Annual Meeting Draft Minutes – 2026

May 21, 2026
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Sunset Hill Neighborhood Association 2026 Annual Meeting

Wednesday, April 28, 2026, 7:00 PM, West Middle School Cafeteria

  1. Matthew Paul, President welcomes guests and introduction of 2025-2026 Executive Committee Members in attendance: Matthew Paul, Joan Stone, James Jordan, Marianna Nieto, Jon Dunham, David Mucci and Rusty Monhollon
  2. Treni Wescott, Code Compliance Manager, City of Lawrence, Planning and Development Services, was introduced. Treni presented and reviewed various topics regarding code compliance and specific criteria and guidelines. Google City of Lawrence Code Compliance for various departments and contacts. Treni answered questions of member
  3. Treasurer’s Report was given by James Jordan. SHNA donated $50.00 to Sunset Hill Elementary, West Middle School and Community Mercantil Education Foundation. Annual dues are $5.00. Mr. Jordan has sheets on the table for anyone wishing to pay their dues today. The report was approved by acclamation.
  4. Minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting were approved by acclamation: https://sunsethillna.org/2025/05/06/annual-meeting-draft-minutes-2025/
  5. New Business:
    1. Matthew Paul gave a summary of the SHNA Executive Committee for 2025 and reviewed the Nominees for the 2026-2027 Executive Committee:
      1. Nominate James Jordan to serve an additional 3-year term,
      2. Betsy and Chris Ostrander to serve an additional 3-year term
      3. Matthew Paul to serve an additional 3-year term
      4. Request for any volunteers for the Vice-President Officer (currently open). No one volunteered for the Vice-President position.
      5. All positions were approved by acclamation.
    2. Matthew Paul reviewed the Applause Awards process.
      1. Joan Stone asked members to send her nominations for any community improvements they notice. (https://sunsethillna.org/2025/10/26/applause-award-winners-2025/)
    3. SHNA quarterly newsletter is published by Gary Webber and Matthew Paul.
    4. Past clean-up of Ludlam Park and Centennial Park were reviewed. Clean up for 2025 was not scheduled due to the encampments located in the parks. The City of Lawrence recently cleared and restored the encampment sites (April 2025). Thank you!
    5. SHNA has worked with the Traffic Management Program to calm traffic on Crestline. Speed bumps have been installed on Crestline between Bob Billings and 9th
    6. In the past we have hand-delivered “Welcome Neighbor” packets to new property owners.
    7. SHNA members attended monthly Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods (LAN) meeting.
    8. SHNA members participated with Lawrence Library on strategic planning.
    9. Matthew Paul concluded the meeting reviewing the SHNA Goals – and asked for any recommendation, open for member comments/additions (see attached goals).
    10. Contact us at exec@sunsethillna.org – Or via webpage “contact us”
  6. Meeting was adjourned.

Sunset Neighborhood Association – Goals

“Ultimate” goal – Improve the neighborhood as a place to live

  1. Neighborhood Quality (Physical condition, appearance, and upkeep)
    1. Curbs, Streets & Sidewalks
    2. Beautification (landscaping, entrances, signage)
    3. Parks & Green Spaces
    4. Code Compliance & Property Standards
  2. Safety & Security (Reducing risk and increasing resident confidence)
    1. Traffic Safety (speeding, signage, crosswalks, traffic calming)
    2. Crime Prevention & Awareness (neighborhood watch, communication with police, alerts)
    3. Emergency Preparedness (storm readiness, communication plans, resource awareness)
    4. Safe Public Spaces (parks, walking paths, visibility, maintenance tied to safety)
    5. Lighting Improvements (streetlights, dark areas, park lighting)
  3. Community Engagement (Building connection and participation)
    1. Social EventsApplause / Recognition Awards
    2. Volunteer Opportunities
    3. Communication (newsletter, social media, updates)
    4. Welcoming New Residents
  4. Advocacy & Partnerships (Representing neighborhood interests and building external relationships)
    1. City Engagement (coordination with city officials, council meetings, LAN)
    2. Infrastructure Advocacy (streets, utilities, public services)
    3. Development & Zoning Awareness (monitoring changes, community input)
    4. Grants & Funding Opportunities (identifying and pursuing funding sources)
    5. Partnerships (schools, local organizations, nearby neighborhoods, businesses)
Annual Meeting Minutes