Executive Committee meeting minutes 2/5/2008

Present:  Ariel Winter Gabriel Kengni Jonathan Fink Gail Javitt Jim Preistley Marilyn Lawlor Michael Auslin Selena Snow Josh Seidemann

• The meeting was called to order at 8:10 pm.
• Ariel noted that according to the bylaws, the president is required to appoint a nominating committee at the first membership meeting of the year, which occurred in January. The elections must be held at the second meeting of the year. Three director positions will be decided in the elections this year: the vacant position, Selena’s position, and Jim’s position. Gabriel agreed to appoint a nominating committee chair.
• Ariel was invited to a meeting of Hermleigh Rd. residents to discuss options to improve pedestrian safety. Two options mentioned at the last membership meeting were to paint a line on the road to demarcate a walking lane and to hire a crossing guard for Saturday mornings. Selena and others raised questions about the crossing guard option, such as: How many hours the guard would be on duty? Is it legal to have a guard directing traffic? Will drivers become irate? Ariel agreed to report back on the outcome of this meeting.
• There was discussion of whether the County could collect leaves earlier in the fall, because the first leaf collection usually occurs in late November. Most residents piles their leaves in the street, which makes it difficult for cars and pedestrians (on streets without sidewalks). Michael made a motion to contact Natalie Cantor at the Mid-County Services Center to ask her about moving up the first collection date. The motion passed without objection. It was also suggested to put an article in the newsletter reminding residents that it is illegal to pile leaves in the street and noting who they could contact with concerns.
• Michael led a discussion of public safety issues. He left a message with Tyler Dement, the County’s liaison with the Dept. of Homeland Security, who may speak at our next meeting. He will also contact the local police unit. It was suggested that the newsletter list crime incidents that occur in Kemp Mill.
• There was a lengthy discussion of transportation issues. It was decided that the KMCA should develop a list of high-priority “hot spots” to discuss with the County. The next newsletter will ask residents to send their concerns to the Executive Committee. Michael will ask Natalie Cantor for a contact at the Dept. of Public Works and Transportation. Some traffic problems were discussed:
  • There is no stop sign on Sisson St. where it intersects Lovejoy, which is a problem because of the elementary school on Sisson.
  • The traffic light at Arcola and Lamberton does not give pedestrians sufficient time to cross the street.
  • The County had committed to trim trees that obscure stop signs, but did not complete this task. Stop signs at Fulham and Kersey and Arcola and Kersey are still obscured.
• Marilyn reported that there are 159 households who are members of the KMCA and there is $2,119.76 in our bank account.
• Ariel discussed the upcoming newsletter. The deadline for articles and ads is March 31. The goal is to mail it by the end of April. Several people suggested ideas for businesses that might place ads. Ariel will be writing articles on reducing mosquitoes, rules for garbage collection, and resources for learning English (with Spanish translation). Michael will write an article on public safety issues. There may also be items on the upcoming elections and a list of important phone numbers.
• The next meeting will be scheduled for May 13, and we will try to have speakers on public safety and transportation issues. Ariel will contact Ike Legget’s office to invite him to address our Sept. or Dec. meeting.
• Jonathan raised the issue of an unoccupied house on Brentwood which has been burglarized. The grass is cut and the property is not an eyesore. It was determined that as long as the house is maintained there is no role for the KMCA to play.
• The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.

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