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July 11, 2005 MLPA Board of Directors Monthly Meeting draft Minutes
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Board Members in Attendance: President-Alan Perry, President elect, Lee Nunn, Secretary(Acting) -Sarah Nunn, Membership - Alex Bach, Zoning-Tad Christian, Education-Barbara Feinberg, Traffic-Bill Ellis, NPU Rep-James Strack, At Large-South-Shira Kash, Security Patrol/Public Safety - William Lindsey, Charlotte Gillis, Karen Schafer - Parks/Environmental Affairs, Liz Sommerfeld - Communications
Zone 6 Inspector Kinsler is helping to coordinate Morningside’s first National Night Out on August 2.* details follow Major Propes announced Morningside is officially part of Zone 6 (601) as of July 1st. Her contact info is epropes@atlantapd.org or 404-371-5002
Approval of minutes June 2005 meeting Motion approved by unanimous voice vote
Barbara Bagerman - President of Rock Creek Watershed Alliance/Herbert Taylor Park
A grant from the Blank Foundation for $20,000 for invasive species removal and trail maintenance will be matched by city. The Taylor family will match the city and Blank Foundation contributions with a $40,000 donation.
Future plans include an entrance at Beech Valley and Pasendena. The Taylor family would like to see a wooden pedestrian only bridge and a small kiosk with map and environmental information. Volunteers are needed for a creek clean-up on October 1.
MLPA Board Needs
--Secretary; Committee chairs will rotate through position; Bill Ellis volunteered to serve in August.
Committee reports
Treasurer’s report - Christine Hung
Executive committee met and with the help of the committee chairs slashed $20,000 from 2005 budget due to postponement of Tour of Homes until next year. We are now running a $22,039 deficit budget. Next year there will be a two tier budget-one for operating expenses and one for discretionary expenditures that will be funded by special events. A motion to approve revised budget with authority to put the $1500 back in budget for Morningside Presbyterian Church pending clarification of MLPA commitment. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
City Councilmember- Anne Fauver
Red light cameras are up in 4 locations based on traffic accidents Panhandling legislation applies only to downtown tourist area, likely to pass at next council meeting Council recess 1st and 2nd week in August NPU F meeting, July 12th at 6 pm at Park Tavern. Wayne Mason or his representatives will be there. Filling the city arborist positions and posting of tree ordinance review are in process.
Security Patrol/Public Safety - William Lindsey
CRIMES REPORTED FOR JUNE 2005
Submitted by Detective R.Vazquez
(3) Larceny From Vehicle
• Lar-Articles from Vehicle 1779 Johnson Road
6/27/05
• Lar-Articles from Vehicle 1260 Zimmer Road
6/13/05
• Lar-Articles from Vehicle 810 San Antonio
Drive 6/13/05
(3) Burglary
• Burglary-Forced Entry 1066 Amsterdam Ave. 6/27/05
• Burglary-Forced Entry 1780 N. Rock Springs Rd.
6/22/05
• Burglary-Forced Entry 1302 Lanier Blvd. 6/05/05
(2) Auto Theft
• Auto Theft 1819 Windmere Drive 6/16/05
• Auto Theft 790 San Antonio Drive 6/13/05
(2) Larceny
• Larceny-parts from vehicle 824
Amsterdam Ave. 6/15/05
• Larceny-OTHR-FREE-TEXT 1824 Homestead Ave. 6/27/05
(1) Violent Crime
• Robbery-Street-Knife 816 Sherwood Rd. 6/06/05
•
MLPA’s 'Annual National Night Out" Tuesday, August 2, 2005 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Take a walk through Morningside Lenox Park with the Atlanta Police Department. That’s right, a police escort through two miles of Morningside Lenox Park. The walk starts in the parking lot of Morningside Presbyterian Church and gathers speed as neighbors join us in supporting our local heroes as we pass their homes. Neighbors are encouraged to turn on their porch lights. Let Morningside’s light shine to show our dedication to keeping Atlanta a safe and secure place to live and work. Volunteers are needed. Contact Williamclindsey@yahoo.com
Crime Tip of the Month: Be sure to have bushes and hedges trimmed away from entrance ways. Keep drive ways and entrances well lit at night to ward off potential burglars
Parks/Environmental Affairs - Karen Schaefer
A request for approval of reimbursement for $120 paid to Nick Devingo for mowing three traffic islands (Wilson Monument, Piedmont and Pelham, Corner of Wildwood Gardens near traffic circle.) Motion made to approve reimbursement passed by unanimous voice vote.
