Minutes April 8, 2002

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April 8, 2002 MLPA Board Meeting Minutes

Board members present were Dianne Olansky, Alan Perry, Susan Drake, Bob Silvia, Mike Carew, Ruth Alexander, Bruce Maloy, Joe Giardina, Steven Rowell, Ross Mansbach, Martha Porter Hall, Van Hall, Michael McCool, David Robertson, Mae Reich, Bill Ellis, Pat Gardner, and Norman McKay   

Pres. Olansky convened the meeting at approximately 7:35 pm.  Motion made to approve the minutes of the March meeting.  Seconded and passed. Van Hall spoke initially on a consensus that had developed among various Board members over the past several weeks to the effect that the president-elect would be in charge of developing an annual fund-raising plan and coordinating the fund raising efforts of the various MLPA committees.  The new president-elect has agreed to the general concept so the suggestion (set out in full as an appendix below) will be tested in action for a year and then re-visited next year.

Committee Reports:

Security Patrol--Mike Carew and Bob Silvia reported.  February's crime stats available but not March's.  Only 3 burglaries in February and only 3 car breakins, reduced from January.  Officers Elizabeth Walters and Vega are the two new officers.  Meeting held with Major Spillane to discuss how better to coordinate Security Patrol efforts with Zone 2 efforts.  A presentation will be made at the Annual Meeting.  Always REPORT criminal activity by calling 911.

Membership--Ross Mansbach reported on behalf of Jodi that we are now at 841 members, approximately 100 more than last year. Newsletter--Martha Porter Hall reported that the issue is in the mail.

Parks--David Robertson reported.  Hoses needed for Beech Valley Park so approval sought and granted for $30.  Mulch available now at Lenox Wildwood Park for any MLPA member that wants it.  First annual Park Leadership conference to be held at Piedmont Park.  Signs announcing the need for permitting of removal of trees are available.

Beautification--no report.

Schools--Joe Giardina reported.  No report but introduced a CINS representative.  The next CINS meeting will be at noon at Inman on 4/17 with Joe Martin speaking on how state politics affects the Grady school cluster.  Debbie Griffiths from CINS sought the support of MLPA again, pointing out that CINS hopes to increase its fundraising from 8000 to 15000 this year.  Motion made and passed to donate $1000 to CINS which was part of the budget.

Special Events--Michael McCool reported.  Celebration of Summer STILL ON for May 24, the last day of school, from 5:30-8:30.  Permit cost of $115 approved.  Help needed with sponsorships; goal is to get 12 or more at the $250 level.  Carla Holliman is organizing the volunteers which are still needed for the event, for 30 minute shifts.  Nancy O'Donnell is helping contact the entertainers and other participants to get them lined up.  Bill Ellis is helping out with cleanup, including recycling, after the event.  Question regarding popularity of pony rides.  Will try to avoid problem of folks in line when event closes at 8:30.  Help with publicity needed, to get signs posted.

Tour of Homes--no report.

Traffic--Bill Ellis and Bruce Maloy reported.  Next Thursday will be the traffic calming meeting dealing with N. Rock Springs (not the merging intersections with Morningside).  Tomorrow will be regular monthly committee meeting.  One of issues is use of stop signs.  Slowdowns will not be scheduled until a few issues are worked out.  Motion made to approve $560 which was covered in the budget.  Passed.

Sidewalks: Lee Kintzel reported through the Pres. that the sidewalk work on N.Highland was budgeted by the City of Atlanta some 5 years ago.  Question raised on damage to trees caused by this work.

Treasurer's report: by Ruth Alexander.  No Committee is over budget yet.  Things are looking ok.

Zoning: Steven Rowell reported.

Application no. V-02-101, 1284 Cumberland Rd.  Seeking reduction of side yard setback from 7 feet to 3 feet 2-1/4 to allow for addition to single family home (deck).  Motion made to recommend approval to reduce setback to 3 feet 11 1/2" with a change to the upper level of the deck so that no portion of the deck encroaches on the 7 foot setback and as per the front and side elevations.  Passed with one abstention.

Application no. V-02-107, 744 E. Morningside Drive.  Seeking special exception to allow swimming pool to be installed adjacent to a public street.  Wall will be installed so that there will be no distraction to the street.  Because of height of pool and wall, pool should not be attractive nuisance.  After much discussion, motion made to approve application with the condition that the City arborist approve any changes to the previously approved tree replacement plan, as the Zoning Committee had approved unanimously. Seconded and passed, with 5 in favor and 6   abstentions.  Question raised re legality of passage given lack of majority of votes in favor.

Resident raising question on Lanier Place residence being used as a duplex.  (404) 330-6190 is the number for zoning code enforcement.

Annual Meeting is to be on 4/29.  Help solicited from Board with set up and clean up.  Bylaws will be available and voted on in their entirety.

Morningside School has reworked its drainage plan so that only 2 trees will be lost instead of the original 17. They will come to next meeting to present their revised plan.

A representative from Anne Fauver's office made herself available for questions.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 pm.

Appendix:

The duties of the office of president-elect be amended to include the following:

1. To develop an annual fund-raising plan for all MLPA committees. The plan will take into account several factors:

a. The totality of funds needed to be raised by MLPA committees (Tour of Homes, Celebration of Summer), etc.

b. A list of major corporate sponsors expected to support these fund-raising needs.

c. Establishment of various levels of sponsorship available to prospective annual sponsors.

d. A plan of action coordinating the raising of the necessary funds among the various committees.

2. To coordinate the fund raising efforts of the various MLPA committees. The president-elect would coordinate the efforts of various fund-raising volunteers to eliminate duplication of effort, and to secure maximum support from sponsors.

3. To serve on the MLPA finance committee to make sure that budgetary needs and fund-raising resources are effectively balanced.

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