Madison Park

November 8th, 2004 Minutes from monthly meeting

Nov 16, 2004

MINUTES OF MADISON PARK HOMEOWNERS
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 8, 2004
www.neighborhoodlink.com
Madison Park
28210

36 ATTENDEES WERE PRESENT

The meeting was called to order by Ted Peters President at 7:33 PM after a well attended 30 minute social period that began at 7:00 PM.

Candy Bridges from Parks and Recreation gave an update on the Queens University Sports Complex. Funds have been raised and the ground breaking is now scheduled for January 28th at noon.

Marion Diehl Park Annual Winter Wonderland Lighted Trail, movies, hot chocolate, Santa Claus and so forth is 12/16/04-12/19/04, Thursday ?– Sunday A Great fun event.

Officer Monroe gave his report for the South Division which patrols Madison Park south of Tyvola Road. His report is current through the 26th of October. No Violent crimes. Vandalism/theft occurred at 5223 Londonderry Road. (Flower bulbs stolen from roadside bed and flowers trampled)! On Chedworth was a child neglect case. [Not sure of details .. Officer Monroe did not elaborate other than to note that child neglect covers a wide array of incidents including but not limited to, e.g., unsupervised/unchaperoned teen parties.] Incidents on Farmbrook Road and Tamworth also occurred in October.

Officer Monroe mentioned that lots of buildings had been demolished along Old Pineville Road in anticipation of the Light Rail project. He mentioned the elevated stations and pedestrian bridges that are planned as well as the overall security inputs from CMPD with regard to those structures.

Officer Monroe mentioned that some graffiti was found along South Blvd. again. A member asked who was responsible for cleaning this graffiti and was told the business owner is responsible. Another member asked about graffiti on stop signs. DOT handles those problems. [YOU can Report Graffiti to the City at 704-336-7600. Remember that a gang related graffiti task force has been set up within CMPD.] This way the problem can be addressed in a timely fashion by the city.

Officer Hairston from the Westover Division arrived and spoke next. He distributed a handout from CMPD for Safety in Parking Lots and Safety While Shopping especially during the Holiday Season.

Safety Tips for Parking Lots:
1. Park and walk in well-lit areas
2. Walk with confidence, be aware of people around you, and know where you parked.
3. Always lock your car doors after leaving your car.
4. Have your car keys in hand so you don?’t have to linger before entering your car. Check the back seat before you get in.
5. Don?’t leave packages on car seats. Keep packages out of sight in the trunk or under a covered rear cargo area.


Safety Tips While Shopping:
1. Pay with checks or credit cards when possible. Don?’t flash large amounts of cash.
2. Don?’t leave any purchases or your purse unattended while shopping or in a dressing room.
3. Try to carry as few packages as possible. Make multiple trips to your vehicle to store your purchases.
4. Never leave your children alone.
5. If your children get separated from you, teach them to find a cashier or security officer and ask for help.
6. Report all suspicious activity. Call 911 with a description.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department wishes your family a happy and safe holiday season.

There are other Tips available from the police on our website at www.neighborhoodlink.com/charlotte/madisonpk/ or neighborhoodlink.com and key in 28210 and select Madison Park

Westover Division had 25 reports of criminal activity but only 6 in our immediate area.
631 Seneca Place Non-aggravated assault
2219 Tyvola Road Hit and run
4873 Oglethorpe Place Non-aggravated Assault Kicked bedroom door in
1115 Barkley Road Larceny, Other
5037 White Oak Residential Burglary Back from a backyard storage building
1207 Carey Ct. Larceny of cell phone while working at residence
5323 Furman Place Checks stolen from Mailbox
Officer Hairston suggested that you never have checks delivered to your home mailbox. He said most banks will allow the checks to be delivered to the branch of the bank for pick up.

A member wanted to know what to do about suspected drug use. Marijuana smells coming from a front porch. The property is a rental. Officer Hairston said to give him the address and he would check it out. Rental properties are easier to handle. The resident can be made to move if using drugs. Homeowners using drugs at permanent addresses are more difficult to deal with if dealing or using drugs on their property. Officer Hairston?’s contact information is always available on the website under the Contacts (blued) link. Officer Monroe?’s information for South Division is also available by accessing the same link. Email Officer Patrick Hairston at Phairston@cmpd.org or call (704) 432-2442 or Officer Jim Monroe Jmonroe@cmpd.org at (704) 544-4835.

