SHNA Executive Committee Meeting
Monday, May 24, 2021, 6:30 PM
Via Zoom Videoconference

Minutes

1. In Attendance:
   1. Board Members; Dillon Heter, Marlene Merrill, Chris Ostrander, Matthew Paul, Gary Webber
   2. Community: Phyllis Farrar (Zoom host)
2. Approve Feb. 15, 2020 minutes : Paul moved to accept minutes, Heter second, passed by acclamation.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Webber presented the first quarter report (Arick unavailable).
4. Old Business (Webber)
   1. Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods (LAN) update: In March, Citygate Associates sought LAN’s input regarding their comprehensive study of how the Lawrence Police Department can better serve our community. In April, Robert Sands introduced a survey regarding structure of Lawrence city government. In May, RiverFront & CENTER presented their ideas for bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Kansas riverfront and Lawrence area. LAN meeting minutes here.
   2. Multimodal Transfer Facility progress report: public input currently being gathered, design to start this summer.
   3. Business membership drive: This program has been tabled repeatedly. Webber stated he would be willing to send letters to all 114 SH businesses.  Cost about $150.  All agreed.
      Personal visits are another option, probably more effective.
      Webber asked for interest in visits to businesses for solicitation of membership.  Paul and Heter replied that they were willing.  Paul suggested that we discuss a plan during this meeting.  A discussion of membership and donations ensued. Webber offered to create outline of business membership campaign outline and send to Paul and Heter. Both agreed. Webber will send plan and they will meet as a subcommittee to plan a drive this summer.
5. New Business (Webber)
   1. Spring new neighbor packets: We need someone to take over this program. Webber asked if anyone was willing to take on this program? No volunteers responded. Webber will contact EC members who have not attended to ask them if anyone is interested in this program.
   2. $50 donations for West Middle School and Sunset Hill Elementary gardens: Heter moved to donate to the gardens, Merrill seconded, approved by acclamation.
   3. EC term renewals and recruiting new members for 2021-2022: Jesus Garcia is leaving the board. Heter and Nieto have agree to serve another 3-year term.  Webber has invited Sheri Ellenbecker, no reply. Paul will invite an acquaintance who lives on Schwarz Rd. Webber has a candidate on Harvard.  Webber encouraged the EC to contact good candidates.
   4. Plan for September Annual Meeting and Picnic
      1. Virtual? In person? Combine into one event outdoors? Unanimous support for a combined meeting/picnic. Ostrander will provide a PA system.  Date set for Saturday, Sept 18, 5:00 pm. Same format on potluck as 2019, abbreviated business meeting to elect EC members, “get to know you” activity. Webber will rent shelter.
      2. Distribution of Annual Meeting invitation/membership app to all 800 single family and duplex residences in SH scheduled for late August.  This has happened every three years: No significant support for continuing.  Merrill stated she did not think flyer was effective.  Given the amount of effort involved, it did not generate enough new membership or attendance at the meeting.  Paul suggested including this in a Nextdoor campaign.  Webber will include develop Nextdoor posts.
      3. Membership drive planned for late August. Letter with self-addressed envelope: Strong support for the annual membership letter. Paul stated we need to make sure we keep our older members by mailing this letter. We will stuff these letters at the August meeting.
   5. Neighborhood Safety Program pilot application: Webber reported that he, Joanie, Stone, and Lisa Goans met to discuss applying. Crestline at Harvard, Crestline at Oxford, Crestline at 9^th, Lawrence Avenue, and 9^th street were discussed.  They decided to pass on this pilot opportunity, survey the membership about traffic issues, and perhaps submit an application in a later round. EC members agreed with this decision.
6. New agenda items from participants
   1. Unity Church storm shelter: Paul wondered if it was time to contact Unity again about using their basement as a neighborhood storm shelter. Paul will contact them.
   2. Set venue, date, and time for summer meeting in mid-August: Support for in-person meeting. Venue and date set: Christ Covenant Church, 2312 Harvard Rd., Monday, August 16, 2021, 6:30 PM. Webber will reserve space.
7. Adjourn meeting: Merrill moved to adjourn, Paul seconded, motion passed by acclamation at 8:25 PM.