BPNA General Assembly Meeting Tuesday February 3rd, 2026

Written By Derrick Kilgore

Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA)

General Assembly Meeting Minutes

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM
Location: —
Total Attendance: 33

Members in Attendance

  • Courtney Armistead

  • Lori White

  • Christina Cousings

  • Jeremy Rentfro

  • Amanda Rammacher

  • Derrick Kilgore

  • Bill Kranz

Officer Report

Presented by two officers. Reported incidents for the period included:

  • 13 aggravated assaults

  • 2 burglaries

  • 1 felony theft

  • 2 auto thefts

New Member Welcome

New and returning members were introduced:

  • Jennifer – lives near Peacemaker

  • Brittany – lives on Wisconsin & Cherokee

  • Donna Klein – rents a storefront on Cherokee (tattoo shop)

  • Drew Acord – renewing membership after a one-year hiatus; has been assisting with Friends of Benton Park

  • Julie & Tony – live near Small Change

Members were reminded to use the QR code to sign up or renew BPNA membership.

Administrative Notes

  • Last month’s meeting minutes are available on the BPNA website.

  • Questions can be directed to hello@bentonpark.org.

  • The 2026 budget would be discussed and voted on during the meeting.

Alder Report

Presented by AJ, legislative assistant, on behalf of Alderwoman Jami Cox Antwi.

Key updates:

  • It is currently budget season at the Board of Aldermen (BOA).

  • Tornado relief funds are the first major agenda item.

  • In April, the city will vote on a 5-year renewal of the earnings tax, which accounts for 38% of the city’s budget.

    • Eliminating the earnings tax would result in an estimated 50% increase in home property taxes.

  • The Green Line is now a bus line but retains the same name. More information is available on the Bi-State website.

  • The legislative session runs through mid-March, followed by a recess until the end of May.

  • To sign up for the alder newsletter, email contact@jamicoxantwi.com.

NSO Update

NSO was unable to attend due to an emergency.

Updates provided:

  • As weather improves, NSO will work with tow companies to remove abandoned vehicles.

  • Residents still experiencing issues with ice removal should email Ketosha for assistance.

  • Question: Does the city still plan on towing?

    • Answer: Side streets have been completed; main streets will be revisited. Heavy machinery will be used to break up large snow piles.

Budget Report

Presented by Jeremy Rentfro.

  • Historically, all surplus funds were placed into savings.

  • Last year, BPNA moved surplus funds into interest-bearing accounts.

  • Budget totals were reviewed dating back to 2010.

  • 2025 closed with a $14,000 gain.

Courtney Armistead noted:

  • BPNA is a nonprofit, and all net revenue is reinvested into the organization.

  • The proposed 2026 budget was presented.

  • BPNA plans to hire a professional accountant this year for financial support.

Vote on Budget:

  • Yes: 34

  • No: 0
    ➡️ Budget approved unanimously.

Additional note:

  • Donation funds are now available for restricted/specific-use donations, allowing members to directly support particular events or committees.

A full budget breakdown will be included with these minutes.

Committee Reports

Safety Committee

  • General update provided.

Dog Park Committee

  • Ongoing need for volunteers.

  • Independent fundraising events are encouraged.

Building Review

  • No updates.

Monthly Social Committee

  • Social events are organized by Kimber.

  • Dates and details will be listed on the BPNA Google Calendar.

Friends of Benton Park

  • Recent large equipment in the park was used to remove dead trees as part of a grant-funded project.

  • Remaining funds were used for tree pruning.

  • All removed trees will be replaced.

  • A new partnership has been formed with Open Space STL, a county nonprofit expanding into the city.

    • Benton Park is one of three parks whose events will be promoted on their site.

  • Event links will be shared via the newsletter, and a clipboard signup is available.

  • Saturday, May 2: Volunteers will work on two gardens needing post-winter care.

  • Questions can be directed to Christina Cousings after the meeting.

Gardens / Cave Committee

  • Kenda joined as a new Cave Committee member; three additional new members were also added.

  • The committee spent 2.5 hours last month brainstorming fundraising ideas.

  • Discussions included reopening the English Cave.

Kenah Report:

  • Focus on increasing social media visibility.

  • Current donations total $5,000, with a goal of $14,000.

  • Additional excavation is needed.

  • The garden is dormant for winter; some garden boxes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Residents have until May 1 to fully commit to plots.

  • More information is available on the neighborhood website.

Events Committee

  • Events are free to attend but not free to host. Donations are encouraged.

  • Volunteers are needed; contact Amanda Rammacher to get involved.

80’s 5K

  • Planning is underway.

  • The event is scheduled for 2027.

  • Additional information will be shared as planning progresses.

Guest Speakers

  • Mica will be presenting via Zoom tomorrow.

  • Instagram: @mica_project

Meeting adjourned: — at 8:09Pm

Derrick Kilgore
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Benton Park Neighborhood Association General Assembly Meeting Minutes - November 4th, 2025 Benton Park Neighborhood Association