Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 22 at Ryley’s house (Arsenal).
Volunteer Incentive: Each volunteer hour counts as $15 toward grant match. 100 hours = $1,500.
Safety Committee
National Night Out: Scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.
Monthly Meetings: Last Thursday of the month, 7 PM at Small Change.
Reminders:
Report car break-ins and check camera footage.
Avoid direct confrontation regarding yard sign theft or suspicious activity.
Officer Rojas: Currently reassigned to North City for tornado relief efforts.
Cave & Garden Committee – Bill Kranz
Recap of committee duties.
Recent LiDAR imaging conducted on the cave system under the garden.
Cave reopening project in progress with plans to secure outside funding.
Guest Report: Neighborhood Stabilization Officer – Ketosha Harris
Currently assisting with Northside tornado recovery in collaboration with FEMA.
Derelict Vehicle Removal:
Towing to resume in 2–3 weeks (backlog due to current auction).
Cars prioritized by number of violations and safety issues.
Reporting Tips:
Call in all nuisance/criminal activity to establish a paper trail.
Major disturbances (3–4 reports) are more likely to result in city action.
Empty or abandoned homes are routed to the Building Division.
Concerns Raised:
Trip Hazard: Alley between Jefferson and Arsenal (already on Ketosha’s radar).
3155 S. Jefferson: Neighbor reported nuisance issues and water leak.
Community Updates
Mark Bates:
Planning an 80’s-Inspired 5K in March 2026: “Run, Walk, Stroll.”
Upcoming Events:
80’s Movie Night – September
80’s Trivia at Pieces – Fall
Hosting a financial seminar (details to come).
Mark Fish (Sydney Street):
Collaborating with Christina on tree care via a new group: Urban Lumberjacks.
Cleaned up tornado debris and pruned trees.
Volunteers needed for monthly workdays (3rd Saturday of each month).
Flyer available for St. Louis Neighborhood Foresters.
Ian (Tool Library):
A database of tools for sharing
Contact him at toollibrary@bentonpark.org
Meeting Adjourned: 8:05pm
Benton Park Neighborhood Association General Assembly Meeting Minutes - June 5th, 2025
Location: 2911 McNair • Time: 7:05 PM
Welcome + Opening Remarks
We kicked things off with a packed house and lots of familiar (and new!) faces. Jesse, a new neighbor on Illinois, got a shoutout, as did folks from Indiana and Victor. Thanks to everyone who showed up to a packed house — including our former alderman and current Mayor, Cara Spencer. That’s how we do it.
Agenda Highlights
We breezed through committee updates, shared exciting upcoming events, and then welcomed a full slate of aldermanic candidates. It was a big night for local democracy!
Committee Updates
Friends of Benton Park – Park Cleanup + Events
This Saturday at 9AM: Litter cleanup to prep for Movie Night + Family Fun Day!
New signs + a new web landing page are up for Friends — scan the QR code to find the next cleanup date.
Next Friends of Benton Park meeting: Wednesday, June 25 at 7PM (Riley’s house on Arsenal).
Fishing pause: Missouri Dept. of Conservation has paused stocking the lake due to sinkholes/leaky lake — updates coming soon.
Events Committee – Amanda
Family Fun Day – Sunday, June 8
Food from Good Strangers, Kid’s Maker Market, bike path with signs, Pride foam pit (!), crafts, and live music from Celia + Fire Dog.
Come dance! No experience needed. Amanda’s leading the YMCA and Chicken Dance.
Mattie Schell Concert – Saturday, June 15
Featuring the debut of Bluewood Brewery’s brand new Benton Park Pilsner — 10% of beer sales support neighborhood events all year round.
Sneak peek party: Tuesday, June 11, 6–9 PM at Bluewood brewery — with your fave board members behind the bar! The brewery isn’t usually open on Tuesday, so this is our moment to takeover!
Vice President Report – Lori White
Cherokee Street Market returns this weekend — neighbors finally get their market in Carnegie Park (take that, 1910)!
Movie Night: Everything Everywhere All At Once plays Saturday at sunset in the Colorado Basin.
Music From A Tent: June 22 — low-key, bring a blanket and chill.
