2004 Annual Meeting

Minutes

Glenmorrie Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting
November 2004 Hallinan Elementary Library

Attending: Liz Hartman, Chair; Merrill Baumann, Vice-chair; Carolyne Jones; Robin Bolton; Terri Bianco; Priscilla and John Panichello, City Councilor Ellie McPeak, State Representative Greg MacPherson, Becky Greear (Christie School), Ray Edwards, Jim Vincent, Charles Bishop, Richard/Mary Deich, Rick Jacobson, Gloria Benci Handy, and a few neighbors who did not sign in.

The meeting was called to order by Liz Hartman at 7 pm. September meeting minutes were approved, annual meeting minutes from 2003 were distributed.

Election of Officers: Board positions up for election were Merrill Baumann, Liz Hartman, Rob Bolton and Jeff Levee. Jeff expressed that he was willing to continue but would defer to another interested individual. Merrill, Liz and Rob all agreed to serve another 2nd year term. All four were reelected by unanimous vote.

Financial update (Merrill Baumann): Insurance money has been received for repair of Stonebridge Monument.

GNA bylaws (Merrill Baumann): Description of the city’s proposed bylaws for neighborhood associations; will increase accountability of NAs, some thought that perhaps city was shunting some of it’s work onto NAs such as in maintaining neighborhood lists. By-Laws revisions were passed and will be forwarded to the City neighborhood association liaison.

Ellie McPeak expressed appreciation her re-election to the city council. She discussed some of the challenges facing the city and outlined some of her goals for the upcoming year, including improvements to pedestrian safety on Hwy 43.

Greg MacPherson presented a summary of the budget issues facing the state (about 8-10% deficit is expected), described his requested committees, and invited communication from constituents. He warned that difficult decisions regarding state-funded programs were going to have to be made.

Pedestrian safety on Hwy 43 and surrounding streets: A spirited discussion took place on the issues of Hwy 43 crosswalks, safe walking pathways, safe walking of school children to Hallinan, speed limits, turning lanes, and other related topics. Ellie McPeak affirmed her support for safety improvements and mentioned that some may be achievable thru city planning and funding. Greg MacPherson also expressed support and offered to assist with investigating funds through the state. Liz Hartman will continue to work with the city to determine the appropriate steps in moving the process forward.

The following issues were reported by GNA members:
* Bottles of what appear to be chewing tobacco spit have been found near construction site; may be left by workers but parents are advised to caution their children about the adverse consequences of chewing.
*Signs stating “Private Road” have been repeatedly posted on River Road at the entrance to the public path. Priscilla Panichello indicated that this is done by a friend of theirs, who is concerned about their well-being. It was noted these signs are not posted by the neighborhood association. If someone would like to draft a history of the area for consideration by the Board, the Board would consider working with the City to post historical information.
* The Stonebridge Monument design is nearly complete; drafts were made available for review at the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Terri Bianco