Madison Park

Minutes of the January 12th, 2004 monthly meeting

Jan 27, 2004

Minutes of Madison Park
> Neighborhood
> Association January
> 12, 2004
>
> The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM with 30 members present and 2
> Charlotte Police Officers
>
> Officer Hairston CMPD (Westover Division) reported that there were 27
> incidents in the division for Dec. 2003. The following incidence
> affected Madison Park directly residential burglary 1 at 1431 Montford.
> (Officer Hairston failed to pull up the detailed report of this incident
> but was to contact a member Chris Christ with details by phone),
> Larceny from auto at 5821 Murrayhill, Park road missing person over 16
> (man 93 years old lost found later that day), Seneca Place Larceny from
> auto, Fraud on Baylor Drive, and auto theft on Abbey Place. The majority
> of the report dealt with incidents on South Blvd involving auto accidents
> and retail incidents.
>
> Officer Hairston then discussed gang activity. He noted that Hispanics
> are the main gangs in our areas. They use the tags MS13 and SIR13.
> Officer Hairston said most of the gang members were illegal immigrants
> ranging in age from 12-early 30s. A member noted that on Murray Hill a
> garage had been tagged. The officer was unaware of this incident and it
> was noted that it was covered by local media and was on the evening news.
>
> A member then asked that the officer explain the codes used on the cases.
> Letters 0,E, &A.
>
> O = Open, E= Exceptionally clear, and A=arrest cleared
>
> Officer Monroe from the new South Division spoke next. He said without
> specifics that there was a fraud case on Londonderry but did not want to
> give details of location. Officer Monroe said the he would be giving a
> presentation this coming Friday 16th, 2004 along with Officer Russell
> about Gang Graffiti in our areas. Officer Monroe stated that a lot of
> the tagging especially along the old Kmart building is over tagging. He
> stated that the MS13 is a prison-based gang. He noted that the clown
> tag gang member has been identified but not arrested. He even noted that
> some girls were participating in the over tagging. He requested anyone
> seeing spray painting (tagging) to call 911 immediately. The tag DEI
> =Destroy Everything. The officer stated that through interviews and
> videotapes they are about to make some arrest. These charges are
> misdemeanors and don't carry much punishment. The taggers even involve
> high school gang members. The officers try to locate and evict. Illegal
> immigrants are deported when possible and even their family members can
> be deported. South Meck High School was tagged during basketball game
> and the crime was video taped. The tape is being enhanced to help make
> ids of gang members. It was noted that the Murray Hill home that was
> tagged on the garage was unusual. Gang members don't tag homes unless it
> was a mistake, known-gang member, or the resident had some run in with
> gangs. The officers noted that even dept. stores had been contacted
> regarding gang members purchasing spray paints. Martin Doss noted that
> perhaps Big Lots should be checked because Big Lots sales very
> inexpensive spray paints as low as 50cents! The officer said he was
> unaware they had that large of a paint dept.
>
> President Ted Peters then switched the agenda to ask the officer about
> the New Ordinance that prohibits parking in yards. The officers stated
> they did not know who would be enforcing this matter. The officers had
> not received any information on the matter and thought perhaps city codes
> might enforce the matter. The officers were thanked for their reports
> and attendance.
>
> Candace Armstrong was not available to give her report on the crime watch
> street-by-street signup campaign. Martin Doss noted that Candace had
> told him recently that she had gotten a couple of sign ups from the
> website solicitation. Treasurer Dee McCandlish stated that Candace was
> contacting the officer regarding the program and working on the project.
>
> Ted Peters then turned the agenda to problem houses. He asked Marty Doss
> to fill in regarding 5431 Farmbrook. This home was noted as needing
> repairs while out delivering the fliers for the Holiday Social. The yard
> was partially overgrown, house numbers were missing and a hole was noted
> through the roof. There was also a strong foul odor when approaching the
> home. Inspector Hodges has checked the home and was to discuss it with
> his boss.
>
> Marty Doss also noted that neighbors bordering Smith Middle School on
> Londonderry Road are experiencing problems with rain runoff caused by
> debris that was placed in a drainage ditch behind the schools track fence
> during recent summer construction. The ditch has been filled with
> lumber, rock, and trash. Inspector Hodges has checked the property and
> spoke to residents affected and noted the school needs to clean up the
> problem. City Water checked the ditch and said the storm drain was a