Tennis Clinic for kids and Adults: June 8, 11AM — donuts shaped like tennis balls included.
Tool Library: $25/year for access to a growing tool collection. Thanks to Seebo’s Hardware for their generous sponsorship!
More info on instagram. Also: Check out the website calendar on bentonpark.org’s homepage. You can export individual events or the whole shebang straight to your phone or calendar app.
Safety Committee
Victory! The problem property at 2922 Wyoming has been handled — neighbors celebrated with a 100+ person block party!
Upcoming Events:
Alley Cleanup: June 12, 6:30 PM @ Carnegie Park (bring gloves + golf carts if you’ve got one).
Next Committee Meeting: June 26, 7–8 PM @ Small Change
National Night Out: October 7 — mark your calendar for Derrick’s wings, games, and community vibes.
Neighborhood Stabilization Officer – Ketosha Harris
Want results on problem properties? Call them in. The city can’t act unless enough service calls are logged.
Use the non-emergency line: 1 866 371 8477 or 314 231 1212
For landlord/tenant or neighbor conflicts, check out the Conflict Resolution Center (free for STL residents): 314-255-7449.
Historic Plaques
They’re back! After years of supply chain delays, Benton Park house plaques are available again.
Pre-orders will be emailed soon.
Once we get 25 new orders, we’ll do another batch.
Special Election – July 1
VP Lori reminded us: “A lot of what we get done depends on who we elect.”
So… vote. This one matters.
Aldermanic Candidate Forum
Each candidate had 5 minutes to share their story, priorities, and love for the neighborhood. Quick highlights below.
Jami Cox Antwi
Lifelong public policy pro with degrees from Vanderbilt + global affairs.
Works in affordable housing + community finance.
Priorities: Downtown revitalization, small biz support, growing families, strong city partnerships.
Endorsed by Mayor Spencer, Dan Guenther and several past alderpersons.
Alicia Lloyd
15-year Benton Park resident, business owner, and mom.
Priorities: Safer streets (speed humps + signage), parks that feel safe for every family, and unshakable neighborhood accountability.
“I don’t owe anyone favors. I owe you what I said I’d do.”
Shedrick Kelley
Longtime organizer, single dad of 8, and proud public school parent.
Priorities: Community-led safety, walkability, and youth opportunity.
“Everything I’ve done is people first. Always has been.”
Jim Dallas
Retired actuary and Soulard civic leader.
Priorities: Smart budgeting, downtown investment, and block-by-block neighborhood wins.
“Sometimes it’s just helping a neighbor get a new flag raised — and that feels great.”
Cam McCarty (Libertarian)
Missouri Air National Guard member and engineer
Focused on fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, “not stepping on needles at the BP” and police funding.
“Everybody's actually a libertarian. They just don't know that.”
🗣️ Want more? Catch them at the League of Women Voters Debate on June 10 at South Broadway Athletic Club — aka where they do the wrestling. 🤼♂️
Closing Announcements
Don’t forget to sign in and scan the QR codes for events and volunteer opportunities.
Plaques will be delivered once they arrive (safely, not via porch drop).
Thank you to everyone who showed up, helped out, or danced it out. You’re what makes this neighborhood special.
Meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM.
Minutes prepared by: Lori White
For corrections, email: hello@bentonpark.org
More info + events: instagram.com/benton_park
Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Benton Park Neighborhood Association
General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2025
Time: 7:07 PM – 8:04 PM
Location: [Insert location if applicable]
Attendance: 39 residents
1. Welcome & New Member Recognition
New members and long-time residents were welcomed and acknowledged:
Alia, Miguel – Pestalozzi & Missouri (1 year)
William and Dana Lockett (3 years)
Liz Harrison – Withnell (4 years)
Alecia Hoyt (15 years)
Jami (running for alderman)
Lauren and Matt – Salena (residents since August)
2. Police Report
Reporting Period: April 7 – May 4, 2025
Total Incidents: 6 (down from 11 last year — a 45% decrease)
Visit SLMPD.org for full crime stats.
Upcoming Events:
Summer Kickoff at Central Patrol: May 27, 1–4 PM — includes youth sports equipment giveaway.
