Valley High Manor Neighborhood Association

April Meeting Minutes 2008

Jun 29, 2008

Minutes from meeting April 17, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 by President Harlan Donaldson.
Our guests were introduced.
Rick Fedsen with the Neighborhood Based Service Delivery department spoke to us about what?’s going on in the neighborhood and city. Updated us on the East Side Boxing Club and said they were looking for volunteers to help with landscaping.. Also from the police department were Tim Fricke with the Traffic Unit and Mike Stueckrath from the Intelligence Unit. They talked about their duties and what we can do to help each other. They talked about gang activity and graffiti in the area.
Dennis Davis and Teva Dawson were there from Des Moines Parks and Rec. Dennis suggested we form a project group to plan the playground. We are on the list to have our equipment upgraded. Teva talked to us about natural prairie grasses and a plan for the area at the top of the hill that is too shaded to grow anything now. They are focusing on habitat restoration to invite birds and cut down on erosion. There is going to be a clean up of 4 Mile and would appreciate all the volunteers they can get. It is in September. If each neighborhood 4 Mile runs through could get volunteers to clean up their section it should go pretty smoothly.
Jim Nelson our neighborhood inspector went over his duties and the area he covers for new attendees. He then asked for questions. We found out hot tubs must have lids that will hold 300 pounds on when not in use. Also, a 5?’ non-climable fence with self-locking gate must be around any pool that holds 18?” of water of more.
Harlan thanked our guests and let them leave if they wished.
The minutes from the previous meeting were read. Patti Weaver moved they be accepted as read. MC
The treasurer?’s report was given. Patti Burdette moved they be accepted, Brenda 2nd, MC.
President?’s Report:
Yard Sale-May 31 weekend - Patti will organize another yard sale. Let her know if you will be participating. She also asked to let her know if you have yard to share with those who don?’t have a yard to use. If you want to participate in one in the fall, let her know. If there is enough interest, she will organize one then.
National Night out-August 5 - It was suggested we combine that with our neighborhood pot luck this year. We will discuss in greater detail at the July meeting.
Scrub Day-June 14th - Same place as before, trailer lot across from the fairgrounds on Dean. No yard waste. That has to be taken to the compost site on Harriett. Jim Nelson can get volunteers to help elderly or veterans if needed. Volunteers needed. Bring you own gloves and meet at 6:30-6:45
Dean/Williams Clean Up-June 28 - Signs will be posted regarding start time. Meet at Sleepy Hollow. Rick Fedsen will help with traffic control and garbage bags.
Park Clean Up-selecting date tabled until July meeting. Will schedule for late September. The picnic table tops may need to be painted and some fence lines need to be cleaned out again. Other than that, everything looked pretty good on the last walk through.
Old Business was brought up.
Grant Committee: To secure grants, we need to be incorporated, not-profit. There is a 1 time fee of $300 associated with this filing.
New Business
Elections were held: Rick Davis nominated Harlan for president. Unanimous
Rick Davis was nominated and elected vice president unanimously
Brenda Peel was nominated and elected as secretary unanimously
Connie Cook was nominated and elected as treasurer unanimously
Harlan asked for volunteers to serve as board members. Patti Burdette and Steve O?’Brien raised their hands. Carol Stewart and Mary Smith are on their 2nd year of a 2 year term.
Harlan had information on mortgage help. He was going to ask 4 Mile Community Center to post or get a hold of him.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07.

Respectfully submitted,
Connie L Cook