September 9, 2002 MLPA Board Meeting Minutes - draft

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September 9, 2002 MLPA Board Meeting Minutes  (draft)

Board members present: Dianne Olansky, Alan Perry, Bob Silvia, Karen Schaefer, Charlotte Gillis, Steven Rowell, Joe Giardina, Joelle Spain, Ruth Alexander, Norman McKay, Mike Carew, Bill Ellis, Mike Banick, and Mae Reich.

Pres. Olansky convened the meeting at approximately 7:35 pm.  Motion made to approve August minutes with correction of Sam Bacote’s first name.  Motion seconded and passed.

Councilmember Fauver recognized.  Stated her pleasure with City’s new COO and her “can do” attitude.  Also stated her pleasure with new City Attorney.  Mayor’s reorganization plan is a work in progress; some of it already starting to be implemented.

David Green appeared on behalf of 1640 Piedmont, with permission from Board for matter to be taken out of order because of his travel schedule.  This matter came before the Board several months ago and was passed for rezoning as an office.  Problem has to do with specialty shops being approved without neighborhood or NPU input.  Stated that he is comfortable with clear no restaurant condition.  Specialty shop examples given; adult entertainment cannot be included.

Motion made to impose condition that it be allowed only as an office not including clinic or any medical office.  Motion failed for lack of a second. Motion made to approve for RLC-C only office and/or specialty shops; seconded.  Passed 8-4.

Committee reports:

Security Patrol: Michael Carew reported.  Last month: 6 burglaries; 1 auto breakin and 1 grand auto theft.  Thief captured in Zone 6 who confessed to 3 burglaries in this neighborhood.  Police going to see how many others may be tied to this one perpetrator.  Still need to be on alert.  Belief that more than one group responsible.

Although somewhat out of the jurisdiction of the Committee, Mike Carew reported that a dead bird was attempted to be reported to the Dead Bird Pickup Line but the voice mailbox was full.  Pictures were taken and will be sent to appropriate City and County officials.

Questions regarding shooting at Duex Plex; little information available.

Resident reported a case of missing mail; her identity was then “stolen” and used to open up several credit cards.

Picnic: October 19th is what may become first annual MLPA/MSP Picnic at Lenox-Wildwood Park.  11-2.  Surprises being worked on for this picnic.

Membership: Joelle Spain reported.  She revisited the Picnic.  Used as a kickoff for next year’s membership drive: get new members as well as renewals.  Street captains still needed.

Newsletter: report given by Pres.  Issue which will focus on the Tour has gone to print and should be in mailboxes before the Tour.

Parks: Karen Schaefer reported.  Rock Creek Cleanup is on Saturday October 26 from 9-noon at the Johnson Nature Preserve, Beech Valley Entrance.  Join us for this cleanup and bring gloves, shovels, saws or other appropriate tools.  Tshirts available to the first 25 volunteers; pizza and drinks for everyone after the cleanup.

Motion made to have MLPA send a letter in support of a comprehensive revision of the Tree Ordinance that would strengthen enforcement in residential neighborhoods, with Tom Kowalski as the MLPA representative.  Passed unanimously.  Task Force already working on a rewrite.  Questions regarding piecemeal revisions as opposed to rewrite.

Sidney Marcus playscape slated for removal; adjoining neighbors getting together; funding committee formed; commitment obtained from City; progess being made.

Beautification: Kerry Brown reported.  10/19 cleanup at Wildwood Gardens, beginning at 9.  (Make it a day for the neighborhood: clean up and then picnic!)

Cumberland/Sherwood island will be sponsored by Daniel Cherrix of Harry Norman.  Focus on one area each year, with particular areas of emphasis in spring and fall.  Trying not to be so diffuse in effort.  Plan being developed for Wilson Park.  Motion made for $250 to spend on that park.  Seconded.  Covered by budget.  Passed.  Frequent Tour of Homes sponsor Habersham Gardens lined up for sponsorship of traffic circle, thanks to work of Beth and Tim Payne and followup by Leah McKay.

Les Spencer , Scoutmaster, recognized.  Flagpole dedicated at greenspace near corner of Piedmont and Monroe; Cong. Lewis obtained flag for pole that flew over Capitol.  Landscaping and a bench are planned.  Monies and in-kind contributions already collected by Scouts.  Motion made to approve $500 contribution for flagpole.  Passed.

Special Events: Pres. reported on behalf of Daniel Cherrix.  An additional $2500 collected from Celebration of Summer sponsors.

Schools: Joe Giardina reported.  CINS meeting on 9/18.  Morningside Elementary wrapping paper sale “wrapping up.”  Inman fundraiser: magazine subscription sale.  Grady High School trying to put together advisory book to hand out to freshmen about how to choose high school courses.  Seeking $1000 from MLPA.  Amount is in budget.  Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Tour of Homes still needs “Friends” at $100.  Email lindasr@mindspring.com for additional information or send checks (better not leave them in your mailboxes) to MLPA Tour of Homes, P.O. Box 8156, Atlanta GA 31106.

Traffic: Bill Ellis reported.  On 9/24, Bill and Dianne Olansky are meeting with state and city officials on potential funding sources for our traffic project.  Milling on E. Rock Springs is NOT a traffic control device but is a prerequisite to repaving. Lack of coordination between City which does milling and DOT which provides funds for repaving.  Measurements taken on 8/19 for 3 or 4-way stops at Lenox-Wildwood, Johnson-Meadowdale and Cumberland-N. Morningside.

North MLPA/Sidewalks: no report.

Treasurer’s Report: Ruth Alexander reported.  Request made for information on sponsors so that income can be properly credited.

Zoning: Steven Rowell reported.

V-02-189; 1652 Noble Drive.  Motion made to deny application based upon statement by applicant that he will withdraw application.  Seconded.  Motion amended simply to recommend denial.  Seconded.  Passed unanimously.

V-02-225: 1309 Lanier Blvd.  Variance sought to reduce east side yard setback from 7 feet to 1 foot to allow for 2nd story addition to existing home.  Committee voted to recommend approval of 3.2 foot east side yard setback and garage with following criteria: height limited to 16', plumbing limited to hose bib, electrical service limited to 60 amps, and footprint as shown on plan submitted (received by City on 8/5/02).  Motion made and seconded.  5 in favor, none opposed, 3 abstentions.

V-02-242: 1271 Avalon Place.  Application for variance to reduce side yard setback from 7 feet to 2.2 feet to allow for 2nd story to existing residence.  Footprint of home not being changed. Committee voted to recommend approval per site plan dated 9/1/02 and plat dated 4/5/99.  Motion made and seconded and passed.

V-02-248: 1811 Lenox Road.  Application for variance to increase the total floor area from maximum allowable of 30% to 36% to allow for the construction of a 2-story garage.  Architect disagrees with City’s interpretation.  Committee voted to recommend approval with condition that garage never be used as a rental unit based upon the fact that the City made an error in granting the permit and that the structure was built according to the permit.

Candidates present: Mike Crifasi running for House District 42, certified financial planner.  Maria Teresa Bips, physician’s assistant, also running for House District 42.  Hank Schwab with 30 years of working for neighborhood preservation also running for House District 42.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.

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