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Westside Improvement Association
Board Meeting
June 27, 2007
Red Branch Bank Library
Present: Berning, Dot; Cleek, Linda; Dickinson, Joe; Farmer, Paul; Harty,
Bill; Jeffers; Brenda; Kolb, Bonnie; Moers, Joyce; Outlaw, DeAnna; Padget, Fred;
Stagg, Carolyn; Wentzel, Sam
Guests: Borries, Blair
Excused Absence: Gerteisen, Wayne;
Lockard, Michael; Nix, Ava; Runge, Mel
President DeAnna Outlaw called the meeting to
order at 4 p.m. She welcomed guest speaker Blair Borries.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the April
board meeting were approved on a motion by Joyce Moers with a second by Sam
Wentzel.
Treasurer’s Report: Fred Padget reported
that 41 members/households have paid 2007 dues. There are 12 that haven’t paid
2006 either. We’ve had four new memberships this year. Adopt-a-Spot donations
were at $220 at the end of May; the Shirley James memorial fund at $645. Wentzel
moved that WIA issue the budgeted $200 contribution to National Night Out at
this time; Cleek seconded, passed without opposition.
Guest Speaker: Blair Borries, Big Creek
Watershed Coordinator
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Distributed maps showing the Big Creek
Watershed, which includes parts of Vanderburgh, Posey, and Gibson Counties,
primarily agricultural areas. Main pollutants are sediments and nutrients
from agricultural runoff, but also some e coli when the water table is low.
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St. Phillips, the area west of USI, and
northern Vanderburgh County are experiencing rapid residential growth.
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Distributed surveys concerning prioritizing
concerns about Big Creek, and invited WIA to name a member to the steering
committee.
Old Business:
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John Blair request for $750 donation. Blair
didn’t respond to WIA’s request for information on how our 2006 donation was
used until June 1, and then didn’t answer the question: “How did you use
WIA’s money?” Discussion followed, including the fact that Lauren Preske
showed us exactly how our money was used at the Howell Wetlands. Dot Berning
moved that WIA not contribute to Blair’s project; Bill Harty seconded.
Passed without opposition.
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Shirley James memorial – Padget has talked
with Richard James, who likes the idea of a living memorial, such as a tree,
which might be incorporated into a memorial. Padget suggested forming a
committee to examine alternatives. Outlaw asked for volunteers for the
committee. Padget & Linda Cleek will co-chair, Berning volunteered to serve.
Committee Reports:
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Law Enforcement – Joe Dickinson – two serial
burglars/vandals have been apprehended, which may help the overall crime
situation. Cleek asked about trains blocking Ohio Street and the possibility
of a warning light at Fulton. Apparently no progress has been made.
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Web site – Cleek reported that pictures taken
by Mel Runge at the June 19 Adopt-a-Spot work day are posted.
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Adopt-a-Spot – Outlaw read a thank-you note
from Mary Sheller at Keep Evansville Beautiful. Berning reported on the June
19 work day. Westside Nut Club sent six initiates to work on the spot, and
about 20 more members to watch the initiates work. WIA provided
refreshments, including donuts donated by Donut Bank. Berning would like
some assistance on June 28 to finish the work. Evansville Monument and Stone
donated stones which placed temporarily. George Thompson will set the stones
permanently. Berning believes that corner would be the best place for
Shirley James’ memorial. The KEB landscape designer (Brian Wildeman of
Hillside Landscaping) will speak to the WIA board next month.
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National Night Out – Brenda Jeffers reported
that she and Carolyn Stagg attended a meeting today. They brought some
posters and yard signs for distribution. Once again, the Surveyor’s office
will partner with WIA to have activities at our table. The emphasis will be
on water quality. Brenda asked whether WIA will fund purchase of 12 dozen
squirt guns, at about $25. Since $50 is already budgeted for NNO supplies,
she can go ahead and order.
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Solid Waste District – Paul Farmer reported
that the last Westside recycle day broke all records, with 12 tons of trash
collected. At Tire Amnesty Day, two men turned in 87 tires picked up along
Claremont and nearby streets. Curbside recycling is picking up again. Farmer
has been reappointed to another two year term.
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UNOE – Farmer reported UNOE is holding
meetings on the county animal control ordinance. UNOE will have an open
house on August 23, 1-6 p.m., at the new offices at the Hulman Bulding, room
501. INDOT funds for relocation were sufficient to cover all moving costs.
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Transportation – Bill Harty reported that
work has started on the St. Joe widening, which includes draining a lake
near the top of Monkey Hill. The state projects finishing the work in 2009.
Mesker Park Drive will be a 90 degree turn, rather than the current angle.
The state has authorized purchasing right-of-way for phases two and three of
University Parkway.
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Land Use – Padget reported:
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The rezoning request for 30 acres off
Jobes Lane was recommend for approval by the APC. Dan Buck is the
developer of condominiums and single-family homes. WIA has supported the
development. WIA and the neighbors are working on some covenants, which
are in red tape limbo, but should happen.
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The Boehne Camp development was continued
until the next APC meeting. Scott Anderson has met with the neighbors.
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The July APC meeting has an item on Hogue
Road, no details available, maybe the area across from Bob’s Gym.
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Combined Sewer Overflow work—Federal
mandate for the city to correct the sewers within 20 years. Could be
close to a $100 million project. City lawsuit to recover from past
insurers is a novel approach.
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Greenway – County Council is objecting to
the new Greenway commission agreed to by the mayor, County Commission,
and City Council. Cleek suggested a letter to the county council
supporting the speedy implementation of the Greenway committee. Padget
will draft the letter.
New Business: none
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Cleek, Secretary
Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 25, 4 p.m., Red Bank Branch
Library
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