Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

MINUTES – May 6, 2009

Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for May 06, 2009

1.               Call to order:

Terry Pulido: Called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.

Members in Attendance:

            Guests:

2.               Approval of the April minutes.

Mark Lipischak motioned to approve the minutes, Craig Dahlke seconded. Minutes were approved.

3.               Treasurer’s Report:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Ned Nikodem Presented the treasurer’s report:

                    Beginning  balance                                      $939.43
                    Income (Dues)                                             + $60.00
                    Expense (Dearborn Symphony donation)      -100.00
                    Balance as of 05/06/2009                               $899.43

 Ned reminded the associations that dues were late and encouraged payment.

4.               Guest Speaker:  Eugene Smith representing the Dearborn Recreation Commission spoke to the DFNA on the topic of a pilot program allowing dogs into city parks. It was explained that this will not be a “dog park” where an area is fenced and the dogs are allowed to run off leash.  It is envisioned that if enacted owners will be permitted to walk their dogs on a short leash in designated areas of city parks.

    A dialogue and study is under way to investigate the possibility of using Crowley Park as the pilot park. Mr. Smith asked for feedback from the DFNA’s members, pro and con on the topic. Discussions became passionate and the group was reminded by Terry Pulido that this is a forum for all concerned people to discuss topics important to all residents of Dearborn, and that all opinions and positions will be treated with courtesy and respect.

 Suggestions and concerns by the membership were:

• ·     Staffing of the park to enforce ordinances  pertaining to dogs.

• ·     Clean up of waste.

• ·     Disposal of waste.

• ·     Possible problems with dogs and people running, jogging, cycling toward dogs and   their handlers.

• ·     Issuing permits to allow dogs in the park.

• ·     Socialization certificates  f or dogs that will be in the parks.

• ·     Permit fees to pay for improvements and staffing to monitor parks.

• ·     Heavy fines for violation of rules.

• ·     It was noted that residents that comply with rules and regulations for licensing and permitting  were less apt to have problem pets, and strict enforcement of rules would benefit all.

• ·     Permits should be highly  visible from a distance to help with enforcement and not harass compliant owners.

• ·     Septic disposal stations for waste should be convenient  to area to encourage use.

• ·     Disposal bags should be available at site.

• ·     This is a divisive issue and should be opened to city wide debate, discussion,  and input.

John Cascardo: John distributed a letter from the Building Safety Department detailing a study by Environmental  Protection Agency, Wayne State University, Karmanos  Cancer Institute and a contracting company, Asbestos Removal Technologies. This study is to determine the affects of vermiculite attic insulation. The study is not endorsed, financed, or supported by the City of Dearborn.

  The study is to inform the residents of the possibility of Asbestosis in the insulation. Abatement of any Asbestosis is the homeowners responsibility.  The letter may be viewed on the City of Dearborn’s website, or contact Donna Dupuie 313 943 2153.

          John is compiling a data base for anyone  interested in participating in raising a garden on city lots. Implementation of the program  should be next spring.

          The city is asking for a neighborhood representatives to submit their e-mail or other contact information to allow the police department to identify a responsible person to disseminate information to their neighbors regarding local crime.

Dustin Campbell:  Representing Senator Irma Clark-Coleman.    Mr. Campbell informed us of the Senator’s appointment to an eight member commission to oversee the distribution of “Stimulus Money” coming in to our state. As always the senator is interested in her constituents opinions and welcomes feedback.

5.               New Business: Lee Ann Bitonti

 informed us that Crowley Park is planning its first neighborhood wide garage sale for June 12^th. and 13^th.  also planned was a community camp out at Crowley Park. In addition, the residents voted on changing the district name from Westwood to Crowley Park.

Mitch Hazime of Hemlock/Blesser, asked if the city is planning to do weekly community mainteinces and abandon the current schedule.

Joan Greig representing DuVall – Edison neighborhood announced that she is attempting to re-activate her association and was looking for information and assistance. Welcome DuVall – Edison!

Brian O’Donnell  Dearborn Hills is hosting its second annual 15K fun run.

Marshall Wehr announced that the Dearborn Symphony will end the  concert season with the youth performers program.

Sylvia Tillman noted that the Edison Street Sale is scheduled for June 6^th.

Jeff Swantek invited the DFNA to attend the Dearborn Park garden tour as his guest and that trees will be planted in the lot across form Dearborn High School.

Ann Basse invited everyone to attend the Re-dedication of the Arthur Basse Park on June 2^nd. where a new sign is to be installed.  District meeting is to follow at the Esper library.

6.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Mark Lipischak motioned for adjournment, Jeff Swantek seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:07 PM.

7.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room 06/03/2009 @ 7:30 pm. These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.

http://www.dfna.org