UCityUnited

Posted with permission from the Citizen Journal. All rights reserved.

Forum addresses race, class and culture
Future sessions on other topics planned

By Erin Taylor
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 2:31 PM CST

University City is considered by many one of the most racially diverse cities in the St. Louis area.

At a town hall forum last week, concerned residents disagreed, describing University City as a fractured city segregated by race and class.

UCityUnited hosted the town hall forum, “University City: An Intersection of Race, Class and Culture,” Feb. 22 in the library of Pershing Elementary School as part of Black History Month. UCityUnited bills itself as an independent, nonpartisan, non-governmental body committed to shaping the future of University City by facilitating communication among residents.

The forum included presentations by state Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, D-St. Louis, and Eric Huang, secretary of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Oxford offered a glimpse of the issue of race at the statewide level. She said many of the bills she debates with other legislators are nothing but “mutations of racism” and have everything to do with perceptions of race and poverty.

“It’s not as blatant as it used to be. Now we have ‘Have a Nice Day’ racism,” she said.

She referenced cuts made to Medicaid in 2005 where legislators said poor people were more often to abuse and defraud the system, as well as bills currently being debated about making English the official language of proceedings.

More than 50 residents attended the forum, which included an open-microphone portion for those in the audience.

David Kennell, one of the residents who spoke, said he felt University City is a city divided along racial lines. He has lived north of Olive Boulevard for more than 40 years, an area he describes as around 95 percent black.

“Part of the problem in the schools is reflected in the neighborhood,” he said. “Not many white families live north of Olive.”

According to University City demographic information, around 49 percent of University City’s population is white, 44 percent black, 3 percent Asian and 3 percent listed as “other.”

Kennell suggested helping build a stronger commercial area north of Olive and involving the local Chamber of Commerce.

As a member of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Huang spoke about a burgeoning Asian business district at Olive and Interstate 170.

“In 1975 there was one Chinese grocery store,” Huang said. “Now we have four that cater to Asians.”

Lots of talk focused on educating kids about racism. Lisa Hummel grew up in West County but moved to University City so her children could have a more diverse education. Now her son finds himself singled out for being a white student in a predominantly black school.

Hummel was at a loss as to how to help her son be seen as an individual outside of his skin color.

“I don’t want my son to sit at the ‘white table’ when he gets to high school, because that’s not the point of living in a mixed community,” Hummel said.

Danielle Herron, 18, said kids need to be involved in a dialogue too often dominated by teachers and parents.

“We don’t listen to our parents, we listen to each other,” she said. “If you teach your kids young, they’ll carry it on the rest of their lives. You can’t just tell them in high school.”

Jimmie Mann has lived in University City for 35 years. She is one of four families who have lived on her block since it was built and said part of the problem is no one knows his or her neighbors anymore.

“We used to host block parties,” Mann said. “Now nobody knows anyone in the neighborhood well enough to depend on each other.

“If we don’t know each other and interact, our kids won’t,” she said.

Acme Price, a member of UCityUnited, said the forum was one way to begin healing racially driven division in University City.

“It begins with a dialogue,” he said. “The difference between here and a long journey is one step at a time.”

The next UCityUnited town hall forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2. The topic will be city services in University City and whether services are distributed fairly throughout the city’s wards. The time and location are to be announced.

In addition, a University City “Issues Link-Up” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at Flynn Park Elementary School, 7220 Waterman Ave. Residents are invited to attend and meet with other residents on issues of concern.

You can contact Erin Taylor at etaylor@yourjournal.com.

UCityUnited had a very successful Town Hall forum February 22,2007. About sixty people came together to discuss the issue of race, class and culture in University City. The meeting was so successful that the Board of Directors of UCU has decided to continue this discussion at its next Town Hall forum on May 2nd. So please MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Wednesday, May 2, 2007
7:00pm at the Brittany Woods Middle School
for the second in a series of UCityUnited Town Hall forums on
Race, Class and Culture in University City.

