EPPI Trustees Meeting Notes

By Cindy Garrett

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Edgemere Park Board of Trustees Meeting
Monday, August 10, 2009 6:30 PM
Iron Starr Urban Barbecue

1. Welcome and Introductions. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM by President Mark Clopton. Present: Mark Clopton, Petra Cox, Linda Clement, Rita Benischek, Bret Streetman, Jann Hook, Joseph Arguello, Bernest Cain, Denise Waters, Jenifer Cawley, Liz Bullen, Mary Surbeck and Cindy Garrett.
2. Financial Report. B.Streetman reported on EPPI financial status for June and July. For the Capital Campaign Funds: $5,289.18 was deposited in June and $212.88 deposited in July. For Membership Dues: $100 was deposited in June and $450 deposited in July. $1,199 was released from the Restricted Capital Campaign Funds to Oakley for the 36th Street Landscape Project. $2,260 was deposited into the Harvey Median Fund of which $1,560 was transferred into the Streetlight Project and $300 dispersed for Median Maintenance. J. Hook motioned to approve the June and July balance sheets and income statements. R. Benischek seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. J. Hook requested that the treasurer's report and meeting minutes be sent out to trustees in advance of the monthly meeting. M. Clopton reported that Brian Dougherty with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation was looking into the issue of watering costs on behalf of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust for several Neighborhood Associations, including EPPI. EPPI pays approximately $2,400 in annual watering costs including customer service charges and other fees. It was agreed that working with other Neighborhood Associations is a good initiative and will be a good negotiating strategy with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust.
3. Resource Development. D. Waters provided the status of EPPI Resource Development. Donations received since last meeting bring total contributions to $32,568.48. $20,649.91 has been raised for Park Lighting, $3,005 for the 36th Street Entrance, and $5,429.37 for Most Needed. Approximately $4,000 is needed to fully fund the remainder of the Capital Improvement Projects. An invoice in the amount of $20,882.30 was received and a payment submitted to OG&E for the park lighting. There is a four month waiting period before installation of the lights will begin. Four of the new plants on the 36th Street Entrance were stolen on the east end by the street sign. An additional expense will be incurred to replace these plants. M. Clopton was going to look into other avenues for transportation/delivery of the large granite rock to see if another contractor could perform the work for a lesser amount.
4. Committee Reports and Announcements
   1. Communications. J. Arguello reported several good articles were received for the July EPPILOG. August submissions are due to Lydia Arguello by 12 PM, Saturday, 22 August.
   2. Edgemere School. M. Clopton reported that Edgemere Elementary decided to begin a clothes closet rather than installing a washer and dryer. The trustees discussed ideas on how the school could follow Wilson Elementary's example and perhaps in the future become a Charter or Magnet School. B. Cain mentioned having a reception for the school. R. Benischek reported that EPPI has had a very positive impact on Edgemere Elementary. The efforts of EPPI are an example of how the community can impact an inner-city school during difficult economic times.
   3. Historic Preservation. J. Hook reported that the vacant lot on the corner of NW 30th St. and Hudson Ave. can officially no longer be used as a parking lot. The property consists of five small parcels and the total asking price is $50,000. The next HP Committee meeting is 6 PM, Sunday, August 30 at the Harrison residence.
   4. Park and Public Improvements. M. Surbeck reminded everyone to water. The primary concern is for the new trees. M. Clopton reported that the watering groups are now set and making their rotations. There is a dead elm tree as well as a chinquapin oak that need to be removed from the park and one redbud that requires replacement. D. Waters, J. Cawley, and J. Hook have been maintaining the 36th Street Entrance by mowing and weeding the new beds. The City mows once every three weeks however the area requires maintenance in between these times. D. Waters and J. Cawley would like to put together a small committee under Parks and Public Improvements to maintain this area. They would like to organize the wall, remove the cactuses and replace with other plantings. It was agreed that an initiative should be started for this area and to notify residents through the EPPILOG. B. Cain suggested that the Park and Public Improvements committee check with the City and ODOT first to see if they would be willing to assist with the maintenance.
   5. Public Relations. M. Clopton reported K. Plafker spearheading the welcome basket committee. Ten welcome baskets completed for new residents and ten currently being put together. M. Clopton to get a list of items needed for the welcome baskets and provide to trustees.
   6. Security. M. Clopton for S. Plafker. M. Clopton reported that there is a net of ten new security memberships. The Security Corporation may have the economic resources available to extend patrol hours. The EPSC Board will determine what is feasible at their next meeting.
      
      There is a City ordinance for dogs to be leashed while they are in the park and residents need to be reminded of these leash laws through the EPPILOG.
      
      
   7. Social. L. Bullen reported that there was an excellent turnout for the July 4th picnic. Pictures of the event will be placed on the website in a photo gallery. B. Cain mentioned that Oktoberfest has been tentatively planned for October 4. The idea of a Halloween event with ghost stories and maybe a ghost walk was discussed.
      
      
5. Approval of Minutes. R. Benischek motioned to approve June 2009 minutes. P. Cox seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
6. New Business. J. Hook reported that the Harvey Median Finance Committee met on July 23. As a result of the survey sent out, most residents on Harvey Parkway have agreed to contribute $200 annually for median maintenance costs. The committee is looking for an individual to hire for weed control and prevention efforts.
7. Next Meeting. September 14, 2009, 6:30 PM, Iron Starr.
8. Adjourned at 8:40 PM by M. Clopton.

   Submitted,
   Cindy Garrett, Secretary