September 8, 2003 MLPA Board Meeting Minutes (draft)

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Board and committee members in attendance: Norman McKay, Ruth Alexander, Mike Carew, Trav Carter, Tad Christian, Bill Ellis, Joe Giardina, Martha Porter Hall, Van Hall, Dianne Olansky, Mae Reich, Karen Schaefer, Charla Silvia, Joelle Spain, Susan Drake, John Neel.

Call to Order: President McKay called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

Approval of August 11, 2003 Minutes: Motion was made to recommend approval. The motion was passed unanimously.

Reports from elected officials: Councilmember Anne Fauver reported that her next project will be to address the issue of collection of funds owed to the City. She specifically mentioned the City of East Point, which owes Atlanta more than $17,000,000 in water bills. Councilmember Fauver, a member of the City's Finance committee, plans to proceed quietly, but if she has to, she'll go to the press. In response to a question, she stated that interest on unpaid bills is 12% annually.

Committee Reports:

Security Patrol - Mike Carew reported the following crime statistics: Auto break-ins - 5; auto theft - 1; burglary - 1, on Plymouth Road on 8/30/03. Mike read a letter from a resident in appreciation for a job done by Officer Stapler.  Officer Stapler located a truck that had been stolen from a resident and apprehended the alleged thief. Dianne Olansky, Bill Ellis and Mike attended an Atlanta Police Department focus group.

Membership - Joelle Spain said that we are exploring the possibility of developing a procedure for on-line membership renewals. Several attendees expressed support. A motion was made to pursue implementation of electronic transactions. The motion was seconded and passed. Joelle is continuing to work on recruiting new residents for membership. Karen Schaefer and Martha Porter Hall will set up a membership table at the opening ceremony for Sidney Marcus Park on Saturday, September 13.

Newsletter - Van Hall submitted for approval an invoice in the amount of $3,916.74 from Austin Printing for the summer MLPA Newsletter. Payment was approved. Syd Janney has contacted Van to suggest that we give copies of the I-485 issue to the Social Studies teacher at Morningside Elementary School.

Parks - Karen Schaefer stated that the dedication of Sidney Marcus Park renovation will be Saturday, September 13, 2003, and that MLPA members are invited. She is continuing to inform residents about tree protection. Joe Giardina stated that the Marcus Park improvements have resulted in congested parking on Cumberland and asked that the Marcus Park committee point this out to their participants. Mae Reich asked that MLPA take responsibility for maintaining the traffic circle at the end of Wildwood Place (Wildwood Triangle) since the resident who had initially worked on it has moved.

Beautification - no report.

Schools - Joe Giardina provided a schedule of CINS meetings for the current school year. He stated that Inman Middle School has submitted a request for a contribution from MLPA but the request did not specify an amount. Joe will ask them to resubmit the request with an amount specified. Dianne Olansky stated that PEDS is encouraging students at Morningside to walk to school on Fridays and asked that everyone be especially vigilant.

Special Events - President McKay reported that Senator Sam Zamarripa is sponsoring a Town Hall meeting at Inman Middle School on Monday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Tour of Homes - Tour Co-Chair Charla Silvia stated that the tour dates have been moved to November 8 and 9. They have decided on five homes and plan to add at least one more. She is asking for volunteers, especially Home Captains. Anyone interested is asked to contact her at coja@comcast.net.

Traffic - Bill Ellis reported that there will be a citywide slowdown on Thursday, September 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

North MLPA/Sidewalks - No report.

NPU representative - Dianne Olansky stated that there is ongoing discussion about moving the Morningside neighborhood from Atlanta Police Department Zone 2 to Zone 6.

Treasurer's Report - Ruth Alexander distributed her report. Ruth is discussing with our insurance company coverage for the Tour of Homes. A motion was made to approve expenditure of up to $1,000 for special event coverage for the tour. The motion was approved.

Zoning - Co-chair Trav Carter reported.

V-03-208, Stuart Hoffman, 1112 Zimmer Drive Zoning committee recommended deferral to October. The Board voted to support the committee's recommendation.

