Eastside Revitalization Committee Minutes - 08/04/1994MINUTES
Eastside Revitalization Committee
Thursday, August 4, 1994
Present:
Richard Luedke
Gene Douglass
David Tracey
David Clark
Otis Polk III
James A. Williams
Brenda A. Jarrett
James A. Welburn
Dr. Hank Pothast
Darlene M. Lewis
John E. Parker
Margaurite Gipson
Cathrine Dillard
Angus Thompson
Henry D. White
Margaret Anderson
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by chairman Henry White at the
Kemp-Sunnyside Community Center.
The minutes of the meeting of June 30, 1994 stood approved as distributed.
First order of business was election of officers for the upcoming year. Upon motion and
vote, Brenda A. Jarrett was elected President, Otis Polk III was elected as
Vice -President, and Gene Douglass was elected as recording secretary.
Paint Program
Richard Luedke, City Staff, reported on the number of applications for the paint
program. Throughout the city, 25 homes had been completed and 50 are in the process.
Twelve are pending application. There is a limit of equipment, such as brushes, rollers,
and other painting equipment available. Otis Polk III stated that he had ladders and
some other equipment available. The applications from the Eastside and other
associated neighborhoods was discussed.
Formation of Neighborhood Associations
A discussion was held concerning the organization and funding of new neighborhood
associations.
Margaret Anderson reported on the Kemp-Sunnyside Association activities and
problems within the community. This group was formed in the 1960s. She explained its
programs. There are other active neighborhood groups. The Rosewood "Eastside #l"
neighborhood group does not have its own meeting place. Angus Thompson
recommended that: 1) financial resources are needed and 2) a meeting place is needed.
Brenda Jarrett suggested that the Eastside Revitalization Committee should focus on
helping the Kemp-Sunnyside Association, thinking that if progress can be shown with
this neighborhood association, this would be a good example for the formation and
involvement of other neighborhood organizations.
David Clark, City Staff, reported on various programs available through the city and
other governmental units and on the problem of getting the word out. He suggested that
direct funding was not available to neighborhood associations, as such, but that they
might assist in directing the funding.
Brenda Jarrett suggested that a letter should be written to the community at large inviting
them to attend the meeting of Eastside Revitalization Committee and, perhaps, be signed
by Angus Thompson.
James Welburn made certain suggestions to encourage and motivate neighborhood
organizations.
President Henry White suggested that the home improvement and renovation grants
could be a central interest for revitalizing neighborhood associations.
Angus Thompson suggested that organization should center around home improvement,
but not just of home owners. Schools and safety are a consideration. This is where
organization might best occur. Home improvement is a readily observable achievement.
He suggested this is where efforts should be directed.
Other Business
David Tracey, Superintendent of Streets, gave a progress report on street improvement
on the Eastside. Evaluation of street improvements and demand in funding was
explained. The Seventh Street railroad crossing has been improved. Various retoping of
streets and work in Williams Park has been undertaken.
James Williams reported on the 1/2 cent sales tax.
Closing remarks were offered by newly elected President Brenda Jarrett.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.