HPCC - May 1999 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Kelly Meade

Meeting opened at approximately 7:35.

Diane DeNardo chaired meeting in absence of Mitch Kates.

Reports

C.O.P.: Our local COP, Officer Scalise, provided an update of activities in the neighborhood and she was pleased to inform us that things have been quiet. She repeated the phone number of the COP Office (665-3644) and indicated abandoned vehicles can be reported there. She also announced that Commander Bryant of Zone 5 is sponsoring an open house at the station on Wednesday July 14, 1999, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The open house will feature tours of the station house, finger printing of children, face painting and hot dogs and hamburgers. Volunteers are needed to help!! More information will be provided in the next newsletter. She also reported that plain clothes officers are patrolling the Park and will not tolerate any undesirable behavior. A COP station is being planned for the new Home Depot.

Treasurer's Report: Norma Lipscomb reported that we are operating in the black.

House Tour: The 10th Annual House Tour is scheduled for Sunday, June 13, 1999 from Noon to 5:00 P.M. The tour encompasses ten houses, two gardens and a silent auction. Contribution of goods for the auction are still being accepted. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and can be purchased at Walnut Market on Bryant Street or Macondo on Craig Street in Oakland. Tickets will be available at St. Andrews for $12.00 on the day of the tour.

Welcoming: Bob Staresinic reported that he and Lois Gaffney are giving out welcome bags to new residents, but they need help because they are behind in their efforts.

Restoration: Debbie DeAngelis brought copies of a newspaper published by the Parks Conservancy that featured an article about saving Highland Park Reservoir Number 1. Any monies contributed to the Parks Conservancy can be earmarked for a particular Park or a particular Project. There has been a delay in the park entrance restoration project, it is delayed while the relationship between the HPCDC, the city and the Park Conservancy is finalized. The projected completion date is now July, 2001 instead of July, 2000.

Reservoir: The party to celebrate the rescue of reservoir No. 1 has been delayed because Dave Hance has been traveling. The date will be announced when it is set.

Program: Darlene Harris of the school board spoke about the issues within the city schools. She spoke of the redistricting and realignment plans which still have not been finalized. She also mentioned that the Superintendent has resigned because he is accepting a similar position in Arizona. The search for a new superintendent is starting again! There were several questions about the future of both Peabody and Fulton, mainly relating to adding a middle school at Peabody and having Fulton return to "basics". Darlene commented on how effective the middle school at Brashear is working. Additional discussion centered on the possibility of bringing a gifted program to Peabody to enhance its image. Nicki Monroe of Peabody's CAS program will present next month's program.

Meeting Adjourned at approximately 8:50 P.M.