|
| |
Westside Improvement Association
Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Red Bank Branch Library
President Fred Padget called the meeting to order at 4 p.m.
Attending: Berning, Dot; Cleek, Linda; Eicher, Doris; Gillenwater, Jim; Harty, Bill; Jennings, Mona; James, Shirley; Musgrave, Shelby; Nethery, Troy; Sensmeir, Bernice; Padget, Fred; Roedel, Trena; Wallenmeyer, Loretta; Wentzel, Sam
The meeting began with introductions of the members and distribution of the meeting schedule for the rest of 2003. Padget also distributed copies of a speech he recently made before a meeting of the Vanderburgh County Farm Bureau. While our beloved leader claimed to have collected a large quantity of over-ripe produce Loretta Wallenmeyer congratulated and thanked him on behalf of the Farm Bureau. The remarks are particularly useful as a summary of WIA’s history and aims. A copy is attached.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the January meeting were approved after noting that the dedication of the Clem Franke Nature Preserve will be held on April 26, not April 25.
President’s Report:
-
UNOE – Mona Jennings will be WIA’s representative to UNOE. UNOE will host a regional conference of neighborhood associations the same week as the Fall Festival.
-
The Vision Committee working toward a new Comprehensive Plan has been trying to answer the question “what does Evansville want to be?” Sustainable Evansville, a group promoting environmentally sustainable economic development for the Evansville region, is doing research on these issues. (More info at http://www.sustainableevansville.org/) He also noted the frequent disconnect between various planning groups, e.g., the Area Plan Commission and
EUTS.
-
Both the Evansville Otters and the supporters of the proposed baseball stadium have been in touch trying to drum up support.
-
It is worth remembering that the school tax referendum, the proposed stadium, the mandate for upgrading combination sewers (and much else) may drive tax rates up considerably in the next several years.
-
A nominating committee chair is needed in the next several weeks. Contact Padget if interested.
-
National Night Out was a great success in 2002. Evansville was honored as one of the top five participating communities nationwide. Shirley James moved that we continue our participation and create a budget line item for National Night Out at 110% of the 2002 commitment. Sam Wentzel seconded the motion which passed without opposition. A chair for National Night Out will be needed, volunteers encouraged.
-
Linda Cleek volunteered to chair the annual banquet.
Treasurer’s Report: Bernice Sensmeier presented the report and the proposed budget for 2003. Trena Roedel inquired about the membership dues for joining the Wabash Heritage Trust. Sensmier reported the check was sent months ago but has never been cashed. Bill Harty moved approval of the budget, Roedel seconded, and the budget was approved unanimously.
Sensmier read a complimentary note from a renewing member, a thank-you letter from Kristin Moran of the Howell Wetlands for our recent donation, and a letter from the Westside Nut Club that accompanied their donation of $25 to WIA.
Action Items
Committee Reports:
-
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.
-
James also gave a brief history of the preserve for the benefit of newer board members and a similar description of the Wabash Avenue of Flags.
-
The dam on Lake Victoria at Mesker Park Zoo has structural problems that need to be addressed in the near future.
-
The Parks Committee continues to advise the Westside Soccer League on improvements at Moutoux Park including compliance with development permits and grant proposals.
-
There are now about 30 agencies participating in the EcoTour June 14-15.
-
INDOT still has not certified the contractor for the next phase of the Greenway.
-
Transportation – Jim Gillenwater reported
-
His first priority is to get city bus service back to Howell.
-
Many people mistakenly believe that all railroad crossings in the city are owned by CSX when, in fact many belong to Southern Railway. Roger Hempfling, the CSX terminal manager, is available to speak to groups about this.
-
Padget reported that a business owner along St. Joseph Avenue called to express concern that the proposed widening project does not allow enough width per lane. Gillenwater will follow up.
-
Pollution & Conservation – Trena Roedel reported
-
Roedel has been officially appointed to the Solid Waste Board for 2003-2005.
-
Roedel and Padget met with Mark Wilson of the Evansville Courier & Press to provide information for an article on Carpentier Creek and its problems.
-
A Project Wet workshop on wetlands will be held April 2-3. Roedel has been invited to attend and, as part of the workshop, will be trained as a facilitator to train others. The cost of the workshop is $25. Harty moved and Dot Berning seconded that WIA cover the $25 fee. The motion passed without opposition.
-
Roedel has a meeting scheduled with Judy Weatherholt of the Southwestern Indiana Regional Development Commission to discuss Carpentier Creek.
-
Scholarship – Wallenmeyer reported committee members are Bernice Sensmier, George Thompson, and herself.
-
Land Use & Development – Mona Jennings reported
-
An 80-unit apartment complex is proposed for 800 Schutte Road (the southeast corner of the Schutte-Lloyd intersection. The developer is Moore Investments, LLC. A meeting with neighbors, WIA representatives Jennings and Cleek, developer Greg Moore, attorney Les Shively, and engineer Jim Morley was held last night.
-
The proposal is for 80 two-bedroom units, approximately 1,200 square feet, renting for about $750/month.
-
Multi-family dwellings at this location
are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
-
There is considerable concern about a high volume of USI students living in the complex as students tend to have higher occupancy per unit, are likely to have one car for each occupant, and are apt to make more than the statistical average 1.5 trips per day in and out of the complex. Nethery stated that students would likely be very interested in the complex and that perhaps METS bus service there could help the traffic situation.
-
The rezoning request goes before the Area Plan Commission on April 2, 6 p.m., Civic Center Room 301.
-
The developers of the Leisure Living retirement community are proposing an expansion of 181 units adjacent to the existing complex and the creation of a condominium community across Allen’s Lane.
-
Call Committee—Dot Berning reported that she was able to reach all but one of the Board members prior to this meeting.
Announcements
-
Tire Amnesty Day will be Saturday, April 12, 8 a.m.-noon at the Civic Center parking lot. Individuals may bring up to four tires at no charge. There is a $1/tire charge for five and up. Neighborhood associations may bring an unlimited quantity of tires at no charge. Padget volunteered his pick-up truck to assist any association that wants to collect tires.
-
The next Recycle Day is Saturday, April 5 at Wal-Mart West.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Cleek
Secretary
Next board meeting: Wednesday, April 23, 4 p.m., Red Bank Branch Library
|
