Lewton-Rich Meeting
May 20, 2004

Welcome: The meeting began at 7:02 p.m.
Pledge
3. Introductions: There were 37 people present including children.
4. Minutes: The minutes were yapproved.
Treasurer's report—We have $195.00 in the account. A check was given for $781.00 to get new signs.
Neighborhood's-N-Bloom: The flowers will be picked up on Wednesday at 4:00p.m. Hope scholars and 21st century grant participants will help. Neil will pick them up. Kathy Dunbar will help for Lewton. Patty will pick up flowers at 6:00p.m. The flowers must be planted in any public spot. 
Police report: Linda Wright said that our neighborhood looks pretty good--not much is happening. Corbett St. (near Quentin Park) had a group of kids with a gun, one was accidentally shot, but is doing well. Linda reported on the officer who got shot on Edgewood Blvd. She said there was much support from the community, and he is doing well physically.
Jason reported that foot traffic has been pretty good and that people are cordial. There was a question regarding loud noises and there is not much you can do. The City attorney has been sending letters if you get a license number. There was a question about general disrepair in the neighborhood—especially a house on Cooley with a backhoe and a dump truck. Randy addressed this issue, and is speaking with the new compliance person. His name is Greg Scrimger. 

As an association, we will note complaints, and address them. The Lewton-Rich assoc. will call the code compliance people and let them know about this concern. The phone number is 483-7620. The phone for Eleanor Love, the manager is 483-4385.

Carol Wood addressed the issue of parking and ticketing. There is a civil infraction, where people can pay the ticket and not comply, and continue paying tickets. There isn't another system in place to enforce. The Public safety committee has been working to change the infraction to force compliance and work with the courts to make this happen.

8. City council report: Randy talked about the new budget that was passed. He passed it to Carol. They tried to put 3 officers on the street, which didn't work. They are applying for a grant to put officers in the schools--in each high school, and then on the streets in the summer. The school would have to pay for half. If the grant doesn't come, they have money for 2 officers. There was the issue of money for yard waste. The Recycle fee would go up to 64.00 from52.00. The City council heard the concerns and kept it. The last part of the budget is Board of Water and Light. The Mayor went to the board and came up with a deal to balance the budget--deferring payment for two years, then making it up. This money to the city will not affect the ratepayers, but there could be a rate increase due to cost of living.

County commissioner: Vic Celentino, spoke about the upcoming budget meeting. Capital city airport has new service--about 7 flights a day, which is revitalizing the airport. Vic continuing to talk to Eaton and Clinton to help with funding about airport since it serves tri-county.
Hawk island: The playground is going well, should be done on Sunday. The grand opening should be on Sunday. Construction is open anytime. Vic's number is 321-7020. You can call Vic for any problems for the airport.

9. Public comments 
a. Calvin Lynch--seeking position as circuit court judge.
b. Kathy Dunbar--South Lansing community director. The South side neighborhood picnic is July 18th at Hawk Island from 1-5. Pavilion is reserved and parking is free for people attending the picnic. Neighborhoods don't have to contribute to rental of pavilion. Southside community showcase is Aug. 28, from 12-4 p.m. There is a community event to highlight south side--to help keep residents on the south side. It is at Benjamin Davis Park.
c. Brian Sidnor is running for county commissioner in Calvin's place. Would like to have more youth activities. 
d. Joe McDonald was present from Virg Benero's office
e. Vic is candidate for reelection. Running for third 2-year term. He co-founded the youth commission. 
Carol Wood mentioned the Ice Cream Social on Aug. 5 at South Precinct, from 6-9p.m. Linking Leaders newsletter has a community calendar with all of the events published. To be on the mailing list, e-mail Kathy slcda@comcast.net. Her phone number is 487-6828.
The concerns about Logan Square were discussed. The owner hasn't come through with all of his promises. Aco is moving out--to across the street--close to Kroger's. Big Lots is moving. John Marin is the new owner. Randy will provide information about him, or his property manager.

Randy brought up cancer survivor--2nd annual Relay for Life at Everett High School. Colonial Village has a team and will accept other people--you can help raise money. The date is June 26. and it starts at 10:00a.m. 367-6393 is Randy's wife’s phone and you can call her to register.
Neighborhood garage flyer is for Sat. June 19, 2004.

Dotty Stark--doing garage sale for her church May 21 and 22 @2301 Wellesley. 

10. Old Business;
Picnic: suspend June and August meetings, will have July picnic. Gordon suggested that we have a small time at the picnic to address concerns, and then motions were made and carried to suspend June and August meetings.

11. New Business:
a. Putting up a cell tower at Grand Haven Manor. It's been kept very quiet. It will be a T-Mobile tower, 120 ft. high. The tower needs a special use permit. If we are for or against it, we should comment. The tower cannot interfere with television, or police radio. The reason for the tower is because people are using cell phones and no landlines, and there is not enough coverage in neighborhoods. They need a special permit because tower is higher (120 ft.) This should be on the city council at next meeting. The tower can have space for multiple carriers if there is enough space. A motion was made and carried to refer the Issue to the executive board to review, Carol suggested looking at the material and calling a June meeting if necessary. We could call a special meeting if necessary.

b. Relay for life—Dwight Rich will be collecting cans and bottles to raise money. Staff and students will be around between May 22, from 9=11a.m. Please put Dwight Rich on the bag. 
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12. Comment on agenda items: There were no further comments.

13. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00p.m.