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| La Loma Neighborhood Association Board Meeting – July 19, 2006 Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order by Board President, Michal Moradian, Jr. at 7:15 pm.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Chris from the Buena Vista-Bonita Neighborhood Watch discussed the history of Neighborhood Watch in his neighborhood, and invited all to the Buena Vista-Bonita National Night Out on August 1st. He emphasized that his group’s focus is more on social gatherings and neighborhood security, and not code enforcement. Chris had some great ideas as to how to begin Neighborhood Watch in your own area, and discussed the basics, including neighborhood maps, telephone lists, collecting money for Neighborhood Watch signs, and starting social gatherings. Emphasis was placed on personally delivering Neighborhood Watch information, and introducing yourself to people new in your area. A discussion was held regarding city regulations and ordinances, as well as some possible expectations of Neighborhood Watch Coordinators. Michael (Moradian) expressed how he originally envisioned Neighborhood Watch, with each Coordinator being responsible for their own Neighborhood Blight program, etc. Some discussion was led by Chris as to if “code enforcement” was too much responsibility for the Coordinators, and if that responsibility would hinder the “relationship” they were striving to build within their own neighborhood. It was then agreed upon that each Coordinator would be asked to contact Michael regarding “blight / code” issues, and that Michael would actually place the call to the City. A discussion was also held regarding VACE (Volunteers Assisting Code Enforcement) and how that was originally part of Neighborhood Preservation and not Neighborhood Watch. Discussion was held regarding the areas which have been designated for each Neighborhood Watch area. Michael informed the Coordinators that this was a rough draft, and that each Coordinator could remap their area if need be. Coordinators were instructed to e-mail Michael directly regarding this issue further. Michael will also provide each Coordinator an 8 ½ x 11 map of their Neighborhood Watch area. Coordinators were referred to www.modestogov.com for National Night Out forms, fee waivers, etc. The deadline for all paperwork is July 21st. United Referrals was given as an option for renting street barricades. Neighborhood Watch Contact – Bronda Smith (572-9639). Bronda will attend the first meeting in your area and supply you with a Neighborhood Watch package. Michael asked that each Coordinator inform the Board if they will be hosting a National Night Out in their neighborhood, so that the La Loma Neighborhood Association Board Members can offer assistance, support and attend. Michael strongly suggested that neighborhoods join the Buena Vista-Bonita group on August 1st due to the short time frame. A discussion was held regarding the importance of creating a “Welcome Package” for new neighbors in our area. The Board will oversee this project. A discussion was held regarding placing flyers / brochures in mailboxes / slots. This process is illegal, which Bronda Smith will emphasize when she attends your first meeting. However, be sure not to place flyers / brochures where they will fly away and create litter.
BOARD AND OFFICERS INTRODUCTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE
All proposed Board members were voted into office, with Betty Fiskum sitting in for her husband Andy who was unable to be at the meeting. A review of how the Association was revitalized was held and introductions were made with each discussing their personal interest in the association and neighborhood. A discussion was held regarding how “formal” the Board wants to be, and how important it is to act immediately so that the neighbors know the Association is not a “fly by night” program. The Board agreed to meet more often initially, with Michael stating that he envisions the Association as a group only meeting 2-3 times per year. It was agreed upon that we would like to make the La Loma neighborhood a “model” for other areas of our community, and how the association can assist in having a positive impact on the area. Michael discussed the agenda for the next meeting on Wednesday, July 26. We will have a speaker on the homeless issue and an open forum will be held to allow people to express their feelings. We will also have sign-ups available again for those interested and able to volunteer in various identified areas (clean-up, gardening, grant writing, etc). A discussion was held regarding the need for small groups to address each area of concern / committee, and whether or not a Board member shall be responsible to head up each group. Further discussion was held and it was suggested that Committee Chairs be appointed / volunteer, who in turn report back to the Board. Per Frank Parks, it was suggested that the first step the Board needs to take is to get organized and come up with some short and long-term goals. Anet Reclusado agreed to Chair the Fundraising Committee, and a discussion was held in regards to the safeguards in place already regarding funds (CPA, non-profit status, tax ID number). Julie Anderson and Jerry Frad will contact persons interested in clean-up. Brenda McDonald and Jerry Frad will work together to draft a letter to some key businesses in our area to solicit their support of our association (Beard Industries, Gallo, Save Mart, etc). Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. The next Board meeting will be held at the Moradian House on Tuesday, July 25, 2006. Brenda McDonald, Secretary
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