Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

April 2, 2009

 

President Andy Fink called the meeting to order at 7:30.

 

Other attendees included: Dean Hansen, Tom Vickers, Mary Kay Falconer, Melissa Jacoby, Donna Legare, Peter Butzin, Shawn Einarson and Margie McInnes.

 

The minutes were presented. Melissa corrected the reporting of her participation in the February CONA meeting by indicating that there were concerns about student trespassing in the Old Town and Lafayette Park neighborhoods and that increased crime has been occurring throughout the county. The minutes were approved as amended.

 

Donna Legare presented the report of the treasurer as follows:

 

Treasurer’s Report, April 2, 2009                  

Submitted by Donna Legare, 386-1148

dlegare@comcast.net

 

Balance as of April 2, 2009: $7604.69

Checks written since last report:

1245    03/06/09          100.00             Leon High Project Graduation

1246    03/19/09          100.00             Andy Grayson, repair marquis

1247    03/22/09          152.00             Party Line, 50% deposit:family fun day

1248    03/24/09          106.50             Margie McInness, family fun day

1249    03/30/09          382.28             Fed Ex Office, newsletter

 

Deposits:

03/07/09                      435.00             dues and funds

 

The report was approved.

 

Tom Vickers presented the membership report as follows:

 

Paid Members                         380

Bellamy Fund                          $2,151.00

Partners Fund                      $958.50

Mansfield Fund                       $648.50

Dues                                       $4,165.00

TOTAL                                                $7,923.00

 

About half of the households are members.

 

Discussion ensued regarding how we might spend our available funds. We agreed that we should avoid having a high annual year-end balance. Although a few ideas for spending the money were presented, we agreed to solicit ideas from other board members. Mary Kay pointed out that eventually the markers will need to be maintained, but apparently not this year.

 

Melissa pointed out that prominently displayed “No Fishing” signs were occasionally being ignored on Leguna Pond. Donna pointed out that the Parks and Recreation Department should be called to provide enforcement.

 

With the absence of Tami Frankland, there was no report from the Welcoming Committee. Dean, a member, indicated that welcome gifts would likely not be distributed until May.

 

The Board expressed thanks to Mary Kay for applying for the Neighborhood of the Year award. The winner will be announced at CONA’s annual banquet on May 11^th.

 

The Board congratulated Shawn and Mike on the newsletter and Andy was recognized for his inspirational “President’s Message”. The next newsletter will be the Fall issue. Shawn suggested that she would like to include more photos. Melissa suggested including a story that explains why clear-cutting around neighborhood ponds should be avoided.

 

Dean pointed out that the improvements to the McCord drainage system have managed the high rainfall we have experienced during the past two weeks. Several members pointed out that Tallahassee/Leon’s storm water management department has responded promptly to maintenance of drainage systems in our neighborhood.

 

Margie distributed a list of assignments for the annual “Spring Fling” which will take place from 3 to 5 PM on April 29^th. Board members have generally been responsive to calls for volunteers. Assistance is still needed to supervise children’s activities. All board members are especially urged to attend and assist.

 

Andy pointed out that Joe Cain continues to organize opposition to the cell tower on Thomasville Road. Although BHNA has written a letter to the City opposing the cell tower, no futher actions will be taken.

 

The Killearn Homes Association, led by Brad Trotman, continues to oppose efforts by the billboard industry to further weaken the sign ordinance. Specifically, the Killearn Homes Association recommends:

(1)  Limiting billboard clutter at intersections and on opposite sides of the street by imposing a 1500 or 2000 foot minimum spacing requirement.

(2)  Increasing the minimum distance required between billboards and prohibiting new billboards within 500 feet of residentially zoned property.

(3)  Requiring that if the billboard industry adds digital and/or multi-advertisement billboards, a maximum number of existing standard billboards should be removed.

(4)  Prohibiting billboards on the few remaining roads that have scenic value.

 

Historically BHNA has promoted strengthening the sign ordinance and specifically reducing the number of billboards.

 

Members are encouraged to contact the city and county commissioners.

 

Andy announced that he had accepted, on behalf of the neighborhood, a proclamation from the City to recognize our efforts to save the roses in Tallahassee parks.

 

We discussed Marvin Weinberger’s plans to dedicate the Betton Hills Nature Center that he was instrumental in developing behind the Ashford Club Apartments. We agreed to provide Marvin with the labels of all residents in Betton Hills, but with the understanding that Shawn Einarson will approve the mailing and make sure that it is not being promoted as a BHNA official activity.

 

Discussion turned to increased crime in our neighborhood, including theft of bicycles and other objects from carports.

 

Peter drew attention to the legal notice distributed by Anne Longman regarding the City of Tallahassee’s notice of intent to consider a second amendment of a new development proposed by Tallahassee Memorial Health Care. The second of two public hearings will be held at the City Commission Chambers at 5:30 PM on “Wednesday, April 7” [sic]. We believe the correct date is Wednesday, April 8^th, since the Commission usually meets on Wednesdays. The proposed development pertains to 81 acres located north and east of TMH property. Action will be taken at the conclusion of the public hearing.

 

The notice includes the following summary: “The proposed amendment extends the expiration date for the agreement; acknowledges imminent transfer of property to the City to be leased back to TMH; verifies existing vested rights to TMH; clarifies the existing hospital transportation concurrency system; revises the alignment of a planned road from Surgeon’s Drive to Centerville Road with no change to where it intersects Centerville Road; deletes buffers previously established in a limited use site plan approved by the City where the adjoining use is no longer residential; and clarifies some development issues like urban forest and slope requirements.”

 

Donna indicated that she will try to attend, since new development at TMH is likely to impact our neighborhood. Mary Kay also indicated that she may try to attend.

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Peter Butzin, Secretary