General Monthly Meeting Minutes: February 16, 2009
Date: February 16, 2009
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Place: St. Joseph Elementary School Cafeteria
Pauletta called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
Treasurer’s Report – Fred Ellison reported that the current balance was $3114.87 The report was approved as presented.
Secretary’s Report – Jane Powell gave everyone a copy of the minutes from January meeting. They were approved as presented.
Committee Reports – Membership: Fred reported that we have 25-30 new members
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Springfield Police Department update - In Harold Millirons’ absence, Angela reported on the upcoming Special Olympics fundraisers. The law enforcement community supports Special Olympics. The Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 raffle will be Mar. 1. Rick’s Automotive is sponsoring this. Tickets are $10. There are only 200 tickets. The Torch Run t-shirts are available. Cutting Edge will give their proceeds for one day to Special Olympics. Red Robin Tip-A-cop event will be Apr. 18 from 12-8.
On Feb. 19, Officer Millirons reported the following on the Fairbanks School situation: “I got hold of Bill Wise, owner of Fairbanks. He was understanding and apologized for not getting back with me. I think we have worked up a solution. He is trying to sell the property and has been having a hard time. In the mean time the police has been granted permission to conduct training there and we did so on the 17th with the SWAT team. It seemed to be a big deal because there were many people wondering why so many cops were there. We also have a letter of enforcement on file and can arrest on sight if we notice trespassers there. Hopefully this will be a remedy and Mr. Wise said he would be more aware of fixing problems. You might also mention to call if we see people in the area. I have been given a key to the building and we have permission to enter and search if needed.”
Guest Speaker-Bob Horton, UNA – With the failure of the recent sales tax issue, there may be no funding for UNA. Because of this Bob is looking for creative ways to raise funds to keep UNA alive. He presented a document which outlined: 1) their mission which is “to inspire and promote revitalization and preservation in our center city neighborhoods through public/private partnerships, education and grass roots participation, ensuring a vibrant urban community” and the benefits of that mission, 2) a Sustainability Challenge proposal that help support UNA, and 3) statistics on programs and/or services related to activities in the neighborhood since UNA was formed in 2002. His presentation is attached. Bob also noted the SWAT (Sustainability with a Twist) Team is going to the community for assistance as well – banks, colleges, City Utilities, etc. They are looking for assistance from individuals and organizations. Bob felt the city would have their budget finalized around April/May. He indicated that UNA needed to raise $41,000 if the city cuts their funding. Following additional discussion, upon motion made and passed, it was decided to allow people to consider for 30 days what GBNA might do and vote on this at the March General Membership meeting. This information will also be put in the March newsletter.
Questions from the floor: Dale Amaral asked Bob to check on the property at 1230 N. Broadway and what’s happening with it. Someone also asked him to check on the property at Concord & Scott.
Bob noted that another Home Depot shipment will be coming on Thursday, 2/19. The Tindle Mills facility will be open Friday or next Tuesday.
Old Business
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Anita reported that the Renaissance Group will march behind the GBNA float. Rare Breed will join us as well. Victory Square will be invited to participate as well. Fred noted that he no longer had a trailer available. Anita called a meeting for 2 PM Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Resource Center to make further plans for the parade float. Jane to help Anita with giveaways from Oriental Trading.
New Business
New Executive Committee Members – Pauletta introduced two new business members of the Executive Committee: Lynn Remmark from Victory Square and Randy Carpenter from the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Spring Sports – Pauletta reported that they will be meeting with the Park Board very soon. There will be more in the March newsletter.