|
| |
Westside Improvement Association
Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Red Bank Branch Library
President Fred Padget called the meeting to order at 4 p.m.
Attending: Bernhardt, Wayne; Berning, Dot; Cleek, Linda; Farmer, Paul; Harty, Bill; Jennings, Mona; James, Shirley; Kolb, Bonnie; Padget, Fred; Rhodes, Mary; Roedel, Trena; Schapker, Marc; Shapker, Minnie; Sensmeier, Bernice; Thompson, George; Wallenmeyer, Loretta; Wentzel, Sam
Excused Absence: Nethery, Troy
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the March meeting were approved. Linda Cleek noted that the mentioned copy of Padget’s speech to Farm Bureau was not attached, but that it is posted on the Web site and available by request.
Treasurer’s Report: Bernice Sensmeier presented the report and reminded all present that 2003 dues are now payable.
President’s Report:
-
The Vision Committee working toward a new Comprehensive Plan continues to meet monthly.
-
Padget attended the April meeting of the Vanderburgh County Soil & Water Conservation Board.
-
UNOE - The city will be hosting the regional neighborhood network conference October 9-11 (which falls during the Fall Festival). They are looking for volunteers who can earn a T-shirt and/or free registration by donating three-twelve hours of work. If interested, call 428-4243.
-
The May general membership meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., at the USI University Center. The program will be Justin Manning of the Health Department on West Nile Virus.
Associations: Shirley James congratulated Dot Berning on the Mt. Auburn Neighborhood Association’s newsletter and progress.
Law Enforcement: No representatives of the Evansville Police Department or the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department were present. Mona Jennings reported on the April meeting of the EPD West Sector.
Committee Reports:
-
Pollution & Conservation—Trena Roedel reported
-
She recently attended the Indiana Wetlands Project Wet training seminar. She received training teaching others, especially K-12 students, about the importance of wetlands and received curriculum materials and activities ideas. We may be able to use some of these for National Night Out.
-
The number one water pollutant in Indiana is soil from sedimentation and run off.
-
She will be meeting with Judy Weatherholt of SWIRDC to explore possibilities of grants to support improvement of Carpentier Creek. Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, and the Ford Foundation were mentioned as possible sources of grants.
-
Web Site—Cleek reported it’s still there, take a look.
-
Call—Dot Berning reported that all board members who have requested reminder calls were reached prior to this meeting. The committee will call the general membership prior to the May meeting.
-
Fall Festival—there was no report, but co-chair Bonnie Kolb went into deep mourning upon learning of the demise of the west side Shyler’s.
-
Scholarships—George Thompson reported that a form is being developed to make applications more uniform. Loretta Wallenmeyer added that it is now time to be finding our where the 2002 recipients will be attending college in the fall so that checks can be processed.
-
Transportation—there was no report, but James asked whether the County Commissioners still have a meeting in the winter at which citizens are invited to report pot holes and other needed road repair. It is believed that the phone-in Pot Hole Blitz has replaced this event.
-
Parks--James reported
-
The dedication of the Clem Franke Nature Preserve will be held on Arbor Day, Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. The Western Terrace Neighborhood Association will provide refreshments; WIA is handling invitations and programs. We will also have sun catchers available as souvenirs.
-
Pollution and drainage problems continue to plague Moutoux Park, home base of the 800-member West Side Youth Soccer Club. Approximately $100,000 is needed to make the necessary improvements. James asked that WIA make a statement of support for the improvements. Thompson pointed out that we must be sure of our facts regarding leachate substances, etc. A recent IDEM survey will be consulted for data before a statement is made.
-
The upcoming expansion of the Lloyd Expressway will eliminate West Side Nut Club Park. A new park in the same general area will be established to replace it.
-
Groundbreaking was held for the next phase of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage.
Construction should be complete in July, weather permitting.
-
Jennings inquired about getting equipment for Castlebury Park. James promised to help her look into it.
-
Land Use & Development – Padget reported
-
Rezoning for an 80-unit apartment complex at 800 Schutte Road (the southeast corner of the Schutte-Lloyd intersection) was approved by the County Commission on Monday. A covenant promising landscaping barriers on the west side of the property was included in the petition. Concerns remain about drainage and traffic; WIA will monitor the project as it proceeds.
-
Rezoning for the expansion of Leisure Living (off St. Joseph Avenue) will be heard by the Area Plan Commission on May 5.
-
While the development at Hogue and Rosenberger is currently in compliance with regulations, action may be taken to impose penalties for violations earlier in the year. It is generally agreed that fines for these kinds of violations are too meager to serve as a deterrent.
Announcement: Cleek announced that Troy Nethery, the USI Student Government Association (SGA) representative to the WIA board is absent because he is being installed as president of SGA for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The question of whether or not we will sponsor a Candidates’ Night was raised. Berning will check to see if the Mount Auburn Neighborhood Association is interested in participating.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Cleek
Secretary
Next Meeting: General Membership, Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., USI University Center
Next board meeting: Wednesday, June 25, 4 p.m., Red Bank Branch Library
|
