Architects Row Community Association

Minutes of the June 6, 2006 Meeting

In attendance: JoAnn, Ben and McKinzie, Jerri, Alexandra , Lin and David, Laurie and David, Sue, Don, Landra

7:15 – Minutes of 5/2: Minutes were delivered to each resident; corrections were requested and none were made. Carol was recognized and gratefully acknowledged for an outstanding and thorough job of preparing the meeting minutes.

7:20 – Yard Sale Recap: Ben was unaware of the exact financial results of the yard sale, but believed that table sales recouped most of the cost of the permit ($235.85), while sales from the Association Table which received donated items for sale from the residents brought in $100. Suggestions for next year included:

1. Inviting other neighboring Associations (i.e., Chinquapin Park and Glen Oaks) to participate.

2. Obtain the required permits earlier next year to avoid the late fees.

3. Sell food items next year from the community table.

Milton and JoAnn were recognized and are thanked for their effort in organizing and running the event.

7:30 – Crab Feast: Rex is chairing this event which is scheduled for September 9, with September 16 as a rain date. A notice will be prepared and delivered to all residents so they can indicate if they will be eating crabs and how many so that final costs can be determined. Ben brought up the subject of donations from local businesses that have donated in the past. In the case of Wells Liquors, Jerri said that a letter was necessary and that she would contact Wells when her conflicting responsibilities ended. Giant has in the past provided certificates for store use to buy groceries and supplies, and she will contact them as well. Other comments:

1. Have each attendee bring a side dish

2. Investigate availability of neighborhood grants for block parties,

3. Need to price crabs, JoAnn thinks about $100/bushel,

4. Kay Wines has gotten crabs in the past, and may have some thoughts on where and how much.

7:40 – Historic Designation: Laurie has no update on the Historic designation as of yet.

7:41 – Community Mediation: Residents who at the last meeting expressed an interest in participating in a Community Mediation process regarding the matter of maintaining cables at the end of the lanes should have received a letter from the organization conducting the mediation. Alex and Jerri did not. Anyone else that would like to participate can call their office at 410-467-9165, referencing File #8154. Each individual needs to contact the mediation organization to set up an appointment. A deadline of 6/23 has been set to contact them for an appointment.

Additional observations regarding cables at the end of each alley and restricting public access to the lane:

1. Several residents noted that since the cables have been up consistently, that foot and vehicle traffic seems to be down.

2. David O. noted that the wood post on Kay’s property was in need of some repair.

3. David O. and Rex have spoken about a gate and suggested that a metal gate would last longer. Laurie said that based on her conversations with the City, there may be permitting requirements and that due to the way that property lines are drawn, the individual home owners may need to apply. Gates will not be put up until the permitting requirements have been fully investigated.

4. Additional signage still needs to be placed at each end of the lane.

5. Joann is creating “No Trespassing” and “No Dumping” signs for the perimeter of the property.

8:15 Survey Results – At the last meeting, with the overall goal of increasing resident participation in neighborhood events, it was suggested that a survey may be a step in determining concerns preventing participation. A survey was prepared and distributed. Most of the surveys returned were by people who do regularly attend. Among those who listed scheduling conflicts as a reason for not attending, other days for meetings did not seem to be any better. A more complete summary of the survey results will be presented at the next meeting. Congrats to those who answered the Trivia Question correctly and won a copy of the original advertisement for these homes that appeared in the newspaper.

8:20 Beautiful Garden Award Proposal – In between meetings, Clifford suggested organizing a contest recognizing residents for their gardens. Clifford was invited to attend the next meeting to present the proposal. He has had work conflicts recently.

8:30 Meeting Adjourned – Because the next regularly scheduled meeting will be July 4^th, July’s meeting has been moved to the next Tuesday, July 11, and will be held at Laurie and David’s home.

July 4^th Block Party – For those neighbors that will be home for the holiday, a neighborhood potluck party will be held behind JoAnn and Rex’s house. Please bring a favorite dish and come celebrate the 4^th from 7 pm to ????!