Minutes - Annual Meeting - April 29, 2002

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MLPA 2002 Annual Meeting held on April 29, 2002

Pres. Olansky convened the Annual Meeting at @ 7:35 and gave her State of the Neigborhood address. 

She said that she would tell everyone present what they already knew and that is that the neighborhood was great.  While we have problems, such as taxes and traffic, it is still a great place to call home.

Security Patrol: Michael Carew introduced himself, Bob Silvia his cochair, Judy Jameson a committee member and former Security Patrol Chair, and MLPA President and Lead Officer Rick Vasquez.  MSP consists of ten uniformed officers patrolling the neighborhood at various times.  This is the 10th anniversary of the Security Patrol. Membership: Jodi Mansbach reported.  Over 900 members and hoping to break 1000 this year.

Terry Kearns recognized for work on website.

John Schwartz recognized for his work as database coordinator on the Membership Committee.

Newsletter: Van and Martha Porter Hall are editors.  Van introduced Susan Drake, lead reporter. 

New business manager needed.  Volunteer sought.

Parks: Charlotte Gillis reported.  2 persons taking place of moving David Robertson.  She will be joined by Karen Schaefer.  Linda Rothemel also recognized as an active committee member.  Charlotte asked all members/neighbors to protect the green spaces of our neighborhood.

Beautification: Kerry Brown and Pat Gardner, Kerry reported.  When green spaces are mowed and contain pretty flowers, that's the result of this committee and the volunteers supporting the work thereof.

Education: Joe Giardina reported.  Gave thanks to principals and teachers, CINS and others that resulted in the 3 outstanding public schools that are located in our neighborhood.

Tour of Homes: Zac Pasmanick reported.  This year's tour will be October 5-6.

Traffic: Bill Ellis reported.  Cochair is Bruce Maloy.  Goal is to make neighborhood safer to walk and drive in.  4 ways: regular meetings with City officials; regular meetings with police officials; regular communication with city council member's office and working on plan to address collector streets in neighborhood.  Volunteers sought for committee.

North MLPA/Sidewalks: rep Lee Kintzel report given by Pres. Olansky.  Goal met by sidewalks given repairs; streets, esp. N.Highland, are safer to walk and run on.

Zoning: Steven Rowell reported.  Purpose of zoning is to allow some definition and control of neighborhood building.  David Garr recognized for his many years of service as Zoning Cochair (he will remain on committee) and new cochair Trav Carter. Pres.

Olansky recognized David Garr and Judy Jameson with neighborhood service awards and announced that David Robertson (on vacation) would also receive such an award.

Pres. Olansky then recognized Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor who complimented the neighborhood for the quality of its leadership and stated that the neighborhood often gets mentioned as a quality place to live in Atlanta.  He addressed two issues: improvement of public education and property tax cut (despite budget constraints).

Ross Mansbach then spoke and presented thanks (and flowers) to Pres. Olansky for her past and continuing work as President.

New slate of officers presented.  Motion made to elect entire slate; seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.

Pres. Olansky then addressed the changes in the bylaws.  Motion made to approve entire set of changes; seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.

Additional special guests recognized:

State Rep. Pat Gardner spoke on changes in district, expanding it greatly and giving entire district (including Ansley Park and Buckhead) 4 representatives.  3 incumbents presently and one open seat.

State Sen. Vincent Fort, who will no longer be our senator under the redistricting, spoke on the predatory lending law he introduced which he described as the toughest in the country.  Consumer protection provisions of natural gas law addressed.

DeKalb Cty Commissioner Gale Waldorff spoke.  She represents district 2 which includes that portion of our neighborhood located in DeKalb County.  She addressed greenspace issues and drainage improvements for the intersection of Sheridan and Briarcliff.

Gary Cox, deputy chief operating officer of the City, spoke and apologized for the Mayor's absence but she is dining with and interviewing a potential financial officer candidate.  The City is broke but she knows how to make it work.

City Council President Cathy Woolard's Assistant Beth Crowther spoke, apologizing for Pres. Woolard's absence for health reasons (difficulty speaking).

Councilmember Anne Fauver spoke on the state of the district, the city and Anne Fauver.  She appreciates the many expressions of support from neighbors.  City cabinet members to be appointed soon, including COO, CFO, City Attorney, and Chief of Police.

Councilmember Caesar Mitchell recognized and applauded for not making a speech.  APD Zone 2 Major Joseph Spillane spoke on traffic and crime.  He urged the neighborhood to contact his department with any crime-related issues.

APD SOS Major Pete Andresen spoke as well.  His section includes motorcycle police officers.

Other candidates recognized as well.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm, after the Pres. reminded everyone present to obey the speed limits in our neighborhood.

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