The meeting was called to order at 7pm.
· Fr. Jack advised that 8th grade graduation is May 17; the alumni breakfast is May 19; and the school term finishes next week. Festa grossed $100,000; won’t have the net figures for a week or more. As a reminder, money was taken from reserves to fix the roof so that floors and electrical systems wouldn’t be damaged. Anticipating 285 students for the 2024-25 school year; if enrollment increases we will run out of room. June 2 is the Corpus Christi procession. Outdoor lighting will be added to the Wilson side of the school, as well as a sprinkler system. The City will decide which type of tree is best to replace those that were removed recently.
· Chief Robert Tracy, SLMPD spoke. He and his wife have purchased a home in the Compton Heights neighborhood and are settling into life in St. Louis. His wife has been substitute teaching at St. Ambrose and other nearby schools and will be a full time teacher at St. Ambrose this fall. There has been some improvement in recruiting; still trying to hire more officers.
· Officer Amesquita, SLMPD, reported no violent crime on the Hill since last meeting; a few stolen vehicles from the usual locations. He reminded everyone to lock your vehicle when pumping gas, don’t leave visible valuables in car, and most importantly, never leave an unsecured firearm in the vehicle.
· Nick Kimball spoke for State Representative Donna Baringer, who was in Jefferson City for the final days of the session. Due to efforts from the Freedom Caucus little legislative work would be completed this session. Of concern are the attempts to limit initiative petitions, Medicare reimbursement, and Rep. Baringer’s efforts to get some limits on firearms, particularly for juveniles. A question about an effort to have the state take control of the STMPD was passed to Chief Tracy; who indicated control would remain local for now but expects a similar measure to be proposed next year.
· Alderman Joe Vollmer was complimentary of Chief Tracy as well as Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore; work of both beneficial to the City. The Southwest-Columbia bridge project construction should begin late fall or early winter. DiGregorios is expanding to the alley. The condemned house at 2319 Macklind has not yet been approved for demolition; several are working to get the approvals needed. Rick’s Ace Hardware will open May 24. The Family Dollar is a nuisance property and lease will not be renewed. The Wheeler School on Wilson has security in place; McBride & Sons still in process of doing EPA testing. The Board of Public Service web site has information on proposals to make Kingshighway safer; because of access to highways MODOT has input into the final plan. There is a bill before the Board of Alderman to add cameras to streets like Kingshighway, Jefferson & Hampton. The Red Roof Inn is being monitored as a potential nuisance property.
· Amber Creamer from the Board of Elections, reminded about the Aug 6 primary and Nov 5 general election. The Board is looking for poll workers for both dates. They can arrange transportation for workers if needed. State law now requires only paper ballots.
· Vince LoRusso reported for the Beautification Committee: Earth Day cleanup went well, lots of volunteers. He is checking for areas still in need of cleanup. He was able to assist a homeowner with cleaning up her property while she is caring for her mother at the mother’s home.
· Matt DeVoti reported on fundraising efforts. The Hill 2000 Association’s biggest expenses are the newsletter, the rent, utilities etc for the Center, and personnel expenses for our archivist. It is a challenge every month to meet expenses. Membership will now be $50. Many have expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter by email; efforts to make that an option are ongoing. Rather than per event sponsorships the Board is developing an annual sponsorship plan. The neighborhood center is in need of refurbishing and better furniture and displays to showcase the historic items available. The lease is expiring this year and the Board is negotiating with the landlord for improvements versus rent increase. Some personal donations to the Association have been received and are very welcome.
