South Park Neighborhood Association

SPNA Meeting Minutes 10-1-07

Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center

The meeting was called to order by co-chair Shirley Hockett at 6:37 p.m. Introductions were made and dues were collected. Minutes of the meeting held Sept. 10, 2007 were read and approved. Maggie Gerring presented the annual Treasurer's Report.

TPD Officer Mike Lapedus reported that the sector has a healthy number of staff and new officers are bringing fresh eyes and energy to the neighborhood. Theft is currently the biggest problem and there has also been an increase in vandalism. TPD is still working to clean up a vacant lot that residents reported is harboring drug activity and prostitution. Residents complained about abandoned and disabled vehicles and also transients living in the area who are stealing water from outside faucets.

Carlos Portillo, Chief Inspector for the Department of Neighborhood Resources, reported on code enforcement and violation. Inspectors have begun touring South Park looking for code violations like high weeds, junk vehicles, debris in the yards, crumbling homes and work done without a permit. Over 50 letters were sent with good response, but they will be issuing some citations that will result in fines. The inspections will continue until the whole neighborhood has been reviewed.

Co-chair Maggie Gerring led the annual elections. Shirley Hockett was elected Treasurer and Al Morelli was elected Director. There are still openings for a co-chair and a newsletter editor. Sara O'Neil volunteered to greet residents as they enter the meetings to be sure they sign in, because they must attend 4 meetings a year to vote or hold office.

Shirlet Hockett reported that the petitions to name the walking path at Silverlake Park in honor of Louis C. Padilla were submitted to the city and must be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and then the City Council. SPNA representatives should attend and support the effort when these meetings take place.

Maggie Gerring reported that Randolph Park Soccer Club wants to write a grant to fund additional lights at Silverlake Park so they can hold their program in the evening. They requested that SPNA write a letter in support of their grant proposal to the US Soccer Association and the membership approved.

Pat Garcia reported that construction has started on the senior housing complex that will offer 59 one-bedroom units on 36th St. next to the swimming pool. It is supposed to be completed in November 2008. They will not begin accepting applications until 90 days before construction is complete.

Maggie Gerring reported that the grading for the Bridges Development flood control should begin soon. The design for the residential area is being submitted to the city and one of the requirements is that they form a permanent architectural review committee that includes 2 residents from the area to review the design of the housing. Residents were asked to contact Maggie if they are interested in serving on the committee.

Attention was called to a list of announcements printed on the agenda. Pat Garcia reminded that the senior nutrition program at Quincie Douglas Center offers breakfast and lunch for 50 cents with activities in between. Also Quincie Douglas Library will be offering safe alternatives to trick-or-treating on Halloween, and there will be a festival on sustainable living on October 27 at Mission Manor Park.

Door prizes were awarded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.