Ted Peters wanted to know if the current month level of break-ins was back in line with normal statistics. There was only one case and the statistics were normal for October. As you will recall September was an abnormally high reporting month for break-ins in the Westover Division?’s patrol area of Madison Park.

Officer Hairston once again stressed the importance of serial numbers and accurate records to ID your merchandise. The only pattern seems to be two white males posing as for-hire, odd-job seekers. Anyone approaching homes, yours or even a neighbor?’s while they are not home that is seen should be reported as suspicious activity to the police. Get tag numbers and detailed descriptions when possible.

Tony Johnson from Murrayhill Rd. noted that he has been a victim 4 times in the past at various Charlotte locations for break-ins. He noted that the cost of replacing a door and door jam is about the same cost as a monitored security system for a year.

Resident members from Farmbrook complained to Officer Monroe about speeders on Farmbrook Road. The extant speed bumps appear to be spaced too far apart to help solve the problem. The city responded that if there are already speed bumps in place the chances of getting more are slim. [Montford Rd. has proved to be an exception due to the extraordinary efforts of HOA member Scott Martin. See September?’s HOA minutes.] Speed monitoring trailers can be put up on Farmbrook. Officer Denny Crowder oversees traffic speeding for the South Division. Officer Monroe said he was going to speak with the officer. Officer Monroe also mentioned that Seacroft Road would be looked at regarding speeding. This turned up from a party the officers attended on Seacroft Road and has also been noted as a problem from past HOA meetings. The residents on Farmbrook noted children had been hit by cars along their road in the past.

Toppers Pizza came up again as a problem. The officers were asked if they could speak to the drivers and business. They said no but that they do watch for speeders from time to time in the area.

Officer Monroe noted that Hondas especially older (?’91 ?–?’97) models are being stolen at a rate of 2-3 per night. As it turns out, 2 pass keys fit most all of these Honda models and, incredibly, the keys are available on the internet. ?“THE CLUB?” helps deter thefts of Honda or other cars. The cars are going to multiple chop shops in the city and in some cases being shipped to 3rd world countries.

You can leave your unoccupied car running on private property without being cited by police; but, it is not smart according to our officers. Car thieves target neighborhoods looking for autos being warmed up on chilly winter mornings even as early at 5:30 am.

Martin Doss wanted to know if officers could explain the new yield law applicable when passing officers engaged in ticketing or assisting other motorists on multilane freeways. Apparently due to State Troopers being hit on the interstates one must do everything possible to move to the next lane when approaching blue lights and a stopped car on the shoulder. Failure to move over can result in a citation costing over 100.00 dollars and the assessment of insurance points on your license.

The officers were thanked for attending and providing their valuable information. They were reminded that December is our Holiday Social and we have our Social in place of the meeting. The officers were encouraged to bring other officers from their divisions to our party.

Ted Peters then asked for updates on yard signs. Several people were working on signs from our neighborhoods. Ted Peters said he could get more Pepsi signs for 6 dollars each. The lettering would then bring cost to around 40.00 dollars. The membership wanted more signs. Placement of banners is a slight issue. They require support in order to keep them in good shape. We have had banners used on the South Side of Tyvola in the past and the sign would not hang correctly and drooped severely. A fence or a secure backing such as the rails on Seneca Place our current location works best.

Dave Moore had an update on signs from Signs Now. It is a plastic back sign similar to what we currently use but slightly larger ?– 18?” x 24?”, two-sided with our logo used. Logo would be a sticker as we currently use on our signs. 50 counts are 515.00 with 100 counts 973.00

It was decided to purchase 30 signs hopefully for around 300.00 dollars. Several members in attendance said they would pay for their own signs. Colored Background can be used for the signs.

Dee McCandlish our treasurer was not present but had provided the balance in our account for the meeting to Secretary Martin Doss. Martin gave the report with current balance being 705.82. All bills are paid.

Dues for 2005 are due now. Dues are 10.00 dollars a Year. We currently have 200 people on our email list. Membership forms are on the website. Please send dues to Dee McCandlish at 812 Fairbanks Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 Make check payable to Madison Park Homeowners Association. Members are expected to pay their annual dues. Membership payment gets you the monthly minutes e-mailed to those that have supplied the association with their e-mail addresses. You are also contacted in the event of any neighborhood issues or problems. Please either mail your dues or attend our next meeting and pay in person. Less than a $1.00 a month keeps you in the know and gives you the right to vote on issues.

