HPCC - November 1998 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Paula Flaherty

Opening Announcements

Welcome to new and old members. Please support the Nabisco boycott, it has been effective with a regional reduction in sales of about 32%. Contact local officials to keep pressure on not to strip the factory of its machinery. - There is a fund raising party tomorrow at Three Rivers Stadium to help victims of hurricane Mitch, $5.00 at the door. - Tomorrow night at the Greek Orthodox Church there will be a gathering of all East End Community groups. We are buying a table. Please see Mitch Kates if you would like to go.

Holiday Party: The Holiday Party will be held on Dec. 13th at the Nuin Center on Bryant St. between 3-6:00 pm. There is no admission but you may bring an hors d'oeuvre or dessert if you would like. (New members are exempt - just come and enjoy!) Drinks and music will be provided.

Committee Reports

Beautification: The city is promising an ornamental fence around Reservoir 2, plus a perennial garden and perhaps some animal topiaries across from the animal wall on One Wild Place.

Block Watch: C.O.P. report: Bike Officer Christine Scalise reported burglaries are on the rise due to welfare reform and increased drug addiction. She passed out fliers regarding burglar proofing your home. She encouraged citizens to report EVERY incident, no matter how small. Graffiti was brought up as an ongoing issue with little or no government response. Contact Jim Ferlo's office for help. A new program should address this problem.

Education: Peabody High School was chosen by Microsoft Corp. to participate in a 4 semester programming course. It was reported Peabody may also become an international studies magnet.

Public Safety: One of our programs will feature a representative from PAT who will discuss problems we have been experiencing with buses. State Rep. Joseph Preston gave a report about growth in our city and region.

Restoration: Money is still being acquired to restore the park entrance.

Super Playground: Looks better but still needs more work. The city public works dept. has no obligation to pick up trash but will help if we want; there is money in an escrow account for weekly maintenance also. Mitch will speak to Steve Pettler about this. The problem of YMCA Camps using the Super Playground during the summer was mentioned. It is an ongoing issue that will be looked at over the winter by the playground committee.

New Business/Old Business

Questions were asked about the potential coffee shop on N. Highland Ave. and its status with the zoning board. Amy Enrico reported that she has responded to requests for additional information and is awaiting a decision. Questions were raised about the Club's taking a position in favor of the coffee shop. A board member expressed displeasure at not being contacted for the vote. It was decided that in the future all efforts will be made within reason to reach each member if a vote on any issue should be required.

Program: Lorrie Rue from United Way Good Neighbors presented a program outlining numerous volunteer projects her agency coordinates. Anyone interested in being trained as a volunteer or is involved with a non-profit which needs volunteer services should contact the agency.