Madison Park

Minutes for the February 9th, 2004 Monthly Meeting

Feb 16, 2004

Minutes of Madison Park Neighborhood
Association February 9th, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM with 23 attendees and 2
officer including 1 from Animal Control.

Candy Bridges, from Parks and Recreation started the meeting by stating
water, environmental and land studies had begun on the Queens University
Marion Diehl Sports Complex in our neighborhood. The University has
raised 2 million dollars. It was unknown if the scheduled purchase of a
wedge of land South/West of the Little Sugar Creek on Tyvola had been
purchased yet. Lamar Gunter our Liaison with Queens University stated
Melissa Seuster would be our contact at Queens University. Lamar stated
that Melissa stated the fund raising committee is not yet complete and
that once it is the next step will be to form a community advisory group.
Madison Park Homeowners will be represented by Lamar Gunter however
other home owners from our committee will meet with Lamar in order to
insure that the community is represented as a whole. Other communities
represented on the community advisory group will be Selwyn Park, Seneca
Woods, and Montclair Associations. Melissa reported to Lamar that
various elements of the handicapped community have been meeting with
Queens. Jenkins-Peer Architects have been selected. They have done some
of the recent projects on the campus at Queens. Debra Campbell stated
that either her or Lamar Gunter should be getting email updates from
Queens regarding the project.

Officer Hairston arrived slightly late so Ted Peters turned the meeting
over to him for the crime report. The report represented the Westover
Division the North Side of Tyvola. There were a total of 34 incidents.
They were listed as follows, 1327 Abbey Place non aggravated assault,
1338 Abbey Place Residential Burglary, 5030 Baylor Drive Larceny (report
stated a friend took wedding ring), 821 Brockbank Road non criminal
incident, 1210 Estates Avenue Auto Theft (Jeep Cherokee stolen found on
West Blvd), 5301 Furman Place non-aggravated assault (threats), 5301
Furman Place Aggravated Assault, 5050 Milford Road hit and run (Ice and
Snow), 768 Montford Drive Auto theft (Ford Expedition stolen from drive
while driver left running to warm up), 1316 Montford Drive vehicle
recovered, 4805 Murrayhill Road hit and run, 5201 Murray Hill vandalism
of building residential (This was the home mentioned in Jan 04 minutes
that was tagged with M13 tag from a gang. Resident was 61 year old
female some type of gang mistaken Identity occurred here according to
Officer Hairston), 1216 Terrence Place Hit and Run, 5845 Wedgewood drive
residential burglary (a TV), 5015 White Oak Road (residential burglary,
800 E. Woodlawn Road (car pulled over occupant had crack), 900 E Woodlawn
Armed Robbery (Officer Hairston noted this turned out to be a drug deal
gone wrong. The officers are contacting the landlord of this rental
property to try and get resident evicted).

Officer Hairston explained that for line ups when there is some type of
suspect that the police use DMV records or if arrested in past police
photos. In the case of the White Oak burglary the owner of the property
drove up to find the suspect in their vehicle. Unfortunately this owner
was unable to ID the suspect and he must be let go.

Officer Hairston stated that neighbors should watch out for each other
and get the best descriptions possible on any suspects. Officer Hairston
stated that the Baker II side (South Side) had completed the Neighborhood
Watch list and were ready for the signs to mark the Neighborhood Watch
Program. He thanked Candace Armstrong for working on this project but
stated that Westover needed to get to work. He requested someone from
each road, street, drive on the Westover side agree to gather names from
their neighbors to get the project finished. There is sign up
information on our website at Neighborhoodlink.com Madison Park. Officer
Hairston wants to be able to put up signs in both sections of Madison
Park on the same day. Officer Hairston is requesting that we complete
the collection of names by April.

Ted Peters noted he had a bit of concerns about a couple of cars parked
in the Church parking lot at Wedgewood one morning. Officer Hairston
stated that anyone noticing anything strange to just call 911. Officer
Hairston noted that they were aware that some children had been watched
at bus stops and walking to schools recently.

