Minutes of BHNA Board Meeting

February 1, 2007

 

Chairman Mary Kay Falconer called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.

 

Attendees included: Philip Froemke, Tom Vickers, Mary Kay Falconer, J.T. Ehrhardt, Marge McInnes, Tom Schulte, Peter Butzin, Donna Legare, Bill Behenna, Hal Beardall, Dean Hansen, and Elizabeth Jensen.

 

The minutes of the January 4th meeting were approved as distributed.

 

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

Treasurer’s Report, February 1, 2007

Submitted by Donna Legare, 386-1148

dlegare@comcast.net

 

Balance as of February 1, 2007:  $7870.05

 

Checks written since last report:

1152     01/05/07            152.88              Peter Butzin                  website

1153     01/23/07            130.96              Home Depot                 Arbor Day compost pile

1154     01/23/07            120.19              Margie McInnes            welcome committee

1155     01/27/07              30.00              Philip Froemke              marker maintenance

1156     01/31/07            144.91              Native Nurseries           Arbor Day

 

Deposits:

01/31/07            255.00  dues and funds 

 

 

The Treasurer’s Report was approved as distributed.

 

Tom Vickers presented the membership report as follows: Dues have been recorded for 382 households compared with 428 the previous year.  Money totals are $2,018 for the Bellamy Fund, $982 for the Partners Fund, $673 for the Mansfield Fund and $4,095 for dues and unrestricted donations, for a total of $7,764

 

Philip suggested that a newsletter should be sent out soon, and that we should consider one last effort to collect dues from those who paid in previous years, but not this year.

 

Donna reported on the results of Arbor Day activities. The city donated 20 bails of pine straw, which was spread around plantings to discourage mowing too close, and used for mulch on traffic islands located on Trescott and Betton. A Pond Cypress was planted near the “Lee Graham Bench” in McCord Park. 2 blueberry bushes were planted. The bird and duck houses were cleaned. Volunteers also planted trees along the new nature trail that leads to the Ashford Club Apartments and the Betton Nature Center. Several board members, plus an additional 10 to 15 neighbors helped. The new compost enclosure was constructed on Armistead on the northern end of the park.  The board thanked Jody and Donna for their extra efforts in organizing the event and making it a success.

 

Margie and Elizabeth reported that the Welcoming Committee distributed 20 baskets to new residents. The following neighborhood merchants contributed items for the baskets.

Vogue Cleaners

Tallahassee convention and Visitors Bureau

Great Bicycle Shop

Tallahassee Decorative fabrics

Cicada MArket

Premier Bank

Shoaf Realty

Karmand Print Shop

Golden Image

Witherspoon

Native Nurseries

Brown's kitchen

Ten Thousand Villages

Grammy and Gees

 

A thank you letter will be sent to each merchant. The committee requested $120 for the package materials and $111 for the new Betton Hills Neighborhood Association (BHNA) stickers. A motion to approve up to $250 for expenses was approved. Elizabeth will email the names and addresses of the new residents to Tom. The committee plans to distribute another round of neighbor baskets to new residents in about 3 months.

 

Peter and J.T. reported on progress in establishing our website, www.mybettonhills.com. Due to a technical problem, the initial hosting service was not able to accommodate our needs. Although an alternate hosting service has been selected, the problem will delay the launch of the site by a few days. The new hosting service actually is about half the cost of the initial site ($4.95 per month rather than $10). The site will be ready for the Board to view by February 4th. The website committee, consisting of Mary Kay, Peter and J.T. will meet during the upcoming week to review the site, prior to making it available to the public.

 

Mary Kay reported that plans for the Bike Rally are progressing well. Bike shops have been notified, and the Capital City Cycling Club is on board. Mary Kay has been working on the route, with an emphasis on safety. The route will include Lafayette, Betton Hills, Woodgate and Betton Woods. The rally will start at noon on February 24th.

 

Next the Board discussed plans for the annual “Spring Fling” social event. Mary Kay suggested that a committee be established to consider refreshments and activities. The group agreed that snow cones proved to be a hit last year. Although we usually have pizza, several members suggested that a pot luck be considered. There were also suggestions for more physical activities, although it was pointed out that inclement weather discouraged the usual sporting and play events we traditionally include. We agreed that the committee should establish a date in late April or early May.

 

Mary Kay reported on the efforts of the Council of Neighborhood Associations and especially the Brandt Hills, Betton and Waverly associations to press the City to preserve neighborhoods. Judy Tapps, the President of the Waverly association has led the effort by drafting a comprehensive set of proposals, including establishing buffers between zoning categories, compatible design standards, prohibitions against commercial encroachment, etc. Although the ordinance to prevent housing densities inconsistent with a neighborhood’s existing character passed, it will be up for renewal in only 18 months. By its own admission the Commission does not know the impact the new ordinance will have. Mary Kay congratulated Tom Schulte for his leadership on the issue. She also predicted that the neighborhood preservation issue will require much time and effort, and asked for a board member to volunteer to lead the effort.

 

County Commissioner John Daley will attend our March meeting. Mary Kay asked for a good turn-out. We will also use the new website to encourage attendance by members.

 

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board will meet on February 15th to determine whether outbuildings located on the lot at the corner of Armistead and Thomasville Road are in compliance with code. However, the purpose of the outbuildings, which appear to be used for regular garage sales, will not be considered. Peter volunteered to check whether there is a city ordinance that regulates yard and garage sales.

 

We agreed not to submit an application for Neighborhood of the Year (Tallahassee as well as Leon County Awards) and nominations for the Watershed Award (announced recently by the City).

 

Bill Behenna reminded the board that the new solid waste collection schedule will go into effect on May 1st. Garbage collection will be limited to curb side pick up once a week, although persons with disabilities can receive “back door” pick up with a doctor’s note. Bill suggested that this be announced on the website and in the next newsletter.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted

 

 

Peter Butzin