Agenda:
Welcome / New Neighbor Introductions
Review September Minutes and Treasurer’s Report
East Atlanta Farmers Market
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
Dance 411
Public Safety
EAV-O-Ween
Committee Updates
Save the Prison Farm Update
Approval of Minutes
All Other Business
Adjourn
Notes:
Meeting opened at 7:08pm with new attendee introductions
Copies of September minutes and treasurer’s reports are available at the front of the room / on the website
Community Announcements:
Reminder about East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
Hours shifting for fall, 4:00 to 7:00pm
Every Thursday through December 18
Neighbor In Need is selling pumpkins at the market throughout October
City of Atlanta Office of Parks and Recreation, LaShondra Brooks
Since 2006, East Atlanta Kids Club (EAKC) has partnered with City of Atlanta to manage the Brownwood Park Rec Center (BPRC)
Mayor Kasim Reed ran for office on re-opening recreation centers; most have already been re-opened
In 2012, Parks identified 10 rec centers as “Centers of Hope”
EAKC’s agreement with the City is expiring soon, Parks is eager to maintain the partnership
Several meetings have taken place with representatives of EACA, NPU-W, EAKC, and Council Member Archibong
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been put in place for an additional year with EAKC and BPRC
Several requests have come out of these meetings
Weekend access to restrooms
City of Atlanta will be staffing the Rec Center on Saturdays, 11-4
Sunday access is not in scope
Bringing programming to BPRC
The City received a grant from Coca Cola and the National Parks and Recreation Association to purchase a “Playmobile”—recreation center on wheels
Playmobile will be visiting Brownwood Park on Tuesday, October 28th from 3 to 5:30 PM and Sunday, November 2 from 1:00 to 4:00pm
Q&A
Henry asked about 2015 Playmobile schedule
The Playmobile will be active from March or April through November, but further details aren’t available
Steve asked about temporary restroom facilities
Parks has tested that in other parks, but they haven’t worked out well
Jill Sieder, Executive Director of East Atlanta Kids Club, communicated that she hopes this new MOU will create more opportunities for EAKC and the community
EAKC can move away from current operational responsibilities and focus more on programming with the kids
Laird asked about the process for raising the profile of Brownwood Park within City of Atlanta as a “Center of Hope”
10 Centers of Hope; buildings must meet certain size / capacity requirements (e.g., gymnasium)
MLK Recreation Center and Bessie Branham Recreation Center are both Centers of Hope
Public Safety, Sergeants Smith, Reed, and Claxton
Several vehicle larcenies in the last month; unlocked doors is a major obstacle
Clean Car Campaign—remove electronic devices from vehicles
Q&A
Concern that several vehicle larcenies were committed by the same person
Police need victim and witness cooperation
If an ATM card is stolen, never give the correct PIN number unless life is in danger
Lots of cars drag racing through the Village on Friday evenings, ATVs on Sundays
City of Atlanta recently enacted legislation preventing ATVs and off-road vehicles
APD has a “no-chase” policy, so unless the drivers stall APD can’t pursue the offenders
What’s the noise ordinance?
No noise or music within 50 feet of a residence after 9 PM
APD responds to noise complaints; noise meter can be used and citations given
Any progress on identifying suspects from Patrick Cotrona murder?
Homicide Unit is in charge of the case; they don’t share information with other units unless a warrant is issued
Contact Homicide Unit for more info
Sergeant Claxton is with Code Enforcement
Don’t hesitate to contact Code Enforcement for issues
Address questions about specific properties to Code Enforcement agents at NPU meeting
Office is at 818 Pollard Avenue, 404-546-3800
fclaxton@atlantaga.gov or 404-275-8598
Steve asked whether Code Enforcement cites banks that own properties
Yes, but it can be challenging
Brandy asked about citations being issued to different person from the owner of record
Code Enforcement uses current information from Fulton and DeKalb County Tax Assessors’ offices
Steve asked about information available to homeowners to bring properties into compliance
Code Enforcement is focused on enforcing code, not helping property owners meet compliance
East Atlanta Public Library
Marlan Brinkley is the new branch manager as of September 1
November 3—“How to Start Your Own Non-profit”
The library welcomes community input on desired programming
East Atlanta Library will be reopening on Fridays 1 to 5 PM
Q&A
Are there learning opportunities targeted towards older kids? A lot of the programming is focused on younger ages or is available only in summer
Yes; at Sandy Springs branch, Mr. Brinkley saw programs on sewing, money management, etc.
Staffing continues to be a challenge; bond referendum enabled building but not staffing
Henry reminded the community about the Friends of East Atlanta Library annual meeting on Friday, October 24, 6:00 to 8:00pm, “An Evening of Books, Jazz, and Wine”
Dance 411, Justin – Director of Marketing and Client Services
Nonprofit / foundation helps with arts enrichment classes in community schools
Various fundraisers throughout the year
Recently held a “Build Your Brand” event, including resume writing, personal branding
Next event in Q1 2015
Next event is Community Day on November 8, 12:00 to 2:00pm
Focus will be health education and screenings
Free and open to the public
RSVP at www.weheartthearts.eventbrite.com
Dance 411 Foundation also hosts day camps
Next day camp will be Monday thru Wednesday the week of Thanksgiving, 9:00am to 4:00pm
RSVP at www.thanskgivingcamp2014.eventbrite.com
Day camp showcase will be held on Wednesday at 3:00pm
Friday Food for Firefighters
Fridays at 6:00pm for 8-10 firefighters
Sign-up sheet at the front of the room or see info in the EACA newsletter
8 dates still open through the end of the year
Committee Updates:
Events, Jeanne Fore
Dogtoberfest is this Sunday, Octobber 19 at the EAV Farmers Market lot from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Fundraiser for local animal rescue organizations
Burgess-Peterson Fall Festival, October 24 from 3:00 to 7:00pm
Neighbor In Need will be selling pumpkins
Silent auctions for baskets created by each classroom
EAV-O-Ween
Event started by the East Atlanta Business Association, handed off to EACA this year
Costume contest at 5:30pm, trick-or-treating at 6:30pm
Pumpkin carving contest, drop off pumpkins on the October 30
Spooky stories at Bound to Be Read books
Volunteer needs—contact events@eaca.net
Crossing guards, face painters, costume booth attendees, costume contest judges
Kids’ evening will end with s’mores at Sang-Bu the Dragon; evening will transition to adult festivities
Santa Fest will be December 6; more info to come
Holiday craft market at The Midway, November 15 from 11:00am to 3:00pm (or 5:00pm)
Burgess-Peterson is doing a family portrait fundraiser
$20 for a 10 minute session and an 11×14 portrait
Parks, Susie Aquino
Workday on August 24; bulbs were planted
Looking to schedule 2 more park workdays (possibly November 2 and December 7)
Beautification, Brandy Smith
Cleanup day on September 20; 35 volunteer hours in preparation for the Strut
Next cleanup day on November 15 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
beautification@eaca.net
Membership, Tony Crump
Lots of new or renewing memberships this year
Memberships are $10 per household for a calendar year
Members signing up next month will be valid for 2015
Discounts from various neighborhood businesses
Yard signs can be ordered online at www.eaca.net
$25 for members, $35 for nonmembers
Stickers for sale for $2
Successful Community Appreciation Picnic was held on October 4
Opportunity to thank the community for their participation, recognize community members
Distributed awards to community members who made a significant contribution to the community
All Other Business
Steve asked about connecting Neighbor in Need with Code Enforcement
neighborinneed@eaca.net
Steve encouraged folks to participate in NPU Transportation and Land Use and Zoning subcommittee meetings
Closing
September minutes and financial report approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm
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