PRESENT: Glenda Bolin, Chris Daleo, Nancy Hance, Roger Held, Tim Hooton, Jeff Kasten, David Monahan, Tim Nash, Mike O’Connell, Ken Orf, Jack Sanford, Dave Schaper, Larry Shroth, Sandra Stokes, Gina Sweet, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander.

GUESTS: Shawn Felber-Progress Bank, Beth Sylvester-First Bank.

President Tim Nash opened the meeting at 12:05 p.m.

Introductions around the table.

Minutes: November 1, 2006 – Approved as printed.

Treasurer's Report: Balance as of November 1, 2006: $3013.00. No report today.

City Update:
City Administrator, Sandy Stokes reported the City of Foristell/Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House at City Hall was a huge success. There was great response from businesses and residents. It was a excellent opportunity to let people know that we actually have a Chamber of Commerce in Foristell. The display plans by the Developers and Water District #2 were very helpful in letting people see the progress planned for the Foristell area. The canned goods collection was huge. It was donated to the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Wentzville. The toy collection was also large. Some one donated a two wheeled bike. These were donated to the
St. Charles Family Care Center since Toys for Tots were unable to pick them up. The coats given were donated to the WIL Coat Drive. Sandy, Mayor Donnelly and the other folks at City Hall were congratulated for the good job they did in organizing the Open House. Sandy said that they would like to organize another activity in the spring or fall that would involve the City and Chamber. Maybe we could work something around our Safety Break on the July 4th weekend.
Sandy said that there are plans coming in for approval for the Tom Johnson Providence sub-division. Grading and seeding have been completed. The District #2 water tower is coming along and construction is waiting on the membrane waste treatment plant. It looks as though building will begin in late 2007 or early 2008.
Liberty Valley is about ready to start as soon as the deed for the land where the Duckett Creek membrane plant is to be located on Schaper Road has been transferred. The original acreage was to be 7 acres. Duckett Creek wanted an additional 7 acres. The City held firm to the 7 acres. The City has been trying to determine how much control they want over the facility. There is a question now as to which electric supplier will be furnishing power to the plant. The infrastructure should begin in 2007 with homes to start in 2008.
No action on the McBride Development. No action on the TTD for the new overpass.

Old Business:
Tim asked Sandy about Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies. Sandy said that we need to get the ceremonial scissors and banners. We will also need news releases run in the local papers. There are several businesses that have opened in Foristell in the last year that should be included in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies. All Chamber members that are able to participate in the Ribbon Cuttings are encouraged to do so. It is a great welcome to the new businesses and good public relations for the Chamber and City.

Larry Shroth reported on the League of Chambers Luncheon held on November 14, 2006. He said there were about 200 people in attendance. Investment Analyst, Julie Nuemann, gave an excellent presentation. The funds raised from the Luncheon go to defray the cost of the League of Chambers Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City on January 31, 2007. All Chamber members are invited to attend. It gives us a chance to meet our State Legislators in the House Chambers and later in the day at a Reception hosted by the League. This will afford us an opportunity to talk to our local representatives on a one to one basis and make them aware of any problems we may have in our area, and to get their feelings on matters. Joe Hogan from G.M. will have a couple of vehicles available for transportation to and from the Capitol. Contact Larry Shroth for information on how to make a reservation.

Jack Sanford from the Wright City Schools gave a report on their progress since the passing of the bond issue in November. The contract for the new 5100 square foot Administration Building has been let to
Lamb Construction. Construction will start this year. The new Grade School will be open in 2008. It will be constructed to handle 480 students, but the first phase will be built to accommodate 280 students. The water tower is getting close to completion. The road to the school off of Cotton Road will be built by Tom Johnson Construction. Originally, the School District was going to build the road themselves. They will now receive the donation of the twelve and a half acres from Johnson in a site ready condition for construction

New Business:
President Tim asked our Real Estate members about their opinions on the economic climate in Foristell.
Roger Held said he thinks the Real Estate Market is very promising. Home sales are continuing, slower, but interest rates are still good. Commercial sales have been strong. Glenda Bolin agreed that although sales are slower than they have been, the climate is very promising. Sandy Stokes agreed on the climate. When the new school is built, people will follow with new houses. Developers are not building until the facilities are in place.

Tim asked the membership about what kind of guest speakers they would be interested in having this year. He said he thought that we should probably dispense with developers as speakers until mid year when it is closer to time for construction to start. It was agreed that would be a good idea. Tim and Sandy will contact Water District #2 to see if they can get a representative to give a presentation in the near future. Sandy suggested that we get a speaker to talk to us about emergency management. The City currently does not have a plan in place. They are currently interested in emergency planning. Larry Shroth suggested that we contact Jason Trance who is the FEMA Director for multiple counties in our area. We might also contact Mike Daniels, Warren County Director of Emergency Management. The City has done some talking to the Booneslick Regional Planning Council. The County currently has a Capital Improvement Tax that does not include roads. We might talk to the Planning Council and see if they could send a representative to give us a presentation.
It was suggested that we contact local politicians. Don Boehmer, who is working with Steve Ehlmann in
St. Charles County, might be a good choice for a speaker. Senators Grieshiemer and Rupp are other potentials. Dave Monahan said he would contact Rupp if we want him as a speaker.

Tim passed out flyers on a Trivia Night sponsored by the Vision St. Charles Leadership Program. It will be held at the St. Roberts Catholic Church at 1424 South First Capitol Dr. St. Charles, Mo 63303. Contact
Bruce Sowatsky at 636-939-6200 for information

There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Chamber will be held on Wednesday February 7, 2007 at Ruggeri’s Ristorante in Wentzville at 12:00 noon. Secretary Ray will let the members know who the guest speaker will be.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary