Montclaire Neighborhood Association

Montclaire Neighborhood Association

Purpose of Montclaire Neighborhood Association:

The purpose of the Montclaire Neighborhood Association is to protect the residential integrity of the neighborhood, to serve as a liaison between the neighborhood and government agencies, and to promote and encourage safety, improvement, and beautification in the neighborhood and to promote communication within the neighborhood.

Objectives as an Association :

--Get to know our neighbors

--Have fun

--Be organized for neighborhood issues that come up like Celanese, Greenway, etc.

What’s the latest with:

--Celanese. Note the building is demolished. What is the timeline? Who owns it now?

--Parcel next to church: For Sale sign still up, construction equipment and pipes there. What is being built, and how soon? Latest word is 12 units.

--Tyvola “garage” -- to be used by Myers Park man to house and work on classic cars. Actually in Madison Park. Numerous code violations, some have been cleared up.

--Motion and second to accept interim board and by-laws. Vote passes.

Email us
jmlew2@yahoo.com

Officers and Board Members are as follows:

President - Nancy Mosier-Dehart
Email: nmdehart@carolina.rr.com

Vice President - Emory Smith
Email: esmith52@carolina.rr.com

Treasurer - Jennifer Lew
Email: jmlew2@yahoo.com

Secretary - Diana Hanson
Email: drugg@mindspring.com

Advisor - Charles Mock
Email: CHASMOC@aol.com

Advisor - Lori Cook
Email: lorireid95@yahoo.com

Advisor - OPEN

Meeting notes from last meeting:

MONTCLAIRE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Monthly Meeting Minutes
February 2009
I. CALL TO ORDER -- Nancy Mosier
Agenda read
II. CRIME REPORT -- Officer Lim
-- Feb. 9 -- 5524 Seacroft -- motor vehicle theft, Honda Prelude. Friend’s car stolen from street
-- Feb. 17 -- 5517 Seacroft -- misdemeanor B&E (breaking and entering). Person answered door, and an unknown female forced her way in but was forced out by the resident. Similar crimes (10 of them) have occurred in Clanton Park with a W/F
-- Feb. 3 -- 6227 Rose Valley -- non-criminal incident. Tree hit a car (because neighbor was trimming the tree).
--Other Crime Updates of note:
> Persistent problems with larcenies from vehicles. Hide your GPS, laptops, iPods, etc. from view.
> Be a nosy neighbor -- call 911 if you see anything out of place
> Home security sheets -- Officer Lim passed them out. They have spaces for homeowners to list their valuable items, make/model, description, and serial number. This information will be handy if your house is ever broken into and the items stolen.
III. PRESENTATION -- Real Estate Report
Jennifer Lew, Realtor (and 10-yr, Montclaire Resident)
*Please see Jennifer with any questions, and for more details
-- MLS Sales in the Charlotte area -- about 3,000 fewer sales in 2008 than in 2007
> List prices were down 5%, to about $236,276
> Sale prices were down 6% to abut $227,338
> houses spent 97 days on market, average
-- MLS Sales for Montclaire --
> List prices were up 5%, to $238,629
> Sales prices were up 3%, to $228,970
> houses spent 72 days on market, average
-- Right now -- 21 units on market
> Average list price -- $248,000
> Average sales price -- $228,000
> 13 units have been on the market more than 100 days
-- WHY you should use a Realtor* when buying or selling
> A Realtor knows the market and neighborhood, to get the right price
> A Realtor knows what net profit of a sale will be after costs are subtracted
> A Realtor knows how to give your home sales appeal
> A Realtor can list your house on the MLS, which gives it a greater audience -- especially the internet. 93% of homebuyers search the web first.
> A Realtor knows how to merchandise your home
> A Realtor can sort out prospects, to see who actually qualifies to buy your home
> A Realtor can stay objective about your home, including its strengths and flaws -- and won’t get offended or emotionally attached when showing it
> A Realtor can familiarize you with the closing procedures and all of the legal documents required
> A Realtor can take care of little details to save you time and convenience -- scheduling inspections, appraisals, showings, etc.
-- Charlotte Chamber Report -- 2028 (the next 20 years)
> In 2008, Charlotte has 614,900 residents. In 2028, it will be 2 million
> In 2008, 13,000 residents live Uptown. In 2028, 100,000 will live there
> In 2008, the Charlotte MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area, including other counties as suburbs) has 1.7 million residents. In 2028, it will have 4.8 million.
> this is based on an in-migration of 50,000 residents a year
> Diversity will be very different
> In 2008, Charlotte has 28,000 businesses. In 2028, 60,000 are expected.
>In 2008, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have 134,000 students. In 2028, 250,000 students are expected.
-- Final note -- The stimulus bill includes an $8,000 credit for first-time homebuyers who will live in their houses for 3 years as their primary residence.
IV. TREASUREY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew, Treasurer
-- 22 members (households) paid
-- A storage facility has been rented for Montclaire NA possessions, such as speakers, screen, coolers, drinks, etc., for events.
-- Bank information available on request
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS -- various
-- March 7 -- Adopt-A-Stream at 9am. Meet at the corner of Tanbark and Wensley
-- Beautification -- Alice Hayes -- Yard of the Season judging will take place April 19-23. Homes will be judged on a profusion of spring blooms.
-- Block Party -- April 25 on Boxwood Lane -- This event will be a covered dish, and MNA will provide hot dogs and plates, napkins, utensils, etc.
-- March meeting will be March 23, at the church. Speaker will be Kevin James, about landscaping and spring season yard tips.
Adjourned at 7:40pm




MONTCLAIRE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Monthly Meeting Minutes
November 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER -- Mark Francis
Agenda read
II. CRIME REPORT -- Officer Lim
-- October 26 -- 5600 blk Farmbrook -- car vandalism between 3 and 10pm.
No suspect information
-- October 27 -- 1700 Emerywood -- stolen car. 92 Honda Civic, from driveway.
Found in Seneca Woods.
-- October 29 -- 2000 blk Wensley -- B&E, between 8:45 am and 1pm.
Stolen: 46” flat screen TV, .22 gun, computer, 28” TV.
Homeowner says back door was kicked in.
-- mid November -- Wicker Place -- car B&E, blk Nissan Pathfinder
-- November 8 -- 5300 blk Chedworth -- B&E, $250 worth of coins stolen.
Climbed in through rear window
-- November 13 -- 1700 blk Wensley -- B&E between 8am and 6pm.
Stolen: 37” LCD TV, checks, videogame system
-- November 22-23 -- Beacon Hill -- B&E, victim confronted suspect, who was a 40 year-old black male
--Other Crime Updates of note:
> Chief Rodney Monroe’s new plan includes more directed patrols in neighborhoods
> New chain of command for our police district -- Lt. Jackie Holsier (?) and Capt. Stella Patterson. Both were promoted to their positions from Internal Affairs.
> Gang Report -- WBTV recently did a series for its news about gangs, and part of it was filmed on Emerywood. MS13 AND SUR13 are both in the S. Blvd. area. Mostly young men, age 16 - 22. Look for crossed out graffiti -- sign of a turf war. Very popular in the Grand Oaks Apts off Wisteria Drive.
> Solicitors -- not sure of city rules about solicitors, but you may tell them to leave. If you get any resistance, say “I’m calling the police.”
> Car B&E’s are getting popular around here -- 6 at South and Tyvola in the last month.

III. PRESENTATION -- Patrick George, Heartwood Tree Service
-- Trees are dormant now, but work 40 weeks a year
-- Arborists tell the health of a tree by looking at the color and density of leaves, and the structure.
-- White oaks can live 500 years.
-- Cavities aren’t necessarily bad, but a tree will need pruning to keep it lighter because the trunk is weaker when it has a cavity
-- Rotten limbs must be trimmed back to reduce wind drag, and so they doesn’t take food from the rest of the tree
-- No real diseases or insects attacking trees here right now, except Dutch Elm
> Mushrooms are a sign of root fungus
-- Drought has made trees vulnerable to bugs and disease. Trees without water switch from “growth” mode to “defense” for survival
> 3 years of drought can kill trees. Last year was saved by two big rains in October and December
> Water in the fall helps trees grow in the spring. Water trees in the fall about one or two inches if there’s no rain
-- 90% of trees’ roots are in the top 12” of soil.
-- Trees more than 3 feet from the house probably won’t damage the foundation because the roots will grow the other way, where there’s water
-- If you have questions about your trees, call a certified arborist -- local is better.
-- Trees in distress -- look for saggy limbs -- trees outgrowing the strength of their wood
-- Did we mention WATER? Water water water!
-- New trees are often planted too deep. Roots want to be near surface When planting:
> break up roots so they go out, not around tree
> don’t cut more than one-third of the roots or limbs
> don’t plant a tree bigger that 3 inches wide
-- When trimming limbs, leave a 3-inch stub to prevent rot in the trunk
-- Don’t put mulch up against the trunk, because the trunk likes air
> it’s okay to blow your leaves into a “mulch area” under the tree’s overhang, because the nutrients from the leaves breaking down feed the tree
-- Ivy won’t kill a tree, but it can hit problems -- it can also weigh down a tree when it grows too high
> don’t allow ivy to grow on a young tree
> to remove ivy, cut it at the base and allow it to die off -- don’t pull live ivy off the tree because it can damage the bark
-- Montclaire has a lot of silver maples, which start to die at about 50 years old
> keep them pruned to let them live longer
-- use compost on your tree instead of fertilizer. It’s better for the tree and better for the environment.
IV. ELECTIONS -- Mark Francis
-- 2008 paid MNA members will get a ballot in the mail. Members can mail the ballots back or bring them to the January meeting
-- Nominees will be announced at the holiday party
-- Still taking nominations for VP, Treasurer, and 2 board members
-- Alice Hayes nominated Carole Horton for the board
V. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew, Treasurer
-- treasury funds report available upon request
-- Kevin James Landscaping is not yet paid for entrance flowers
-- Party expenses and income from raffle and new memberships
-- Fall pine needle sale -- orders will be taken in January and February for spring needles
VI. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
--Yard of the Season contest has holiday theme
-- December 13 judging -- criteria is “most festive”
> more info on website -- www.Montclaire28210.com
-- decisions are final
VII. HOLIDAY PARTY
-- Monday December 15, 7pm
-- Bring favorite finger food or dessert
-- Ham and drinks provided

MONTCLAIRE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Monthly Meeting Minutes
July 2008

I. CALL TO ORDER -- Nancy Mosier
Agenda read

II. CRIME REPORT -- Officer Hairston

-- 1709 Wensley -- B&E (breaking and entering) on June 24 during the day. Suspect broke in and stole various items
-- 1739 Emery wood -- B&E of shed
-- 2501 Wensley -- B&E misdemeanor -- two unknown suspects tried to kick in the door, broke windows

Additional notes:
> Crime rate is low for the year in Montclair -- Ballentyne and S. Charlotte have more B&E’s
> Car break-ins happening more in neighborhoods than in commercial areas
> B&E’s are happening more during the day -- watch your neighbor’s house
> Question: Re: Light Rail and littering (esp. beer cans) -- police officers ride through the stations frequently and check them
> Question: Re: Door-to-Door sales -- solicitors must leave when asked

III. PRESENTATION -- John Rudisill, CFD (704) 336-8376
-- A fire happens every 16 seconds in the U.S.
-- Statsitics show everyone experiences two fires in their lifetime
-- 65% of all fires can be prevented, 35% are from outside forces like lightning or electrical, etc.
> #1 Cause of fires in Charlotte is unattended cooking.
> arson is the #2 cause of fires in homes, and #1 cause on commercial properties
> secure your property -- hide combustibles because arsonists will use what’s available
> #3 cause is electrical -- esp. extension cords, which should be used for temporary wiring only
> ALSO -- check fossil fuel heaters (gas furnace, kerosene) for carbon monoxide leaks and make sure they are ventilated
-- FIRE KILLS -- it consumes oxygen in the air and makes you disoriented, so victims will pass out and die of smoke inhalation, heat, or fumes
-- BEST DEFENSE -- get down 12-18 inches from the floor and crawl out


SAFETY:
-- Smoke alarms save time -- they’ll alert you to get out
-- Have a home escape plan--
> If you have a key lock, make sure there is a key near the door
> teach your kids what to do
> have a meeting place
> test alarms every month, change batteries twice a year, and change out the smoke alarm every ten years because they can wear out
> have a smoke alarm on every floor of your house, and in every room where people sleep. Follow manufacturer’s directions for placement.
> have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector -- CO is a “silent killer” because it has no smell or taste. Mecklenburg County requires all homes and other dwelling to have a CO detector
> have an “ABC” type (all-purpose) fire extinguisher
TIP: Don’t hang it over the stove. Put it OUTSIDE the kitchen

-- Other information--
> Montclaire is located between fire stations 12 (Off South Blvd. near Home Depot), 16 (Park South Drive), and 20 (Nations Ford Road)
> Natural Gas -- it has a slight odor, like rotten eggs. If you smell it or your CO detector goes off, GET OUT of your house and call the gas company. Always used license contractors to do repairs so gas is properly connected
> Carbon Monoxide causes flu-like symptoms -- headache, nausea, sleepiness
> Keep a rope under your bed or a window ladder nearby for escapes from 2nd story rooms
> Always vent your gas logs -- even “ventless” ones

IV. ELECTIONS -- Nancy Mosier
-- In January, you can nominate others or yourself for open positions on board
-- For more information, see our website at www.Montclaire28210.com

V. MISCELLANEOUS
-- We are not hosting a National Night Out event, but are invited to Madison Park’s event -- Tuesday August 5, 6-9 pm, on Fairbanks between Wedgewood and Valley Forge
-- No August meeting -- board is having a planning session on Sunday August 3rd
-- Next meeting -- Monday September 22 -- Animal Control will address the so- called “critter problem”
-- Montclaire entrance sign -- stacked stone with plants bought at cost and annuals changed out twice a year

VI. TREASURER’S REPORT -- Jennifer Lew
-- 130 members signed up, and 55 are paid (42% of membership)
-- financial information available upon request

VII. SCHOOL REPORT -- Carol Horton
-- Saturday -- neighbors can help clean up Montclaire grounds -- steps to school grounds, etc. Meet in school parking lot at 8am

VIII. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE -- Karen
-- Encourages new neighbers and new members to sign up

IX. NEW NEIGHBORS COMMITTEE
-- would like volunteers to hand out “neighborhood packets” to new neighbors -- includes info on 311, recycling, welcome letter, coupons for Chik-Fil-A, the Loop, and an oil change from Starmount Automotive

Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
June 2008

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:05pm Agenda and Introductions -- Mark Francis

II. CRIME REPORT--Officers Lim
May:
-- Brookhaven -- 3 cars broken into, 2 of them were unlocked
-- dog stolen -- known suspect
-- 5600 Londonderry -- B&E with damage. Is this a common problem area?
-- 1600 Emerywood -- Theft, known suspect
June:
-- No calls (yaay!)
Updates:
-- no suspects for vandalism at Montclaire Elem playground
-- News note -- watch out for “rogue tow trucks” -- official-looking tow trucks that pull up to homes and steal cars, then sell them for scrap. They especially target older cars (more than 10 years old) because they don’t need a title to sell for scrap. Legitimate towing companies are required to have their name and number on the side of their trucks.

III. GUEST SPEAKER -- Code Inspectors
Kirk Young and Paris Waddy

-- Kirk is the inspector for tax parcel 171, and Paris is assigned to 173. They are both represented in Montclaire.
-- Kirk is new to our neighborhood assignment. He is trying to get familiar with it.
-- Both inspectors look for obvious code violations on properties, like cars parked on lawns and grass that’s too high, when they’re on their rounds
> Cars can park on grass as long as they are behind the front edge of a home. If a home is on a corner lot, it is considered to have two front edges.
> Cars can be parked on an “improved area” off the driveway, like a defined gravel area
> Even two wheels are not allowed to be parked on lawns or sidewalks.
> Cars parked on property must be operable. Three maximum per household.

-- Inspectors also take calls from neighbors, and have three days to investigate all complaints.
-- Dumpsters -- 30 day limit on construction dumpsters in driveways, before they have to be emptied. A dumpster can stay longer if a construction project is ongoing, but it must be emptied at least every 30 days.
-- Pods or other portable storage units -- can stay only 90 days
-- Boarded up house -- limit is 6 months
> a house doesn’t need to be boarded up just because it’s vacant, but it must be locked and maintained.
-- Code inspectors take pictures of offending properties now, so they have proof
-- Some matters are ZONING violations, not code violations -- such as running an illegal business in a home zoned residential. The Zoning officer is Donald Moore. Some issues will involve both zoning and codes, so the officers work together.
-- All yard signs must be on private property, outside of the “right of way.” That usually means more than 11 feet from the street.

-- How to get a code inspector to come look at a nuisance property: (3 ways)
> Call 311
> 5 people can start a petition
> Code inspectors can see if for themselves. Some obvious things include broken windows, open doors, broken roofs, blue tarps, trees grown out over sidewalks (and obstructing them), and yard signs too close to the street.

IV. NEIGHBORHOOD NAME -- Emory Smith and Nancy Mosier
From Quality of Life Study

-- our neighborhood is in Area 196, currently called “Glenkirk/Closeburn.” Glenkirk and Closeburn are two streets on the edge of area 196, but are not part of Montclaire proper. They are not in the boundaries of MNA, as outlined in our constitution.
-- Area 196 is bounded by Archdale Drive, Park South Drive, Tyvola Road, and Old Pineville Road.
> Area 196 includes Montclaire and parts of Montclaire II, Spring Valley, and Madison Park Starmount is NOT part of area 196
> Area 196 includes 752 homes, 178 of which are in Madison Park. Most of Madison Park is on the “other” side of Tyvola, in Area 197.
> Madison Park residents on “our” side of Tyvola don’t want to be known as Montclaire.
> Madison Park HOA applied for a name change to area 196, to call it “Montclaire/Madison Park.” MNA applied to change the name to “Montclaire.”
> The city says we must work it out amongst ourselves.

MOTION: To change the name of area 196 from “Glenkirk/Closeburn” to “Montclaire/ Madison Park”
VOTE: Motion approved

V. MNA ELECTIONS --

-- Seats for Vice President, Treasurer, and two (2) Board Members are open
> Vice President -- Second in command, head of elections committee, must be an MNA member according to bylaws
> Treasurer -- Keeps MNA treasury, membership directory, must be an MNA member according to bylaws
> Board Members -- advisors on the Board, must be MNA member according to bylaws
-- Elections must take place before January (so, in December)
-- Elections committee can take nominations six months before elections (May to December). Members in good standing can nominate themselves or others for office
-- In November, nominees will give speeches for office
NOTE: “Member” is anyone who meets the definition of membership in the bylaws: a homeowner (not renter) within the boundaries of MNA, whose dues for the year are paid
-- Those members interested in nominating someone for an office can contact:
Mark Francis, MNA President
1539 Tamworth
704-293-1132

VI. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew

-- 130 homes signed up for MNA, 59 are paid
-- Bank account -- amounts and expenditures are available upon request


VII. MISCELLANEOUS

-- Alice Hayes -- Libby Jackson will take over the beautification committee
-- Carol Horton -- wants volunteers for cleanup projects at Montclaire Elem. and Adopt-a-Street
-- School Committee -- needs volunteers. Would like a page on the neighborhood website for school help
-- Vacation Bible School -- St. Andrews Church, July 21-25, 9am-Noon, FREE!

It was announced that Madison Park has invited the residents of Montclaire to their
annual National Night Out Event on Tuesday, August 5th. There will be lots
of activities, music and food.
sidebar : NNO will be held on Fairbanks Rd. from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Please see our website for details www.montclaire28210.com. Thanks MPk. !

NEXT MEETING --
July 28 at 7pm, Archdale Church of Christ
www.montclaire28210.com


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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
May 2008

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:05pm Agenda and Introductions -- Mark Francis

II. CRIME REPORT--Officers Lim and Hairston

-- Brookhaven purse-snatching -- ongoing investigation
-- 900 blk Burnley -- car break-in on 3/20, unlocked door
-- 5600 Londonderry -- car break-in on 3/23, also unlocked door, wallet taken
-- Burnley & Emerywood -- “boom” at 2am one night, police investigated
-- two teens suspected in some car break-ins in April, WM in T-shirts
-- light rail graffiti -- mostly art graffiti, not gang graffiti
-- graffiti reported at Starclaire baseball dugouts next to school

III. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew
(notes courtesy of Alice Hayes)

--Bank account -- Jennifer reported on our current checking account status (figures available on request) and reminded everyone that dues are due, $25.00 per household per calendar year.
--Block Party -- Jennifer thanked everyone for coming out to the April block party. We had about 150 in attendance even with the rain ending things early. Feedback indicates it was a Great Party!
A special thank you to Lori Cook for securing the special B&B package for our raffle.
Jennifer thanked all the volunteers who distributed fliers and those who helped set-up and breakdown everything the day of the party (and the next morning). Job well done!
She also wanted to especially thank Nancy Mosier, Vice President, for all her hard work in planning this event (applause)
…Seems an October party may be in order….

IV. CHECK PRESENTATION -- Mark Francis

MNA President, Mark Francis, presented Montclaire Elementary School Principal, Leah Davis with a check for $200.00 to use towards any school needs. Ms. Davis graciously accepted the check and thanked the Association for its efforts in helping the School. She also thanked Barbara Brank for all her hours volunteering in the Media Center, and Alice Hayes for volunteering as proctor during EOG exams.