V-03-211, Francis President, 1264 N. Morningside Drive Zoning committee recommended deferral to October. The Board voted to support the committee's recommendation.

V-03-236, Larry Pett, 1715 Merton Road Applicant seeks to reduce rear yard setback and side yard setback to allow for construction of a detached garage. Zoning committee recommended approval conditioned on the site plan presented, dated 9/2/03; garage limited to 60 amps electrical service; plumbing limited to a hose bib and no sewer line; height be limited to 16 feet. The Board voted to support the committee's recommendation.

V-03-246, David Houser, 833 E. Morningside Drive Applicant seeks to reduce the west side yard setback from 7 feet (required) to 5.1 feet to allow for an addition to a single family residence.  Also increase the impervious lot coverage from the allowed 50% to the current 59.1%.  Zoning committee approved reduction of setback to 5.1 feet and the impervious lot coverage of 58.4% as per the site plan dated 8/13/03. The Board voted to support the committee's recommendation.

V-03-247, D.J. Betsill, 923 Plymouth Road Applicant seeks to reduce side yard setback for construction of a detached carport. The board voted to support the committee's recommendation of approval conditioned on the site plan presented, dated 7/29/03; garage limited to 60 amps electrical service; plumbing limited to a hose bib and no sewer line; height be limited to 16 feet.

New Business - Wildwood Gardens - Mickey O'Brien, landscape architect, presented the Master Plan he has produced for the garden. He explained the four sequential steps for the garden, including projected expenses and time considerations. After discussion, Karen Schaefer moved that we vote to support the plan and encourage participants to move forward. The motion was seconded and approved.

Old Business - Councilmember Fauver urged us to attend the City's budget hearings. Anyone who would like to express support for a particular item should contact Lynette Young, Chief Operating Officer for the City, at lwyoung@altantaga.gov; Mayor Shirley Franklin at sfranklin@atlantaga.gov; Rick Anderson at randerson@atlantaga.gov; and/or Renay Blumenthal at rblumenthal@atlantaga.gov.

Adjourn - President McKay adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.  (Minutes recorded by acting Secretary Martha Porter Hall for absent Secretary).

Next meeting is Monday, October 13, 7:30 pm.

Announcement
The Piedmont Park Conservancy invites everyone in Morningside Lenox Park to discover why Creative Loafing recently named the park's Off-Leash Area Atlanta’s BEST DOG PARK.  Mark your calendar for the following dog park events and join in on the fun and festivities this fall...

Adopt-a-dog Day: Saturday, October 25 – 10am to 4pm. Stop by the Off-Leash Area and meet dogs from 15 metro humane societies and shelters in search of loving homes.  Sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand Pet Containment Systems, adoptees will receive goodies donated by Purina and Invisible Fence.  For more information, visit the Invisible Fence website.

Yappy Hour:  Thursday, October 30 – 7pm to 9pm.  Join us for a Halloween-themed “Yappy Hour” at Piedmont Bark, 501 Amsterdam Avenue (among the outlet shops).  Show off your costumed pooch and enjoy unlimited refreshments for just $15, with proceeds benefiting the Off-Leash Area.  All owners must show proof of dog vaccinations prior to attendance or at the door.  Receive $5 off for pre-registering and avoid the long line at the door!  To pre-register, call 404-873-5400 or visit www.piedmontbark.com.

Spotted in Piedmont Park: November 1 – 9am to 11am.  Join us for a special book-signing event in the Off-Leash Area with Gregory Edmont, author of “Spotted in France.”   Based upon his adventures through France on a Vespa with his Dalmatian (named “J.P.”) the book is a delightful literary journey and the perfect gift for any dog lover.  Gregory and J.P. will be on hand to sign copies and answer questions.  Continental breakfast will be available (donations appreciated) and a portion of book sales from this event will benefit the Off-Leash Area.  Come out and meet this entertaining author, enjoy breakfast goodies and support YOUR Off-Leash Area! 

For more information on these and other Piedmont Park events, please visit the Conservancy’s recently updated site (www.piedmontpark.org) or contact PPC staff member Allison Zimroth at 404-875-7275 ext. 233 or azimroth@piedmontpark.org.

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