Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

MINUTES—September 2, 2009

Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes for September 2, 2009

1.               Call to order:

Terry Pulido: Called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Terry welcomed new neighborhood groups and informed the DFNA of John Cascardo recovery progress form several surgeries and a unanimous  get well soon was offered  from all in attendance.

Members in Attendance:

            Guests:

2.               Approval of the June minutes.

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

3.               Treasurer’s Report: 

Ned Nikodem Presented the treasurer’s report:

                    Beginning  balance                       $944.43
                    Income (Dues)                              + $70.00
                    Expense                                             -0.00
                    Balance as of 09/02/2009              $1014.43

4.               Guest Speaker:  John Lewandowski:

spoke and gave a slideshow  presentation on the upcoming proposal to renew the .5 mil property tax millage for Henry Ford Community College. It was emphasized that this is not an increase or additional tax but a continuation of a current millage that is about to expire. The millage will provide approximately 2.2 million to support the school’s general operating budget. This millage will cost the average Dearborn homeowner  approximately $32.00 a year.

Sandy Butler: of the Dearborn Symphony informed the group of the exciting upcoming season of the Dearborn Symphony.

Marty Sheedy: of the Dearborn Disabilities Commission addressed the DFNA and informed and extended an invitation to the commission’s town hall meeting to be held at the Ford Community Performing Arts Center,  October 15,  from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, in studio A.

Mayor O’Reilly: Spoke to the DFNA on various topics of interest, items addressed were:

·   Marium Wilkie’s e-mail regarding residents placing trash out before designated hours on the eve of rubbish pickups. The City will try to diplomatically diffuse issues on a case by case basis.

·    Building and safety will start keeping portfolios on vacant and rental properties to aggressively enforce city ordinances of egregious violators. The city also plans for patrolling by density or concentration rather than by a neighborhood basis.

·   Containerized  garbage toters have been deemed a success in the trial neighborhood, and the city is looking at options to roll out city wide. Also under consideration are larger recyclable bins. The city is exploring how these changes may benefit it’s residents in negotiating a new rubbish collection contract.

·   Steve Sharp’s request for information on the pending legal actions regarding the Sewer Interceptor cases. The city has identified 1.8 million in sloppy bookkeeping by the contractors and has asked an independent inspector to audit and evaluate charges to recoup any overages.

·   Ann Bassie asked about street parking issues;  too many cars and not enough parking spaces. The city will step up enforcement of ordinances pertaining to  sidewalk blocking in her area.  

·   Myron Lemecha inquired about the condition of Michigan avenue in West Dearborn. The city has convinced the State to postpone a major rebuild in favor of a resurface. A total rebuild would have been a 2 year project versus 6 weeks to resurface. It was noted in these economic times that the shorter disruption would have less of an impact on local  merchants.

·   Scott Smith asked about the recent judgment in the City’s case regarding the construction at West Village Commons. The City is optimistic about recovery of almost 17 million from the Burton-Katsman company.

·   Ned Nikodem wanted an update on the convention center  proposal.  The city is waiting on stimulus money and has several proposals in the works.  This project is estimated to generate 137 million in new spending, 88 million of which would be out of state revenue.

·   Glen Savarese reported that nonresident parking is becoming an issue and was referred to city council.

·   Terry Pulido inquired about the dogs in city parks issue. It was noted that there is no reason to exclude if the park has a large track and owners are responsible for their pets.

·   Jeffery Swantek  Asked about enforcement of commercial vehicles in his area.

·   Jill Card wanted information on response time regarding a house that was struck by lightning during the Homecomming event.

5.               Adjournment:

With there being no further business Scott Smith motioned for adjournment, Mark Lipischak seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:58 PM.

6.               Associations in attendance:

The next meeting will be held in the Mayor's conference room 10/07/2009 @ 7:30 pm. These minutes have been compiled and submitted by Dave Tillman, Secretary DFNA.

http://www.dfna.org