UCU Issues Link-up
During the Open Mic portion of the Town Hall meeting a number of issues arose. Other issues have been discussed at previous meetings. These issues will be discussed and explored in small group sessions at the UCU Issues Link-up that is scheduled for March 8th at 7:00 pm at Flynn Park Elementary School. If you would like to work on any of the following issues please drop by this first-even UCU Issues Link-up.

1.) Race, class and culture in University City. How can we continue this community discussion?

2.) What can be done to encourage neighborhood associations around University City to become more active? What can residents do? How can the city government help?

3.) What can be done by our community to increase the academic performance and subsequent success of all students in our public schools?

4.) University City and Ameren UE - what can we do as a community to ensure better service in the future from Ameren UE?

5.) How can we establish a place where the youth of our community can meet to play, socialize, talk, be together off the streets? What should this look like? Where would it be? How would it be funded?

6.) What is the impact of Washington University on our community, financially and otherwise. What could be done to improve the positive and lessen the negative impacts?

This will be the first UCU Issues Link-up event. We don’t know how it will work, but we are hoping interested residents will come together, meet each other, and come up with plans on how to move forward on these issues.

So, do come. Thursday, March 8th. 7:00 p.m. Flynn Park Elementary School.

And be on the lookout for an upcoming notice about the FREE Leadership U City program that will start later this month!

Bronwen Zwirner, Secretary
UCityUnited

Attending: David Olander, Mark Seigel, Michael Donovan, Shelley Welsch, Jesse Swanigan, Acme Price, Bronwen Zwirner, Lisa Greening. (Margaret Johnson & Miriam Wilhelm excused; missing Anne Marie Kiddon, Stella Hughes)

Treasurer’s Report: Lisa Greening
We have an anonymous donor $150
Discussed need for fundraising and for reimbursing board and committee expenditures
Fundraising brainstorming planned for near future (Bronwen, Lisa, Acme, Dave, Mark, Michael)

Committee Reports:
Communications & Monitoring – Michael Donovan & Mark Seigel
Discussion of Cityscape decision not to publish UCU announcements.
Jesse Swanigan: in future when we have a problem lets discuss before responding
Distribution plan for Feb 22 forum
Comprehensive lists of churches, synagogues, schools stores etc. was developed by Shelley & Mark. Volunteers signed up for distribution of flyers.

Leadership - Shelley Welsch for Miriam
Leadership forum have been scheduled, final list of topics, locations, dates will be sent out soon. (March 22, April 22 and May 12)

Public town hall meeting Feb 22 agenda was thoroughly discussed
Some will get there early
Bronwen will develop sign in forms
Jesse will introduce UCU, Board members and speakers, then hand over facilitation to Mr. Hines.
Two people will evaluate meeting at Acme’s invitation; possibly ask them to attend the first 15 minutes or so of the next board meeting on March 6
March 8 – reserved for follow up meeting if there are new issues and new people interested in meeting about those issues that come up during the Open Mike section of the evening.

Next town hall meeting will be May 2 – Bronwen will look for location

Next meeting March 6, 2007 at Mark Seigel’s– 7631 Stanford
(Policies & Procedures Draft will be on the agenda, please review before then)

Submitted by Bronwen Zwirner, Secretary

UCityUnited Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, February 22nd
6:30 p.m.
Pershing Elementary School
TOPIC: University City: An Intersection of Race, Class and Culture
Join a community discussion on race, class and culture in University City.
FREE. Everyone is welcome.

UCityUnited, a new civic organization in University City, is sponsoring a series of seminars designed to help residents learn about their community. The program, tentatively called Leadership U City, will be a series of three seminars held in March, April and May. The scheduled seminars are:

TOPIC: University City: It’s history and government
Thursday, March 22nd
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Nathaniel Hawthorn Elementary School

TOPIC: University City Finances
Sunday, April 22nd
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bais Abraham Synagogue

TOPIC: Economic Development in University City
Saturday, May 12th
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Crown Center

Anyone interested in any of these topics is invited to attend. The seminars are free. However, organizers encourage pre-registration so that sufficient hand-outs and food can be prepared for each session.

