HPCC - May 2003 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Shannon Mischler, HPCC Secretary

President Lisa Williams called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.

Lisa introduced the new Public Safety Committee Chair, John Ciroli. Other new attendees at the meeting were able to provide introductions.

Officer Christine Scalise reported the April crime statistics in Highland Park. There was one aggravated assault on Negley and Stanton Ave., 5 residential burglaries, 8 thefts of vehicle, business, and residential, 5 vehicle thefts, and 2 drug related incidences. Officer Scalise said she is working on the abandoned vehicle problems and continuing with drug operations in the 900 Mellon St. block. She participated in the Pittsburgh Clean-Up Day on Mellon St., which she really enjoyed. She stated that the police presence was good for the neighbors on Mellon, and made her feel more responsible for the up-keep of Mellon St.

Kate Zober, Chair of the Super Playground, asked for volunteers for the Super Playground Mulch Madness on Saturday May 17, 9-11 AM. She suggested that volunteers bring a pitchfork, wheelbarrow, and gloves. Coffee and donuts will be provided for the volunteers by Tazza d'Oro.

Mary Beth Steisslinger, of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, reported on the multi-purpose trails leading from the swimming pool down to the velodrome. Mary Beth requested from the HPCC a $600 grant to sponsor the tree planting aspect of the NCCC (National Community Conservation Corps) Volunteer project on these trails. Mary Beth is the Project Coordinator of the NCCC. The NCCC volunteers will be working for six weeks this summer on restoration projects here in Highland Park. Lisa Williams asked the board to vote on this grant. Twelve board members voted unanimously to donate $600 to plant 350 young trees to reforest the slope, re-establish the fast-growing canopy species to shade out invasive plants, plant an understory that will add to the biodiversity and aesthetic quality of the site, and test long term (3-5 years) efficiency of deer exclusion techniques.

Dell Ziegler, Chair of the Zoning Committee, proposed a lapsed resolution to the members of the HPCC. The resolution would give the Chair of the Zoning Committee and/or the Officers of the HPCC authorization to represent the HPCC on all zoning matters. The resolution states that the HPCC is in general opposition to requests for variances and other similar efforts which would: Increase population density, such as three units on a street zoned for two unties, or increase space density, such as smaller yards or decreased back or side-yard set-backs or be different from existing zoning for the area, such as commercial or institutional use on a residential street. The Board passed the resolution while stipulating that they would like to receive written reports on attended zoning hearings, and that this authority must take into account the best interest of all Highland Park residents.

Ollie Rieley, Chair of the Newsletter Committee, discussed the newsletter mailings, and received approval from the HPCC members to do a mass mailing of the newsletter this summer. A business owner from East Liberty suggested that the newsletter solicit advertising on a multi-monthly basis from other East Liberty merchants who are unaware of the newsletter.

Dana Thomas, Chair of the House Tour Committee, reported that she has five houses set up for the fall house tour, and is seeking four or five more homes. She would love to have a very large home in Highland Park on the tour. Please phone her if you would like to volunteer your home or have any suggestions.

Michael Johnson, Highland Park Community Plan, reported on the status of the Community Plan. The Focus groups will re-convene to ensure the fullest possible community participation in the formulation of goals and strategies. The following dates are set for the final focus groups: Community Health and Safety--Wednesday May 21, Housing, Neighborhood Maintenance and Infrastructure--Tuesday May 27, Arts, Recreation, and Youth Development—Thursday May 29, and Education--Monday June 2. Please contact www.highlandparkcommunity.com if you would like to participate. The Community Plan has a new volunteer coordinator, Brenda Cole, to assist any residents with their questions. There will be a final Town Meeting the week of June 23. The purpose will be to share the final draft of the community plan with the community, and to hear suggestions and critiques. There will be a community celebration on August 8 or 9th to celebrate the completion of the Community Plan, hear music, eat food, and have fun.

Bruce Robison introduced the school board candidates for District 2, Darlene Harris and Patrick Dowd. Ms. Harris and Mr. Dowd each spoke for 10 minutes about why they would like to be on the school board. There was no discourse between the two candidates and no questions were taken during the HPCC meeting. The candidates remained after the meeting to answer any questions about their candidacy.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.