Tampa Heights Civic Association

General Meeting Minutes

Feb. 25, 2004

Board Attendees

Mary Hernandez, David Brown, Chris Eriksen, Steve Mica, Jennifer Frankowiak, Lena Young Green

New President Introduction

Mary Hernandez called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.  and introduced the newly elected Tampa Heights Civic Association Board

Treasurers Report

Review Tour of Homes sponsorships, banner income, park reserve funds and general funds.  Motion to pass by Chris Eriksen; passed unanimously.

Curtis Lane – Code Enforcement

There are now three code enforcement areas with each area having one supervisor and nine inspectors.  The department is establishing a proactive and systematic approach by visiting each street block by block noting code enforcement violations.

2003 – 31,000 cases opened

2004 – 35,000 cases opened (predicted)

Currently 3,000 back-logged cases

Next month every Code Enforcement inspector will have laptops in their cars to expedite case processing.

Code enforcement problems are not resolved immediately unless the violation  causes health, safety or welfare issues.  Then an officer will see to securing the violation immediately.

Code Board meets every Wednesday.  If anyone is unable to get a response from the Code Enforcement office after several attempts either by email or phone please contact Mr. Lane at 274-8380.

New Member Welcome

Carey Coles of Alfred Street and Sheila Saint Felipe.

Banner Update

Banners cost $20.  Current sales are at 12 and THCA would like to pre-sell a minimum of 50.

Tour of Homes

The tour committee is looking for volunteers for the event and folks to contribute baked goods for the bake sale.  Anyone interested should contact Monika Schuler at remy@ij.net.

Greenprinting

Three charrettes are available for community input.  Please take some time to look at each design and contribute your thoughts.  May 15 they are planning a community festival at Robles Park from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  It will be a family affair with games and a copy of the final plan will be available.  Anyone with questions should contact James Burson at 221-8266 or jburson@tampabay.rr.com.  Tampa Heights was also invited to Dog Days in The Park in the fall.  This event helps raise money in Southeast Seminole Heights for their greenprinting initiative.  Some of the money raise in 2004 will be contributed to the Tampa Heights initiative.  Questions can be directed to Mr. Burson or Jennifer Sterling of the Mayor’s Beautification Program at 221-8733.

402 E. Oak

Arnie Hernandez is in the process of developing some commercial properties.  The THCA has issues with the designs of the front façade – they are essentially four identical structures almost barrack looking.  The THCA did write a letter voicing the community’s disapproval.  Some board members attended the ARC meeting on Mar. 1.

2004 Goals

Mary reviewed her goals for 2004:

            Increase membership

            Increase membership dollars

            Quarterly newsletter

            Fundraising events

            Get the neighborhood one step closer to the Masterplan

            Improve community relations

            Impact on crime/homelessness

            Produce 1^s annual report

Welcome Residents

Mary asked that fi someone new moves to the area neighbors please stop by and introduce yourselves.  Mary would also like to have a welcome form and a welcome aboard form.  The Welcome Aboard form should be distributed to the email list to boost membership.  Motion to distribute the form by Russ Versaggi, passed unanimously.  Discussion continued about the THCA status as a 501c3 nonprofit.  Companies donating to THCA can take a deduction but membership dues cannot be deducted.

Porch Parties

Porch parties begin soon.  There will be a sign-up board at each meeting until all porch party hosts have been established.

Code Enforcement complaint forms

Mary would like to either post forms on the web site or have a direct link to code enforcement.

Historic Marker

Vagrants are vandalizing the sign on 7th and Florida avenues.  Ralph Schuler is looking into the costs with replacing the damaged letters and darkening the ‘Tampa Heights’.

Yard of the Month

Mary would like to establish this program to promote taking care of your yards.  The winners will receive a sign of recognition to display for the month.

Speakers

THCA would like to request for the membership to suggest monthly speakers of interest. 

Web site Ideas

Mary would like to list neighborhood homes on the National Historic Registry.  Mary would also like a list of prominent Tampa Heights residents, current and past.  Additional suggestions are welcomed.

Stewardship Committee

This committee meets the 3^rd Thursday of each month at St. James House of Prayer (the Stone Church)

Final Thoughts

Mary briefly mentioned tying in an Olde-Fashion picnic in the Park with the Greenprinting community Day.  She also has an interest in establishing a Welcome Wagon type group to welcome new residents.

Meeting Adjourned

General meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.  Twenty-six (26) residents attended the meeting and signed in.  The next general meeting is March 25, 2004.

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