Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for January 09, 2008  

1.               Call to order:  

Terry Pulido: opened the meeting at 7:35pm.

Members in Attendance:

2.               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             $1029.43

                    Income                                         $20.00

                    Expenses                                   $150.00

                    Balance as of 12/31/2007        $899.43   

3.               Guest Speaker:

Fire Chief Nazih Hazime informed the Federation about the efforts of Dale Werth and Heavenly Helpers.

Mr. Werth is a contractor volunteering his abilities in conjunction with Pastor Dan Jongsma and Dearborn Christian Fellowship church. The Group Heavenly Helpers assists the elderly, infirm, or other neighbors needing general help around their house. Minor repairs, taking out the trash or companionship are services the group can provide. The Heavenly Helpers are looking to identify neighbors in need of these services. The church in conjunction with the Dearborn Fire Department would also like to distribute smoke detectors and batteries to residents in need. Chief Hazime is asking the Federation to help identify neighbors who may benefit from this type of service.

Contact information:

Dearborn Christian Fellowship

21360 Donaldson St.

Dearborn, MI

http://dearborncf.com

          Chief of Police Michael Celeski spoke to the Federation about the Neighborhood Watch program.

 The police department is asking all residents to become the eyes and ears for the police.  Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and report all suspicious activities to the authorities. Everyone is asked to call the police when they see something out of the ordinary in their neighborhood; the chief stated that the police want to be present and aware of all residents concerns. The police will prioritize and citizens should not hesitate reporting any concern.

The police are also investigating ways of disseminating emergency and topical information to the neighborhoods. Websites and public seminars are topics being discussed.

          Mayor O’Reilly Spoke on public service days.

 The city has started the program to clean and service all neighborhood streets. The city is well aware of major potential stumbling blocks and is gently rolling out the program. Residents will be given reminders and warnings to help ease into the service days routine. The city is also keenly aware that there issues that have not been identified and are eager to hear suggestions to revolve any issue as they arise. The city is to implement a link on Dearborn’s Public Service tab of the city website to allow the residents an easy avenue to provide feedback, as well as welcoming phone calls.

          John Cascardo updated the Federation on www.welcomehomedearborn.com        

Welcome home Dearborn is a site that promotes the advantages of living and working in Dearborn. John also distributed cling on window decals promoting the website, if spotted on your car you can win a $25.00 gas card. Decals are available at the City Hall, Ford Community and Performing Arts Center and the Libraries.

4.               Old Business:

         Federation of Neighborhood election results:

President                        Terry Pulido

Vice-President                Sharifah Aun

Treasurer                       Ned Nikodem

Secretary                        Dave Tillman

          Annual holiday dinner, a good time was had by all!

5.               New business:

Carrie Serfass of Ft. Dearborn neighborhood asked about the possibility of better lines of communication regarding major events, repairs and construction projects within the city. The deforestation of the Rouge River corridor to make way for the combined sewer overflow project was the major item discussed. Mayor O’Reilly and John Cascardo defended the city’s efforts to publicize the project but agreed that future projects will benefit from lessons learned and will try to improve lines of communication by better taking advantage of technology to disseminate information.  

Paul Boyce Has been re-activated into the military, and is concerned that his neighborhood remains active with the Federation, possibly merging with a neighboring association for the time being. The association will help any way we can to provide support. Stay safe and hurry back Paul; you will be in our thoughts! 

6.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Scott Smith motioned for adjournment, Ned Nikodem seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 pm.

7.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room February 6th.  At 7:30pm.

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