Minutes for April 13. 2011

To begin the evening, Louie (Sgt. at Arms) lead the Pledge of Allegiance. David, our president, decided to introduce our surprise visitors, namely Major Joe Healey, Lt. Ken Haberland and Crime Watch Coordinator Joe Elgersma. As always, everything on the agenda is covered at some time during the meeting....just maybe not in order which was the case this evening. Major Healey, who is now in charge of Crime Watch, (among other things) started off with a few words about the changes happening in Hollywood, then turned it over to Lt. Haberland who is over special operations. He also elaborated on the changes coming especially in Code and Crime Watch. He then introduced our new part time Crime Watch coordinator, Dave Elgersma. Dave, of course, spoke about the crime watch program and encouraged everyone to get involved. He let us know that he is new to Crime Watch, but not to police work as he worked for the Hollywood Police Dept. for 30 years, dealing with homicide, narcotices....probably everything but Crime Watch. We are very lucky to have him work with us. Ofc. Derek Cormier took over and mentioned the merge with code. It seems to be running very smooth. He gave us the stats for the neighborhood which seems to have improved. The NTL's are riding bikes during the day and questioning people who do not belong there. Lt. Haberland let us know that Ofc. Cormier was part time (NTL), but now is full time.

The reading of the minutes were waved.

Treasurer Reginald Quesenberry reported that he and Vice President Chris Lundy went to Wachovia Bank to update the current banking situation. They established an online account and requested two debit cards and business checks. A deposit of $30 was made bringing the total to $1,360.21. On April 5, the required annual report was filed with the state. The cost was $61.25 which was paid using the new debit card bringing the total to $1,290.96. The state emailed a receipt "Paid in Full" for our records. On April 7, at our first board meeting, a check in the amount of $100 was issued to The Highland Gardens Community Garden towards a needed fence bringing the total to $1,198.96. A deposit of $13 was made on April 12, bringing the total to $1,299.96. All records of the treasury report are open for review. The report was approved.

Shirley Stealey, Crime Watch Zone Coordinator for this area, presented a demonstration with the help of the neighbors on her street to show what Crime Watch is all about...mainly getting to know your neighbors and being watchful of what's happening in your area. A question and answer period followed.

An announcement was made about the coming Citizens Poice/Code Academy beginning on May 19 at 7:00 P.M. The cost is $40.

Commissioner Beam Furr gave his report at this time. He mentioned the coming park on Monroe St. which is the first park in our neighborhood. We will also have a park at McNicol Middle School after school hours. He mentioned the three committees that were formed one being Adams Street. That one has finished and the RFP's have gone out. Now it is concentrating on the McNicol ParK. National Night Out will be held at McNicol in conjunction with the school's grand opening. A pretty good discussion about our community garden, located on Adams Street, followed with Maria Jackson Ratlif giving it's basic history.

David asked for new members to introduce themselves.

Chris held a raffle.

The meeting was adjourned.