Minutes
5/9/05 • 4/11/05 • 3/14/05 • 2/14/05 • 1/10/05 • 12/13/04 • 11/8/04 • 10/11/04
******* GET INFO ABOUT NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS!!!! *****APRIL MINUTES APPROVAL PENDING JUNE NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION
(see vhna.net for a copy in these cases)
FEATURED SPEAKER: Craig Burge – Executive in the Illinois State Police – Sex Offender Registration UnitPower Point Presentation about the evolution of the Sex Offender Unit
Jacob Wetterling unsolved mystery in an area where sex offenders were living unmonitored. 1994 Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act Signed into law September 13th, 1994. Required all fifty states to establish and maintain a registry of sex offenders.Megan’s Law – about community notification about where sex offenders live. New Jersey a family lived next door to a sex offender who lured her into his house with the promise of a puppy and murdered her. The neighbors didn’t even know. 1996 federal government passed Megan’s Law. Law enforcement notifies community about where sex offenders are.
Information is passed on to schools, day care centers, and human services agencies and more. All sex offenders are required to register.
ISP.STATE.IL.US button on home page of the State Police takes you to the registry.
isp.state.il.us/sorCannot attack the sex offender in any way. Can pass out info that they exist.
Law enforcement relies on the community to complete the notification process.
Went over various laws and requirements about parks and schools and child sex offenders. A legal guardian can visit a school where their child is present.TREASURER’S REPORT: Dennis Rogers is in the process of loading the treasury data into Quicken.
Ending March balance 990.84
Renewals and expenses reduces to 718.05POLICE REPORT: Kevin Groesch Cell:652-2255
Residential burglaries on the rise as can be read in the paper. MO privacy fences and back door entry to carry away jewelry and small items no identifying features or evidence of organized operation to report. Photograph valuable items any way possible and keep stored to identify later.STREET REPORT: Neighborhood Clean-up date suggestions. Late June straw pole. June 25th was chosen for a neighborhood clean-up Alternate date in September. Elen Pirece volounteered to do refreshments for June 25th Clean-up.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Sprucing Up Springfield report: Amy Chase says we have many volunteers signed up and still need more.Membership Social: Jenni Grigsby-Rogal Organizing survey results and social gathering.
Website: Ted Keylon asks for submissions of photos and announces the new url is: vhna.net
NEW BUSINESS: Band concerts in the parks, SBC Experience Semi May 11th, Gardening Committee chair
Rezoning petition. – 900 S. Pasfield Old Joe’s Radiator Shop, now Power Clean. Mike Aden purchased the building. History, gas station from early 1952 to early 1990s. Checkered Cab company built the large part of the building later. Because of the tanks being removed the building is structurally compromised and an eye-sore in Mike’s opinion. Wants to put in his Pow’r-Clean house exterior cleaning. Will require B2 Zoning and could result in an undesirable business to move in if Pow’r-Clean ever leaves.
The motion passed was to support no permanent change in the zoning, but instead granting of a Use Variance allowing him to run his business there. - (Corrected by William Castor on 6/6/05 from "Motion passed agreeing to B2 Zoning with a Use Variance that states the property will revert back after the business leaves.")
Thanks to Lisa for the cookies!
Next refreshments to be brought by Ted Keylon.ADJOURNMENT
NEW MEMBERS/GUESTS:
Mark Russill
Tad Spence
MINUTES APPROVEDMark Mahoney – He put out a flyer for Sprucing Up Springfield. Provided Betty with a list of possible repair areas.
FEATURED SPEAKER: Linda Cress, LPN, Department of Public Health City of Springfield Lead Program 7892182 Rich Wells, Lead Inspector. All houses mostly before 1920s have lead paint. Children eat it because it’s sweet. Lead damage is permanent and causes brain damage. 10 micrograms of lead poisoning is enough to lower IQ significantly. It also negatively affects bone development. Sometimes lead poisoning is not noticed until about ten years old when math abilities fall off. Some imported items still have lead paint. Candy coming in from Mexico still has lead. There is still no regulation for the use of lead in wrapping paper. Lead can be found in the soil from past use. Lead dust is so fine that you need a hepafilter to filter it from the air. All children need to be tested for lead. Offer remedial services for landlords with lead issues. It only takes a chip the size of your little fingernail to poison a child but it takes more to poison an adult. There is a fee of $38 for adult testing. Kilation is the use of drugs to remove lead from the body. There are still lead pipes for water and by running cold water for about 30 seconds one can flush the pipe free, but hot water will leach the lead into it. Acid in the water will break down the layer of mineral deposits in the pipe that normally ends up preventing the lead from entering the water stream. When it can’t be removed, it can be encapsulated.
