SHNA Executive Committee Meeting
May 29, 2015
Click here to view or download the EC meeting minutes in pdf format.
Minutes follow from Sunset Hills Neighborhood Association Executive Committee meeting, Thursday, May 28, 2015.
The meeting was held at the Pees residence and discussion included Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods meetings, neighborhood concerns with Alvamar Orchards Golf Course, startup of a neighborhood watch program, upcoming changes to traffic flow, sidewalk and curb maintenance, and the effects of newly adopted City code.
In attendance: Jeanne Pees (President), Carolyn Crawford (Vice President), Janis Hutchinson (Treasurer), Jose Trujillo (Secretary), Members at Large: Mark Hoppe, Marlene Merrill, Shannon Spradling, Vicki Douglas, Clint Idol
Treasury Report
Janis presented treasures report and copies were distributed; account balance was 801.59. A motion is proposed to donate $100 to the Merc education fund as SHNA has done in the past. Motion passed. The fund goes toward education services regarding community gardens.
60 SHNA members had renewed this year, there are 16 new memberships and 20+ have not yet renewal for the year.
There is currently one neighborhood walk annually with notice of renewal.
Shannon suggested new networking/marketing be implemented by using social media and offers to begin and maintain a facebook page which is unanimously supported by the committee. The Merle’s book mailbox is accepted as possible first posting.
Election of Office Members
Shannon and Clint were voted in as members of SHNA.
Announcement was made that the Oread Neighborhood Association is now defunct due to the number of rental properties.
Jeanne Pees was voted in to continue as SHNA President, Caroline Crawford was voted in to to continue as Vice President, Janice Hutchinson was voted in to remain as Treasurer, and Clint Idol was voted in as Secretary.
Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods
LAN weekly meetings will be held at the Hobbs Taylor Building, 730 New Hampshire Street, first Wednesdays at 7pm starting in July. It is proposed that SHNA executive committee members take turns attending.
July: Jeanne
August:
September: Mark
October:
November: Jose
Alvamar Orchards Golf Course
During the SHNA annual meeting, one attendee voiced a complaint regarding the amount of yard waste and debris generated by the golf course and obstructing his view. Jeanne Pees met with the owner of Alvamar orchard and Matt Bond, City of Lawrence Public Works Stormwater Engineer. The owners of the golf course site land erosion and a short staff as the cause for the placement of the brush near neighboring properties. Jean Milstead is quoted as saying that these lands are private easements paid by the homeowners in the area of the course. SHNA may need to represent this matter at a City Comission meeting. A controlled burn coordinated by the LFD is suggested as a possible solution.
Neighborhood Watch Program
Shannon Spradling presented on Neighborhood Watch. The geographical area is to include Pamela, Stephens and Wellington. Drug paraphernalia has been found in the area in addition to other suspicious activity. Police non-emergency dispatch number: 832.7509.
A Neighborhood Watch Resource Officers meeting is proposed for July, at Wayne and Larry’s, 933 Iowa St.
SHNA to pay for related signage and additional information dispersal. A pamphlet will be discussed. The nature of the meeting would be open; no rsvp.
Traffic Safety Commission Meeting: June 1
A four way stop will soon be added to 9th and Crestline. Do we need a traffic study before this change is made to act as a baseline for comparison?
Don and Shannon Spradling have created a proposal for the City to consider that there no longer be parking allowed along the west side of Crestline between 9th and Bob Billings. SHNA should be represented at the meeting.
Marlene Merrill proposes that an email be sent to members, “show up at the meeting if you have an opinion.”
Jeanne brought up the repair of neighborhood curbs and sidewalks, the need for which is notable in the area of Centennial Park. Could these pedestrian ramps be widened at the time of repair?
Shannon suggest researching Columbia, Missouri’s Ped Net Coalition for possible funding opportunities and other resources.
Announcement was made of upcoming Kasold reconstruction meeting; date and time were unknown at time of meeting.
Announcement was made that curbs are breaking down at 1501 Wellington. Chuck Soules of City Public Works is going to look at the issues
Jeanne met with Tim Cast who wants the locations of curb and gutter problems.
Subdivision Proposed
Bob and Betty Lichtworth(sp?) have proposed a subdivision be created with vacant lands (location?): City Commission meeting, 6:30 on June 22nd. Clint volunteers to go.
City Code Concerns
Of inspected registered rental properties (Is this city wide, or just in SHN?), 74% were in violation with another inspection to occur upon correction.
Trailers and boats must be garaged or stored somewhere off property, with height limitations if left on street.
No fraternity/sorority houses are to have hard liquor on premises.
Will this mean more neighborhood rentals by students?
Marlene will write a letter to Vice Provost of Student Affairs, Tamara Durham.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by
Clint Idol, SHNA Secretary