SHNA Executive Committee Spring Meeting
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 6:30 pm
Via Zoom Video Conference

Meeting Minutes

Participants: Jon Dunham, James Jordan, David Mucci, Mariana Nieto, Betsy Ostrander, Matthew Paul, Gary Webber, John White

I.     Approve minutes of winter meeting, February 27, 2023: accepted by acclamation.

II.    Treasurer’s Report, Arick: Balance $1031.88, 60 members

III.   Old Business

1. LAN update (Webber)
   • February: Presentation: Doug Wendel, Director of Operations, Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, regarding SRC resources and services. Webber reported on plastic recycling inquiry and brick sidewalk policy.
   • March: Presentation: Brad Harrell, City of Lawrence Parking Supervisor, regarding parking permit program in Oread Neighborhood and Mississippi St. KU gateway project. Pallet Village discussed.
   • April: Presentation: Fire Chief Rich Llewellyn, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) presented regarding current LDCFM activities.

For additional details see LAN website at: https://lawrenceneighborhoods.wordpress.com/

2. Webber asked for permission to assign Shei Ellenbecker as LAN representative. Passed by acclamation. Webber will offer the position to Ellenbecker.
3. Centennial/Ludlam update: April cleanup was successful. There is one abandoned camp that is shedding waste into the area.
4. Discuss business membership drive: Webber and Arick are visiting businesses.

III.  New Business

1. Nominate and elect officers for 2023-2024: Webber asked the participants for their opinion on bylaws clause regarding election of officers; every year for all positions, or once every three years? Group agreed to elect all officers this year and discuss bylaws at a future meeting. The following slate was proposed: Dunham moved to elect the slate, Paul seconded.  The slate of officers was elected unanimously.
2. Plan for September Potluck: Webber suggested Saturday, September 16 when KU football is away. EC agreed to Sept. 16 for the Potluck Picnic. Invitations will include a request for RSVP. Webber will reserve the East Shelter.
3. Discuss and vote on special Centennial Park cleanup: Webber reviewed abandoned camp in NE area of Centennial Park that is shedding trash into the watershed of the creek. After the April cleanup, Webber contacted Kevin Elliott who is working with Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department (LPRD) and unhoused persons to facilitate cleanup of camps. Elliot suggested a joint effort with SHNA cleanup crew, Centennial Park residents, and LPRD, with a meal provided by SHNA.  This is the format he has used with other neighborhoods for camp cleanup. Elliott proposed Saturday, June 24, 1-4 PM, following a morning disk golf tournament. LPRD would provide gloves, bags, wheelbarrows, and a roll-off dumpster. SHNA would provide a meal for camp residents and seek volunteers.  Discussion: A participant asked about who might be liable if a volunteer was injured. Webber promised to contact Elliott to ask about liability and report back to EC. Webber suggested addressing liability of volunteers and EC members at a future meeting.
   White moved to participate and provide $50 for meal for volunteers, Ostrander seconded. The vote was 5 for, 1 against, 2 abstain. Motion passed.

Note: On May 26 Webber spoke to Elliott who is organizing the Centennial Cleanup on June 24 and asked him about injury liability.  Elliott replied that Pinkney NA, who conducted a cleanup last weekend, asked the same question.  Elliott stated he contacted Parks and Recreation, and they stated that they have never addressed liability for volunteers in the park adoption program or in other voluntary programs. They have never had a volunteer injury, or a liability claim.  They do not plan to address this issue.

4. Discuss purchasing 2 additional grabber/bucket sets, $30 each. Nieto moved to fund purchase, second by White, passed unanimously.
5. Discuss donating $50 to Sunset Hill Elementary and West Middle School. Paul moved to donate, second by Ostrander, passed unanimously.

IV.  New agenda items from participants.

1. Webber updated the EC on data gathering on Crestline south of Harvard. Previous data gathering efforts have been unsuccessful.  The city will try a third time after KU students return in the fall. Dunham suggested additional speed limit signage on Crestline.

V.   Set date and time for summer meeting in August. Webber suggested August 14, 2023, for the summer meeting. Passed by acclamation.  Meeting will be via Zoom, Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, 6:30 PM.

VI.  Adjourn meeting at 7:20 PM.