This month’s meeting included a guest speaker from WEPOWER talk about community benefit agreements, called for 2023 Board nominations, and heard updates about the Ward and from the Infrastructure and Development Committees.

Guest Speakers

Ward Updates (Alderwoman Pihl)

  • Alderwoman Pihl shared that the search for a new police chief will be complete by the end of the year.
  • Alderwoman Pihl noted that Kia and Hyundai thefts have remained concerning.
  • The mayor will start holding meetings along Delmar regarding safety concerns along that street.
  • A consultant has not been chosen for the 17th ward kingshighway study.
  • Alderwoman Pihl went on a ‘run’ with the bulk-pickup crew and noted how heroic our city’s refuse drivers are. The refuse department is still actively seeking staff (the city pays $5-7 less per hour than WM).
  • The Armory development received a $4.6M TIF, Alderwoman Pihl voted no for this tax incentive, but because of no votes a community benefit agreement is under development.
  • Alderwoman Pihl plans to initiate a NEXUS study.
*The meeting was interrupted by an unvaccinated guest, and that individual was escorted out of the facility*
NOTE: MO Foundation for Health allows FPSENA to use their space, but asks all attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

FPSE Neighborhood Business

Treasurer’s Report (Cammie Lewis Holiday)

  • Cammie summarized last month’s expenses.
  • Membership is encouraged for all neighborhood residents. REsidents can become dues-paying members with a ‘pay-what-you-can’ donation to cash.app/$FPSENA

Call for 2023 Association Board Nominations (Dan Doelling)

  • Dan called for nominations to the 2023 calendar year FPSENA Board and noted that board members serve a one-year term. Nominations are due by the end of the October meeting.
  • The following nominations were received:
    • President: Dan Doelling
    • Vice President: Aaron Bisch
    • Treasurer: Cammie Lewis Holiday
    • Secretary: Mark Mangapora
    • Member-at-Large: Sarah Kogan

Crime & Safety

Crime and Safety Report (Officer Walker)

  • Officer Walker shared weekly flyers with the neighborhood.
  • Regarding Kia and Hyundai thefts, Officer Walker recommended anti-theft devices for all vehicles and noted that catalytic converter locks are also available.
  • Officer Walker reminded residents that firearms left in vehicles, must be secured in a bolted gun safe. The owner of an unsecured weapon that is stolen may be summoned.
  • Officer Walker is always available at 314-444-0100 or ncwalker@slmpd.org (email is the preferred form of contact).

Guest Speakers

Infrastructure Committee Updates (Cammie Lewis Holiday)

  • Regular meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm at Remedy Church on Vista
  • Cammie encouraged any interested residents to apply for committee membership.
  • Be on the lookout for a tree planting event in Chouteau Park.
  • Ron Coleman will speak at this month’s Committee meeting.
  • Cammie gave a shout-out to the Forest ReLeaf Tree Keepers Class.

Development Review Committee Updates (Aaron Bisch)

  • Regular meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at Remedy Church on Vista.
  • No developments will be presented or reviewed this month.
  • Aaron invited any interested residents to attend this month’s meeting.

Discussion

WEPOWER Community Benefits Agreement Campaign (Coral Bello Martinez)

  • Coral, Economic Justice Organizer for WEPOWER, shared a presentation on community benefit agreements (CBA).
  • WEPOWER is a local non-profit solving our region’s biggest systemic challenges by activating community power.
  • Four strategies drive WEPOWER toward their goal:
  • Build authentic relationship between everyday people
  • Activate a movement of organizers and public leaders
  • Accelerate community-owned wealth generation
  • Tell human-centered stories that shift beliefs
  • The challenge is that black neighborhoods have been stripped of wealth and economic power. The median income in East St. Louis is $25,000/yr.
  • The hope is to negotiate CBAs with developers that provide opportunities such as increased quality, accessible jobs, and the acceleration of generational wealth-building opportunities.
  • A city-wide ordinance is the ultimate goal to legally hold developers accountable to give back to the community and require CBAs for developments above a certain size.
  • More information about WEPOWER and this campaign can be found online: WEPOWER St. Louis | So Every Community Prospers (wepowerstl.org).
  • Presentation can be found here.
  • A sample draft CBA ordnance can be found here.

FPSE Neighborhood Business

Dan made a final call for 2023 Association Board Nominations. No additional nominations were received. Elections will be held on Nov. 15th.

You can download a copy of the minutes below.

You can listen to October’s meeting below, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.