Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

December 4, 2008

 

President Andy Fink called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM at the home of Tom and Mary Ann Vickers.

Other attendees included:  Mike Brezin & Suzanne Choppin, Tom & Mary Ann Vickers, Mary Kay Falconer, Andy Grayson, Melissa Jacoby, Donna Legare, Dean & Sue Hansen, Tom Schulte, Carolyn and Eric Smith and their guest, Pat Brueckheimer. Dee Crumpler, Director of City Parks and Recreation also appeared as a guest and resource.

 

Vickie Schwartz and Tami Frankland asked that they be excused from regular board meeting attendance, but indicated that they would continue to be active in neighborhood events.

 

Dee Crumpler reported that due to severe budgetary constraints, the City is no longer in a position to fully support rose gardens in our neighborhood. Affected rose gardens include Chittenden  Park (aka Carol Bellamy Rose Garden), and the gardens at both the north and south ends of Winthrop Park.

 

He presented three alternatives for the large garden at the south end of Winthrop Park: (1) remove and replace with grass; (2) remove and replace with a low, easily maintained labyrinth (A resident has expressed interest in funding or helping fund the labyrinth.); (3) Raise funds to save the garden. 

 

Donna suggested that blueberry bushes be planted to replace the roses at the north end of Winthrop and that low maintenance Knock Out roses be planted to replace the roses in front of the Winthrop Park sign at the north end. We agreed that if the City can remove the existing rose beds by January 31st, our major Arbor Day project could be to plant their lower maintenance replacements. We also agreed that BHNA supports the planting of a labyrinth at the south end of Winthrop in lieu of Knock Out roses, if arrangements can be worked out between the City and the potential donor.

 

A motion was made, and passed, to have BHNA pay for the blueberry bushes and Knock Out roses, as a project for our annual Arbor Day event on January 31st.

 

Dee also indicated that the premiere garden in the neighborhood is at Chittenden  Park, and that of the three rose beds, the City is most interested in working with the neighborhood to save this rose garden. The family of the late Carol Bellamy has agreed to pay for half of the maintenance of the Chittenden garden, if BHNA will pay for the other half.  The estimated annual cost of maintaining the rose garden in Chittenden Park is $4,000, so BHNA and individual donors would be expected to pay the other $2,000.

 

A motion was then made, and passed, that BHNA agree to pay $1,000 toward the maintenance of the garden in Chittenden Park, as a challenge match to raise the remaining $1,000 solicited from neighbors, especially those living in the vicinity of the garden. Carolyn Smith agreed to contact those neighbors. We also agreed to solicit for additional contributions in the January newsletter.

 

A suggestion was made to give a rose from one of the existing bushes as an incentive to raise additional funds.

 

Carolyn and Eric Smith asked for advice regarding replacing pine trees with sturdier varieties that could better withstand storm damage. Stan Rosenthal, the Leon County Extension agent was suggested as a resource for suggestions.

 

The minutes of the November meeting were approved as distributed.

 

Donna presented the Report of the Treasurer as follows:

 

Treasurer’s Report, December 4, 2008                       

Submitted by Donna Legare, 386-1148

dlegare@comcast.net

 

Balance as of December 4, 2008:  $8238.62

Checks written since last report:

1235     11/06/08            43.58    Dean Hansen                annual mgt. ice cream

1236     11/06/08            23.70    Mike Brezin                   annual mgt. drinks

1237     12/02/08            50.00    Tami Frankland  annual mgt. crafts

 

Deposits:

12/04/08            340.00              dues and funds

 

Tom presented the Membership Report. Dues have been received from 294 member households. Dues and donations totals are:  Bellamy Fund: $1,481, Partners in Excellence: $768.50; Mansfield Scholarship: $543.50; Dues and undesignated donations: $3,035. Total received to date $5,828.

 

Melissa reported that the CONA meeting scheduled for November was cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will occur on December 8th. Mary Kay suggested that CONA would especially benefit from someone who could represent a close-in neighborhood.

 

Bill Jones will take charge of organizing the annual caroling event at Harriman Circle at 4 PM on December 24th.  Andy agreed to erect signs to announce the event. It was also suggested to publicize the event in the Tallahassee Democrat, and, especially, the Northeast Chronicle.

 

Carolyn Smith reported the successes of Beacon Hill Village in Boston as possible model for our own neighborhood. The organization provides what can best be described as a concierge service and promotes neighborhood events and both paid and volunteer services to the community. The purpose of the organization is to provide a strong sense of community, where older people are encouraged to remain in their homes. The concept has developed to the point where it is being tried in other communities, and has a full-time Executive Director. The cost per household per year is about $1,000. No action was taken, but Carolyn suggested that we be aware of progress of the concept.

 

We agreed that since the next regular meeting would fall on January 1st, that we will instead meet in the Community Room of Ashford Club Apartments at 7:30 on January 8th.  Since Peter Butzin will be absent, Melissa agreed to be responsible for the minutes.

 

There being no further business we adjourned to an hour of seasonal refreshments and socializing in Tom and Mary Anne’s lovely home.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Peter Butzin, Secretary