Madison Park

Minutes for April 10th, 2006

May 15, 2006

Minutes for April 10, 2006
Madison Park Homeowners Meeting
www.neighborhoodlink.com
28210 Madison Park

Marty Doss, President called the meeting to order promptly at 7:30pm.
56 attendees?’ total (10 new) and 3 police officers were present.

Crime Incidents for the month of March

Officer Phil Rainwater of the Westover Division stood in for Officer Hairston and spoke first and immediately solicited questions from the membership. Gang related graffiti ?“NTO?” was noted at the shopping center close to Tyvola and South. Action taken: Graffiti task force responded by photographing and painting over the offensive writing and symbols. Further suggested action: Call 311 to report any graffiti attacks on traffic signs, walls or streets. The lack of traffic control personnel was noted near the construction sites near Bradbury and Montford. Suggested action: Call the Charlotte Department of Transportation regarding any construction related problems. CMPD will do a drive by of the site. Children were noted climbing on the roof of Pinewood Elementary School. Suggested action: Call 911.

Total incidents reported in or near Madison Park = 24. The South Blvd. commercial district accounted for 8 incidents. Abbey Place accounted for 2.

300 Seneca reported vandalism.
5700 Murrayhill reported hit and run.
900 Montford reported residential burglary.
1100 Seneca reported theft of auto.
Domestic disturbances and response to deaths at a residence accounted for the remainder of the incidents reported in the neighborhood.

Officer Woodlief of the South Division then spoke and covered the incidents south of Tyvola Rd on the South side of Madison Park. There were 4 total cases for the month. 2 cases involved arrests of non-residents within the neighborhood. 2 involved domestic assaults. Officer Woodlief also noted a rise in gang related activity. She alerted the association that as the summer approaches the level of gang activity is expected to increase. A pro-active resource for dealing with, educating the public and offering an alternative to youths attracted to gang culture is ?“A Gang of One.?”

Sergeant Lester of the Westover Division had shared a couple of things with Marty over the last month. Marty has added them to our web site at www.neighborhoodlink.com 28210 Madison Park

Item one is online traffic reports. You can access this information by clicking on the community Hotlinks on our web site. Look for Real Time 9-1-1 Crashes and Obstructions. Click the link and you will see all crashes at your finger tips. The info can be refreshed every 3 minutes making it very update!

The other item was identity Theft Prevention with great tips such as not putting you full name on your checks next time you order them. Just your initials are suggested that way if your check(s) are stolen the thief will not necessarily know how you sign your checks. But of course you and your bank will know! This information can be seen under Police and Safety heading just click the Identity Theft Prevention. It is reprinted below under the agenda for your connivance!

Sergeant Lester sends Marty helpful Police Related info weekly. Many times it is added to our web site. Visit the Police & Safety section of our web site and look for new links on our web site weekly!





Featured Speaker

Dawn Douglas, an information officer with Solid Waste Services, then gave a presentation in the form of a game/quiz with the prize for correct answer ?– a miniature recycling bin/coin bank.
1st question: Are pizza boxes recyclable? Ans: No. Food is a contaminant.
2nd question: Are fence posts recyclable? Ans: Yes. For bulky item pickup ONLY once all metal and concrete have been removed from the post.
3rd question: Are plastic grocery bags recyclable? Ans: No. [Please take them back to the grocery store.]
Also, any styrofoam type item (e.g., packing peanuts, cups, plates, coolers, insulation, etc.). Phone books are recyclable in the same way as newspaper.

For paints, hazardous chemicals, used herbicide plastic bottles, etc. the nearest full service recycling center to Madison Park is located at West Mecklenburg Recycling Center 8440 Byrum Drive 704.357.1473 Tuesday ?– Saturday 7 am to 3 pm.

If you need a new Red Recycling tote you can pick up one at the Marion Diehl Center.