V. MNA 2008 ELECTIONS --

-- Vice President, Treasurer, and Board Member positions are open. Board members and officers must be homeowners in the Montclaire Neighborhood. Now taking applications/nominations.

VI. PRESENTATION -- Tyvola/Archdale Transit Plan
Mark Francis, President

-- Transit plan presented this week at the Church, and follow-up meeting is June 5.
-- information on the plan is available on our website, Montclaire28210.com
-- resident has traffic question, re: traffic circle at Emerywood and Burnley?
She is directed to gather information for a presentation to the group
.
VII. MISCELLANEOUS

-- Charles Mock -- Adopt a Stream volunteers to be recognized at City Hall
-- resident -- guardrail at bridge over creek at Archdale is crumpled from an accident
-- Mark Francis -- MNA will not take part in National Night Out because most board members and active volunteers will be out of town on vacation

NEXT MEETING --
June 23 at 7pm, Archdale Church of Christ

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2008

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:05pm Agenda and Introductions -- Mark Francis

II. CRIME REPORT--Officers Lim and Hairston

-- 5941 Brookhaven -- toolbox on Chevy Suburban broken into
-- 1917 Wensley -- Jan. 31, toolbox on truck (parked on street) broken into
-- 5724 Londonderry -- Feb. 19, home B&E (breaking and entering). Computer equipment stolen, known suspect.
à Last month’s crime report included break-ins at two houses very close to these on Londonderry and Brookhaven
-- Purse-snatching on Brookhaven (between Amstead and Shadyview) right before meeting -- B/M late teens/ early 20’s inquired about yard work then pushed down resident and stole her purse. Suspect ran towards Archdale Drive.

III. PINE NEEDLES -- Emory Smith
-- Pine Needles given to Archdale Church of Christ as a way to say “thank you” for graciously allowing us to hold our meetings in their fellowship hall
-- Big increase in pine needle sales this year, compared to last year
-- Barbara Mosier has agreed to help MNA next year by contacting previous customers for repeat business
-- note about “short” pine needles (as opposed to long ones) -- slight delay in delivery because of rain. Short needles have to be dry because they decompose more quickly. Long needles last longer.

IV. ADOPT-A-STREAM -- Charles Mock
-- 19 people assisted the Stream Cleanup, and collected 18 bags of trash. Included in the haul -- a shopping cart, two bikes, and some pipe
-- We now qualify for our sponsored “Adopt-a-Stream” sign.

V. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew
It’s past the new year! Pay your new year’s dues. Just $25
For March, 123 households have signed up, but only 25 are paid.
Account balance available on request
Our address: PO Box 240012
Charlotte, NC 28210 or 28224
Remember the website: www.montclaireneighborhoodassociation.com
-- includes minutes, board members, and neighborhood links


VI. STREET BLOCK PARTY -- Nancy Mosier
Saturday, April 26, 7-10:30pm
At the dead end at Wensley and Tanbark
DJ and catered food
Paid for with Pine Needle profits -- Thanks to all who participated!

VII. PRESENTATION -- Home Depot safety demonstration
Home Depot security specialists handed out safety information about fire prevention and home security. Available upon request.

Some products to help you secure your home include:
-- Peephole -- Simple and Cheap. Needs a ½” drill bit. You can look out your door and let thieves know you’re home, because thieves don’t want a confrontation .
-- Deadbolt door locks -- two kinds:
> key lock outside, turn knob inside (traditional)
> key lock outside and inside -- for doors with glass. Prevents thieves from breaking glass to open lock. Remove key from lock but leave nearby in case of emergency
Installation kits with template and clamp available.
-- Deadbolts with keys available for windows and sliding patio doors
-- Pins also effective for windows and sliding doors
-- “Flip locks” better than chains because they don’t give an intruder momentum to open door
-- “door blocker” bar can fold down in track of sliding door
-- Alarms -- magnet alarms let you know when someone opens a door or window -- Alarm sounds when magnets separate. Sounds at 90db, the approx. volume of a car horn. Some available with codes to turn them on and off.
-- Timers -- turn on and off lights on intervals to make it look like someone’s home. Also can turn on and off radio or TV.
-- Tip: turn phone ringers and answering machine down when you go out of town, so no one knows you’re not there.
-- Motion sensor lights -- turn on when someone enters your “zone.” Available in dual-bright, so they can be on dim all night then turn bright when someone triggers them.
-- Solar lights -- can screw into bulb and have solar eye

FIRE SAFETY:
-- Available in many different types -- some are smoke, some are combined with carbon monoxide detectors, some have lights that blink when the alarm goes off.
> tip: mount on wall, not ceiling
-- Carbon monoxide detectors should be used if you have gas appliances
> tip: don’t mount near intake or blower, because they will dilute the CO the unit is trying to detect
-- Fire extinguishers -- A-B-C types:
A: paper, wood, trash
B: kitchen fires, oil and grease
C: electrical fires -- uses dry chemicals because spraying liquid on an electrical fire can shock you
> tip: Get an extinguisher that is all three (ABC). Why wouldn’t you?
> Check the gauges to make sure you have enough pressure. There is a place on Central Avenue that can recharge them if the pressure is depleted
-- Fire escape ladders are available -- made to hang over your window frame.

VIII. FUNDRAISER
St. Andrews Preschool
Fundraiser April 4 to update furniture -- selling old chairs and tables

NEXT MEETING --
Street party! April 26 at 7pm, end of Boxwood and Rocky Knoll!
See you there!
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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2008

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:05pm Agenda and Introductions -- Mark Francis

II. PUBLIC ADDRESS
Tim McLeod, Montclaire resident, is running for District 2 County Commission seat. He is a 4th generation Char-Meck resident and a 1973 graduate of Olympic High School.
His e-mail is mcleodforcountycommissioner@hotmail.com.

III. PRESENTATION
“Our” Greenway -- Jason Pauling, Greenway Planner, Park and Rec.
-- This presentation was strictly about the section of Greenway running near or adjacent to the Montclaire neighborhood.
-- Master Plan is due by April, but no money to build it all right now. Bonds are on the ballot in November to buy more land.
-- Greenway group is working with CMUD right now to route the trail through the treatment plant property. The new plan has the trail going through/adjacent to CMUD property and Park Road Park.
-- The path will be on the east (Park Road) side of Sugar Creek at Tyvola Road. It will “jump” the creek at approx. Tanbark to stay on the opposite side from homes (the Park Road Park side). (Will hold public meetings to be more specific.)
-- It will cross Archdale, and then go down west side (Leafcrest, Starmount side) until Sharon West.
-- Neighborhood access trails will likely be located off Farmbrook (at the dead end where riding trails are accessed) and Tanbark (the dead end off Wensley)
-- The new Greenway plan will be available on the web, after it is revealed, at CharMeck.org -- look under County and Park and Rec.

IV. PRESENTATION
Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant -- Greg Rhenagan, CMUD Stakeholder
-- the Sugar Creek WWTP is currently upgrading its capacity from 20 million gallons a day
-- the current plant was built in 1930, one of the first in the city, surrounded by 600 acres of woods
-- future capacity -- 28m g/d by 2012, 34m g/d by 2016, and 45m g/d by 2030
-- CMUD is trying to use the same footprint of land on existing property for expansion

V. POLICE REPORT -- Officer Fitzpatrick
-- 1539 Tamworth -- attempted auto theft (of our esteemed MNA President’s car.) Feb. 7. Steering column cracked open on 1996 Honda Accord -- a popular model with thieves. Window also pried open. However “First Car” was not stolen.

--1727 Tamworth -- January 9-12, Twenty-six (26) harassing phone calls
--5808 Londonderry -- Dec. 10, robbery from person at gunpoint, at 7pm at the corner of Londonderry and Emerywood. Suspects were 5 black females in a car -- the driver robbed the victim, while a passenger held the gun
--5722 Londonderry -- Jan. 7, Breaking and Entering (B&E) house around 8pm, jewelry and a 20” TV taken
-- 5929 Brookhaven -- Jan. 30, B&E house through side door (damaged door), Rolex watch and jewelry stolen
-- other observations from MNA members -- kids walking down Tamworth quite a bit, play set at Montclaire Elem. burned
--Suggestions: motion sensor lights and dogs, as well as good nosy neighbors, are a deterrent. If you see youths out past curfew on nights and weekends, or anyone suspicious who doesn’t seem to have purpose in the area, call police

VI. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew
It’s a new year! Pay your new year’s dues. Just $25
For February, 125 households signed up, but only 15 are paid.
Account balance available on request
Our address: PO Box 240012
Charlotte, NC 28210 or 28224
Remember the website: www.montclaireneighborhoodassociation.com
-- includes minutes, board members, and neighborhood links

VII. FUNDRAISER AT MONTCLAIRE ELEM -- Kathy Novak, Teacher
Italian Dinner to help raise money for 5th grade trip to DC
35 children x $300 children
“The Gathering” church is helping cook
Friday, 5:30-7:30, $12 a ticket

NEXT MEETING --
March 24, 7pm
==================================
Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
January 2008

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:05pm Agenda and Introductions -- Nancy Mosier

II. CRIME REPORTS
No crime report this month. Officer Hairston isn’t present

III. PRESENTATION
Tyvola Senior Center -- Judy Clemons
-The Senior Center is a busy place! There is something every day -- like woodcarving, fitness, health fairs, lunches, and many senior services offered. There is also a red hat club, a “man cave” morning (first Thurs of the month at 8:30am), computer classes (Weds), ballroom classes, and Spanish.
- opens at 8am. The center was built 14 years ago. Its goal is to keep people active so they can live longer, happier lives. “Senior” is considered 55+.
-Lunch Program -- for people 60+ and spouses who want to eat with others. There is also a nutrition program.
-Travel Program -- March 4 a group of 19 people is going to Beijing
-Annual Golf Tournament -- helps buy things for the Senior Center that budget money doesn’t cover. Last year’s tourney posted $10,000, and the Center bought four pieces of exercise equipment with it. Now the center has 5 treadmills, 3 bikes, an elliptical trainer, and a universal exercise machine.
-You don’t have to be a member to come to the Senior Center
-Watch for the Senior Games. Fun competition in swimming, badminton, the arts
-You can get more info and schedules on Charmeck.org. Just search Park and Rec or Senior Center.

IV. PINE NEEDLE SALE -- Nancy Mosier
-Feb. 25 is the deadline. The orders will be placed the following week. The pine needle vendor says that is the best time to get the best pine needles without bonus trash.

