Irish Channel Neighborhood Association

 February 2006 Minutes  3/9/2007 11:11:35 AM

Minutes of the Meeting of the General Membership of the Irish Channel Neighborhood AssociationFebruary 18, 2007Captain Bardy addressed the membership about a spate of recent incidents against single, white males in the neighborhood. The police have apprehended two suspects, both are 16 years old. Responding to a neighbor’s question, Cpt. Bardy thinks the attacks are from a narrow range of people and are not indicative of a culture clash in the neighborhood. Cpt. Bardy mentioned that the busy Mardi Gras season begins tomorrow. Police cars will parallel the parade route on both sides of St. Charles. There was an armed robbery at Gulfstream involving a gold-colored vehicle. The license plate of this vehicle has been ascertained. Officers are walking the beat now, in high crimes areas and areas of high visibility.Cpt. Bardy suggested we get in touch with Eddie Jordan’s office to encourage punishment of the Parasols’ robbers. Rodney Williams and Marvin McCantz have been arrested in this crime. The pair also robbed Verrets Beauty Salon. To follow a criminal in the justice system, go to Google and type in Docketmaster. This will take you to the Sheriff’s site. Enter the first and last names and you will be given a timeline. Cpt. Bardy said that the City Council has decided to hold off on enforcing ordinances against PODs in the street. Check the police blog on the ICNA website for phone numbers regarding the police Mardi Gras breakfast and how you can help.

The owner and operator of the Magazine Street Po-Boy Shop addressed the membership. Mr. Ray Movahed and Mr. Al Movahed. Mr. Movahed asked for ICNA’s support in its application for a liquor license. Magazine Street Po-Boy Shop has been in business for 19 years. Four years ago it collected 400 signatures in support of its application for a license. They have no intention of installing video poker machines or selling hard liquor.

The ABO moratorium begins the first Thursday in March and will last for 18 months. It covers businesses on Magazine Street from Louisiana to Josephine. A discussion ensued about ICNA’s desire to support the restaurant versus its commitment to Stacy Head to support the moratorium.

President Cele Husing discussed the need to review and update ICNA’s bylaws. A Bylaws Committee was formed consisting of Michelle Kimball, Peter Abbotsford, Theresa Conrad, Charlie Burck and Sarah Johnson.

Peter Abbotsford made a presentation on the possibility of a private patrol in the Irish Channel. For purposes of comparison, the Garden District is larger than the IC and the Touro Bouligny neighborhood is smaller. The mil max for the Garden District is 19; the mil used is 15-16.5. The mil max for Touro Bouligny is 16.2; the mil used is 12.8. Our mil max would probably be 17.5; our mil used will probably be 13. Mr. Abbotsford guesses that it would cost each IC homeowner $130 per year to fund a security district. Assessments that are frozen are deducted. Mr. Abbotsford proposes that an allowance be made for the disabled. The district would include both sides of Louisiana and Jackson, and neither side of Magazine. A neighbor asked how much it would cost to staff a security district, concerned that our millage would not pay for the costs. If the costs go above the cap, the Board has the ability to raise the cap. A motion was made to authorize the President the send a letter to Jalila Jefferson. The motion did not pass. Another motion was made to refer the matter back to the crime committee to discuss the security district process. The motion passed.

Ed McGinnis made a report for the clean-up committee. Charlie Burck and Ed McGinnis attended a leadership training class offered by Common Good which recommended that neighborhood organizations focus on what they’re good at. Community watches and fundraisers for local schools were recommended. Mr. McGinnis noted that we’ve had three trash pickups. They are a source of goodwill in the neighborhood – neighbors out meeting neighbors. He proposes that there be systematic trash pick-ups on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. He wants to contact churches one week before a pick-up in their area so that the congregations can be notified. Businesses should be contacted as well so that they can clean up their areas. A motion was made to adopt a preliminary plan to ask for volunteers to fill positions. The motion passed. First, a flyer should be made announcing a pick up, with a membership application, etc. on the back. Alanda Bennett volunteered to help. Theresa Conrad volunteered to help with a yard sign along the lines of “Don’t Trash the Channel.” Mr. McGinnis volunteered to contact churches. Mike Humphrey will contact businesses. Connie Dossman will contact local schools (the Hill School, Live Oak and Laurel). Cele Husing will meet with the Methodist Home. Ed McGinnis will contact Roberts Disposal. On March 10, there will be a trash pickup from 9 to 11. The group will meet at Washington and Magazine and will proceed down Washington to Tchoupitoulas.

Charlie Burck proposed that the newsletter be published quarterly. A motion in favor of this proposal was made and passed. A discussion was held about the newsletter to be published after Mardi Gras. Dave Lorch offered assistance.

A discussion was held about the adoption of Clay Square. It is difficult to get in touch with the pastor of Rachel Simms. Karen Chaubert has information on the posts with dog waste disposal bags.

Mike Humphrey made a treasurer’s report and passed around a handout detailing current financial information.

There will not be a St. Patrick’s festival this year. Last year ICNA set up a table and sold a few things. At the ICNA meeting in March, a table for this year will be discussed.

Karen Chaubert sought approval for a donation of $100 each for cleaning supplies for the Sixth District station and for the police breakfast held on Mardi Gras. Approval was granted.