Buckman Community Association

BCA Board Minutes 09/02/04

BCA Board Minutes 09/02/04

In attendance: BCA Board members Lily Witham, Bethany Pratt, Jim Andrews and Susan Lindsay. Also attending: Lornie McCormick-Goodhart, Lee Perlman, Steve Hoyt, Don MacGillvray, Anne Hughes, Maureen Wright, Mary Ann Schwab and Michael Risner.


Stewards of Colonel Sumners Park- Lornie McCormick-Goodhart representing the Stewards of Colonel Sumners Park asked the BCA for a statement of support for an “un-official” off-leash area. The Stewards currently clean the park, turn security lights on and off when needed and replace light bulbs, etc. This group would like to have the City’s approval for an unofficial off-leash area (meaning that it would be for use of the neighbours in the area, and that they would not be ticketed for having their dogs off-leash during non-designated times. There was discussion about the dangers of having dogs off-leash and also the legal implications of allowing only a certain segment of the population access to a public park. No decision was reached.

Montavilla Library-Getting to Yes. Maureen Wright, resident of Buckman and spokes-person for the friends of Montavilla Library asked the BCA to send a letter of support for their project, which is re-opening the old Montavilla Library (closed since 1982), which would then be run on a volunteer basis. The County was planning on selling the property as surplus, but the group wishes to re-open the library and also use other rooms in the building for meetings rooms, etc. Ms. Wright has attempted to get the backing of all of the Metro County Commissioners but so far, only Commissioner Lonnie Roberts has expressed any interest in backing the project. After much discussion, Jim Andrews made a motion that the BCA endorse the efforts of the Montavilla Library Getting to Yes group in re-creating the Montavilla neighbourhood library in the Historic Montavilla Library building, as we agree that the library can be a significant neighbourhood resource and the act of creating and maintaining the library can be a great community builder. Lily Witham seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

Neighbourhood Agenda Campaign Kick-off- The group discussed what our priorities should be at the upcoming Neighbourhood Agenda campaign Kick-off. Unfortunately, no one from the BCA board will be able to attend, but Mary Ann Schwab from the Sunnyside Neighbourhood Association will be there and has offered to convey our list of priorities to the group. After much debate, a list of three items was decided upon: #1. Making the Inner Southeast Community Center a reality, #2. Blocking the building of a big-box retailer in Buckman or anywhere in the Inner Southeast, and #3. To come up with an Action Plan to help end homelessness in our neighbourhood and throughout the City.

Lone Fir Cemetery Update- Susan Lindsay met recently with Commissioner Rojo-de Steffey and brought a large aerial photograph of the corner lots at SE 20th and Morrison. Metro is still unwilling to take the property as long as the defunct county building is still on the property. In order to facilitate paying for the cost of tearing down the building and locating a small entrance to Lone Fir on SE Morrison Street Metro would like to sell the property to developers for store-front/commercial buildings. The BCA is not happy with this plan and Don MacGillvray suggested a compromise of developing half the area so that a larger entrance and perhaps a small interpretive center can be built. Mary Ann Schwab offered to take on fund-raising for the demolition work needed, and both she and Don will attend the October meeting of the Lone Fir Cemetery Taskforce in order to begin planning a strategy.

BCA Secretary- Lily Witham offered to re-assume Secretarial duties for the BCA. Susan Lindsay made a motion to accept this offer, which was seconded by Jim Andrews with a unanimous vote from the board members.

Mural Project- Michael Risner presented his drawing for the replacement mural at the Plaid Pantry. Jim Andrews made the motion to approve the design, seconded by Bethany Pratt, with a unanimous vote. It was decided to give Michael a check for $250.00 as a down payment, with the balance due upon completion of the mural.

Submitted by Lily Witham.

.