Dianne Olansky forwarded an e-mail which she received from Mint Dearing notifying her that the playground equipment will be removed from Lenox Wildwood Park during the week of July 11 because it is "potentially dangerous." No one knows Mint Dearing or the details about the playground being dangerous.
Education - Barbara Feinberg
Morningside E.S. Redistricting Talk Robin Hutchinson, a volunteer on the Education and Schools Committee of the Virginia Highland Morningside Parents Association, contacted me a few weeks ago to ask if MPLA would be drafting a position paper on APS’ redrawing Morningside’s attendance zone. She indicated that the VHMPA and VHCA were both likely to draft a position paper underscoring the
geographic integrity of Morningside with Virginia Highland. It would clearly state that VHMPA and VHCA were strongly opposed to any rezoning that would reassign any children in these two neighborhoods to other elementary schools.
I responded that MLPA has not considered drafting a statement about rezoning Morningside’s attendance zone, nor did I have a clue what it should possibly say. Regarding the issue of redistricting the Morningside attendance zone, there presently are no plans to change the MES attendance zone. APS will be monitoring attendance at Morningside and our entire in town neighborhood schools to determine if there is a need to make any changes. Presently there is no way to predict what changes may be proposed.
I bring up the topic to keep MLPA members informed about what other nearby neighborhood groups are discussing, especially in light of questions about how MLPA may weigh in on the subject. No action taken at this time.
CINS Presents An Evening with Langston Hughes For the 2005 – 2006 school year CINS’ fundraising
efforts will be spearheaded by a production of Remembering Langston Hughes starring John Lawhorn. John Lawhorn’s career has included performing as a concert pianist, working in school systems throughout metro Atlanta as a music educator, and currently acting in stage, film and television. He wrote Remembering Langston Hughes to bring the award-winning author, poet and playwright to life through this insightful one-man performance. The performance will take place on Saturday, September 17, at the Grady High School theatre. There are tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities for individuals or businesses at several levels of support.
For more information contact Barbara Feinberg, bjfatlanta@comcast.net or 404-876-3839. Money goes to excellence in education program in the classroom.
Traffic - Bill Ellis
MORNINGSIDE-LENOX PARK TRAFFIC COMMITTEE REPORT
North Rock Springs Speed Tables - Gathering last of signatures for parking spaces and speed tables.
Beltline – Northeast developer’s legal representatives are meeting with NPU-F at Park Tavern tomorrow from 6 to 8 PM. Bill reiterates that the transportation aspect of this project is crucial to every other aspect. Beltline Neighbors’ Coalition has formed committees, is defining objectives and tasks.
Traffic / Transportation Committee will be watching MARTA Alternative Transportation Study, Monroe Drive Traffic Study, and Beltline Transportation Panel.
MARTA– HATS meeting to be scheduled for August.
ARC Walkable Communities Workshop - MLPA applied for third round of these workshops (we weren’t selected for the 1st one in 2003). If we’re selected, one-day workshop in September would be followed by recommendations to make neighborhood more walkable. Dianne and Bill meeting with
Transportation Department this week to gain support.
Traffic Committee Meeting - this month’s Traffic Committee meeting will be combined with tomorrow night’s Beltline meeting at Park Tavern. If there is a need for a meeting beyond the Beltline developer’s presentation, it will take place from 8 PM to 9 PM at the Tavern.
Believe 45 route will be changed this month.
North MLPA/Sidewalks - Alan Perry for Kevin Lyman
A motion to approve, upon receipt of documentation, $1685 reimbursement to contractor for sidewalk repair for Mr. Calk. Commitment for work was made prior to MLPA imposing a $500 cap on sidewalk reimbursements in December 2004. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote.
City has a moratorium on sidewalk repairs. City is revising pricing. City will have a new approved list of private contractors.
South MLPA - Shira Kash
No report
NPU Representative - James Strack
Some of the highlights from the NPU-F meeting on June 20, 2005 included the following:
1. DWM - Water main replacement
- George Barnes - Mr. Barnes presented the Water Main replacement for the Va Highlands. This project will take
approximately 2 years. The streets that will be part of the project will be patched and then completely repaired, the streets will be milled and then re-asphalted. Pipe bursting techniques will be used for some of the sewer rehab work.