V. CHARLOTTE PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATE -- Mark Francis
-For planning and zoning, we are considered the “South” planning area
-Planning for 2008 centers on best use around Lynx light rail stations. Meetings are open to the public.
> Meeting for the New Bern station is Feb. 7 at 6pm, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
> Archdale Station will be held between May and August, and the city will send flyers. Most likely planning is for single family homes. No govt money likely for the shopping centers, but wouldn’t mind mixed use development with developer input.


> find out more: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Planning/Area+Planning/Transit+Station+Area+Plans/South+Corridor/home.htm
Or navigate to it yourself on www.charmeck.org: Planning (under city), then area planning (center column), pick “transit station area plans” (at bottom), then choose “South” and surf the different plans available

VI. SYMPOSIUM -- Mark Francis
-Neighborhood Development symposiums are open to the public and FREE. It is a great way to share ideas with other neighborhoods and find the money to implement them.
-March 8. All Day. Ride the light rail. Snack and Lunch provided. (Yes it’s free AND they feed you!)

VII. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew
It’s a new year! Pay your new year’s dues. Just $25
For January, 121 households signed up, but only 6 are paid.
Account balance available on request
Our address: PO Box 240012
Charlotte, NC 28224
Remember the website: www.montclaireneighborhoodassociation.com
-- includes minutes, board members, and neighborhood links

VIII. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE -- Alice Hayes
-Stream cleanup -- Carol found a gravestone marked “MMR 1853.” She has traced it to a cemetery in Steele Creek. It may belong to Michael Robinson, buried in Steele Creek Presbyterian Cemetery. It is probably a footstone, and he was likely from a wealthy family.

NEXT MEETING --
February 25
Looking for a speaker to talk about our section of Greenway
Also, last day to order pine needles.

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

November 26th, Archdale Church of Christ

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

7:05pm Agenda and Introductions

II. CRIME REPORTS -- Officer Hairston

No crimes this month. We love good news!

A. Holiday shopping safety -- Officer Hairston reminds us to be careful while shopping this holiday season. He went over a list of suggestions, including don’t talk on your cell phone while in a mall parking lot because the distraction makes you a more likely victim.

B. At home -- keep presents out of view until Christmas. Thieves will look for presents that are obvious, and will more likely break into a home with guaranteed goods.

III. CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Monday, December 17 at 7pm

Need volunteers; Bring a finger food to share

IV. TREASURY REPORT -- Jennifer Lew

121 members signed up, 64 paid

Account balance available on request

Remember the website: www.montclaireneighborhoodassociation.com

-- includes minutes, board members, and neighborhood links


V. STREAM CLEANUP

Stream cleanup met early on a Saturday morning at the dead end of Tanbark by Wensley. The group collected 12 bags of garbage from the creek that runs behind Wensley, all the way from Rose Valley to where the creek meets Little Sugar Creek. There was lots of heavy stuff, car parts, trash, and even a small 1853 tombstone.

VI. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE -- Alice Hayes

Committee will resume work after Christmas break. Nothing growing right now.

VII. GRANT UPDATE

We are finalizing the paperwork for the grant which brought us Movies at Montclaire. That is the last step in the grant process.

VIII. COMMUNITY INPUT

Karon Stevenson -- re: pet problems. There is a problem with “poo” in our neighborhood, and some of it is not caused by pets. Some is from actual wildlife. Wildlife Services says we are overrun with wildlife, like raccoons. A way to reduce the amount of wildlife roaming our neighborhood is to remove pet food we leave outside.

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

October 22, Archdale Church of Christ

7PM MEETING OPENS
Reading of Agenda -- Mark Francis

I. PRESENTATIONS
Real Estate in Montclaire -- Jennifer Lew, Realtor

A. The Chamber of Commerce -- cites Charlotte as one of the top cities in the country for growth and population

-- 664,000 people now in the city, but in 2027 1.1 million are expected
-- 1.6 million people in the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) now, but in 2027 4.5 million are expected (our county and all adjacent counties)
-- 50,000 people a year move to the area now, but 120,000 a year are expected by 2027 (that's 1,000 a week!)
-- 100,000 people are expected to live in uptown in 2027, and more people will walk and take public transportation.
-- we have 9 major corporations headquartered here now, but 14 Fortune 500 company HQ's are expected by 2027
-- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) have 136,000 students now, but 236,000 are expected by 2027

B. Multiple Listing Service (for selling homes) in Charlotte

-- List prices and sales prices have gone up each year for 2005, 2006, and 2007
-- average list price is up 6% per year for the last three years
-- average sale price in 2007 was $242,000
Montclaire --> average list is $224,000, and average sale is $221,000 (both up 25% per year for last three years)
> most of these homes have been updated with new appliances and upgrades
-- Talk to a realtor about selling your home. They keep up with home values and latest marketing trends. Contact Jennifer Lew for more details.

C. Home Appraisals
Emory Smith, appraiser

-- Note: Appraisers must pass 3 classes, an exam, 2-3 years training, and another exam to be certified.
-- To judge homes, appraisers look at several factors:
> Heated Living Area -- rooms covered by conventional heat system, with at least a 7-foot ceiling, above-grade. Heated basements are valued at a lower rate (like in homes built into hills)
> Local values -- of city, neighborhood, nearby home sales (last six months)
> Upward Mobility -- of city, neighborhood (jobs, employment, pay)
> Physical properties --
condition of home, square footage, lot size
property style (ranch, split level)
siding (brick, wood, vinyl)
interior finish (floors, walls, countertops)
bedrooms and bathrooms (number and condition)
updates and amenities
Basements also considered, but not at same value as living area
Lot and garage
Central A/C and heat

II. CRIME REPORT
Officer Katie Schwartz

-- license plate theft on Londonderry
-- Safety Fair at Police Academy -- Oct 23, 6-8 pm

Question: What do we do about dirt bikes on the bike trails in the woods?
Answer: Call the police

Question: Are they illegal?
Answer: I don't know

Question: Is there a place we can get more secure license tag bolts, so our tags won't be stolen?
Answer: We'll check

III. SCHOOL REPORT
Leah Davis, Principal of Montclaire Elementary School

-- Reminder that the bond vote is coming -- $516 million for new construction, renovations, and repair. Mrs. Davis can't tell us how to vote, just remind us what is needed.
-- Montclaire Elem. has 15 mobile units (13 classrooms and 2 bathroom buildings)
-- CMS spends $19,000 per year per student.
-- Fall festival is Saturday, November 17, 12-5pm
-- Your Harris Teeter code for Montclaire is 1729

IV. GRANT UPDATE
Mark Francis, President

Last Movie -- Night at the Museum, October 31 at the Halloween Fest at Montclaire Elem.
Movie nights went well this summer. Pick up your yard sign for the last one (sign people)

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Treasury Report -- Jennifer Lew, Treasurer

122 households signed up, 64 have paid
Financial reports available at meetings. We won't disclose numbers in the minutes,
since they can be accessed by anyone online.

School Outreach -- Alice Hayes
Bring your boxtops and Campbell's soup labels to the meetings. Info on website

Beautification -- Alice Hayes
Our efforts have been a little slow because of the drought.
Meck. County is selling rain barrels for your gardens, just in case it rains again someday

Website -- Jennifer Lew
you can now access the neighborhood links website at:
www.montclaireneighborhoodassociation.com
(it's the same website, but you can access it with this easy-to-remember name)

Stream Cleanup -- Charles Mock
Meet at the corner of Tanbark and Wensley at 9am on November 3

Sugar Creek Stakeholders -- Greg Renaghan
(for Wastewater Treatment Plant) -- contact Greg or CMUD for concerns
contact info is on our website

NEXT MEETING
November 26 (Monday after Thanksgiving)
December 17 -- Christmas Party, no meeting but come with food to share
7pm at Archdale Church of Christ

ADJOURNED
=====================================

Montclaire Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

September 24, 2007, Archdale Church of Christ

Guest Speaker-Connie Echols, Slow Down 4 Families

#1 Killer of Pedestrians in Charlotte is Speeding related accidents.

Connie Echols is a lawyer during the day and a volunteer for Slow down 4 Families on the weekends. She is from Atlanta and volunteers on the weekend.

Connie mentions how you see children and families in front yards playing and there is significantly more and more traffic using neighborhoods as a cut through roads.

There are currently 13 neighborhoods now involved in the Slow Down 4 Families Network. If Montclaire joins, we would make 14 neighborhoods.

Slow Down 4 Families Signs make a difference. UPS & Fed Ex Drivers have commented they have seen a difference in the neighborhoods that have the Slow Down signs.

Neighbors should tell Service Providers and other visitors in the neighborhood to make a concerted effort to slow down and to keep their speed to 25 mph.

If MNA orders 10 or more Slow Down 4 Families signs then we qualify for a “Speed Station”. This Speed Station is a digital device we can position throughout the neighborhood to monitor people’s speed. We can have the Station for 3 weeks to remind people who come in our neighborhood what speed they are traveling. Each sign is $5.

Please be aware of cars parked on the street, this does not slow traffic and is actually very dangerous as children like to dart in between the parked cars.

If you would like to order signs, please see your MNA Board Members.

Treasury Report, Jennifer Lew

Jennifer provided a Cash Flow Statement illustrating what the neighborhood has paid since MNA’s existence. If you are interested in this report, please contact Jennifer Lew at jmlew2@yahoo.com.

Officer Hairston, MNA Monthly Police Reports

There have been 4 Police Reports since our last meeting in July. Below are the details:

July,1500 Londonderry – Breaking and Entering, 2:30-4pm, the culprits removed several items.

July, 5505 Londonderry – motor vehicle parts were removed off ’99 Chevy.

July, 2210 Rocky Knoll – license plates were stolen. Officer Hairston suggests all MNA neighbors should change their screws off their license plates to screws which fits Allen wrenches. Since Allen wrenches are harder to come by versus a Philips head and/or flat head screwdriver.

August 15th, 5910 Rose Valley – 10:30 pm, 2005 Silverado truck had some items stolen.


Movies at Montclaire, Mark Francis

Mark reports we had about 40 people in attendance at our last Movie Night on Sept. 29th at the Stairclaire pool. Since this has been the third Movie Night, attendance has increased over each event.

Our next event is Halloween Night, Tuesday, October 31, 2007 at our Montclaire Elementary School. We will be having another Movie Night showing “Night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller. In addition to the Movie, we will have our Second Annual Halloween Fest. Starmount Neighborhood Association will be joining forces with us again to provide fun family games and lots of candy for the children. Some of the games will be Pumpkin Patch, Cornhole, Eye Ball Relay, etc. Come out and enjoy the Halloween holiday with your neighbors!

Please come out for the festivities, there will be entertainment for everyone!

Meeting adjourns at 8pm; next meeting is scheduled for Monday night, October 22, 2007.

