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The meeting was called to order at 6:30 by Ed Miska.
Special Guest:
Julie Markowitz, the new Executive Director of the Staunton Downtown Development Association, came to introduce herself to the NNA as Newtown is Downtown’s close neighbor. She noted that she had been in the position just a very short time so, she would not yet be able to provide us with many specifics. She said that the SDDA web site was undergoing considerable renovations to make it a more useful tool for the downtown merchants as well as other downtown stakeholders.
She asked if it would be possible to have our membership list so that the SDDA Newsletter could be emailed to all our members. There was a consensus among the Board Members that we wouldn’t want to do that, not wanting to add to the spam problems of our members but. The NNA web site does have a link to the SDDA web site. It was suggested that there be a place on the SDDA web site for individuals to sign up for the newsletter. Members can sign up now by sending an email to director@ci.staunton.va.us
The group discussed various ways to make SDDA and downtown more successful.
Julie thanked us for our time and input and departed.
Minutes:
Craig Peterson moved and Elisabeth Dyjak seconded that the minutes of the June 2006 meeting be approved. They were adopted without modification.
Treasurer’s Report:
Sara reported a balance of 1,892.82 as of 8/11/06.
Account activity: paid for flowers for Joe’s funeral ($84.00 and for two rolls of stamps; received $196 in bag sales and memberships.
Members in good standing: approximately 100 households (about 20 others need to renew; several moved or died).
Recent new members: Carolyn Dull, Sally Mueller, Tony Smith and Karen Madison, Polly Smock, Russ Warren and Bruce Joffe.
Committee Reports:
Community Issues:
Sara Hollberg reported that the Planning Commission is reviewing the proposed Corridor Overlay Zoning proposal. They seem to be pretty vague as to what will and will not be permitted. Concern was expressed about that fact. Developers need to have clearly established guidelines. The Lexington ordinance, upon which the proposed ordinance is based, relies heavily on a long tenured individual for its clarity. We will continue to monitor the developments.
Tesi Lamb announced that the Preservation Institution’s workshop will focus on interiors this year. It will be conducted on the 8th and 9th of September.
It was announced that the Historic Staunton Foundation is inviting nominations for its awards program.
HSF First Friday Brown Bag Lunch will be a walking tour of Montgomery Hall Park.
APVA Preservation Virginia has opened an office in Staunton. It will be staffed by Terry Graham, the organization's Program Manager. Ms. Graham will split her time between the Valley office and APVA statewide office in Richmond. The Valley office is located in Staunton on the second floor of 120 S. Augusta Street, above the offices of Historic Staunton Foundation. She has purchased a house in Newtown.
Commercial Properties:
Craig Peterson reported that the picnic had a good turnout. There was plenty of discussion about the drug dealing problems. Some residents of the area are afraid to call the police for fear of reprisals. Stay tuned...
No court date for Paul Anderson has been scheduled for the third month in a row now.
The Newtown Business Guild is going to produce note cards for sale. They will feature drawings by Therese Dorlini.
Real Estate:
Tesi Lamb reminded everyone of the properties that they have for sale.
In general, properties are still moving briskly in Newtown.
Nominating Committee:
The Nominations Committee, consisting of Elisabeth Dyjak (Chair), Joel Hodson, and Sara Hollberg made their report to to Board. The report, in its entirety is included below:
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NNA Nominating Committee Report
8/17/06
Proposed New Board Members:
Ed Pickett (but can’t meet Thursdays)
Sandy McNeill
Mari Selby
Steve Plumbley (awaiting call back)
Continuing Members:
Ed Miska, Current President
Shirley Masters, Current Vice President
Bob Craycroft, Current Secretary
Sara Hollberg, Current Treasurer & Community Relations
Craig Peterson, Current Commercial Property (NBG liaison)
Cleve Helmick
Joel and Can Hodson (distribution)
Barbara Martin (newsletter)
Thank Retiring Members: Michael Bowermaster, Elisabeth Dyjak, Tesi Lamb, and Rebecca Gorra
Suggested Committees
Executive
Events / Social
Community Issues
Real Estate / Commercial Property
Communications (newsletter, web site, distribution)
Projects (ad hoc)
Other Recommendations:
1. Board terms should be staggered one-year and two-year.
2. Board members should commit to attending the majority of the board meetings, attending the majority of NNA events, and serving on a committee.
3. NNA should try to involve more people through the committees, and the board should hold one or two meetings a year including committee members and other volunteers.
Nominating Committee:
Elisabeth Dyjak (chairman), Joel Hodson, Sara Hollberg
ssh 8/17/06
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There was a discussion about the terms of service. A consensus developed that we should look at having staggered two-year terms. This required that the Committee address that issue and report back to the Board. (The revised report is appended to the end of these minutes.)
Old Business:
The Ice Cream Social at Elisabeth Dyjak’s house was a resounding success. Ed thanked Elisabeth for her efforts. All agreed.
New Business:
Block Party:
The Block Party will be held on Sunday, September 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will meet, as usual on Church Street between Beverley and Johnson. It will be moved to the Trinity Fellowship Hall in the event of rain. Rudy and Shirley Masters will provide BBQ and hot dogs. Bring a chair and something good to eat.
Sara will check with the church to make sure that the Sunday date is ok.
Craig Peterson will invite the police and members of the City council.
Next Meeting:
Ed Miska will host the next meeting (his last as President) on September 21st at 6:30 p.m. at his home - 12 Fayette Street.
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