Eastside Revitalization Committee Minutes - 02/24/1994Present:
Potter Bowles
Gene Douglass
Bret Hanes
Brenda Jarrett
Gloria Lyday
John Moore
Viola Morton
John Parker
Otis C. Polk III
Dr. Henry Pothast
Angus Thompson
Henry White
Eastside Revitalization Committee
Thursday, February 24, 1994
City Staff: David Clark
Steve Seese
Richard Luedke
The meeting was called to order at 5:37 PM by Secretary Brenda Jarrett.
Minutes were read by Mr. Luedke.
A motion was made by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mr. Parker to approve the
minutes. Motion carried.
Mr. Thompson made a report on the Drug -Free Zone project. He stated that he has
communicated with the Police Chief and the City Attorney. These zones will encompass
churches, parks, schools, apartments, and public housing developments. Stiffer penalties
will be in store for those in possession of drugs in these zones. This matter will be
brought up at the next City Council Meeting.
Discussion began on the Paint Program that is being sponsored by the Community
Development Department. Mr. Clark suggested that an area in Eastside with much
visibility be chosen as a starting point for this program. The Paint Program is designed
to give low and moderate income homeowners an opportunity to get their homes painted.
The program will supply the paint while either the homeowner or a group of volunteers
will supply the labor. Applications should be directed to Paint Program Coordinator Stan
Luna. A Paint Program Subcommittee was formed consisting of Richard Luedke, Stan
Luna, Gloria Lyday, John Parker, and Otis Polk III. This subcommittee is responsible
for choosing a suitable area to begin the program, organizing volunteers, contacting
property owners, and setting project dates.
Ms. Jarrett announced that one application has been received for the Volunteer
Coordinator position. Ms. Jarrett will meet with the applicant, Ms. Judy Hudson, to
discuss possibilities concerning the position.
Mr. Polk reported that the official name for the downtown association is now Vision
Wichita Falls. This name was chosen to reflect the idea that revitalization should not
only be encouraged downtown, but in other areas of the City as well. Mr. Polk noted that
Vision Wichita Falls recognizes Eastside as an important part of overall revitalization
efforts.
The committee agreed that after the Paint Program is underway, steps should be taken to
encourage more beautification. The problem of crime in Eastside also needs further
attention. The group agreed that neighborhood watch programs should be explored along
with programs dealing with gang activity. Mr. Thompson reported that the children in
the area are not enthused about the new curfew, but are taking it in stride. Church
leaders in Eastside are encouraging children to respect the curfew.
The committee agreed to invite representatives from the Police and the Clean Country
Committee to the next meeting. The focus of this meeting will be to plan neighborhood
meetings to be held to inform residents of ongoing programs in Eastside and to
encourage the residents to get involved to make Eastside a better place.
The Paint Program Subcommittee meeting was scheduled for Thursday March 3, 1994 at
5:00 PM at the Planning Division Conference Room.
The next general meeting was scheduled for Thursday March 10, 1994 at 5:30 PM at the
MLK Center.
The meeting adjourned at 6:49 PM.