MNA Monthly Notes reported by Nancy Mosier & Jennifer Lew

===============================================================

Please mark your calendar for the remaining 2007 events:



October

31st Wednesday, Halloween Fest & Movies @ Montclaire, location at Montclaire Elementary School

November

3rd Saturday, “Adopt-A-Stream” Creek Clean Up

26th Monday, General Neighborhood Meeting – Senior and the Marion Diehl Center by Parks & Recreation

December

17th Monday, Holiday Party for Montclaire Neighborhood @ Archdale Church of Christ

(no general meeting this month)

Coming up in January, our annual Pine Needle Sale. It will be a great time to get your plant beds and natural areas looking great.

Check us out on the web at

www.montclaireneighborhoodassociation.com

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
July 23,2007 Archdale Church of Christ

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Crime report -- Officer G.H. Lim, CMPD
-- June 12, auto theft at 1520 Tamworth, 1995 Honda Accord. Honda Accords are the most popular models of cars to steal
-- June 8, break-in at 2100 block of Wensley, gun taken. Ofcr. Lim says this is suspicious because nothing else was disturbed.
-- several break-ins at Yorktown Apts on Tyvola Drive and Grand Oaks apts on Wisteria Lane, but the suspect was caught. These apts are trouble spots for the police dept. and police are monitoring them.
-- anyone who wants to report suspicious activity at an address (mostly of an ongoing nature), you can call the Westover division and leave an anonymous tip. 704-432-TALK. (If you see a crime in progress, still call 911).
Or you can e-mail our neighborhood officers directly: phairston@cmpd.org
glim@cmpd.org

II. PRESENTATION -- CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG UTILITIES DIVISION
Cam Coley, public education
Re: Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion

Notes:
-- There are 6961 miles of pipe around the CMUD region. That's enough to make a path from Charlotte around to several U.S. cities up the east coast and around the nation.
-- Pump Station Construction-- to handle the Briar Creek Relief Sewer. Work will include another rain reservoir so the one currently on-site won't overflow during heavy rains, which can cause spills. A new sewer line from the project will be 72 inches tall (six feet!) to handle rain. It will tunnel under Park Road.
-- The current plant can handle 20 million gallons a day max, but averages about 16 million. It needs to expand to 34 million gallons a day by 2012.
-- Concerns: CMUD wants to reduce lights and odor coming from the plant, and traffic

Notes to the "Water Wise":
-- Water your lawn before 6am and after 10pm, when overall water usage in the city is down. Water usage spikes at around 7am every morning. An established lawn needs only one inch of water a week.
-- Home water audits are available. CMUD can offer retro-fit kits, low-flow shower heads (that still offer good water pressure), and landscaping information that can save water and money.
-- Charlotte water is a good deal! You can get 584 gallons for just a dollar! (Try fitting that into your convenience store cooler!) Speaking of bottled water, Dasani is filtered Charlotte tap water (but you can't get 584 gallons of it for a dollar).

III. GRANT UPDATE
Mark Francis, President
-- The City has approved our grant for "Movies at Montclaire" with conditions (yet unnamed). The movies will be held at Starclaire Swim Club on Woodstream Drive on the following dates:
August 25 -- bring a school donation for our Montclaire Elem. friends
Sept. 8
Sept. 29
Oct. 31 -- our Halloween event!
-- Movies have yet to be chosen. We are looking for volunteers to help out with these events. Rain dates for the first two events will be the next day.

IV. NEIGHBORHOOD STATISTICAL ANALYIS
Emory Smith, Board Member
-- It appears the city is looking favorably on changing the name of our area used in the neighborhood statistical analysis from "Glenkirk-Closeburn" to "Montclaire." This will better reflect the majority of the area in the NSA (area 196), and help Montclaire with name recognition.

V. TREASURY REPORT
Jennifer Lew, Treasurer
-- We have $3353.18 in our neighborhood treasury. We are making a contribution of $125 from this amount to help Madison Park with its National Night Out.
-- 119 households have signed up to be part of the MNA, and so far, 61 have paid.

VI. OTHER REPORTS

National Night Out
August 7 (Tuesday), 6:30 - 9:30pm
Fairbanks Drive between Valley Forge and Wedgewood
-- we are co-hosting this event with Madison Park
-- the street will close around 2pm so the festival can be set up.
-- hot dogs, music, a kiddie train, police, book sale, and fire department safety house will all be there. There will be a "children's parade" at 7:30. And don't forget the Cornhole! (Our contribution -- cost-efficient and fun!) There will be prizes.

No August meeting

Meeting adjourned at 8:15

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
June 25,2007 Archdale Church of Christ

The meeting was held @ Archdale Church of Christ. Mark Francis called it to order at 7:05pm

Agenda review:
Police Report by Office Hairston
Elections by Nancy Mosier
Grant up-date by Mark Francis
Survey & Answering Suggestion Box by Nancy Mosier
Treasury Update by Jennifer Lew
Committee up-dates:
Adopt-A-Stream: Charles Mock updated on Adopt-A-Stream project
Announcement of July speaker

Police Report
Officer Hairston reported for the month of May the following incidents occurred:
2615 Wensley- unauthorized used of a vehicle which is a misdemeanor
1800 block of Emerywood – a citation was issued for possessing drug paraphernalia by a guest of the homeowner.
1600 block of Emerywood - a citiation was issued for communication of threats.
A License Check was conducted on Archdale for an hour but unfortunately could not continue due to rain. During the time period, 8 citations were issued.

Elections
Nancy Mosier presented the Officer and Board positions that are open and the candidates running. Open Officer positions were President with Mark Francis as a candidate and Secretary with no candidate seeking the position. All board positions were open with three candidates willing to serve: Charles Mock, Alice Hayes, and Emory Smith.

Nancy Mosier asked if anyone was interested in serving as Secretary and/or the remaining three open board positions. Diana Hanson is returning to serve as Co-Secretary and Benny Hough volunteered to serve as a board member. Nancy motioned to vote on the candidates, Alice Hayes second, and the general membership approved. Nancy asked that all those in favor to approve the candidates to say aye, with everyone agreeing. When asked for any no’s, none were heard.

Thank you to Jim Lofton, Cathy Roberts, and Sharon Renaghan for their contributions of time and knowledge in serving the Montclaire Neighborhood Association in the last year. We appreciate your support and energy. A special recognition to Sharon for mentoring the new officers and board members and getting the association started. We will miss you all.

Grant
Mark Francis updated us on the “Movies at Montclaire”. Due to revisions, the grant was submitted for the June 15th date. So the first movie will be held in August, if approved.

Treasury Report
Jennifer Lew reported the balance in our account was $3283.18. Currently there are 120 household memberships with 58 that have paid dues.

Committee Updates

National Night Out
We will be participating with Madison Park for the event. It will be on August 7, 2007, Tuesday, starting at 6:30 pm ending at 9 pm. There will be live music, food, and amusements. The event will be held on Fairbanks, between Wedgewood and Valley Forge.

Adopt-A-Stream
Charles Mock updated everyone that their will be two clean-ups, the first in October or November. We will need approximately 10 volunteers. Charles reminded everyone that the city will provide waders, trash bags, etc.

Other Announcements
Someone had mentioned that a representative from Davey Tree Company, contracted by the city, has been going through the neighborhood identifying trees that may potentially fall during storms causing power outages. They are being identified by a ribbon.

Additionally, MNA has contacted the stormwater department to research our curbing issues so you may see markings on the curbs throughout the neighborhood.

The next monthly meeting we will have a representative from CMUD to speak about Water Conservation and the ongoing construction at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

OUR NEXT MONTHLY MEETING IS MONDAY, JULY 23TH @ARCHDALE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
May 21,2007 Archdale Church of Christ

The meeting was held @ Archdale Church of Christ
Mark Francis called it to order at 7:05pm
Agenda review:
Archdale Bus line/CATS presentation by Larry Kopf
Treasury Report by Nancy Mosier
Grant up-date by Mark Francis
Elections up-date by Mark Francis
Committee up-dates:
Beautification committee: Alice Hayes updated on Adopt-A-Stream project
Announcement of June speaker
Archdale Bus line/CATS
Larry Kopf informed the membership that the light rail will open fall 2007 from the Archdale Station to downtown. During rush hour, stops will be made at each station every 7 minutes; during the day, every 15 minutes; and in the evening every 30 minutes. There are to be Park & Ride lots along South Boulevard @ Archdale as well as Woodlawn Roads.
The Archdale bus line, Route 57, will circle from the Archdale station to Southpark Mall. Based on input from the many public meetings, CATS has changed some of the plans and stops along the route. Rates to use the bus line will range between .65 cents for Children <12 yrs of age/Seniors/Disabled to a standard fare of $1.30 for Adults. Monthly passes as well as 7-Day passes will be available for purchase, $45 and $14 respectively. Stops along the route are approximately ¼ mile apart on a sidewalk. When a fare has been paid to the Bus driver, a transfer ticket is to be requested for the light rail. When on the light rail, a Fare Inspector will ask for your ticket. The transfer ticket is to be presented at that time.
The Archdale bus line, Route 57, is to run every 30 minutes. Buses will be running from 6am to 9 or 10pm. Our bus will be 35’ which will hold approximately 30 people. Proposed locations for stops along the route are: Incarnation Lutheran Church, entrance of Park South Station, St. Andrews Methodist Church, Burnley/Netherwood @ Archdale Rd, Shopping Center near Goodyear Tire. Larry Kopf also informed us that the stops along the rail line will have a bus line going from the station; i.e. from Woodlawn station you can get to Park Road Shopping Center. The transportation center @ Southpark Mall will be located at Dillards. Bike racks will be at all Light Rail stations.
Opening Day for the Light Rail is tentatively set for November 26th, the Monday after Thanksgiving. CATS is looking for volunteers to help out. Larry encouraged us to send in requests and/or comments i.e. bus stop suggestions, fares, trash receptacles, etc. to either:
704/336-ride or telltransit@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Treasury Report
Nancy Mosier, filling in for Jennifer Lew, reported the balance in our account was $3228. Currently there are 119 household memberships with 55 that have paid dues.
Grant
Mark Francis updated us on the “Movies at Montclaire”. The grant has been approved however there has been an unexpected added cost for licensing/copyright. The license would cost $250 per movie if we were to show it on public property. If the movie were shown on private property, a license is available for $220 for a year. Mark recommended that we consider Starclaire Swim Club as a place to have “Movies at Montclaire” as it is private property, has a large enough area to show the movie, and the president of Starclaire Swim Club was interested in participating with us as long as we could open the movie up to their membership. The president, however, informed Mark that they would have to purchase a gate to secure the pool area due to liability issues. The cost of the gates would be $300, which MNA would contribute $150 towards it. A motion was made to approve the funds of $375 for the licensing fee and the gates. The motion was second and the general membership present approved it.
Elections
Mark informed the membership that elections are coming up in June for the following positions: President, Secretary, and 3 Board Members. He asked all those interested in running to notify us of their interest as they can get on the ballot. He also informed everyone that the elections will be at the next meeting.
Committee Updates
Alice Hayes informed the membership that the board was interesting in the Adopt-A-Stream project. Charles Mock will be heading it up and that we are asking for about 10 volunteers, specifically for homeowners behind the stream on Wensley. She also informed everyone that the project would be done in cooler weather and that we would have to do it twice a year.
OUR NEXT MONTHLY MEETING IS MONDAY, JUNE 25TH @ARCHDALE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
April 23,2007 Archdale Church of Christ

