Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

MINUTES – May 7, 2008

Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for May 7, 2008

 1. Call To Order:

Terry Pulido opened the Federation meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Members In Attendance:

2. Approval of April minutes.

Ann Basse made a motion to approve the April minutes, Myron Lemecha seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

3. Treasurer's Report

Ned Nikodem provided an update on the Federation’s financial standing.

Beginning balance         $1,009.43
Income                              $80.00
Expenses                           $0.00
Balance                        $1,089.43

4. Guest Speakers:

a. Fire Chief Nazih Hazime and Dale Werth updated the Federation on the progress of the Heaven’s Helpers project.  They reminded members of the purpose, to help those in need.  They requested that presidents of each neighborhood association help identify individuals/homes of those in need. They provided examples of some of the services that could be done by Heaven’s Helpers which include installation of smoke detectors, grass cutting, snow shoveling, minor repairs, handicap ramps and roofing.  The main focus at this time is the installation of smoke detectors.

Fire Chief Hazime added that John Walsh of “Americas Most Wanted” will be at Fairlane Ford on Michigan Ave. on June 7th.  One of the things that he will be doing is distributing children’s DNA kits.

b. Dearborn Rotary Nancy Siwik, President and Amy Bazzi, Chairperson, spoke about their upcoming event, the “Rock’n Rotary Classic Cruise” which will be held on Saturday, June 14th.

Nancy and Amy said that the goal of the event is to raise funds to have a “Care & Comfort” room at Oakwood Hospital.  This room will be set up like a living room.  This will allow individuals to have privacy with their loved ones as they say good bye.  This room will enable family members including young children to stay longer or even spend the night with patients who have little time left.  The cost of this room is $25,000.  So the idea was brought forth for a Rotary cruise bringing the community together for a good cause.

The Dearborn Rotary speakers explained they wanted more then just one more classic car cruise, they wanted an event instead.  They selected eight historic locations: The Automotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn Historical Museum, Ford World Headquarters, The Henry Ford, Rouge Plant, Dearborn City Hall, Henry Ford Estate and the Dearborn Inn.  At each location, something will happen.  For example, there will be cars, music, lemonade on the lawn, 1950’s inspired themed activities, etc. Also, Mayor O' Reilly will launch the event with a brief parade down Michigan Avenue at 12 noon.  Mayor Jack O' Reilly informed members that he supports the Rock’n Rotary Classic Cruise and has donated toward the cause.  For more information on this event please visit www.rotarycruise.com.  

Ned Nikodem made a motion to have the Federation donate $100 toward the Rotary fundraiser.  Sheila Brooks seconded, motion carried.

c. Mayor Jack O’Reilly touched on various topics.  He explained why necessary construction is needed on Michigan Avenue which is scheduled for 2009.  He told members that most City work is done by tunneling; not digging and that the City is working close with M-DOT.

The Mayor also informed the Federation that street sweeping is going well, the best result is getting curb to curb. He brought to the members’ attention that the Mercury Motel was purchased by the Dearborn Federal Savings and Lord & Taylor was bought by Macy's.  At Fairlane Mall, Saks 5^th Avenue has been torn down and will be replaced by three nice restaurants.  He explained that “Art On The Avenue” has been moved from June to October in order not to compete with other events during the same time period.

Also, the City of Dearborn is considering having an anonymous Tip Line for Building & Safety similar to the successful Police Department's Tip Line.  The Mayor explained the reason for issuing warnings first and tickets as a last resort in regards to parking issues.

The Mayor mentioned the success of large trash cans with hinged lids that were distributed to the South End many years ago.  The City is considering the idea of having similar (90 gallon containers) distributed throughout Dearborn.  However, funding is an issue as this would be a very costly endeavor.

5. Old Business:

Terry informed members that Dave and Sylvia Tillman and John Cascardo were at the Preservation Conference of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.  All are encouraged to attend the conference being held May 8^th through May 10^th.  Sylvia Tillman organized this event which will showcase Dearborn and its neighborhoods.

6. Neighborhood News:

Myron Lemecha, (Westlane Civic Association) spoke highly of the Dearborn Symphony and encouraged members to attend the last concert of the season being held on May 9th.

Sheila Brooks invited all to attend Golfview Neighborhood Association’s flower show which is May 10th at 9:00 a.m.  Sheila also mentioned that their open house was a success.

7. Adjournment:

With there being no further business, Craig Dahlke made a motion to adjourn seconded by Joe Umlauf.  The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

8. Associations in attendance:

The next Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations meeting will be held in the Mayor's Conference Room on June 4th at 7:30 p.m.

These minutes have been compiled by Sharifah Aun on behalf of Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.

http://www.dfna.org