Martin Doss then reminded Attendees that the ?½ Price Rabies clinics are going on this week through Saturday, November 13th. Contact local vets for appointments. The shot is a 3-year shot and is only $7.50 for dogs, cats or ferrets. If your pet is under one year of age he/she will need a booster shot the following year. However the shot is the same. State law requires a booster shot. Clinics take place twice a year in Mecklenburg County. The next one will be around the first full week of May 2005.

Debra Campbell then gave an update on Garden Club activities. Residents are encouraged to attend the special Dec. 1st Meeting of the Garden Club at the Wedgewood Baptist Church activity room. Christmas Wreaths will be made. John Byrd a Garden Designer will conduct the class. Bring whatever you would like to decorate your wreath. Greenery, pins, glue guns, wires, ribbons, gloves, snips. Michaels was suggested for a great retail store for purchasing the wreath forms and supplies.

Debra then mentioned the March 12th Neighborhood Symposium for 2005. It will be held once again at the City Marriott at Trade and Tryon intersection. The sessions are lots of fun and very educational. Last year over 450 people attended. Lunch is served and everyone is welcome to attend. We will remind members as the event gets closer. Registration is required for the event, but it is free. Well worth attending!

Debra also mentioned the Environmental Forum that Martin Doss and Debra Campbell attended last month. Various speakers were present discussing various environmental issues with the panel. Martin Doss noted that the land currently being graded and excavated adjacent to Fairview Rd. and next to Southpark mall (where the Piedmont Development is working) is a current environmental issue with the Picardy Homeowners Association. Their complaint is that the land was stripped of all its trees. On top of that, deer were noted roaming in those (now destroyed) woods. Martin Doss noted he shared a similar concern with regard to the planned development by Queen?’s University of a Sports Complex within Marion Diehl Park. Lamar Gunter recently spotted a deer in the area of Little Hope Creek as it crosses Tyvola Rd. Martin Doss had just seen his first deer on Archdale down by the creek the day of the environmental forum. Residents on Farmbrook said in the woods behind Park Road Park that up to 17 deer had been spotted. Anne Stuck said she would work with Martin and any others with possibly trying to find someone to try and relocate the deer. Wildlife Conservation was mentioned as a possible contact. Martin Doss noted that the future Greenway project with its accompanying bulldozing and tree removal would destroy more deer habitat. The bike trails planned for behind the sewer treatment plant on Tyvola next to Park Road Park will also take natural areas away from the deer. Martin Doss noted that Greenway development in Freedom Park took down 28 large trees. A speaker at the Environmental Forum said that the Greenway would not budge an inch to spare a tree.

Ted Peters then gave an update on Pinewood Elementary Construction. There was a recent and large clearing of trees and shrubs adjacent to residences bordering the westside of the new school site. CMS has two zoning options with regard to establishing a buffer: a 50 foot natural buffer or a 38 foot buffer. The 38 foot buffer would require construction of a 6 foot privacy fence. Maintenance wants 5 feet for mowing before the privacy fence. Brush and trees were also cut along Seneca Place next to the entrance of the new school. Construction of new sidewalks or extensions of existing sidewalks will occur along any school property that fronts on a road.

The ?‘Old?’ Pinewood School as stated previously will be used for swing space. The old school is expected to be used for 3-5 years before being removed from the property. Occupancy is expected in the new school in Jan. ?‘05. The dirt mountain is in limbo but it is thought it would be hauled away. It was jokingly thought to make a good snow hill for sledding this winter. Debra Campbell with the Garden Club was asked if she had any updates on the rose garden. The rose garden was to be moved to the new school prior to tearing down the old school. The garden club had offered to assist with the moving of the rose bushes. There was no news on the Rose Garden.

Our Holiday Social will take place December 13th. The time will be 7:00 PM since we will be having food and desserts. Diane Gunter and Ted Peters are in Charge of the Holiday Social this year. It is always one of our biggest events of the year. If you would like to help or make suggestions contact either Diane or Ted at l.gunter@att.net or e.t.peters@att.net. You can also use the links for contacts of board members on our website. Please Mark your Calendars and get ready for a fun evening with your neighbors. Attendees are encouraged to bring guests. Everyone is requested to bring desserts, snack items such as nuts and so forth. Cheese balls or any other party type food is encouraged. The association will furnish soft drinks, punch and coffee plus tablecloths, silverware and paper goods!

