MINUTES OF THE LCPH CIVIC ASSOCIATION

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

JULY 13, 2005 AT THE

CLUBHOUSE

Rodger Burgess called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. 

            Attending Officers: Rodger Burgess-President

                                           Ted Daniel-VP

                                            Rick Hollahan-Treasurer/Membership

                                            Bob Davidson-Secretary

                                            Pete Patterson-President Emeritus

                                            Rob Holley-Traffic/ Board Member

                                            Clint Stamps-Sidewalks/ Board Member

            Members of the LCPHCA (see sign in sheet)

I) Officers/Committee Reports:

            President: Rodger Burgess introduced himself as the new President of the Civic Association, succeeding Pete Patterson (who was thanked with a warm round of applause for his many years of service to the neighborhood and his advocacy of parks and green spaces).  Rodger also expressed the association’s appreciation to Rick and Beth Hollahan for their many years of work as co-vice presidents, and now Rick has taken on the duties of Treasurer and Membership Drive Coordinator.  Rodger then introduced the other officers and board members who were present.  Beth Hollahan was appointed by Gale Walldorff to be on the Zoning Board of Appeals, where she will be a great asset both for our neighborhood and the county as a whole.

The ground rules for the meeting were laid out: After each report there would be a 5 minute Q&A, and then we would move on to the next item, with a final Q&A at the end.

            Treasurer: Rick Hollahan gave a summary of the financial situation.  We have about $7,000 in cash in the bank, and a burn rate of $370/month.  84% of our funds are going for “common ground” maintenance.    As membership chair, he pointed out that so far only 20% of the neighborhood has renewed (although 10-12 folks renewed at the meeting), and we need more than 50% membership to be a proper voice for the neighborhood, and for long term financial security.

            Traffic: Rob Holley talked about the status of the “DO NOT TURN’ signs at the Spring Creek entrance.  Though currently not enforced, the best recommendation seems to be to just leave them alone.  We don’t want them removed.  Rob also answered a question about the planned reworking of the N. Druid Hills Rd./Clairmont intersection and that plans are to work on this in the next few months.  In a confusing turn of events, we have also been notified that the county intends to “mill and resurface” Clairmont Road shortly.  Plans to rework the Lavista/Oak Grove intersection are uncertain at best.

            Welcoming: Rodger read an email message to the membership from the Welcoming Committee (Ann Higgins and Debbie Seligman).  Fifteen new families were represented at the reception last August.  In addition, another reception is planned for August/September of this year.  If anyone knows of new neighbors, please get in touch.

            Safety:  Bo Kersey was introduced, and had planned for a DeKalb County policeman to address us on safety issues on Tuesday.  Since the meeting was moved to Wednesday, the county police rep couldn’t make it.  Bo mentioned that an effort to form a Neighborhood watch had been suggested, but the county on two previous attempts had failed to get the required captain for each and every block.  Bo also warned people to be on the lookout for loiterers, and people getting mail out of mailboxes, and even stealing trash to get financial records.

            Grounds:  Jim Segars covered a number of items, including the need for a long-term plan for the entrances and triangle area, and to even determine who actually owns these areas.  Jim asked for a volunteer in the Trailmark triangle area to help with the edging duties.  He stated that it would only be twice a year, but felt that it does so much for beautification of the whole neighborhood.  He also encouraged everyone to use their edgers when the cut their grass as it is the neat curb that contributes so much to our home’s curb appeal and encourages pride of ownership.  The discussion of the entrances, suggested that the gaslights days are numbered, both because they are the single most expensive item ($1,100.00 per year) in the monthly budget, and because they are a target for vandalism.  Possible replacements are solar operated.

                        In addition, Jim comments prompted a discussion as to the entranceways as a whole entity.  A need to determine exactly the area designated as the property to be used as an “entrance area” at all of the following:  N.Druid Hills, Clairmont and Trailmark, Azalea, and Oak Grove Drive. 

            Distribution: (Reid Mallard was on assignment) Ted expressed the association’s appreciation for all the letters and newsletters that the committee distributes during the year.  It was pointed out that we use such a network of volunteers because it saves us $263 per letter (more for newsletters), not to mention the problems of addressing and stamping 720 pieces of mail.

            Zoning: Ted reported on the status of the various zoning issues we are facing:

                        1)Oak Grove Walk behind Wal-Green’s-the developer has decided to sell the individual lots to builders, and not build the 8 unit going in there himself.  The 8 unit density came after a long discussion over the land buffers that had to cut the number of units from 13 to the current 8.

                        2)NalleyCircle/Lavista-This 28 townhouse project was denied last summer by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners.  A lawsuit has been filed against the BOC.  (BOC – Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County)  The status is unknown at this point.

                        3)Driving Range-The developer agreed to a density of 79 units plus some office space after extensive discussions with the zoning committee.  Fortunately, the BOC also denied this application due to the potential of flooding and site problems with access.  The developer also filed a lawsuit against the BOC, and it is also in process.

                        4)Overlay Ordinance-This is an effort by Leafmore residents to limit the height of tear down and infill construction to 28 feet as measured from the front door threshold of the original house, to the top of the roof line of the new house.  The BOC deferred our application for 30 days at the June 28^th meeting.  Indications are that they may vote to approve it at their July 26^th meeting of the county wide Infill Task Force’s recommendations are not ready for enactment by that date.  We are also including a sunset provision in our proposed ordinance such that when the county passes comprehensive infill legislation that is as or more restrictive than our proposed ordinance, that our rules will cease to have force and effect.  (I neglected to make a special mention of thanks to Aryeh Bondy and Vera Kornylak for their invaluable leadership and legal research on this project)

II) NEW BUSINESS

1)Melissa Conner volunteered to head a committee that would look into the Oak Grove/LaVista intersection with an eye towards entrance way, sidewalks, landscaping, and having input into the growth and development at that intersection.  She tapped Rob Holley to be the traffic intersection person, Clint Stamps for sidewalks, and Pete Patterson. 

2) A report on the county Tree Ordinance was requested so that homeowners will know just what the rules are for saving trees on a lot slated for redevelopment.  A recommendation was made that some form of the ordinance been put on the Web site.

3) A request was made for more information on Recycling efforts for our area.

4) A request was made to see if we want MARTA to continue to run buses through the neighborhood.  Initial response was to discontinue bus service.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45.