Todd Smith, Garrison Group 241-0202 – Proposed Esquire Development: Pedestrian-friendly project to occupy the Esquire property. They propose to remove the existing buildings and replace them with five smaller buildings (43,000 square feet) and green space with architectural character to improve the area from it’s current condition. The zoning request this month includes a variance to move from 15 feet from the building to the road to only 12 feet (front yard), reduction of 7 feet in the back for green space bordering the back parking lots (back yard). This is to accommodate park benches and bicycle traffic. They are also asking that the parking apce requirement is reduced from 5 spaces per 100 square feet to 4 space because of the nature of the retail environment which would be smaller in scale and traffic than most typical strip mall environments. They want to maintain architectural uniqueness and variety in the store fronts rather than one uniform building size and shape. They are requesting a traffic signal with IDOT at Leland and MacArthur to facilitate the entrance.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Dennis Rodgers is in the process of revamping and digitizing the Treasury Reports and records. Balance in new bank account at Security Bank is $1044.49.POLICE REPORT: Kevin Groesch is on vacation until April 14th. Pager 467-4771
STREETS DEPARTMENT: Art Lawson 789-2246
Bob Croteau has offered to fill out the new yearly application for the large item pick-up this year. Discussion commenced regarding the next date.COUNTY BOARD REPORT: Sam Cahnman 529-5051
Solid Waste Management Committee this Saturday 8am to 3pm will sponsor a waste dump off of Gate Eleven. Earth Awareness Fair, Saturday April 23rd10am to 3pm Illinois State Fairgrounds Food-A-Rama Building. County Board meeting happened this evening and they passed a resolution to allow a new airport company to come into town and provide approximately 150 new jobs.COMMITTEE REPORTS: Sprucing Up Springfield - Tony Leone from Pasfield House stated that he is planning to be very involved in the project plus he issuing his standing and influence in the community to bring other local businesses on board. Is possibly providing lunch and water to volunteers. Bill Castor pointed out the meeting tomorrow at YWCA.
Membership/Social Monday April 18th 5pm Bernie & Betty’s next meeting.NEW BUSINESS:
It was mentioned that VHNA should have asked homeowners before planting flowers. Bill Castor pointed out that the effort could have been more organized and that we had little time to get them in the ground.OLD BUSINESS:
Signage for VHNAREFRESHMENTS: Lisa Hensley will send refreshments next week.
ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES APPROVED
FEATURED SPEAKERS: POLITICAL CANDIDATES
Rudy Davenport – Running for Capitol Township Board
Believes that local politics are at the heart of solving our city’s current problems and he is very glad to be speaking at a neighborhood association meeting for that reason.
Brooke Harmony – Running for ********
Very active civically. Wants to get the community involved to support the Convention Center and realizes she can’t do it without being on the board. She believes the Prairie Capital Convention Center needs to keep in step with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. PCCC’s nearest competitor is in Peoria so there is room for improvement in our region.
Neil Calderon
Ran for County auditor last year. SMIA?? ******** Board candidate and a UIS Grad. Belives there should be less Lottery at PCCC and more concerts, college basketball, etc.QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: We would need more parking. – Emelia Rodgers. How much for tickets? - Julie Kemp: ANSWER “I Don’t know.” What about concerts at the Warehouse? – Julie Kemp: ANSWER “We should have the big shows at PCCC (such as Rap concerts), Why did concerts at the PCCC decline over the years in the first place? – Ted Keylon: ANSWER “Poor upkeep, You would have to check with the acts themselves.” Though maybe not Aerosmith ha ha . . . – Ted Keylon
Candice Trees
Running for Capital Township Trustees. We set the property tax rates, help indigent people receive eyeglasses, medicines, etc. The Township office is moving into 11th and Cass. She has been active in the rennovation of Washington Park and active with the Boys & Girls Club. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority public service organization, with over 1000 young women prepared to become contributing members of the community and she is a YMCA member as well. She is a mentor at Douglas School and her children are grown now so she uses her time to help the community. Wants to serve on the board to help keep the property tax rate low. Her office serves over 15000 people in the township.
