Tampa Heights Civic Association

Board Meeting Minutes

Feb. 10, 2004

Attendees

Mary Hernandez, David Brown, Chris Eriksen, Eddie Serralles, Ralph Schuler, Tom McPeek, Steve Mica, Jennifer Frankowiak, Lena Young Green

Banner

Ralph updated the board on the status of the banner.  A proof is currently in development.  Tom confirmed eleven paid orders to date.  There needs to be at least 50 pre-orders before ordering the banners.  Mary and Roy will purchase ten banners.

Tour of Homes

Jennifer gave an update on the status of the tour.  There are 11 homes and a garden confirmed for the tour.  Sponsor dollars total over $5100. 

Greenprinting Initiative

Lena reported a plan to have a community event in May at Robles Park.  Lena or Jim Burson will report to the general membership at the Civic Association meeting.

Master Plan

The Tampa Heights master plan, in its entirety, can be found on the Planning Commission web site.

Code Enforcement

Curtis Lane will be the guest speaker at the February Civic Association meeting.  In order to avoid utter chaos we will be asking attendees to complete a complaint form.  All forms will be given to Mr. Lane and Mary will conduct follow up on each issue.

Web Site

Mike and Malina Spokas will need to be contacted about the status of changing the web site.  The contract with the current host is expiring now (?) and they are researching alternate hosts to give the web site more capabilities.  Mary asked if any of the forms could be included n the web site to download and complete – like the code enforcement complaint.  Ralph mentioned the best way to get through to the city is using the city web site www.tampagov.com.  Mary suggested adding links on the web site to each issue.  Mary would also like to see a list of historic homes on the web site and perhaps information about any notable people who’ve lived in the neighborhood.  Mary would also like the meeting agendas to be posted on the web site to spur interest.

It was suggested that we add more photos to the web site.  Event and home pictures. 

Newsletter

Mary would like to have a quarterly newsletter.  Jennifer agreed to produce the newsletters provided information is made available.  The newsletter will be posted on the web site.  Distribution may be limited to Civic Association members.  Lena disagreed and felt the newsletter should be made available to all residents.  Lena said the block captain program has faded out with the new Mayors Beautification representative.  Additional distribution ideas were not discussed 

President’s State of the Union Address

Mary reviewed her goals for 2004.  Increasing membership is a priority.  Mary would like to develop a Welcome Wagon type committee to welcome new neighbors.  Eddie agreed to help get listing of recently sold homes in the area.  Ralph and Eddie agreed the best source is the weekly listing in the Central Tampa section of the Tampa Tribune.

Mary also developed several forms and mailers to encourage membership.  The board was asked to visit four neighbors to personally ask each to attend the Civic Association meetings or at the very least join the Association.  We were given ‘reminder’ cards to leave at each neighbor’s home. 

Mary would like to distribute membership flyers asking for neighbors to join the association.  Steve is working on developing a something to distribute. 

Mary also would like to have a sign-in form for new faces at the Civic Association meetings.  A board member should introduce himself or herself and encourage community participation.

Mary has asked to change the layout for the Civic Association meetings.  All board members should sit at a table in front with the guest speaker(s) and should be clearly identifiable by wearing their respective badges.

Annual Report

Mary wants to develop an annual report at the culmination of her term as president.  The report would be generated from the treasurer’s report and the minutes from the board and general meetings. 

Porch Parties

Mary discussed the dates for the 2004 porch parties.  Email and/or phone reminders will continue. 

Fundraisers

Mary suggested putting together a community cookbook as it is something that can be used on going and sold at different events.

Database

Mary and Tom agreed a database would be very helpful.  Jennifer agreed to be the keeper of the database.  The forms used for member recruitment will need to reflect some sort of approval for inclusion in the community database.

Ideas

Mary would like to have an opportunity to let the community submit ideas for speakers and/or general ideas for the Tampa Heights Community.  An idea box will be used at the Civic Association meetings.

Mary suggested an Olde Fashion Picnic in The Park.  Lena suggested it coincide with the community day currently be planned in conjunction with the Greenprinting Initiative.

Mary also suggested have a yard of the month during the summer.  Maybe voting on an outstanding yard and giving the owner a sign to display.

Tampa Heights Marker

Ralph would like to the letters on the sign at Florida and Seventh avenues replaced with some of the money generated from the Tour of Homes.  He will get quotes for replacing the letters and for getting better lettering.

Treasurer Report

Steve suggested adding Tom to the list of approved check signers.  David made a motion to add Tom as a check signer in lieu of Steve’s absences.  Motion was seconded by Ralph and passed unanimously by the board.

Next Board Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday March 9 at 7p.m. at the YMCA. 

Meeting Adjourned

Board meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

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