|
| |
Westside Improvement Association
Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Red Bank Branch Library
President Fred Padget called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.
Attending: Berning, Dot; Cleek, Linda; Eicher, Doris; Farmer, Paul;
Gillenwater, Jim; Jennings, Mona; Musgrave, Shelby; Padget, Fred; Roedel, Trena;
Schapker, Marc; Shapker, Minnie; Sensmeier, Bernice; Thompson, George;
Wallenmeyer, Loretta; Wentzel, Sam
Excused Absence: James, Shirley; Kolb, Bonnie
Guests: Boultinghouse, M. L.; Harp, Susan; Hatfield, Jeff; Pedtke, Bill
Secretary's Report: Minutes of the April meeting were approved after
correction of a typographical error.
Treasurer's Report: Bernice Sensmeier presented the report.
Association Reports/Announcements:
- Dot Berning reported that Dan McGinn, Mesker Park Zoo
Director, spoke to the Mt. Auburn Neighborhood Association. She recommended
McGinn as a speaker for other groups.
- National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 5. The Parks
Committee will coordinate WIA activities and Trena Roedel will present a
Project Wet activity for kids.
Law Enforcement Report: Mona Jennings, the
WIA rep to the West Sector Citizens' Advisory Committee, attended the June
meeting where it was reported that vandalism is up (a seasonal phenomenon) and
that more and more mobile meth labs, such as those in cars and back packs, are
being discovered. Jim Gillenwater recommended the EPD Citizens Academy for all
interested.
Guest Speakers: Jeff Hatfield and Bill Pedtke spoke about the proposed
change of jurisdiction for certain enforcement issues from the Vanderburgh
County Soil and Water Conservation District to the County Engineers Office,
reporting to the County Commissioners. They pointed out that the VCSWD Board of
Supervisors is composed primarily of farmers, not of experts in pollution,
conservation, etc. The changes to the Federal Clean Water Act are going to
require more energetic and enlightened enforcement in the future. Hatfield, who
is a developer, pointed out that developers and builders are often criticized
for such violations but have been given no educational support or constructive
feedback.
Padget pointed out the proposed change is not a zoning issue, enforcement
questions arise after rezonings are complete. The Engineers office has staff and
regular office hours; VCSWD Board is made up of elected and appointed volunteers
who meet once a month. The proposed change would put more teeth in the local
enforcement mechanism.
Jim Gillenwater made a motion that WIA support, in principal, the change of
enforcement from VCSWCD to the County Engineer. Roedel seconded. During the
ensuing discussion George Thompson suggested that a performance bond be built
into the enabling ordinance. Berning asked who (what groups of people) opposed
the change. Thompson answered that opposition comes primarily from those who
have been in control of VCSWCD. The motion passed with one dissenting vote.
Other Business: Roedel reported that a group of workers in the
Vanderburgh County Surveyor's office are interested in a special group rate for
WIA dues. Cleek pointed out that the by-laws specify that rates are to be set in
October for the coming year. It was agreed to discuss the issue at that time.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Cleek
Secretary
Next board meeting: Wednesday, July 23, 4 p.m., Red Bank Branch Library
|
