Monday, March 11,
2013
Meeting Minutes of
The mission of the
1. The meeting began at 6:33
p.m. Neighbors introduced themselves.
2. Steve talked about the
community garden. He had a
meeting a few weeks ago. Minutes were emailed out. Gardeners will take care of
their beds with neighbors taking responsibilities to water. We would like help
to maintain the garden at an announced point during the year. There will be an
open adoption period for any open beds. Neighbors would have a watering
schedule. Steve talked about a message board to reach neighbors who may not
already be connected to one another Online. A water permit will be used. Al
said that the message board should be monitored and list Martin Drive posting
guidelines on it. Pat Devitt said it would be nice.
3. Raymond talked about the
update from the Neighborhood Improvement District Focus Group. He read from
emailed pros, cons, and concerns. There is a lot of information to understand.
Sharon recently emailed questions from neighbors. The idea from the
Neighborhood Improvement District Focus Group is to think about small steps if
we wanted to be a non-profit. It is not clear if we need to be a non-profit in
order to be a NID. There are benefits to being a non-profit and additional
work.
4. Bryan talked about the idea
of a non-profit; there would be a needed procedure for making decisions about
money (bylaws). An Employee Identification Number would be needed along with a
step by step application to create a 501(c)
(3). Neighbors and businesses could deduct donations when doing taxes. Pat Devitt
asked if taxes have to be done once a year (yes). There is a fee to be a
non-profit.
5. Pat Mueller added
information about being a Targeted Investment Neighborhood. A Targeted
Investment Neighborhood can get funds to help neighbors with major problems.
There are income guidelines.
6. Mandi
P. was introduced by Pat Mueller. She will help do a needs assessment of the
neighborhood.
7. PO Kong said to lock your
vehicle. A vehicle is taken and then driven until the gas tank is empty. Do not
leave an unattended vehicle running. The tax prepare store has been a place for
robberies. Do taxes online or from a reputable store. The burglary suspect for
the one on 46th street is identified but still at large. Neighbors can release
the name of the suspect but it can't be released by the Milwaukee Police
Department until there are charges.
8. Sharon will help with a
neighborhood –wide survey using and adapting the questions used from 5 years
ago. The results will be shared and help assess the improvements in the
neighborhood.
9. Phoua Vang, Drug Free Communities Organizer from Safe and
Sound recently received an award. Safe and
Sound recently received a grant.
There are concerns from neighbors that blunt wraps are being sold at the liquor
store (39 & Vliet) behind the counter in
violation of agreed neighborhood standards set by Washington Park Partners.
10. The Business and Finance
Committee talked about recent checks. We have roughly $4000 in the private
checking account
11. The Bloom and Groom
Project is tentatively planned for May 18th. Pat will think about the planning
because in the past flowers were ordered at the annual meeting (this year it is
just days before the date). March 20 a check of $750 will be made to NIDC for
the flowers (we are getting a percentage of wholesale).
12. The idea among neighbors
is to take advantage of the Green Week program from the City of Milwaukee.
Many different items can be properly disposed.
The meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington
Park Senior Center.