July 28, 2012 Minutes

Norwood Neighborhood Associations

Meeting minutes

Date: July 28, 2012

I. Call to order: Mr. Robert Gilmore called the meeting to order at 10:01 am with prayer and the group recited the Mission Statement

II. Roll Call

Everyone signed the sign in sheet.

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes read and a motion was made to except minutes with corrections.

• Update on Carraway Hospital ~ The Lovelady center has asked for an extension on the lawsuit against the city regarding the changes to zoning.  The Lovelady center has announced the property is for sale.
• MR. Gilmore updated neighborhood on air conditioning at the Community Center.  Sarah Dates made a motion to approve a project sheet of up to $1,200 towards the purchase of a new unit once the alarm system is operational. The motion seconded by Mr. Littlejohn and approved unanimously.

Motion made by Harriet Smith

Seconded by Louis Benion 

Vote was all for, none against.

III. Reports:

Police report

• Police were not present

Fire Department

Fire Department Lt. Pate reported:

• Be aware of seasonal softy
• Don’t work in the heat of the day
• Take frequent breaks
• If you burn item outside you must have permit from the county health department.
• Make sure your BBQ coals are out before you dispose of them.
• If you have something on the stove, stay with it.
• Smoke detectors are available at the fire station
• Electrical items
• Make sure extension cords and handle the electric load.
• Do not cover cord the rugs
• If you have a problem with breakers or your light dim have it check out by and electrician.

NRC report 322-7361

• Famers Market June 2 through Sept. 29. Applications to sell are at NRC.

Block Watch

Jefferica Poindexter review what would happen during National Night Out and remained everyone to bring a dish to share and invite their neighbors  

IV. Old business:

Carraway Update

Mr Gilmore and committee met with Ms. Lovelady to discuss the old Carraway hospital. She is trying to sell and is asking for a 30-day extension to her zoning suit with the city.

Community Center Update

• City is looking into the roof and will be giving us a bid soon.
• A new Air unit was stolen again.
• The new alarm but sounded but no one called it in.
• Alarm is not connected to a phone.
• Our insurance was canceled and we will look for another.
• Insurance will cover the cost of last unit stolen.

Traffic Calming on 31^st Street

• Tom Creger requested the project scope increased from the previously requested 31^st  street to traffic calming throughout the neighborhood.
• James Clark had met with the city traffic engineers to discuss traffic calming and was soon to meet with planning. James stopped work at Mr. Gilmores request because Melodie Echols was setting up a meeting with a traffic specialist from UAB.

V. New business:

Norwood School

The School is open this year and met all of it AYP objectives last year. Please let all parents know Norwood Elementary is open for enrolment this year.

Adjournment 11:45

June 23, 2012 Minutes

Norwood Neighborhood Associations

Meeting minutes

Date: June 23, 2012

I.  Call to order ~ Neighborhood President, Robert Gilmore

II. Presentation by Birmingham Police Department neighborhood officer Dullion. Watch out for sales of fireworks from cars, please report complete description of car to 911.

III. Update on Norwood Resource Center Neighborhood Market by Robert Gilmore.

IV. Update from Mr Gilmore on CSX project, exercise equipment along the Boulevard has been installed.

V. Trash and Brush Pick up is the 9th and 23rd.

VI. National Night out is by the Trolley Stop and Jeffrica Poindexter is the contact if you have donations.

VII. Update on Norwood School ~ The school has been removed from the closing list and there is a new principal in place.

VIII. Update on Carraway Hospital ~ The Lovelady center has asked for an extension on the the lawsuit against the city regarding the changes to zoning.  The Lovelady center has announced the property is for sale.

VIII.  MR. Gilmore updated neighborhood on air conditioning at the Community Center.  Sarah Dates made a motion to approve a project sheet of up to $1,200 towards the purchase of a new unit once the alarm system is fully operational. The motion was seconded by Mr. Littlejohn and was approved unanimously.

IX. Update from Mr. Gilmore on Norwood Community Center Board of Directors, it is time to re-elect a board and Mr. Gilmore will bring the by-laws to the next neighborhood meeting.

X.  Update from Melodie Echols, don't forget to donate to Birdies for Charity at the Regions Charity Classic.

XI. The meeting was closed with no further business.

May 26, 2012 Minutes

Norwood Neighborhood Associations

Meeting minutes

Date: May 26, 2012

I. Call to order: Mr. Robert Gilmore called the meeting to order at 10:01 am with prayer and the group recited the Mission Statement

II. Roll Call

Everyone signed the sign in sheet.