> problem under the county water system not the city therefore the city
> could not help with the drain. The problem remains unresolved at
> present.
>
> One member then inquired if it was not illegal to put limbs in the
> street. It was noted that it was against the codes and suggested that we
> add this under did you know on our website www.neighborhoodlink.com
> Madison Park. Another member was concerned about a problem that resulted
> when yard workers cut a gas line to a light pole in a yard. The member
> was told that before doing any digging in her yard that she should call
> to have the utilities lines marked.
>
> The treasurer Dee McCandlish gave the treasury report. 567.97 in the
> bank all bills paid. It was noted that 2004 dues are now due. Forms
> were passed out or you can use the form on the website. The fee is 10.00
> for the year of 2004.
>
> The next topic was the Formation of Nominating Committee -Election Board.
> Ted Peters noted he wanted a non board member to gather the names of
> those nominated to serve in 2004. It was suggested and seconded that
> members serve 2 year terms however Ted Peters noted the bi laws call for
> 1 year terms so that was not possible. Cheryl Furr agreed to use her
> email and gather the names for the new board nominees. Those interested
> in serving or if you would like to nominate someone for a position please
> send there names to Cheryl at Bfurr@carolina.rr.com. The election will
> take place next month. Ted Peters stated he was throwing his name in
> again for President. It was noted that some board members such as the
> Vice President had only served a couple of months. Many positions
> remained unfilled for more than half of 2003. It was suggested that no
> later than November 04 that nominees be gathered and voted on so that
> 2005 board can go in affect in January 05.
>
> Candy Bridges was present to discuss the Queens University Complex. She
> stated that the city is negotiating a 30-year lease with Queens. They
> have narrowed the design firm down to two firms. A member wanted to know
> if the annexed land had been purchased but the answer was unknown. About
> 2 million of the 10 million in fund raising has taken place.
>
> Lamar Gunter is going to be the Liaison with Queens Committee. Lamar
> will be the Chair of Madison Parks committee. Lamar will follow-up with
> Queens on issue important to Madison Park regarding the project. Debra
> Campbell, Dan Carringan, Barbara Connok will serve on the committee with
> Lamar.
>
> Candy Bridges was thanked for attending the meeting on behalf of Parks
> and Recreation Dept.
>
> Ted Peters noted that the Yellow Ribbon Campaign continues for those
> interested in putting up yellow ribbons to show your support of our
> troops at war and away form home.
>
> Ted Peters then noted that the Shut-In Awareness / Fix-Up Crew Sign-up
> continues (sign up sheets were available at the front table).
>
> Cheryl Furr then gave an update on Susie Copper's recuperation. There
> was a get-well card for members to sign. Ted Peters then gave a little
> insight on Susie's contribution to the reorganizing a few years ago of
> the current Madison Park Home Owners Association.
>
> Marty Doss then mentioned that Earl Cox had been in the hospital for 8
> days including Christmas. Earl lives on Londonderry RD. The association
> wishes a speedy recovery to both these members!
>
> New Members were recognized with 3 present. Julie Fosbinder Senaca
> Place, Jeff Smith Fairbanks, and Chris Christ Montford.
>
> General membership concerns were address next with one member asking
> about speed bumps. At present there is no planed speed bumps for our
> areas that is known. The sidewalks on Murray Hill were the only
> improvements along that line that is known. Ted Peters gave a little
> background on how the Wedgewood Drive Speed Bumps came to be starting
> with involvement and a petition from neighbors along Wedgewood and
> adjacent streets. The project was marked non-primary but after areas
> that were primary failed to gather the required signatures Wedgewood was
> moved forward and completed including the brick look to match Senaca
> Place designs. This was done primary with City Funds that was marked for
> the association for traffic issues. The fund currently has approximately
> 14,000 dollars available. Ted stated that the speed bumps on Senaca
> Place need to be refinished after being damaged by the paving job a few
> months ago.
>
> Another member was concerned about the Pinewood Elementary construction
> mud on the Road. Ted Peters stated he would call the project manager to
> alert to the problem with vehicles from the site creating a problem with
> the road. It was noted that a home directly across the street from the
> school is having its yard affected by a drainage line going through the
> yard.
>
> Save The Date reminder: 9th Annual Neighborhood Symposium 3/27/04
> http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org
>
> The meeting was adjourned.
>
> Respectfully submitted: Martin Doss, Secretary