Wesley Heights Community Assoc.

WHCA MEETING MINUTES - 06/09/2005

WHCA MEETING MINUTES

Date: Thursday, 9 June 2005

Site: St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 615 Grandin Road

Time: 6:30 – 7:13 pm (43 minutes)

Board Members: Brian Nolen (President), Peggy Howey (First Vice President), Thomasina Massey (Second Vice President), Gloria McClain (Treasurer), Anita Mobley (Financial Secretary), Valaida Fullwood (Recording Secretary) and Chris Rogers (Corresponding Secretary).

Approximate Number of Attendees: 30

Guest Presenters:
• Mark Rowland, Community Officer
• Mark Santaniello, Community Officer

Main Agenda Items
 Call to Order – Brian Nolen
• Recital and Confirmation of Minutes from 5.19.05 – Valaida Fullwood
• Treasury Report – Gloria McClain
• CMPD Discussion – Officer Mark Rowland
• Historic District Commission Report – Tonya Brandon [DEFERRED]
• Board Vacancies Discussion: Nominations and volunteer sign-up for Committee Members, Committee Chairs and Street Representatives – Brian Nolen
• Other New Business
• Announcement of next meeting: July 14

Meeting Handout(s):
• 6.9.05 Meeting Agenda
• 6.9.05 Financial Report
• Volunteer sign-up sheet (Committees and Street Representatives)


Highlighted Notes/Meeting Minutes

Call to Order
Brian called the meting to order and opened the floor for meeting attendees to introduce themselves.

Recital and Confirmation of Minutes
Valaida read minutes from the Association meeting on May 19. Geraldine Johnson made a motion to accept the minutes and the motion was seconded by Collette Forrest. Members approved the meeting minutes.

CMPD Discussion
Officer Mark Rowland introduced his new partner Officer Mark Santaniello. Rowland stated that his police division is seeking to become better organized, though they are presently shorthanded.

He reported the following items:
• No notable neighborhood crime to report.
• One person, deemed a major problem, has been identified in the neighborhood; officers are keeping watch for criminal activity
• Two previous public events will occur in the area this year: Jazz Fest will not be held in Frazier Park and City Fest will not take place Cedar Yard.
• Woodruff Place is being reviewed regarding possible drug trafficking.
• Third Ward residents have complained about loud parties and drinking among Johnson and Wales students.

Residents expressed the following concerns:
• Concern: Motorized scooters continue to speed down neighborhood streets. Approximately five have been seen around the area and pose the most problems re. speed and noise.
• Q: There are reports of a juvenile who has been stealing lawnmowers. Is there something we can do? A: We’ll keep watch, but juvenile crimes are often difficult to track and prosecute.
• Q: Speeding cars are a problem. Is there a possibility of getting speed humps or may traffic circles/roundabouts? A: The neighborhood has tried in the past but did not meet the criteria (e.g., traffic volume and speeding levels) to warrant speed humps. In addition, fire departments and emergency crews do not like speed humps.
• Q: Group of young guys (10 to 12) dressed in black t-shirts have been seen on Wesley Heights Way. Is this an indication of gang activity? A: We’ll look into it.
• Concern: Midday shooting on occurred on Grandin and West Fourth. A resident observed the incident and reported it. About nine kids were a part of the group with the shooter and a baby was present. The incident is not thought to be gang related. Officer Rowland acknowledged being unaware of the incident.


Contact information for Community Police Officers
Officer Mark Rowland
Pager: 704-581-3913 Email: mrowland@cmpd.org
Phone: 704-336-5729 (office number at Central Division or David One)

Officer Mark Santaniello
Pager: 704-581-5272 Email: msantaniello@cmpd.org
Phone: 704-336-5729 (office number at Central Division or David One)

Treasury Report
Gloria distributed the financial report. Since the last meeting, WHCA membership dues have been credited, totaling $1,326. The Association’s checking account balance stood at $2,736.42 as of June 9.

Board Vacancies Discussion: Nominees and volunteer sign-up for Committee Members, Committee Chairs and Street Representatives
Chris distributed a volunteer sign-up sheet for committees and street representatives. Members were asked to nominate themselves and others to fill the positions by completing the sheet or contacting Board members. Selections will be determined and announced at the July meeting.

Brian stated that ad hoc committees might be warranted at various times (e.g. roundabout and speed bumps). He also reported interest in reviving the neighborhood festival, which is an activity the Fellowship Committee could take on.

Discussion among members:
Geraldine Johnson proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to review the bylaws. She expressed interest in serving on such a committee given unsuccessful efforts in recent months at modifying the bylaws to reflect transitions in the neighborhood and Association.

Geraldine also encouraged residents check in on frail senior citizens and disabled residents, especially during electrical outages and on hot summer days. Dale Allison agreed and reiterated her interest in compiling a roster of residents who are elderly or disabled. Dale suggested that the roster could be used to assign caretakers for those who might need a neighbor’s help. Finally it was recommended that, once appointed, Street Representatives could identify and document residents who need assistance and an occasional check-in by neighbors.

Closing
Brian opened the floor to discussion, but members raised no further issues or concerns. He adjourned the meeting at 7:13 pm.

Next Association meeting: Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 6:30 pm.