To pre-register or for more information contact Organizing Committee member Elsie Glickert at 314-725-9094.

UCityUnited Board
January 11, 2007
Minutes Submitted by Secretary Bronwen Zwirner
In attendance: Jesse Swanigan, Mark Seigel, Lisa Greening, Bronwen Zwirner, Dave Olander, Acme Price, Shelley Welsch, Anna Marie Kiddon, Miriam Wilhelm, Stella Hughes, Michael Donovan, Margaret Johnson

Jesses asked that Board agree to follow ROPES (respect, openness, participation, empathy, safety) during our meetings.
Additions to the agenda: Shelley has a draft UCityUnited Operating Documents and Policies and Procedures
Minutes for December meeting accepted
Membership report (Bronwen) – no new members; one member resigned for personal reasons which included the wish for UCU to be more involved in issues.
Committee reports

Communication/monitoring: Michael & Mark
_ The new, permanent web site is in process (SEE attached proposal for phasing in features) The basics to be released by February public forum; including Pay Pal so that we can accept donations and memberships on-line; monitoring reports; ways to get involved linked to every committee description and activity; archives; calendar. Eventually the web site would be interactive, a place for people to discuss issues.
_ The board will look at a document that describes many issues of concern to UCity residents for possible inclusion on the web site.
_ Dave Olander has an idea for a logo that he will email out.
_ UCU needs a marketing/PR plan for getting more publicly recognized as a resource and a place to get involved.
_ Filing for 501(C)3 status is underway; it will cost $300 not $150 as originally reported.
_ Mark reported that there are very few monitors right now. All agreed that recruiting will be easier at the forums and when we get better known. Lisa volunteered to do a brief report at the Feb forum to help people understand what is entailed.

Issues: Margaret
_ Based on discussion from the December meeting Margaret proposed that this committee be re-named Issues Liaison, as the only real function is to be a conduit for those who want to bring up issues at the public meetings and for when there is a proposal for official UCU endorsement. (all part of draft UCityUnited Operating Documents and Policies and Procedures)

Leadership Development - Miriam
_ The first series of dates for Leadership UCity are March 22, 7-9 /Hawthorne school (UCity history); April 22 2-4 (UCity budget – where does the money come from, where does it go); May 12 9:30 – 11:30 (UCity development – comprehensive plan, neighborhood plans)
_ The committee proposes to trybthese three different days & times to test what works best for most people
Ad Hoc Forum Committee: Dave, Acme, Shelley, Anne Marie & Margaret
_ The full report is attached, outlining a process for public forums. UCU would sponsor 3 or 4 public meetings a year, each on e focusing on one issue and (1) as much time as possible will be given over to an “open mike” format; (2) we will offer participants a clear opportunity to get/stay involved with all issues (3) initially the issues will be chosen by the Board of Directors but need a selection process in future (4) there be a follow up meeting after each forum to give interested people a chance to really discuss ways to approach the issue presented.
_ PR via the web site and flyers is important (Communications Committee will take this on)
_ Feb 22 will be UCU first 2007 forum on race/cultural differences in UCity. Speakers have been contacted. Board agreed we need to find an African American facilitator. Margaret will ask Rudy Nickens; Bronwen will try Brenda Bobo Fisher if Mr. Nickens is unable to do it. It will be held at 7PM at the Pershing Elementary school.

Treasurers report
Commerce Bank account has been set up. Jesse and Mark are signers.
Balance of $291 in the account
Agreed that we must develop a fundraising plan beyond membership dues. Dave volunteered to donate money to help pay for the federal fee for the 501(c)3 status. Bronwen and Lisa will discuss other funding strategies.

Additions to agenda
Shelley has drafted UCityUnited Operating Documents and Policies and Procedures. They will be emailed to all and this will be discussed at the next board meeting.

Meeting adjourned. Next Board meeting will be February 6, 2007.

