Westhover/Taylortown Civic Association

January 08 Meeting Minutes

Aug 04, 2008

ATTENDING OFFICERS:
Bill Byrd, Terry Goodwin, Douglas Yoder

CALL TO ORDER:
The January meeting of the Westhover of Taylortown Civic Association was called to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Bear Library by the secretary, Terry Goodwin, who, with assistance from Bill Byrd and Doug Yoder, welcomed and acknowledged the presence of community members and Representative Melanie Marshall. Councilman George Smiley was not able to attend due to a conflict but has expressed interest in attending the next meeting. Meeting minutes from October 2007 minutes were read and approved.

CORRESPONDENCE:
-Incoming:
1. Linda Stump at DelDot re: Snow Removal Reimbursement.
2. Bear Library re: thank you note for donation.
3. Ronald McDonald House re: thank you note for donation
4. Joyce Kessler sent a very nice thank you note for our donation to RMH in remembrance of her husband Dave Kessler.
-Outgoing:
1. Donation of $50 to Bear Library
2. Donation of $100 to Ronald McDonald House
3. Snow Removal Letter/Contract to Back Creek Contracting for 2007-2008
4. W-9 form and Direct Deposit form to Linda Stump at DelDot.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Street Light Maintenance. Rep. Melanie Marshall volunteered to obtain contact information with DP&L for phone number and procedures.
2. Rep. Melanie Marshall volunteered to follow up on additional Street Lights located at Ruebens Island and Taylor Bend near Renoir. Procedure and/or Cost may be prohibitive but in the past our Representative has been known to be very successful in her endeavors.

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Copies of the Financial and Fiscal Audit Reports were distributed and read by Terry Goodwin.
2. To date, 27 households (of 105) have paid dues of $25 each. This time last year we had 47 households who paid dues. The decline is believed to be due to the nice weather experienced so far this year. Due to this decrease in receipts the budget would cover one snow fall event. Several suggestions were presented to increase the budget:
a. It was suggested by Edna and Bill Byrd to post a dues reminder by creating a ?“Thermometer Reader?” of dues paid. Bill Byrd generously agreed to create the Thermometer Reader. Dawn Orledge will research materials needed and follow up with Bill.
b. It was suggested that another dues reminder go out to community members after the 1st snow fall.
3. Doug Yoder reported our community signs announcing meeting dates and times were lost during the construction of the new sidewalks. Doug will research obtaining new signs that will be free standing.
4. The Constitution and By-Laws were reviewed regarding the absence of a Vice President Board Member. Edna Byrd pointed out Article X, Section 1 which states that ?“The majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors.?” This negates the necessity of a Vice President position. The board will actively seek representatives for all of the Officer positions in the 2009 elections.
5. Rep. Melanie Marshall volunteered to follow up on Procedures of installing ?“Bike Lanes?” on Taylor Drive.
6. A copy of the Civic Association Contact List was distributed and change forms introduced. It was suggested that Rep. Marshall and Councilman Smiley were added to the list.
7. Dawn Orledge expressed safety concerns when crossing a turn lane to reach the Cross Walk on Rt. 7 and Taylor Drive. Doug Yoder suggested a bridge to Cross over Rt. 7. Rep. Marshall will ask DelDot about plans for changes and/or additions planned.


HEAR FROM:
Representative Melanie Marshall gave a general update of community and legislative issues.
?• Yard Waste handout was distributed with options for waste removal as the ban will be lifted as of January 24th. For more information go to DNREC at 739-9403 (www.delaware.gov/yardwaste), Delaware Solid Waste Authority 800-404-7080 (www.dswa.com), or Call U of D Extension Service at 302-831-2667 (www.ag.udel.edu/extension/).
?• Rt. 7 to 273 expansion is under funding discussions but to date plans are to begin construction in 2009
?• Plans for the Rt. 7 Park are still underway with plans for beginning within a year or two.
?• Scholarship Books were distributed. The SEED program provides all Middle and High School students, who receive a 2.5 or higher grade point average, a 2 year Scholarship to University of Delaware or a 4 year Scholarship to Delaware Technical College.
?• In the Legislature ?– Freedom of Information Act and Insurance for Mortgage and Vehicle Policies are top topics. As well as a Bill presented to the Senate for Small Business?’ to obtain Health Care for employees?’ via a Statewide Pool. A Bill for Rewritten Condo and Maintenance laws and will be presented to Legislature this term. Rep. Marshall has been successful in getting her All Day Kindergarten Bill passed. In September 2008 eight schools will offer full day classes. If successful all districts will then off all day classes in 2009.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Adjournment: All matters having been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. The Executive Committee will meet at Doug Yoder?’s home on Wednesday, January 16, 2007 at 7 p.m. The next Civic Association meeting is scheduled at the Bear Library on Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Submitted by:
Terry Goodwin, Secretary
Westhover of Taylortown Civic Association
Date of Minutes Approved: ________________________