Minutes of Board Meeting
April 18, 2007
NSCC President’s Board Room

Directors Present: Liz Kearns, Jerry Owens, Debra Willendorf, and Ellen Beck.

Board Representatives Present: Ken Thompson (North Precinct Representative).

Visitors: Jean Wirch, Dan Pavlovic (GAIN), Heather and Mike Christopher, Barbara Bizilia, Heidi Winter, Mark and Anna Lisa Tookey, and George Allen (from the offices of Councilmember Bob Ferguson).

President Liz Kearns called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. She passed out copies of the new pamphlet, Licton Springs Park – A Unique Urban Wetland.

Introductions were made around the table.

Minutes: The March 21, 2007 minutes were approved as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: Debra Willendorf presented the Treasurer’s Reports. We received copies of the January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 balance sheet, and also the January 1, 2007 through April 18, 2007 balance sheet. Our checking account balance is $2,369.53.

Discussion followed It was decided that putting out a new Newsletter would pay for itself and would also bring in donations. Therefore a Newsletter will be going out for our next meeting, not a postcard.

NEW BUSINESS:

Pilling’s Pond Sign
Heidi Winter asked if there was going to be a new sign put up at Pilling’s Pond. Liz reported that the Pilling’s Pond Preservation Committee does have funds for a new sign, but needs someone to spearhead researching and bringing the sign to completion. Heidi agreed to assist.

Crime
Dan Pavlovic of Greenwood-Aurora Involved Neighbors (“GAIN”) next spoke about how GAIN was formed and what would be involved for there to be an “East of Aurora GAIN.” Dan explained it basically involves getting active in your neighborhood. GAIN started with neighborhood walks. They invited City and police officials to walk with them. They took note of problem areas and sought remedies: getting improved lighting installed; cutting out blackberry bushes; getting a phone booth removed! They also attend the North Precinct Advisory Council meetings. They write letters to City Council members and officials voicing their concerns about crime and safety issues. Over time they have discovered who to contact for what situation. Dan offered to share the knowledge they have gained with us. He offered the following guidelines:

1. It is important to establish block watches. Dan said that was Step One. People should get to know their neighbors and who belongs on their street.
2. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to call 911 if you see suspicious activity. 911 is not just for life-threatening emergencies. Identify your call as non-emergency. If they are rude, ask for their Case Number, note the time of your call, and give this information to Diane Newsom. The rude employee will get retraining.
3. Call immediately when you see graffiti. When graffiti is quickly removed, it discourages the perpetrator and keeps areas graffiti clear.
4. Attend North Precinct Advisory Council meetings and get informed. You can also fill out incident reports that will be investigated.
5. Get neighborhood/Aurora Avenue walks started. GAIN has walks twice a month. Dan said that the walks usually consist of six to 15 people. They have had Chief Kerlikowski and Mayor Nickels on their walks. Dave noted that Aurora is a no man’s land at night so things can go on there, but if they see a group of citizens walking, the activities usually end. He said that the police do emphasize patrol, so if you see crime happening, call the police and give them information on problem areas, or crime that is underway. You can also do press releases and other publicity for your walks to increase visibility.
6. Clean up your neighborhood. GAIN cleans up outside churches and also chooses neighborhoods and picks up litter and trash. This makes a BIG impact.

Discussion followed.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, May 16, 2007, and will focus on review of our Neighborhood Plan.

The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen M. Beck, Secretary