Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on May 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 Rena Cromer Brian Harris Princess Moyer Dallas Powell Committee Members Absent Tony Adams Asia Smith Hollie Young Guests None Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:37 PM. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the February 2013 meeting minutes were distributed for review as no business meeting was held during March or April. Ms. Alphin 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 No Guests. Neighborhood Reports Mr. Clement began the discussion by sharing information about a proposed cell tower development in the Old Southwest and Southeast neighborhoods by Pegasus Corporation. The proposal has drawn concerns from neighborhoods that would be impacted. He noted that the lawyers hired by Pegasus had approached all of the neighborhood groups representing within both areas to share with them the proposal and to listen to their concerns. The next step would be to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Zoning RNA May 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 Appeals (BZA) as a special exception, and in addition, for Old Southwest, approval by the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Mr. Clement also shared information on recent issues concerning Fleming Court Neighborhood noting there had been a change in leadership which in turn has created an atmosphere of neighbors feuding with neighbors in addition to calling the city on each other. Ms. Moyer reported on the Cinco de Mayo event on Sunday held in the Wildwood neighborhood at Thrasher Park. She shared that it was well attended, even given the occasional rain. Chair Naff and Mr. Clement also shared information on the event and the RNA table and presence. Mr. Harris shared that two nights ago that there was a shooting in his neighborhood. He had come from a meeting talking about the neighborhood response. Mr. Powell stated that a car ran into a house in SE. Mr. Tate reported that the Grandin Court Neighborhood Association would he holding their meeting and annual Neighborhood Month Plant Exchange beginning at 7pm that evening. He also noted a neighborhood yard sale is being planned for June. A new president has been elected, Chris Turnbull. Ms. Cromer shared information about the recent car fire and resulting death in her neighborhood, Old Southwest. It appears the incident was accidental and did not involve foul play. Chair Naff provided an update on the Election Precinct Task Force for the City. He described the process of re-examining the district boundaries and the polling precinct locations. The group has made recommendations and turns those into City Council on May 14. Unfinished Business A. FY 2014 RNA Grant Review Committee Recommendations A discussion on the FY2014 Grant Review Committee's recommendations was tabled until next month. B. Neighborhood Assignments Mr. Clement distributed a current copy of the RNA's neighborhood assignments. Following a brief discussion, Ms. Alphin volunteered to represent the Mountain View Neighborhood Association which was currently unassigned New Business A. Discussion re Council reappointment of Tate, Naff, Cromer A discussion was held regarding City Council's re-appointment of Mt. Tate, Ms. Cromer, and Chair Naff as the terms of each is set to expire on June 30, 2013. Mr. Tate noted he is willing to be reappointed, Ms. Cromer stated that she would not like to be reappointed. Chair Naff stated his reluctance to commit to another three year term. RNA members discussed membership terms. It was proposed that we revisit the by-laws to allow for term variability on those being reappointed following their initial 3-year term. B. Discussion of re-election of new officers effective July 2013 This was tabled until the June meeting, pending Chair Naff’s availability to serve. RNA May 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3  C. Discussion re FY 2013-2014 budget RNA has been awarded $1,000 through the City Manager’s contingency fund. RNA members discussed the process and Mr. Clement clarified the funding source and how these funds may be spent. D. Discussion re April meeting with Presidents Council RNA members reported on the joint meeting with the Presidents' Council. A discussion was held concerning that relationship and the differing roles of the two entities (RNA and Presidents’ Council). E. Discussion re Hollie Young A discussion was held regarding Ms Young's lack of participation on the RNA or RNA activities since her Council appointment in September 2012. Mr. Clement noted she had only attended one RNA meeting since her appointment in September and that was the October meeting. Chair Naff noted he had sent a certified return receipt letter regarding her interest to continue on the committee to her address on record and received no response. He noted this was after repeated attempts by Mr. Clement were made to contact her by email and letter to which he also had received no responses. Mr. Powell motioned that we notify City Council of the vacancy created by Ms. Young’s failure to serve on the RNA. Mr. Williams seconded the motion. Hearing no further discussion, the motion was unanimously approved. Open Forum/Announcements Mr. Clement shared information on Neighborhood Month activities and urged members to continue to attend and support these events as their schedule allowed. RNA members discussed the status of the FY2013 Neighborhood Development Grant Program and suggested changing the reporting requirement for funded organizations to include in-person progress reports to the RNA. Mr. Clement suggested any changes in the rules and/or requirements for those participating should be made at the beginning of the program rather than at the end when the grant training session and a program overview is provided in early November of each year. He emphasized that those participating should be made aware of the program's rules, regulations and requirements prior to making their decision to participate rather than after they have completed their project. Members agreed that the change needed to be deferred until the next grant cycle so as not to inject a new requirement for this year’s grantees. Ms. Alphin called our attention to the Strategic Business Plan and suggested we re-examine the document and discuss our progress and need for further actions towards implementation. Members asked to add this to our June agenda. Ms. Moyer reminded us that a part of our work involves helping new neighborhood organizations form and grow. Adjournment Chair Naff adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. RNA May 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3