Dave Robish
Capital Township candidate. Did not want to repeat Candice.
Bill Cavanaugh
Atty for 25 years, candidate for Township. Nothing is more important to our mission than home ownership and the tax role; they are symbiotic. We lowered the property taxes by 11%. They couldn’t get a consensus so they gave the money back to the people who paid in the first place, the taxpayers themselves.QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: How did you give back for property taxes if I paid more? – George ******** ANSWER: “Don’t know,” The value of your property goes up because there are other factors that would cause your bill to be higher, however, the township rate went down. – Candice Trees.
TREASURER’S REPORT
VHNA account has been changed from Marine Bank to Security Bank with a facility near the Laurel United Methodist Church and on downtown.STREETS REPORT Art Lawson
Still picking up branches from storms.
ALDERMAN’S REPORT:
Mark Mahoney (Ward 6) asked about Health Department issue opinions City and County combining.
544-7944 is his home number which he asked to have published in the newsletter, etc. Sidewalk plan already has $240,000 earmarked for it. Homeowner puts some money down and they get on a list to have their sidewalk done. All told it would take about 2 or 3 years for the sidewalk program to take effect. Sanke high-rise has been having community activities, maybe a VHNA meeting could be held there. Job pointed out 4 years ago that we were unable to distribute flyers at the high-rise and they were hesitant to allow a meeting back then.QUESTION/COMMENTS: What is the cost for inclusion in the sidewalk program? - Judy Ingram. ANSWER: “To be announced.”
Jenni Grigsby-Rogal says she feels that the health departments should not merge due to the loss of checks and balances present with two separate entities
George Tinkham asked what assurance is there that the County programs are going to be as involved as they are now if they consolidate?
Floyd Pierce asked if either department is “broken?”
Emelia Rodgers said she feels that separate entities can better help the local communities.
Sam Cahnman stated that the County gets money from citizens of the city for its health department and that the proposal is not for a “merger” or a “consolidation” but that the County Health Department would be taking over the City Health Department.
Job Conger suggested taking a straw pole on the subject which was conducted resulting in no supporting votes, a majority against and several undecided.FEATURED SPEAKER Scott Hanauer
Park District Board for 8 years, running for Board again. Pointed out that voters can vote for three people on the ballot for Park Board. Suggested improvements to the parks include labyrinths. Frisbee golf was so successful that they put in two so far, at Douglas and Lincoln Parks, and do midnight glow-in-the-dark Frisbee golf as well. Pointed out that many people are not aware of some of the Park Board services available to the public, such as the family swim every Sun from 2-4pm at Eisenhower Pool.Parks have one of the lowest tax rates. He combines his expertise from CWLP Energy experience and saved 100,000 watts of power with new lights.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Are there any plans to replicate the stone water fountains in Lincoln Park? - ******** : ANSWER “We are refurbishing the stone bridge. We have put in sidewalk at Washington Park at Park Street and South Grand after a suggestion from a citizen.
COUNTY BOARD REPORT Sam Cahnman (SEE ARTICLE IN NEWSLETTER)COMMITTEE REPORTS
SUS: Still need volunteers and ideas for project to be turned in on forms.
Membership/Social: Survey update coming next week. Ideas for social events and membership incentives accepted as well.OLDBUSINESS:
A call out for articles for the newsletter.
Signage for VHNA Sharon Hewitt from Robert Morris College has volunteered to do the graphics for the sign.