Mark Francis called it to order at 7pm
Agenda review:
Adopt-a-Stream presentation by Erin Oliverio
Police report by Officer Hairston
Grant up-date by Mark Francis
Elections up-date by Mark Francis
Treasury Report by Jennifer Lew
Committee up-dates:
Welcome committee: Gloria Spain
Beautification committee: Alice Hayes
Elementary School Outreach: Leah Davis
Announcement of May speaker

1) Adopt-a-Stream – It was first called to our attention that in order to keep their 9-point discharge mandate permit, Adopt-A-Stream must do presentations to public groups. Using part of the storm water fees we pay monthly in our water bill funds these presentations. There are about 3000 miles of creek in Mecklenburg County and 40 people cleaning them up. This organization relies greatly on volunteers. Adopt-A-Stream organized and cleaned out over 61,000 lbs. of trash in our creeks alone last year. They are in need of volunteers and are looking to our Association for some help in maintaining our creek in the neighborhood. They do supply: Hip waders, litter grabbers, rubber coated gloves and trash bags. They will also make arrangements for the trash to be picked up. After completing 2 of these events we will get a sign posted that the Montclaire Neighborhood Association has adopted the steam.
2) Our police officer was unable to attend, but did send a back up officer who did report 5900 block of Brookhaven, Break-in. Garage door pryed open with a tool. Items were stolen. It was noted by the membership that there had be an attempted armed robbery in the 1600 block of Archdale Drive and also a car theft in the 5600 block of Seacroft Road
3) Leah Davis spoke and wanted to give a special “Thank You” to all who had helped around the school this year, those mentioned were Barbara Brank, Alice Hayes, Cathy Roberts Tina Moeller, Charles and Charlene Mock, David Drum, Don Carver, Betsy Hill, Libby Jackson and Emma (with St.Giles church). Also if everyone would please keep an eye out for trespassers, they are having problems with graffiti, broken windows, motorcycle riding and people “Dumping” garbage on school property.
Movies at Montclaire”

Mark Francis updated MNA’s General Membership of an error in the Grant proposal. The calculation error resulted in an increased cost of $1800.00 instead of $58 which was announced during the March General Meeting. Once the error was found, MNA’s Board was quickly notified and discussed a solution during the April Board meeting. The Board decided that MNA should add an additional event and seek $100 sponsorships from local businesses. The General Membership was informed that the Board would allow one month to secure sponsorship money or withdraw the Grant proposal.

Nancy Mosier and Mark Francis drafted a pledge letter that outlined the sponsorship fee, event dates and benefits received by sponsor. Nancy Mosier visited several local businesses and was able to raise $600.00. The local businesses that are going to sponsor one “Movies at Montclaire” night are Frank and Pegs Pet Store, Toppers Pizza, Colours Salon, Blue Granite Properties, Southpark Cycles and Starmount Automotive.

As a result of Nancy’s efforts, the amount that MNA is responsible for is $275.

A vote by General Members to continue with the “Movies at Montclaire” events was accepted. Members were also reminded that the Grant has not been accepted as of April 23, 2007 and MNA should be informed soon of acceptance of Grant or rejection of Grant.


Elections

Mark Francis informed the General Membership of upcoming elections. The elections would take place in June and President, Secretary and three Board seats are open. The Board seats term would last one year and the President and Secretary terms would last two years. Members were informed that in 2008, elections would be held for the remaining three Board seats and the Vice President and Treasure positions.



OUR NEXT MONTHLY MEETING IS MONDAY,MAY 21 @ARCHDALE CHURCH OF CHRIST. OUR SPEAKER WILL BE LARRY KOMF FROM CATS.

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
March 26, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

We opened our monthly meeting with a presentation from City Code Enforcement.
We were all provided with a paper copy of a power point presentation to help identify just what are considered violations.
A Chapter 10—is a zoning violation that has to do with health and sanitation. Examples of these are: Scattered Litter, Unsecured appliances, dead animals, furniture, auto parts, building materials, other items broken or dismantled and not enclosed within a building. This area would also cover the tall grass issues, garbage container violations and ill prepared curbside pick-ups.
A Chapter 11---is a zoning violation that has to do with housing. With this you are talking about vehicles parking on the front yard, side yard and also on the sidewalks. When speaking of vehicles this also includes boats. There is only allowed 1 junk vehicle per household and it must be covered. All other vehicles must be operable and have current tag. There are also codes in place for vacant dwellings. They must be locked, no danger to children, rodent-free, and safe from being a fire hazard.
If anyone is having any trouble in these areas you can contact:
Michael Jenkins
Neighborhood Development/Code Enforcement
600 E. Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-336-7988
Fax: 704-336-3489

Our neighborhood police officer Patrick Hairston gave us a quick update on the previous months activity:
There was an attempted breaking and entering at 1514 Wensley Drive. Also
A theft at 5323 Seacroft Rd. (items stolen out of house) arrests warrant has
been issued.

COMMITTEE UPDATES
The beautification committee reported the had me at the Montclaire elementary school to do some clean up out front. With the help of many they were successful in cleaning out the weeds and overgrown shrubbery. A special “THANK YOU” to David Drum and Don Carver for bringing the heavy equipment, and Charles Mock for being the photographer. The next project will be planting flowers and spreading pine needles. This will take place on EARTH DAY, April21st @ 10:00 AM. Bring your shovel and join us !!!!

Montclaire Elementary Outreach Committee
The school will be holding a book fair April16th through the 20th. Volunteers are needed during the daytime hours and on Thursday night from 5-8. Please contact the media coordinator: Shalya Nikrooz. Also June 7th there will be a “READING CELEBRATION” Volunteers are needed to assist running various booths around and throughout the school 8:30-1:00.

Call either of the coordinators @ 980-343-3635

Social Committee did an update on applying for the Neighborhood Matching Grant. The grant has been written to purchase equipment to host” Movies in Montclaire”
This event will be held @ the ball fields located next to the school and will run June through September. The same equipment will also be used to do power point presentation for the General Meetings. The Grant has been submitted ,at this time we have not heard of acceptance.

Elections------- It is that time------ Anyone interested in holding a seat on the board of directors, it is a 1 year term and they meet the 1st Tuesday of the month @ 7pm.
Officers of the board meet at the same time with the directors, and this is a 2-year term. We will be accepting nominations from now through May. You can contact Nancy Mosier @ 704-649-2411, Jennifer Lew @ 704-591-5542
Elections will be held @ June general meeting and the new board will take seat in July. COME, PLEASE JOIN US !

Our next monthly meeting will be held Monday April 23rd @ Archdale Church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive. Doors open at 6:45 the guest speaker will be from the” Adopt-A-Stream” program.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE !!!

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Montclaire Neighborhood Association
January 23, 2007 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

Meeting came to order @ 7pm by Nancy Mosier, filling in for Mark Francis.

Jennifer Lew informed us that the association currently has $750 in the account. She also updated us on the grant for the Neighborhood Association signs. Most of the signs have been allocated to volunteers. She reminded those volunteers to put the signs out the Thursday before the meetings and take them down the Tuesday morning after. She also asked those volunteers to keep track of the time it takes put out and take up the signs so she could record the volunteer hours for the grant. The Association was still in need of a couple volunteers to put out the signs. She asked anyone that could help, to see her after the meeting.

Gene Limb and Patrick Harrison, our new community officers from the Charlotte-Meck Police Dept. updated us on recent incidents that had happened in Montclaire.

Our guest speaker was Lisa Spears, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, who leads Gang of One. Lisa did a presentation on this organization which works with youth predominantly in the Steele Creek area that are potentially or currently involved with gangs. The presentation was to educate the community about gangs and increase our awareness about them. She encouraged the community to call, or report, suspicious activity to 704/342-8360.

Nancy Mosier announced the upcoming Annual Pine Needle Sale in February. Montclaire Neighborhood Association will take orders for Long and Short Leaf Needles for $4.50 and $4.00, respectively. The cost includes delivery to the purchasers home. Pine needles can be spread for an additional fee. The last day to order them will be at the next Neighborhood Association Meeting, February 26th.

Submitted by Emory Smith
=================================

Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7:05pm Agenda and Introductions

II. CRIME REPORT
Officer Jenny Woodlief
-- No crimes to report, just one person who got lost and found again
-- Reminder as holidays approach -- keep gifts out of sight in your car and away from your windows at home. Don’t set them out under the tree until the night before Christmas (or your observed holiday)
-- Montclaire will become part of the Westover Division starting in January. The Westover Divisions eastern boundary is the creek behind Wensley, but the division will have additional officers to cover the area.
-- Unfortunately, Officer Woodlief will no longer be our community liaison because she is part of the South Division. Officer Woodlief was commended for her work with Montclaire with a round of applause from the Neighbors. Sgt. Lester is the community coordinator for Westover Division and he is aware of the MNA and will be in touch soon.
-- CMPD crime mapping dept. now has our correct neighborhood boundaries.

III. PRESENTATION -- CURB IT!
Carl Terrell, Charlotte Solid Waste Services

1. Roll-out collection -- your trash bin should be placed 2 feet from the curb and 3 feet from other objects on the morning of your collection day, placed so its lid opens to the street. This keeps the bin from breaking and trash from landing in the street.
-- Solid Waste Services will make extra collections during December for holiday waste. Normal limits are two roll-out bins per family, but if you have extra trash you can place it NEXT TO your roll-out bin, NOT ON TOP of it.
-- If you have a problem with a broken or malfunctioning roll-out bin, CALL 311. The city contracts with a company for bin replacement and repair, and the company can come out and fix your bin or give you a new one. One neighbor commented that a bin would nearly have to be ON FIRE before it is replaced; Mr. Terrell suggests the city is just being good stewards of taxpayers’ money (in so many words).
-- If you are elderly or disabled, the city can arrange disability pickup. CALL 311. A city representative will come assess your situation to determine if you need disability pickup. You will need a doctor’s note.

2. Recycling -- Recycling helps the environment and cuts trash going to our landfills. The city encourages every resident to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
-- Items that can be recycled: No.1 and 2 plastics, aluminum cans, glass (all colors), cardboard, newspapers and other paper media, phone books, junk mail, and yes, GIFT WRAPPING PAPER (but no bows).
-- Some tips:
Paper should be stacked.
Cardboard boxes should be flattened and no larger than 3 feet x 3 feet (cut, not folded).
Cans should be flattened.
Plastic should be rinsed.
Bottles, etc. should have their lids off (but many lids can be recycled too).

