Westcott East Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes Oct. 12, 2009, Petit Library Next general meeting: Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Petit Branch Library Persons registering as in attendance: WENA Board: Starke Donnally, Betsy Ringert (representing the Merchants Assn), Alice Honig, Barbara Humphrey, Grace McNamara, Jill Ouikahilo, Charles Tremper, Joanne Waghorne, Marilyn Zaleon WENA Members and Guests: Jane Begley, Corey Driscoll, Harry Lewis, Steve Weigl, Call of meeting to order, welcome, and introductions: Barbara Humphrey called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and deemed there was no need for introductions. Presentation of Sept. 14 minutes for Approval: Alice Honig moved and Jill Ouikahilo seconded that the minutes be approved pending spelling corrections of burglaries and robberies in the safety report section. Passed unanimously. Treasurer's report: With Marilyn's renewal $10.00, the checking balance stands at $10.90 and barely the $2,500 minimum required for interest. Alice raised the idea of some sort of publicity with 3-5 "punchy" reasons to belong to WENA. Board membership / annual meeting: Starke volunteered for the Nominating Committee and asked that those present be thinking of folks who would make solid, contributing board members; Barbara mentioned the goal of diversity-age, race, class, etc. After some discussion, the group decided to hold the annual meeting at the One Village Dance Center, at 5:30 on Sunday, February 7. WENA membership: Marilyn Zaleon again volunteered to serve as the keeper of the membership list. Following discussion on possible outreach efforts, Charles volunteered his and Don's house for a potluck on Monday December 14. Program Initiatives: 1. Westcott beautification: Bulbs were planted on Oct. 3 and three more tree pits were planted (some are too compacted to plant). Starke said some 20 daylilies could winter over at his house and be ready for planting next spring. Barbara reported the kiosk near Mom's was still in the works and that TNT would be a source for more information. 2. Civic engagement/outreach to residents: Corey provided the email for folks to get on SU's community list: gcr@syr.edu 3. Safety report: Prior to Steve Weigl's arrival, Harry Lewis provided a look at recent events, ranging from robberies, burglaries, vandalism and thefts from cars. Once Steve arrived, he reported on a number of arrests connected with recent crimes in the large Westcott and university area. Parking and related problems related to events at the theatre were again raised and discussed; consensus was the owners did not care to hear about or know about these issues. 4. Networking with other neighborhood organizations and the city: a. UNP sidewalk snow removal project: The contractor has agreed to do the removal for $21,000 within a limited area focused on Euclid and Westcott. Cost per household depends on the level of participation in these areas. Meeting at Levy on Oct. 13. b. Westcott Leadership Roundtable: snow removal discussed here; the Westcott Community Center was awarded a grant for green technology training. c. Syracuse Grows/Harvard Garden: official thanks extended to WENA for its contribution toward the sign. d. TNT: see below for meeting times e. Syracuse first: Chris Fowler has developed a listing of local, one-of-a-kind businesses (so far, none from the business district are listed, but the Co-op and the credit union are). The goal is to encourage consumers to shop at locally-own businesses and keep money in the city. f. Westcott Street cultural fair: need for activities at the WENA desk, also materials for registering new members and general information on WENA would help. Old/new business 1. One Village Dance Centre: Jill reported they had been in business for 5 weeks and will install vertical banner. She highlighted parking problems (with cars sometimes blocking the entrance). The fact that the lot is private property makes enforcing parking rules difficult; need for planters or The fact that the lot is private property makes enforcing parking rules difficult; need for planters or other items to keep cars from the entrance area was raised. 2. Westcott Walking Patrol: Patrol began October 9; Betsy Ringert praised the presence and cited the example of concert goers being discouraged from hanging around the store. Need for additional patrols on nights of expected heavier than usual crowds and potential problems (such as Halloween) was mentioned. Announcements / good news / upcoming events Lighting surveys, involving National Grid, SU, and the SPD, have been conducted and more than 50 lights, formerly not working, are back lighting the streets.. Efforts concerning replacing stolen street signs and encouraging bike registrations through SU are ongoing. Calendar: Every Wednesday through Oct.: Loguen Park Farmers' market 10/13: Snow removal project meeting, TNT, Levy School, 6 p.m and 7 p.m. 10/14: UNPA Mayoral forum, Erwin Church, 7 p.m. 10/24: Open house and presentations at the One Village Dance Center, 4 p.m. on (performances at 5 and 6 p.m.) 10/25: Lisa Daly: Grassroots politics and new media, University Neighborhood lecture series, 3 p.m., WCC 10/30: Syracuse Community Choir concert, Levy School, 7:30 p.m. 11/6: UNSAAC application deadline, 5 p.m.