NOBL Minutes 04 16 09

NOBL
Minutes

Tuesday,
April 14, 2009

• Welcome!

  
  

• Meeting was called
  to order at 6:02pm by acting Chair David Swartwout. Present were
  Phil McConahy, David Swartwout, Jayne Johnson, J.D. Formaz, Joe
  Berens, Walter Taylor and Community Organizer Kristi DeKraker.

  
  

• Additions to
  agenda: none

  
  

• Presentation:
  Janelle Hill from the We Vote program passed out voter guides
  and discussed the importance of voting during the Grand Rapids
  Public Schools Board of Education election on May 5, 2009. She
  mentioned that guides were also delivered to the elementary schools
  for the children to take home to their parents.
  

  
  

• Approval of
  Minutes: David Swartwout asked for a motion to accept the
  meeting minutes from March: Phil McConahy made a motion and Jayne
  Johnson seconded; all were in favor and the meeting minutes were
  accepted.

  
  

• Financial
  report: JD Formaz stated that NOBL has $8,674.15 in total
  liabilities and equity. He also spoke about how NOBL has been
  discussing proposed fundraising efforts and events to increase
  monies in the NOBL accounts. David Swartwout asked for a motion to
  accept the financial report: Walter Taylor made a motion and Phil
  McConahy seconded; all were in favor and the financial report was
  approved.

  
  

• Safety:
  Jayne Johnson reported that there was a drug arrest at Lookout Park.
  GRPD is also working on an issue on Clancy Street. Jayne Johnson
  is working with block contacts in an effort to get more members.
  She will be meeting with groups of neighbors to put together a FEMA
  emergency action plan. They are working with the police department
  to resolve issues on Clancy Street, as well as juvenile near the
  bluff throwing rocks. She reminded everyone to come to the safety
  meeting being held on Wednesday.

  
  
  
  

  • Firefighter
    Joachin Martinez spoke about fires and how there is a no open
    burning policy throughout the City of Grand Rapids. If you
    see anyone burning anything, or using open fire pits, call the Fire
    department at their non-emergency number.
    

    
    

  • Illegal fireworks
    are a police matter and anyone witnessing such activity should
    contact the police.

    
    
  
  

• Housing:
  Joe Berens will get in touch with Todd Julien to set up a future
  meeting. Kristi DeKraker mentioned that a strict form of
  enforcement regarding litter in the neighborhood has been put in
  place, and that such enforcement is not meant to target anyone in
  particular, but to address issues of compliance throughout our
  neighborhood.
  

  
  

• Grants and
  Fundraisers: Membership grant with Dyer-Ives for NOBL to get
  more people established and know about NOBL. Fundraising and
  acquiring block captains to help walk through the neighborhood and
  knock on doors. This will be discussed at the Safety meeting on
  Wednesday at Coit School in an effort to encourage people to become
  members of NOBL. The total match for all monies raised is up to
  $3,000: $1,500 for NOBL and $1,500 for Dyer Ives.

  
  

• BBC: Becky
  sent out seven more donor packets; received $175 from Dr. Roosenberg
  and $150 from Thireca for the garden. Will decrease the amount of
  the BBC yard and Garden contest honorable mentions to 30 houses.
  Increased membership by 3 people. Planning for Adopt a Garden.
  Attended a seed/plant exchange and potluck. Gretchen Warnimont
  took over responsibility for the BBC Calendar. Will have use of
  pickup truck, when necessary. Began classroom portion of the
  children’s garden on March 25^th. Planning for the
  White Pigeon Prairie Cookbook in September. Gave fundraising and
  event planning presentation to Dean Transportation. Planning for
  Picnic in the Park and Softball on June 13^th. Planning
  on Belknap Bow-Wow Show on July 25^th. Gave PowerPoint
  presentation to the Michigan Association for the Education of Young
  Children. Decided to focus on local neighborhood garden activities.

  
  

• Staff Report:
  Lafayette and Fairbanks have increased activity with misbehaving
  juveniles. If you see a crowd of them gathering there, get some
  people walking around there to hopefully break them up and force
  them out of the neighborhood. We also need to watch out for drug
  activity on Clancy/Fairbanks. September 26^th is Dumpster
  Day for NOBL. Still working with GRCC, MSU students and now, we are
  also working with GVSU students doing a report and community
  analysis of our neighborhood. Wednesday is the Safety Committee
  Meeting at Coit School at 6:30pm. On Thursday, April 16^th,
  the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is having a kick-off
  meeting at 3:30pm at 910 Cherry Street. Walking Wednesdays is every
  Wednesday at noon. MSU is working on data collection regarding the
  ideal neighborhood and will be presenting on Wednesday, April 29^th
  at 6:30pm at the MSU Extensions office (701 Ball NE). We need at
  least ten people to attend that meeting. We need volunteers for the
  Friends of Grand Rapids Parks on Saturday, May 16^th from
  9am-12pm. They will be doing a city-wide park clean-up. Our parks
  are involved: Mary Waters Park, Coit Park and Belknap Park. It’s
  a big event; so most likely, the news media will be involved.
  