--Items that CANNOT be recycled -- wax-coated paper, pizza boxes, and hazardous materials like kerosene, paint, gas, oil, batteries, fluorescent lights, pesticides, solvents, and aerosol cans.
--Recycling waste collectors separate the items at the truck on collection day, so if you keep the types of items together, all the better -- but it’s not required.
--Recycling items don’t need to be in the red bins. They can be in other types of bins next to the recycle bins on your curb. However, you can pick up free bins at various places around town, including Marion Diehl Center on Tyvola and the Govt. Center.
--If recycling truck drivers leave a mess, CALL 311 for quality control.


3. Yard Waste -- on a lot of people’s minds these days.
-- Cut limbs to 4 feet, bundle in small piles one adult can lift, leave your bag of leaves untied (sometimes they will take the bags, sometimes they will not), and each bag should be no more than 75 lbs. Sometimes rain will make bags too heavy to lift.
-- Don’t put yard waste in the roll-out bin. Yard waste goes to compost centers to be turned into mulch for city gardens and for resale.
-- If there is an issue about leaves or yard waste in your neighborhood, CALL 311.

4. Bulky items -- those old appliances and furniture too big for the roll-out bin.
-- CALL 311 to schedule a pickup by 2pm the day before your regular trash day. If the city can’t pick it up on trash day, operators will give you a scheduled day for pickup.
-- You MUST call for a pickup. The city won’t find out about it otherwise.
-- If a neighbor has bulky items on the curb for weeks, CALL 311 to schedule a pickup for them.

There are brochures available with more helpful Curb It! tips and guidelines. Just ask! (Some of the above info was clarified with help of the brochures).

IV. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Stephanie Wells, committee chairwoman

-- The purpose of Neighborhood Watch is to build a community partnership and reduce crime.
-- In order for N.W. to be successful, everyone needs to be involved. Neighbors must meet twice a year (MNA general meetings are acceptable) and AT LEAST 25% OF NEIGHBORS must attend. This is a mandatory requirement set forth by CMPD.
--N.W. needs volunteers for the steering committee -- at least 4 committee members and a chairperson.

V. DECEMBER GENERAL SOCIAL
Mark your calendar for December 18th, 7pm, at the church.
-- Instead of the December general meeting, well have a social with appetizers and desserts, plus coffee and tea. No alcoholic beverages, please.
-- Neighbors should sign up to bring either an appetizer or a dessert -- enough to feed 10-12 people.
-- Paper products will be provided by MNA.

VI. GRANT APPLICATION
Jennifer Lew, Treasurer
-- We have been approved for a city grant! The grant is aimed at helping with start-up costs for the Montclaire Neighborhood Assoc. It will cover 25 yard signs (18x24 acrylic) to advertise meetings, and some boxes to hold meeting minutes.
-- Volunteers should sign up to host signs in their yards Thursday - Monday before meetings. It is a city requirement that we have a certain number of volunteers signed up in order to get the grant. The board will then decide where the signs should go in order to cover the neighborhood most completely.

VII. TREASURY REPORT
Jennifer Lew, Treasurer
-- MNA has 111 neighbors signed up to be members, and 61 have paid.
-- There is $862 in the account. We spent about $100 throwing the Halloween festival.

VIII. HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
-- It was a great success! Roughly 70 people came by to enjoy the festivities on Halloween night at the Starclaire field. All the candy was given out.
-- Mark proposes that next year, the hours could be moved up to 6-8pm, since most of the kids came earlier, as opposed to later.
-- Special thanks to Sara Privette and Ellen Custer for their hard work

IX. BOARD ELECTIONS
-- Proposal to members: Allow the present Executive Board members to stay in their posts until June, because were all just still getting started. Elections could be held in June for new board members. The MNA membership unanimously agreed to that idea.
-- Two vacancies on board: Diana Hanson is stepping down as Secretary because of work and baby schedules. Käron Stevenson is vacating her post as board advisor but she is filling the original position term to December 2006. Anyone who wants to put their name in for these positions should come to the Tuesday board meeting at Nancy’s house or talk to a board member to express their interest. You need to be a homeowner in order to apply.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:05 PM.


=================================
Montclaire Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

One-Minute Highlights:

*Presentation from Tarheel Trailblazers about those backyard trails in the woods around the water plant. They are maintained by the Trailblazers and about to expand.
*Crime report -- three incidents, none serious --but a warning about solicitors who may be dangerous.
*Help our Neighborhood School! Read the minutes to find out how!
*When is the appropriate time to call 911 and why do they ask me so many questions?
Also find out other 3-digit quick-call service numbers available to
residents
*Who's having a party? Read this month’s minutes and find out!
--------------------

I. OPEN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reading of Agenda

II. PRESENTATION -- TARHEEL TRAILBLAZERS
Jack Crouch, Presenter
The Tarheel Trailblazers maintain the property known informally as “the woods” or “the trails” behind Wensley and Farmbrook.

NOTES:
-- Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Dept (CMUD) owns the property the trails are on, but the Trailblazers maintain them. There are
approximately 7-8 miles of trails.
-- The Trailblazers have a contract with CMUD that has a 30-day
cancellation notice. CMUD likes the informality of biking trails because they are low-cost and can be torn up for future wastewater plant
development. There is development planned for the future.
-- Trailblazers are working with CMUD to build more trails in the area, which will work in conjunction with the eventual Greenway expansion through our neighborhood.
-- The bridge over the creek at Archdale Drive will be a connector
-- The trails are used for both biking and hiking
-- The trailhead of the newer, enhanced trail system will be in Park
Road Park Right now we enter the trails off Farmbrook.
-- The Trailblazers will be negotiating the actual plan with CMUD over the next several weeks.

III. CRIME REPORT
Officer Jenny Woodlief

-- Neighborhood boundaries are now mostly corrected in the city’s crime mapping system. The Madison Park boundaries have been fixed but the Emerywood side still needs some adjustment.
-- Three incidents to report this month:
> larceny on Rose Valley -- owner not sure when the item was stolen, some time in the past year but they just noticed it was missing
> non-aggravated assault on Wensley -- a phone threat
> missing person on Burnley -- the person was found

-- Solicitors in Montclaire -- Sharon has a warning for residents:
Some families in Huntingdowne Farms report their homes were broken into within days of being visited by solicitors. When a solicitor comes to your door, ask for ID before you open it. If you get suspicious,
call the organization. Some solicitors may not be legitimate.

-- Resident has a question about crime mapping on the CMPD website --
If someone makes a frequent nuisance call to the same address, will it show up on the crime mapping site? Officer Woodlief says the calls
will show up on the “calls for service” page, but not the “reported incidents” page unless there is something to report (like a crime).

IV. PRESENTATION -- 911 SERVICE
Vicki Toomey, 911 Operator, presenter

-- 911 takes 68,000 calls a month, unless there is a severe storm --
then they get more.
-- The system now has a recording to tell you to stay on the line if
an operator can’t be with you immediately. DON’T HANG UP because
operators will have to call you back to confirm that you are not in distress. This takes time away from other calls.
-- Charlotte-Mecklenburg 911 has 100 employees and 9 supervisors
-- Charlotte Fire Dept. and Medic have their own dispatch centers. When you call 911, be prepared to tell them which you need -- Police, Fire, or Medic
-- If the call is not an emergency and can be handled through the
city’s 311 service line, the dispatcher will transfer you to 311. Similarly, if you call 311 and the city service operators believe you have an emergency, they will transfer you to 911.
-- Call response depends on priority (urgency) and 911 operators are
required to tell you what category you fit in: 1-10 minutes for immediate emergencies, 10-20 minutes for important matters that aren’t
emergencies, 30-45 minutes for things that can wait but would still need an
officer to come out (like car break-ins)

-- Vicki referred residents to a pamphlet showing different service numbers:
211 - United Way
311 - Charlotte city information and services
411 - Directory assistance
511 - Highway information
611 - Your phone company
711 - Deaf relay for hearing impaired phone users
911 - Emergencies
*HP - Highway Patrol dispatchers (for emergencies on the interstates)

-- A common question -- Why do operators ask so many questions when I have been the victim of a crime and the “bad guy” is getting away?
Answer: The operator dispatches an officer immediately once priority
status is determined (usually right away). The rest of the information is for the officer’s computer or to relate to the officer while he is en route to the scene. Answering the questions doesn’t slow the officer
down because he is already on his way.

V. HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
Update on community Halloween Fest at the Starclaire Fields, 6:30-8:30
on Halloween Night. Co-sponsored by Starmount and Montclaire
Neighborhood Associations.

VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
-- Grants -- City still going over grants, and we’ll know by the end
of the week.
-- Treasury -- 111 Neighbors have signed up for MNA, and 59 have paid
-- Beautification -- sadly, our friend and neighbor Hugh Bly died from
a heart attack on October 12.
-- Welcoming -- No update
-- Schools help -- sign up at your grocery store or Office Depot to
have proceeds from your purchase go to help Montclaire Elementary School.
Here are the store details:

• Harris Teeter: ask them to code #1729 or tell them Montclaire for your VIC card
• Office Depot: code #70060624, or mention the school name
• Food Lion: register online with your 12-digit MVP number


VII. NEXT MEETING

-- Our next meeting is the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. Come
rest your feet from all that shopping and eating and listen to a
presentation from Curb It!, the city’s solid waste service. It will help you
know how to get rid of all that holiday wrapping paper in an
ecologically friendly way.

-- We are trying to plan a pot-luck social for our December meeting,
which will be held a week early on December 17th because of Christmas.
Be sure to sign up for a casserole, salad or dessert!

Meeting adjourned 7:45 pm.

=======================================
September Monthly Minutes
Montclaire Neighborhood Association Meeting
September 25, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

7 PM call to order
Police Report Officer Woodleaf
3 reported crimes since last meeting. 2 involving cars on Wensley Drive door & window left open. Crimes of opportunity. 1 crime domestic report.
Park Road Park reported many car in parking lot broken into. Advised to keep valuables out of sight. Found emptied purses in woods. Increase Patrol.
Member directed question of concern about school yard activity – Principle Davis of Elementary school encouraged all call in any and everything, as they have had many vandal activities.

South Park District Advisory Capital Projects
David Nelson – Park Planner Rec Dept
John McClain – General Manager
Spoke about the park development throughout the south end of the county. Specifically relating to our area was: Park Road, Marion Diehl/Queen's project, and Celanese.
Discussed were where funds coing from and target dates. Also many of the south end parks were soccer friendly – an issue came from the floor about how it was all slated so.
Explanation was made about special community work shops that were open to all to voice there desires. Next meeting is sometime in 2007. too develop a master plan for the future.

