CAPITOL HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION REGULAR MEETING

The Capitol Heights Civic Association held its regular meeting on June 14, 2005, at the Capitol Heights United Methodist Church. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p. m. by President of the Association, Bob Knapp.

For purposes of a quorum, an attendance sheet was prepared.

Visitors to the meeting were asked to introduce themselves to the group, as were the newly elected officers.

In honor of Flag Day, the group recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Knapp presented his vision for the association:
* Historic neighborhood, yet no Historian and few monuments or artifacts
* Robust newsletter for folks to savor
* Better CHCA neighborhood network
* Robust committees to lend support to folks in need
* Improved common areas for residents that make us proud
* Bigger conduit to public and private funds to fund our vision

President Knapp also encouraged members to feel free to be heard on any topic for which they want to comment. The Treasurer’s report was presented and is attached to these minutes. The minutes for the May meeting were approved as read.

Tim Vaught, Chairman of the Tree Committee, announced a committee meeting would be held at his home on Tuesday, June 21. Mr. Vaught reported our association is eligible to apply for federal funds to replace trees lost during Hurricane Ivan. This grant would be made available through the urban forestry section with our current tax status of a not for profit organization. Trees purchased with these funds would be planted in the fall of this year. Trees can be planted on the city rights of way and in some cases, on personal property so long as it effects the streetscape. The association has until July 15th to apply. A motion was made to contribute a total of $3000 to apply for this grant, $1200 will be drawn from the existing tree fund, $800 will be drawn from the general fund, and $1000 will be represented by in kind services.

The motion was adopted.
The tree Committee is tasked to develop a strategy for the use of these resources by September 1.

CHCA qualified for and received a $1500 grant from the BONDS association. The grant is designated for purchasing a storage building for the association. Lynn Bryant will bring a complete proposal to the next meeting as $500 to $700 may need to be spent from the general funds.

President Knapp reported he attended a meeting with Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright along with Ricky Craig, President of the Highland Park Association and Connie Colvin, from the Cloverdale Association. Discussion focused on the city’s responsiveness to calls about nuisances in the Highland Park and Cloverdale neighborhoods. President Knapp remained neutral on these issues given the newness of his tenure as President. He shared with the group that Mayor Bright would ask specifics as to who these concerns were reported to and often they did not know. President Knapp asked us to keep this in mind as we called or made similar requests for assistance from city services.

The mayor was asked to speak to his position regarding giving parks back to the neighborhoods for care and maintenance. He would like neighborhoods to buy parks from the city for $1.00 and turn them into money makers for the neighborhood. Several members recounted this in that we already have the ability to do what the mayor suggests and we don’t have the direct responsibility for care and maintenance of the parks.

A motion was made to advise Mayor Bobby Bright that the CHCA is not opposed to the installation of red light cameras in our neighborhoods. The motion was adopted.

A motion to adjourn was adopted. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p. m.

Cynthia McCollister, Secretary CHCA Minutes 2005 06

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