Irish Channel Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the Meeting of the General Membership of the

Irish Channel Neighborhood Association

May 10, 2007

In Cele Husing’s absence, the meeting was called to order by Mike Humphrey, treasurer.  A motion was made to accept the minutes of the April meeting.  All were in favor.

A discussion was held about the election for all officer and board member positions to be held at the June meeting.  A motion was made to send out an e-mail to the general membership listing those already nominated and asking for additional nominees.  These nominations will be due June 7, one week before the June meeting.  The motion passed.  Michelle Kimball will be consulted to see what the bylaws instruct about election of two- versus one-year board member positions.  Currently, all board member terms expire at the same time – they need to be staggered.  Mr. Humphrey suggested that three of the two-year positions should be converted to one-year positions for one year and changed back to two-year positions at the next election.  A motion was made to put the nomination slate on the agenda for next month.  The ballots need to be made ready as well.  A motion was made to set the cut-off date for nominations as June 7.  All were in favor.  Both motions passed.

The following individuals were nominated for the indicated positions:   Tess Conrad, Ed McGinnis — President; Sarah Johnson, Program Coordinator; Secretary — open; Mike Humphrey — treasurer; Melanie Miranda, Adolph Lopez, Harvey Stern, Karen Chabert, Peter Abbotsford, Belvia Isabelle, Michelle Kimball, Ed McGinnis, Theresa Conrad, Charles Burck, Mike Fairchild, Chris Horrell, Chase Jones and Cele Husing – board members.

Another motion asked that those present introduce themselves.  All complied.

Ed McGinnis spoke on behalf of the clean-up committee.  There will be a trash pick-up this Saturday at 9 a.m. along Sixth and Seventh Streets.  NOPD will escort the group.  Flyers have been passed out.  There may be OPP prisoners and a representative from Stacy Head’s office.  Ms. Head has secured compact fluorescent bulbs to pass out to neighbors so they can affordably leave porch lights on at night.  Some publicity has been done, including an announcement on WWOZ.  Ms. Head sent out an e-mail to her staff and the Garden District and copied Councilmen Fielkow and Thomas.  La Divinia will provide gelato and cappuccino for volunteers.  There may be press there.  Mr. McGinnis reminded the neighbors that this Saturday’s area is a troubled one and needs our attention as neighbors.  Officer Favaloro will be there.  Three weeks ago there were three shootings in four nights within a half-block in this area.  A meeting with Captain Bardy, Stacy Head and interested neighbors resulted in a promise to shift resources into this part of our neighborhood.

Chris Horrell made a motion asking that ICNA send a letter to Captain Bardy and NOPD thanking them for their help in the past several months and particularly in the last three weeks to help in this area.  The police always come to our meetings when invited.  Two ideas would be communicated in this letter.  We appreciate the police and we want to reciprocate.  The Mayor, Riley and City Councilmembers will be copied on the letter.  Mr. Horrell will write the letter and send it via the secretary to Cele Husing for signature.  All were in favor of the motion.

A neighbor pointed out that the trash flyers have become trash themselves.  A discussion was held about a better distribution technique.

Mr. McGinnis also reported contact with several local churches, including Faith in Action, Greater Antioch and Rachel Simms.  Rev. Francois at Faith in Action and Larry Diaz at Rachel Simms expressed interest in trying to attend ICNA meetings.  Rev. Diaz will try to attend in the fall.  A message was left at Greater Antioch.

There was no report from the membership committee.

Mr. Harvey Stern spoke for the zoning committee.  The liquor application from Magazine Street Po-Boy Shop is still pending.  Stein’s has applied as well. 

A neighbor mentioned a double on

between Chippewa and Annunciation that is being worked on.  The plans call for round columns which strike the neighbor as inappropriate for the block.

            A discussion was held about Irish Channel properties on the consent agenda at the HDLC meeting May 11.  Mr. Humphrey suggested that prospective buyers should check with the HDLC before buying a home in the Irish Channel to make sure the property is in compliance.

            Karen Chabert spoke for the crime committee.  She said that the guardian angels have not called her back.  Ms. Chabert reported that 22 cameras in the neighborhood are working.  By May 18, 3 more will be working.  The district has 12 hotspot cameras that can be moved.  E-mail the police if you want a camera on your corner.  Nick’s grocery store has been given a summons regarding keeping the area clean.  They pled guilty today.   There will be a Night Out Against Crime at the corner of Second and Constance Streets.  There was also interest expressed in having hot dogs at

.  There is a NONPACC meeting next week.  A motion was made to purchase a laser pointer for the Sixth District’s use at NONPACC meetings.  The motion passed.  Ms. Chabert will purchase the pointer.

There was a discussion about locking

.  The motion passed.  Neighbors will take care of concrete pouring and installation of the stands.

            Mr. Abbotsford was queried regarding ongoing research into the security district issue.  Mr. Burck, who had previously posed questions to Mr. Abbotsford in an e-mail,  offered to help with the research effort and this offer was gratefully accepted.  February/March is the earliest ICNA can do anything on the security district effort. 

            Regarding the bylaws committee, Sarah Johnson has been very busy at work.  Ms. Johnson has the notes regarding planned changes.  The edits must be typed up and sent around for review.

            Under new business, a neighbor brought up changing our meeting night from Thursday.  Thursday is the only day our current hosts, Irish Channel Christian Fellowship, have room for us.  Other meeting places were suggested.  After a discussion, a motion was made to ask the membership committee to come up with questions for a mass mailout.  One of the questions will be what night is best for attending an ICNA meeting, posed as follows:  “If you plan to attend the ICNA meetings . . . “ in such a way that indicates commitment to attend.  Tess Conrad offered to put these questions together and send them around to the Board.  The motion passed.

            A neighbor mentioned her desire for a speed bump at a certain location.  Another neighbor stated that speed bumps are not allowed in city streets.  There is a police cruiser monitoring the neighborhood with flashing lights on.  This cruiser has been issuing tickets as well.

            The meeting was adjourned.