Ninth Ward Civic Association Meeting Minutes 05/08/08

 

NINTH WARD CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

 

MINUTES FOR MAY 8, 2008

 

Sheila Hopkins, President, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

The Minutes were read and approved and can be reviewed on the civic association web.

 

New Business:

Sheila Hopkins reported on the Neighborhood Planning Council activity and stated that one of the things discussed was a proposed Concord Avenue Street project.  This project would be similar to the Baynard Blvd Project and will serve to beautify Concord Avenue and cut down on crime.

Norman Griffith, City Councilman will be vacating his position this year and is   currently running for City Council President.  Various candidates for Norman's position will be attending our meetings to introduce themselves and tell us what they have to offer and bring to the position.  At this meeting we had candidate Larry Smith to talk to us about his experience.  Larry has lived in the 2^nd District for most of his life and has worked in city, state, and county governments for over 20 years.  Larry advocates public safety, increasing police protection, and economic development. Larry gave examples of community projects he was involved with that helped the community; and supports a gateway projects like the proposed Concord Avenue Street project.  Larry ended his talk with answering questions and addressing community issues and problems.  A panel discussion with all of the candidates was suggested and Larry Smith agreed to come back to participate at a later date.

 

City Council Activity:

Norman Griffith, City Councilman talked a little bit about the Blue Print Community Plan.  The Blue Print Community is a project where the Districts compete for Federal Government money that will be distributed.  The 2^nd district submitted a winning plan.  Further meetings and training regarding the project will be held in Dover, DE.  Norman did not have all of the details at this time, and suggested the Ninth Ward Civic Association have one of the candidates running for his vacating position come talk to us about it

Norman clarified the Mayors Side Walk Repair Bill that was signed for emergency sidewalk repairs.  The City of Wilmington is in limbo regarding a 1968 decision that was made by City Council in power at that time which was in violated the City's Charter making the homeowner responsible for sidewalk repairs.  According to the City's Charter, the City is responsible for sidewalk repairs.  This situation was discovered due to lawsuit against a homeowner that was dismissed.  Consequently money is available for emergency sidewalk repairs.  City residents in need of emergency sidewalk repairs should contact their State Representative.   

 

The City of Wilmington is activity recruiting for Police Officers.  Anyone interested in a career in law enforcement should contact the City of Wilmington Personnel Office for more details. 

Scholarship money is available for graduating senior or anyone who will be attending college.  Please contact Norman Griffith for an application. 302-576-3187 or 302-463-8973.

 

Old Business:

Matching money is still need to for the Baynard Boulevard Street project before July 1, 2008.

 

Volunteers needed!

 

Block Captains are needed to put flyers in mailboxes regarding meetings.  

 

Community Block Party volunteers are needed to work on planning committees.

 

Anyone interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Sheila Hopkins via email at nwca-2^nd@comcast.net.

 

Open Discussion:

Residents expressed various problems and/or issues in the community.  Present councilman and association president made possible solutions and suggestions. 

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00.  The next meeting will be Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 6:30 p.m in the basement of Christ Our King Church.