August 8, 2002 MLPA Board Meeting Minutes

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MLPA Board Meeting Minutes, August 10, 2002

Board members attending: Dianne Olansky, Norman McKay, Ruth Alexander, Bill Ellis, Martha Porter Hall, Van Hall, Bruce Maloy, Mike Carew, Karen Schaefer, Charlotte Gillis, Steve Rowell, Daniel Cherrix, Mae Reich, Trav Carter, Bob Silvia, Joe Giardina, Pat Gardner. Candidates attending: Kathy Ashe, Tom Bacote, Nick Moriatakis, Hank Schwab, and Sam Zamarippa.

Call to Order: President Olansky called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. She introduced Janet Kishbaugh from Councilmember Anne Fauver's office. Janet stated that she had brought copies of a petition asking the Federal Government to help with the funding for the City's sewer separation project and distributed copies of the petition.

Approval of July 8, 2002 minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes of the July meeting. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Committee Reports:

Security Patrol: Mike Carew reported that the 2002 crime wave is continuing. We have had three car break-ins, three grand theft auto cases and nine burglaries. The Morningside Security Patrol is coordinating deterrent efforts with Major Spillane and his staff at Zone 2. We have had an increase in presence of plainclothes officers as well as patrol officers. President Olansky stated that the Association has sent out several emails and two OneCall messages about alerting residents to the increase in criminal activity. A resident expressed her appreciation for the MLPA OneCall message.

The security Patrol will have a "Meet'n'Greet" event on Saturday, August 24 at the Morningside Farmers Market, and again on November 9 at a place TBA.    There will be a neighborhood picnic, sponsored by MLPA, in Lenox-Wildwood Park. The MSP and Zone 2 officers will participate.  Free hot dogs, face painting and fun for the whole family.  Saturday, Oct. 19, 11a.m.-1p.m.

Membership: No report.

Newsletter: Van Hall reported that there is an outstanding charge of $3,520.75 for printing and mailing of the Summer issue of the newsletter. Motion was made to recommend approval of the expense. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The next issue of the newsletter will focus on the annual Tour of Homes.

Parks: Charlotte Gillis reminded us to water trees during the current drought. Charlotte reported construction at 1050 McLynn Avenue, where the developer, Dennis McConnell, (404) 787-3080, has removed trees and not replaced the removed trees, as he was required - by law - to do. Motion was made to send a letter requesting that the developer comply with the law. Motion passed unanimously. Charlotte also reported that there will be a tree planting on February 8, 2003. Sidney Marcus Park play equipment - Karen Schaefer is organizing a drive to raise funds to replace the playground equipment. David Robertson and Trees Atlanta watered Marcus Park on Saturday, August 10.

Beautification: Pat Gardner reported that they have a plan for Wilson Park. The Committee plans to spend half their annual budget on the park because it is such an important location in the neighborhood and because it needs help so much.

Schools: Joe Giardina reported that school has started. CINS will meet on Wednesday, September 18. Inman Middle School sent their thanks for our contribution.

Special Events: Daniel Cherrix reported that Celebration of Summer was a great success. We saw a bigger turnout, more sponsors and more volunteers. Daniel expressed appreciation to the volunteers, many of whom were in attendance. At the time of the meeting, the event was $2800 in the red, but there has been only partial payment from the sponsors. Daniel committed to urging the recalcitrant sponsors to come across. Several attendees expressed support for establishing a designated space for water play at future Celebration of Summer events.

Tour of Homes: President Olansky reported for Zac Pasmanick that all homes are selected. There is still a great need for volunteers. Please contact Zac at (404) 874-7653, x109.

Traffic: Bill Ellis pointed out that the speed-checking device (trailer) has been on Highland Avenue. He trusts that many of us were surprised. He stated that David Turkheimer, 1445 N. Highland, has spent a lot of time turning the URS traffic data into a user-friendly and usable format. President Olansky is diligently and intensely pursuing funding to implement the URS study. The MLPA participated in a traffic slow-down at Highland and Reeder on July 30. Some residents were not pleased, but most were very grateful.

Sidewalks: No report.

Treasurer's Report: Ruth Alexander, Treasurer, made a motion to donate $1,300 to Morningside Presbyterian Church in appreciation of their support of the MLPA. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Zoning: Steve Rowell, Co-Chairman of the Zoning Committee reported.

V-02-189, 1652 Noble Drive - The applicant has not attended either of two Zoning Committee meetings, which included his project on the Agenda. He also did not attend the last MLPA Board meeting, or this meeting. A next door neighbor reported that he had discussed the purpose of the meetings and the need of an applicant to attend the meeting. Motion was made to recommend denial. The motion was seconded and voted on, 8 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 abstentions.

V-02-197, 1235 Pasadena Avenue - The applicant has letters of support from neighbors. The construction will be done on the existing pad. Motion was made to approve on condition that the site plan presented be followed; electrical service be limited to 60 amps; plumbing will be limited to a hose bib; and height of the garage be limited to 16'. The motion passed with one abstention. Other Business - fence at 1153 Cumberland Road, perhaps nonconforming. The fence may be higher than the Zoning Code allows and also appears to violate setback rules. After discussion, the Board decided to ask Steve Rowell to give the concerned neighbor the Building Code Enforcement telephone number so that he could report his concerns.

Tour of Homes:  Zac Pasmanick's assistant, Diane Macaluso, reported that Laura Fusellier is in charge of getting volunteers recruited for the Tour and asked that we volunteer and ask others to volunteer. Other than that shortage, plans are going forward.

New Business:

City Sewers: Robert Ashe from Mayor Franklin's office gave a presentation on the plans for sewer separation. The administration is expecting to have to spend $3 billion over the next ten years to bring the sewer system into compliance with Federal regulations. Robbie distributed forms petitioning the Federal government to help with financing of the upgrade and asked that we sign them. He pointed out that water and sewer rates will increase greatly if the City does not get financial assistance from the Feds.

Smith Park Flagpole: Les Spencer, BSA/Cub Scouts reported that the flagpole will be dedicated on Sunday, September 8 at 3 p.m. All residents and neighbors are invited.

City Tree Ordinance - Tom Kowalski lives on N. Highland Avenue and is a member of the City Tree Commission. He feels that the existing ordinance is ambiguous and extremely difficult to enforce and has volunteered to draft a new ordinance. Mr. Kowalski feels that the City Council, and in particular, Cleta Winslow, Chair of the Community Development Committee, should be urged to produce a new Tree Ordinance. After discussion, a motion was made to request that the Co-Chairs of the Parks and the Beautification Committee, and David Robertson, meet with Mr. Kowalski and make a recommendation of action at the next Board meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

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