President?’s Agenda, Notes and Updates

Traffic Accident Information System will provide you easily accessible traffic accident information. The info is updated every 3 minutes. You can use the link on our web site to access or type in http://maps.cmpdweb.org/trafficaccidents/ just click refresh to update while using. This link shows all traffic related 9-1-1 calls that come into the Charlotte System.

Identity Theft Suggestions:

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead
of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your
checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just
your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign
your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO
ID REQUIRED".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card
accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead,
just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest
of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it
passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
4. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it
is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do
both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you
had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to
call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a
photocopy of passport when you travel either here or abroad.


Here's some critical information to limit the damage in
case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards
immediately. But, the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers
handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find
them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your
credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers
you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation

But here's what is perhaps most important of all:
3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately
to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen, and they should contact you by phone to
authorize new credit.
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

These have been added to our web site as well for you information.


Code issues Marty was asked to help with by residents over the last 30 days by members

Roll out containers cannot be left in the front yard.

Roll Out Trash Storage
Section 10-172 (f)..Prohibits the storing of rollout containers in front of a home or in front of the building line closest to the street. There's a $25.00 penalty associated with this violation after notification of the violation. Section 10-99 addresses rollout containers at the curb. It prohibits containers at curb earlier than the day before the collection day and requires removal of the container after collection services are provided by midnight on the day of collection. There's a $50.00 penalty associated with this type of violation.

Rabies Vaccination Information

Things to know about Rabies Shots and Displaying Tags
Rabies Vaccinations
North Carolina State Law requires every dog and cat four months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies. This law also applies to ferrets within the city limits of Charlotte. This vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. In North Carolina, the animal's first rabies shot is good for one year and subsequent vaccinations are valid for three years. If you have recently moved to North Carolina and the rabies vaccination was given within the last year, it is a valid shot. If the vaccination was given more than one year ago, this vaccination is not considered current (even if it was a three year shot) and the animal must be revaccinated.

Please be a responsible pet owner by displaying your animal's rabies tag at all times. This can help alleviate fear if someone is approached by your pet. The fine for failing to display a rabies tag is $50.00 and a $50.00 fine may be levied if your animal does not have a valid rabies vaccination.


Trees on Private Property
Municode Sec.21-62
21-62 Section D Sec. 21-62. Trees on private property.
(a) Any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street where trees have branches, limbs, trunks, or other parts projecting into the public street or property shall prune such trees or keep them trimmed in such a manner that they will not obstruct or shade the streetlights, obstruct or interfere with the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, or obstruct views of any street or alley intersection.
(b) Any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street, park or other public property, on which there may be trees that are diseased or insect infested, shall remove, spray or treat any such trees in a manner that will not infect or damage nearby public vegetation or cause harm to the community or citizens therein.
(c) No tree equal to or larger than eight inches dbh may be trimmed, pruned, or removed from the tree protection zone without a permit. No grading, demolition, trenching, or other activity which may adversely affect trees in this zone may proceed prior to approval and issuance of necessary permits by the city.
(d) It shall be the duty of the property owner to maintain all trees planted pursuant to, or protected by, this chapter in a healthy condition in accordance with this section and the guidelines developed by the city. Trees shall be allowed to grow to their natural height and form. Topping is prohibited.
(e) When trees that are subject to or protected by this chapter die, are missing, or are otherwise deemed unhealthy by the city, they shall be removed and replaced by the property owner to comply with any existing streetscape plan or as directed by the city, normally during the next planting season which is November through March. New owners of properties already in compliance must maintain that compliance. Trees of the same, approved species as those existing may be used to replace dead, missing or unhealthy trees. The property owner is encouraged to use large maturing shade trees as replacements when possible. Nothing in this section is intended to impose a requirement that the property owner maintain more trees than those required for the site even if he has voluntarily done so in the past.
(f) If the owner or occupant of such property does not perform the duties set out in subsections (a) and (e) of this section, the city may order the pruning, removal or treatment of trees on private property that cause obstructions, present insect or disease problems or otherwise present a danger to public health or safety. The order shall be in writing to the owner or occupant responsible for such condition and shall be acted upon within 30 days from the time of the receipt of the order. If, after 30 days, the owner or occupant has not responded or acted to prune, remove or treat the trees, the city shall have the authority to enter upon the property to perform the work necessary to correct the condition and bill the owner or occupant for the actual costs incurred. In situations deemed necessary to the public health, safety, or welfare, the city may act without prior notification to the property owner or occupant.
(Code 1985, ?§ 21-7)