Baker II now South Division had no representation at the meeting.
Officer Hairston was aware of only one problem on the South Side of
Tyvola but failed to bring details. He had no update on the problem
regarding fraud on Londonderry Road stated at the Jan. 04 meeting by
officer Monroe.

Ted Peters stated that officer Monroe was attending an annual homeowners
meeting in a different community and that conflicted with his attendance
out our Madison Park Meeting. Officer Monroe is to give us the report at
the March Meeting regarding the presentation that he gave to his Chief of
Police regarding Gang Graffiti in our community! (See Jan. 04 Minutes for
detail)

Ted Peters then turned the meeting over to Cheryl Furr who had collected
the nominations for the 2004 Board Elections. Ted Peters was nominated
to continue as President, Marty Doss was nominated and ask to continue as
secretary and Dee McCandish was ask to continue as Treasurer, Scott
Andrews was not president but it was suggested he continue as Vice
President. Lamar Gunter moved that the nominations be accepted and Debra
Campbell seconded the move. The vote carried with unanimous approval
from all in attendance. The vote was closed with a round of applause.

Ted Peters then turned to the HOA Accomplishments for 2003. The details
will be sent out via email. The accomplishments were as follows 1.
Continuity of holding 11 monthly meetings and one social meeting. 2.
Growth of paid memberships. Marty Doss noted that the website has sign
up information to become a member but fails to solicit the annual dues of
10.00 dollars for the calendar year. Our email list is currently 175 -
180 according Debra Campbell for the most part unchanged the last 3
years. 3. Supported the formation of a neighborhood subcommittee whose
mission was to monitor, research and tactically respond to the
development of a Queens University Complex within the boundaries of
Marion Diehl Park. 4. Members and officers attended numerous
city-sponsored education symposia, 5. Answered and clarified neighborhood
issues and concerns. This included improvements to two properties one on
Wedgewood Drive and the other on Londonderry RD. 6. Continued work that
would systematize: Identification, notification and follow through on
problem houses in our community. 7. Held the annual fall picnic.

Ted Peters then gave a brief update on the problem with mud on Senaca
Place from the School construction. Ted Peters had stated that the
contractors are responsible to follow NC laws governing their work. No
materials can egress from the site. When mud gets out on the road the
contractors must clean it up and keep the storm drains clear. This takes
in to consideration the temperature outside. Adding water to the road
could cause a hazard if the temps are below freezing. The school is
scheduled to occupy the new building in Jan. 05.

Officer Lloyd of Animal Control spoke next stating that many of the
policies and ordinance regarding animals had changed on Jan. 1. 2004. He
stated many of the complaints in our community deal with barking dogs,
and complaints regarding cats.
Vicious dogs that are aggressive can and should be reported to animal
control. This includes even dogs on leashes or that frequently get out
of fences. Residents can use the City of Charlotte Website to report
problems or call the dangerous dog hotline in the phone book. The number
is listed under the frequently called numbers in the blue pages for the
City. Lamar Gunter asked about snakes and was told that Animal Control
would respond to snake calls. Lamar Gunter had a Copperhead snake on his
property last year and when he called Animal Control he was directed to
call someone else and ended up being charged $80.00. Officer Lloyd said
any snake in your home or carport or garage will be removed or disposed
of by animal control. A member then asked about dead squirrels and
wanted to know if she should call. This member had discovered a dead
squirrel and a possum in recent weeks on her property. Animal Control
stated that there was no special requirements procedures regarding dead
animals however there is a dead animal removal number available in the
phone book from the city. The officer stated Possums are really no big
threat for rabies and that they do not remove animals such as raccoons
from trees. If you are having problems with cats you can call animal
control and they will fine for any violations such as failure to
tag/register and so forth. The officer left a detailed list around 25
pages of new ordianaces for Ted Peters President and the Association.
The officer was given a round of applause.

