Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for June 02, 2010

1.               Call to order

Terry Pulido: Called the meeting to order at 7:32 pm.

Members in Attendance:

2.               Approval of the May minutes.

Ned Nikodem motioned to approve the May 2010 minutes, Maureen McIllrath seconded.  Minutes were approved.

3.               Treasurer’s Report:

Ned Nikodem Presented the treasurer’s report:

          Beginning balance                                        $924.43
          Income (Dues)                                           +  $10.00
          Expense                                                    -      0.00
          Balance as of 06/02/2010                             $ 934.43

4.               Guest Speakers: Cpl. Dan Bartok & Sgt. Donald Armstrong of the Dearborn Police Department:

Gave a presentation on Crime prevention and the Nixle notification system. Neighborhood watch is a primary line of defense of our neighborhoods, by being aware of our surroundings we are better able to assist the Police in preventing crime. Cpl. Bartok stressed that observation and notification by residents to the Suspicious Activity Phone Line (SAPL) 313 943 – 3030 dramatically assists in lowering crime in our neighborhoods. It was emphasized that any and all suspicious activity should be called in. The hotline is staffed by trained professionals that will route the call to the appropriate persons and calls will be followed up. The SAPL does not replace 911 for emergencies but allows the residents and police to remain aware of activities that may lead to crimes being committed. It was noted that reports to the SAPL have offered leads that have solved seeming unrelated crimes.  

The Nixle system is a conduit that the authorities can use to make citizens aware of situations that develop in their areas. Uses of the system include: notifications of criminal activity in an area, pictures / information on wanted individuals, updates on training or developing actions in a given area. The Nixle information system can be targeted to a city, neighborhood, or even a specific block. Notifications can be sent to a person’s e-mail or cell phone. The officers stressed that this system is for every resident, young and old, the better informed the better prepared. Residents can register with Nixle at: www.nixle.com then type in Dearborn, MI. This is a secure communications service between the Police and the residents they serve. 

Cpl. Bartok offered to meet and present crime prevention discussions with any neighborhood. Arrangements can be made by contacting: Sgt. Donald Armstrong 313-943-2117 or Cpl. Dan Bartok 313-943-3092.

Mayor O’Reilly: fielded questions about our new trash toters and the status of the Combined Sewer Overflow project.

5.               Old Business: Mary Petlichkoff: The committee assisting new neighborhood organizations will be meeting 06/17/2010.

By-laws: The topic of voting rights for the Dearborn Federation of Neighborhoods / what constitutes a voting member, was brought up, the discussion was whether or not the issue  will have to be studied by a committee that will make recommendations to the group. If needed this committee would be formed after the summer recess.

6.               New Business: Alex Shashko spoke of the importance of being vigilant and noting activities that lead to illegal fireworks being lit in the neighborhoods. It was noted that the Police will cooperate in a preemptive manor if information on offenders  is provided. Call the 943 3030 number. Officers are strictly enforcing the fireworks ordinances, but are limited by manpower constraints. Residents are urged to report violators. Fireworks present a great danger of fire as well a safety issue. It was noted that Michigan has pending legislation regarding the sale of fireworks.

Ned Nikodem made a motion to donate $100.00 from the Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood treasury to the Dearborn Symphony. Maureen McIllrath seconded, the motion was carried.

7.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Scott Smith motioned for adjournment, Colette Dunsmore seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM.

Note: Terry Pulido excused herself at 9:00pm, Mary Petlichkoff led the meeting until adjournment.

8.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room 09/01/2010 @ 7:30 pm.

These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.  http://www.dfna.org