Lewton-Rich Neighborhood Association
Feb. 16, 2006
Welcome—meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge
Introductions – 15 people present
Minutes were read and approved
Guest Speaker tonight is Ken Fletcher, Legislative Director, Michigan State AFL-CIO. Ken talked about the proposal to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.85. He talked about how we need to raise the wage so that it is more lucrative to work than be on assistance. He talked about how those states that have raised the minimum wage have done better with small businesses, and that the states are seeing positive benefits from doing this. They need to collect 318,000 signatures from registered voters in the state of Michigan. After signatures are obtained, it will go on the November, 2006 ballot. The proposal would also call for automatic increases due to inflation on a yearly basis. The wage has not been increased for nine (9) years. (The proposal is also to raise the wage for tipped employees, keeping it around $2.00 less than minimum wage.) Signatures need to be collected by July, 2006. Petitions can be circulated and given to Patty and she will see that they get delivered to the proper place.
Police Department’s report: Officer Jason was present and presented the map of the local area and crimes. Jason reminded us to keep our car doors locked in parking lots, (e.g. at Dwight Rich and any other public place). It was a pretty calm month regarding crime in our neighborhood. Jason also advocates leaving porch lights on at night. Many of the crimes that take place are at night when no one can see the bad guy. He also mentioned looking our for your neighbors—being aware of someone who doesn’t look like they belong in the area. He mentioned that the police will do vacation house-checks. You can call Captain Szymanski at 272-7452, and she will make it known to the officers, who will check your home during their watch.
Nothing has changed in the Treasury. Our Chairwoman and the new Treasurer will be going to National City Bank this Saturday to open up a new account (from Chase Credit Union)
Neighborhood Watch: A lot of garage doors have been left open. Please, make sure that you close your garage door! Don’t make it any easier for the bad guys!
County commissioner: Unable to attend due to a Judiciary meeting tonight, along with a press conference. Commissioner Vic sent his apologies.
Code Compliance: Greg Scrimger has followed up on some of the things mentioned at the last meeting. In regard to snow clean-up, you must clear your sidewalks regardless of the amount of snow. If you find snow that has not been cleared, you may call Public Service at 483-4455. Greg’s number is 483-7620.
City Council Report: There is a lot going on. Southside Community Center Committee delivered it’s report, and they are talking about how to proceed. One site is the Lutheran Church from Logan Square (Our Savior Lutheran property). Another proposal is to build on the corner close to Holmes and Pleasant Grove. The next thing is that City Council has a committee to work with the South Lansing Business Association to make progress in the business corridors of South Lansing. (e.g. Drake Service station, and the mobile home park behind it). The committee has renewed interest and is beginning to look at re-development in South Lansing. Finally, city hall has a lot of good people, and they’re working together, despite what the paper has written. Another note is that there are two coyotes living in the woods behind Logan Square. They seem to travel between the neighborhoods. Efforts are being made to trap them.
Raffle
Adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Micki
Micki
Fuhrman, Secretary