Committee: School Board
Meeting Date: 12/7/06
Location: McNair Administrative Building
Monitor: Stella Hughes

The full board was present as well as Dr. Victory, Supt., Joylynn L. Wilson,
Asst. Supt. Curr/Instr., Charles Nicastro, Asst. Supt. Oper. as well as
other support staff. Approximately 100 people were in attendance. The
meeting was long, in excess of three hours.

The meeting was called to order by Board President Ms Kristin Sobotka.

Dr. Victory acknowledged Ms. Utpala Shanker, a longtime parent volunteer at
Jackson Park School, and Ms. Ann Getz, the PTO co-president at Jackson Park
and volunteer for the past five years. They were presented certificates of
recognition from the Board and school.

Ms. Patricia Wilson was recognized for having received the Albert Shanker
Award from AFT Missouri at their Fall Conference. This award is given in the
category of Paraprofessional & School-Related personel of the year. Ms.
Wilson is the University City School District Lead Nurse.

Ms. Olivia Anderson, Brittany Woods Middle School Instructional Aide,was
recognized for receiving the St. Louis Science Center Shining Star Award.
She also received the University City Police Department award for her
community work with the Parkview Heights Neighborhood Association Block
Unit.

Joylynn Wilson gave a report on the Consolidated Entitlement Grant as it
applied to Titles I, IIA, IID, III, IV and V. The Board approved a
consolidated application for $2,066,790.

Elliott Shostak, Principal of Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary gave a report
along with members of his committee on accountability for his school.
Carlos Diaz-Granados, Principal of Jackson Park Elementary School gave the
report for his school. Both schools are trying to increase the number of
students that are proficient in math and communication arts.

There were comments from citizens about the Post-Dispatch artical in 12/2/06
edition about U. City Schools would be provisional if they were rated today.
Ms. Wilson stated that is not true. She stated the article was based on old
and incomplete information. The school is fully accredited and the scores
have in fact gone up.

Charles Nicastro gave a report on school safety issues and stated the
cameras in the high school should be operational in the next two weeks. He
and Det. Harold Lee from UPD stated the schools are safe and the students
have been drilled on safety procedures.

Committee: City Council
Meeting Date: 11/20/06
Location: City Hall
Name of Monitor:Mary Dee Schmidt

Committee and Staff Present: Mayor Joe Adams, City Manager Julie Feier, City Clerk Joyce Pumm Councilmembers Byron Price, Stefanie Brot, Michael Glickert, Arthur Sharpe Jr., and Lynn Ricci, Robert Wagner

Meeting Focus: Appointments,City Manager’s Report, Public Hearings, Passage of Bills

Actions Taken:

1. Arthur Sharpe, Jr. nominated William O. Baldwin to Library Board. Nomination accepted by all.

2. City Manager’s Report:

• Catholic Charities received a conditional use permit to consolidate Fr. Dunne News Boys’ and Marian Hall girls’ home into a new facility at 1340 Partridge Ave. Mr. Wagner and Mr. Sharpe voted against the permit. The council had a lengthy discussion about the impact on the neighborhood and the integration of both genders in the same building.

• Conditional use permit for 6800 Olive approved by all members of Council. A small retail building will be demolished and replace by a larger one story, 6 unit building

• Lehman Walker, planning and development director, provided Council with updates on planning activities and code enforcement.

Liquor License: Olive Supermarket, 8041 Olive (request approved).

Parks and Recreation Fees: Council approved Parks department proposal toincrease fees for activities 5% for residents and 3% for nonresidents. Councilman Glickert asked that hours of service increase as well. Councilwoman Brot asked that information about low recovery costs of fees should be pursued.

3. Public Hearing- none

4. Bills Passed:

Bill 8917 - repeal ordinance relating to security bars.
Bill 8918 – permit signs perpendicular to the wall in the core commercial district.
Bill 8919 – change the classification of 7745 Olive from single family residential to General commercial

Council Comments:
Lynn Ricci-budget is not legible-needs to be reprinted.

Mayor Adams will make appointments to the Economic Development Commission by next council meeting.