Ted Peters stated that the members mention of a dead squirrel caused him
to recall an episode where a dead squirrel was out in the road. A raptor
dived and was hit by a truck. Ted called the Raptor Center and they came
right out to check things out. Candy Bridges, of Parks and Recreation,
stated that the Raptor Center was on Parks Property and they were a great
Center. Candy stated they have over 400 volunteers come out each month.
Diane Gunter suggested if anyone ever wanted to make a monetary donation
to the Raptor Center that they were well deserving of it. She stated
they did such good things.

Ted Peters then mentioned the City Letters 1. Regarding the Neighborhood
Matching Grants program. Ted Peters stated that in order for us to send
something in for the March 15 deadline we would need to send someone to
the Feb. 10th meeting. Kevin Geyer had attendee last fall but we are
past the deadline now and must send someone else to participate. The
Grants cover all types of things including educational and recreational.
The Grants not only match financial but time as well. Ted then discussed
the Planning Commission is seeking volunteers to study and identify heavy
industrial uses near residential uses.

Ted Peters then mentioned that we are hoping to soon have our HOA
Announcement Signs. The files have been sent to Kinko's to be worked on
for Free. Kinko's had agreed to do the signs last fall if they were
supplied with a PDF file. However, we were just recently able to obtain
the files in PDF format. The files were sent to the contact at Kinko's.
These will be double-sided yard signs. Fed X recently purchased Kinko's
but the contact stated he hoped to soon be able to produce the signs for
our Association as previously stated last fall. Stephanie Hoffman
supplied Ted Peters recently with the Logo in PDF format. Stephanie no
longer lives in our community but still contributed the files she had
worked on as a member last year.

Ted Peters then ask that Marty Doss discuss the New Ordinance regarding
Vehicles on Lawns. After last months meeting Marty Doss contacted the
Mayor of Charlotte. He received a response that the ordinance will go in
affect April 1, 2004. Both the police department and the city codes will
be enforcing the code. NO citations will be issued until May 1, 2004.
There will be a one-month getting to know the ordinance period for
residents. There is to be no parking in yards unless it is on improved
surfaces. These surfaces means concrete, asphalt, gravel, or any other
material commonly used for the parking of vehicles, but NOT INCLUDING
DIRT OR GRASS! There are a few exceptions (A) on lots where parking is
not permitted on adjacent streets surrounding the property and the front
building line of the dwelling unit is less than 20 feet from the back of
the curb line or edge of pavement, or the lot width at the front building
line is less than 25 feet; (B) in conjunction with special events
involving family or social gatherings provided such event do not occur
more frequently than once a week.

Leslie Michaels then mentioned the flood plain regulation and stated that
the city was buying out some flood plain properties. One home in our
area had been purchased and removed. FEMA sets the flood plains. Debra
Campbell stated that in Texas the flood plains change every year but
members stated that was not the process in NC. Members are encouraged to
insure their homes appropriately if they live in Flood Plains. Home
Owners insurance does not cover floods in general! Ted said the
association took info during last years flooding on Wedgewood Drive near
Mockingbird Lane and Montford.

Ted Peters then asked Marty Doss to discuss the Storm Drain Programs.
Ted mentioned that recently Radio and the media had discussed the topic.
Marty Doss stated that after recently hearing the radio announcements
regarding the Marking the Drain Program that he had researched the
program. The Storm Drain Marking Program is a reMARKably easy way for
residents of all ages to get directly involved in reducing the amount of
pollution in our streams and lakes. Anyone can participate in the
programs, individuals, organizations and associations. Volunteers can
spend as much time as they wish marking drains. Those that want to get
involved get a kit. Storm Drain Kits can be obtained by calling
704-336-5500 and requesting a Kit. Marty Doss will get a few extra kits
for the March meeting and supply members that requested kits ASAP with a
kit. Kits will include orange safety vest, drain markers, tubes of
caulk, wire brush, trash bag, vinyl gloves, participant waiver and a log
sheet. Participants are to place the oval marker on their neighborhood
storm drains. They are asked to log any blocked/damaged drains or note in
obvious signs of illegal dumping. Used oil, paint, grass
clippings/leaves and so forth. Any unused supplies are to be returned to
the city. The oval Markers state This Drain Is Only For Rain DO NOT
DUMP-DRAINS TO CREEK. Storm Water To Report Pollution or To Volunteer
call 704-336-RAIN. This number is to be used anytime you see someone
dumping in the storm drain. Three members requested kits. Rick Horton,
Debra Campbell, and Leslie Michaels. Debra Campbell suggested that the
volunteers that had signed up for Shut in Awareness / Fix Up Crews
perhaps could mark our entire community.

