HPCC - August 1999 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Paula Flaherty

Meeting called to order at 7:35 P.M.

Reports

C.O.P. Report: Office Scalise said she was on vacation in July and on duty at regatta in early August so she wasn't in the neighborhood as much as usual. Patrols have been active in the Park with 15 arrests for underage drinking or marijuana in July. There have been a total of 150 arrests this summer. Burglaries have been up in all the neighborhoods, particularly toward East Liberty. There also have been thefts of shrubbery from the neighborhood plots. Welcome to Officer Bill Webb from Zone 5 who attended tonight's meeting.

Program: No program tonight.

Beautification: Good year although theft of plants has had a negative impact. The Home Depot development will include landscaping and planting so it won't be an eyesore.

Block Watch: No Report.

Children: No report

Commercial District: Cafe Baci Chef Daryl Barnes is going to institute a new menu. He would like to make it a "neighborhood" restaurant. Prices have been lowered, sandwiches added and a children's menu added.

Day Camp: No report

Hospitality: Refreshments at tonight's meeting taste good.

House Tour: Ten houses were on the tour in June plus a silent auction. There was a profit of approximately $4208. Attendance was about 400.

Membership: Current membership is approximately 600. A proposal to adopt the following dues schedule for the coming year was made and approved. Regular membership rate: $20.00, low income rate: $10.00, first year membership rate: $5.00. This is a continuation of the rates for the past year. The $5.00 rate was successful in attracting a large number of new members, we won't know how many of them will apply for the $10.00 rate or renew at the $20.00 rate.

Newsletter: Articles are always due at the meeting or soon after. Public Safety: No report.

Recreation: A club member has volunteered to organize softball and basketball for neighborhood adults. Gyms are being explored. On Tuesday August 24 at dusk, Godzilla will be shown in the Park. This Sunday Reservoir of Jazz will be happening. Maureen Cato was presented with flowers to thank her for 5 years of Jazz in the Park.

Reservoir: Things are moving along with the new filtration plant for reservoir No. 1.

Restoration: no report. The fountain is planned to return in the future. The benches around the reservoir are in bad shape; but they will be improved during the general refurbishment planned as part of the installation of the new filtration plant.

Super Playground: The committee head will be contacted to address the general disrepair and litter in the area.

Yard Sale: Gross proceeds were $934 and after expenses $579 was netted by the club. Thanks to Judy Wolfe.

Voice Mail: No report

Welcoming: No Report.

Parks: A master plan is being developed to revitalize all four major Pittsburgh city parks. It should be available in 6 to 12 months for study.

Treasurer's Report: Although the treasury appears healthy, an unexpected bill was received from the IRS.

New Business

1. Tazza d'Oro Support: A question of the propriety of providing financial support for the legal fees surrounding the zoning hearings for Tazzo d'Oro was raised. When it was apparent last fall/winter that the zoning board approval for the Coffee Shop would be appealed to common pleas court, the board had approved a motion to provide financial support up to $5000 to help defray legal expenses to defend against the appeal. The approval was overwhelming and was justified by the perceived importance of the Coffee Shop to the community. Two issues were raised: a) there was no finance committee meeting approving the proposal, b) is it appropriate for the club to help a business in that manner. In light of the controversy, Amy Enrico, proprietor of Tazza d'Oro, declined the funds, making the issue moot.

2. Plant Theft: Dell Ziegler noted that there have been several instances of plant theft from the Club's plantings and the new plantings around the reservoir. He moved that a $500.00 reward be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. After approval by a finance committee meeting within the board meeting, the board approved the reward. Mr. Ziegler said that he had been told that Councilman Ferlo would arrange matching funds for a total reward of $1000.

3. Officer Nominations: The nominating committee presented the following slate for officers to be elected in next month's general membership meeting:

   President

   Diane DeNardo

   President Elect

   Muzz Meyers

   Secretary

   To be announced

   Treasurer

   To be announced

   Board of Directors

   (five to be elected)
   Jay Carson
   Karen Raffensberger
   Jan Stayianos
   Amy Enrico
   Paula Flaherty

   Additional nominations will be sought from the floor.

4. Web Site: Tony Kieth volunteered to help set up the web site.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.