CAPITOL HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION REGULAR MEETING
July 8, 2008
The Capitol Heights Civic Association held its regular meeting on July 8, 2008 at the Capitol Heights United Methodist Church. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Cynthia McCollister, President.
Cynthia began by reading the minutes of the last meeting. Minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s report was also presented and accepted.
Cynthia reported on the standing committees.
The Watch Dog Committee, which oversees planning, zoning, and design review was still in need of a chair. Richard Anderson volunteered to chair that committee.
Cynthia reported on the property at 40 North Capitol Parkway. She reported that Helen Harris attended the ARB meeting on June 24, 2008. The ARB determined the city should do only the repairs needed to bring the house up to code. They also determined the porch should be replaced and all repairs should be equal to the historic look of the neighborhood.
She also reported on the property located at 27 North Lewis. The home on this site burned and the property owners are seeking to rebuild. They have chosen Jim Walter Homes as a contractor. The contractor has submitted several sets of plans, all of which have been denied by the Architectural Review Board. The contractor has submitted another plan up for review at the next ARB meeting. Although this plan is an improvement, issues regarding construction materials continue to be of concern.
Cynthia reported we are still in need of various chairs for the centennial celebration, as well as, three chairs for the Candlelight Tour, Parade, and Armstrong Park Lighting. No volunteers stepped forward.
Cynthia McCollister reported for the Communications Committee. She stated articles for the August newsletter are due by July 28, 2008. She also reported we do not have the funds needed to professionally produce then mail the August newsletter. The newsletter can be copied without expense at the BONDS office. Cindy Keeping moved for the association to pay no more than $500 for the postage to mail the August issue of the newsletter. Cindy Thornhill seconded that motion and it was approved by vote of the members present (12 approved and 4 did not approve).
Discussion continued regarding the newsletter and several alternatives were suggested. There was a discussion about discontinuing the newsletter, due to lack of funds and interest. Scott Farrow recommended we do a readership survey to determine the percentage of residents reading the newsletter. Terry Robinson proposed a newsletter subscription with association membership. There was an in depth discussion, to determined if we should continue distributing the newsletter until all of our advertising commitments have been met.
An article discussing the future of the newsletter will be provided in the August issue of the newsletter and a decision will be reached in a future meeting.
Randall Culp volunteered to chair the Yard of the Month Committee.
Meeting Refreshment Committee is still in need of a chair. Cynthia McCollister recommended doing this on a rotating basis and Emily Turner colunteered (after all this suggestion was her idea).
Cynthia McCollister reviewed the needs list for the Centennial Celebration.
Scott Farrow volunteered to chair the Membership Committee
Cynthia McCollister opened the discussion about next years BONDS grant money and how it should be used. Various ideas were discussed and after a vote of the membership it was decided the three choices (in order of their voting preference) would be:
• Install banners along Madision Avenue recognizing historic Capitol Heights
• Install historic marker at the former site of the Capitol Heights Elementary School
• Landscaping for the shed and park areas.
Cynthia will investigate installation of the banners and if this project is determined to not be possible, she will submit the grant application for the historic marker (the members next preference).
A motion to adjourn was adopted. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.