Betton Hills Neighborhood Association

September 2, 2010

Tom Schulte called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Attendees included Tom Schulte, Tom Vickers, Dean Hansen, Sue Hansen, Margie McInnes, Eric Thorn, Tom Whitaker, Donna Legare, Bonnie Gaughan-Bailey, Hilda Gilchrist, Andy Grayson and Melissa Jacoby.

The June 3 minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Membership: Tom Vickers presented the annual September membership report which was approved:

Dues were received from a total of 359 members. Dues and donations totals were:

Bellamy Fund $1790

Partners Fund $1053

Mansfield Fund $ 642

Dues $3915

TOTAL $7400

Website: No report.

Parks: Dean Hansen reported that city employees are again clear-cut mowing in McCord Park. He also reported that the city is conducting a siltation study of McCord Pond. There was extensive discussion about illegal fishing in McCord, Laguna and Harriman ponds. New signs are being posted. Eric Thorn will write an article for the next BHNA newsletter to explain the city ordinance. The Board authorized the expenditure of up to $120 for native bass to restock Harriman pond as it is depleted from illegal fishing.

Treasurer’s Report: Margie McInnes presented the treasurer’s report which was approved.

Previous Balance: $5,342.05 (Corrects a typo on June 3 report.)

No Checks written since last report.

Deposits since last report:

7/7/10: 20.00 Dues

8/24/10 20.00 Dues

Balance as of September 2, 2010 $5,382.05

Newsletter: Mike Brezin graciously agreed to compile the fall newsletter, but requested that the Board continue to look for a new editor. To reduce workload, the board voted to engage Target Copy to print, fold, address and mail future newsletters. There will no longer be a need for BHNA to pay an annual permit fee to the US Postal Service as mailing costs will be included in Target Copy charges.

Suggested articles for the fall newsletter include:

Membership information

Description of BHNA “funds”

Message from the president—Tom Schulte

Edible garden---Sue Hansen

Solicitation for newsletter editor—Mike Brezin

Parks and beautification—Donna Legare

Fishing—Eric Thorn

Invasive plants—Vanessa Legare

What motivated neighbors to serve on the BHNA Board—Andy Grayson

All articles and information must be sent to Mike Brezin no later than September 15.

Welcoming Committee: No report.

CONA: Melissa Jacoby will attend the September 13 CONA delegate meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Melissa Jacoby reported that the Board received thank you notes from the Mansfield Award recipients: Ashira Morris, Steven Keller, Philip Wenturine and Elleni Gavalas. Cobb Middle School teacher Beth McBride sent a letter thanking BHNA and advised that Cobb’s partner funds would be used by the Language Arts Department for sets of novels. The Friends of the Parks also thanked BHNA for its $102 contribution for perennial plants at the Armistead entrance to McCord Park.

NEW BUSINESS

The Board proposed optional dates for the annual meeting/ice cream social: October 17 and October 24. In a later email communication, the date was set for October 24—2 until 4 p.m.—to enable sufficient notice to BHNA residents. Bonnie Gaughan-Bailey will contact the Leon Steel Drum band to determine its availability. As it is “election season” interested candidates will be notified of the opportunity to meet neighborhood residents. Further tasks and assignments will be identified at the October 7 Board meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Melissa Jacoby, Secretary