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QUARTERLY MEETING - THURSDAY, April 17th, 2003

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

              I.      Joseph Hernandez, President of the Wynnewood North Neighborhood Association at 7:00pm, called meeting to order. Location of meeting was Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce on Zang Blvd.

           II.      Minutes for the January 16, 2003 Wynnewood North meeting where approved, minutes where not read.

         III.      Guest Speakers

·        Mark Housewright and Ed Oakley District 3 City Counsel candidates where introduced.

·        Mark and Ed presented the 17 propositions that will be on the next bond election and fielded Questions and Answers from the residents.

o       The new bond package is basically a no frills package.

o       $100M for parks

o       $55M for libraries (replacement of the Hampton/Illinois Library) if the library issue passes there is a proposed collaboration with DISD to build a new Elementary School close to the library.

o        $11.7M for a new Animal Shelter

o       2 new Art Center

o       $4M in Discretionary funds for the area Mark Housewright reviewed where he has targeted the funds for District 3. Both Mark and Ed agreed that they would continue to follow up with the projects that have been ear marked for this district But noted that money can be moved if new more pressing issues arise. Three of the projects are:  

§         Greenwood Parkway

§         Erosion reinforcement in Wynnewood North

§         Clean up the creek i.e. Mosquito’s in the Wynnewood North Area

·        Both Ed and Mark noted that there were brochures that listed all the bonds that where in this next election package, and the voter could pick and choose which issues that wanted to vote for. They encouraged the voters to vote for all of them.

·        Please note that Mark Housewrite and Ed Oakley are running for the District 3 City Counsel position, we encourage everyone to vote. The voting poll for Wynnewood North is located at the recreation center on Vernon just north of Illinois on Vernon.

The following is the recorded Questions and Answer session:

  • Q – How does the bond package impact the residents of Dallas? 
  • A – Residents over the age of 65 yrs should have no impact. The collection of monies will be spaced over 3rd, 4th and 6th years; hopefully the economy will come back. House average 100,000 – expect $35.00 over 5 year payments. 
  • Q – Regarding the discretionary funds that Mark has put aside for his district, if Ed Oakley wins does Ed have the choice to move funds on different projects.
  • A- MH – The counsel member has flexibility to move funds, there is no guarantee that the funds will be used as marked. I picked the items because they where ranked high on the department list. I cannot imagine if I’m elected that I would move these funds to other projects.
  • A – EO – I think that Mark has allocated the funds in worthwhile necessary projects it would be very unlikely if I’m elected that I would move the funds. But note, a counsel member usually will re-allocate if a situation arises. But I would not move unless these projects could be funded somewhere else.
  • Q – MH you where looking at the creek, there is a tiny portion above the lake in back of the houses on Bizerte to Polk…Will you address that?
  • A – MH – I think there was a brief discussion. We hiked to Zang and that situation is the one we are attacking first. There are a couple of areas; I will look, as well as my staff to see what else needs to be done. I will make sure we will f/u. Mayfield folks down in Hutchins do some clean up for me. I will talk to the commissioner Mayfield.
  • A – EO – I walked the creek today I am amazed how we have let it over grow. We need to do something including a trail that will allow us to bring in Federal money…a project this neighborhood should embrace. So you can use it.
  • Q – Trash into lake we have been down to the counsel and the city has not done anything. Private lake public trash. This lake operates as a drain.
  • A- MH I do not remember that but I will check into it.
  • Q – Can you put a camera down there in the creek to catch who is dumping the tires?
  • A – MH no answer just agree a lot of tires. One of the operations is to extend the guard rail down so they cannot just dump the tires. Illegal dumping site.
  • A  EO – illegal dumping site, all over in West Dallas, these need to be address and abuser stopped.

Joseph thanked both Mark and Ed for coming and getting up to speed on the bond issues and reminded everyone to vote on May 3rd, if you have any other questions they are very good at answering emails.

        IV.      Introduction of New 2003 Wynnewood North Board of Directors

·        Joseph Hernandez – President

·        Morgan Wilson – Vice President

·        Tom Reeves - Treasurer

·        Paula Graves – Secretary

·        Sue May – Advertising

·        Christine Connelly – Publications

·        Lynn Johnson – Social/Membership

·        Lisa Realini – Block Captain Liaison

·        Terry Thomas – Crime Watch

·        Jeremy Ratliff – Beautification

·        Stuart Rogers - OOCCL

·        Dean Rose – Web Master

           V.      Crime Watch Report – Terry Thomas

·        Reminded everyone to please sign in so we could keep a record of attendance

·        T-Shirts are on sale, this is a Wynnewood North Fund raiser – they are $10.00 a very good price.

·        In April there where 9 offences reported

·        No new burglaries or auto thefts reported

·        The police officers are spread pretty thin, so an ounce of prevention can help prevent crime. And allow the police to respond to serious problems. There is a population of 255,00 in the SW area and only 200 officers that cover 7X24…. Please help to keep crime down in our neighborhood.

·        Warmer weather is here and that means that hanging plants and pots are open to being stolen, please be aware that this is always a problem this time of the year.

·        Don’t forget to thank the officers if you get a chance that drive through our neighborhood. We have a female officer that usually drives through our neighborhood at least 3 times a day we as a neighborhood will send her a thank you note.

·        Question to Terry – Does the crime report just cover our neighborhood? – Answer – YES

·        A reminder if you hear gunshots please call 911 and report it to the police, they seem to be starting up again.

        VI.      Treasurers Report

·        $1893.90 Beginning balance – Ending Balance $6099.34 see Treasurers report for details.

      VII.      Upcoming Events

·        Recognize new or first timers to the General Meeting: New Residents on N. Manus, Monssen and Hoel

·        Reminder of Wynnewood directory. Please get your information on the sheet, and if you have an email address please put that on the list as well.

   VIII.      Social Events

  • Spring clean up 4/26 looking for all volunteers donate 3 hours of time to go around and clean up alleys, and etc. Meet at 9am 451 Mayrant, Silver and Bill’s house… lunch afterward. Bring yard tools.
  • WNNA - Wander – Fund Raiser, semi progressive dinner (stand up finger food & Drinks). It will last approx 4 hours (1 hour per home, 4 homes are participating)  $25.00 per person. Tickets are on Sale here tonight. Limited number of slots 60 max. 30 tickets are left.
  • Garage Sale – We provide advertising May 17
  • Spring Fling will be a potluck but the WNNA Board will provide meats
  • Committee member, Jennifer at 655 Monssen wants to start a children’s get together, please contact her if your are interested in participating
  • You can call the general neighborhood voice mail for times and locations at 214-967-5157.

        IX.      Beautification Update

  • Yard of Month February  – 652 Bizerte, March - 327 Monssen, April –450 Mayrant
  • April 22  - beautification meeting  @504 Monssen –all past committee member please come 7pm, 4/26 clean up, I need some volunteers to do some weeding on the triangle we will start at 8am anyone interested meet us at the triangle on Monssen.
  • 2nd triangle will start soon. They have to fit us in 2 to 3 weeks. Urban Gardner.
  • Long process to get them done, we will have a neighborhood celebration. Thanks to Jay and Jane for donating the flagstones. Thanks to all who have helped get the first triangle completed.

           X.      New Business - Changes/Updates to By – Laws

  • The Board is recommending that Wynnewood North Neighborhood Association file as a 501(C)3 to give us a non-profit status.  If the General Membership approves the board recommendation it will be necessary to change/modify and add a new article to our By-Laws:
  • OLD Wording in WNNA By-Laws

Article 1.2 The neighborhood of WNNA shall be the properties within the area which is bound by the northern end of Owensons and including all of Owensons on the north, Heyser on the south, the west side of Pratt on the east, and Shelmire on the west, and as further described in Exhibit A, attached hereto.

            Article 2.1 Membership in the WNNA shall be open to all residents or owners, over the age of 18, of property within the boundaries of the neighborhood as set forth in Article I, Section 2.

            Article 3.7.4 is a new article and was not previously in the by-laws.

  • REVISED Wording in WNNA By-Laws:

Article 1.2 The neighborhood of WNNA shall be the properties within the area, which as described in Exhibit A, attached hereto. 

Article 2.1 Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the Wynnewood North Neighborhood, as described in Exhibit A (attached hereto), over the age of 18. 

Article 3.7.4 " ... No director or member shall cast a vote on any matter that has a direct bearing on services to be provided by that director, member, or any organization which such director or member represents or which such director or member has an ownership interest or is otherwise affiliated, which would directly or indirectly financially benefit such member or director.  All such services will be fully disclosed or known to the Board at the meeting in which any such transaction or agreement shall be authorized."

XI. General Discussion:

  • Q – Is it worthwhile to file for non-profit status (501c3) for tax-exempt purposes? 
  • A – This would allow everyone to benefit. It is very common for neighborhoods to get this exemption. It will also help for fundraisers, grant money and community perception…WNNA will be able to tie into other programs that would help with the financing or future projects. It is about additional funds that this neighborhood could raise.
  • Q – What prevents the influence of others on what happens to our neighborhood? For example Wal-Mart?
  • A - The purposed new Article 3.7.4 addresses the board of directors. Stating no board member can vote on any issue that they have a conflict of interest or financial interest.
  • Q – What is the cost of filing 501c3?
  • A- application $250 - $300.00 no fees this only for doc prep. We hired an accountant to do work.
  • Q - regarding the Owenson matter. In April 2002, the general membership voted to allow keeping Owenson in the Wynnewood North boundaries for 1 year and then revisit their participation has there been any?
  • A – While we called on Owenson to become more active with our neighborhood in the past 12 months, we have had 2 residents attend a general meeting one year ago. There is no record of financial contributions to the WNNA coffers with the exception of two donations one-year ago. There is also no record of attendance at the WNNA events such as the last 3 Wanders, the Spring Clean up, Garage Sale and General Meetings held at the Oak Cliff Chamber.
  • Member (Mary) – I was very vocal last year to keep them, but they have not shown any interest to stay involved in the neighborhood. But with the new language they can still keep an interest in Wynnewood without being a resident.
  • Comment from Jeremy, if we continue to have Owenson in the Wynnewood North association we must make improvements to their triangle. However, neither no financial contributions have been received from Owenson’s for the revitalization of other WNNA triangles nor have they attended the beautification meetings printed in the newsletters that they get. 
  • Q – Once the geographic boundaries are set, will Owenson’s residents be able to benefit from the monies collected?
  • A – Correct.

A Call for vote was presented to the General Membership. A motion was made by Dean Rose to accept the following:

    • Article 1.2  - We change the boundaries of Wynnewood North, removing Owenson Street the Wynnewood North residential boundaries in order to return to the original Wynnewood North boundaries.
    • Change Article 2.1 to read as stated
    • To Add Article 3.7.4 to read as stated

Joey Connelly seconded the motion, a vote was taken and the General Membership approved all the changes with one opposition by Lance. Motion passed.

        XI.      Block Captains

  • Lisa the Block Captain Liaison awarded Silver Poteet as Block Captain of the month a Gift Certificate for $25.00 to Hattie’s Restaurant.
  • Reminded everyone to get out and meet your neighbors…
  • Silver is going to be providing the meeting place for the Neighborhood clean up, and the lunch after the clean up. Previously Kroger has provided food for this but will not be doing it for this event. Anyone who could please bring snacks, sandwich fixings whatever. You can coordinate with Silver

      XII.      There being no further business, Joseph thanked everyone for coming and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30pm.