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes were read and a motion was made to except minutes as read.

Motion made by Charles Hatcher

Seconded by Brenda Hatcher 

Vote was 17 for, none against.

III. Reports:

Police report

• Police were not present

Fire Department

Fire Department was not present

NRC report 322-7361

• Famers Market June 2 through Sept. 29. Applications to sell are at NRC.
• Region’s Birdies for Charities Fundraiser - All money donated in the name of a charity will go to that charity. Go to the web site and make a pledge for NRC. www.regionscharityclassic.com/birdies/
  Norwood Resource Center came in second last year and received all the donated money plus a $7,500.00 matching grant.  NRC needs help to be number one this year and earn the $10,000.00 matching grant.
• VITA – Still offering tax advice.

  

Block Watch

Make sure you watch out for your neighbors and call the police if you see something suspicious. National Night Out is Aug. 7, 2012 at the Norwood trolley stop. Please start thinking of food you might bring and share. Mr. Gilmore said he will donate hotdogs and James Clark said he would donate hotdog buns.  

IV. Old business:

Norwood school

Principal Erin Watts is retiring and Nowood elementary will hold a party in his honor on May 31 11:30 am. You are urged to attend.

Carraway Update

Lovelady is contesting the city zoning and asking for a 4-month delay. No trial date has been set. (We are hoping they are looking to sell.) They are being sued for not pay a contractor that did work for them.

Bus Shelter

William Barns said he would meet with the BJCTA late May to finalize the installation dates.

Community Center Update

• City is looking into the roof and will be giving us a bid soon.
• A new Air unit was stolen again.
• The new alarm but sounded but no one called it in.
• Alarm is not connected to a phone.
• Our insurance was canceled and we will look for another.
• Insurance will cover the cost of last unit stolen.

V. New business:

Garbage cans

The neighborhood has contacted 12 of the 13 possible businesses on 12th Ave. north between Caraway Blvd and 33rd about the possibility of collaborating in the purchasing of garbage cans. The chart below displays the business owners contacted and the number of cans they would sponsor.

Our City councilors also agreed to the request.

1.

A Motion to spend up to $2,000 to purchase Garbage cans on 12^th Ave. N. (same or similar to the ones in the neighborhood now)

Norwood will collaborate with our City Councilors - Herring-Parker and Austin to pay a forth of the cost of each garbage cans in conjunction with businesses willing to pay a forth of one or two cans near their business on 12^th.

(See attached map for locations)

Business Name	Contact person	Phone number	Number of cans requested
Boosh Quick Stop	Contact info delete	For web site	1
Casa Copland			1
Courtney Calhoun			1
Cosmo’s			2
Family Dollar			1
It Takes a Village			1
Louie’s Appliance			1
McDonald’s			2
Sol’s Strip Center			1
Shell			1
Texaco			2
Total			14 x $119 = $1,666

Motion made by LeNell Camacho

Seconded by Louis Benion 

Vote was 17 for, none against

2.

A Motion to spend up to $1,000 on a park bench (same or similar to BU1113C Wabash Valley 2012 catalog) for the Norwood Blvd linear park in conjunction with our 2 City Councilors and the Birmingham Parks board. Each participant will pay a forth of the cost to purchase and install the bench. (See attached map for location)

Motion made by Brenda Hatcher

Seconded by Louis Benion 

Vote was 17 for, none against

Adjournment 11:45

April 28, 2012 Minutes

Norwood Neighborhood Associations

Meeting minutes

Date: April 28, 2012

I. Call to order: Mr. Robert Gilmore called the meeting to order at 10:03 am with prayer and the group recited the Mission Statement

II. Roll Call

Everyone signed the sign in sheet.

Approval of Minutes:

No minutes read.

III. Reports:

Police report

Officer Dulion said things are quite in Norwood.

• If you have problem with animals call animal control 591-6522 or 911
• Use the Non-emergency number – 328-9311 if you see something suspicious and need the police to check it out such as property thief, panhandlers or anything that the police need to be aware.

Fire Department

Fire Officer Coleman introduced himself to the neighborhood and noted passed out free smoke alarms and fire pamphlets.