  
  

• There was a
  hearing regarding the College Avenue Party Store and so many people
  came out to speak on behalf of the owner that they didn’t lose
  their liquor license.
  

  
  

• Old Business:
  NOBL bylaw meeting was held and some things were changed and ironed
  out. The 2^nd draft will be discussed at next NOBL
  meeting.

  
  
  
  

  • David Swartwout
    discussed the area specific plan with Andy Guy. The requests for
    proposals have been sent out and there is already interest from
    three or four different engineering firms to help put together a
    new ASP. Applicants have until the end of the month to submit
    their proposals. Once all the proposals are in, a subcommittee
    that’s been formed from the members of the Steering Committee
    will be interviewing each one of the applicants before one is
    actually chosen. In an attempt to keep the information
    transparent, he encourages everyone to read the draft of the
    Request for Proposal application on the TFOB website
    (thefriendsofbelknap.org). There is also talk of a
    development proposal being brought forward in about a month or two,
    and for everyone to keep an open mind.
    

    
    

  • Phil McConahy
    mentioned that he talked to people in the neighborhood and the
    inference is that NOBL shouldn’t be involved in the decision
    making process regarding tree issues. Joachin Martinez mentioned
    that we should be concerned with trees interfering with the power
    lines only. The Board decided to table the topic for now.

    
    
  
  

• New Business:
  
  

  
  
  
  

  • Membership dues
    discussion tabled until May.

    
    

  • Joachin Martinez:
    At each NOBL meeting, he will share information about services that
    the GRFD provides that we may not know about… Those working
    at the fire department are out working as both Building/fire
    inspectors regarding businesses only. Safety is the primary issue.
    
    

    
    
  
  

• Public Comment:
  J.D. Formaz mentioned that the equipment trailers parked on the road
  down by Clancy Street (near Thireca) are a hazard. They belong to
  the construction company working on Thireca. Kristi DeKraker will
  call Thireca and have them move the trailers to make it safer for
  driving.

  
  
  
  

  • Parking issues
    were discussed.

    
    
  
  

• David Swartwout
  commented that subcommittees of NOBL have to be very careful
  endorsing events and raising monies, especially when it comes to
  benefitting other NOBL Board Members and/or private individuals.
  Conflicts of interest issues could ultimately arise.
  

  
  

• David Swartwout
  requested for a motion to adjourn: J.D. Formaz made a motion and
  Phil McConahy seconded; all were in favor and the meeting ended at
  7:10pm.
  

  
  

1

NOBL 3 10 09

NOBL

Tuesday,
March 10, 2009

Welcome!

Meeting was called to
order at 6:00pm. Present were Chair Robert Roosenberg, Vice
President David Swartwout, Treasurer JD Formaz, Executive
Secretary Walter Taylor, Joe Berens, Safety Chair Jayne
Johnson and Phil McConahy.

Presentation from
Friends of Transit regarding the Silver Line millage:

• “The
  Rapid transit board voted 15-0 to place the 0.16-mil increase on a
  May 5 ballot for voters in Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids,
  Grandville, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming. The increase would raise
  approximately $1.7 million in the first year for operating costs.
  Fares and state operating funds would pay for the rest of the
  operating costs. The federal government has set aside $32 million
  for the project and the state has pledged an additional $8 million.
  However, the federal monies are only available at this time and,
  therefore, this presents the only opportunity to capture these
  monies… Over 400 new and permanent jobs (direct and indirect)
  may be created, with average annual wages of $37,000. The 0.16-mil
  tax increase would cost the owner of a $150,000 home approximately
  $12 a year starting 2012, the first year of the increase…”¹
  
  

  
  

• Frank Lynn
  mentioned that the federal government will not release the funds
  unless we can show that we have the operating funds in place, that’s
  why now, and thus why the 1.6 increase. They will make
  approximately 12 energy efficient buses. If this millage doesn’t
  pass, it will be a long time before we get this opportunity again.
  Projected cost per passenger will be the same as a regular fare.
  www.rapid.org.
  They are looking for an endorsement from NOBL.
  

  
  

Approval of Minutes:
Bob Roosenberg requested a motion to accept the Minutes from the last
two previous NOBL meetings: JD Formaz made a motion and Walter Taylor
seconded; all were in favor, and the minutes were approved.

Financial report:
total liabilities and equities are $7,314.31. Bob Roosenberg called
for approval of the financial report; all were in favor and the
report was approved.

Committee Reports

• Housing:
  Andy Johnson resigned as Housing Chair, so there was no report for
  this month.

  
  

• Safety:
  Jayne Johnson mentioned that we should be prepared for summer
  because that is usually when trouble increases. On a different
  note, if anyone is interested in working with children at the
  Walking Wednesdays, contact Jayne or Kristi DeKraker. Phil McConahy
  asked if anyone knew about the tagging at the park. A discussion
  was held.
  

  
  

• BBC: Becky
  Karwoski; turned in the BBC financial report for 2008. The
  children’s garden will be starting very soon.
  

