Lewton-Rich Neighborhood Association

April 19, 2007

1. Welcome—meeting started at 7:05 p.m.
2. Pledge
3. Introductions—20 people present
4. Minutes were read and approved
5. Treasurer’s report: Balance of $239.60.  Everyone is invited to donate. We don’t spend a lot of money!
6. Lansing Police Department’s Report: Sgt. Frank Koenigsknecht ( 28 yrs with city) passed out a crime map, and things have been pretty calm, but he stated that larcenies on unlocked cars have occurred.  He stressed again that we need to LOCK OUR CARS, even in our driveways!  He also talked about the service through South Precinct, where, if you are leaving on vacation, the officers will look at your home throughout the time you are away.  This is a FREE service! Call Denise Packer at South Precinct and she can set up this service for you.  Also, make sure that you leave lights on, and have someone get your mail, so that your house looks “lived in” even while you are away.  We were also reminded to keep our garage doors closed, and to be aware of where our garage door opener is—if it’s in the car, make sure the car windows are up! 
7. City Dept – Joe McDonald was here, representing the Mayor’s office.  May 12^th is the annual letter-carrier’s food drive.  He passed information with phone numbers around, and mentioned specifically the pot-hole number (483-4161).  Their goal is to fill pot-holes within 24 hours of notification.  He also brought pamphlets with the 211 phone number, where you can call to get services, such as utilities, shelter, food pantries and other information. The second annual “Celebrate diversity” day is on May 19^th from 1-4:30 p.m. at Eastern High School.  The event is free, with entertainment and food available.  Police will be there with fingerprinting available for kids. 
8. Micki Fuhrman – Guest Speaker about Ingham Substance Abuse Prevention:
   www.drugfreeingham.org and www.isapcc.org
   1. ISAP coalition:  The Ingham Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse by adults, and the prevention of underage use.  It is a formal, multi-sector, county-wide coalition, with the vision of reducing use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs, and to plan, coordinate, and evaluate substance abuse prevention and treatment services available in our county.  Participants include over 20 active members from health, human services, prevention and treatment providers, schools, law enforcement and city and county governments.  The vision of the coalition is to reduce use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, make prevention and treatment services available, accessible and affordable for everyone within the county, shift cultural and social norms so that alcohol misuse, drug and tobacco use by adults and alcohol tobacco, and drug use by youth in the county is perceived as negative behavior by all community members, and that all county residents are engaged in healthy lifestyles.  Youth use in Ingham county shows that of 12^th grade students, approximately 50% use alcohol within the last 30 days.  Over 75% have used during their lifetime.  The consequences of substance abuse include ER costs, hospital costs, and liver disease.  One chronic user, with conservative estimates, has cost the county about $250,000 over the past 20 years.  To be involved in the coalition, call Micki Fuhrman, at 484-2929, ext. 1159, or look at drugfreeingham.org  
   2. Alcohol Awareness Month—event is at Lansing Mall on April 20^th.  Presentations of prizes to the winners are at 4:00 p.m.  Prevention and treatment providers will have displays, along with the Ingham County Sheriff’s dept and a “crash car”.
   3. The brochure “Drink less, live more” is available at 887-4475.  This brochure is a tool to help evaluate use to see if it is excessive, and also lists treatment providers.
   4. Safe Prom, initiative; target all hotels, and liquor suppliers in area to prevent abuse.
   5. To join, please call 484-2929x1159, 1^st thru of Month 11:30 at South Side Precinct.
      1. Be active in neighborhood. Know the youth around you.
      2. Advocate for policy change;
         1. Request beer keg registration legislation.
         2. Call push against Spike’s and other products targeting youth.
      3. Teen Court for High School students get to jury the punishment of other students.
      4. Inquire into your family parties with keg’s.
9. Tyrone Ingran – passed out LSJ article “Robert Drake: Solutions for juveniles” a judge discussing alcohol is a gateway drug.
   1. http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070408/OPINION02/704080641/1087/opinion
10. Next LRNA meeting will be at Lewton Elementary Room 30A during the PTA Carnival.
11. City Council report:  No one available due to budget town hall meetings, elsewhere.
12. Code Compliance Officer’s report: (Gregg Scrimger).
    1. 561 tags in Lansing and only two in LRNA as previous, hopeful to begin fixing.
    2. Followed through with prior meeting, except zoning issue on Pleasant Grove.
    3. Generated some Exterior Letters on Pleasant Grove.
    4. Broken Parked cars on Victor.
    5. House on Victor has trailer, which is within code. This house has had previous owner problems.
    6. Home Builders Association starting pilot assistance program to assist home owners having compliance issues in another pilot neighborhood. LRNA will accept donations for this gift.
13. South Side; Farmer Markets 1^st week of June.
    1. Please see last months minutes to see larger list of activities.
14. New Business:
    1. Nothing not already mentioned.
15. Good and Welfare
    1. Garage Sale, Saturday, June 23^rd
    2. Picnic; Thursday, August 16^th 5:30pm to 9pm @ Frances Park’s Entire Pavilion.
    3. Lansing City Council FY 2007/08 Budget Meeting; Tuesday, April 24^th, 2007 @ 6pm; Dwight Rich Middle School, Cafeteria.
    4. Caroline – River View Estates/LRNA proposing a possible joint gift to Randy for his City Council efforts. Such as shrubbery or a seedling pine tree or gift certificate to a landscape supply.
16. Raffle.
17. Adjourned: Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.