The meeting was opened at 6:35PM by president Ed Miska. As this was the first Board meeting of the NNA year, all new and old members introduced themselves.
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed, amended and adopted.
Treasurers Report:
Sara reported that our bank statement shows approximately $1540 in the bank. About $140 in dues is on hand. The exact balance is $1678.37
Committee Reports:
Community Relations:
Sara reported that Ed Miska had signed a programatic agreement on behalf of NNA. Signing this document is part of the process required of the City for receiving the Community Development Block Grant. For the benefit of new Board members, the purpose, scope and history of the block grant was reviewed.
It was announced that the next Brown Bag Lunch would be a tour of the grant area. This will occur on Friday, October 7th at noon. Exactly how to eat your lunch while walking along Teboe and Anderson Streets was not explained.
Real Estate:
There was discussion concerning various properties bought and sold in the Newtown area.
Newtown Business Guild:
Craig explained to the Board that the West Beverley block grant was divided into stages. The first stage consists of private partners fulfilling their commitments regarding investment in the target area. The second stage is infrastructure work by the City. If the property owners do not follow through on their obligations during stage one, the grant can still fall apart.
There was a meeting between representatives of NNA, NBG, the West Newtown Crime Watch, Police Chief Williams and John Glover of Planning and Inspections. Various problems in Newtown were discussed with the City representatives. Ed and Craig reported that Chief Williams was on top of the problems discussed. The Police Department is addressing these problems. Alas, we must be vague on the means that the Police are using to fight these problems, just in case bad guys read meeting minutes.
Old Business:
There was review of the last Block Party. We had a good turnout with many new faces. Various ways to make the party even better were discussed. The canopies were considered to be a good idea, and we will be sure to have name tags every year.
Tesi presented a thank you card from the French American Gospel Music Workshop Exchange Committee. The card thanks the members of NNA who helped with the Thanksgiving dinner for the French Choir.
New Business:
Election of Officers: Bob moved, Tesi seconded:
The NNA Board of Directors elects the current officers to another one year term by acclamation.
Ed Miska, President
Shirley Masters, Vice President
Joe Sandlin, Secretary
Sara Hollberg, Treasurer
The motion passed unanimously.
There was discussion of the "Newtown News" newsletter and its future. Barbara will consider assuming the task.
The board was reminded of the meeting at City Hall regarding parking issues in our area as well as downtown. Ed urged all to attend and speak out. Various parking remedies were discussed.
Joe reported that he and Madison Brown had talked about another NNA Candidate's Forum before election day. It is tentatively planned for Thursday, November 3rd, and will feature two 45 minute forums for candidates to the Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue posts.
Sara moved, Tesi seconded:
The Board authorizes Joe Sandlin and Madison Brown to plan and execute a Candidate's Forum for the City Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue elections.
The motion passed unanimously.
Ed announced that Dante de Tablen and David Jernigan will host our first NNA cultural event on November 13th in their home. This will be a members only event featuring piano and vocals. More details will follow.
Ed commended Shirley Masters for her work on the block party, as well as everyone who helped to set up and clean up at the event.
It was decided that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20th at 6:30PM. It will be held at Tesi Lamb's house at 203 FayetteStreet.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05PM.
After the Board Meeting, Craig led us on a tour of the extensive renovations in progress to the east half of his 18th century home.
|