Minutes From the Last Civic League Meeting

Shea Terrace Civic League


Minutes

June 7, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 P.M. by the President, Nancy LaMartin.


Minutes of Previous Meeting:

Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved as corrected. Nancy reminded the attendees that minutes from Civic League meetings could also be found on the Shea Terrace Blog.


Treasurer’s Report: It was reported that there is currently a balance in the treasury of $1251.02. This includes a deposit or $92 since our last meeting.
Speakers:

Representatives from Food Lion, Eleanor Bockhurst, Customer Service Representative, and Allen Fok, District Merchandiser, were present to address concerns of the neighborhood in regard to Food Lion. Comments were primarily positive with attendees noting that there has been a marked improvement in the store since the end of last year. The new Manager, Mike, is very responsive to requests and has made many positive changes. There was a complaint about not having better cuts of meats available as compared to other locations. The reason for this is a problem with theft in the store and we were encouraged to call in advance for special cuts or to ring the service bell for personal requests.

The Representatives asked that we report any panhandling around the store. They also stated that they try to keep the parking lot clean despite all of the trash being blown in from surrounding areas. They also try to have three express lines open on the first of the month, which is the busiest time at the check out.

Nancy suggested that a bike rack be installed and that the store might consider broadcasting classical music in the parking lot to discourage vagrants from hanging out. There was a suggestion to have a community bulletin board available in the front of the store and to sell HRT passes although the store is on the free Downtown Loop bus line. A complaint was made regarding the huge pothole at the entrance to the parking lot. We were assured that this would be taken care of as soon as possible. The Representatives encouraged us to call them anytime there is a problem. Eleanor Bockhurst, Food Lion 1555, Customer Service Manager. Telephones 397-8812 work and 582-4548 cell. Allen Fok, Food Lion District Merchandiser, telephone 348-3951.

Police Report:

Officer Diaz stated that there have not been many police problems to report. He reminded us to lock up our cars and homes to avoid crimes of opportunity, such as theft and vandalism. There was general discussion about drivers speeding around the corner at the North end of the neighborhood, especially at the turns. Officer Diaz will submit this information may arraign radar checks of the area to determine if this is a recurring issue. A resident reported that vehicles are being parked too close to the corner of Anne Street on Constitution creating a blind corner. Diaz will check into this issue.


Environmental Report:

Katherine Koch reported that the house with the Quonset hut on the corner of Holiday and Chesapeake has had numerous citations which appear to be having some positive effect as the tenants moved out and another family now lives there. This will continue to be monitored. The streets have been a lot cleaner in the neighborhood as a result of the street sweeper coming through more frequently. She stated that there are a lot of empty houses in the neighborhood and requested that we watch these houses and report anything suspicious. She also asked that we let her know if there are any houses that are not secured so that she can take care of this to prevent vandalism.


Newsletter:

Nancy requested volunteers to help deliver the newsletters. Amy Griffin volunteered to do Constitution. Georgianne and Pat volunteered to deliver where we might be needed. The next newsletter will go out the end of August.
Yard Sale:

Nancy discussed plans for neighborhood yard sales in the fall. Past yard sales have had a positive result in bringing potential homebuyers into the community, which is especially important now with so many houses for sale. The Civic League will charge homeowners $10 to be listed on the map which will be handed out to people entering the neighborhood the day of the sale. This will also help with the cost of running an ad in the newspaper. Nancy will also list the sale on Craig’s List and will arrange with realtors to hold open houses on the day of the sale. The sale will be held Saturday September 11 with a rain date set for September 18. Pat Pfeiffer volunteered to be the telephone contact for the neighbors wishing to list themselves on the map. The individual homeowner will be responsible for getting their own City permit at a cost of $10. Pat Pfeiffer did agree to purchase permits for the residents if requested when given the money and addresses of participants. Amy Griffin, 20 Constitution, 393-1613, also agreed to help with the yard sale. Nancy will make arrangements with Hope House, 523-8760, to pick up leftover items at the end of the day. She also felt it might be a good idea to arrange for a trash sway car on that day to throw away unwanted items rather than leaving them on the curb the next week’s bulk trash pick up.


Old Business:

There was discussion about the Scott’s Creek Sign that was removed from the linear park many months ago when it began to fall apart. Leisure Services has been asked about its replacement but have not given a satisfactory answer. Katherine Koch volunteered to check into this matter and report back to the organization.

New Business:

Chrystal McLouglin asked about the possibility of recycling electronics in the neighborhood as a Civic League project. She stated that she knows someone who has information on this and will report back to us at the next meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.