NRC report 322-7361

• Famers Market June 2 through Sept. 29. Applications to sell are at NRC.
• Region’s Birdies for Charities Fundraiser - All money donated in the name of a charity will go to that charity. Go to the web site and make a pledge for NRC. www.regionscharityclassic.com/birdies/
  Norwood Resource Center came in second last year and recived all the donated money plus a $7,500.00 matching grant.  NRC needs help to be number one this year and earn the $10,000.00 matching grant.
• Neighborhood Cleanup April 21 – Congratulations to the organizers of the clean up for the great success,  LeNell and Melodie

  

Block Watch

Make sure you watch out for your neighbors and call the police if you see something suspicious. Many people are getting older and some may have dementia. Be on the lookout and help out.  

IV. Old business:

Norwood school

Principal Erin Watts has been move to move to West end elementary. He had 2 years until retirement. He will be sorely missed. He

His replacement Is the Principal from Ramsey who also has two years to retire.

Carraway Update

Lovelady is contesting the city zoning. No trial date has been set.

Bus Shelter

Neighborhood rep William Barns said BJCTA had approved the location of our bus stop and the city councilors had approved their portion of the cost. William said he would meet with the BJCTA early May to finalize the installation dates.

Community Center Update

• City is looking into the roof and will be giving us a bid soon.
• The floors were striped and waxed
• A new Air unit was installed
• The new alarm is working
• The city grounds keepers need to be aware that the grass behind the center is not being mowed on a regular basis.

V. New business:

Picnic table

Norwood would purchase a handicap accessible picnic bench with checkerboard inset item # SP231 in the 2012 Wabash Valley municipal catalog. The cost is $904.00 not installed.

• Norwood will partner with the city parks department and each of our councilors Herring Parker and Austin and divide the cost of the picnic bench and park bench in to 4 equal pieces.  
• Picnic table with diamond hole surface #sp231 (handicap accessible), price $905.00 divide by four. each part $226.25
• Nancy Watts made a suggestion to purchase a new bench for the upper part of the blvd since there was none on that end.
  The cost of a bench on the blvd is $995.00. Divide by four each part $248.75.

Motion made for the neighborhood to use up to 300 dollars in capital funds in conjunction with our two councilors and the city park department to purchase a Picnic table with checkerboard insert.

Motion made by Mrs. Bess Harris

Seconded by Sarah Bettinger 

Vote was 16 for, none against.

Garbage cans

The neighborhood has contacted five of the 11 possible businesses on 12th Ave. north between Caraway Blvd and 33rd about the possibility of collaborating in the purchasing of garbage cans. All business owners contacted said yes to the proposition.

The neighborhood association will agree to the deal if the councilors will agree to the deal.

The deal

• The Business owners agrees to pay a forth of the cost of one $475.00 city garbage can near their place of business if the 2 councilors, and the neighborhood will also agree to pay a forth.
• Cost about $119 per partner per garbage can. For all 11 would cost $953.00 for each of the 2 councilor and us the Norwood neighborhood association.

We also would like a cig butt can for the trolley stop.

If everything comes though the neighborhood would get all this for around $1428.00. That would also be the cost for each counselor. 

That is a good deal since it would cost 7125.00 to buy this by ourselves. Keep your finger crossed our councilors come through for us again as they have on the banners and all the garbage cans we have in the neighborhood.

James Clark will verify with the city and the business on 12^th is they are willing to partner with the neighborhood and report back next meeting.

Adjournment 11:45

March 24, 2012 Minutes

Norwood Neighborhood Associations

Meeting minutes

Date: March 24, 2012

I. Call to order: Mr. Robert Gilmore called the meeting to order at 10:05 am with prayer and the group recited the Mission Statement

II. Roll Call

Everyone signed the sign in sheet.

Approval of Minutes:

Motion Made By:     Mr. Charles Hatcher                                                           

Motion Seconded By: Ms. Sarah Dates

Vote Taken: Yes     Motion Carried X                Motion Failed       0 abstentions

III. Reports:

Police report

Officer Dulion said crime statistics this year show the North Precinct has the lowest crime rates in the city.

• If you have problem with animals call animal control 591-6522 or 911
• Use the Non-emergency number – 328-9311 if you see something suspicious and need the police to check it out such as property thief, panhandlers or anything that the police need to be aware.

Fire Department

Fire Officer Stucky introduced himself to the neighborhood and noted

• The fire department will be checking the hydrants.
• The fire department still has free smoke alarms and can give you a number to call to have it installed. Change batteries to smoke alarms twice a year.
• Help the fire department find your house quickly in an emergency by putting up house numbers on your house that you can read from the street.

