BETTON HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2016

Transcription

1 BETTON HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2016 Mike Brezin called to order the meeting at 7:30 p.m. In Attendance: Michael Brezin, Michael Bannister, Tom Schulte, Karen Weimer, Tom Vickers, Hilda Gilchrist, Melissa Jacoby, Margie McInnes, Mario Taylor, and Donna Legare Guests: Chris and Pat Gosen, and Chris Caughran. New Business: New Power Generators at Substation 12 on Medical Drive at Centerville Road. Given the guests present, the usual meeting order was rearranged to discuss this new topic. Mike Brezin brought the Board up to date as to how he was contacted by the City Utilities Department requesting a meeting be held on November 2 nd with the Spruce Avenue neighbors who would be most affected by changes to Substation 12 located at Medical Drive and Centerville Road. Mike Brezin contacted Karen Weimer, who agreed to have a meeting at her house and to invite as many Spruce Avenue residents as possible, on such short notice. Chris and Pat Gosen and Chris Caughran joined our meeting to discuss the gathering of Spruce Avenue neighbors with the City Utilities Management re the proposed changes to be made to the Utility Substation on Medical Drive/Centerville Road and their disapproval of the proposed changes. Rob McGarrah, Triveni Singh and Diane Blanton from the City Utilities Department met with the neighbors and advised those present on November 2, 2016, the City was in the process of adding two generators to the Substation located on Medical Drive at Centerville Road. They explained their reasoning for the generators; the type of generators to be used; the need; when they would be in service and the workings of the generators. The City representatives were questioned thoroughly about the proposed generators. However, a number of questions were left unanswered. The City advised the group an Open House would be held at Jubilee Cottage at Goodwood Museum on December 12 th, from 4:30 pm

2 until 7:00 pm. for all of the residents affected by the changes, and all of their questions would be answered at that time. After meeting with the City on November 2 nd, the residents who attended the meeting were extremely disappointed because they were under the impression the power generators were going to be placed by the City and they were merely being advised of this fact. Chris and Pat Gosen and Chris Caughran discussed their concerns with the Board regarding the generators and requested the Board s assistance in blocking the generators from being placed at the substation. After discussion the Board agreed that a letter to the City Commission should be sent requesting the City look at moving the generators to another site within the TMH property. Tom Vickers made a motion for Mike Brezin to prepare a letter on behalf of the Board to be sent to the City Commission. Melissa Jacoby seconded the Motion. All in favor. Treasurer s Report: Tom Shulte presented the attached Treasurer s report. Mike Brezin proposed a motion to approve the Treasurer s report and Tom Vickers seconded the motion. All in favor. Membership Report: Tom Vickers presented the attached Membership Report. A discussion was held regarding the posting on our webpage of members who had paid dues between July 1, 2016 and November 15, It was noted the same type of listing was posted last year and therefore, we will continue posting. Tom also reported the online membership process is working well and that our goal for membership is 400 families and that last year we had approximately 350 members, although 1000 newsletter were sent out. Mike Brezin made a motion to approve the Membership Report and Margie McInnes seconded the motion. All in favor. CONA: Michael Bannister gave a report on the current status of CONA and the difficulties he has encountered regarding obtaining information and meeting notices. He attempted to attend a CONA meeting scheduled for November 14, 2016, at 6pm at the library. However, although he arrived early and stayed late, no one appeared for the meeting.

3 A discussion was held regarding how to handle CONA and how to keep in touch with adjacent neighborhoods regarding common problems affecting our neighborhood and everyone. Michael Bannister indicated he would prepare a letter to reach out to the adjacent neighborhoods and Mike Brezin offered to assist with this letter. Parks/Beautification: Fall Festival: Donna Legare discussed the upcoming Arbor Day to be held January 28, Discussion was had regarding what to do and what has been done in the past. Hilda Gilchrist indicated the City has done some clearing in McCord Park. Donna indicated she has been working with Brenda with the Parks Department and it is proposed that plantings should be made behind the house where the residents over cleared the property, leaving full view of their property to individuals enjoying the park. The plantings to be made would be similar to those made at the house next door. In addition, it was proposed we hire Native Nurseries to maintain the island on Trescott. The cost would be $55/hour not to exceed $ This would ensure the work on the island would be completed while the volunteers could complete the proposed work in McCord Park. Mike proposed a motion to approve hiring Native Nurseries at a cost not to exceed $500. Margie McInnes seconded the motion. All in favor. Donna also discussed how Commissioner Ziffer was involved with the City in discussions with local artist, Stanley Proctor regarding placing some of his sculptures in McCord Park. There was discussion about the placement, type of sculptures, current and possible parking needed to accommodate visitors to see the sculptures, etc. Discussion was had about contacting Commissioner Ziffer to attend one of our meeting to further discuss this project with the Board. Discussion was had regarding the Fall Festival and how it was not as well attended as in the past, but it was still a great success. We had activities for the children and plenty of pizza. Thank you to everyone for their assistance. Gift for Ashford Club Manager: A motion was made and seconded, to purchase a $50 gift card for both Connie and her assistant to express our appreciation for their help with our meeting space arrangements each month at Ashford Club. The motion passed unanimously. Mike Brezin will purchase the gift cards.

4 Upcoming events: The next meeting will be held December 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will also include the annual holiday dinner for Board members and their spouse/partner. Karen Weimer volunteered her home, and will send out an to the Board. Christmas Caroling will take place on Harriman Circle on December 24 th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Our January Board Meeting will be January 23, Minutes submitted by Karen Weimer, Secretary.

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6 MEMBERSHIP REPORT NOVEMBER /2017 Membership Year Paid Members 207 Dues $2030 Bellamy fund $1466 Partners fund $579 Mansfield fund $341 Additional $742 TOTAL $ /2018 Membership Year Paid Members 24 Dues $230 Bellamy fund $170 Partners fund $45 Mansfield fund $40 Additional $75 TOTAL $560 MEMBERSHIP REPORT NOVEMBER /2017 Membership Year Paid Members 207 Dues $2030 Bellamy fund $1466 Partners fund $579 Mansfield fund $341 Additional $742 TOTAL $ /2018 Membership Year Paid Members 24 Dues $230 Bellamy fund $170 Partners fund $45 Mansfield fund $40 Additional $75 TOTAL $560