Police/Cardinals Game Night: Tickets are $25, proceeds benefit the Police Business Association.
Q&A:
How do you like the state control?
Officer response: "I love it — we have more resources."
Flyers will be added to the website and shared on social media.
3. New Business
8th Ward Alderman Special Election: Scheduled for July 1st.
Candidate filing deadline: May 30th
Candidates will be invited to speak at the June GA meeting.
4. Committee Updates
Friends of Benton Park
Park clean-up held over the weekend with 20 attendees.
Storm debris and litter removed; pond cleared of overgrowth and trash (5–6 bags).
Next Volunteer Day: Thursday at 2 PM at Jefferson & Arsenal garden.
Safety / CID
CID info available on flyers, website, and greeting table.
2100 Block of Wyoming squatter house shut down through coordinated neighbor and city action.
Celebration Event: "The Block is Back Bash", Friday, May 23, 6–9 PM (between Missouri & Illinois).
Thirsty Thursday park hangouts continue to build community.
Flyers available for GroupMe sign-up and camera registration.
Neighborhood Stabilization Officer – Ketosha Harris
A cease and desist has been issued for the problem property.
Owner to coordinate with city counselor and Harris.
Squatters should be reported via 911.
Provenchere Update: Abandoned vehicles mostly cleared.
Green space resources shared via Benton Park email.
Plans to survey alley and street lighting.
Contact: 314-922-0946
Garden / Cave Committee
Incident at Provenchere involved a vehicle with shredded tires; related to a possible problem property.
Gardeners met (15 in attendance) to plan beautification efforts.
WashU is assisting in developing a robot to map the cave.
International visitor interested in future cave art exhibit.
Potential collaboration with another North St. Louis cave site.
Building Review Committee
Cherokee problem property: All code violations cleared. Awaiting court date for full title transfer to developer.
Other neighborhoods are now inquiring about this Missouri law.
Working with Soulard on 12th & Allen church issues.
Fielding miscellaneous requests.
Events Committee
Mighty Pines Concert: May 18
June 7 (Saturday):
Cherokee Market (2–5 PM)
Movie Night: Everything Everywhere All At Once
June 8 (Sunday):
Family Fun Day: 3 PM, includes Celia Sing-A-Long and Firedog
Volunteers needed for all events!
Lori White
Event calendar available on the website.
BPNA social at Station No. 3: Tomorrow, 5:30–7 PM
Benton Park Pilsner: In collaboration with Bluewood Brewing
Created in response to AB pulling Pride funding
10% of proceeds benefit BPNA
Expected launch: Mid-June, hopefully by Father’s Day
Newsletter sign-up link available via Instagram bio
Cat
Venue building is being sold.
Final concert: Friday, May 9 @ 7:30 PM (Home Remedy, acoustic set)
Sing-along event: Saturday at 1 PM
Details: epiphanyucc.org/newsandevents
Mark
Benton Park Plaques:
$259 each (aluminum)
20% markup supports the neighborhood
Pre-orders close tonight; orders take 6–8 weeks
Upcoming Events:
1980s 5K: March 21, 2026
80s Movie Night: September 13, 2025
80s Trivia Night: October 27, 2025 @ Pieces in Soulard
Registration opens mid-November
Seeking family-friendly 80s movie suggestions
5. Treasurer’s Report / Savings Investment
Discussion about reinvesting long-standing savings for higher returns.
Proposal:
Place a portion into a money market account
Place remaining funds in a more aggressive interest-bearing account
Motion to Approve: Passed (20 Yes / 0 No)
6. Aldermanic Update – Dan Guenther
No major updates at this time.
Mayor Spencer expresses appreciation for community support.
Four viable candidates are expected for the special election.
Contact Dan with 8th Ward concerns: guentherd@stlouis-mo.gov
Meeting Adjourned: 8:04 PM
Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Meeting Called to Order: 7:04 PM
Attendance: 49
Welcome & Introductions
Welcome to new member Ben from Withnell, who has been in the neighborhood since 2020.
Thank you to Lori for running last month's meeting.
Approval of last month’s meeting minutes.
