Previous Month's Minutes

Members Present Carole Weiner, Errol Coen, Bud Werner, Bojinka Bishop, Sally Zalek, Tim Murphy, Carol Patterson, Muriel Grim The minutes of the last meeting were read. There were no corrections or changes.

Treasurerıs Report Sally Zalek reported that with all expenses in for the 2004 year there is a balance of $912.15. There was revenue of $193.95 and expenses of $106.40.

MEETING WITH DR. MCDAVIS, Ohio University President Budd Werner gave a summary of the meeting of all neighborhood associations with President Mc Davis. Following is a report on that meeting summarized from notes written by Michele Drabold and Budd. December 22, 2004, 9am Meeting of all associations with President McDavis Cutler Hall Office Neighborhood Association attendees were: June Holley, Eastside; Ed Newman, Westside; Budd Werner, Southside; Michele Drabold, NearNorthside Pres. McDavis discussed how he wanted to listen to concerns and needed lots of "commentary", cross fertilization of ideas and the need for "give and take". Three issues important for OU are: increasing out of state students to help with finances; building of more on campus living units; and emphasis on research and need for more space. Regarding collaboration and partnership, Pres. McDavis mentioned the importance of the "university task force for planning" and "the facilities master plan" need to progress using the cityıs comprehensive plan as a resource. He mentioned the need to bring the community in early on development projects. Community service by the university can also be channeled through the neighborhood associations. Pres.McDavis agreed with the need for regular meetings and suggested meeting every 2 months. Alan Geiger will be his liaison with the neighborhood associations. There was discussion regarding general city issues. Discussed the concerns with code enforcement in rentals and how it impacts his office (parent calls, safety, costs etc.); impact of the students on neighborhoods was discussed. He discussed the need to work on a transition process for students moving off campus into the community. Off campus living director, Jim Hintz, was mentioned as important step. Pres. McDavis has been driving around and he attended Halloween first hand to witness all aspects of the event. He discussed the likelihood the university will need to expand housing on its property, understanding the neighborhoods would not be able to accommodate any more students. He was aware of the 70% rentals to 30% residents ratio The idea of low/no interest loans provided by the university to help balance neighborhood populations was suggested to him. Also, he was given a few pages of the Indiana U. web site information on education of students about their responsibilities. Pres. McDavis brought up his need to meet with the landlords as his last community target as yet to be contacted - He intends to do that in January '05 and will be back with "the neighborhood associations" in the following month, February, '05. There were two issues that might need future follow-up. 1) Appointment of neighborhood person to OU Strategic Planning Committee Perhaps at some appropriate time in the future. Budd did not pursue this because in looking at the listing of its membership he didn't see any other "community" representation. Since this is the long range plan for the university - perhaps we could offer our supporting services to some of its sub groups which they will prbably create (for example, groups that deal with student and faculty housing, support facilities, etc.) 2) Status of an advisory board to work with the Off Campus Living Office. Budd distributed a copy of the written ideas that were presented to Dr. McDavis before his meeting with the the neighborhood associations representatives to help him prepare for the meeting. This document is attached to the minutes.

REPORT from Muriel Grim

Muriel reported that she will be putting the report from our November meeting regarding enhancements for Pomeroy Road on our web site. At the mayor's meeting she reported to Mayor Abel about the complaints that the lights on the new Rt. 33 are bothering homes in the area. He suggested that individuals contact ODOT with this information. He felt that if they got many complaint letters they would look into the situation. ODOT is now aware of the fact that some of the problem of flooding on Richland Ave. is a result of clear cutting of trees on the highway.ODOT is willing to plant trees in partnership with the city. It would cost the city 15% and ODOT 85% ITEMS FROM MEMBERS 1. Someone bought a house on Beckley Rd. and there is a rumor that it is to become an 8 family residence. This would require a change in the zoning ordinance. [Carol Patterson stressed that this] is just in the rumor stage and needs to be investigated. 2. A barn has been torn down on Mulligan but nothing else is happening at that [site]. There is a problem with a ditch that is clogged near Moehler. It should be reported to Andy Stone. 3. Richland Ave did not flood during the extended rains that fell on Athens.When this was brought up it was explained that a slow sustained rain does not result in flooding on Richland. It is the heavy rain that falls quickly that causes the problems experienced this year. CAROL PATTERSON INTRODUCES NEW CANDIDATE Carol introduced Bojinka Bishop who will be running to replace Carol on City Council. She is currently in the OU Journalism Dept. and has experience with issues related to drinking water and land use. She is particularly interested in public participation in govt. and collaboration. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Sally explained the comprehensive plan to the group. The plan is broken up into definitive corridors, neighborhoods and up town. The plan is in favor of continued growth but in high tech industries and food industries. It also encourages redevelopment of existing structures because there is little room to grow. Rt. 50 toward Albany appears to be the most desirable because it is not in a flood plain and there are fewer hills to be disturbed. It is also feasible to extend gas lines. The Richland corridor is identified in the comprehensive plan. It points out that Richland is a valley with hills on either side and that care should be given to making sure that the hills are not destroyed because it is a significant asset to the neighborhood. It is expected, however, that residences for students and seniors will continue to develop in the area. It was also pointed out that bicycling should be encouraged. At the present time there is no plan adopted for corridor but when things come up the comprehensive plan is taken into consideration. As an aside it was pointed out that the Campus Edge development may not happen because the city is demanding that the development company solve all the engineering problems before they will approve the project. Other items that are addressed are the walkability of Richland Ave, the safety hazard at St. Rt. 682 and Richland Ave., the numerous entrances to the businesses off Richland crossing the sidewalk. Options suggested are putting islands in the middle of the road in some areas, putting in shared driveways, widening the road, improving the sidewalk and adding a bike lane. In addition a stream restoration project could be undertaken by the neighborhood or service groups. The plan listed 682 and Dairy Lane as the highest priority for upgrade as well as the need to do something about the safety of 682 and Richland. The plan encourages making better community gateways and the area around Pomeroy Rd. and Richland is considered a gateway. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. Submitted by Carole Weiner, Secretary