MINUTES APPROVED
FEATURED SPEAKER: American Red Cross Phone: 522-3357
“Together We Prepare,” Jenn Ellington
Speaker gave a brief history of the Red Cross, handed out a “Ready or Not Quiz” testing our emergency preparedness and explained the items on the list, and asked if anyone has a home emergency plan for fires and tornadoes. - Ted Keylon asked about pets and animals and it was pointed out that the Red Cross specifically focuses on human needs but that they are able to refer pet owners to shelters that allow pets. - Myrtle Vickers asked about fire extinguishers and was directed to contact the Fire Department for help with information regarding use and placement in the home. - The Red Cross suggests keeping at least a gallon of water per day per person in case of emergencies and Bill Vickers pointed out that the water can go bad if you keep it stored. The Red Cross maintains that the supplies need to be rotated and kept fresh. - Bob Croteau pointed out that chlorine in the water kills bacteria and that “distilling” or boiling can remove it or that water purchased at the store will not contain chlorine so bacteria grows in it after a while. The speaker, Jenn Ellington, said the Red Cross suggests distilling to which George Tinkham disagreed and the subject moved on to other emergency supplies. – The presentation concluded with notice of the Red Cross Adult CPR and Babysitting classes offered locally.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Dennis Rogers
$180.00 received from Ads and Renewals
$920.89 previous balance in General Funds
$610.00 in Sign Fund
$53.72 was used for the Newsletter printing
$1.05 was used for Cards
$54.77 for Total Expenses
$1476.12 Grand Total remainingPOLICE REPORT: Ossifer Kevin Groesch – 652-2255 cell, 467-4771 pager
Floyd Pierce reported that he encountered a “heavy set black woman” who wanted to enter his home but he would not open the door all the way and told her that he would call Officer Groesch if she did not leave and she left. Officer Groesch instructed Floyd not to open the door at all next time. – Officer Groesch stated that he was moving into a neighborhood office on 4th and Capitol which was donated by the Illinois National Bank.
STREETS REPORT: Art Lawson – 789-2246
The potholes reported behind the laurel United Methodist Church have not been fixed yet but they have been reported. – Job Conger asked if plans were underway for the next neighborhood clean-up and Art said he believed they were indeed.
COUNTY BOARD REPORT: Sam Cahnman, Board Member – 529-5051
Issues facing the County Board included the drive through windows at local liquor stores and Floyd Pierce commented that the traffic in and out of the store on South Grand should not actually be directed onto the street itself but rather onto a side street due to the safety hazard it has presented in his experience.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Sprucing Up Springfield – Volunteer Sub-committee Report: Betty GreenThe SUS organizers suggested recruiting at least 200 volunteers from all over. They will stage a five minute representation for any interested group such as civic organizations and local agencies. If a tent is erected within the VHNA territory, they will provide donuts etc. for a volunteer meeting. Saturday, May 14th at 7;30 A.M. is the day of the SUS Event. Volunteer forms need to be filled out and turned in by the end of March. – A location will be needed for the meetings and events. – Discussion continued regarding the acquisition of funds from local businesses.
Food Sub-Committee Report: Judy Ingram – Food has already been donated consisting of hamburgers and hot dogs.
Public Relations Sub-committee: Job Conger – The next meeting is on 2/15/05 at 5:00 P.M.
President Bill Castor suggested calling a meeting for SUS Committee on Tuesday February 22nd at 7;00 P.M. at his house, 1212 Walnut.Membership/Social Committee: Jenni Grigsby-Rogal – Jenni passed out a survey generated by the committee, “Membership Benefits”
Website Committee: Ted Keylon – The assembly took a vote on the proposed url/Domain Names for the website and the results were “vhna.net,” for a first choice and if that was not available the second choice would be “vhna.info.” Ted Keylon stated that he would absorb all costs relating to connecting the name and for server space for the site which amounts to approximately $100 for the year as a donation to VHNA
OLD BUSINESS:
Robert Morris College donated graphics which will be used on all letterhead, signs, newsletter and website. – Bob Croteau reported on the Edwards Street status saying that his problem neighbor has moved and that their was a new, more cooperative owner and that he was very encouraged. – The proposal made months ago by the Kelty contractors at a previous VHNA meeting to develop on Capitol Street has been dissolved since having been purchased by another company. Bob pointed out that this raises questions about variance and zoning issues. Bob said that he would investigate further because VHNA may need to be proactive in contacting the new owners if the terms of the variance will not carry over. – It was voted that we pay the Laurel United Methodist Church for the next year for the use of the meeting space.NEW BUSINESS:
Flower Bulbs – Bill Castor reported that on President’s Day, Feb 22nd at 10:00 A.M. volunteers would plant approximately 500 tulip bulbs donated by the city in the grassy areas at Cook and Lawrence streets. Ted Keylon has volunteered to plant 200 bulbs at the Canedy and Walnut intersection and along the boulevard, plus at the Hay Edwards School Office Building as well. Dee Nelson volunteered to help Ted. – Gardening Committee Chair Job Conger reported that no volunteers have joined the proposed committee as of yet, however, he will print the article in next month’s newsletter as well. – Lead Paint: Job Conger reported that our newsletter will be paid for by the city if we will agree to distribute information regarding lead paint. Job pointed out the April is Lead paint Awareness Month and Bill Castor agreed as President to proceed with the distribution. – Community Emergency Response Team: Dennis Rogers reported that this coming Saturday CERT will be training volunteers for rescue, fire, and first aid techniques. Dennis explained that the CERT volunteers assist Fire Department and Red Cross personnel in the event of a massive emergency. – Floyd Pierce expressed his concern for the youth in the city to have a place to go for basic social interaction and cultural exposure after having read posts by teens on various Yahoo Groups online. Ted Keylon responded by referring to the loss of The Space at 830 S. College due to lack of involvement and interest from the local community.Thanks to Julie for refreshments.
