Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for April 01, 2009

1.               Call to order:

Terry Pulido: Called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.

Members in Attendance:

            Guests:

2.               Approval of the March minutes.

Ann Basse motioned to approve the minutes, Mark Lipischak seconded. Minutes were approved.

3.               Treasurer’s Report:

Ned Nikodem Presented the treasurer’s report:

                    Beginning balance                       $919.43
                    Income                                        + $20.00
                    (Dues)
                    Balance as of 03/04/2008               $939.43

4.               Guest Speaker:

Debbie Malyn: Is the Chair, Cancer Prevention Study-3 Relay for Life of Dearborn.  Ms. Malyn spoke of the upcoming Relay for Life event scheduled for May 2^nd & 3^rd at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.  This is a community-based event that raises awareness and money to promote cancer prevention. The event will open at 10:00 am with survivors and care givers being honored on the first lap, then a special brunch. This also starts the teams walking the track for the next  24 hours. These teams have raised pledge money and are walking to promote awareness. The public is urged to drop in throughout the event to cheer the walkers on, get information on Cancer, enjoy live entertainment and donate to cancer awareness.

        From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, residents are asked to participate in a study that will track them for the next 30 years. This study will aid in identifying lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to and prevent cancer. This study is renewed every 30 years, and this is the start of the next survey cycle. Participants  should be between the ages of 30 – 65, never diagnosed with cancer, and be willing to commit to the long term of the study.  Participants will: complete a brief questionnaire, give a waist measurement, a small blood sample, all at the event. Later, questionnaires will be mailed to them every few years. Everyone is urged to participate, though there is a special need for male participation.

          At 12:00 a fight back Ceremony is planned and all are welcome.

          10:00 PM a luminary Ceremony for those lost to cancer, and individuals that beat cancer.

          Closing ceremonies are Sunday at 9:30am.

Mayor O’Reilly: Spoke and took questions from the DFNA.  Items covered were:

·        13 properties were obtained by the city this council meeting. To date some 1,200 substandard properties were obtained by the city for demolition and re-sale of the lot for new housing.

·        First time home buyers are eligible for a $8,000.00 federal tax credit  toward a home. Persons who have not owned a home in the previous three years qualify.

·        City employees are being encouraged to buy and live within the city. Ideas are being discussed to provide incentives.

·        Substandard houses on tiny lots are being demolished and the lot offered for sale to adjacent properties. The goal is eventually have larger lots for development.

·        On existing vacant lots the city is floating the idea of neighborhood farming. Residents can sign up to grow vegetables and flowers on city owned lots. Classes on community gardening are being discussed.

·        Exploration of turning sludge captured in the Combined Sewer Overflow vaults in to methane fuel and wind farms along the Rouge ditch were ideas being evaluated. These renewable energy projects could be a revenue source for the city.

·        Clothing collection bins that have sprouted up in the city are being removed as eyesores. Contrary to perception, these collections are being resold and not donated to the needy. Any contributions should be arranged through one of many worthwhile not for profit organizations, many of which will pick up.

5.               New Business:

Myron Lemecha: Asked if it is possible for the police to provide neighborhood specific reports on type and frequency of crimes. This was requested  to better alert residents to topical problems. Information to follow.

Ned Nikodem: Ned extended a warm and enthusiastic  thank you to Myron for the opportunity for the DFNA to attend the Dearborn Symphony Pops concert. Ned also proposed that the DFNA  show our support with a donation to the Dearborn Symphony. Proposal was unanimously approved.

6.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Mark Lipischak motioned for adjournment, Mary Bugeia seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM.

7.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room 05/06/2009 @ 7:30 pm. These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.

http://www.dfna.org