HPCC - September 1999 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Paula Flaherty

The meeting was called to order at 7:30.

COP Report: Officer Scalise said kids will receive free coupons for hamburgers when they are "caught" wearing helmets when biking. The BAT (Beat Auto Theft) program was discussed. Residents who don't drive their cars between midnight and 5:00 a.m. can register. If police see their vehicle being driven during those hours, they can pull it over and check that the use is authorized. Officer Scalise reminded everyone to lock cars and hide valuables such as cell phones or shopping packages.

Two weeks ago, "At The Park" on Bryant St. was held up by two men with guns. They took the cash drawer and attempted to also take the wallets of the patrons. Not all the patrons would relinquish their wallets so the men left. A meeting is being organized regarding nuisance tenants. Date to be announced. If you are aware of such a situation, it may be reported to the C.O.P. answering machine or to Officer Scalise.

Election of Officers: President Mitch Kates offered thanks to those who worked this past year to help make Highland Park a better place.

Muzz Myers, previously announced as candidate for president elect, has withdrawn his name because of the press of his other activities. Mitch has agreed to become Vice President for Community Development; that election will be announced in the October newsletter and the vote will take place in the October meeting. At this time, there are no candidates for president elect, secretary or treasurer. Those elections will be held in the future after candidates have been nominated and announced in the newsletter.

The slate of candidates for tonight's election was read: President - Diane DeNardo; Directors: Jay Carson, Amy Enrico, Paula Flaherty, Karen Raffensperger, Jan Stayianos. The floor was opened for further nominations. None received, moved to elect. Election unanimous.

After taking the chair, new president Diane DeNardo stated her goals for the year:

To make committee meetings a priority, this is where the work gets done!
Continue to promote the goodwill of this organization.

Diane announced that Dell Ziegler has agreed to serve as parliamentarian in order to assure proper meeting procedures.

Committee Reports

Membership: Kelly Meade will mail the membership renewal cards this week.

Children's: Tania Grubbs reported on the Halloween Parade. The date is October 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.

Program: Next month will feature Officer Scalise and another officer to discuss revitalizing the Block Watch programs. November's program will consist of a presentation by Meg Cheever of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Public Safety and Block Watch: Chairpersons are being sought for these two committees. The Public Safety position entails attending a meeting at the Zone 5 Police Station and reporting the results at the HPCC meetings.

Super Playground: Dave Suffrin and Marsha Dugan are going to form a committee. The original architect will be contacted to suggest improvements. The playground fund has been invested with Merrill Lynch since it was built. Dave recommends hiring a worker to clean-up twice weekly. Councilman Ferlo suggested that contact be made with the Parks Director to request that the playground be cleaned daily as is done with the other city playgrounds. A Maintenance Day is scheduled for October 23 and 24 when the wood in the various structures will be sealed. Volunteers are needed.

Finance Committee: The finance Committee was revitalized and met. The Committee recommends the following expenditures: $500.00 donation to Dilworth's Library with a request that we receive a list of the books purchased. The same for Fulton. $250.00 donation for the promotion of a concert sponsored by the School for the Deaf. The concert will be part of a neighborhood program at St. Andrew's. $250.00 donation to the St. Andrew's window restoration fund. Money for a laptop computer to be used by the secretary and committees as necessary. A donation will be sought before purchase is pursued. A motion was made and passed approving all these recommendations.

Welcoming: Bob Staresinic has delivered approximately 35 bags of welcoming material. He has created a new brochure listing all the Highland Park businesses. He would like to add the first time membership stickers to his applications for membership.

Newsletter: Contributions are due as soon after this meeting as possible.

New Business

Zoning/Coffee Shop: Diane reported attending a zoning meeting along with several residents regarding the extension of Tazza d'Oro's hours and outdoor seating. A decision is expected by the end of October.

Neighborhood Grant: Diane and Mitch attended a meeting with representatives of the mayor's office regarding a neighborhood grant which will become available for improvement projects. Further meetings will follow. Project suggestions are welcome.

Budgets: All committees need to submit budgets in order to receive any money. Budgets are due by next meeting.

Street Cleaning: If you would like your street cleaned regularly, you must submit a petition to the city with signatures at least 60% of the residents on your block. Be aware that the street will be posted for weekly cleaning and all cars must be moved during the posted hours or they can be ticketed.

At St. Andrew's: Blessing of the Animals will take place at St. Andrew's on October 2 at 2:00 P.M. Refreshments will be served to "all species". Pianist Betty Jo Rieley will perform at St. Andrew's after Evensong on Thursday, October 7.

Adjourned at 9:15 P.M.