Minutes September 11, 2000

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Board members present: Dianne Olansky, Alan Perry, Ross Mansbach, Joe Giardina, Annette Beasley, Mae Reich, David Robertson, Ruth Alexander President Ross Mansbach convened meeting at @ 7:35 p.m.

Minutes of August meeting moved for approval; City Arborist phone number is actually (404) 330-6874. With that change, August minutes approved.

Security Patrol: Annette Beasley reported (along with Officer Titus): Stats for July: 15 larcenies and 3 burglaries; August: 12 larcenies and 2 auto thefts. Officer Titus reported that car breakins often take place near corner of Piedmont and Monroe but this was not true last month. They were spread out fairly evenly through the neighborhood. Officer Titus said that the one thing you can do is call 911 if you see someone that you have a gut feeling does not belong in the neighborhood, especially if you see someone carrying something valuable walking down the street. Update requested about the Johnson Road assault; problem with lack of identifying information from victim because she was knocked nearly unconscious so perpetrator may not be found. Judy Jameson and Annette attended the Zone Two meeting; obviously a lot of emphasis being given to Buckhead but we were assured that our neighborhood and others are still being covered. Increase in night time crime; increase in purse snatching in grocery stores in Paces Ferry area.

Beautification: Michael Carroll reported that 2 people interested in adopting markers; 4 markers we are trying to have adopted; 2 have been adopted and 2 others may be interested. $8000 suggested to be returned to general fund which will be done at next budget process. Michael spoke with Coldwell Banker and looking at putting some of their advertising money into neighborhood. Wanted to see what Park Pride signs looked like. These are wooden signs with adoptee's name and various logos, including Park Pride's. Signs have been approved for traffic islands. Design from Morningside Garden Club for important traffic island. Their time is more limited but more info needed re cost of plants. Planting date is beginning of November. Numbers will be provided next month. Look will be "cottage garden" look; more perennials.

Cheshire Bridge: last Thursday of month at 6:00 pm at the Colonnade is monthly task force meeting.

Membership: Alan Perry reported that outreach effort headed up by Betsy Scott is nearing completion. Annual neighborhood wide membership drive is on schedule and mailing should go out in late September or early October.

Newsletter: Martha Porter Hall reported that Tour of Homes issue has been sent to printer and should go to mailer shortly. Idea of a theme issue raised for next issue, perhaps on traffic/transportation/sidewalks.

Parks: David Robertson reported. A new tree ordinance is in effect, 00-0-0654. Any tree over 6" in diameter in the City of Atlanta must have a permit issued for it to be chopped down. After arborist grants preliminary approval, sign posted, and tree painted at ground level and chest height; people can appeal within 15 days and nothing can be cut during that time. Any tree of this size without this notice or paint shows that it was not permitted. Alert the city arborist or the police if you find such a tree. In addition, trees on the public right of way cannot be removed without city approval. If tree is dead, call for its removal at 404 817-6813. For ideas for replacements, contact drobertson@mindspring.com.

1992 tree ordinance for parking lots has never been enforced but now it is; kudos to Va-Highland Association for working to get this enforced. Parking lots in excess of 30 parking spaces must have 1 shade tree per 8 spaces. A 5 foot landscape stripe between the parking lot and the sidewalk and barrier curbs serve to protect the vegetation and pedestrians. Initially we were told only applied to new parking lots but that is not how it was written so we're going to see more enforcement. Need for backflow device so that we have working drinking fountain at Lenox-Wildlwood park. Motion made to contribute $120. Passed unanimously. Illegal dumping: People who live near parks (example being Sussex Roads) should know that the Parks Department will start fining people who place yard trash in or next to the park. Such trash needs to be placed in front of the residence. Parks Department can fine up to $2000. Sanitation Dept. will not pick up yard trash on the park curb, forcing Parks Dept. to remove it.

Schools: Joe Giardina reported. First CINS meeting will be 9/20. Donation requests received from Grady High School and Inman. Grady asked for help with 3 projects: student ID cards are not presently capable of being manufactured. They also want to build a school hall of fame and institute a dancing program. Total of 4500 in budget; none yet given to any school. Motion to donate $1000 to Grady for these programs. Passed unanimously. Inman wants/needs a Peterson Strobe Tuner for their band which costs $3000. Motion to donate $1000 to Inman for this project. Passed unanimously. We expect to receive a proposal from Morningside Elementary soon.

Tour of Homes: Pres. Mansbach reported for Edward Krugman that recent City Life article mentioned the Tour; website has info; marketing plan in effect; the Tour takes place on October 14 and 15; still need volunteers; people are urged to email Carol Almond at msidetour@aol.com or call her at (404) 876-8604 to volunteer.

Traffic: Dianne Olansky reported. Application for traffic study has been turned into city; time for it to circulate various govt. halls. N. Pelham and E. Rock Springs was thought to be approved for 4 way stop but this is NOT correct. E. Morningside at Rock Springs will be 4-way stop but now new traffic engineer oon board. He spent 2 hours with Dianne Olansky and Bill Ellis walking intersections. New traffic engineer concerned with speed of traffic in neighborhood. No new updates from Major Spillane. Give us a Brake will be held on 9/28; focusing on area around Morningside Elementary; need people to walk in crosswalks and to stand on sidewalks with signs. Call Dianne Olansky or email at olansky@mindspring.com. Morning rush hour; 7:30-9. No rain date.

Treasurer's report: Ruth Alexander reporting that Celebration of Summer money has almost completely come in. Tour of Homes sponsorships presently total $12000.

Zoning: Stephen Rowell reported:

V-00-271: 1011 McLynn Avenue - garage placed in present footprint: overhang not cross property line and have gutter with downspout directed on own property; non combustible siding due to proximity to other building; usual 4 conditions plus site plan. Zoning committee voted approval. Motion made to approve variance with these conditions to approve decrease of side and rear yard setbacks. Passed unanimously.

V-00-295: 830 Courtenay Drive - also decrease in rear and side yard setbacks to add second story. House built prior to zoning code so encroachments present. Addition of bay window adds slightly to encroachment. Motion made to approve with conditions. Passed unan.

Sidewalks: no report.

Question re whether portapotty in street violated any law. Problem with one on wildwood place.

Locator: need for volunteers.

Question re sanitation ordinance and cost of charges; 208 per residence plus 23.54 for each 25 feet of paved street frontage and a 30 recycling fee. Check your invoice to see if correct. Ordinance is Section 130-84.

Inserection adult fantasy store expanded. 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Parent company is a communications company. Issue now in Bureau of Buildings domain. David will work with Zoning Committee to get letter out to Bureau to watch out for zoning violations.

Letter to editor of Atlanta Business Chronicle recently published addressing the re-creation of I485 idea (sent by former neighbor); watch out for President Mansbach's response.

Meeting adjourned at @ 9:15 pm.

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