Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association Meeting Notes from September 13, 2005
The meeting was held at the Sherwood Forest Presbyterian Church and ran from approximately 6-7:30 PM. About 20 people were in attendance, with Association President, Russell Jones, presiding.
Russell good-naturedly apologized for being a bit lax in the last month or so, saying that he and his wife were adjusting to the birth of their third child (can't imagine why you've been busy, Russ, but congratulations!). He reported that he has attended two Columbia Council of Neighborhood meetings in recent months. He has found these very helpful and interesting and welcomes anyone else who is interested to join him at future meetings (call him at 414-5811 or email him at rwjones@bellsouth.net for more information). Recent topics at these meetings have included the homeless, the new city Wellness Center, and the availability of a professional mediator to help neighborhoods to work through controversial issues.
Russ also reported, with regrets, that our relatively new Vice President, Sean King, has had to resign because he is moving from the neighborhood (due to an expanding family). Anyone who knows someone interested in being VP, please call Russell with nominations so that we can vote on this at the next meeting.
Russ also noted concerns about safety and security in the neighborhood. The group discussed ways to help, with some concensus that a neighborhood directory with a good block captain system would be very useful. Roger Coates on Azalea Drive agreed to be a block captain for his street. Anyone else interested, please contact one of the Association officers. We need captains for most streets, so let us know if you are at all interested. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors better!
If you need a ride to the neighborhood meetings, or if you aren't getting newsletters, please call Russell.
Treasurer, Rhett Bailey, reported that we have $520 in our coffers, partially from membership and partially from an anonymous donation. Member dues are set at $30 dollars per household, which supports neighborhood projects such as our match for beautification grants. Anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to join in Association meetings and events. Membership allows one to participate in votes at meetings. Please contact Rhett (787-5020 or mail to 511 Kalmia Drive) to pay Association dues.
Marcy Swan, Social Committee Chair, announced plans for a neighborhood Halloween party to be held Sunday, October 30th from 4-6 on the La Bruce Lane cul-de-sac. There will be rides, game, and refreshments. BYOB. Call Marcy at 933-1113 or email her at mswan@sc.rr.com if you would like to help in any way. The Association voted to pay for some kind of special "door lights" to hand out at the party for those who want to receive trick-or-treaters to use on Monday, October 31. There will also be a membership table at the party. All are welcome. This will be a great opportunity to get to know others in the neighborhood.
Marketing and Web Chair, Lewis Kirk, reported that out neighborhood web site (www.sherwoodforestneighbors.org) is up and running. You can register and submit news articles on the web site. You can also learn about everything from garbage collection times, local schools and churches, to neighborhood history. Our association By-laws are posted on the site, too. Visit the web site for lots more!
Legal and Zoning Chair, Kirby Jackson reported that the IRS is moving slowly on processing our application for 501(c)(3) (nonprofit) status. Kirby noted the need for some By-law adjustments and said he needed more information on a projected budget and Association activities. Kirby and his law firm are providing all services free of charge and we are very grateful for all of their contributions. IRS-required filing fees for the 501(c)(3) status will be paid for out of the Association funds.
During the Legal and Zoning presentation, a concern about rental houses packed with students was raised. Houses rented to students often have more unrelated individuals living in them than is allowed by law, but this is difficult to control. Some groups are courteous and cause no problems, others can be problematic. No conclusions were reached other than a desire to find ways to resolve problems amiably.
Chair people are needed for Membership and Fundraising committees. Volunteers? These folks with work with the Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
Under Old Business, the group voted to fill the position of Secretary. Valerie Marcil was elected. The group also reviewed the Neighborhood Association Census form, which will be used to sign up new members and develop our neighborhood directory. The draft form was amended and changes were approved.
Submitted by Valerie Marcil, Secretary