Financial quarterly report will be updated on the website. We are currently on track with the budget.
Events & Social Updates
Mighty Pines Concert: A concert committee is being assembled, with 10 members so far. More volunteers are welcome for fundraising, concert setup, beer sales, and other roles. A sign-up sheet was passed around.
BPNA Social Event: April 4 at Greenfinch in response to AB pulling sponsorship from STL Pride. It will be a dance party celebration and fundraiser.
Post-Meeting Gathering: Attendees are invited to Saturn Lounge for socializing after the meeting.
Crime & Safety Updates
Officer Rojas:
Benton Park had three incidents in the last 30 days: one property crime and two auto thefts.
Crime mapping and statistics are available at slmpd.org.
No questions from attendees.
Neighborhood Services & Concerns
Ketosha Harris, NSO:
Prefers calls to her cell phone (314-922-0946). Available in office only on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Addressing nuisance properties, including concerns on the 2100 block of Wyoming.
Homeless services have been notified about the ongoing situation in Benton Park.
Trash collection delays remain an issue. If you see trash or derelict vehicles, contact her.
Looking to proactively share grant opportunities on the BPNA website.
Residents should report issues to the police to build up a record of service calls.
Community Question: Can we post a QR code in the park for reporting issues?
Answer: Yes, send it to CSB. If there is no response within a week, follow up with Ketosha.
Committee Updates
Safety Committee:
Problem Property Portal is now live on the website. https://www.bpnastl.org/ppp
Thirsty Thursday’s begins this Thursday April 3rd at 6pm at the Comfort Station in Benton Park. BYOB, snacks, music, games, and hang with your neighbors.
GroupMe Chat Sign Up and Camera Map signup is available via QR code and the website. https://www.bpnastl.org/safety
CID Steering Committee is looking for people to help spread the word. We meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Killeen Studios at 7pm. More infomation here https://www.bpnastl.org/cid
Friends of Benton Park:
March 9: Trash clean-up event with over 30 neighbors participating.
March 23: Urban Lumberjack Society removed dead trees and logs in the park. Great community-building effort.
Volunteers welcome.
Building Review Committee:
Opposing a proposed ATM parking lot at Gravois & Jefferson. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Updates expected regarding the UCC Epiphany Church property.
Garden Parks Committee:
Urban Lumberjacks assisted with garden maintenance.
Currently on a waiting list for garden plots.
Events Committee: No updates.
5K Event & Plaques
Home Plaques: Pre-orders are moving forward. Aluminum plaques ($259) with a deadline at next month’s meeting. A mockup and payment link will be available on the website.
80s Themed 5K: Scheduled for March 21, 2026, at 9 AM.
Big River assisting with race timing.
Subcommittees forming for graphics, fundraising, event logistics, course management, race day coordination, and post-race party planning.
Looking for food trucks and a DeLorean (Back to the Future theme).
Contact Mark at 314-753-8748 for involvement.
Tool Library
Ian introduced a virtual tool-sharing list for BPNA members.
A spreadsheet will list available tools and participating neighbors.
Volunteer Coordination
Seeking 4-6 volunteers for stage and tent setup.
Planning an annual letter drop to reach 3,500 residents. Volunteers needed for printing, stuffing, and canvassing.
City & Legislative Updates
Dan Guenther (8th Ward Legislative Aide for Cara Spencer):
Speed Humps & Sidewalk Repairs: 7 new speed humps coming in the next two weeks. $450K allocated for sidewalk improvements.
Infrastructure Projects: Arsenal & Jefferson improvements underway.
Alderperson Vacancy: If the 8th Ward loses its Alderperson, a special election must be held within 75-90 days. No primary, one-time vote for a two-year term.
Contact: 314-304-6797.
Guest Speakers
Gilberto Pinela, Director of Office of New Americans, City of STL:
Office created to support the growing immigrant population.
Language Access: Ensuring city communications are multilingual, including airport announcements.
Festival of Nations: Efforts underway to save the event.
Welcoming City Certification: Aims to position St. Louis for national recognition, opening funding opportunities.
How to Help: Donate or volunteer with the International Institute (iistl.org).