- The sewer replacement work will be done concurrently with the rest the sewer replacement work.
2. Council member Anne Fauver is working to stop the twin towers from being built on the area next to Piedmont Park.
3. Va Highlands Civic Association - listed on the National Historic Registry for historic places for the entire neighborhood.
4. Combined NPU E & F Priorities for NE Corridor Beltline Motion to adopt: Favor: 24, Opposed: 0 Abstain: 4
5. Alcohol License Application:
Jeffrey M. Notrica, Agent
Convention Center w/beer, wine & liquor consumed on premises, ustomer dancing & live entertainment Hilan Theater 800 N. Highland Ave. Suite 104 New Business
A motion to deny based on the facts presented by the Virginia Highland Civic Association and Atkins Park Neighborhood vote.
NPU-F vote: NPU-F Voting members: In favor: 62, Opposed: 13, Abstain: 5
7. Zoning Matters:
V-05-140 783 Yorkshire Road N.E. Applicant, Jennifer James, seeks a special exception from zoning regulations to allow for the expansion of a legal non-conforming duplex for an addition to the kitchen and patio, where otherwise it is prohibited. Motion to approve:
NPU-F vote: Voice vote was unanimous for approval. 1 abstention.
V-05-155 1283 Lanier Blvd. Applicant, Scott Newton, seeks a variance from zoning regulations to reduce the north side yard setback from 7’ (required) to 1.8’ to allow for a second story addition to an existing detached garage of a single-family house. Variance conditions: Max height: 22.3” maximum height 60 Amp electrical, hose bib plumbing 5-11-2005, with letter from property owner from 1287 Lanier Blvd . Motion to approve:
NPU-F Recommendation: (two counts)
In favor: 12 Opposed: 12 Abstain: 2
In favor: 12 Opposed: 11 Abstain: 2
Variance conditions with an amendment with an INTERNAL staircase rather than external staircase depicted in the plans:
Max height: 22.3” maximum height 60 Amp electrical, hose bib plumbing 5-11-2005, with letter from property owner from 1287 Lanier Blvd. The side of the garage closest to the fence, (a type of construction that is regulated by the Building code councils). Friendly amendment of additional condition to have an internal staircase for the detached structure.
Motion to approve:
In favor: 13 Opposed: 9 Abstain: 3
SAP-05-06:1370 North Highland Ave (for review and comments) (case deferred by the NPU)
Applicant, Sarran Marshall (TLC Communications) for Cingular Wireless, seeks a special administrative permit for the installation of an alternative design wireless telecommunication facility. Capacity to have 3 carriers.
- Larry Lukas - 19 written responses by email, phone or fax. 15 approvals, 2 people that were in opposition, 2 people that abstained. There were 43 people that did not respond.
- Peggy Barlett. 1346 Avalon Pl. She’s in opposition to this tower due to health concerns and radiation. Monetary reasons also have been stated by her on this issue.
- Carolyn Hasbern , 1394 Lanier Pl. Asthetics reasons were mentioned.
- Robert Alexander, 1398 Lanier Pl. Asthetics reasons, health safety reasons.
- Daniel Faith, 1400 Lanier Pl. Aesthetic reasons, a precedent for more towers.
- Maggy Vereno, 1396 Lanier Pl. Aesthetic reasons, a health concern.
Motion to deny:
Approval: 18 Opposing: 1 Abstain: 4
7. Other issues facing NPU-F:
a. Beltline Hearings and Opportunities For Community Comments:
Atlanta Development Authority - Beltline Transit Panel
July 25 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. Old Council Chambers Neighborhood Beltline Community Meeting
The last one was on June 29 at 6:00p.m. at Inman Middle
School Media Center.
Stay tuned.
