Lewton Rich Neighborhood Association

Nov. 18, 2004

1. Welcome—Meeting called to order at 7:00p.m.
2. Pledge
3. Introductions—24 Including 3 children
4. Minutes—The minutes were read and approved.
5. Guest—Virg Bernero:
   1. Regarding pipeline. Bill 6314 someone powerful is pushing this bill. Has passed the house quickly, and is now coming to the Senate. Virg has talked to the senate, but is unable to get a straight answer as of this point.  The governor has said that if it passes along partisan lines, she is likely to veto it. Virg Bernero is optimistic that they will be able to stop the pipeline either in the senate or at the governor’s desk. A question was asked as to why people were against the pipeline, and the answer was that the risks with the pipeline were too great (e.g. ruptures, damages to ground water). Also, the city had fought to keep the pipeline away, and now it is being circumvented around local government. The feeling is that Wolverine did not take a cooperative approach—they acted like a battering ram.
      A question was asked about the old pipeline that exists in Meridian Township. Buildings and parking lots have been built over those easements
   2. Regarding Mental health bills: Virg Bernero worked on Kevin’s bill regarding mental health for 3 ½ years to improve mental health services to people in the community, called outpatient commitment. People who come off of their meds can be assessed quickly.
6. Treasurer’s report: We have $111.00. We received a check for $100.00 (that paid in part for the refreshments that were served at our July picnic) that has not been cashed, so the treasurer’s report has been incorrect. This check will be deposited quickly
7. Police Department’s Report:
   1. Sgt. Linda Wright: Thankfully, not much is happening in our neighborhood. There have been some ‘smash and grabs” where people leave things on the seat of their cars, and ‘the bad guy’ breaks the windows and take the items. Linda recommended locking your car in your driveway and removing anything of value (to avoid temptation).  If you leave your car in your driveway overnight, take your garage door opener into your house (so the ‘bad guy’ cannot gain entry into your home, should he do a ‘smash and grab’.
   2. Officer Jason Block: He has been at Lewton Elementary School a lot, talking to parents and kids. He gave Principal Bernero the information about tonight’s meeting. He mentioned the frustration with parents who when they see him, are great, but when he’s not there, they park in the wrong place. He is going there every day. He caught some kids on Woodview, riding their bikes. He stopped them and both of them ran. He mentioned that they LPD officers often stop people and just talk to them to see what they’re doing. Halloween was great, a lot of, kids having fun, thanks. Mention was made of seeing people doing what looked like a drug deal happening during the night (about 3:00a.m.)
      Linda’s direct line is 272-7486, and her mailbox is 9024, her email is ldoherty@ci.lansing.mi.us. With regards to the issue of Lewton and the parking in the no parking areas, a motion was made that we write a letter as a neighborhood association to recommend that people be ticketed improper parking to be sent to Chief Alley, the captains and the principal.
8. Neighborhood Watch:
   1. Silver Bells in the City, Friday, Nov. 19th. Kick-off is 6:10 p.m., most downtown streets close around 4:30 p.m.
   2. Neighborhood Watch Float (McGruff’s safe house) will be in the parade at #29 in the parade line up.
9. City Council’s Report: 
   1. Councilman Randy Williams: He mentioned Silver Bells, and also mentioned that the city is also extending the leaf pick-up until Dec. 3, which could possibly be extended further. He also reminded us that you cannot rake or blow leaves into the street. It is illegal, violating a city ordinance.
   2. Regarding the pipeline, we should call the Governor’s office, at 335-7858 to voice your opinion. The bill, if passed, will take away any rights that the city has. It was a targeted bill, which could affect right of ways and streets. Wolverine has bargained with the city but if the bill passes, none of the safeguards that have been negotiated will happen. A motion was made that the LNRA write a letter to the Governor regarding the pipeline, opposing the bill 6314.
10. County Commissioner’s Report
    1. Dale Copeage thanked everyone for his recent election, and mentioned that he will be supportive, and attending as many meetings as possible.
11. Public comment: there was none, since the discussion on the pipeline happened previously.
12. Old business:
    1. Our web site: Thanks to Mike Flaga for doing this. The web site is: http://www.lewtonrich.org/
    2. Our logo: The board will design the logo. 
    3. Grants to be applied for: We talked about asking for a grant for food, brochures, mailers and the summer picnic. (CRNA just got their sign, and there will be a ceremony on Saturday at 2:00p.m. (Nov.20) at the corner of Mt. Hope and MLK).
13. New business:
    1. We will suspend the December meeting.
    2. The next meeting will be on January 20, 2005.
    3. Nominations for board: If Neil doesn’t run, Patty will run for President, Chuck will run for vice-president, Marsha would run for treasurer, Micki for secretary, Angela and Mike for board members. Clarence Conyers would like to be on the board.
    4. What we’ve accomplished in the past 1 ½ years:
       1. Signs
       2. Increased participation in meetings
       3. Established a web site
       4. Improved neighborhood relations
       5. Increased knowledge of crimes and police involvement
       6. Had a neighborhood picnic
       7. Had flowers at schools
       8. Established good relationships with local government, city council, code compliance officer,
14. Comment on Agenda items:
15. Raffle: 
16. Adjourn approx. 9:00p.m.