Public Works Chris Weeks

• Mr. Weeks took a number of neighborhood updates and said he would send a copy of the list to me.

NRC report 322-7361

• Famers Market The NRC is working on developing a regular farmer’s market. They are seeking neighbors to participate as volunteers and as vendors. If you or anyone you know is interested, contact the NRC.
• Neighborhood Garden The NRC is working to get a new neighborhood garden. Those who are interested in participating should  contact the NRC.
• VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is in progress. There are IRS certified tax preparers available. Make your appointment and tell your friends. 
• Crisis Assistance is on hold but you can still sign up for the appointment waiting list and receive referrals to other agencies offering assistance.
• Region’s Birdies for Charities Fundraiser - All money donated in the name of a charity will go to that charity. Go to the web site and make a pledge for NRC. www.regionscharityclassic.com/birdies/
  Norwood Resource Center came in second last year and recived all the donated money plus a $7,500.00 matching grant.  NRC needs help to be number one this year and earn the $10,000.00 matching grant.
• Neighborhood Cleanup April 21 - Damien and LeNell are chairs this year. Meet at the Norwood Community Center 1330 28^th St. N. at 9:00 to 12:00 on Saturday April 21^st. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Come out meet your neighbors for only a couple of hours. This is an annual event. See you there.

  

Block Watch

Make sure you watch out for your neighbors and call the police if you see something suspicious.

IV. Old business:

Local Historic Designation

The city council passed the Local Historic designation unanimously. Per the Norwood local historic Designation Design plan, a Local Historic Advisory Committee (LHAC) needs to be created to assist neighbors in the process and offer possible alternative design ideas. The committee will be responsible for contacting neighbors within 3 days after receiving notification from zoning of an application. This will ensure no delays in the process. The Committee members will have a 2 year term. One person will roll off every year and a new member is appointed.

The committee members are Nicolas Mimikakis, Louis Benion and Robert Gilmore. Alternates are Tom Creger, Ken Harris and Melodie Echols.

Motion to form the Local Historic Advisory Committee (LHAC) made by Sarah Dates

Seconded by Charles Winston 

Vote was 13 for, 1 abstention and none against.

Caraway

Mr. Gilmore informed the group that pro bono lawyer Chervis Isom assisting the neighborhood said the neighborhood could not intervene in the Lovelady vs City of Birmingham in support of the city’s zoning decision because the neighborhood is a city entity. Mr. Gilmore has stepped forward as an individual named on the petition. Lovelady is looking to sell the property for 8 million. Melodie mentioned a couple of developers have contact her to find out what type of development the neighborhood would support. Ideas have been from retail to hotels or regional law enforcement training academy to senior housing. Mr. Gilmore said on numerous occasions NRC has invited City leaders to the area to make them aware of the Northside. He said, we do not want to have to fight things that are imposed on us we want to be active in bring something positive to the area.

Beautification / Maintenance Committee

A committee was formed to help in neighborhood planning and/or maintaining the new and old plantings. Locations for maintenance include the Norwood elementary, Norwood Blvd, NRC grounds, neighborhood owned property on 30^th street, the Crepe Myrtles along entrance at 15^th Ave, the grounds/trees around the community center and other special projects in the neighborhood not handled by the city maintenance department. An organizational meeting will be scheduled soon.

Volunteer Committee members include; Charles Hatcher, Jason Haralson, Steve Perette, Tom Creger, Courtney Calhoun, James Clark and Robert Christian. Additional committee members volunteered are Sarah Bettinger, Ben Gallagher and Louis Benion. Jaime Martinez also asked to be involved.  

Anyone interested working on the committee should contact Melodie Echols at the NRC 322-7361.

V. New business:

ONB Mr. Gilmore was appointed to the board of Operation New Birmingham.

Community Center roof and floor

The neighborhood decided to look for bids again to fix the roof of the community center prior to planning on replacing the floor. Mary Jean LaMay said, she would contact someone for a quote to repair the roof and clean the floor. Mr. Gilmore said that old bids came in over five thousand dollars?

Norwood Elementary There is no news on the fate of Norwood elementary. The school board is reviewing the zoning mapping to see if it needs to be updated to make sure all children that are close enough to Norwood are zoned for Norwood school and not bused away.

