Crossroads Advisory Commission

Crossroads Special Business District Advisory Commission MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MEETING DATE: Thursday, June 16, 2022 LOCATION: City Hall CALLED TO ORDER: 8:02 AM MEETING ADJOURNED: 8:26 AM NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 NAME PRESENT ABSENT Heidi Butts-Wiegand X Joshua Tonnies X Kelly Ruesing X Alison Kinderfather X Chris Westmeyer X Julie Campbell X Vacancy David Franklin, Council Liaison X Eric Peterson, City Liaison X Also in attendance: Jenny Starkey – Webster Groves Director of Public Affairs & Engagement Sgt. Jason Flanery – Webster Groves Police Department Fran Sudekum – Administrative Support Approval of Minutes – A motion to approve the May minutes was made by, Alison Kinderfather, seconded by Chris Westmeyer, and was unanimously approved. Introduction of New Council Liaison Council Member David Franklin has been appointed Council Liaison to the Commission. He encourages Members to reach out with have any ideas or if there's anything with which he can assist. Streetscape Update Eric Peterson shared a portion of the East-West Gateway FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) – Summary of Local Project Recommendations; Missouri Local Program ‐ Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) document which shows the Crossroads Streetscape Project “Recommended for Funding” on page 6, “St. Louis County Project ID# 7247A‐24; Big Bend Road ‐ 2026 ‐ Elm Ave To I‐44 Resurfacing ‐ Sidewalk Upgrades ‐ Ln Reduction (4 To 2); Federal Cost $1,572,560, Total Cost $1,965,700” (https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10933/E-W-Gateway-Grant-Info) Public comments can be made from July 1 through August 4. The City of Webster Groves will make public comments. The Crossroads Commission should also make public comments. Once final approval is given, the project would be in FY2024; construction would take place end of 2024-beginning of 2025. The Commission will be involved in the detail planning of the project. This summer the “temporary” changes to the crosswalks at the Elm and Big Bend intersection will be made. Page 1 of 2 Commission Vacancies Members discussed possible fellow business owners in the District to approach to join the Commission. Members also discussed possibly moving the meeting day of the week from Thursday to Wednesday so Commission Member Kelly Ruesing could stay on the Commission as she can no longer make a Thursday meeting. If Ms. Ruesing is no longer on the Commission, the vacancies are back to two open slot. Pickleball Tournament The Pickleball Tournament from 9AM to Noon on August 13th organized by Digital Strike keeps growing and growing so much they have had to double the play space; so far, they have about 100 players. They have added more food trucks, a petting zoo, a bike give away. A section of Gore and Kennilworth will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Live music will be located at the Digital Strike “Gas Station” The tournament is open to all to participate and volunteers to help are welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation. 4th of July Fireworks Viewing The District will host viewing of 4th of July fireworks in the south parking lot as they have in the past; barricades to prevent cars on the lot will be put up, a porta-potty will be available, and there will be an ad in the WK Times announcing the hosting. Business Development Commission (BDC) Update The BDC held a special meeting to discuss potential uses for the new Business Development Fund of $100,000 using American Rescue Plan funds. Using information from the Business Survey and Business Roundtable (https://mo-webstergroves4.civicplus.com/624/Business-Development-in-Webster-Groves), they began to work on recommendations to City Council of how to use the one-time funding. One item high on the list is business staffing issues. City/Council Update • The budget is up for final adoption at the City Council on Tuesday night; the Crossroads budget has not been changed. • The 4th of July Carnival is taking place on the grounds of Eden Seminary. • The Summer Night Street Dance takes place in Old Webster on Saturday. • Businesses and organizations’ events can be put on the City website. Set Next Meeting – Wednesday, August 17th Adjourned – Meeting adjourned at 8:29 AM. Page 2 of 2