Overland Park

Minutes of October 26, 2006 Meeting

Nov 14, 2006

Overland Neighborhood Association (ONA)
Minutes of 10/26/06 Meeting

Call to Order (CTO) by President Unruh at 7:15pm at John Collins Church, 2320 S. Bannock.

Present:

After our four alarm chili pot luck, Kevin Dickson mentioned the infrastructure taskforce and the proposed turn lane at Evans and Broadway, as well as the alley paving project. Matt Riley issued a call to ?“harass everyone we can?” about the pedestrian bridge. Somewhere a mission statement notes the Platte River Greenway as ?“one of the best in the world,?” yet neighborhood access is dangerous. Colorado Plumbing and Heating at Evans & Acoma will become a restoration furniture store.

Jack Unruh noted that ONA has only 30 paying members, and that the Newsletter should avoid ?“that ransom note look.?” Jennifer Willoughby says her Newsletter Action Group is in the ?“assessment stage.?” Using neighborhood watch block captains for hand delivery of the Newsletter was discussed.

On 9/30/06, Unruh, Catherine Sandy, Charley Samson and Andy Stine attended the Neighborhoods Conference in Longmont, returning with a wealth of ideas, notably the paramount social function of such organizations.

Former area planner Janelle was present, prompting Unruh?’s remark that, as such planners no longer exist, we need ?“self-motivated heretics.?”

Catherine Sandy noted the End-of-Shattuck celebration on 11/4/06, followed by a brunch at the church, financed by the EPA, Shaw, US Ecology, the Army Corps of Engineers and others. Also, $1500-$2000 will be divided between ONA and ONEW.

Officers were elected without opposition: Catherine Sandy (president), Jennifer Pollock (vice president), Lois Strohmeyer (treasurer), Charley Samson (secretary). Jack Unruh was named Director of Deep Thoughts and Zoning.

Treasurer?’s Report (Current Balance $1179.85) was approved.

Julie Connor noted a ?“David and Goliath?” situation, as Xcel proposes bigger and higher transmission poles (up to 170 feet, with huge bases and double the wattage), roughly along the railroad lines north and south of Ruby Hill. There was no public input and minimal PUC requirements, a classic case of environmental discrimination (i.e., Xcel would never attempt such a thing in Wash Park). She recommends contacting Mike Cerbo (House District 2).

With Catherine Sandy?’s exhortation (?“Go home?”), we adjourned at 8:05pm.