Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association

Council Meeting

May 23, 2006

 

Members in attendance: Dennis Olson, Judy Ciampoli, Ann Fina, John Flynn, Ann Hastings, Larry Hecker, Elaine Hill, Beth Janes, Dave Olsen

 

Guests:  Bill Anderson, Kate Flasch (OFLLAH President), Janet Marcus

 

Kate Flasch, President of the Old Ft. Lowell Live at Home Program (OFLLAH) reported on the PRO Neighborhoods workshop she attended that focused on free monthly newsletter printing and mailing assistance they offer to city neighborhood groups.  The OFLLAH program now spends approximately $600 for each newsletter they produce and distribute to their members and neighborhood residents. She requests that OFLNA consider permitting OFLLAH to take advantage of two of the Association’s available free monthly newsletter mailing slots. The mailing would go out officially as OFLNA but would carry primarily news about OFLLAH.

 

Council members asked several questions and briefly discussed this request.

 

President Dennis Olson called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm.

 

Two of the three new Council members were introduced: John Flynn and Dave Olsen.  Jerry Rothbaum, our third new member, was unable to attend the meeting. Ann Hastings, 2006 Nominating Committee Chair recommended that the Council retain the same Executive Committee from the 2005-6 year. We do not have a nominee for Treasurer, however, and Ann proposes we consider retaining CPA Wes Addison to do some of this work for us.  His firm currently prepares OFLNA’s tax documents. Members discussed possible costs involved, and Bill Anderson offered to obtain a couple of proposals from his firm. Secretary Judy Ciampoli may assume some responsibilities, depending on the options we have available. Elaine Hill moved and Dave Olsen seconded that the Council retain the current Executive Committee, with the exception of Treasurer position.  Motion carried.

 

Approval of Minutes

 

Ann Hastings asked that a note be added to the April 17 meeting minutes that Dennis Olson requested Ann H and Ann Fina attend the next meeting of the Ft. Lowell Historic District Advisory board to obtain their input on future La Reunion planning. Beth Janes moved and Ann Fina seconded that we approved the April Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Beth Janes reported that OFLNA has $76, 256 in current assets.She reviewed current income and expense figures. Judy Ciampoli moved and Elaine seconded that we approve the Treasurer’s report as submitted. Motion carried.

 

Committee Reports/Old Business:

 

Land Plan:   Elaine Hill requested that one of the Council members attend the May 24th meeting about the Rillito wetlands project. The Land Plan committee wants to publish a native plant list on the OFLNA web site. Appropriate permission from the list’s author, Barry Spicer, will be obtained first.

 

There is nothing new to report on the support building plans at this time. Bill Anderson reported that survey details were reviewed recently and he suggests that we deed a strip on the east side of the property to the City, so the alley maintains its current position and continues the egress on the current path. We also might consider extending to the City the property line easement 31 feet to the south.

 

Larry Hecker outlined the history of OFLNA property surveys, etc. and reviewed a draft of letter he prepared to send to the de Pagter family to clarify several recent disputes. Discussion followed. Ann Fina moved and Ann Hastings seconded that Larry proceed to send the letter. Motion carried. Also, on a related matter, he recommended that the Council act to indemnify the Turners, Ft. Lowell neighbors, in court vis a vis a recently filed lawsuit involving OFLNA property issues. John Flynn so moved and Dennis Olson seconded. Motion carried.

 

Regarding the eastern strip of our property, Ann Hastings moved and Dave Olsen seconded that Janet Marcus and Bill Anderson meet with Jim Rossi from the City to execute the eastern easement. Motion carried.

 

La Reunion: Janet Marcus reviewed the current planning for La Reunion event in 2007. A meeting was recently held for neighbors to discuss possible format we can consider for the future of this event. These discussions should continue; a Chair is also needed. Several neighborhood volunteers signed up to assist with brainstorming. Dennis will prepare a summary of notes made by the meeting facilitator, Mark Clark. Meanwhile, the date of February 10th will be reserved with Ft. Lowell Park administration. 

 

Membership:  Planning is being made to contact neighborhood associations to encourage membership in OFLNA. Dave Olsen volunteered to help contact leadership of the area’s neighborhood associations. The membership period is May – June; a membership form will be sent by post and email.

 

Dave also volunteered to assist with trail issues.  Dennis spoke to the City’s graffiti abatement department concerning removal of recent marks.

 

The Council then discussed OFLLAH’s request to send an OFLNA-sponsored newsletter out through the PRO neighborhood office.  Dennis will meet with Kate Flasch about this possible arrangement. Dennis also will prepare an OFLNA newsletter that will go out sometime in June.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Ciampoli, OFLNA Secretary