Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

December 3, 2009

Tom Vickers called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Tom welcomed Hilda Gilchrist, Sue Fleming and Hans Gregersen who volunteered to serve on the board and guests who attended the board social and dinner.

Attendees included: Tom Vickers, Mary Ann Vickers, Margie McInnes, Mike Brezin, Andy Grayson, Sue Hansen, Dean Hansen, Mary Kay Falconer, Donna Legare, Anne Longman, Peter Antonacci, Susan Fleming, Hans Gregersen, Hilda Gilchrist, David Gilchrist, Shawn Einarson Suzanne Choppin and Melissa Jacoby.

The November 5 minutes were approved.

Tom Vickers presented the December Membership Report:

Paid members: 284

Bellamy Fund $1,611.00

Partners Fund $ 910.00

Mansfield Fund $ 584.00

Dues $3,070.00

TOTAL $6,175.00

In December 2008 there were 294 members and a total of $5828 in dues and donations.

Web Report:

There is an outstanding question about who can accept “Friend” requests for the BHNA Facebook group. Andy Fink will be asked to provide information at the next board meeting. Shawn Einarson will contact City Neighborhood Services to seek a link to the BHNA website.

Neighborhood Preservation Report:

The annual Arbor Day event will be held on February 6, from 9 until noon. Donna Legare will take the lead. Activities will focus on removal of alien invasive plants in McCord Park. Due to continuing concerns about mowing in McCord Park and removal of natural vegetation on Cline Street, Donna suggested the formation of a committee to address the concerns with City Maintenance. Sue and Dean Hansen and Hilda Gilchrist will serve along with Donna.

Margie presented the Treasurer’s Report:

Previous balance: $8,244.49

Balance as of 12/03/09 $9,558.39

Checks written since last report:

1271 11/5/09 $ 60.00 Dean Hansen Fall social supplies

1272 11/5/09 $ 40.60 Mike Brezin Ice, envelopes

EFT 10/30/09 $ 30.50 Premier Bank New checks

Deposits since last report:

11/16/09 $ 920.00 Dues, donations

12/3/09 $ 525.00 Dues, donations

Suggestions for any additional uses of funds will be included on the agenda for the January 7 meeting. Margie will provide summary information about 2008 expenditures.

Newsletter:

The next newsletter will be distributed in January in advance of the Arbor Day event. Suggestions for articles include: Arbor Day “memories”, education about invasive plants, master gardener information, information about the “McCord Park dog walkers”, a calendar of upcoming events. .

CONA: CONA is soliciting applications for a board vacancy and for various committees. The deadline for applications for the board vacancy is 12/4/09.

Old Business:

The next outdoor movie event is tentatively scheduled for January 30 at the Betton Nature Center amphitheater. Suggested film titles should be emailed to Mary Kay Falconer.

The 38^th neighborhood Christmas caroling will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Harriman Circle. Bill Jones will lead. Andy Fink will arrange for signage. The event has been posted on the BHNA website and Facebook page.

New Business:

Andy Grayson reported that Vickie Schwartz, BHNA board member, recent lost her son. The board would like to contribute to a memorial fund or plant a tree in his honor. Andy will contact the family to determine their preference.

The board thanked Tom and Mary Ann Vickers for hosting the BHNA board social and dinner.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00.

Respectfully submitted,

Melissa Jacoby, Secretary