The meeting was then turned over to the Nominating Committee for our 2005 Board of Directors and Officers election. Lamar Gunter current director and Cheryl Furr member had worked on collecting names for positions. Cheryl had created a ballot for the voting. The ballot was as follows. President Martin Doss, Vice President John Olsakovsky and Kevin Geyer, Secretary Cheryl Furr, Treasurer Dee McCandlish, Directors were as follows, Ted Peters (as past president automatically serves 2 years), Debra Campbell and Lamar Gunter each have 1 year left on their current term, new nominees were Dan Boyett and Dave Moore. No Write-Ins were entered. Martin Doss noted that the Bylaws call for ?½ of the directors to come off and the other ?½ to remain in their positions for one more year. Judy Bratton noted the bylaws did not specify the number of directors we could have for the Association. Martin Doss noted that the officers are included in the director counts. Nominee Dan Boyett offered to withdraw his name so that Dave Moore could run uncontested. It was decided by the current board that we would include all nominated directors. Votes were tallied with the 2005 board of directors/officers winners being announced as follows.

President Martin Doss
Vice-President John Olsakovsky
Secretary Cheryl Furr
Treasurer Dee McCandlish
Directors will be as follows
Ted Peters as past President will begin a 2 year term
Debra Campbell has 1 year left on current term with ability to be re-elected for 2 more years for another term starting in 2006
Lamar Gunter is on his final two year term
New Directors elected are Dan Boyett
And Dave Moore

Directors can only serve two 2 year terms then they must be out of office for 1 year before serving again. Martin Doss had noted that Cheryl Furr did not really want to run as full time secretary but had reluctantly agreed since no one else stepped forward or would accept being nominated. Lamar Gunter volunteered to be a backup for Cheryl Furr.

Carol Clarke was nominated by Dave Moore for Secretary but declined. Martin Doss had already approached her for the position or some other position as a candidate but she declined. She agreed she would continue to work on the marketing/membership committee.

John Olsakovsky gave a brief overview about himself prior to the vote. John has lived in the area for 20 years, he moved here 2 years after retiring from the army. John is currently working in internet voice telephone systems. The other VP candidate Kevin Geyer was not present.

We had two visitors, Mr. and Mrs. David Harris, from Keystone Court.

One first time visitor Eudora K. Alston from 831 Fairbanks Drive joined tonight.

4 members paid dues at the meeting tonight for 2005.

Tony Johnson mentioned that a neighbor on Murrayhill had an intruder inside the house but did not call police. It was noted she should have called this in to 911.

Tony Johnson and Dan Boyett noted that this past Halloween they did a Halloween Walk with around 30 kids. It was noted that more children were out this year in our neighborhoods. Tony and Dan said the Halloween walk was lots of fun and several neighbors participated in the event. Dan and Tony invite residents to stop by their home at 5115 Murrayhill when in their area.

Carol Clarke suggested we might go caroling in the neighborhood to invite/meet neighbors and invite them to join our Homeowners/neighborhood Association. If you have interest in Caroling with Carol contact the HOA through the link.

Martin Doss noted that we always pass out Fliers for the Holiday Social. Judy Bratton agreed to pass out some fliers. Ted Peters will make up fliers for delivery prior to the event Dec. 13, 2004. Walkers for fliers are needed. Please contact Martin Doss at Martydoss@aol.com or (704) 519-0677 with the number of fliers you can pass out for the event. Leave your address and quantity and area you will deliver fliers in. Martin will deliver the fliers to you in time to make your deliveries.

Martin Doss noted that we are getting lots of hits on our website.
For the month of October we had 1355 hits on the entire site, 367 on our home page, 101 visits to our calendar. [Martin noted that there is a link on the calendar link to view events citywide. Residents can add yard sales and other meetings or events to the site if they like by contacting Martin Doss at Martydoss@aol.com with the information.] We had 241 hits on our discussion pages and 105 people pulled up the newsletter from the website. Madison Park has now been designated a Premier Neighborhoodlink Website by Neighborhood link. This is due to the amount of information and the quality of the information on our website. You can see the designation by the Gold Star next to our name on the 28210 list of HOA?’s page. We are currently the only Gold Star HOA in Charlotte, NC.


The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM!