MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 10, 2010



The meeting opened at 7:05 p.m. Patty thanked everyone for coming and acknowledged all of the community leaders in attendance: Donny Smith—CHWC Executive Director, Paul Soptick—WCAC and NCPP, Marty Thoennes—CABA, Tom Lally—Heartland for Humanity, Judge Tom Boeding, Susan Carroll---Past Interim Director and Board Member for CHWC, Captain Moses Toledo—EPD and Officer Ruben Rodriguez—Community Policing. (Patty neglected to recognize Jody Boeding—Deputy UG Attorney, but did so in a follow-up e-mail).

The minutes from the November 11, 2009 meeting were approved with a motion made by Rich Davis and seconded by Mickey Bahr.

The following announcements were made: Our Christmas tree won grand prize at the Mayor’s tree lighting this past November. We received $100.00 from the Downtown Shareholders. Many thanks to Susie George, Mollie and Katie Hill for their work. Susie donated most of the ornaments for the tree. We received a $500.00 grant from Liveable Neighborhoods/Community Policing. $384.00 has already been spent on advertising in the Church bulletin. The rest will be used for our monthly website bill and also to purchase signs to post around the neighborhood on days of our meetings. Mayor Reardon addressed the Rotary Club on Tuesday and said that many new exciting things were going on in Wyandotte County. He named the Wizards complex, CERNER and the Casino at the Speedway. He did caution that legislation is being introduced that might hold up the Casino, because of the Woodlands wanting more funds from the State to operate which would take away from the Casino. He also announced a special election for April 13th to vote on a 3/8 cent sales tax increase. This would help with infrastructure and special items for the city, which could help our area. St. Peter’s is hosting their annual Mardi Gras this Saturday, Feb. 13th in the Parish Center. The cost is $10.00 and you can purchase tickets at the door. CABA is sponsoring their annual David Alvarado Scholarship Fund/St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 13th, again here at the Parish Center. The cost is $25.00 per person. Jack in the Box is going to go into the Prescott Plaza Center and hopes to open sometime at the end of this year. It will be located at the south end by Sunfresh. Donnelly College will have many art events in the month of April. El Centro is also hosting several events that will assist the community and BPU is hosting a Build Green Conference on April 29th. Tom Boeding suggested that we post all of this information on our website, and Brian Hinkle will do so.

The following officers/board members were elected with a motion by Jody Boeding and seconded by Mary Sue Sixta: President—Patty Orth
Vice-President—Rich Davis
Secretary---Amy Maloy
Treasurer—Brian Hinkle
Board members: Nancy Burns, Anita Bautista and Mike Peterson.

Officer Ruben Rodriguez told us about the activity at 41st and State this afternoon. There were some stolen cars in a yard and a temporary standoff, but all ended well. He discussed graffiti problems and announced that he and Officer Moore are working on an amnesty day once a month at the food kitchens in their areas for people to take care of their warrants, if they are not significant (under $1000.00). The food kitchen in our area is at 11 North 15th Street—Center of Hope. He also mentioned that there are two numbers to call for potholes—one for the city streets, and the other for highways. He will get those numbers to Patty and she will get them out via e-mail (done on 2/11/10). He also mentioned that the apartments at 434 N. 18th Street were being used by Grace Homes, affiliated with Metropolitan Youth Ministries for people transitioning from being homeless to looking for work and new places to stay. There was some concern expressed by several in attendance, so we will look into this further.

Captain Moses Toledo from EPD was also in attendance and reported that crime in our area is down, except for homicides and rapes. He pointed out however that the homicides are targeted ones (drug deals, etc) and the rapes are where the victim and suspect know each other. He said an area of concern is the 5th Street where there are gang problems and the 10th Street corridor. He also mentioned several cars being stolen in the Fairfax district from the General Motors plant. They are working on those cases. He thanked the neighborhood groups for helping the police by calling in problems and working with the police in general. It takes everyone working together to fight crime.

Marty Thoennes from CABA told us about his job and what CABA does in our area. He said that CABA partners with the neighborhood groups and works with everyone to work on problems as well as solutions. He challenged neighborhoods to work on the 3 C’s—that is crime, codes and cleanup. He mentioned Dr. Randall Jones’ new office at 14th & Central as a bright spot on the corridor. An upcoming event that will be very important is the Community Conversation Project and asked everyone to become involved. He also handed out information about the upcoming St. Patrick’s day/David Alvarado Fund Party on March 13th.

Donnie Smith is the newly appointed executive director for CHWC. He said that all but one home has been sold and they are beginning construction on the Bethany site which will have 20 new homes. He indicated that they have received a grant for a rain garden and plants at Waterway Park. He also mentioned that there are funds for minor home repairs, such as roofs, foundations, etc, and to contact Betty Johnson at CHWC for more information.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The April meeting will be moved to the third Wednesday, April 21st, due to a conflict with the Parish Center.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.