Sunset Hill Neighborhood Association 2024 Annual Meeting
Monday, April 22, 2024, 7:00 PM, West Middle School Cafeteria
2700 Harvard Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
Draft Meeting Minutes
I. Presentation: James Chiselom, Executive Director, Lawrence Community Shelter:
Gary Webber opened the meeting, welcoming the participants. He then introduced James Chiselom to speak briefly on homeless issues in Lawrence. It is pertinent to us due to the eight to ten camps in Centennial Park.
Chiselom then spoke as to the situation at the Shelter. He understands there are the unhoused in this neighborhood and would encourage anyone to call and they will work to accommodate any unhoused individuals. The Village is full with 48 occupants and two hold for incoming users, thus meeting the 50 bed maximum. The Village is fully staffed, including security staff. Two people are always on duty.
Chiselom then introduced Lacee Roe, Director of Community Engagement at LCS, who solicited volunteers and donors in support of the program. 383 individuals in the first quarter.
Questions were then taken from the audience. Priority is given to Douglas County residents on the basis of self-reporting. The program goal is to indicate this not your home but a transition spot for a better future. They are working to make services more accessible and the situation more accommodating (e.g. pets accepted).
The shelter is a difficult environment to be in (crowded, noise, etc.) thus the resistance by some to stay. Street outreach is upcoming to engage people who need services. 20% in the ninety-day program are employed. Income is not always the predominant issue in being houseless.
No children allowed at the shelter—they normally work with Family Promise (but a family solution is being sought). Limits on shelter vary from three to six months duration, varying with behavior and progress. Using and drinking is prohibited. Low barrier access exists at the shelter, less so at the Village.
Peak occupancy of the Shelter in the winter cold was 163 people at one time. The Village units have not experienced participant damage but have seen some design problems. Lice and bedbugs are addressed on site.
The VA has programs to aid veterans.
Camping in Lawrence permitted since 2019 court ruling, complicated by Covid and the need to provide housing before non-camping enforced. Enforcement now underway. There are plans to continue to close camps but the timeline is unclear.
Over 50 percent of our population has mental health issues. There is always a need for more mental health services; Bert Nash is working to increase those services to our population.
II. Welcome and introductions of 2022-2023 Executive Committee
1. Bill Arick, Treasurer
2. Jon Dunham
3. James Jordan
4. David Mucci
5. Marianna Nieto
6. Betsy/Chris Ostrander
7. Matthew Paul, Vice President
8. Gary Webber, President
9. John White, Secretary
10. Jeanne Pees, Past President, ex officio member
III. Treasurer’s Report: Current balance is $899.62, 68 total members including 2 business members.
Electronic payment process was implemented in 2023. Annual dues are $5 for homes, $10 for business. SHNA spent $116 for supplies. Membership is down from a peak in 2018 and we need to continue to build membership in order to sustain finances. The downward trend relates to pandemic and some neighborhood issue divisions. We may have to consider suspending the potluck. So please encourage your neighbors to join. Electronic registration may help.
IV. Old Business
1. Accept minutes of 2023 Annual Meeting: https://sunsethillna.org/2023/05/04/annual-meeting-minutes-2023/
The motion was moved by Joe Douglas and seconded by Marianne Nieto. Passed unanimously.
V. New Business:
1. Summary of SHNA Executive Committee actions in 2023:
a. Presented 6 Applause Awards—Joni Stone makes this possible through her effort. An award and $5 gift.
b. Published SHNA quarterly newsletter
c. Volunteers cleaned Centennial Park and Ludlam Park 3 times
d. Donated $50 each to:
1) Sunset Hill Elementary
2) West Middle School
3) Community Mercantile Education Foundation
e. Worked with Municipal Services & Operations to advocate for street maintenance and traffic safety
f. Hand-delivered 39 “Welcome Neighbor” packets to new property owners
g. Attended monthly Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods (LAN) meetings
2. Election of Nominees to 2023-2024 SHNA Executive Committee:
a. The EC nominates Jon Dunham to serve an additional 3-year term
b. The EC nominates Marianna Nieto to serve an additional 3-year term
c. Nominations for replacement of Bill Arick, 2 years remaining on a 3-year term. Gary solicited nominees for Executive Committee and none were forthcoming from the floor. Joan Stone then volunteered to serve. The three new members were voted on and accepted without opposition.
NOTE: After the meeting the secretary noted that David Mucci was omitted from the list of Executive Committee members who had agreed to serve an additional term. Webber apologized to Mucci for this omission. Mucci suggested the EC appoint him for this year and then nominate him at the 2025 Annual Meeting. The issue will be discussed at the May meeting of the EC.
3. Removing the Polaris missile from Centennial Park (Joe Douglas):
The missile shell has now been in place sixty years. This missile carried nuclear warheads during the Cold War and was part of the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction. Seven years ago a peace poll was implemented to provide balance to the belligerence. Douglas would like to relocate the missile shell as its presence in the park seems inappropriate. Joe sought others interested in pursuing this to contact him, or meet with him following the meeting.
4. New items from the participants:
a. A participant asked about the camps in Centennial Park. Webber reported that the city plans to continue to close camps, with a priority on areas of highest concentration. Each unit will approach residents individually to find suitable relocation. Centennial would not be a priority but will rise higher on the list as more concentrated unsanctioned camps are relocated. New and abandoned encampments will be immediately addressed and should be reported via the online Campsite Reporter.
b. A participant asked if the membership could vote on a letter supporting the removal of the Polaris missile shell. Webber indicated that the Executive Committee would be the entity to make an official statement on behalf of the neighborhood as defined by the bylaws.
c. Webber asked the participants to please promote SHNA to their neighbors. Sunset Hill residents or business or property owners can join from the SHNA Website, either online or via mail-in application. Any additional information questions should go to the President at president@sunsethillna.org.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM