Minutes of BHNA Board Meeting

January 4, 2007

 

Chairman Mary Kay Falconer called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, after a brief time to socialize.

 

Attendees included: Andy Grayson, Bill Jones, Philip Froemke, Tom and Mary Ann Vickers, Mary Kay Falconer, J.T. Ehrhardt, Marge McInnes, Tom Schulte, Peter Butzin, Donna Legare, Mike Brezin, Bonnie Gaughan-Bailey, Anne Longman and Elizabeth Jensen.

 

The minutes of the December 7th meeting were approved as distributed.

 

Donna Legare submitted the treasurer’s report, as follows:

Treasurer’s Report, January 4, 2007

Submitted by Donna Legare, 386-1148

dlegare@comcast.net

 

Balance as of January 4, 2007:  $8193.99

 

Checks written since last report:

1149     12/12/06            Publix               100.00  Christmas families 2@ 50.00

1150     12/12/06            Target              150.00  Christmas families 2@ 75.00

1151     12/13/06            Fast Signs           53.75  Arbor Day and Caroling signs

 

Deposits:

12/15/06            505.00

12/29/06            285.00

01/04/07            510.00

01/04/07            370.00              all deposits dues and funds        

 

The Treasurer’s Report was approved as distributed.

 

Tom Vickers presented the membership report as follows: Dues have been recorded for 364 households. Money totals are $1,979 for the Bellamy Fund, $952 for the Partners Fund, $663 for the Mansfield Fund and $3,895 for dues and unrestricted donations, for a total of $7,489.

 

Mary Kay reported that progress is being made on locating a composting system in McCord Park, on Armistead and adjacent to the parking area. She, Donna and Mike have prepared wording for an educational sign to be provided by the City. The City will also erect a “no dumping sign” where trash has been deposited along Armistead Road.  Jody Walthall will construct the compost container.  We agreed that since there was insufficient time to apply for a grant from the City, the necessary costs would be paid from the BHNA treasury.

 

Donna presented plans for the annual Arbor Day event, which will start at 9 AM on January 27th. She proposes planting live oaks and donated cedar tress around a drainage pond that is on City property behind the new subdivisions, along the new trail and north of the Ashford Club apartments. We will also maintain existing plantings and add bushes to the existing blueberry patch. Mary Kay will be responsible for providing beverages. Bonnie also volunteered to bring beverages to share.

 

Peter agreed to update the member email list and send out emails reminding members about Arbor Day.

 

Phillip reported on the progress of the trail and park being developed to tie McCord and Winthrop Parks.  Apparently the City has decided that this should be a city rather than private park. A large fire circle has been added, and Boy Scouts continue to assist in the clearing and development of the area. Marvin Weinberger continues to provide the primary inspiration and sources of both funding and leadership for the project.

 

Phillip also pointed out that Marvin has generously provided refreshments for our board meetings.

 

Margie and Elizabeth presented plans for distributing welcome bags to new neighbors on January 12th. They have gathered donations and items for the bags, the list of new residents, and require no additional board assistance to distribute the items.

 

Mary Kay detailed plans for a major bicycle rally scheduled for noon on February 24th. There will be a short route for families and children and a longer ride for experienced cyclists. Several bicycle shops, cycling clubs and the City are expected to participate and assist. BHNA board member Bill Behenna and Commissioner Mark Mustian will also help. Peter agreed to distribute an email to BHNA members prior to the event.

 

Peter and J.T. reported that the development of our website, mybettonhills.org is progressing. Peter has secured the domain name for a cost of $8.88, and has arranged for hosting for an annual cost of $144.00. J.T. has agreed to have the site operational by late January. The website will not replace our printed, quarterly newsletter, but newsletters will be included as part of the content. It was also suggested that the site include a counter so we can be aware of the number of “hits”. We will publicize the site and URL in the McCord Kiosk, email to members, and in all printed materials, including newsletters.

 

Bill Jones reported that despite rain, at least 40 people turned out for the annual Christmas caroling event at Harriman Circle. The turn out was better than last year, perhaps because of the improved publicity from our new signage. Bill accompanied the event with his guitar.

 

We discussed the issue of the regular yard sale located at the corner of Armistead and Thomasville Roads. Ann Randolph in the Growth Management Office has notified the owner of a possible violation of out buildings. This will probably result in the owner’s seeking a variance for the out buildings. Since only adjacent homeowners will be notified, we agreed that the neighborhood should oppose any request for a variance.  Andy Grayson volunteered to check into the issue further with Ann Randolph and provide Mary Kay with the information required to draft a letter of opposition.

 

Mary Kay thanked Walter for preparing a display for the kiosk in McCord Park. The display presents information about decomposition of organic matter.

 

Bill Jones agreed to request that the City place another trash receptacle be placed on the northern side of Harriman Circle. Dan Farrar, who is the superintendent for parks in Betton Hills, is the contact.

 

Mary Kay thanked Bonnie for cleaning two of the marker signs. Bonnie indicated that she plans to clean additional signs as time permits.

 

Attention turned to the issue of neighborhood preservation, particularly preventing development, which jeopardizes the character of the neighborhood by significantly increasing density. Our neighborhood supports a proposed ordinance, which is on the agenda for the City Commission’s January 24th meeting. It would require that development on lots smaller than 10% of the average sized lot in the neighborhood be prohibited. While BHNA supports urban infill, we oppose development, which would place multiple dwellings on individual lots. Charles Pattison testified very effectively at recent meeting of the Planning Commission, which has recommended the ordinance. The Council of Neighborhood Associations, and the Brandt Hills and Waverly Hills neighborhood associations have also been active in support of the ordinance. Mary Kay plans to attend a strategy meeting, sponsored by CONA on January 8th. Tom Schulte agreed to organize a group of neighbors to attend the Commission meeting on the 24th and lobby Commissioners prior to the vote. Philip, Charles, and Mary Kay also continue to be actively involved in the issue. Bonnie agreed to contact Debbie Lightsey.

 

Bill Jones reminded the board that the famous bluegrass banjo player and teacher, Tony Trischka would be playing to benefit Habitat for Humanity at 8 PM on February 2nd at the American Legion. Bill will also appear at the event. Those interested in purchasing tickets may contact Bill at biljones@nettally.com; 893-2507.

 

Anne suggested that we invite newly elected County Commissioner John Daily to a future meeting, since part of his district includes Betton Hills. Anne and others agreed that we should eventually invite all City and County Commissions to individually appear for the purpose of discussing issues of interest to BHNA.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9 PM.

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted

 

 

Peter Butzin