Guests:
- Donna Barringer, State Representative. Encouraged everyone to look for her newsletter; send her an email to get on the list. Also encouraging everyone to vote in upcoming elections for MSD issues. One of her interns is working on a compilation of crime statistics. Currently in Jefferson City things are trapped between a struggle about budget between the governor and the budget chair.
- Joe Vollmer, Alderman. The Columbia-Southwest bridge project is likely to be delayed until fall/winter due to a need to acquire a few more parcels. Herbert-Wheeler School property is under contract to McBride & Sons; they are currently conducting EPA testing. Property now has 24 hour security guards; hence the need for a Johnny-on-the-spot and washing station. Chocolate, Chocolate Chocolate acquired the formerly Ford Tools building; rehab will be slower than expected due to asbestos. Project first step to be an event space.
- Questions: how to apply for senior citizen property tax break; contact him and he can send the form. Reminder that it only affects the City portion, not taxes for schools, museums, etc. Re need for tree removal on January; City has allocated funds to hire tree services because City still has many job openings. With the exact address he can check to see if it is on the list. Same for pothole issues; send a photo if possible. The hardware store on Macklind at Southwest has permits pending, goal is a fall 2024 opening. Red light cameras are still in development, new system will take photo of driver as well as vehicle license plate. First offense likely to be a warning, fines for additional violations.
- Officer Amesquita. Crime on Hill down overall 47%; most occasions from businesses on the Hill. One assault was reported; the incident did not occur on the Hill but the victim went to a Qtrip on the Hill to report the incident. A reminder that locking a weapon in the glove box does not constitute legally securing a weapon in a vehicle; must have gun safe designed for cars.
- Fr. Jack. Easter services information available online and in the bulletin. 268 students enrolled in school presently, 272 enrolled for 2024-2025 school year so far. School has been receiving a lot of phone calls from parents whose children currently attend nearby schools which will be closing at the end of this school year. Currently planning to add 2 classrooms to the 4th floor (former convent space). Greater expansion may be needed in the future. Question re: fundraising for teacher salaries and security; security is good, have a security officer who has a desk in a prominent location and who patrols the building and grounds regularly. Meeting the increased salary requirements for teachers is still a struggle.
Committee reports:
- Safety and security, presented by Holloway. Expressed appreciation to Officer Amesquita for his responsiveness and helpfulness. A reminder about locking cars and keeping valuables out of sight. Recognized the block captains in attendance, with Boyd taking the lead. Boyd reported that 15 or so block captains attended the most recent meeting. Have 49 captains so far and would like more. Also working on updating contact info for residents & captains. Three more meetings in 2024: 4/17, 7/17, & 10/16.
- Beautification, presented by LoRusso. April 20 is cleanup day on the Hill. Meet at Berra Park, 9am. There will be refreshments after the cleanup. Has a number of volunteers, Scouts, the St Ambrose middle school, and Marquette High School students. Need more. Thanks to Sam Kippen, Neighborhood Improvement Specialist (in attendance).
- Events/Fundraising, presented by Mayhew Hess. Easter egg hunt Berra Park, starts at 11am but be there early. Board will have some coffee, OJ, etc available for cash sale. Also, a fundraising program will begin, keep in mind similar to a membership to the Garden, museums, etc.
- Longer term upcoming events, presented by Pulliam. Hill 2000 has a Facebook page and Instagram to follow if interested. General membership meetings: 5/16, 9/17, 11/21. April 6 is the Bobby Ceriotti fun-walk fundraiser. Wine walk on 5/11 is sold out but tickets often come available from people posting on FaceBook. House tour 6/23, more information coming soon. Italian Heritage day will be 10/13, Christmas on the Hill 12/7. Draper Kramer has deeded a park area along Boardman to the Board, still working on plans to develop it for use/possible rental.
- Information from the Treasurer available.
- Andrea Spadafora spoke briefly to let everyone know he is available to assist with contacts and suggestions for trips to Italy. Also an official interpreter, and gives Italian lessons, renting a conference room at Neighborhood Center.
Meeting concluded at 7:45pm
Board members in attendance: Pulliam, MayhewHess, Halloway, LoRusso