If you have Dead trees or down trees
Please make sure the trees are cleaned up or removed. If anyone has a problem with a dead tree or one that is not being address in your neighborhood YOU CAN CALL 311 and request it be handled by the CITY!


Yard Sale Permits
Yard Sale Information for The City Of Charlotte!
Departments / Tax Collections / Business Taxes / Attic, Yard, Garage Sale Permit

RESIDENTIAL ATTIC/YARD/GARAGE SALE PERMIT

A permit is required inside the City Limits of Charlotte when having a yard sale, attic sale, garage sale, or similar type of sale. The fee for this permit is $5.00 per day, payable by cash or money order only. The permit is valid only for the day or days issued and are not transferable (no rain dates).

Only four (4) sales are permitted at any given name/address during one year. These type sales can be no longer than two (2) consecutive days.

Where to purchase a Yard Sale Permit:
A Yard/Garage/Attic Sale Permit can be purchased at either of these locations:

Business Tax Collections Office
700 N. Tryon Street - Hal Marshall Services Center, 1st Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202
Service hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
or
Mecklenburg County Tax Collector's Office
700 E. Stonewall Street - Robert L. "Bob" Walton Plaza, 1st Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202
Service hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

However, should extenuating circumstances exist which prevents you from visiting one of our offices, you may mail the necessary information along with a money order in the amount of $5.00 to purchase this permit. Please, do not mail cash. The required information is:

(1) The name and telephone number of the person
having the sale.
(2) The residential address of the sale.
(3) The date the sale is scheduled to take place.
(4) Money Order in the amount of $5.00.

Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ensure a prompt response. This information, along with a money order in the amount of $5.00, should be mailed in advance of this sale to: Business Tax Collections Office, P.O. Box 32728, Charlotte, NC, 28232.

Please allow enough time for the office to process your request and for you to receive the permit prior to the sale date. Please remember this permit must be kept at the site of the sale and available for inspection at all times during the sale.

For neighborhood yard sales, the permitting process can be expedited by providing the necessary information prior to visiting our office. The required information is:

(1) A list of the names and addresses of all of the participants in street number order.
(2) The date the sale is scheduled to take place.
(3) The list must include the name and telephone number of the person who will be paying for these permits.
(4) Note the date and time the permits will need to be ready for pick-up.

This list should be faxed in advance of payment to the Business Tax Collections Office at 704-336-7602. Upon receipt of this list, our office will begin the process of creating these permits. Please contact our office at 704-336-6315 to confirm these permits are ready for pick-up prior to coming to our main office at 700 N. Tryon Street. The fee for each permit is $5.00 cash or money order only.
Please remember these permits must be kept on site at the sale locations and available for inspection at all times during these sales.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Business Tax Collections Office by telephone at 704-336-6315, by fax at 704-336-7602 or via e-mail at btcinfo@co.mecklenburg.nc.us

Suggestions for Queens Sports Complex / Marion Diehl Park / Senior Center Vehicular Entrances

Ted Peters attended the Dedication Ceremony of the Queens Sports Complex with Marty Doss on Friday, March the 24th. After leaving the complex Marty Doss took note of a couple of things.
Currently the two park entrances are not connected by a vehicle roadway within the park. You can enter either entrance by car but only foot traffic allows you to reach one side or the other. The Senior Center / Sports Complex parking lots will connect eventually. Marty had already been told by CDOT spokesperson Doreen Szymanski that once all the phases are complete that CDOT would look at installing a traffic light at the new entrance. Also, some of you will recall last July 05 that VP Lori Guy from Queens, VP of Administration and Operations, stated the University desired the traffic light. They did not cut the median yet because Queens did not feel it was safe for use without a traffic light.

