Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on August 8, 2012 Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building North Conference Room 308 at 5:30 p.m. Committee Members in Attendance Braxton Naff, Chair Johnny Williams, Vice-Chair Scott Tate, Secretary Tony Adams Valeria Alphin Rena Cromer Brian Harris Dallas Powell Committee Members Absent Asia Smith Jim Crawford Guests Officer Travis Akins Ms. Vicki Graham Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM. He recognized members and guests including Officer Akins. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the July 11, 2012 meeting minutes were distributed for review. Mr. Adams moved to approve the Minutes and the motion was seconded by Mr. Powell. Hearing no further discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved by consensus. Guest Presentations Officer Akins did not present formal remarks, but invited RNA members to ask questions or to share concerns from neighborhoods. Mr. Adams asked Officer Akins about dog complaints in Old SW. Officer Akins took information about the property and times when animals were unattended and agreed to follow up on the property in question. Officer Akins stated that officers have stepped up patrols in Staunton and Eureka Park, based on Mr. Harris’ comments from last RNA meeting. Officer Akins also shared that he attended several National Night Out events in neighborhoods last evening, and in his opinion it was the best turnout Roanoke has had. Officer Akins said that some neighborhood residents, such as one in SE, stated that they were beginning to see things in their neighborhood a bit different, more positively, as a result of these sorts of events. Officer Akins expressed that his only disappointment is that some RNA August 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 neighborhoods, like South Roanoke, did not participate in National Night Out and that he would like see participation from all neighborhoods. Neighborhood Reports Mr. Powell reported that they were working on the ‘Run Through the Hood’ event in SE as a fundraiser for Belmont neighborhood. Mr. Powell also shared that the conflict resolution process with Rescue Mission is moving forward and the neighborhoods are trying to be more proactive in making specific requests of Rescue Mission and also communicating steps that the neighborhoods are taking. Mr. Tate reported on Grandin Court Neighborhood officer elections and a potluck will be happening in September. He also shared his visit with SE Action Forum last week. Ms. Alphin reported that Mountain View had a celebration in the park along with some Old SW members and Hurt Park, to celebrate being named a target area for development funding. Unfinished Business A. RNA Business Plan Update • Ms. Alphin, Ms. Cromer, and Mr. Powell met and reviewed the RNA Business Plan and made suggestions for changes. Following a brief discussion, Ms. Alphin provided a draft copy of the plan incorporating the suggested changes to Mr. Tate who agreed to type up and redistribute to the RNA membership via e-mail for their review and approval. B. Neighborhood Assignments • Mr. Clement distributed an updated listing of the neighborhood assignments. Ms. Alphin noted that she would be taking Fralin Park from Ms. Cromer. C. Neighborhood Potluck Location • RNA had a brief discussion on the annual Fall Neighborhood Potluck. Mr. Clement shared that this is usually held on a Friday night, but we need a specific date. The main concern is a free location with available space. Ms. Cromer commented that somewhere in NE would be good as the event had not been held in that area of the city for the past couple of years. D. City Council Dialogue • Chair Naff volunteered to present to council, perhaps on September 17, but would like some help with preparing talking points. Chair Naff will contact Council Member Rosen to request being sponsored on the agenda. E. Grill the Landlord Workshop • Mr. Adams stated that they need a date for the event and are looking to secure a location such as the Jefferson Center. Chair Naff mentioned that there was a question about the structure and content of the event from Mr. Crawford. Mr. Powell offered to present, stating that he usually does not pre-prepare remarks but just provides his perspective as a landlord. Chair Naff asked about the target audience. Chair Naff asked Mr. Adams, Mr. Powell, and Ms. Cromer to prepare and present an RNA August 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3  outline for RNA to review at next meeting, perhaps including code enforcement and police representatives as well as identifying the learning outcomes for attendees. F. Review of RNA Applications and Discussion • Chair Naff stated that applications reviewed last month went to Council concerning Council appointees, and there has been no action yet by Council. Chair Naff asked if Mr. Clement would contact Ms. Moon, City Clerk to inquire about status of Council Appointments, and he agreed. New Business A. Art in Neighborhoods Program – NEA; City Arts & Culture Mini-Grant • Mr. Clement shared information about the Art in Neighborhoods Program mini- grants. Grants are $500-$2,500 and require a partnership. • The other program is the city’s NEA grant. The program does require a match. Mr. Adams asked about the public art piece that was downtown, the flashing lights, and how he noticed it was no longer there. Discussion centered around the temporary nature of some of the public art installations. For the NEA grant, the program will roll out by year end with programs to take place in selected neighborhood parks by July 2013. Mr. Tate will represent RNA on the program committee. • Mr. Adams shared that Old SW is hosting the HAP (Highland Art in the Park) event on September 1. The program will include artists, demonstrations, children’s art activities, food vendors, live music and a beer & wine garden. Open Forum/Announcement • Mr. Clement shared that early registration closes at end of August for Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference. • Mr. Clement described how he attended a recent code enforcement training administered by Asst. Commonwealth Attorney Bill Braxton that focused on the methods code inspectors should follow when presenting their case to the judge. He thought Mr. Braxton’s presentation was very strong and could be very useful if geared to neighborhood residents of how to represent themselves and their issues in court. Chair Naff suggested this could be offered as a Code Enforcement 102 workshop to be co-sponsored by the RNA and held in the fall or early winter. Ms. Cromer asked whether the judge would actually let the residents talk as her last experience did not allow her this opportunity. Mr. Clement noted he will present the idea to city management for their feedback. • Mr. Tate asked about the voting precincts change and whether any neighborhood groups were against it. Mr. Clement and RNA members shared that they had not heard of any objections. • Chair Naff shared that the Roanoke Innovative Leadership program, sponsored by Office of Neighborhood Services, RNA, and Virginia Cooperative Extension is now open to general applicants for the fall program and asked RNA members to help spread the word. Adjournment Chair Naff adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m. RNA August 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3