Lewton-Rich Neighborhood Association Minutes

January 17, 2008

 

  1. Welcome 7:04 pm
  2. Pledge
  3. Introductions; 28 persons present
  4. Minutes; Motion to pass and accepted
  5. Treasurer Report; $234.60.  We received a donation of $20.00 and we will be donating $45.00 to Lansing Neighborhood Council. ($10.00 for 2007 dues; $10.00 for 2008 dues; $25.00 for Bea Christy prize) 
    1. Cash and service donations are welcome and invited
  1. County Commissioner’s Report; Commissioner:  Vic Celentino. 
    1. Issue of foreclosures  www.holdontoyourhome.org
    2. Our Savior Lutheran has now been purchased for the juvenile justice program.
    3. Budget issues, and radio issue (not complete). Commissioners very frustrated about law enforcement radio issue.  Law enforcement committee will be discussing this at their next meeting.
  1. Lansing Police Department’s Report: Sgt. Frank Koenigsknecht, Officers Jason & Trevor
    1. Our neighborhood has been quiet, but Sgt. Koenigsknecht reminded us to keep our patio (sliding) doors locked (and also use some sort of rod in the track)

Same applies to windows (if applicable).

    1. Be on the lookout for someone asking to come in and use the phone, or asking for money.  If approached, get a good description and call the police. Sgt. Koenigsknecht’s phone number is 272-7488.  Regular dispatch is 483-4600.
    2. Officer Jason mentioned that break-ins seem to be occurring in the back of the homes. He also repeated the warning to lock our car doors and to light up your home, inside and out.
    3. Officer Trevor, a recent hire for LPD, talked about breaking and entering, and cautioned us to be aware of people in our neighborhood and to call if we see someone who is not a usual person in the neighborhood.
    4. Chad Gamble, Director of the Public Service Department from the city of Lansing was present, and took notes regarding un-shoveled walks, and a complaint that there was a sign missing at the corner of MLK and Mt. Hope.  If we have issues with snow, we can call 483-4455 and provide the location. He will also investigate the issue of the missing street sign on Mt. Hope and MLK. He will look into the complaint regarding the sidewalk by Grand Haven Manor and the bus stop (that is in ill-repair), although there is very little money in the city to deal with this issue.  We can call and complain, which may help to expedite the situation(s).
    5. Ms. Taylor Heines, Coordinator for Go Green! Go Lansing Initiative was present and introduced herself and spoke briefly about this new department. 
  1. Code Compliance Officer’s Report; Gregg Scrimger
    1. Gregg has been very busy dealing with red tag homes.
  1. Guest Speakers; Kim Berry-Smokoski & Greg Orlowski shared information on how people can cut their energy bills by 30%:
    1. They shared information about energy saving devices.
    2. Taylor Hines with the Go Green initiative through the Mayor’s office.  483-4342 is her phone number and we can call with any environmental concerns. (e.g. recycling, composting etc)
  1. City Council’s Report; Carol Wood
    1. A’Lynne Robinson, our new councilperson spoke, about holding ward meetings to bring the area together.  2nd Saturday of each month at Logan Square Center, Suite 8A from 10:00 – noon.  She mentioned that the owner of Logan Square also participated.  She also brought a survey for us to take.
    2. Councilwoman Carol Wood talked about the new council committees. Brain Jeffries is the new Council President, and Derrick Quinney is new Vice-President.  Carol is chairing Development and Planning.  She mentioned the various committees and their chairs, and also an issue with Jackson National Life Insurance Company, developing a campus area. 

She also mentioned a fundraiser in honor of Ruth Hallman, on Jan. 30th from 12:00-6:30 pm. at IBEW, with a $10.00 donation.  All monies go to the Problem Solving Overtime Fund (for Neighborhoods) for the Lansing Police Department.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

  1. Old Business
    1. None
  1. New Business  (tabled until next month)
    1. Election of Officers:

                                                               President,  Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer

                                    and three At-Large Board seats (one includes

                                    the Webmaster’s position)

    1. Community Gardens; Meredee Vaughan:  There is a proposal that Rich becomes an entire magnet school.  There is a club within the school that is developing a small business within the school, one specifically being involved with the hydro-ponic garden project.  They would like to have a community garden, similar to the East Side neighborhood. 
    1. Garage Sale date is Saturday, June 21st.  The picnic is Thursday, August 21st at Francis Park.
  1. Good and Welfare
  1. Raffle
  1. Adjourn

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

LEWTON RICH NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

 

Micki Fuhrman

 

 

Micki Fuhrman, Secretary