Wayne Mason Development Presentation to NPU's
July 12 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Park Tavern NPU F
July 13 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Trolley Barn NPU M
& N
July 19 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Park Tavern Makeup
meetings - NPU E, F, M, N
b. ADA has now posted the presentation they made at the Beltline Recap
meeting at the following links:
http://www.atlantada.com/media/NortheastBeltlineRecapPart1_000.pdf
http://www.atlantada.com/media/NortheastBeltlineRecapPart2_000.pdf
Atlanta Development Authority Beltline Transit Panel
Public Hearing - June 7, 2005 - 2:00 PM
Finance - no report
Communications - Liz Sommerfeld
Website Hosting: The committee researched web hosting providers, and would like to recommend Association Edge (www.associationedge.com). The cost is $29.95 per month, and a basic list of features and benefits is listed below. The vendor is Atlanta based and we have been pleased with the high level of technical phone support we received.
Features/Benefits:
- Online transactions
- Password protected content
- Coordinated emails and site banner for a more ‘branded’ look and feel
- Calendar feature that allows listing of events by date
- Custom graphics accepted
- Rotating news flash
Website Redesign
Upon approval of Association Edge as our web hosting provider, we would like to coordinate the migration effort with a general site redesign to make mlpa.org more user friendly. We currently have a demo site located at http://associationedge.com/mlpa/ We have planned for a left hand navigation tab called Committees and Meeting Minutes. Here, we will have sub-headings for each committee that would like to provide content. We think it would be great to have a page for Traffic, Security, Zoning (maybe we could post the current rules and the requirements for application etc.), and Parks. Committee chairpersons would be responsible for providing the content to his/her site area.
Online Membership
Online membership signup/renewal is one of the most important goals for the Communications Committee. We researched several methods for online sign-up and are recommending the Pay Pal method, which allows neighbors to sign up with any major credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover).
The process would be similar to a first-time purchase on Amazon (user would provide name, billing address, credit card number etc.). Pay Pal’s fees include 2.9% of the transaction amount plus $0.30 on each transaction. For a $20 basic membership fee, this would cost us $0.88. We will work with the Membership and Finance Committees on a plan to recoup/absorb these fees.
Motion to approve $29.95 monthly expense for Pay Pal passed by unanimous voice vote.
Membership - Alex Bach
Two neighborhood volunteers from Nimble Media will be redesigning the MLPA logo.
A five question survey circulated online via Survey Monkey will be sent to the neighborhood to determine what features and benefits they would like to see as part of MLPA membership. Several neighborhood merchants have expressed interest in partnering with MLPA. Next membership meeting 7/12 at 7:30 at Alex’s house.
Zoning - Tad Christian
Application Number V-05-182
641 East Morningside Drive
Applicant: Gary Iskol
Property Owner: Gary Iskol
Applicant seeks a special exception to allow for active recreation (swimming pool) adjacent to a public street, where otherwise it is prohibited. Motion to approve the special exception per site plan date stamped 6-7-2005 and per the pool plan dated 7-5-2005. Zoning Committee Motion Passed: 7- In Favor, 0- Against, 0 - Abstaining. Tree impact - only removing diseased trees and putting in more trees than removing. Impervious surface is 38%. MLPA Board motion to approve the special exception per
site plan date stamped 6-7-2005 and per the pool plan dated 7-5-2005. 9-In Favor,1-Against,1-Abstaining
Application Number SAP-05-06 (Special Administrative Permit)
1370 North Highland
Applicant: Harry Stampler Agent for Southeast Towers, LLC
Property Owner: MetroPCS Georgia, Inc.
Applicant seeks a Special Administrative Permit to allow for a proposed 50-foot extension of an existing 50-foot stealth light pole telecommunications structure for a total requested height of 100 feet. The existing compound will be expanded by moving the existing retaining wall within the current lease area and setbacks.
Note: I still do not have any paperwork from the city for this application. Zoning Committee motion to deny until the board is shown reasons to have more than one communications tower at this site.
A 120’ “pine tree” cell tower was approved by city (despite NPU opposition) for the same site last month.
Zoning Committee motion to deny passed: 5- In Favor, 3- Against, 1 - Abstaining.
MLPA Board motion to approve special administrative permit failed: 2-In Favor, 8-Against, 1-Abstaining. MLPA Board motion to deny special administrative permit approved: 9-In Favor, 1-Against, 1-Abstaining.
Special Events - Alan Perry for Daniel Cherrix
Tour of homes postponed until 2006.
Old Business
New Business
Mary Norwood’s Infill Task Force meeting Thursday, 7/14 at Manual’s Tavern at 6pm.
Meeting adjourned.
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