Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

October 2, 2008

Mary Kay Falconer called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM, after explaining that President Andy Fink had indicated that he would arrive late.

Attendees included: Mary Kay Falconer, Bonnie Gaughan-Bailey, Tom Vickers, Peter Butzin, Dean Hansen, Melissa Jacoby, Mike Brezin, Donna Legare, Tom Schulte and Andy Fink.

In her absence Donna Lagare’s treasurer’s report was presented. There were no receipts or disbursements since the last meeting. The checking account balance as of October 2, 2008: $3791.07

Donna Legare made the following amendment to the September minutes: The lower maintenance roses suggested for the rose garden in Winthrop Park would not be native, they would be Knock-out Roses that do not require spraying. The minutes were approved as amended.

A letter was circulated from City Commissioner Mark Mustian regarding ordinances relating especially to students living in neighborhoods.

A letter was circulated from Michele Craig, M.Ed., Doctobral Candidate in the Department of Family and Child Services, College of Education, soliciting BHNA’s cooperation in gathering research for her dissertation, “Feelings of Safety in the Home: A Qualitative Analysis”. Since the scope and schedule were not specified, we deferred action pending additional details.

East Hill Baptist Church has asked for our assistance encouraging members to attend. We agreed that any actions of a religious nature are not appropriate to BHNA and re-iterated our official policy of never sharing our membership list.

The BHNA Annual Membership Meeting will be from 3 to 5 PM on October 12^th. This is our annual ice cream social. Tom Schulte agreed to organize volunteer responsibilities, which are as follows:

1. Tammy Franklin & Bonnie Bailey- arts and crafts;

2. Mike Brezin- Soft drinks i.e., root beer (2), coke (2), diet coke (2), bottled water;

3. Dean Hansen- ice cream and cones;

4. Andy Fink-signs;

5. Mary Kay- reserving the structure at Winthrop;

6. Dona Legare- steel drum band;

7. Tom Vickers and Kathy Moulton- membership table (Mike B. will bring the table);

8. Hal Beardall- ice chest and ice; and

9. Peter Butzin- paper products.

BHNA members are asked to bring snack items.

Dear Hansen reported that he had talked to Brenda Pratt, who works for the City and is responsible for the maintenance of the roses at Winthrop Park. She feels that she may be able to save a scaled-back version of the rose garden, if BHNA is willing to pay for supplies ($213 in the Fall and $138 in the Spring). A motion passed to pay out of the Bellamy Fund.

It was pointed out that Tony Franklin chairs the welcoming committee.

Melissa indicated that she had been called by the City’s Code Enforcement Division asking for BHNA’s assistance in promoting code enforcement.

Discussion turned to our involvement in the Council of Neighborhood Associations. Tom suggested that our being involved on the board is not critical, considering that the topics seldom directly involve our neighborhood. However, he, Melissa and Mary Kay agreed that we should be involved in the “Town Hall” meetings and monitor those issues which affect all neighborhoods. Melissa said that she will continue to attend these meetings. (The Town Hall Meetings are on the 2^nd Monday of even numbered months.) Bonnie also said that she will try to attend these meetings.

Dean recommended the Energy Audit and grant program by the City. This offers grants from the City that pay for 80% of the costs of energy conservation such as weather stripping and insulation (and 100% for low income households).

Mike recognized Tom and Mary Ann Vickers for helping prepare the recent newsletter for mailing.

The Board also recognized Dean for mowing the untended public area along Cline Street and Betton Road.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Peter Butzin, Secretary