Allora McCullough & Matthew (Artists & Scientists):
Proposal to convert a church building into a creative hub with event space and art installations.
Building Review Committee met with them. Supportive of their business model but zoning changes will be required.
Community input is welcomed. Plans will be available online.
Upcoming Art Shows
Phyllis Morgan – Artists Among Us
Location: Atelier 1879 (2210 Pestalozzi St)
Date: Saturday, April 26
Featuring multiple artists and collaborative works. Open studios available by request on April 27.
Berkshire Hathaway Art Show
Artist: Dana Smith
Location: Berkshire Hathaway (across from Benton Park Cafe)
Date: Friday, May 2, 5-8 PM
Wine, beer, and appetizers provided.
Meeting Adjourned.
Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Location: 2911 Epiphany United Church of Christ
Meeting Called to Order: 7:01 PM
Attendance: 41
Welcome
Lori welcomed new members, including Mitch.
Old Business
Approval of the last meeting minutes, available on the website.
New Business
Introduction of the new Event Committee Chair, Amanda Rammacher, replacing Brittany Nelson. Acknowledgment of Brittany’s contributions to Benton Park events. Amanda invited members to join the Event Committee.
Strategy & Budget
Budget review presented, allowing members time to examine the financials.
For the first time in five years, BPNA ended the year without any debt.
A community poll will be conducted next month to decide how to allocate the surplus funds.
Budget for 2025 passed with over 20 approvals and 0 objections.
Question: What is the Community Improvement fund?
Answer: A meeting will be held to determine how to utilize the surplus from last year.
Special Guest: Mark Bates - Benton Park 5K
The first Benton Park 5K was held in 2011 as an 80’s themed event.
Efforts are underway to revive the event, and volunteers are needed.
Discussions are also in progress regarding the return of Benton Park Plaques.
Committee Reports
Building Committee:
The Cherokee property, formerly owned by Dara Daurighty, has been surrendered to the BPNA.
Friends of Benton Park:
Litter clean-up scheduled for Sunday at 10 AM. Christina will provide trash bags and pickers.
A successful effort in collaboration with Longmeadow Rescue Ranch led to the rescue of 8 domestic ducks.
QR codes available for those interested in volunteering.
Lumberjack event planned for Sunday, March 23.
Garden & Cave Committee:
Welcoming five new gardeners.
Budget overrun last year was balanced by raising over $800.
The cave exploration continues, with efforts to obtain the right survey tools and progress on a robotic exploration initiative.
Daffodils expected to bloom within the next week.
Volunteer Committee:
Christine Kaufman is seeking 3-6 members to help structure the committee.
Meetings held on the third Thursday of each month at Small Change.
More details available on the website and newsletter.
Events Committee:
Celia will perform at Family Fun Night.
Tangible Change/Marketing Committee:
Co-funded an event benefiting wildfire relief, raising $3,000 for a local school and a firefighter recidivism program.
Hosted a house piano party with support from Saturn Lounge (food), Spoonful of Sugar (ice cream), and Apothecary (drinks).
Officer Reports
Ketosha Harris:
Working with Derrick Kilgore regarding problem property at the 2100 block of Wyoming.
Collaboration with Officer Rojas and the City Attorney to take action against property owners.
Abandoned vehicles have been towed with assistance from Alderwoman Spencer.
Additional vehicles on 1900 Provenchere identified for towing.
Officer Rojas:
Two vehicles and a trailer on 1900 Provenchere scheduled for towing.
Criteria must be met before vehicles can be towed.
Minivan on Utah has been tagged.
Crime has decreased by 23% from January 27 - February 23 compared to last year.
Residents encouraged to check SLMPD.org for daily crime updates.
Community Safety Questions:
Illegal activity in the park? Call 911, but response times vary based on severity.
Solutions for unhoused individuals? Contact the Department of Human Services or submit a CSB request.
Response time for assistance? Varies by department; same-day service is possible.
What to do if someone is overdosing? Call 911 for EMS dispatch.
Is SkyCop surveillance an option? Our ward has only 5 surveillance units out of 14 citywide.