MEETING ADJOURNED
President Bill Castor called the Board Members together after the Membership meeting and proposed that VHNA move its bank account from Marine Bank to Security Bank. The Board members agreed.
NEW AGENDA ITEMS
President Bill Castor announced the new agenda items and gave notice that those wishing to add items contact him by the prior Sunday.. It was also noted that deadlines were posted in the newsletter for the current month on page 7.NEW MEMBERS
Winfield Colburn, brother of Mona Colburn is a new member.MINUTES APPROVED
FEATURED SPEAKER
Senior Services of Central Illinois, Inc. 528-4035
Carolyn Fox, Director of the Daily Bread program, one of the many programs housed at the facility, was available to speak.
SSCI is funded through Project Life by the Area Agency on Aging of Lincolnland, Inc.
Daily Bread has 18 sites throughout the Sangamon and Menard County region and, like all the programs at the center, they need volunteers.
The center recently received $200,000 for an addition from an independent donor.
She explained some of the other programs and passed out information which can also be obtained at the center.TREASURER’S REPORT
As of the beginning of the meeting there were ten renewals and one new member.
$1350.89 Last Month Total (includes $610.00 for sign fund)
$49.60 Expenses for Newsletters and Directories
$1301.29 Current TotalNO POLICE REPORT
To contact Officer Kevin Groesch – Cell: 652-2255, Pager: 467-4771STREET REPORT
Call to report stickered bags that do not get picked up for more storm branches that need picked up.
Bill Castor drew attention to the potholes in the alley off of Walnut near South Grand.OLD BUSINESS
Sprucing Up Springfield Committee report – Bill Castor 544-1111
A chairperson has not yet been appointed.
The application has been filed.
This project can compliment the sign project and the flower gardens and repair on needy homes.NEW BUSINESS
Leatrice Deppe shared an opportunity for gardeners from Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Company whereby $25 worth of gardening products are free with the purchase of an equal amount, good through February 16th.
Job Conger moved that we utilize the offer and Art Lawson seconded, motion passed by vote.Two new committees were formed, The Membership/Social Committee and the Website Committee. The Membership/Social Committee consists of Jenni Grigsby-Rogal, Judy Ingram and the Website Committee consists of Job Conger, Winfield Colburn, and Ted Keylon.
It was decided that the responsibilities of the proposed Survey Committee be merged into those of the Membership/Social Committee.
Job Conger expressed the need for Block Stewards on Henrietta and Spring Streets and Dee Nelson and John McBride offered to cover those streets repectively.
CARD REPORT
Leatrice Deppe sent a card to Betty Green, the Card Lady, because she broke her ankle.
Julie Kemp offered to bring next week’s refreshments.Sam Cahnman came in late to the meeting and expressed his opinion based on recent meetings of the County Board that the public presence is having an effect on the possibility of nighttime bus service and pointed out that the County Board Chair appoints the Board of Trustees for the Springfield Mass Transit District with the approval of the rest of the County Board so their influence could be felt.
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT THIS POINT
The meeting convened at 7:00 P.M.FEATURED SPEAKER: “Sprucing Up Springfield”
Amy Chase, Committee Event Planner, Member of SUS since October 2004
• Worked with Enos Park in the past.
• In charge of planning for Springfield.Amy told the assembly that this was the 8th year for SUS, planning and improving the city’s appearance and the tentative projection for the next event is May 14th.
In the meantime, the Neighborhood Associations who express interest should appoint one member per each of the following sub-committees: Donations, volunteers, Projects, Food, and Publicity.
The following VHNA members joined the general SUS committee for our area:
Floyd Pierce, Mark Boucher, Job Conger, Bill Castor, and Betty Green=The committee planned to meet on Dec 27th at Bill Castor’s residence [1212 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL].
