JADE PARK NORTH BLOCKWATCH
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
AUGUST 30, 2007
MEETING MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
There were 13 people in attendance. Not in attendance were Officer Freund and Carey Hall form Neighborhood Services.
We began with an explanation of the signs that will hopefully be purchased by the next meeting. These signs will be placed out within a week before each meeting and taken down immediately after the meeting. Approval for signs must be given by the grant department before purchase because the cost was not figured into our initial grant budget.
Jade Park North has been approved for and received a grant to help in our efforts to combat crime in our neighborhood. It was explained how and for what these funds may be used and not used.
The Jade Park North Blockwatch Website was explained and shown in detail and information was given on how to access different areas of the website. We asked that everyone use this website as it has information that is of use to everyone and has neighborhood information available.
A 24 hour telephone number was given for everyone to use to report any information or to voice complaints. It was also suggested that we report good things as well such as someone who may have helped someone out, a property that made major improvements and clean up so that we can publicly recognize the good in the area and not just the bad.
Everyone thought this was a great idea. This number can be used to leave a message, fax or e-mail any info, complaints or good neighbor reports that anyone wants to give. You can remain anonymous or leave your name, whichever will make you feel the most comfortable. The telephone number is:
1-866-797-2852
The issue of sex offenders in the neighborhood was brought up for discussion. The website for checking sex offenders in our area is on the JPN Website. Any information that we receive regarding new offenders to the area will be passed on to everyone at the meetings and through our website. Questions were not able to be answered due to the absence of Officer Freund. We are hoping to have her present at the next meeting to answer any questions that anyone may have.
There has been a problem of children stealing solar yard lights form various yards in the area. Signs were put out by some of those who were stolen from stating parents and or children?’s names of those being accused. We have asked that this not be done due to a serious problem of possible retaliation. This is not the proper way to handle these types of situations. Either report them to Crime Stop, our 24 hour telephone number, or to one of the JPN Board members to be reported. All of these telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are available on the JPN website.
The possibility of having a G.A.I.N. event for our neighborhood was discussed and it was brought to our attention that The Eagles Association is possibly interested in sponsoring this event. The date for the city wide event is October 20, 2007. Ideas will be presented at the September meeting for discussion.
We are still working on getting our newsletter up and running. The grant has made it possible for us to have the copy machine repaired so that it can be printed. Estimates for repair are being received and hopefully it will be fixed soon. We are working with the eagles Club on possibly covering the cost of mailing out the newsletters as a part of their monthly mailing. By doing this it will get out information to the neighborhood in a more timely fashion and give them the chance to connect with the community by letting us know what they do.
The meeting came to a close by letting everyone know that we are indeed looking for more people to serve on the Board and that a list of positions will be made available at the September meeting.
The next meeting of the New Jade Park North Blockwatch will take place at the Eagles Club on Thursday September 27, 2007 at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully,
Karen Anspach
JPN Blockwatch Secretary