Boy Scout visitor Warner Watkin, of Mecklenburg CO. Recruiting troop, boys, and leaders. Three in our area: Forest Hills Church, St Andrews, Methodist, St. Vincent's Catholic Church.
More info call downtown Boy scouts office.

Updates fro committees:
WELCOME: Gloria & Sara & Heather
Getting packets together
Business submitting gifts to offer to new neighbors
Website page to have referral page
Welcome ides & info

BEAUTIFICATION: Alice,
Cleaned debris behind Brookhaven steps to school – was drinking containers
Website page for ideas, welcomed
Star Claire Athletic Asso. – landscape company owner may be helpful.

TREASURY: Jennifer
Grant applied for on 9/15 to participate for signage for meeting dates no news yet
Please sign up or resign up, need 25 households to commit to putting out signage.
109 signed households for members now
50 paid new members prior to meeting
$717.15 in account
We have a website free from the city. 967 hits. But it is still a work in progress

Questions / Suggestion box in back/ next meeting Oct 23rd

Adjourned 8 PM

Submitted by: Käron Stevenson Board Advisor, acting temporary Secretary for Diane

=======================================
August Monthly Minutes
Montclaire Neighborhood Association Meeting
August 28, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

Police Reports
• Introduction of the plan to add new officers to the area
• Change of districts – Learning curve will be involved for all
• Questions and concerns still directed to 311
• 911 is used solely for emergency with 7 / 20 /45 minute response times
• Questions: The number of officers living in our area. Unknown at this time
• Office that covers our area is Westover Division @ Remount & West Blvd.
• January 1st is targeted date for new project of redistricting to be released & in place. November 15th is start implementing the change date.

Introduction of Leah Davis the new Principle of MC Elementary School @ Farmbrook & Emery Road
• She extended an invitation for all interested to be a part of the school – in service, volunteers. Desires to see local children enrolled.
• Okay to use the school as a meeting place, excited to be a part of what we the Association is doing.
• Introduced Ms. Akins a 4th grade teacher who lives in our neighborhood, and Asst Principle Kevin Woods.
• Sign up available to all volunteers interested in assisting, there will be requirements to meet prior.
• When any one drives by, welcomed is a watchful eyes over the school.

Introduction of Jennifer Greens CATS Lite Rail LYNX Project
• Introduced Lynn Harmon – Community Director for additional contact.
• Showed slides of up todate work in zone.
• 16 vehicles need 1000 miles of testing prior to usage. Therefore be watchful over the area of travel day & night. BE safe & be aware.
• Lots of details of park & ride spots.
• Bus system connected to operations of LYNX.
• Rail ends across form Carolina Plaza where Target, Movie theater is located.
• Fare inspectors on train –no restrooms – 23 minutes ride. 30 seconds at each stop
• Can get detailed information on the web site Charlottefuture.com or call 311

House Keeping
Paper vote that evening for the acceptance of the grant usage to signage
Additional requested was who volunteers to be faithful to put signage out in yards prior to monthly meetings dates. These hours count in favor of our grant qualifications for the future as well.
Madison Park Association submitted a signature request for all to participate with them on the petition of the city to place a light at Farmbrook & Tyvola – was in back to sign.
Brief "Celanese" project update.

Committees Briefed reports:
Fall Festival in October by the Social committee is in the working. A shoebox was placed out for ideas of other events in the future. Or suggested that they be emailed in.
By Laws committee at work and meeting

Treasurer's Report
Currently we have 102 households have signed up with 33 paid members.

Next Grant applications deadline March 15, June 15, September 15. All want to be ready for participation.

Next meeting September 25th, 2006 At the same Church of Christ on Archdale.

Meeting adjourned and seconded @ 8:24PM
Submitted by: Käron Stevenson
===============================================

July Monthly Minutes
Montclaire Neighborhood Association Meeting
July 23, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ

7:05 Mark Francis opens meeting
1. CMPD Crime Update
Officers Jenny Woodlief and Scott ???? (Note to secretary, get that name!)
--no crimes in the CMPD Montclaire service area, but CMPD crime map still not up to date.
--On Thursday, 7/13, a couple returning home at 2:15am on the 5200 block of Londonderry (near Tyvola) was robbed by two men with a gun. Officers remind residents to be aware of our surroundings as we return home, and everywhere else.
--Brandon Russell, who lives on Rose Valley at Stonewood, says he and some neighbors were victims of car break-ins recently. Only spare change was stolen. Brandon says he left his car doors open, which may have led to the theft. Resident Stephanie Wells says it also happened on Boxwood.
--Officer Woodlief reminds residents to lock their doors and don't leave valuables in plain sight, where they might entice thieves to break in. She also advises Honda owners to buy a "club" (steering wheel security device) because of the high number of Hondas that are stolen each year. Keys for Hondas are available on the internet.
2. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Very brief. Not much to report.
--Newsletter committee chair solicits someone with desktop publishing experience to help put the newsletter on the computer. Linda Wilson volunteers her experience. Newsletter committee chair will also remember to solicit content and ideas for newsletter.
3. PRESENTATION
City/ County "311" service line, presented by Shannon Polson and Deneen Horton
--Brochure outlines services offered by calling 311 -- water and sewer problems, trash pickup, and code violations; animal control (to report strays) and county park reservations. You can also call for pickup for neighbors who have bulky items at the curb. You can remain anonymous, but if you give your name it is public record and can be looked up by going to the city offices.
--Hotline is available 24/7 -- there are 80 phone reps in all, and the city has gotten 1.3 million calls so far.
--Some company or computer-based (VOIP) phones won't dial 311. The direct line is 704-336-7600.
--Charmeck.org can also take requests for many of these services.
4. MADISON PARK UPDATE
--Tuesday August 1 is National Night Out. Madison Park is hosting its own party from 6:30-9pm at the 5100 block of Chedworth (between Seacroft and Londonderry) and Montclaire residents are invited. There will be food, music, and games for kids. Last year, Mayor McCrory showed up.
5. NEXT MEETING
--August 28 -- Light rail representative will talk about plans for the Archdale Station, including road improvements for our neighborhood.
(Also, CMPD Captain will advise us about changing police boundaries -- we will now be part of Westover Division, instead of South)
--For September -- is it possible to get a rep from Ryan Homes to talk about the latest developments on the old Celanese property? A sign for Park South Station is already up at the entrance. Info available on the web at Ryanhomes.com. Impact is expected to be huge, especially on traffic. EPA has done a study on the chemical hazards already (for example, dry cleaning fluid found on the site.)
--Townhomes near church: Still 12 units. Maybe developer can come fill us in?
6. TREASURER'S REPORT
Jennifer Lew
--Dues are $15 for the rest of the year, and $25 for all of next year, starting in January. Money is used for refreshments, flyers, signs, bank costs. Cash or Check accepted. (Note: Many people signed up and paid dues at the end of the meeting)
--Bank account is at First Charter
--P.O. Box is coming soon. Right now mail is directed to Jennifer's house on Wensley.
Meeting adjourned at 7:48pm.
Compiled by interim secretary, Diana Hanson

===============================================

June Monthly Minutes
Montclaire Neighborhood Association Meeting
June 25, 2006 7pm Archdale Church of Christ


1. CMPD Crime Update

--only one crime to report: domestic situation, harassing phone calls. Officer asked for copy of neighborhood map to reformat the police department’s crime mapping software for our entire neighborhood.

2. Reading of by-laws

--note that by-laws have been sent out to those on e-mail list

--reading of officers and board. No election needed at this time because only one person signed up for each position, therefore no challengers. Interim by-laws and board will be in place until elections in January of 2007. Officers are as follows:

President - Mark Francis markafrancis28204@yahoo.com

Vice-President - Nancy Mosier Dehart nmdehart@carolina.rr.com

Secretary - Diana Hanson drugg@mindspring.com

Treasurer - Jennifer Lew jmlew2@yahoo.com

Director #1 Sharon Renaghan sbrenaghan@carolina.rr.com

Director #2 Cathy Roberts cdrrealtor@aol.com

Director #3 Karon Stevenson st.karon@earthlink.net

Director #4 Alice Hayes amachayes@juno.com

Director #5 Jim Lofton jamesl@allenlund.com

Director #6 Charles Mock chasmoc@aol.com

Gloria DellaMea gdellamea@carolina.rr.com

--reading of committees and their descriptions:

Neighborhood Watch

Block Captains

Membership/Welcome

Fund Raising

Sponsors

Social

Refreshments

Beautification

Yard of the month

Garden Club

Entrance

LATER was to be Zoning/Code -- but is still fine and suitable now

AND NOW ADDED by someone in between: is Carpool



--Brandon Russell has a question about Section 7, Part D, Item I of by-laws: Removal from Office (of officeholders). Brandon’s suggestion: By-laws should state how many votes are needed to approve a motion, remove an officer, etc. Is that vote of board members or membership as a whole? Resulting Idea: Create by-laws committee. Someone suggests Brandon volunteer to head that up, since he has considerable past experience working with groups and their by-laws.

--members are reminded these by-laws are a “working draft” and their purpose is put ideas on paper to be refined and finalized before they are voted on in January. Any and all ideas on their improvement -- including additions and revisions -- are welcomed and even encouraged!

3. Other Business

--Treasurer Jennifer Lew is getting a Tax ID number for the Montclaire Neighborhood Association. It is necessary for keeping finances and a bank account.

--Dues: A preliminary amount of $15 per household is agreed upon for the rest of the year. In January 2007, dues will be $25 per year per household. Money used for neighborhood association business like signs, newsletters, etc., and help defray costs to Archdale Church of Christ for graciously allowing us to meet there.

--Also mentioned: Board agreed voting will be done as one household, one vote.

--Spreading the Word: Get the Word Out about neighborhood meetings! Discussion of yard signs that could alert our neighbors everywhere about upcoming meetings. Three banners do that now -- one that hangs on “Montclaire” entrance sign at Shadyview and Archdale, and two others that change locations to different neighborhood entrances. Talk, talk, TALK to your neighbors to bring them to meetings. Our purpose as an association is three-fold:

--Get to know our neighbors

--Have fun

--Be organized for neighborhood issues that come up like Celanese, Greenway, etc.

--What’s the latest with:

--Celanese. Note the building is demolished. What is the timeline? Who owns it now?

--Parcel next to church: For Sale sign still up, construction equipment and pipes there. What is being built, and how soon? Latest word is 12 units.

--Tyvola “garage” -- to be used by Myers Park man to house and work on classic cars. Actually in Madison Park. Numerous code violations, some have been cleared up.

--Motion and second to accept interim board and by-laws. Vote passes.

--Next meeting set for Monday July 24th at 7pm. Volunteers needed to set up chairs. Tables preferred so we can meet our neighbors and discuss things, take notes.

--Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.

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Any questions or concerns: jmlew2@yahoo.com