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Present: Joanne Russell, Kathy Jacobs, Brendan Boyle, Amelia Opubor, Jim DeWitt, Liz Schweitzer, Mark Grebner, Josh Smith, Roger Hamlin, Marcia Van Ness, Bill Hartwig, Kristi White
Absences: Jim Bebermeyer, Jeff Friedle, Debi Robinson
Guests: Lt. Scott Beckner, MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, Fred Kletke, Rachel Diskin, Community Relations Coalition intern, Megan O’Brien, Community Relations Coalition intern
I. Agenda approved.
II. November minutes consideration deferred to the January meeting.
III. Public comment: None.
IV. Treasurer’s Report (Kathy Jacobs): November 30 balance, $598. Janet Ronk has indicated that she will soon be giving the RCCA $310 in additional money from book sales.
V. Old Business:
1. Breslin traffic with MSU Police: Lt. Scott Beckner, MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, offered to report neighborhood concerns to the department to see what the department could do in the future. Kristi White said Red Cedar residents would be happy with any help they could get. Liz Schweitzer said she would prefer a specific request from the neighborhood not to be used as a traffic diverter from Breslin events. Lt. Beckner said the department will work with the neighborhood but resist an “all or nothing” approach.
2. SUP for New Dynasty: President JoAnne Russell said the planning commission’s recommendation differs from the owner’s request. The closing hour has been changed from 12:30 to 1:30 or 2 a.m. and the days of the week from several nights to every night. She urged board members to monitor City Council action on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
3. History Night booklets and DVDs: Ben Stark is ready to begin selling DVDs. So far, 45 people have signed up. Eight copies of the book are still available.
VI. Committee Reports:
1. Sound Barrier: Brendan Boyle said the sound barrier project has been derailed because of insufficient funds in the state roads and bridges budget. The roads and bridges budget must be adequate to allow extra projects, he said, and three municipalities have applied and been rejected.
2. Trowbridge comprehensive plan: Citing a lack of progress by the city, board members agreed to sponsor a community conversation about Trowbridge corridor development. The brainstorming/listening session would be scheduled in February at
3. CRC: Interns Rachel Diskin and Megan O’Brien said they hope to work with the association on its events. They said they could help bring long- and short-term residents together by inviting students to neighborhood events such as the Trowbridge discussion. President Russell thanked them for their work this year.
VII. New Business:
1. CDBG -- neighborhood infrastructure needs/concerns: Board ideas for Community Development Block Grants: Lighting, trees. Jim DeWitt proposed a lighting study to determine the neighborhood status and needs.
2. Arts Cafe or FEMA: President Russell said the association would assist with arrangements for another Arts Cafe in 2008 and awaits guidance from the arts community. Jeff Friedle is our point person for a FEMA presentation.
3. Permit Parking expansion: RCCA representatives plan to meet with Todd Sneathen, director of public works and environmental services, to review the city’s permit process and report to the association.
VIII. Board Concerns:
Streets: Kathy Jacobs said they’re in “lousy condition.” Mark Grebner reported the neighborhood is “on a list somewhere” for major roadwork.
Other: The work of artist Julie Mehretu, a former Red Cedar resident, will be on display on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in 118 Psychology, MSU. She has been in a Detroit Institute of Arts show.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia Van Ness
Dec. 18, 2007
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