STREET REPORT:
Art Lawson – Branches are still being picked up throughout the neighborhood if piled by te side of the road between the sidewalk and the street.POLICE REPORT:
Officer Groesch – The Neighborhood Watch is still coming together.
Paul Duiker, Mark Boucher, Joanne Paul, Kathy Troyman all reported separate cases of tire slashing near the alley and 1100 block of Henrietta and 441 West Allen. Officer Groesch suggested calling the station to ask for a police report to be filed so it will be on the record whenever something like this happens in the future.Paul Duiker mentioned that there is a commercial diesel truck in the lot behind him and that it is in violation of ordinances, wakes him up in the early morning, tears up the yard, it’s the same person that Paul has had the issues with in the past, and that he cannot get help from the NA. Officer Groesch said to call when the truck is running again in the early morning and he will send someone out to take care of it.
ELECTION:
The election was held and the results were as follows . . .CARD REPORT:
Betty Green – Norma Burns of 520 Fayette received a Get Well Card.
The minutes from the last meeting were approved.Paul Duiker requested that the words “left angry” in relation to his departure from the last meeting be replaced with “left in a hurry with points well made and other obligations.”
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Dennis Rodgers
$730.00 in Regular Fund
$49.91 for Monthly Expenses (Newsletter and Cards)
$600.00 in sign Fund
$1230.89 Grand TotalSam Cahnman Spoke about latest issues involving the County Board.
The Meeting was adjourned for Seasonal gathering with the extra special refreshments.
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M.Paul Duiker had problems with the minutes from the last meeting and left in a hurry with points well made and other obligations.
Judy Ingram made the motion to approve the minutes and it passed at 7;09 P.M.
Treasurer’s report:
November Balance - $590.80
150 Newsletters/270 flyers
October balance - $572.58
Renewals in November - $70.00
Newsletter printing costs - $44.53
Cards - $7.25
There is $600.00 in the Signage FundPolice report: Officer Groesch
There will be a meeting at 9:00 A.M. at the 1000 block of S. College to discuss the formation of a neighborhood watch. He said he wished there would have been more notice.
Judy Ingram stated that when she was walking her dog she saw two masked persons carrying plastic guns that looked like a paint guns. She asked them what they were doing and got one name, David Daniels. She told him to go home and has not seen him since.
Officer Groesch said that the station was getting calls about people knocking off side-mirrors on automobiles parked along Allen Street.
Julie Kemp said that the neighborhood watch was working out well and that she was very proud of our neighborhood.
Street Report: Art Lawson
Officer Groesch pointed out the illegality of blowing one’s leaves into the street.
Judy Ingram said that the corner of Henrietta and Vine is clogged with leaves from flooding runoff.
Bob Croutaeu wanted to know how long it would be before they would be able to park free of charge on their street, Edwards, and Art pointed out that evenings and weekends are free already and Officer Groesch said that he would need to speak to the Alderman.
Correction to newsletter, Henrietta and Fayette, not Walnut and Fayette, Bill Vickers.
Someone mentioned an abandoned car on Fayette, Officer Groesch said he would look into it.
Card Report: Betty Green, “The Card Lady,” 522-2690
She will do sympathy cards, “get well,” etc. for anyone in the neighborhood. She submitted this note:
“If you know someone who should receive a card, Get Well, Congratulations, Sympathy. Call Betty Green 522-2690”Old Business:
A motion was passed to draft a letter to Paul Duiker from VHNA (letterhead) warning him to adjust his behaivior at the meetings.The three main points the assembly want the letter to address were:
1. To tell him his problem is out of our control.
2. To point out that his conduct at the meetings is out of line and that he is frightening other members.
3. That the letter be a warning to him to stop or that further action would be taken.The motion passed and Secretary Keylon offered to draft the letter for approval at the next meeting.
VHNA Officers election/appointments:
Judy Ingram moved to slate the current nominees and accept more later if they come up. This motion passed.Bill Castor (VP) said that he would like to see signs and neighborhood watches continue like on Vine Street.
Bill castor read the letter from “Sprucing Up Springfield,” and volunteered to follow up with it.
Point of Pride nomination:
Ron Kuethe nominated the house on the South side of Vine Street, Kevin Brown, on Henrietta and Vine Street.
Bob Crouteau nominated 602 W. Edwards.Bob Crouteau said there was drug activity on west Cook Street and Officer Groesch said that it is being addressed.
