PHNA Board meeting 01/20/2010 Minutes

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Minutes of PHNA Board Meeting -

LaSalle School, 7PM, January 21, 2010

Attendees

Board Members:

Ric Chesser, Chair, Zoning and Code Enforcement

Julia Healy, President

Dan Healy, Area 4 Rep

John Hammer, Area 1 Rep, Membership

Virginia Hammer, Secretary, Membership

Shannon Hickman, Area 5 Rep, Treasurer

Todd Hunsinger, Chair, Safety Committee

Laurie Lieman, Webmistress and Yahoo Listserv

Greg Popp, Newsletter Editor and Distribution Manager

Gene Solan, PHNA rep for PHNA

Sondra Velie, Area 3 Rep, Chair, Ad Hoc Program Committee

City/CountyElected Representatives, PHNA Committee Members, University/College Representatives:

Chris Kollias, AFD; Rick Romand, Doug Bullock, Albany County Legislature; David Mankad, College of St. Rose; Sarah Reginelli, Sr. Planner

Program: Anne Savage and Ross Farrell presented Bus Rapid Transit plan for Central Avenue. The route will being this fall. If funds are available, there are plans for BRT between Albany’s downtown and UAlbany campus. After presentation of data and group discussion, it appeared as though group favored Western Avenue rather than Washington Avenue as the route. Public comments on the downtown-UAlbany route are accepted until February 22. Email Ross at .

Board Changes: Julia Healy, former Vice-President is now PHNA President. Dan Curtis no longer resides in Pine Hills. However, he remains on the board in his capacity as Past President. Todd Hunsinger assumes his former role as Chair of Safety Committee.

Minutes of November’s meeting are currently unavailable.

Membership: Renewal notices will be sent via email and U.S. mail.

Treasurer’s Report: $1100 is in PHNA treasury.

Communications Committee: Final meeting before presentation of report to the board is scheduled for February 3, 2010.

Public Safety

a. Officer Romand reported that overall crime is down; burglaries took place over holiday break in student areas because students need to be more aware of safety. Home invasion at 257 Ontario is thought to be due to a drug deal. Neighbors who suspect drug dealing can assist police by taking down license numbers, dates, and descriptions in order to provide as complete a record as possible.

b. Todd reported that there are 24 members of the Neighborhood Watch group, which is the highest number of members on record. Leah Golby asked Todd to represent 10th ward on Community Policing Task Force . National Night Out is being planned for this August 3.

Zoning and Code Enforcement

a. Officer Kollias reported person impersonating a fire inspector was arrested. Citizens are cautioned never to give cash to city employees; they will receive a bill for services. License numbers of abandoned cars, along with locations and descriptions, should be reported to Officer Kollias or Officer Romand.

Madison Avenue Traffic Calming:Members of this committee are attending CDTC meetings and updated the group on the status of the city’s application to repave Madison without restriping. Sarah Reginelli and members of the committee are going to meet to talk over the proposal.

Upper Madison Improvement Group/Taste of Madison: Committee, representing a coalition of Upper Madison neighborhood associations, is continuing to meet to plan community-building events throughout the year. Merchants have joined the group.

UAlbany Social Trends Committee: Gene Solan represented PHNA at the meeting. Purpose of the committee is to provide residents with information so that UAlbany students and staff can be more involved in improving the neighborhood. Opportunities such as clean-up and tutoring are available. February’s PHNA program will feature UAlbany and St. Rose reps. from student service clubs.

Albany 2030: There will be three opportunities for Albany residents to contribute to Albany’s comprehensive plan. Residents are encouraged to attend one of the sessions: January 28, 29, and 30 at various locations and times. Planning is to be completed within 18 months.

NRC Service Awards: Nominations due by February 23, 2010. Applications were distributed.

Public Comment:Gene: Residents encouraged to support downtown YMCA. Doug Bullock reported on new nursing home, AlbanyCounty budget (no layoffs); rail trail, and new legislature committee assignments.

Next PHNAMeeting: Thursday, February 18, 2010 Topic: “Student Service Groups and PHNA: Working Together for Neighborhood Improvement”

Minutes submitted by Virginia Hammer, PHNA Secretary.

February 16, 2010