Open Forum: Community Priorities for 2025
More traffic calming, including daylighting intersections (bump-outs).
Closing multi-road intersections.
Increased support for small businesses.
Organizing neighborhood block parties.
Installing fitness equipment in Carnegie Park.
Adding basketball courts.
Increasing neighborhood engagement.
Establishing a tool library or tool exchange.
Hosting monthly porch gatherings.
Addressing unattended gardens through community involvement.
Organizing children’s playdates (e.g., New Dimensions Soccer program).
Improving neighborhood signage.
Meeting Adjourned.
BPNA General Assembly Meeting Tues. Feb 4th, 20225
BPNA General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: February 4, 2025
Attendance: 100+
Board Members Present:
Courtney Armistead
Jeremy Rentfro
Derrick Kilgore
Lori White
Christina Cousins
Dan Guenther
Tim Mulligan
Welcome
Courtney Armistead opened the meeting by introducing the board executive members and reminding attendees of the upcoming elections on March 4 (primary) and April 8 (general). She addressed previous concerns, including the impact of recent ice storms and ongoing trash pickup issues, while highlighting the strong community support witnessed.
Regarding recent legislative issues, she acknowledged community concerns and committed to sharing informative resources. Neighbors were encouraged to attend the post-meeting social, which also marked one year of BPNA hosting social events. As a non-profit, BPNA does not endorse candidates but provided an opportunity to hear from mayoral candidates.
Mayoral Candidate Speeches
Cara Spencer: Shared her political background and plans for improved infrastructure.
Michael Butler: Spoke about his motivations for running and focus on infrastructure improvements.
Andrew Jones: Previously ran in 2016; emphasized his experience and commitment to reducing crime.
Tishaura Jones: Highlighted achievements, including two police officer salary increases (15% total), improved 911 dispatch efficiency, and raises for sanitation workers.
New Member Introductions
Approximately 10 new members were welcomed.
Old Business
Approval of the prior month's meeting minutes.
Strategy and Budget
2024 Successes:
Increased meeting attendance, leading to mayoral candidate engagement.
Established the Duck Committee and supported Cherokee Market.
Organized dog park cleanup and Pup Crawl fundraiser ($4,000 raised in one day).
Successful fundraising and sponsorships.
Achieved positive financial turnaround from previous deficits; the finalized budget will be presented at the March meeting.
2025 Initiatives:
Continue supporting local businesses through social events and partnerships.
Increase kid-friendly community events.
Expand Benton Park Pirate Club and encourage participation in the Soulard Mardi Gras parade.
Community Improvement District (CID) efforts led by Derrick Kilgore.
Volunteer Committee, led by Kristan, will hold its first meeting on March 4 at BPC.
Friends of Benton Park Committee, led by Christina Cousins, aims to foster community engagement centered around the park.
Dan Guenther Report
Rams Settlement Funds: The board has decided to postpone discussions until after the elections. The money continues to accrue interest.
BB 162 Legislation: Addresses the potential appointment of a Director of Operations for the city.
Infrastructure Issues: Ice storms have exacerbated trash overflow in alleys. Residents are encouraged to submit CSB reports or email Dan Guenther.
Mardi Gras: High call volume expected for parking issues. If private driveways are blocked, contact Mardi Gras Inc. at 314-771-5110.
New Business
2025 STL City Elections Discussion
Committee Reports
Volunteers: Recruitment underway.
Friends of Benton Park: New initiative supporting park-centered community engagement.
Safety: No update due to time constraints.
Building Review: No update due to time constraints..
Parks: No updates.
Events: No updates.
Guest Speakers
Police Report: Officer Rosa Rojas
Crime incidents in the neighborhood: 5 incidents (50% decrease from last year in the last 28 days).
More details available at slmpd.org.
Residents encouraged to speak with Officer Rojas after the meeting for any concerns.
NSO Report: Ketosha Harris
Nuisance Properties: Increased action being taken. Residents should frequently report issues and submit video evidence to harrisk@stlouis.gov.
Neighborhood Patrols: Ketosha monitors problem areas and parks in front of trouble properties.
Law Enforcement Background: Brings extensive experience to community safety efforts.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned. Attendees invited to the social gathering following the meeting.
