Tower Grove Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting

Sept. 22, 2009 7:20 p.m. 31 attendees

President Mark Froese chaired the meeting.

Charles Bryson, City of St. Louis Director of the Department of Public Safety, distributed a flyer that outlined the various divisions that make up his department.

· Division of Corrections – consists of two jails as well as Probation and Parole. The average stay in the city jail is 73 days, so the staff works to create a case plan to continue working with the prisoners to help prevent recidivism.

· City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) – prepares the city for natural disasters or other emergencies. The agency also directs the operation and maintenance of the communications equipment used for outdoor warnings.

· Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services – these two divisions are currently working on a campaign to spread out the purchase and replacement of the rolling stock of fire and emergency vehicles so these vehicles can be well maintained and not have to be replaced all at the same time.

· Building Division – the city housing inspectors help prevent neglect by property owners who are often absentee landlords.

· Special Events – this division coordinates city events such as the All-Star Game, Tour Missouri and other athletic and social events.

· Neighborhood Stabilization Office – this division works to enhance the safety and livability of city neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Stabilization Officers act as the eyes and ears of the neighborhood. In addition to the NSOs, the Citizens’ Service Bureau is part of this office and serves as a funnel to collect and direct information as well as track and record work orders.

· Excise Division – alcohol control involves ensuring that local bars are respectful of their neighbors and conform to the city liquor licensing regulations. The City is in the process of strengthening its ability to enforce these regulations.

The Street Dept. is currently experimenting with the 3-lane configuration on Grand Ave. favored by the majority of voters during the various neighborhood meetings held for the Great Streets Initiative. The purpose is to test the viability of these proposed changes under real traffic conditions for 30 days before committing to a final preferred alternative. Temporarily restriping the street and erecting barricades to emulate the traffic bump outs will serve as a discovery phase to help uncover public safety or other issues so modifications and improvements can be incorporated in the planning process. The Street Dept. reports that this experiment was going better than they initially expected although there have been some reports that emergency vehicles have had issues getting through traffic in the morning and afternoon rush hours. Mr. Bryson emphasized that it is legal and appropriate to go through a red light in order to make way for emergency vehicles trying to get through an intersection.

Judy Lane, the 15^th Ward Neighborhood Stabilization Officer, reported that this is the end of the City’s grass cutting season, so report now if there are any neglected properties that need to be cut by the City. Judy can provide members with The Club (automobile anti-theft device) available for purchase ($11) if you let her know you want one in advance of the meeting.

Jennifer Florida, 15^th Ward Alderman, continued the discussion of the Grand 3-lane configuration. She asks residents to e-mail her with their comments and concerns (jflorida15@yahoo.com) or phone (314) 776-2423. In addition, she discussed the reasoning behind the pedestrian safety enhancement recently installed at the intersection of Utah and Gustine. This modification was done as part of the repaving of Gustine and was made to bring the intersection into accordance with ADA regulations. The “islands” will be planted with low-maintenance perennials paid for and maintained by the City, as is currently done in the parkway. These modifications will only be done as necessary during future paving efforts.

In addition, the alley repaving “green” plan for the alleys between North Utah and Humphrey, and South Utah and Macdonald, is proceeding. The City is reviewing the snow removal program to determine if they can get more temporary staff to help during winter storms.

Jennifer also reported that the owner of 3734 Hartford who violated the boarding house regulation by renting to four non-related residents has moved to California. He has been unable to sell the house but will put it back on the market in April. He additionally agreed to fix the landscaping.

Autumn Fest will be held Saturday, October 10th. To encourage more families to participate, the intersection of Spring and Utah will be blocked and free children’s activities, including creating and lighting luminaries, will be held there from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Carriage rides will be available again and the event will run from 6-9 p.m. The first house at 3877 Utah Place will be the registration location and will have wine, hors d'œuvres and music, the second house at 3734 Utah Place will have desserts and 3810 Utah Place will have wine, beer and music. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Mark reminded members that nominations for elections for the TGHNA Board will be taken at the October meeting and elections will be held at the November meeting. Let Mark or any of the Board members know if you’re interested in running for any of the Board positions.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Claudia Seifert, Secretary