BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, October 20, 2025

6:00pm @ SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER - 6 PM 

In Person: Melissa S, Margaret Viss, Kenny L., Malik S., Daniel

On-line:  Jessie W, Emily M., Jason H, Lauren H.

Guests: Bill Hoff, Patti Peoples, Bryant S.

1. CALL TO ORDER 
2. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Bill Hoff, Patti Peoples, Bryant S
3. LEARNING SEGMENT (None)
4. CONSENT AGENDA OF PRIOR BOARD MEETING MINUTES/COMMITTEE REPORTS (M. Viss): Prior 
5. REVIEW OF TREASURER’S REPORT (Finance Committee). Prudential meeting was good. They provided options for investment. 
6. STAFF REPORT (attached summary reviewed)
7. COMMITTEE / TASK FORCE OVERVIEWS
   1. CCB / SAMBA – Patti- 500% increase in attendance, struggle to engage the larger Main St. businesses. Not incentivized. Request for SPAR email for Carol Fuller since she is doing recruiting. Financial fraud detection presentation last month was successful. City engagement has increased. Immigration red cards being shared with local business. Next year, due to grants, will continue to grow and add in-depth trainings. Asking board to talk about Samba with local businesses. Envision leadership will be paid position. Also need a budget.
   2. CRIC (Bryant Shumaker (Daniel Ashworth - Board liaison)) – 
   3. Design Review- (Daniel Ashworth) – 2026 COA matrix changes issued for comment. 
   4. Fund Development (Michael Haskins)- $12K net from Bold City Ball. Porchfest is looking good. Sponsors finalized. 
   5. Governance (John Shermetaro) – no update
   6. Home Tour (Margie Viss) – 1 house committed. Meeting after Porchfest 
   7. Porchfest (Michael Haskins) – Need volunteers still, specifically board members to be shift leads. Volunteers for poster distribution and handing out resident letters needed. Need someone to represent SPAR at the 11/7 artist discussion being held at Strings.
   8. Demo by Neglect Task Force (Margie Viss) - 
   9. Membership Task Force - (Heidi Ford & Jesse Wilson) – Include membership QR code flyer when distributing resident letters.
   10. Holiday Task Force (Caitlin Haskins)
   11. Zoning Overlay Task Force (Update)- pending

1. NEW BUSINESS / RECOMMENDATIONS TO BOARD FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
   1. MOTION - COJ Neighborhoods Grant approval (NOTE: City requires board approval for receipt of grant funding each year - this authorizes staff to negotiate / sign for grants on SPAR’s behalf); Motion to approve passed.
   2. MOTION - To move $12,000 to Endowment from Bold City Ball proceeds (Bold City Ball netted $12,000 and per Board discussion last year regarding BCB goals, EC has recommended those proceeds be contributed annually to the Endowment); Motion to approve passed.
   3. UPDATE - Drew Mansion (16-2025-CA-002781-AXXX-MA).: M&M boarded the building last week. Under contract with city. There is current discussion regarding whether to take title from LLC. Due to notice requirements to LLC’s debtors. Approach to address needs to be determined.
   4. Future E-Vote  - Letter of support for Springfield Animal Hospital and Unleashed A Dog Bar rezone - T Grant to send around letter for E-vote this week;
2. OLD BUSINESS
3. ITEMS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS
   1. 11/8 - Porchfest!
   2. 11/21 – Disc Golf tournament
5. ADJOURN – 6:50 pm