Adjournment 11:45

February 25, 2012 Minutes

Norwood Neighborhood Associations

Meeting minutes

Date: February 25, 2012

I. Call to order: Mr. Robert Gilmore called the meeting to order at 10:07 am with prayer and the group recited the Mission Statement

II. Roll Call

Everyone signed the sign in sheet.

Approval of Minutes:

Monition Made By: Ms. Sarah Dates                                                                 

Motion Seconded By: Mr. Charles Hatcher

Vote Taken: Yes     Motion Carried X                Motion Failed       0 abstentions

III. Reports:

Police report

Officer Dulion said crime statistics this year show the north precinct has the lowest crime rates in the city.

• Be on the lookout for old red truck with missing windows he is scraping and possibly breaking into houses.
• Use the Non-emergency number – 328-9311 if you see something suspicious and need the police to check out such as property thief, panhandlers or any that the police need to be aware of.  

Fire department

Fire officer Vincent introduced himself to the neighborhood and noted

• The fire department still has free smoke alarms and can give you a number to call to have it installed.
• Change batteries twice a year.
• Help the fire department find your house quickly in an emergency by putting up house numbers on your house that can be seen from the street.

V. New business:

  

Mr. Gilmore shared a letter from the city about taking money at neighborhood or CAB level. We cannot take money in the name of the City.

V. Old business:

National Historic designation

The City council will give the final vote for Local Historic Designation on March 13^th at 9:30am. Everyone is invited to attend and make his or her voice heard.

Caraway

Steve Parrett gave an update on Caraway/Lovelady. Lovelady has filed suit in Jefferson county circuit court to overturn the city’s zoning decision.

Charles Hatcher made a motion that the Norwood Neighborhood engage a lawyer and intervene in the Lovelady vs City of Birmingham in support of the city’s zoning decision.

Charles Hatcher motioned Tom Creger second  

Vote was unanimous in favor.

Beatification / Maintaince committee

Tom Creger suggested we create a committee to help maintain the new plantings at Norwood elementary and on the Blvd, the NRC grounds, the one property the neighborhood owns on 30^th street, the crape Mulderls along 15^th, the grounds around the community center and other special projects in the neighborhood not handled by the city maintenance department.

Robert Christian suggests that the neighborhood should invest in five or ten trees per year to plant on the Blvd or around the neighborhood such as 12^th Ave.

Mr. Gilmore asked Mr. Christian to come up with a list of trees appropriate for this uses and the neighborhood would create a project plan for the money. Mr Gilmore would like to create a 5-year project plan so we do not have to create a project plan each year. He suggested getting with Kaye Odum from the city and her maintenance team to help develop a 5-year plan. Steve Parrett questioned whatever happened to the streetscape plan for 12^th Ave. He believed Councilor Maxine Parker mentioned this. 

Volunteer Committee members include; Charles Hatcher, Jason Haralson, Steve Perette, Tom Creger, James Clark and Robert Christian.

Any parties interested in helping maintain planting in the neighborhood should contact Melodie Echols at the NRC.

NRC report

• VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is starting. There are certified tax preparers. Make your appointment and tell your friends. 
• Crisis Assistance Requirements application are at NRC this will pay for emergency utility cost of up to 50 dollars.
• Request a team of people to maintain the blvd planting. Have to wait to spring to re-mulch. 
• Compass for your Cause
• Crises center
• Famers Market Starting in the spring the Famers Market will be held once a month somewhere in the neighborhood. Fundraising will be held at the NRC. The City economic development committee will work on assisting in making this happen. 

Culde de Sac. 16 Ave and 16 Court off 27^th Street do not drain properly. City is aware of problem and all discussion should be directed to the legal department.

Ms. WHO Showed up to present the culde de sac project. Mr. Gilmore said that we need consensus of the neighbors on the street before we can vote to use neighborhood money. She felt that she had consensus and was unaware of neighbors that came last meeting to oppose the Gazebo. Not sure if she will continue with the project.

Fishing rodeo

Brenda Harrell motioned to donate 250 dollars to the fishing rodeo from the neighborhood discretionary fund.

Charles Hatcher seconded

Vote was unanimous in favor.

Block watch

Weed and Seed has money for the volunteer policing any interested parties should contact Mr. Julius Clark. 

Norwood Resident Jacob a 7^th grader at Hudson Middle School won second place in the annual spelling bee.

Adjournment 11:53