Previous Month's Minutes

Members Present Jim Mowery, Bojinka Bishop, Sally Zalek, Chris Knisely, Carol Patterson, Muriel Grim, Delia Rapp Guests Present: Chief Rick Mayer, APD, Capt. Tom Pyle, APD, Paul Wiehl The minutes of the February meeting were presented and accepted. There were comments and updates regarding topics from the minutes: Muriel reported that the mayor said the city is now responsible for the lights and changing the light bulbs on the new section of Rt. 33 within the city and that the city does not have the equipment necessary to lower the light fixtures so bulbs can be changed. Chris suggested we approach the city about installing the light shut off switches. Delia reported that Monica Nieporte was on maternity leave and must be contacted about the neighborhood associations column when she returns to work. Delia will follow up. A schedule of South Side volunteers for the South-Y tree planting was put together.

Treasureršs Report Sally Zalek reported that the only change in the report was in the membership list that showed 2 more 2005 dues payments were made..

REPORT from February Mayor's Meeting: There is one vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals. A volunteer is needed to fill it. The mayor would like to keep geographic diversity on the board so he has suggested that the new member not come from the East Side. Paul Wiehl said that the new member would be an alternate member and he described the functions of the board. We then realized that 2 of the current members are from the South Side and in the interest of geographic diversity, we probably should not look for another member from the South Side..

REPORT Membership Communications

Sharyn Yulish sent word that she received a bill from the Ohio Court of Claims for $22.91 for their costs in deciding not to assist her regarding flood damage from Rt. 33 runoff and also that she has received 6 tons of stone from the city to shore up the stream bank behind her house.. FUTURE MEETINGS with Dr. Mc Davis It was decided to send a message to the membership asking for their input about questions to ask. Two suggestions from this meeting were: Does the President feel that he is now adjusted to the job and comfortable with it? What are OU's latest development plans? Chris brought up the presence of Synergy Assoc (/) on campus and the work they are doing to make positive environmental changes that also save money. Paul said that if they are not already doing so, we might suggest that they talk with the janitors to find out whether changes are working as intended. OPEN SPACE GROUP Muriel briefly described what an ad hoc committee is doing regarding open space. Right now they are creating a GIS open space database, identifying open space and its characteristics (e.g., public/private ownership, types of vegetation, slope, etc.). This information will eventually be provided to city council for use in implementing the comprehensive plan. SECURITY There was a brief discussion about being mindful of simple home security measures for example not leaving doors open and unlocked and being aware of anyone trying to enter. SPEEDING TRAFFIC Chief Mayer and Capt. Pyle explained the use of the radar traffic gun. South Side volunteers will use it to gather data along Mulligan, Pomeroy, Carroll, and Richland. We will arrange scheduling the use of the traffic gun with the other neighborhood associations. Captain Pyle reported on the recent traffic study on Coventry Lane In responding to a complaint of speeding on Coventry, the APD collected data at several different times. They were stationed at the Pomeroy Rd intersection. The overall average speed was 24 mph. Andy Stone has now set out a continuous monitoring system for a full week's data, both traffic count and speed. They will have a report on the results soon. He explained that when using the radar gun it is better to have two people, one to measure and one to record. Also if license plate numbers of speeders can be recorded, they will be sent a letter warning them that they were observed speeding. We should get as many readings as possible to create a good data set. Problem areas in the city: for intersection accidents, Rt. 682 and Richland is the only one that stands out. Speeding is a problem on the straight uninterrupted streets. Columbus Rd. was a problem but 35 mph limit is now being enforced so speed has been reduced. The neighborhood associations should bring up the problem at their meeting with Pres. McDavis. It would appear to be a natural outgrowth of the work of the transportation committee, however, Carol Patterson explained that they are looking at larger broader concepts. The electronic speed posting machine is in the repair shop. It has had a lot of use and been very effective. We ended the traffic presentation and then discussed staffing levels for the Athens Police Department. They have 25 officers but could lose up to 5 this year. 30 to 35 would be an ideal number, especially since OU is cutting back and therefore not supplying extra officers uptown as they used to. Fast tracked it takes up to 10 to 12 months to fill a position. Chief Mayer and Capt. Pyle said the police would be happy to talk to the neighborhood associations on other topics also, for example, tazers or the canine unit. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. Next Meeting: April 14, 2005 Submitted by Muriel Grim, Membership Committee Chair