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.
August 6th, 2024 General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Benton Park Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, August 6th
Location: Epiphany UCC - 2911 McNair Ave
Meeting Start Time: 7:02 PM
Attendance: 41 People
Welcome & New Member Introductions
-New Members
- Linda from Lafayette Square (Breath Better St. Louis)
- Chrissy, recently moved in a month ago, looking to get involved
- Ryan and Kristoff, residents for a few years
- Mohammed and his wife, property owners in the neighborhood
- Holly and Nady, moved in January
- Matt, resident for 4 months, in St. Louis for 2 years
Old Business
Approval of Prior Month's Minutes:
- Minutes approved as presented.
Police Report - Officer Rosa Rojas
- Introductions to new members.
- Contact for information on vacant homes or derelict vehicles.
- Neighborhood crime report from July 8th to August 4th:
- 0 murders, 0 sexual assaults, 0 robberies
- 2 assaults (could be fights or shootings), 1 burglary, 1 theft, 6 auto thefts
- Reminder: Do not leave valuables in cars.
- Observations: 41 vehicles reported, all with out-of-state plates.
- Emphasis on community involvement in Benton Park.
- Contact details provided for questions or reports.
### Alderman’s Report - Cara Spencer via Isiah
- Legislative updates:
- Tree trimming and pothole repairs ongoing.
- No questions from attendees.
### New Business
- **Pup Crawl:** August 31st.
- **Social Announcements:**
- No September social set yet.
- No November meeting.
### Committee Reports
- **Events:**
- Upcoming Events:
- September 22nd, 4-7 PM in Benton Park with music by Alligator Wine
- Tunes on Tap: Saturday, October 19th
- Santa Parade and Holiday Party: Friday, December 6th at Bluewood Brewing
- Contact: Email Brittany at eventscommitteechair@bentonpark.org to join the events committee.
- **Building Review:**
- No new notes.
- **Safety:**
- National Night Out: Tuesday, October 1st (Wyoming between Illinois and Missouri)
- Flyer Campaign: Details to be posted on social media and GroupMe Chat
- Carnegie Park Clean-up: Sunday, July 28th
- CID Information: Coming soon
- **Garden/Cave:**
- Bill Kranz reported plans to add an optical camera to explore the caves.
- **Parks:**
- Not in attendance.
- **Membership:**
- Not in attendance.
- **Volunteers:**
- No updates.
### Guest Speaker
- **Linda Weiner from Lafayette Square (Breath Better St. Louis):**
- Discussed efforts to address odors from the incinerator in Sauget, IL.
- Issues with burning toxic materials and non-compliance for 5 years.
- Health impacts of toxins from the incinerator.
- Permit renewal process and EPA meetings.
- Encouraged reporting odors via their website.
- Rally for community support and attendance at EPA meetings.
- **Q&A:**
- **Question:** Why not focus on all plants?
- **Answer:** Focus is on plants with EPA permit renewals.
**Meeting Adjourned.**
July 2nd, 2024 General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Benton Park Neighborhood General Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM.
Committees in Attendance: President, Vice President, Membership, Dog Park, Safety/Secretary, Treasurer, Building Review
Welcome and New Members: New members introduced:
Crystal Koffman (Berkshire Hathaway)
James Harris 3rd
Noah P.
Kristen (3100 Block of Lemp), a resident for 55 years
Approval of Previous Meetings: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without amendments.
Old Business:
Police Report: Officer Rojas provided an update:
5 incidents reported in the last 28 days, marking a 44% decrease from last year
142 calls received; detailed information available on the website
Answered questions regarding a recent BB gun incident; investigating possible connections to other incidents in Benton Park
Alderman’s Report: Key points from the Alderman’s report:
Completion of the budget cycle with recommendations for departmental funding
Focus on staffing shortages and public safety initiatives
Updates on downtown developments, including new businesses and events
Appointment of Benton Park resident Derrick Kilgore to the Civilian Oversight Board
Discussion on recent building fire on Jefferson and ensuing actions
New Business:
Creation of Tangible Change Committee: Introduction of a new committee focusing on civic engagement, fiscal responsibility, and membership growth.
