Guests:
Captain Angela Dickerson (District 3)
Sergeant Phillips
Officer Rojas
Circuit Attorney Gabriel Gore
Alderwoman Cara Spencer
Members of the community
Welcome: Courtney Armistead
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees.
Special Guest:
Police Captain Angela Dickerson
The newly appointed captain of District 3, introduced herself. With 23 years of service, she provided a brief overview of her work history, highlighting her recent transition from the North side to the South side. Captain Dickerson expressed her commitment to attending neighborhood meetings to familiarize herself with the area, noting the disparity in crime compared to her previous district. Sergeant Phillips and Officer Rojas were also present.
Contact Information: Attendees inquired about reaching Captain Dickerson, to which her contact details were provided:
Email: amdickerson@slmpd.org
Phone: 314-444-2585
Excitement About the District: When asked about her excitement regarding the new district, Captain Dickerson expressed enthusiasm for working in a diverse community and addressing challenges in troubled areas.
Guest Speaker: Circuit Attorney
Circuit Attorney: Gabriel E. Gore
Sworn in on May 30th, 2023, shared insights into the office's efforts to restore order, emphasizing the collaboration of experienced attorneys and operational improvements. Notable achievements include timely charging decisions, focusing on violent offenders, and reducing backlog cases. The office aims to expand diversion programs to prevent recidivism. The Circuit Attorney addressed questions regarding gun laws, traffic violations, juvenile offenses, reformative justice, and police funding.
Alderwoman's Report: Cara Spencer
Legislation: Discussions focused on new legislation to eliminate hurdles for opening shelters, surveillance, liquor license revamp, and combating reckless driving. Neighborhood Updates: Issues discussed included ongoing efforts to fix fountains, Rams funding delegation, and zoning overhaul plans.
Police Report: Officer Rojas
A summary of recent neighborhood crimes and activities, including robberies, carjackings, and thefts, was provided. Recommendations were given to secure firearms and avoid leaving them unattended in vehicles.
Committee Reports:
Garden Cave: No update
Building Review: No update
Safety Committee: Derrick Kilgore
Group me chats have been created for the neighborhood. Broken down in zones, each zone will be accessible through our website (www.bpnastl.org/safety), with the intention of creating conversation between neighbors about crime, events, and community involvement. Yard signs will be going up in the neighborhood to promote this initiative.
Events Committee: Brittany Nelson
Three concerts are planned, featuring Mighty Pines on May 19th and Alligator Wine on September 22nd. Sponsorship details for the third concert are being finalized. Other Events: Tunes on Tap dates are pending. The Gateway Cup (no longer in Benton Park) and Naked Bike Ride were mentioned. An Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 30th, with community support. The Halloween event continues, and efforts to revitalize the Park Committee, led by Dan Gunther, are underway.
New Members:
Lizzy and Josh, residents of Arsenal, were welcomed as new members of the community.
Adjournment:
The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming fundraising party and an invitation to gather at Greenfinch for socializing.
Respectfully submitted,
Derrick Kilgore
Secretary/Safety Committee Chair
Benton Park Neighborhood Association