HPCC - November 1999 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Paula Flaherty

Meeting called to order at 7:30 P.M.

Diane will nominate Dave Hance for a community Jefferson award to honor his achievement in saving the reservoir.

Money has been given to Dilworth Academy and Fulton School for library resources ($500 to each school). A letter from Dilworth thanking the club was read.

A check in the amount of $250 was donated to St. Andrew's for window restoration.

Copies of the bylaws are going to be reproduced and distributed to all board members and anyone else who is interested in receiving one.

Highland Park night at Zoo Lights will occur on Wednesday, December 29. Hot chocolate will be provided by the club. Admission is $2.00 per person, a $1.00 discount.

Pittsburgh's First Night is looking for volunteers.

Friends of the Riverfront are asking for letters of support.

The Community Design Center and Community Technical Assistance Center are holding a forum dealing with problem properties on Wednesday, December 1 from 12:00 - 1:30 P.M. A grant of $1000 will be awarded to the most creative solution for this problem.

Community organizations and social agencies are invited to submit a proposal for a public art project. Artists are also invited to apply and will be paired with a project. A sculpture for Highland Park was suggested as a possible project.

A concern was expressed that the walls of the Home Depot invite graffiti.

Officer Scalise reported that there were three attempts at burglary but the man was caught. She reminded residents to always make your home look like someone is there to discourage attempts at burglary.

Marsha Dugan reported that the cleanup day at the Super Playground was successful. See separate article.

The guest speaker was Meg Cheever, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. A slide show featured the present and past condition of the four major city parks: Riverview, Schenley, Frick and Highland Park. She noted that the Conservancy is focusing on a pilot project for each park. The pilot project for Highland Park is the restoration of the fountain and garden at the Highland Avenue entrance. Once those are complete the conservancy will move to more extensive plans.

A report of the most recent Public Safety meeting at the Zone 5 Station House was given by Mercine Nefores. Armed burglaries and thefts were up in October. Forms for the Beat Auto Theft (BAT) program will be available at the January meeting. They include recommendation to etch the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into each window of the car, thereby substantially reducing the ability to resell the car if stolen. In addition, it is suggested that the "CLUB" be installed up-side-down to make removal of the lock cylinder more difficult for would-be thieves. Mercine gave thanks to Maureen Cato for her help in getting Mercine started in this job.

Mary Beth Steisslinger described a new business at Butler Street near the 62nd St. (Fleming) bridge which warehouses recycled building materials. This business will be an excellent resource for homeowners with older houses. Material are accepted as well as sold.

Jill Boarts was unanimously elected treasurer. Budget proposals should be submitted to her by Committee Chairs as soon as possible.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M. Happy Holidays to all.