SHNA Executive Committee meeting
May 13, 2017
Minutes
Click here to view or download the EC meeting minutes in pdf format.
In attendance Gary Webber (Vice President), Jeanne Pees (President,), Clint Idol (Secretary), Joanna Kuczera (Treasurer), Paula Kellogg, Kathy Heppert, Susie Nightingale, Faye Hale and Matthew Paul.
Treasurers Report
Click here to view the full report in a new tab (pdf)
Donation to Sunset Hill Elementary and West Middle School gardens: Motion made to donate the same amount that we have been donating through Community Mercantile Education and Outreach Program: $100 total, $50 to each Sunset Hill Elementary and West Middle School.
Motion is made and passed to donate 25 dollars to the Murrow Ct. block party, which took place recently, and to set this amount as the standard for donation to this type of event.
Old Business
Election of officers: Gary Webber nominated as President. Kathy Heppert nominated as Vice President. Joanna Kuczera nominated to continue as Treasurer, Clint Idol nominated to continue as Secretary. Motion is made to elect these four, seconded and motion carries unanimously.
Sign related city codes: (Kathy Heppert reports on LAN meeting) – Temporary signs are limited to three per yard, excepting election years, then signs are less regulated. Kurt Schraeder proposed to LAN, and Lawrence neighborhoods are to give their input. (Supreme Court ruled to not restrict signage based on content).
Air BnB and parking were discussed briefly as topics to revisit.
Rockledge traffic calming: The traffic calming device application has been formalized. Robert Nugent, director of transit committee needs to be contacted. A mill and overlay project is planned for Rockledge in 2017 or 2018. The Transportation commission will review the application/request at a meeting soon and will contact Clint Idol. The speed limit on Rockledge needs to be posted also, as well as signage for the speed hump(s), if the project is approved.
Transit: Jeanne attended a City Commission meeting on April 18. A renewal of the infrastructure sales tax must be voted on Nov 2017 and again Nov 2018.
A concerned SH resident voiced that the Sixth and Rockledge bus stop may be dangerous. Rob Nugent voiced that there are not plans to change any stops or routes.
Sidewalks: Gary Webber is the President of the Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition; LAN sent a letter to the City Commission regarding how the new citywide plan to make homeowners responsible for sidewalk repair may be inequitable, as sidewalks are a public resource. PedCo formed a meeting on May 8, The Equitable Funding for Sidewalk Repair Committee, which unanimously supported sales tax earmark for sidewalk repair, and there was opposition for dedication of property tax to sidewalk repair. Commissioner Boley is leading a move to reallocate $800,000 of public transit funding to affordable housing. Plans were made to campaign for a sidewalk repair sales tax earmark by first consulting with commissioners individually. 6.2 million is needed for sidewalk repair, 3.4 million for the ADA ramps. 800k a year would mean the need for a 12 year program.
New Business
Attendee comments after the SHNA annual membership meeting: air handlers in the cafeteria were loud and prevented all from hearing the meeting dialogue and announcements. Other rooms at SH Elementary were not available as a venue. West cafeteria is a venue option, or even the auditorium, though rental may be required. Gary will take this on, regarding the location for next year.
Website: SunsetHillNA.org is being pursued as a possible domain name. The cost would be $10 a year for the name. Hosting options: some are free but may not be the best, Blue Hosting is supposed to be cost effective – $2.95 a month for 36 months, after that, cost is increased to $8 a month. Matthew Paul volunteers to design the site. Hosting is a one-time payment of $180 for five years. Motion made to register the name. Motion seconded and passes unanimously.
Other comments after annual meeting: Jeanne Pitts volunteers as advocate/helper for the SHNA Executive Committee.
Neighborhood workday is proposed.
Distribution of Van Gogh Arts job proposed, as well as other pertinent announcements, which could post to the SHNA website when site is active.
Motion made to make a donation to Sunset Hill Elementary Library in memory of the victim of a house-fire on Wellington in April, 2017, long-time resident Hazel Stellmacher. $50 proposed as amount. Motion seconded and passed unanimously.
Schwartz road drug transactions: Ian Wood is concerned regarding actions of one of the area residents. 50% of neighborhood residents agreed with concern and possible need for Neighborhood Watch program/signage. Ian Wood and group were discouraged by a meeting with a neighborhood resources officer. Gary will seek clarification from Officer Fennelly.
Matthew Paul would like to fundraise for SHNA from local businesses which would benefit from recognition/exposure on the proposed website.
Legal consultation regaring tax status may be needed.
Joanna, Gary and Jeanne to meet at the bank to change the list of those allowed to sign checks based on the election of new officers.
Safe Routes to School: Investment in sidewalks by City prioritizes schools. As part of the campaign, the SRTS National Partnership has suggested that individuals step forward to lead (champions). Gary is working to identify groups and individuals for advocacy. All membership email proposed and agreed upon by EC. Training session will occur on Aug 29, and then a town hall meeting for Safe Routes is planned for September.
Joanna will email updated SHNA membership list.
Motion to accept 2017 annual meeting minutes; seconded and passed.
Motion to accept March 2017 EC meeting minutes; seconded and passed.
Monday, September 6th at 6pm designated as the next EC meeting time. Location to be 907 Murrow Ct, Webber residence.
Walkability Survey added to agenda
Neighborhood workday added to agenda (to be coordinated with pickup of items by city)
Would Cromwell Environmental volunteer pickup and disposal of household hazardous waste?
Motion to adjourn passed at 7:27.