LEWTON-RICH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING 
Minutes of Sept. 18, 2003
7:00 p.m.

AGENDA
WELCOME—Meeting began at 7:00 p.m.

PLEDGE—All in attendance recited the pledge of allegiance

INTRODUCTIONS—Board members were introduced: Chairperson: Neil Davis
Vice Chairperson: Patty Farhat
Recording Secretary: Micki Fuhrman
Treasurer: Charles Fleck

MINUTES—There was a discussion about how the group began and how the interim board members were elected. Neil spoke about passing out flyers, people attending the first meeting and signing up if they were interested. People were then notified of the next meeting, at which time an interim board of those present was elected (for a three month term).

During this time, due to her schedule, Patty introduced Sgt. Linda Wright, policewoman for our ward. She has 22 yrs. experience and has given us her e-mail address to contact her with any concerns: ldoherty@ci.lansing.mi.us

The Team meeting of the police was on Oct. 8 at 7p.m. at South Precinct.
The minutes were read and approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT—Charles reported that the association took in $125.00 at the last meeting, and that there had been no expenditures. If anyone would like to contribute, they should see Charles.

Questions were asked about whether or not we should collect dues, and the consensus was that membership is voluntary, therefore there are no dues. The plan is to seek grants through the city. Randy Williams mentioned that Colonial Village Association always had voluntary donations.

PURPOSE (Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Association relationship)—It was decided that our purpose is to come together to know what is going on. We also discussed a handout on the differences between Neighborhood Watch (people working together to lower crime in their neighborhoods) and Neighborhood Associations (tools for working with local government on matters of safety, zoning, and local regulations.)

Also, Patty Farhat was recognized for 22 years of service as a Neighborhood Watch organizer.

NAME—After considerable discussion, the name of the association is the Lewton-Rich Neighborhood Association.

BY-LAWS—There was a discussion about the by-laws, by-laws were read by all in attendance and they were adopted with 2 amendments. (see attached).

OLD BUSINESS—None

NEW BUSINESS

ROAD PAVING—Charles brought up the paving of Mt. Hope. Randy Williams was able to provide the information that due to the way the asphalt settles, there is a time frame that must be adhered to before the final layers can be placed. The road is to be finished by Nov. 15th.
SPENCER PISTON/GLADE—Spencer Piston/GLADE (Greater Lansing Association for Development and Empowerment) spoke of a model to achieve change in neighborhoods. He spoke of a coalition of churches to build one on one relationships, to listen and identify what issues we need to work on. He spoke of 1. Power in numbers; 2. Identify the issues, 3. Research to address the problem; 4. Policy.
Victor Celentino was introduced. He is the county commissioner for District #1.

Kristi Szezesny, and officer was introduced. She covers
the south end of town, tracing, building searches, with her canine companion, Tzar.


TRAFFIC SPEED/SCHOOLS—A discussion took place regarding the issue of speed of traffic on Lewton and by the schools.

PUBLIC COMMENT—Neighborhood garage sale on Oct. 3rd.

ADJOURN—Meeting was adjourned at 8:45p.m.



Respectfully submitted by Micki Fuhrman