Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

MINUTES
November 4, 2009

Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for November 04, 2009

1.               Call to order:

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

Members in Attendance:

            Terry opened the meeting with introductions  and congratulations to Brian O’Donnell on his election to the Dearborn City Council.  Way to go Brian!

2.               Approval of the October minutes.

Mary Petlichkoff motioned to approve the minutes, Mary Bugeia seconded. Minutes were approved.

3.               Treasurer’s Report:

Ned Nikodem Presented the treasurer’s report:

                    Beginning  balance                         $1014.43
                    Income (Dues)                              +     $0.00
                    Expense                                       -       0.00
                    Balance as of 10/07/2009               $ 1014.43

4.               Guest Speaker:   Alan Pinon, Web Editor, Department of Public information was introduced and spoke of changes coming to the City’ s web site. Proposed upgrades will make the site more user friendly and include web pages for, and links to, neighborhood associations. It was suggested that a calendar of neighborhood events / meetings should be included to foster cooperation and exchange of ideas between the city, and individual neighborhood groups.  Alan is looking for pictures and biographical information on the neighborhoods to include in the site. He can be contacted at: www.spinon@ci.dearborn.mi.us

Bob Ziolkowski  & Valerie Murphy – Boodrich, Training Coordinators for the City of  Dearborn Human Resources Department informed the group of training initiatives the city uses to boost customer satisfaction of people interacting with the different city departments.  Bob explained that they develop unique curriculum and conduct training classes to address situations employees encounter serving the public. Our group was asked to provide input on issues that we feel need attention, difficulties that may be addressed with education and training.

Ideas were:

·        Printed materials are a great resource, but web based lists are best for dynamic information.

·        Department phone numbers should be also cross referenced by type of problem: such as “water in basement” or “ fallen tree” residents may not always know what department handles which issue.

·        Each department should be giving the same information, not contradicting each other .

·        Bi-lingual information phone number.

Send suggestions to:

bziolkow@ci.dearborn.mi.us
vmurphy@ci.dearborn.mi.us

John Cascardo:  John informed us that the mayor would like to have another question and answer session with the DFNA.

John requested  testimonials of residents on why Dearborn is the place to live, submissions will be posted on the new website and other city promotional information.

The Departments of Economic and Community Development  and Residential services are continuing to make progress establishing themselves, under way is a process to inform the public that their request are being met and that all issues will be followed up to insure a resolution to the inquiry.

5.               Nominations for election of officers: Charlene Sharp announced that the Federation will hold elections for officers at the December meeting. Candidates will serve a 1 year term and will be elected by Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood members in good standing, as defined in the By-laws.  Nominees are:

President:
Terry Pulido (incumbent)
Marium Wilkie
Vice President:
Charlene Sharp
Mary Petlichkoff
Treasurer:
Ned Nikodem (incumbent)
Secretary:
Dave Tillman (incumbent)

The positions of Treasurer and Secretary are unopposed at this time. Charlene requested a motion to approve the slate, Mary Bugeia approved, Scott Smith seconded the motion.

Due to the election of officers and seasonal gathering the December meeting will start at 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s conference room. Snacks  and refreshments will be served.

6.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Mary Petlichkoff motioned for adjournment, Mark Lipischak seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:16 PM.

7.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room 12/02/2009 @ 7:00 pm. These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.

http://www.dfna.org