Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates

Minutes from RNA Meeting on August 14, 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 Tony Adams Valeria Alphin Philip Clements Brian Harris Princess Moyer Dallas Powell Asia Smith Committee Members Absent Scott Tate, Secretary Lee Lovern, Jr. Guests Mr. Pat Corp Welcome to Members and Guests Chair Naff called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Reading and Approval of Minutes Copies of the July 2013 meeting minutes were distributed for review. Following a brief review, Ms. Alphin moved to approve the July 2013 Meeting Minutes and the motion was seconded by Mr. Powell. Hearing no further discussion, the motion was unanimously approved. Guest Presentations None Neighborhood Reports Chair Naff asked that neighborhood reports be tabled until next month’s meeting to which all agreed. Unfinished Business A. Neighborhood Assignments The topic was tabled until next month’s meeting. B. Review of RNA applicants Chair Naff welcomed Mr. Corp and asked him to share his interest in serving on the RNA. Mr. Corp described his work with Norfolk Southern as well as his volunteer efforts with the Dorchester Court RNA August 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3  Neighborhood Watch. He noted the groups had recently decided to merge with the Grandview Area Neighborhood Watch as well as expand their boundaries to encompass an area south of Hersberger Road, west of Williamson Road, north of Oakland Blvd, and east of Valley View Blvd. Chair Naff thanked Mr. Corp for his attendance and excused him so that the RNA might discuss the current applicants. The RNA engaged in a general discussion of the Mr. Corp’s pending application. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Harris motioned that the RNA appoint Mr. Corp for a 3 year term commencing on August 14th, 2013. Mr. Powell seconded the motion. The motion was approved with eight members voting yes and one abstention. C. Review of FY2013-2014 Work Plan to Implement RNA Strategic Business Plan Chair Naff distributed a draft annual work plan to assist in the achievement of the goals set forth in the RNA Strategic Business Plan. RNA members discussed the language concerning the length of RNA term appointments and were reminded that the language was included in the Council Resolution creating the RNA and as such would require City Council to change. The RNA decided to take no further action at this time. There was also a general discussion regarding the business plan and how to make it actionable. Chair Naff asked everyone to review the plan and return next month for a final vote to be taken. He reminded everyone that once approved, RNA members will have an opportunity to identify areas they are interested in personally contributing to. D. Discussion Regarding the Funding of RNA FY2013-2014 Activities Mr. Clement reminded the RNA that they had received $1000 to help fund activities associated with their Strategic Business Plan. He noted it is now a line item on the Office of Neighborhood Services budget and that the funds were currently available for the RNA’s use. Mr. Clement suggested that when the RNA needed a purchase to be made that the Chair advise Mr. Clement who in turn would make the purchase on behalf of the RNA thus eliminating the need for the RNA to elect a Treasurer. Several suggestions were made regarding possible purchases but nothing definite was decided upon. Vice Chair William requested the RNA have business cards printed so as to allow members the opportunity to share their contact information with residents during RNA outreach activities. Chair Naff distributed a template he used himself to print hi own as needed. Following a brief discussion, it was decided each member’s card should be consistent with one another and also include a brand and/or logo. Ms. Alphin and Mr. Powell agreed to work together to design a card prototype to be presented at the next RNA meeting. New Business A. Discussion Regarding Change to Bylaws Vice Chair Williams noted the need to include language in the RNA Bylaws that would be more specific as to whether an appointee would be required to be a resident of the City of Roanoke. Following a lengthy discussion, Vice Chair Williams motioned that language be considered for inclusion in the RNA By-Laws, Section II: Members, Officers and Duties, Sub-Section A: General, to read as follows: General: The RNA shall consist of thirteen (13) members, seven (7) of which shall be appointed by City Council. The seven Council-appointed members shall select 6 additional members. All members shall serve rotating 3-year terms pursuant to Council Resolution 36397-061603. Members are eligible to be re- appointed for up to three consecutive full terms. Members are not required to be a resident of the City of Roanoke. Mr. Harris seconded the motion. Hearing no further discussion, the motion to consider a change to the By-Laws was approved with seven members voting yes, one voting no, and one abstention. RNA August 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3  The current RNA By-Laws state that ”these rules may, within the limits allowed by law, be amended at any time by an affirmative vote of not less than one-half (1/2) plus one member of the total RNA membership. However, any amendment to the by-laws will occur only after the members have had an opportunity to consider the amendment, in writing, for at least the period of time between two regular meetings of the RNA. A copy of all amendments shall be forwarded to City Council at its next regular meeting.” As such, a second consideration of the amendment to the RNA By-Laws will take place at the September 2013 meeting followed by a vote to be taken at the October 2013 meeting. Open Forum Vice-Chair Williams reiterated the need for the RNA to have an ongoing dialogue with City Council to ensure all are on the same page regarding RNA activities, goals and objectives. He noted he had recently had similar conversations with Councilwoman Price and Councilman Rosen regarding the same. Vice Chair Williams also noted be had collected the contact information for all of the Planning Commission members and City Council members and would provide a copy to any RNA member desiring one. Mr. Clement reminded the RNA of the following important dates and activities taking place prior to their next meeting: a) 2013 State of the City Address, Patrick Henry Ballroom – Friday Aug 23, 7:30-9am b) Fair Housing Seminar, Jefferson Center Fitzpatrick Hall – Thursday, Aug 15, 11a-4p c) VSNC - registration closes – Friday August 30 d) Parks and Arts Program – Highland Park Saturday Aug 31 e) Old Southwest Annual HAP – Highland Park Saturday Aug 31 f) 2013 Citizen of the Year Submission Deadline – Monday Sept 30 Adjournment Chair Naff adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m. RNA August 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3