Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on September 12, 2012 Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building North Conference Room 308 at 5:30 p.m. Committee Members in Attendance Braxton Naff, Chair Asia Smith Scott Tate, Secretary Tony Adams Rena Cromer Brian Harris Dallas Powell Committee Members Absent Johnny Williams, Vice-Chair Valeria Alphin Jim Crawford Guests Ms. Terry Little Mr. Duane Howard Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:41 PM. He recognized members and guests. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the August 12, 2012 meeting minutes were distributed for review. Mr. Powell moved to approve the Minutes and the motion was seconded by Mr. Adams. Hearing no further discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved by consensus. Guest Presentations Chairman Naff stated that there were no scheduled presentations tonight. Neighborhood Reports Mr. Powell reported again on the split of the Belmont group. He stated that an alternative group is now being formed. Ms. Smith reported on a grant that she is working on to help educate young people in Hurt Park and to start a community center. Mr. Adams reported that Old Southwest held its first HAP art festival. He stated that about 250-300 people attended and that Old Southwest hopes to do it again next year. Ms. Cromer and Mr. Adams RNA September 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 2 also shared that Old SW participated in Create-a-thon, and a publicity campaign was designed for them by the marketing and advertising professionals who participated in that effort. Chairman Naff shared his participation in the Presidents Council meeting. He stated that a couple of the Presidents Council members spoke less positively about the possibility of a joint meeting with the RNA, so he is not pushing that joint meeting at this time. RNA members briefly discussed the relationship with the Presidents Council. Chair Naff also shared that Greater Deyerle is having its potluck next week and all are invited. Mr. Tate reported on the Grandin Court Neighborhood officer elections and a potluck happening tomorrow night, September 13. Mr. Harris shared on an upcoming Planning Commission meeting concerning the Countryside plan. New Business Chair Naff recognized the two RNA applicants present and invited them to briefly address the RNA concerning their application and interest. Ms. Terry Little spoke and shared her participation in Leadership College and Innovative Leadership Program. She belongs to the Raleigh Court Neighborhood Association. She shared her interest in safety of both older adults and children, and that she is interested in developing a children’s playground in her neighborhood. She is also a poll worker. She stated that she has never been on a Board, but really enjoys serving and working with people. Mr. Duane Howard also spoke. He shared that he has been back in the city since 1996 and that he likes to be involved. He described his advocacy of issues and problems. He has served on a number of boards including the Fair Housing Board and Parks and Recreation. He belongs to Southeast Action Forum. He is interested in ADA and accessibility issues. Mr. Tate asked Mr. Howard about how he wants to contribute to the RNA. Mr. Howard described his expertise on code enforcement, housing, and related issues. Mr. Harris asked Mr. Howard what he sees as some of the primary issues in the city and how he can help the RNA be more effective. Mr. Howard responded that code is a major concern and monitoring code enforcement issues and concerns. He suggested that continuing to work with the city on issues is key. Ms. Little added that education is also important. Mr. Harris asked how Mr. Howard would approach low-income people. Mr. Howard stated that he works with a range of people in his neighborhood. Chair Naff thanked the two applicants for their interest. Mr. Harris motioned that RNA move to a closed session to discuss applicants and Mr. Adams seconded. RNA then held a general discussion of the applicants. Ms. Cromer departed early for a commitment, and due to a lack of quorum there was no action taken on the applications at this time. Chair Naff adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. RNA September 2012 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2