Dee McCandish then gave the treasurer report she stated out of the 180
names only 20 had paid dues for 2004. The website needs to include that
the dues as a member are 10.00 dollars per calendar year. One member in
attendance paid dues at that point. Several members took forms to pay.

Another members then asked about the Little Sugar Creek Greenway
progress. Candy Bridges stated several miles were completed toward town.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway is scheduled to eventually cross Park Road
and Tyvola and run to the South Carolina State line. The project will be
completed in various stages and eventually connected together. The
completion for our community date is unknown at present.

Ted Peters stated the Yellow Ribbon Campaign continues to show support
for our troops over seas. Ribbon was once again available at the meeting
for those that desired it.

Ted Peters then mentioned that the shut in awareness sign up sheets were
available for those interested.

New Business was addressed next. Diane Gunter said that an update should
be given on the Keystone Property that had structural concerns last fall.
Ted Peters stated that the inspector for the city Mr. Hodges had
attempted to gain entrance to the property. Some brown shingles had been
placed across the damaged sections of the fascia boards. Diane Gunter
stated the house really looked nice. Apparently sometime very recent a
new roof had been put on the home. Diane Gunter stated she was certain
the tenants were happy with the improvements.

Marty Doss then asked if anyone was aware what was being surveyed in our
neighborhoods. Surveyors had been seen on Londonderry Road in the last
couple of weeks, but they would not disclose to the neighbor that
inquired what they were doing other than to state they were surveying.
The surveyors left at various locations small silver stakes with
orange/red tips. Members suggested this was to do with anything from
water meter replacements with scanners to newspaper delivery. It was
thought perhaps this might involve sidewalks but the only known sidewalk
construction is scheduled for Murray Hill that the association knows of
in our community. Anyone that knows what the surveys are for please
contact a board member by the website links for contacts.

Former member Stephanie Hoffman who supplied us with the PDF of the logo
for our signs is pregnant due in June or July according to Debra
Campbell.

To reach our WEBSITE go to Neighborhoodlink.com. Key in our zip code and
click on Madison Park or type
http://neighborhoodlink.com/charlotte/madisonpk to reach our site.


New members were Jeff Smith and Brian Sellars. Brian Sellars had
purchased Stephanie Hoffman's Home on Fairbanks. He has just recently
added a carport to the home. The contractor who he plans on working for
is JLA Services, INC 704-799-1661. He wanted to recommend them to anyone
planning on any remodeling or construction in our community. Those that
would like can inspect his addition at 840 Fairbanks Road.

Pastor Jeff McNeil was in attendance from the Madison Park Community
Church. He stated that the church is here and wants to be the Community
Church. He encourages residents that don't attend a regular church to
try his church. He said right now the church is being remodeled and that
he is adding staff. The Church is doing events such as Mothers Day Out a
free service for 2-5 year olds. Ted Peters thanked the church for the
Halloween & Fall Festival. Jeff McNeil the pastor is also a doctor. He
is practicing at Park Road Medical Group and is trying to work out a
discount for those in our community without insurance. If approved those
without insurance can be seen for 100.00 cash. Regular visits are
180.00. This is not certain and depends on approval of the California
owned facility.

The meeting was adjourned

Respectfully submitted,

Martin Doss