Five Points Neighborhood Association

Association General Meetings, August, September, October 2002

August 14, 2002

Meeting called to order at 7:09 by President Robin Reed, who introduced the featured speaker, Jeff Ritter of St Petersburg Neighborhood Transportation Services.

Ritter detailed the steps involved in the process for neighborhood traffic plans:

►First, the city transportation department compiles a “Hazard Exposure Index” based on

>things that generate pedestrian traffic (businesses, schools, etc.)
>crash data points (number of collisions at intersection)

The points for each intersection are added and the resulting number assigned as the “Hazard Exposure” number. Higher numbers indicate priority areas for correction. The higher the priority based on HE number, the more likely a given intersection is to qualify for traffic calming measures.

The ranking system is the result of intense competition among neighborhoods for city-funded traffic calming. Use of the “Hazard Exposure” index to set priorities is needed to ensure fairness in setting priorities for traffic calming, so resources go to areas of greatest need.

►Next step is for neighborhood association to request mitigation through Petition Process, which requires agreement of 2/3 of residents on the affected streets; the petitions include a “no” box to indicate persons who have been informed but do not support the petition.

Dan raised a question regarding traffic patterns at the proposed building on the former En Towne site –concern that it will increase traffic on 31st Avenue – what about a speed bump? Ritter replied that such measures need to involve the entire neighborhood.

Robin asked what happens if there is no association in a given area – Ritter noted that if there are many complaints, the city will mail to residents in the entire area for a meeting; but the neighborhood residents still have to go through the same petition process.

Ritter returned to the steps in the traffic planning process:

►Transportation Services makes a complete traffic survey; will map out commercial areas.

Question raised re: business signs (i.e., “No Left Turn” to prevent customers exiting through neighborhood). Enforceable? Also question of commercial vehicles impinging on residential streets. Regarding trucks, Ritter noted they need to take the first road out of the neighborhood. If the study shows too many trucks cutting through neighborhood, the city can survey for change in traffic pattern.

Issue of sidewalks: purview of Bicycle/Pedestrian issues (meeting at same time as Five Points meeting). Not sure how to plan for sidewalks – separate issue from streets.

Those present agreed to have traffic survey done and for Ritter to come back and present complete review in October. He said they may already have some old reports on the intersection of 34th Avenue and 7th Street N. Among steps to be taken will be the installation of counter-plates in roads at central points, and the placement of “speed watch” signs, which are used to increase awareness among drivers.

Ritter ended his presentation with plan to return and present results at meeting on Oct. 9. In the meantime, the counters and speed signs will show up by September.

Officer Ray Merritt began his reqport at 7:57: Total calls received 107: (see compilation). Regarding the report of 13 sex offenders: these show up in the neighborhood stats because of presence of transient motels: most move out in short time.

Other business:

Agreed to order three neighborhood meeting signs from Bill Sanderson.

Regarding Newsletter: Robin asked if it is worth spending to print another newsletter since free resources used for prior issues no longer available: members present agreed pending research on cost.

Other announcements:
The Neighborhood Grant deadline is Sept 27; There are also Police grants from forfeiture funds available for kids’ programs and public safety projects. Current plan for Neighborhood Grant is to apply for grant to purchase “neighbor of the month” sign, with project to refurbish neighborhood signs as matching contribution. Susan and Robin will attend City workshop on grant application process.

Need volunteers for nominating committee: Officers for next year, particularly to replace Robin—will request again at Sept. meeting.

Also need volunteers to plan possible Block party for Halloween (possible tie-in with sign refurbishing project).

Treasurer’s Report: (see statement): Kathy announced that association has received free checking from Signature Bank as courtesy.

Robin reviewed attendance at Mayor’s breakfast with neighborhood leaders, major point that city budget has not cut funding (though not increased either). Noted urgent need of city to replace sewer pipes in large areas will limit funding for other areas.

Final: Next meeting planned for Sept. 11. Speaker: Chris Claus of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods.

Meeting adjourned 8:30pm.

September 18, 2002

(Note: The September meeting was postponed one week in honor of the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The planned speaker, Chris Claus of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, was rescheduled to November.)

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 by Robin Reed, President.

First order of business: Report of Community Police Officer Ray Merritt.
Three reported burglaries, but mostly a quiet month. One of the burglaries involved an unlocked garage, one involved a door pried open, one was a bike stolen from a garage. An aggravated assault report at 715 30th Ave involved father-son dispute; there was a report of someone selling drugs in Albertson’s parking lot (781 38th Ave).

Officer Billy Walker, also present, reported that Fossil Park won their civil suit against the Park Motel, and were awarded damages of $8,000. Current plans call for a Best Western motel to be built on the site. The real significant milestone is that the neighborhood won the suit.

Second order of business: Plan to join up with other neighborhood associations as an alternative means to stay involved. Two closest are Allendale Terrace, just starting up itself, and Crescent Heights. Crescent Heights considered likelier; Robin agrees to contact Stephanie Pitts of Crescent Heights and give an update in October. Crescent Heights holds its meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, except December (Holiday Party) and August.

Suggestion made to telephone members who have been active in the past as a means to increase attendance at upcoming meetings: October 9, when the Transportation Services person will report on the Traffic Survey, and November 13, the presentation by Chris Claus of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods.

Don Terrana announced that his Brother-in-law had offered to print our next newsletter (four-page) for free. This generous offer would make it possible to have a newsletter in time for the next meeting.

Date for Block party discussed: agreed on November 9 for Block Party, October 19 for sign-repainting project.

Volunteers for Block Party planning: Robin, Pat, Diana.
Five Points Signage committee: Bill Sanderson, Don

Possible holiday party: decided to table this idea until Robin speaks with Stephanie Pitts about joining with Crescent Heights.

As for meetings: it was decided to keep the current schedule (second Wednesday) through November.

Robin presented announcements from city mailings of past month:

CONA Leadership Program:
10 Meetings, second and fourth Monday at 7:00, January – April; Bus tour of city at end. Cost is $50 per person: anyone interested should call Robin.

Other materials: Festival of States, Crime Watch Prostitution Task Force flyer, Bicycle/Pedestrian survey; Development Services-Div. of Urban Design and Historic Preservation; Replacement Ordinance for Alcoholic Beverages

Update on EnTowne property: Dan said the groundbreaking had been put off till October at earliest due to changes in design. Still expected to have convenience/deli as main tenant.

Dan also requested suggestions for means to raise money for association: possible yard sale?

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.