Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations  

Meeting Minutes for April 02, 2008

1.               Call to order:

Terry Pulido: opened the meeting at 7:38pm.

Members in Attendance:

2.               Approval of the March minutes.

Vera Ventre approved the minutes, Marc Lipishiek seconded. Minutes were approved.

3.               Treasurer’s Report:                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Ned Nikodem updated the group on the financial standings and reminded the membership that 2008 dues are now payable: $20.00 association, $10.00 individual.

                    Beginning balance                       $959.43
                    Income                                     + $   50.00
                    Expenses                                   -$     0.00
                    Balance as of 02/06/2008            $1009.43

4.               Guest Speaker:

Jackie McClure & Margaret Blohm from www.welcomehomedearborn.com updated the Federation on the welcome home Dearborn website and marketing strategies to promote Dearborn as The Place to Live.  In addition to the website the group is building a myspace page, displaying billboards on major Dearborn gateways, and buying radio advertisement on select radio programs. All of these efforts are trying to reach the young professional and early empty nester demographic.

The ladies reported the website has had much interest and success attracting almost 10,000 visitors, some from countries such as Sweden, China, Japan, and Canada. Web traffic from domestic locations in the USA such as CA, NY, VA, and TX has also been noted. The ability to promote our city on the web to potential transferees is invaluable.

Don Nicholson, a long time resident  and local business person briefed the Federation on the Cruisin Michigan Ave. car cruise slated to happen July 12, 2008. Proceeds from the Cruise will benefit special needs youth, with job training and life skills. This is the first multi-city US-12 cruise and will kick off in our city in the shadow of Ford World Headquarters and run to Wayne, Michigan.  Music and tents sponsored by local charities and non-profits such as neighborhood districts are encouraged to participate along the cruise route. Check out the website for more information: http://www.cruisinmichigan.com  .  All makes, models, and years are welcome to participate.

5.               Old Business:

None.

6.               Neighborhood News:

Marshall Wehr:          is assisting at one of Detroit’s homeless shelters.

Ned Nikodem:          reported Riverbend had a snowy Easter egg hunt.

Sharifah Aun:           Informed us that the Dearborn police continue to provide great advice and information with their neighborhood crime prevention seminars. 

Ann Bassie:           pointed out that it is getting harder to distinguish Dearborn’s roads from the surface of the Moon, it is pothole season again.

Vera Ventre:          Notified the Federation of the passing of  a long time neighborhood and City of Dearborn champion and activist, Nancy Olkowski.  Vera noted Nancy’s passion for the city and her neighborhood, Nancy will be missed.

Sylvia Tillman           Invited the Federation to the Ford Homes Historic District  spring meeting April 23, at the Baptist Church Nowlin at Olmstead 7:30 pm. Also noted: the Ford Homes home tour to be held in conjunction with the Michigan Preservation Conference, May 8^th 7-9 pm.  http://www.mhpn.org

7.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Scott Smith motioned for adjournment, Charlene Sharp seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.

8.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room May 7th.  At 7:30pm.

These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.