Oread Neighborhood Association
May 2011 General Monthly Meeting
Plymouth Congregational Church
Thursday, May 26, 2011, 7pm

Draft Meeting Minutes

President Rob Farha called the meeting to order at 7:07pm. Twelve ONA members were present. 

Farha introduced the first agenda item to approve the March and April Draft Meeting Minutes. Motion made to approve the draft minutes for March and April with changes including adding the number of members present at the meeting and other minor corrections to spelling and grammar. Motion approved.

The group discussed for a brief time the Lighting Pathway Project and the feasibility of widening the sidewalk in areas and including a bike pathway.

Farha announced that at a prior meeting the front entrance door to the church had been left open. The church policy is to keep the door closed.

Farha briefly explained the cause of the house fire at 313 West 13th Street. He said is was due to an overheated extension cord that was plugged into an AC unit and that clothes were on top of the extension cord. 

Farha added a third announcement, directing attention to the May 25th LJWorld article on the Kansas Historical Society grant award by the federal government. Farha stated that the grant includes the establishment of Overlay Districts in Oread Neighborhood and that this will substantially effect Oread property owners. Farha stressed the need for ONA members to be involved and pay attention to this process. 

Members requested that the coordinator obtain a copy of the grant application and award letter. Also, to find out if the City is supplementing any funding to the study and the process to hire a private consultant for the project.

Officer Reports
President Rob Farha: school year is over, things are quieting down. Keep an eye out on rental properties because many students have left for the summer.

Vice President David Holroyd: discussed last meeting questions of ONA’s not-for-profit and 501C status. Requests a letter so send to IRS and Secretary of State to about status and filing history of the Association. Discussion continued on the definition and status of a 5013C, ONA’s Tax ID #, Annual Report filings not since 1978, member donations and tax deductions, and bank accounts at different locations.

Treasurer Shane Munsch: ONA has hired a professional account – Dean Ratzclif - to sort through the tax and report filings in order to identify the proper procedure for obtaining  good standing with the State and Feds. Holroyd stated that the board should see research and recommendations by accountant before acting on anything. Brief discussion on the checkbooks and checks written over the past two years.

Farha continued the meeting with board and commission updates. 
City Commission during budget review looked into setting aside funds for alleyway work in Oread. This project is last on the city’s list due to lack of overall funding. However, it is one of the biggest, and most talked about topics for ONA members. Farha stated he had some discussion with commissions on Benefit Districts to fund alleyway work. Also during budget review by CC, the Chief of Police made a presentation stating his case for the PD to receive more funding. Discussion on the Lawrence Police Foundation and fundraisers to keep top level PD.

Farha stated that the Planning Commission and RM64 text amendment is not happening. Marci Francisco stated that the commission voted to deny the RM64 designation, but is willing to consider a lesser one like RM48.

Francisco also asked for help in writing a proposal for Overlay District definitions that describe parking and bedroom unit allocations. A No Minimum size requirement was voted down by PC.

Farha read aloud the District 6 Representative Steven Watts report, submitted via email. 

There was a short discussion on CDBG funding levels for 2012.

James Dunn reported on the Historic Resource Commission addressing 1043 Indiana. Plans ask for the Varsity House to stay in its current location. This is not yet approved, and must go before the HRC. There was a short discussion on the ownership of the lots – KU, State, Endowment – and the RM32 lot as well as the process for public auction of the land.

Citizen Advisory Committee – No Incidents

Farha stated that there are still vacancies on for seats on various city boards and commissions.

It was requested of the coordinator to write a letter to KU and/or the State to inquire about the lot ownership of the Varsity House lots. The same information is obtainable on the Douglas County Appraiser website.

District 2 & 4: No Report
District 3: Large tropical plants stolen from Dunn’s house
District 5: Fire at 313 West 13th Street
District 6: Report emailed and read aloud

ONA neighborhood boundaries were discussed. Currently, eastern boundary matches up with Downtown district boundary. It was requested that the coordinator follow up to have ONA’s boundary agree with the ONA Plan description. More discussion continued on possible boundary changes and possible agenda item for next meeting.

Dunn suggested that since next year’s funding is decided, there should be an evaluation of the coordinator. 

Move In Move Out weekend of July 30 – August 5 : coordinator will find out if there will be a special trash pickup for ONA properties. July 31st is a Sunday.

The meeting schedule for June and July is staying as scheduled. The coordinator will check with city staff on a possible presentation on Overlay District. More discussion on the pros and cons of an Overlay District continued. 

Members approved that an inquiries received by coordinator on available rentals may be distributed to ONA members. 

Motion made to adjourn the meeting at 8:40pm. Motion approved.