Also, for a little background, many residents on the South Side of Tyvola have requested that Marty try and help get another traffic light on Tyvola. We have only one as you all know between South and Park. As you know those of us on the South side of Tyvola can never turn left at the light heading West on Tyvola and are restricted am and pm from turning left while heading East on Tyvola.

I suggested the following to Mr. Wayne Weston, the Director of Mecklenburg Parks and Recreations, and to traffic coordinators with CDOT:
#1 Close the old entrance to Marion Diehl and move it down slightly to match with Farmbrook Road. This way we would all have a better chance of getting a second traffic light. Mr. Weston responded he liked the suggestions and put me in touch with a couple of members of his staff Donnie Morgan and William Jones.

#2 I also suggested that Bike lanes be added on the stretch of Wedgewood from Seneca Place to Tyvola Road. Mr. Weston liked this as well.

Maarty noted, ?“I feel we have sidewalks on Seneca, Tyvola and Wedgewood so we have good pedestrian access to the new complex. I would like to see the Bike lanes for access to the sports complex but mostly for safe access for our neighborhood to access the future Greenway.?”

These suggestions will be in keeping with the Urban Street Design Guidelines that CDOT put together in order to provide things such as alternative methods of traveling in our communities and making the complex accessible by many different modes. It also is in keeping with the new design guides of shorter blocks. In Marty?’s opinion this is perfect for the Charlotte?’s Transportation Action Plan for Drive,Ride,Walk,Bike, and Live.

John Olsakovsky, the HOA VP, attended a meeting along with Marty Doss on Thursday April 6th, 2006 with several CDOT officials to discuss the above suggestions. Marty also has been asked to make a presentation at the Greenway Advisory Council Meeting in May to share his suggestions.

The overall goal is to give our communities various methods of safe travel to the Sports Complex and the future Greenway. This should be good for Queens, seniors using Marion Diehl Senior Complex, Montclair Elementary School bus traffic and student traffic, Madison Park South Side of Tyvola and Montclair residents, and all Park users!


Neighborhood Symposium is coming up Saturday April 22nd?…details on the web site or contact Martydoss@aol.com if you would like to attend this event. All residents not just our officers and directors are encouraged to attend this free day of knowledge and learning!


National Night Out is Tuesday, August 1st. We are planning to expand our activities especially for kids this year. Volunteers who have stepped up to the plate are: Joyce Morris and Eudora Alston. Please consider joining them. The event really does demonstrate the neighborhood?’s ability to put together a fun event with a serious purpose.
Marty will be soliciting neighboring Associations to split a box of banners for the event. The box of 5 sales for 119.00 plus tax. I would like to have a 3 for our event. Marty thinks that Starclair will be splitting a case with us.


Treasurer?’s report was given by Dee McCandlish. $359.35 is balance with all bills paid. [$30.00 dollars was collected at the meeting from new memberships.]


Recognition of 10 New Members


Open Discussion

Judy Bratton noted that Wing Haven is having their annual plant sale April 26th ?– 29th from 10 ?– 4. Wing Haven is located in Myers Park at 248 Ridgewood Ave.

The Madison Park Garden Club will meet on Monday, April 17th at Debra Campbell?’s house 5718 Wedgewood drive.

One of our members with a Yard Sign had put out the minutes in a round tube next to her sign. One of our first time attendees said she had taken a copy of the minutes and decided to attend our meeting. Thanks for making such a clever addition to your yard sign! If any other Yard Sign members would like to do similar sets up I think that is a great idea! The more people we have connected in our community the better off We Will All Be!

Marty reported we had 1661 hits on our web site last month. That is a record number of visitors to our web site. Those of you that have signs please try and put them out the Thursday prior to the Monday Night Meeting. This gives us more exposure especially since we added the web link info. Also if possible store you signs under a carport or inside when possible. They are expensive to buy and this will save on the wear and tear of them.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:42pm.