Old Webster Business District Advisory Commission

Old Webster Special Business District Advisory Commission MEETING MINUTES APPROVED MEETING DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 LOCATION: City Hall & Zoom CALLED TO ORDER: 8:16 AM MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:16 AM NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 NAME PRESENT ABSENT David Smith, Chair X Ron Clipp, Vice Chair X Frank Romano X Karen Drexler X Tim Delanty X Stacie Swederska X Vacancy Emerson Smith, Council Liaison X Renee Tyler, City Liaison X Eric Peterson, City Liaison X Also, in attendance: Jamie Hasemeier – Webster Groves Councilmember Joe Rath – Former Old Webster Commission Member Sgt. Jason Flanery – Webster Groves Police Department Fran Sudekum – Administrative Support Chairperson Message Chair Smith reminded Commission Members to keep in mind the meetings are streamed live, recorded, and available to the public. Approval of Minutes A motion to approve the June minutes was made by Ron Clipp, seconded by Frank Romano, and unanimously approved. Jamie Hasemeier Ms. Hasemeier is representing fellow Councilmember Emerson Smith at today’s meeting. Rooftop Lighting In the past Commission Members facilitated the rooftop lighting program; working with property owners and the installation company. Decorative Parking Signs Frank Romano will pick up the existing sign “sample” to determine the method needed to remove the existing old and faded stickers in order to determine costs and the next steps. District Pedestrian Signs Frank Romano should have some mockups at the next meeting. 1 of 2 District Revenue Commission Members discussed various options to seek additional revenue to help pay for such things as the beautification of the District. A fee structure added to the business license renewal process for those that are exempt cannot be pursued due to state law restrictions. Soliciting a donation was suggested as a way to ask businesses currently not contributing any taxes or fees. In the past, an assessment was placed on the property owners for major streetscape infrastructure projects. Ground- level zoning targeting retail hasn’t been used; it has numerous pros and cons.\ District Maintenance A number of areas have seen improvements; Commission Members were asked to keep their eyes open. Special Activity Permits For safety reasons, some events may require police officers. This new requirement is an additional expense that impacts event budgets. Clarity of the new process is needed. Two upcoming events may be impacted; the Walktober Fest and the Holiday Open House. If the upcoming events require a request to the Commission for additional funds, a special meeting may be held. Commission Vacancy Karen Drexler will retire in January resulting in another vacancy on the Commission. Members are encouraged to seek out a replacement. Applications to apply are available online https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/65/Boards-and-Commissions BDC Update • Co-Hosting a Business Happy Hour with the Webster Groves et. al Chamber on August 29th. • Business Coffee is September 18th. • Future notice of both events can be ensured by checking off “business owners and contractors” notices on the City’s website under “Notify Me.” https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/list.aspx City Update • The City has broken ground on the new aquatic Center. • The City is currently conducting a school supply drive through August 31st. • The Sustainability Commission is running a composting survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/777Q5DY • Green Dining Microgrants are available to Webster Groves food service establishments. Information can be found at https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/723/Green-Dining • Lakota Group shared their first report on the City Comprehensive Plan at recent Council meeting. Information can be found at https://www.journeytowg.com/ • Webster Groves Firefighter of the Year, Brad Williamson, was recognized. • The Traffic Advisory Commission shared their report on hot spots, congestion, parking, etc. • The City is hosting two visiting Southeast Asia Leadership Institute Fellows for a month one from Laos and the other from Vietnam. It's a joint Fellowship between the International City Manager Association and the State Department. Their area of focus is sustainability and recycling in commercial areas. • Two new department directors have been hired; Public Works and Planning and Development Directors. Next Meeting – September 24 at 8:15 AM Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 9:16 AM 2 of 2