PUBLIC NOTICE

Please take notice that the Washington Avenue Corridor Community Improvement District will be holding a Board of Directors Meeting on January 13th at 11:30 am virtually via Zoom.

This will be an open meeting and all members of the public are welcome to attend via the above Zoom link or in person. A copy of the Agenda for this meeting is below:

agenda

I. Call to order

II. Approval of meeting minutes from 12/9/25 Board of Directors meetings (5 minutes)

III. 2025 financials / 2026 budgeting process update (5 minutes)

IV. Security discussion 

a. Updates (10 minutes)

i. EZ Vape (trial, nuisance action)

ii. Mark Twain Hotel

iii. Food vendors

iv. 1128 Washington 

v. Wheelhouse / new operator

vi. Club Europe

vii. Nara

b. MDO discussion with Asst. City Counselor (5 minutes)

c. Vape shops (10 minutes)

d. Jane Dueker / MO Attorney General (5 minutes)

e. End of 2025 crime stats (10 minutes)

V. Discussion about media on 2025 crime stats (15 minutes)

VI. Marketing PR coordination meeting / effort (10 minutes)

VII. Adjournment

meeting minutes

I. Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 11:33pm by Matt OLeary

II. Attendance:

Board Members Present:

• Matt OLeary

• Jeffrey Campbell

• Dan Pistor

• Michele Solie

• John Berglund

• Craig Heller

Board Members Absent:

• Steven Stone

• Julie Maurer

• Staff / Guests Present:

• Joe Lamie – marketing advisor

• Lisa Otke- STLDC

• Brad Waldrop- property owner

• Ron Johnson- Consultant for Downtown CID

• Lisa Kysar (Downtown Forward staff)

III. Approval of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve minutes from 12/09/25 by John ; seconded by Jeffery

Motion passed

IV. 2025 Financials / 2026 Budgeting Process

Discussion of 2025 financials and the 2026 budgeting process was deferred to the February 2026 Board meeting.

V. Updates

i. EZ vape- The trial has been continued to January 22 due to the number of witnesses. The CID is proceeding with nuisance action

ii. Mark Twain Hotel- Staff met with ownership. Plans are moving forward to redevelop the property as a boutique hotel.

iii. Food Vendors (Tucker & Washington): The CID reiterated that food vending on Washington Avenue is not permitted and does not support operations beyond 11:00 PM.

iv. 1128 Washington- The City has largely determined that the hookah permit was improperly issued but will not terminate the permit prior to its April renewal.

v. Wheelhouse- An attempted transfer to a new operator without completing the liquor license process resulted in closure. Discussions with a new operator are ongoing. Staff will pursue a neighborhood agreement.

vi. Club Europe: Downtown Forward is moving forward with protest actions.

vii. Nara- The nuisance process was discussed, with emphasis on limiting hours of operation.

VI. New Business

i. Vape Shops - Five vape shops operate within a four-block area. Draft legislation is being developed to make vape shops a conditional use and restrict hours of operation, in coordination with Alderman Aldridge.

ii. Jane Dueker / Missouri Attorney General- Optimistic she will tackle issues CID needs support with

iii. End-of-Year 2025 Crime Statistics- End-of-year 2025 crime statistics reflect positive trends.

VII.Media/ Marketing

The Board discussed media coverage of crime statistics and downtown messaging strategy, emphasizing direct engagement with crime statistics and improved narrative alignment in partnership with Downtown Forward.

VIII. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 12:38pm by Michele; seconded by Dan.

Motion passed.

Recorder

Lisa Kysar