BPNA General Assembly Meeting Tuesday March 3rd, 2026
Benton Park Neighborhood Association
General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 7:12 PM
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 PM.
2. Board Members in Attendance
Amanda Rammacher
Lori White
Jeremy Rentfro
Derrick Kilgore
Mark Bates
Courtney Armistead
Bill Kranz
Christina Cousins
Tim Mulligan
3. Welcome & Introductions
No new members were present.
4. Old Business
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Prior meeting minutes were presented for approval. (Approval status not recorded.)
5. New Business
Alder Report – Jami Cox Antwi
The Board of Aldermen is currently in budget season, with collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and Comptroller’s Office.
Proposed legislation to establish a Downtown Entertainment District Community Improvement District (CID) is underway in partnership with Alderman Aldridge.
Jefferson Avenue repaving is in progress, funded by ARPA funds.
The Gravois MoDOT project recently held a public meeting.
A public town hall regarding Gravois will take place:
Location: International Institute
Date/Time: Saturday at 11:00 AM
Ongoing concerns regarding the Cherokee Park encampment:
The City is working with the Human Services Department to provide resources.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Spencer
Improvements to city services remain a priority.
A Tornado Relief Group was created following last May’s tornado.
An earnings tax initiative will appear on the April 7 ballot.
The City has improved access to the Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) via 311.
Transition to recycling drop-off sites has improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Winter Operations:
Severe winter conditions required focused response.
Implemented GPS tracking on snow plows for real-time monitoring.
Utilized the Real-Time Crime Center to ensure arterial streets were cleared.
Mechanics were on 24-hour standby.
Snow plow drivers received double pay incentives.
A public snow plow tracking map is in development.
Police & Budget:
The proposed state-controlled police budget may significantly impact the City.
The Mayor supports local control and the Civilian Oversight Board.
She testified recently regarding policing and related legislation.
There are currently 50–70 active lawsuits, and responsibility for costs is under review.
Cherokee Park Encampment:
Working with Alderwoman Antwi to address the issue in a humane and resource-focused manner.
Data Centers:
Key concerns include:
Water usage
Electricity (regulated by Ameren)
Pollution
Walkability
The City owns the water department, which operates at a deficit; increased usage could offset costs.
Ameren agreements may affect regional electricity rates regardless of location.
The Planning Division has developed a data center regulation framework with extensive public input.
Community feedback is encouraged.
Public Comment Link:
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/planning/documents/data-center-regulation-framework.cfm
6. Public Questions & Responses
ICE Presence:
No confirmed increase in ICE activity.
ICE continues to operate primarily on criminal enforcement.
The City is not coordinating directly but maintains communication with the Police Department.
A low-profile approach is being used at the request of immigrant advocacy groups.
Residents are encouraged to verify information before sharing.
Data Center Feedback:
Information will be shared with neighborhood groups.
Residents are encouraged to review materials and submit targeted feedback.
Police Budget & Oversight Board:
The Mayor reaffirmed support for:
Local control of police
Civilian Oversight Board
Ongoing efforts to reach a mutual resolution with the state.
7. Reports
Police Neighborhood Liaison Report
No report.
Neighborhood Stabilization Officer – Dr. Ketosha Harris
Met with Tim Mulligan regarding property ownership accountability.
Plans to collaborate with Zoning on enforcement strategies.
Weekly meetings with the Problem Property Division (Tuesdays).
Key neighborhood concerns identified:
Public safety
Encampments
Derelict vehicles
Illegal dumping
Street sweeping
Action Items:
Coordinating outreach efforts for encampments.
Planning an 8th Ward tow blitz in collaboration with:
Street Department
Tow Yard
Prioritizing high-severity issues first, followed by lower-level concerns.
8. Committee Reports
Building Review – Tim Mulligan
Distributed a 5-year call-for-service data sheet.
Residents encouraged to report suspicious activity.
Safety
No report.
Dog Park
No report.
Monthly Social
Additional details to be provided next month.
Friends of Benton Park
March 22: Tree planting (14 trees; 17 volunteers signed up).
May 2: Major gardening workday for two primary gardens.
Seeking a volunteer to organize neighborhood litter cleanups.
Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday evening.
Garden/Cave
Garden boxes available for new participants.
Ongoing behind-the-scenes work and fundraising efforts.
Contact: caves@bentonpark.org
New social media presence launched; 2 new members joined.
Camera exploration of cave revealed wildlife activity.
Events
Events calendar available on the website.
Contact: hello@bentonpark.org for assistance.
80’s 5K – Alecia Hoyt
Shared updates on Gravois corridor construction.
MoDOT feedback available via QR code (limited to 2 weeks).
9. Guest Speakers
Donna Baringer – St. Louis Comptroller
Provided overview of the Comptroller’s Office responsibilities.
Implemented a new digital contract system (Oracle):
Reduced contract processing time from 3–4 months to ~1.5 days.
Addressed initial challenges:
Staff training
Technology access
Will return with updates, including information on the airport.
Laura Godwin – MetroLink Green Line Project
(No notes recorded.)
10. Adjournment
Meeting adjournment time was not recorded.