Foristell Chamber of Commerce Minutes
Regular Meeting November 6, 2007

PRESENT: Patti Bartlett, Glenda Bolin, Roger Cox Chris Daleo, Wanda Donnelly, Linda Ellis, Karen Gentry, Nancy Hance, Tim Hooton, Frank Klass, Dave Monahan, Tim Nash, Mike O’Connell, Ken Orf, Mark Porter, Phil Reid, Marvin Rodenbaugh, Jack Sanford, Dave Schaper, Larry Shroth, Michelle Smith, Sandy Stokes, Mark Van Dillen, Pat Wenom, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander

GUESTS: Jan O’Learnick-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, Norma Sudbrock-Wentzville School District

President Tim opened the meeting at 12:05 p.m., and welcomed the members, and guests.
Introductions around the table.

Minutes: October 2, 2007 – Approved with one correction. Under City Update it was incorrectly listed that a new Wentzville school was to be constructed at the corner of Cotton Road and the North Service Road. It should have been written that it is a new Wright City School.

Treasurer’s Report: Chris Daleo reported that there is $2,116.91 in the treasury at the present time.

Program: Mike O’Connell and Norma Sudbrock from the Wentzville School District gave a very informative and interesting program. The District services a 125 square mile area. They currently have 13 schools and are planning to build 3 more. They also need to renovate some of the existing buildings. There is need to get future bond issues on ballot in 2008 to raise the necessary funds as the new schools are needed in the next couple of years to keep up with the increasing population in the District. There is an increase of 600 students this year.
Bringing existing facilities up to speed on security systems is an important issue. The one call system is being used now to keep down anxiety in lock down situations. The type of I.D. badges needs to be the same in all of the schools. All schools need to have locks installed on the interior side of classroom doors so that they can be locked on the inside to keep potential intruders out.
The School District will be working in the upcoming months to revise it’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. A Planning Team is being organized of parents, the School District, and community representatives.
The District is currently experimenting with an after school math program for grades1-4 from the Country of Singapore that has done very well in international comparisons of academic accomplishments. They plan to put the program into effect on a regular basis if it proves to be successful.

Old Business: Mayor Wanda Donnelly reported that the Safety Fair was a real success. There were approximately 100 people that attended. She appreciates the work that the Chamber did to help make it a success Nancy Hance reported that she now has the ribbon for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies. The ceremonies will have to be organized.

City Update: Sandy Stokes reported that plans are being made for a Holiday Open House to be held at City Hall on Thursday December 13th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and asked us if we would like to co-sponsor the event? She passed out flyers with information on what we can do to help. We were partners with the City at last year’s Open House that was very successful. We can help by donating a gift for drawings, help provide the refreshments, and be sure to attend the event to support it. It will afford us an excellent opportunity to present information on our businesses and meet City residents. There will be a toy and food drive held again this year that will be donated to a local charity. We should contact Sandy at City Hall if we have any questions, make a donation, or help with the refreshments. Frank Klass made a motion that the Chamber donate up to $200.00 to the Holiday Open House. Larry Shroth seconded the motion. Motion passed. Roger Cox with Consort Homes donated $100.00 to the Open House.

Sandy reported that The Missouri Bank is under construction at the corner of Highway T and the North Service Road. Ground breaking for the Fast Lane Convenience Store and Gas Station, and the McDonalds Restaurant will be held in the spring. Plans for the new Wright City School have been approved by the City.

School District Update: Wright City School District Superintendent Mark Porter reported that the ground breaking for the new school is scheduled for Tuesday November 13th at 4:00 p.m. Chamber members are invited to attend. The General Contractor plans to begin construction in December if weather permits.

New Business: Dave Monahan from the Nominating Committee presented the slate of Officers and Directors for 2008. The Officers are as follows: President-Tim Nash, Vice President-Tim Hooton, Treasurer-Christine Daleo, Secretary-Ray Alexander, The Directors to serve for 2 years are Dave Monahan and Ken Orf. Nancy Hance and Larry Shroth will serve 1 year to complete their 2 year terms. It was voted by acclamation to approve the slate presented for 2008. Dave said that he would suggest to the Board of Directors that the term of Officers be extended to 2 years.

Other Business: Tim Nash invited the Chamber to attend the Grand Opening of the American Bank in Wright City on Tuesday November 20th at 10:00.

Larry Shroth announced that the League of Chambers Luncheon will be held at the Columns Banquet Center on Tuesday November from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Friday November 9th is the deadline for Chamber members to make reservations at the discounted price of $20.00 per person. After that the cost is $25.00 per member. Let Secretary Ray know if you plan to attend by November 9th so he can make the reservations.

There will be a Business Expo held at the Brunswick Bowling Center in St. Peters on Thursday
November 15th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Chamber Members are invited to attend.

There was no other business. Meeting Adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Our next regular meeting will be held on December 4, 2007 at 12:00 noon at Porlier Outdoor Advertising Co.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary