Present: Bill Souders, Dexter Silvers, Joe Roddy Sr., Kim Jayne, Verna Epperson, George Jones, Connie Bedwell, Sarah Green, Kelly Shelton, Dan Scott, Mark Weber, Phil Heagney, Darryl West, Eddie Holt, Sr. Leah Holzman, Joan Botwinick, David Love, Ann thompson, Andre Williams, Curtis Elliot, Emily Johnson, Odell Martin (may have missed others present).

   The meeting began with prayer at 6:15 p.m. Attendance was called. A quorum was not present but the meeting continued.

   Bob Babione made a presentation to the Council describing our country's Revolutionary War and the evolution from tyranny towards democracy. He described St. Louis during the Civil War and the theory that the war was fought to prevent the replacement of the tyranny of aristocrats with the birth by tyranny of aristocrats by wealth. He also set out the perspective that there are also distinct class divisions in our city that often determine the decisions made. In bringing this into the current situation, Bob set out a proposal called "Interdependence Proclamation" which sets out the following:

• Continue the democratic ideals of the Community Council under simplified rules;
• Find ways for neighborly discussions, even when disagreements exist, whether the disagreements are idea- based or personality-based;
• Reach out to all the people of the neighborhood and accommodate ourselves to their concerns;
• Respect and record the views of all, regardless of race, gender, or economic standing; and
• Welcome all, without exception, to participate in the efforts to have decisions made by a neighborhood body that is a fair cross-section of the neighborhood, even when economic status is considered.

   Bob also suggested we save and use the name "Forest Park Southeast Community Council."

   The document was passed around and signed.

   A discussion took place about the history of the Council and the things particular Council members had experienced during the past. Bill Souders spoke about the blighting of his property in the Chouteau/Papin. Several Council members had attended the hearing and spoke in opposition to the blighting. Bill said he is opposed to the blighting because he has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and 40 years in the area. He also had a specific plan to redevelop the area, and felt the Alderman simply had a grudge against him. Joe Roddy Sr. explained that his son, the Alderman, dealt differently with commercial property owners than with residential people.

   Kim Jayne said she felt the Council had been disrespected on several occasions by the Alderman. One was at the hearing for eminent domain on Cadet when the hearing room was filled with neighborhood opposition and the second time was at the hearing for blighting Bill Souder's property. She said the Alderman had promised to keep the neighborhood informed of the use of blighting and eminent domain. She asked Mr. Roddy if he could tell us where and how eminent domain is to be used on the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Roddy responded saying we would have to ask the Alderman himself.

   Someone asked about the people who had resigned from the Council starting a new group. Joan Botwinick stated she understood many of them were having private meetings now and talked about opening them up later.

   Another person suggested we get media attention by going national. Several others agreed the media should be used.

   One Council member stated she felt support was pulled from the Council when we began questioning development plans.

   The question was asked After March 31st and the expiration of the Constitution, do we want to exist. After discussion, the question was posed again. A vote was taken with 13 in favor and 0 opposed.

   It was also decided we would organize a corporation to continue improving Forest Park Southeast.

Announcements:

   Peace march on March 25th 2:00 - Agape House

   Faith Connections Funding

   2001 Children's Spring Arts Festival

   The next meeting will be April 24th at 6:30 p.m.

   Bob Babione offered champagne to celebrate the Council's continued existence.