Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on January 9, 2013 Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building Room 159 (EOC) at 5:30 p.m. Committee Members in Attendance Braxton Naff, Chair Johnny Williams, Vice-Chair Scott Tate, Secretary Valeria Alphin Jim Crawford Rena Cromer Princess Moyer Dallas Powell Asia Smith Committee Members Absent Tony Adams Brian Harris Hollie Young Guests David Ress, Roanoke Times Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:33 PM. He recognized members and guests. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the December 2012 meeting minutes were distributed for review. Mr. Crawford moved to approve the Minutes and the motion was seconded by Mr. Williams. Hearing no further discussion, the minutes were unanimously approved by consensus. Guest Presentations Chair Naff welcomed Mr. Ress. Bob Clement introduced him and shared that he was new to the paper and the city. Mr. Ress will be covering areas previously covered by Mason Adams, who is no longer with the paper. Mr. Ress shared that he is a stranger to town, and really wants to get to know the neighborhoods. He described his belief in people solving the issues that confront their communities and neighborhoods. Chair Naff asked if he had questions for the RNA. Mr. Ress responded that he plans on getting to know the city and visiting the neighborhoods and organizations. He is excited about working with the RNA and he was mainly present to introduce himself and to learn more about neighborhood issues and concerns. RNA January 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 Neighborhood Reports Chair Naff reported on Greater Deyerle. The next meeting for them is January 17th at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He also commented that the organization’s officer elections are upcoming. Mr. Powell reported on Southeast Action Forum. He shared his perspective on the continuing issues with the Rescue Mission and related concerns of safety. Mr. Powell expressed several positive updates, including a better siting for the Thrift Store. He described how the Rescue Mission has done a good job with having a visible presence of people in yellow vests patrolling the neighborhoods. Mr. Powell stated that this tactic has helped remedy some of the issues between the Mission and the neighborhood groups. Mr. Williams asked whether people who need Rescue Mission services still have adequate access to the facilities given patrols and security measures. Mr. Powell responded that there is still access for all who need the Mission. Mr. Crawford reported on Mountain View. He shared that the Community Garden Association had attended the last meeting and had received a grant for a project in the neighborhood, which was discussed. Mr. Tate reported on the Grandin Court Neighborhood Association. The group has a meeting tomorrow, January 10. He stated that Mark Powell with Community Garden Association will be presenting and the group will also be discussing a proposed neighborhood survey. Ms. Cromer reported on Old Southwest. She shared that their first meeting of the year is coming up. They are organizing a yard sale for February 9. Mr. Williams stated that the Housing Authority meeting will be tomorrow night. Unfinished Business A. Member Attendance Chair Naff directed attention to the RNA Board attendance records and encouraged all members to attend as able. New member, Ms. Young, has only attended one session and Mr. Clement will follow up with her to be sure she is still willing to serve. B. FY 2013 Budget Request Chair Naff shared the RNA budget request. He worked with Mr. Clement to develop proposal for $1,000 to support neighborhood events and activities. Mr. Clement shared that the budget is approved in May. The proposal has some flexibility in terms of how the funds may be used by the RNA, if awarded. Mr. Clement also requested a part-time administrative assistant for his office in collaboration with Susan Jennings, with the Public Arts program. RNA members expressed support for this proposal. C. RNA Reappointment of Harris and Crawford Chair Naff asked Mr. Harris and Mr. Crawford if they would be willing to serve another term. Mr. Crawford said that he could not serve another term, at this time. Mr. Powell motioned that Mr. Harris be reappointed. Mr. Williams seconded. All were in favor. RNA January 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 New Business A. FY 2013 RNA Grant Review Committee Chair Naff asked for volunteers. Ms. Cromer, Mr.Williams, Mr. Harris, Mr. Powell, and Ms.Moyer agreed to serve on the Committee. Ms. Cromer suggested we use the same process as last year. Mr. Clement shared that the grants are due next Friday. He will have the copies for the committee members. He suggested the last week of January as a target for the committee meeting. B. RNA Web-site Chair Naff asked about the website that former chair McCorkle set up. He suggested we either use it or shut it down, since it is not being actively maintained. Members engaged in a short discussion, concluding in a consensus to deactivate the web-page but to continue to maintain the Facebook site and to add Princess Moyer as a Facebook admin. Open Forum/Announcements A. Our Town Grant Update Mr. Clement commented on the project, which funds arts performances in six targeted neighborhood parks. Performers and artists are currently being sought and encouraged to apply for funding to participate. RNA discussed the project and several members asked questions for clarification. Mr. Clement stated the goal is to bring art into neighborhoods and parks. B. President’s Council Meeting Mr. Clement directed attention to the announcement in our packets for the upcoming meeting of the Presidents Council. RNA members discussed briefly. C. Neighborhood Month Mr. Clement asked that RNA members remind neighborhoods to plan activities for Neighborhood Month in May. D. Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Mr. Clement shared that Chris Morrill will be presenting at the meeting tomorrow night, discussing his ideas for Roanoke neighborhoods. Adjournment Chair Naff adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m. RNA January 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3