Budget Report: Overview of financial status:
Donations, merchandise sales, and sponsorships discussed
Positive projections for the current fiscal year
Survey Report: Summary of community survey results:
Identified areas for improvement including community engagement and communication
Self-assessment on responsiveness scored 70%
Committee Reports:
Events (Brittany Nelson):
Recap of recent and upcoming events including concerts, Tunes on Tap, and holiday celebrations
Building Review (Tim Mulligan):
Updates on zoning issues and development projects in Benton Park
Discussion on historic preservation efforts and current projects
Guest Speakers:
New Earth Composting (Melody Newton): Information on composting services and drop-off locations.
Metrolink Greenline (Laura Godwin and Jessica Gershman): Details on the Metrolink Greenline project, community impact, and ongoing developments
https://compoststl.com/
Questions and Answers: Community questions addressed on various topics including transportation and local developments
Upcoming Events and Reminders: Announcement of a social event and reminder to register for the upcoming local election.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:22pm.
Next Meeting: August 6th, UCC Epiphany Church, 7pm,
Respectfully submitted by: Derrick Kilgore, safety@bentonpark.org
Action Items: Follow up on specific inquiries and community feedback.
June 4th, 2024 General Assembly Meeting Minutes
General Assembly Meeting June 4th 2024
Meeting called to start at 7:05pm
40 People in Attendance
Welcome and New Members Introductions
New members:
Jimmy/Stacy Krazinski - 2000 Viktor
Kevin Long - Moved a year ago
Rob S.and Diana- Moved a month ago
Brent and Amanda- Moved in April on Indiana
Angie and Chuck - Moved onto McNair a year ago
Last months minutes have been approved.
Police Report: The crime report will be posted on the website once it becomes available. Officer Rojas is on vacation.
Yemanja Brasil Restaurant was broken into on Mother’s Day. They broke into Irish Corner Pub, Cat’s Meow, Big Daddy’s, and more. Complaints are going greatly unanswered. Businesses are getting tired of nothing being done.
Note: Two of the 4 suspects in the above incident have been apprehended.
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/burglar-wearing-ankle-monitor-caught-after-soulard-spree/
We are making new updates on our progress for fundraising and budget. In an attempt to be more transparent.
Committee Reports:
Events:
First concert of the year was as success. A lot of people came out, despite the heat. A lot of sponsorships, which helped pay for the band and the sound. We are doing ok, on the budget, while we wait for sponsorships. Next concert is Alligator Wine, Sunday September 22nd at 4pm. Tunes on Tap is set for Saturday October 19th from Noon to 4pm. Brittany gave a brief introduction to the event. Email eventscommitteechair@bentonpark.org if you want to donate your houses. We have 2 houses confirmed as of now, and we usually get 8-10 houses. Holiday party and Santa parade will be happening in December.
Music From A Tent by Field Theory
June 9th from 2-8pm, there is an event at Benton Park. It’s a free event, with a group of DJ’s and performers.
https://www.fieldtheory.us/cal/music-from-a-tent
Safety:
We are will have a traffic study at the corner of Lemp and Arsenal from Noon-2pm. We will be creating data on traffic infractions in that time period. We will be handing out flyers soon to promote the GroupMe Chats.
Melody from New Earth Farms will talk about composting next month.
Jeremy (Treasurer): Small Change is the social tomorrow due to them being closed today. From 7pm-Until. Come meet your neighbors.
Lori White (Vice President): We are doing a neighborhood survey. We want you to write down what you think and want. We are doing a learn and greet with a Duck’s and Geese expert to learn about the animal in the parks. We are working on the trash in the pond.
UCC Ephiphany: They are having a concert on Saturday June 22nd at 5:30pm. They are accepting offerings, but it is free. The church is for sale, and are vetting buyers.
Questions/Comments/Concerns
Sarah P.
There is a car wash on Gravois and Shenadoah, especially at night. The zone is looking for more people to complain to CSB. The address is 2008 Shenandoha.
There is an AirBNB that has been having parties. One of our residents emailed Cara Spencer directly.
Non Emergency Number: 314-231-1212