Betton Hills Neighborhood Association Minutes

February 4, 2010

President Tom Schulte called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

Attendees included: Andy Fink, Margie McInnes, Mike Brezin, Andy Grayson, Dean Hansen, Mary Kay Falconer, Donna Legare, Sue Hansen, Shawn Einarson, new board member Tom Whitaker and Melissa Jacoby. Guests included Kathy Fredericks.

The January 7 minutes were amended to note approval of the December 3, 2009 minutes. The January minutes were then approved as amended.

Kathy Fredericks was asked to address the board. She produces newsletters for a variety of homeowner and neighborhood associations. Cost of the newsletters is covered by paid advertisements. Content and frequency are governed by the association and could include generic information relevant to all associations. Ms. Frederick provided copies of newsletters for review. At the end of the meeting, the board expressed a preference for continuing the format and specific content of the current BHNA newsletter. Although it is more work to produce and distribute the current newsletter, the board felt that residents would be less likely to read a more commercial publication.

Margie presented the February Membership Report, which was approved:

Paid members: 339

Bellamy Fund $ 1735.00

Partners Fund $ 1038.00

Mansfield Fund $ 637.00

Dues $ 3685.00

TOTAL $ 7095.00

Web Report: Mary Kay reported that JT Ehrhardt will work on the website, but will no longer provide this service at no charge. Andy Fink and Mary Kay will look at the site and make recommendations for possible modification at the next board meeting. The board also discussed the use of the BHNA Facebook group for neighborhood teens to post availability for summer jobs.

Neighborhood Preservation: Dean reported that the city mowed and cut the natural buffer and removed mulch near Cline Street in McCord Park. Dean presented a draft letter expressing BHNA concern to the city. Donna, Hilda, Dean and Sue will get together and develop a letter and a proposal for communication with the city for review at the next board meeting.

Margie presented the Treasurer’s Report, which was approved:

Previous balance: $9748.14

Balance as of 2/4/10 $9370.60

Checks written since last report:

1274 1/8/10 $ 71.97 Peter Butzin 2009 Website expenses

1275 1/8/10 $458.46 Target Copy Printing-Jan newsletter 1276 1/8/10 $199.30 US Postal Service Postage-Jan newsletter

1277 1/14/10 $ 83.85 Fast Signs Arbor Day signs

1278 2/1/10 $ 88.96 Mary Kay Falconer Movie night wood $25

2 badminton sets $63.96

1279 2/1/10 $50.00 Nathan Scott Movie night

Deposits since last report:

1/20/10 $215.00 Dues, donations

2/3/10 $180.00 Dues, donations

2/3/10 $200.00 Dues, donations

Margie also provided a summary of revenues and expenditures for calendar year 2009 which is attached to these minutes.

Parks: The annual Arbor Day event will be held on February 6. Participants should meet at 9:00 a.m. at the purple martin houses in McCord Park. Bring shovels for planting magnolias and other garden tools to remove invasive plants. A kayak will be available for removal of trash from the pond.

Newsletter: Shawn reported that Target Copy will merge mailing lists, address and mail the newsletters for about $185. This would substantially reduce workload associated with distribution of the newsletter. Board members were in favor of this.

Welcoming Committee: Dean delivered packets to two new neighbors.

CONA: Mary Kay and Melissa attended the CONA energy challenge picnic. BHNA came in third in reduction in percentage of energy used as well as total reduction in kilowatt hours. CONA will hold a town hall meeting on February 8. Subject is Trash.

Old Business: Mary Kay reported on the January outdoor movie night. Once again, it was cold but enjoyable. Badminton will be available in McCord Park on February 6.

Shawn spoke with Andrea Griffith again about providing history of Betton Hills for use by the city. Several residents were identified who could provide additional information.

New Business: Andy Grayson reported on recent neighborhood incidents. One involved a resident with Alzheimer’s disease who was lost. The second incident, involved a suspicious vehicle that attempted to follow residents to their home. The board felt that an article to encourage neighbors to contact the police about any suspicious activity and an article about Alzheimer’s disease identifying local resources would be appropriate.

Andy also relayed a neighbor’s concerns about a property rented to a number of students. Melissa related a previous experience. While city code prohibits rental to more than three unrelated people, enforcement is extremely difficult. Excessive noise or parties should be reported to the police, who have been very responsive to those issues. Other concerns should be brought to the attention of the property owner.

The BHNA spring event will be held on April 25 or early May. Decision on the date and other details, including the type of activities, will be discussed at the March meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Melissa Jacoby, Secretary