George was thanked for bringing refreshments.
Thanks to Rachel Tohme for bringing the refreshments.
Visitors/New members: Doug DeLayTreasurer’s Report:
Neighborfest expenses - $86.52
Printing Expenses - $51.57
Total – $138.09
Total balance - $572.58Street Report: Art Lawson
Branch pick-up from “storm damage.”
Floyd says it “looks nice now.”
Julie Kemp complained about the sidewalks.
Mark Mahoney said the city is putting together an improved sidewalk program next summer after more money was allocated due to an improved payment system.
Mark also mentioned that the block party fee was lowered to $25.Job Conger introduced the Wal-Mart issue by saying that as part of a citywide concern it concerned us.
Deborah Woods and Roger Canerva presented the case of the future Wal-Mart from Southwest Springfield Neighbors Association.
They explained the layout with a large map and showed us the area affected.
Mentioned concerns regarding the 15,000 cars-per-day that were projected to be in the area after the store opens.
The issues they have raised have resulted in changes from the original zoning but they say this isn’t enough.
There is a row of healthy trees to be cut.
They said they prefer to be known as “proper-planning people,” and not “anti-Wal-Mart-people.”
Cobblestone Neighborhood Association is concerned about the planned deepening of their retention pond by 6’ rather than dig another one for the retention of storm runoff.
Yucan Drive will not be continued as was planned previously in development planning.
They pointed out the upcoming meetings and suggested sending postacards which they provided to the Mayor and Aldermen.
Job Conger proposed that VHNA send one on VHNA letterhead.
Bob Croteau made a motion to do so.
George tTinkham seconded and the motion carried.Debate parties
Leatrice Deppe let us know about her debate/discussion kits.
Job Conger mentioned his own Debate-discussion party at his residence.Aldermanic Debate
Gwenn Klingler (Republican) read to us the results of polls from zogby.com and washingtonpost.com
She expressed concern that the local races for office were not close at all and that their were many drop-outs.Mark Mahoney (Democrat) mentioned that there were few undecided voters this election year and that meant that every vote counts even more.
He mentioned that we need more of a two-party choice in local government than what was being seen in the races.
He said that it doesn’t matter whether you are a Democrat or a Republican.
He expressed concern that we were seeing a lot of jobs getting shipped away to other countries.
He mentioned that family income in the United States has declined and healthcare costs are going up.
He mentioned the increase in tuition and the fact that we have currently the worst federal debt in history.
He expressed concern that the President lied about Iraq and our involvement in the occupation, that he deliberately chose not to follow the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and therefore was not building true coalitions and that the Kerry plan would deal with these situations and facts.Questions from the members:
Floyd Pierce asked where each stood on the abortion issue in a very heartfelt appeal for the over 30 million unborn children who were aborted last year. Each official expressed their respective party lines regarding the issue.
Ted Keylon asked about the use of depleted uranium weaponry and it’s affect on children and asked if congress had actually declared war in the case of Iraq. Each official was unaware of the depleted uranium but said they would look into it and mark Mahoney said that congress had not declared war in actuality. Gwenn Klingler expressed her concern regarding the proper disposal of toxic waste. George Tinkham briefly explained the use of depleted uranium weaponry as being that which uses nuclear waste (DU or Uranium 238) for armor-peircing rounds and tank shielding.
Paul Diuker asked about funding for mental health and Gwenn Klingler agreed that insurance coverage should include more than just major illnesses.
Jenny Grigsby-Rogal spoke briefly on behalf of of the Democratic Committee (544-0808).
George Tinkham mentioned that interested persons could obtain olitical sign for their yard by getting in touch with him.
Job Conger gave notice of the pending decision whether or not to change the articles of incorporation to reflect the name change of the association and that closure was needed.
He made a motion to change and the motion carried.
Ted Keylon offered to do Chenery Street newletter delivery until a new block steward can be found.
Job gave his notes on the Neighborfest 2004 and mentioned that it occurred simultaneously with the Asthma Walk, much to general surprise. In spite of this it was a success.
Julie Kemp nominated the former Radiator Shop on Canedy or Floyd and Helen Pierce’s house for the next Point of Pride in the upcoming newsletter.
New Business
Paul Diuker moved to form a committee to look into his alledged harassment.
George Tinkham agreed to bring refreshments next time.