Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

June 4, 2009

 

President Andy Fink called the meeting to order at 7:35.

 

Other attendees included:  Margie McInnis, Peter Butzin, Mike Brezin, Tom & Mary Ann Vickers, Melissa Jacoby, Eric Thorn and Donna Legare

 

The minutes were corrected to reflect that Tom Schulte’s name was listed twice and that Steve and Not Dean Hodges.  The minutes were approved as amended.

 

We agreed that the sign recognizing BHNA as Neighborhood of the Year should be located at the location of a sign on Betton Road from an earlier award. We also authorized Mike to re-do the sign to include the name of our organization and the award year.

 

Peter announced that this would be his last meeting as a member and Secretary of the Board. Melissa Jacoby has agreed to be secretary. Peter indicated that he would be willing to continue administering payments to the service that is hosting our website. He also agreed to continue administering the email list, and, if necessary, post Melissa’s minutes to our website.

 

Tom presented the Membership Report as follows:

            Paid Members                             383

            Bellamy Fund              $2,161.00

            Partners Fund                  963.50

            Mansfield Fund                648.50

            Dues                              7,988.00

 

Donna Legare presented the report of the treasurer as follows:

 

Treasurer’s Report, June 4, 2009               

Submitted by Donna Legare, 386-1148

dlegare@comcast.net

 

Balance as of June 4, 2009:  $4888.92

Checks written since last report:

1261   05/14/09         320.00            Leon High School   Partner’s Fund

1262   05/14/09         250.00            Kathryn Haley          Mansfield Scholarship

1263   05/14/09         400.00            Kyle Miller                 Mansfield Scholarship

 

Deposits:

05/08/09         45.00              dues and funds

 

Donna announced that Pat Brueckheimer will not be able to serve as Treasurer. We agreed to ask Sue Hansen if she would take over the responsibility. Margie indicated that she would agree to serve as Treasurer if Sue declines.

 

There was discussion about how the family of foxes that are regularly seen around Harriman Circle have grown so accustomed to the presence of humans, that it could become endangered. Peter pointed out that he had received a call from one resident, suggesting that we post a sign. Donna reminded us that feeding wild mammals is illegal. Eric suggested that we be sure to include an article in the Fall newsletter warning residents of the dangers associated with the interaction of wild animals and humans.

 

Peter also reported that two callers have expressed concern about increased crime within our own and adjacent neighborhoods. This will likely become a bigger problem as foreclosures increase. We agreed to ask Tom Schulte to explore the possibility of restoring the Neighborhood Crime Watch.

 

Melissa announced that there would be no CONA workshop in June. The next one will be in August. The last CONA workshop included a presentation by Communicating Organization Active in Disasters (COAD), which encouraged neighborhoods to be concerned with the skills and needs associated with recovering from natural disasters. She indicated that the City provides someone to train people in the proper use of chain saws, and suggested that he be invited to provide a demonstration at our Annual Meeting in the Fall. Melissa also suggested that we provide a registration form in the next newsletter to identify disaster recover resources, including medical personnel and residents who own chain saws and generators.

 

Apparently the recent dedication of the new park behind Ashford Club Apartments was well attended.

 

A question was raised about the flags that appear on trees in an area along Centerville Road, northeast of the Hospital,that is scheduled for development. Apparently these are for a pre-development tree survey. Trees are not expected to be cut along Centerville Road, according to Brian LeBow.

 

Discussion turned to ideas for spending additional money from our treasury. (We generally agree that BHNA should avoid building up our bank balance. Instead we generally agreed that we should use the funds that are entrusted to the Board from our members to enhance and beautify Betton Hills.  Following are suggestions that will be researched further:

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Peter Butzin, Secretary