University Parkway Development - Smart Growth?

Westside Improvement Association

Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, June 27, 2001
Red Bank Branch Library

President Paul Farmer called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m.

Attending:

Basden, Bill; Basden, Marge; Chapman, Kurt; Cleek, Linda; Farmer, Paul; Foncannon, Ryan; Harty, Bill; Hille, Nola (proxy for Doris Eicher); James, Shirley; Kolb, Bonnie; McCallister, Steve; Sensmeier, Bernice; Wallenmeyer, Loretta; White, Martha

Excused: Padget, Fred; Thompson, George

Announcements: In answer to a question raised last month by the committee revising the by-laws, Loretta Wallenmeyer reported that Farm Bureau is a not-for-profit corporation and the largest such representing farming in the United States. The Farm Bureau should not be confused with Farm Bureau Insurance. Shirley James added that Farm Bureau was originally included on the WIA Board because it represents a large “community” of west side residents.

Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the May Board meeting were approved after a motion by James and a second by Nola Hille.

Traffic Reports were distributed.

Fall Festival Committee: Bonnie Kolb reported that daily captains for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are Cathy Drake, Bill and Marge Basden, and Shirley James. Daily captains are still needed for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Paul Farmer volunteered to captain either Thursday or Friday, and Ryan Foncannon and Linda Cleek will staff one of the remaining days with USI students and staff. A captain for the remaining day is still needed. The primary duty of the daily captains is to arrange staffing of at least four persons for each four-hour shift (10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2-6 p.m.; 6-10 p.m.).

Treasurer’s Report: Bernice Sensmeier presented the May report. A discussion of the reported sale of Rozelle Weinzapfel’s business to Karen Schenk (a long-time employee) resulted in the conclusion that Sensmeier will check on continuity issues. No problems are expected.

Police Report:

Kurt Chapman reported that the biggest problem areas recently have been the North Park area and the west side (sector 1) where vandalism has increased.

The National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 5-8 p.m. at Garvin Park. WIA participation would be welcome. Shirley James moved that WIA donate an amount up to $200 if needed for purchase of soft drinks for the event. The motion was seconded by Bill Harty and passed without opposition.

Web Site: Linda Cleek reported that hits on the web site are now being counted and that she accounts for no more than one-third of them (!). She reminded officers and committee chairs that e-mail links need to be activated.

Media Committee:

Steve McCallister asked that all items be submitted to him no later than the first Friday of each month—earlier if possible in months when general meetings are scheduled. In answer to questions raised last month concerning expediting newsletter production, McCallister reported that the printer does the newsletter layout. He asked that board members participate in the new “meet a member” feature he introduced this month with a profile of Fred Padget.

McCallister stated that he would like to publish an editorial concerning his opinions of the Downtown Master Plan. After some discussion the consensus was that editorial opinions are appropriate so long as they are identified as such. Other WIA members may wish to submit editorials for publication. James volunteered to write an article on west side development supported by WIA in the past.

Parks Committee:

Shirley James reported that the tour of Burdette Park was enjoyed by participants who were very impressed with the park’s facilities. Howell Park will be the focus of the next Parks Committee tour.

The Greenway is applying to the Welborn Foundation for funding for a public safety and security anti-vandalism program. If successful, the program, which will involve many agencies and multiple approaches to educating children and adults, could be replicated for other park facilities.

Solid Waste Committee: Bill Harty reported that he has written to Congressman Hostettler’s office regarding the lack of progress on Carpentier Creek drainage problems. James reported that she has made phone inquiries in regard to the state action on the Jerry David property at Rosenberger and Hogue. Neither has received an answer at this time.

President’s Report:

Schutte/Lloyd Development – Farmer reported on the meetings held so far on the Schutte development issue. The Area Plan Commission voted to approve the requested rezonings on June 6. A committee of concerned citizens has met several times since, including one meeting with developer Dan Buck and attorney Krista Lockyear. The next meeting will be Thursday, June 28, 5:30 p.m., at the proposed building site. Bill Harty moved that WIA support the neighbors in their position on the development. Nola Hille seconded and the motion passed. The Vanderburgh County Commission will hear the issue on Monday, July 16, 6:00 p.m., in Room 307 of the Civic Center.
Transportation Committee—Kimron Reising has submitted his resignation from the Board of Directors and his position as chair of the Transportation Committee and WIA representative to the EUTS Technical Committee. Steve McCallister volunteered to serve as the EUTS rep through the end of 2001. Farmer will make an appointment to fill the committee chair’s position.

By-Laws: Steve McCallister moved that the recommendations of the By-Laws committee be accepted as submitted. Shirley James seconded the motion which passed without opposition. The recommendations will be printed and mailed to the membership within the next week and will be voted upon by the membership at the August general meeting.

Nota Bene: Nola Hille reported that Doris Eicher is scheduled for hip replacement surgery on July 3.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Cleek
Secretary

Next meeting: Wednesday, July 25, 11:30 a.m. at Red Bank Branch Library