Councilman Bob Wagner requested the City to send a condolence card to Shelley Welsch for the loss of her father.

5. Citizen Concern: This citizen was concerned about the lack of diversity on Olive Road. She thought that there were too many Chinese Restaurants and Nail/manicure establishments.

Committee: City Council
Meeting Date: Nov. 6, 2006
Location: City Hall
Name of Monitor: Lisa Greening

Committee and Staff Present: Mayor Joe Adams, City Manager Julie Feier, City Clerk Joyce Pumm Councilmembers Byron Price, Stefanie Brot, Michael Glickert, Arthur Sharpe Jr., and Lynn Ricci

Committee and Staff Absent: Robert Wagner (excused absence)

Meeting Focus: Proclamation, City Manager’s Report, Public Hearings, Passage of Bills

Actions Taken:

1. Proclamation: Susan Carter, UCity School Teacher at Jackson Park Elementary, received a proclamation stating that November 6 is official Susan Carter day in University City. She was awarded the 2006 National Educator Award.

2. City Manager’s Report:
• Fire Chief Olshwanger was congratulated for his excellent work. The UCity fire department takes over 4000 calls a year and has a team of 47 firefighters. Calls are increasing. Assumption is that many residents do not have health care.

• Liquor Licenses Requested:
Pho Long restaurant,, 8613 Olive, (request approved)
Queen Sheba restaurant, 6665 Olive (request approved)
Olive Supermarket, 8041 Olive (request denied). Council asked the owner to resubmit application for future, unbiased breview.

• Special Use Permit approved for 8671 Olive to be rented as a place of worship, Gateway Bible Church.

• Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting discussed. Parks department wants to increase fees for activities 5% for residents and 3% for nonresidents. Councilman Glickert questions increase. Council will meet with Parks commission to understand why the fee will be increased. The Parks brochure will be delayed in printing for 2 weeks until fee structured is resolved.

3. Public Hearing

• Councilman Price wanted to repeal the “no trucks on the street” ordinance. Ordinance defeated.

• Architects of the development project behind the Ritz Carlton (The Terraces, Loft, Upper Plaza, and Tower) at 7440 Forsyth requested a changed of zoning from “general commercial district” to “planned development-mixed use district.” Ordinance approved. Bill 8914. Half of the development project resides in Clayton, the other half in UCity. 50,000 square feet of it is in UCity. 6,000 will be used for retail and the rest is residential. Councilman Ricci requested that the differences in development between Clayton and UCity be explored.

4. Bills Passed:

Bill 8895 – repeal of section of tree and shrubs ordinance
Bill 8910 – not require referral in the instance where a building permit is located within a private subdivision that is on the national historic registry but is not with a UCity designated historic district.
Bill 8913 - temporary signs are permitted
Bill 8915 - reduces the annual license fee for nonresidents to use a dog play area
Bill 8916 - requires liability insurance for owners of pit bulls

Financial Factors (funding, budget and/or income source for actions taken): Consent agenda. Approved expenditures:
(1) Greens Mower for the Golf Course $18,957. (2) Repair to street lights in the 7000 and 7100 blocks of Washington and Kingsbury, $18,000. (3) Demolition of Wilson Avenue Buyout Properties $19,500

Committee: Library Commission
Meeting Date: Nov 8, 2006
Location: Library
Name of Monitor: Margaret Johnson

Actions Taken:
• Decided to allow chatting and instant messaging on the library computers.
• Discussed the fact that there were too many scheduled Forest Park Community College classes in the auditorium. The space is free and open to the public for scheduling and the normal policy is they do not allow it to be scheduled more than a month in advance. They decided to notify the college that they will only schedule one class per week in the space next semester.
• They are replacing the entry doors to the library and will get bids the first of next year.

Other Notes:
University City Library has mutual arrangements with both the city, the county, and some other municipal libraries. The recent tracking statistics showed adult users at UCity to be 3000 from UCity, 1000 from St. Louis city, and 1000 from St. Louis County.