Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

November 5, 2009

President Tom Schulte called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

Attendees included: Andy Fink, Margie McInnes, Mike Brezin, Andy Grayson, Dean Hansen, Mary Kay Falconer, Donna Legare, Tom Schulte, and Melissa Jacoby. Guests included resident Jim Mathes, TPD Officer Delonna Hartley, and Chick Savering and Lauren Pratt of the City utilities.

The October 1 minutes were approved as amended.

TPD Officer Hartley, who also attended the October BHNA fall social, spoke about the availability of a child safety presentation that could be provided to neighborhood residents if there is sufficient interest. Given recent incidents, the Board will explore this offer. Tom will see if the presentation could be made at Kate Sullivan School and other neighborhoods included.

Jim Mathes a resident of Betton Woods Drive briefed the Board. Mr. Mathes’ property contains a drainage easement surrounded by a chain link fence and is not well maintained by the city. The city is now interested in relocating an underground sewage pumping station that is currently across the street on Armistead to this property. Jim has been in touch with numerous city officials. Chick Saverling, P.E., city utilities explained the proposal and provided assurances about the aesthetics. The station would not produce any noise and would be hidden by a shadowbox wood fence and landscaping. Mr. Mathes is in favor of the project and wanted the Board to be aware. He will also talk with neighbors. The Board had no objections and thanked Jim for keeping us informed.

Margie McInnes presented the November Membership Report:

Paid members: 218 (Compared to 267 for November 2008)

Bellamy Fund $1301.00

Partners Fund $ 725.00

Mansfield Fund $ 429.00

Dues $2275.00

TOTAL $4730.00

Margie presented the Treasurer’s Report:

Previous balance: $4769.54

Balance as of 11/5/09 $8244.49

Checks written since last report:

1266 10/1/09 $847.20 Shawn Einarson Newsletter copying/postage

1267 10/16/09 $ 83.85 Andy Fink Fall social signage

1268 10/18/09 $300.00 Leon Steel Band Fall social entertainment

1269 10/28/09 $ 44.00 U.S. Postmaster PO box rental—12 mos.

Deposits since last report:

10/19/09 $4193.00 Dues, donations, 1 T-shirt

7/20/09 $ 557.00 Dues, donations

BHNA Board members should continue to recommend appropriate uses for the funds.

Newsletter: The next newsletter will be distributed in January in advance of the Arbor Day event. Content will be discussed at the December meeting.

The annual Arbor Day event will be held on February 6, from 9 until noon. Donna will take the lead on organizing. Activities for the upcoming event will focus on removal of alien invasive plants in McCord Park. Donna will contact the City as well as groups, e.g., Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, who might be interested in assisting.

Welcoming Committee: Several residents volunteered to assist with welcoming activities. Melissa will provide their names to Dean who will contact them.

CONA: CONA is soliciting applications for a board vacancy and for various committees.

Old Business: Andy Fink will check with the company that provides the BHNA social event signs to determine possible designs and prices for the Neighborhood of the Year sign. Mike will obtain information about a bat house. A resident has offered purple martin house gourds. Check with Harriman Circle neighbors to see if they’re interested.

Mary Kay reported that the outdoor movie event at the Betton Nature Center amphitheater went well. There will be “dress rehearsal” movie screening on November 21. If that works well, there will be larger neighbor events beginning in January. Board members should suggest possible movies. The Board authorized the expenditure of $50 for projection costs. After discussion, the Board also authorized the purchase of four badminton sets. Mary Kay will coordinate an effort to encourage more residents to use the parks for recreation.

New Business: New neighbor Kent Spriggs generously offered blueberry bushes from his yard for the parks. Unfortunately, as they are full grown bushes, they will likely not survive without sufficient water.

Melissa compiled a list of suggestions by neighbors and the names of people who are interested in volunteering. Tom Schulte will contact prospective board members. Dean will contact welcoming committee volunteers.

Members commented on the need to update information in the McCord pond kiosk. Donna will prepare a display on information on invasive plants. Melissa will send Mike recent photos of hawks and woodstorks taken in the neighborhood for future use.

Margie will contact Tom Vickers to determine his willingness to host the December meeting and Board social.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Melissa Jacoby, Secretary