Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on April 11, 2012 Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building Room 308 Municipal North Conference Room at 5:30 p.m. Committee Members in Attendance Braxton Naff, Chair Scott Tate, Secretary Valeria Alphin Rena Cromer Dallas Powell Johnny Williams Bob Caudle Tony Adams Committee Members Absent Brian Harris Jim Crawford Guests Brad Stephens Tim Spencer, City Attorney Councilman Bestpitch Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. He recognized guests and the newest RNA member, Tony Adams. He noted that the resignation of RNA member Ron McCorkle had been received and accepted, and thanked Mr. McCorkle for his years of service to the RNA. RNA member Scott Tate was also recognized for his achievement of recently receiving a doctorate degree. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the February 2012 meeting minutes were distributed for review. Ms. Alphin moved to approve the Minutes and the motion was seconded by Mr. Powell. Hearing no further discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved by consensus. RNA April 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4 Guest Presentations None. Neighborhood Reports Mr. Powell reported that the Nazarene Neighborhood Watch group changed their name to Starview Heights Neighborhood Watch. Mr. Williams reported on plans for the Gainsboro Fun Day on May 5 at the library. Ms. Cromer reported on successful Clean Valley Day efforts for Old SW. Mr. Tate reported on Grandin Court’s plans for Neighborhood Month in May, to again hold a community planting event. New Business A. Resignation of Chair McCorkle Accepted without discussion. B. Consideration of RNA applications Chair Naff stated that two RNA applications for the one current RNA-appointed vacancy had been received. There was a general discussion of RNA application process. Mr. Tate suggested that the RNA be more intentional about applicants and look for those, and actively encourage applications from those that might contribute to moving the RNA forward. He suggested holding RNA apps until we have a larger pool from which to select. Ms. Cromer agreed. Ms. Alphin asked about the number of vacancies. Councilman Bestpitch suggested that we should have a dialogue about vacancies with City Council as they would be willing to work with us on identifying contributing members. Chair Naff stated that the terms are ending this year for several current RNA members so more vacancies will be coming up, depending on reappointments. C. RNA Officers There was a brief discussion concerning the vacant chair and vice-chair positions. Mr. Tate motioned that Chairman Naff serve as Chair until the time of our next officer elections or until such time as his term ended, whichever came first. Mr. Powell seconded. All were in favor. RNA April 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4  The vice-chair position was also discussed. Mr. Williams expressed an interest in the position. Ms. Cromer declined to be considered at this time. Mr. Tate asked Mr. Williams about his availability between meetings and Mr. Williams stated that he was activating his e-mail tomorrow and would get that to us. Ms. Alphin moved that Mr. Williams serves as Vice-Chair until the end of his appointment or until new chair elections. There was a second by Ms. Cromer. All were in favor. Unfinished Business A. Update on RNA Business Plan This was tabled until a later date. B. Innovative Leadership Program Update Mr. Tate provided an update of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Innovative Leadership Program and asked if invitations to the graduation had been received and whether members could attend. Chair Naff urged members to attend graduation. C. Update on Brand, Marketing, & Social Media Ms. Cromer reported on logo. Several RNA members offered to check on contacts to help with logo design. Ms. Cromer said she needs help with Facebook and web-site. It was suggested that graphic design/web-development/social media were skills that a new RNA member could offer. D. Grant Update - RNA reviewed the update provided by Mr. Clement on the RNA grant committee’s recommendations and the city’s approved CDBG moneys. E. Festival in the Park Ms. Cromer reported on progress. She’s been working on a table and trying to make it fun. She suggested we need to have something to distribute. Ms. Alphin again suggested that it might be more effective and less wasteful to have interested persons provide name and e-mail on a form and that we could then follow-up via e-mail or phone. All agreed. There was a discussion of a map display and Ms. Alphin was asked to also ask GIS about map. Open Forum/Announcement RNA April 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Ms. Rena Cromer suggested we each offer an introduction so that Mr. Adams could hear our home and neighborhood assignments. That was done and Mr. Adams shared his background and involvement with OSW. Mr. Tate asked that RNA members send suggested agenda items in advance of our next meeting to both he and Chair Naff and that the agenda would be drafted in advance so that RNA could review a few days in advance. Guests – Mr. Bestpitch offered remarks and thanked the RNA for our service and our focus on broader neighborhoods and supporting grassroots efforts. The topic of RNA Meeting time was raised and suggested as an item for our next meeting. Adjournment Chair Naff adjourned the meeting just prior to 6:36 p.m. RNA April 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4