  
  

Staff Report (as per
Kristi DeKraker)

• Submitted garden
  grant – award date is in May

  
  

• Working with
  Dyer-Ives Foundation for NOBL membership match

  
  

• Completed 410
  forms for city reimbursement

  
  



• Crime
  Prevention:

  
  
  
  

  • Attempted bond
    condition on 3 suspects

    
    

  • Referral to PO on
    violator

    
    

  • Met with Officer
    Gomez on information exchange on cases

    
    

  • Reviewed police
    reports

    
    

  • Assisted Officer
    Gomez in a service provider meeting

    
    

  • Started the
    “Walking Weds Program” at Coit School

    
    

  • Met with Safety
    committee for information exchange and updates

    
    

  • Worked with Coit
    School on Graffiti

    
    
  
  

• Neighborhood
  Improvement

  
  
  
  

  • Worked with
    Healthy Homes Coalition on workshop

    
    

  • Met and toured
    MSU students – They will be doing baseline data collection

    
    

  • Met with lead
    housing inspector

    
    

  • Attended ASP
    meeting

    
    

  • Attended city’s
    Community Oriented Government meeting

    
    

  • Attended
    area-wide meeting with City and MSU extensions

    
    

  • Attended
    neighborhood organizers meeting with Dyer-Ives

    
    

  • Organizing City
    Planners to speak to Board re: legal parking off-street/yard

    
    

  • Coordinated
    community events for GRCC nurses
    

    
    
  
  

Old Business

• Parking:
  David Swartwout spoke with the parking people and they can’t
  help us resolve our parking issues. Kristi DeKraker spoke with city
  planners and we hope they will come and talk to us about what is
  legal and not legal about parking.
  

  
  

• By-law
  committee Meeting: The first draft was given out to NOBL Board
  members, the 2^nd draft will be worked on and will be
  presented in future meetings. The goal is to have the new bylaws
  completed by May.

  
  

• Area Specific
  Plan: Kristi DeKraker sat down and discussed out to effectively
  get out a plan to where the neighborhood can come up with some kind
  of consensus. Suggestions on what can be done the next time…

  
  

• Job description
  about the Corresponding Secretary and whether or not to fulfill the
  position: Kristi DeKraker will continue to fill that position
  on a temporary basis. Bob Roosenberg requested for a motion to
  suspend the Corresponding Secretary position for now: David
  Swartwout made a motion and Jayne Johnson seconded; all were in
  favor, and the motion was passed.

  
  

New business

• Appointment of
  Housing Chair: Bob Roosenberg asked for nominations. JD Formaz
  and David Swartwout both nominated Joe Berens. There was a
  discussion. Bob requested for a motion to appoint Joe Berens; all
  were in favor and the motion was passed. Joe Berens is now the NOBL
  Housing Chair. Kristi DeKraker and Joe Berens will meet with the
  Lead Housing Inspector sometime in the future.
  

  
  

• NOBL
  Fundraising: The Dyer-Ives Foundation is willing to match the
  funds that NOBL can procure, dollar for dollar. We will work on
  implementing a fundraising effort.

  
  
  
  

  • Start a
    door-to-door membership campaign

    
    

  • Dumpster Days -
    Possibly have people donate in exchange for dumping their large
    appliances? Perhaps April or early May would be a good time to
    send out an appeal letter. David Swartwout made a motion that
    Kristi DeKraker go ahead and draft an appeal letter to increase
    NOBL membership; Phil McConahy seconded: all were in favor and the
    motion was passed. Kristi DeKraker will create the appeal
    letter.
    

    
    

  • Bob Roosenberg
    went on to express the need to talk to block captains and impress
    upon them the importance of raising this money. They can then
    disseminate this information to the people on their block.
    

    
    
  
  

• Friends of
  Transit Endorsement: Bob Roosenberg requested for a motion to
  endorse the Friends of Transit: Phil McConahy made a motion and
  Jayne Johnson seconded; all were in favor and the motion passed.
  

  
  

Public
comments

GRFD
Joachin Martinez

• The GRFD is no
  longer involved in the training of first aid, but if we are looking
  for someone to teach us, Grand Rapids Firefighter Joachin Martinez
  knows of a person that can teach us at an affordable price. Joachin
  Martinez has a smokehouse available to train people on how to
  perform under smoke-filled situations or fire dangers.
  

  
  
  
  

  • Consumers Power
    will be coming to us this spring about tree cutting.
    

    
    

  • If there is a
    list of trees that we need to have cut down, we need to give it to
    Consumers Power.
    

    
    

  • There was concern
    about being able to get the shoes off the wires, but Joachin
    Martinez doesn’t know whether (or where) that would fall
    under Consumers Powers’ list of priorities.
    

    
    

  • Joachin Martinez
    will also be working with Officer Neil Gomez around the
    neighborhood on various issues affecting our area.

    
    

  • The smoke
    detector grant from the Kent County Health Department is still
    available if we wish to take advantage of it.

    
    

  • The City is in a
    budget crisis right now and all departments have been asked to cut
    5% of their expenditures. If you like the services you’ve
    been receiving from the GRFD and GRPD, contact your commissioners
    to let them know that you support your GRFD and GRPD.

    
    
  
  

• Sondra Wilson
  thanked Kristi DeKraker for helping to remove the fence on both the
  upper and lower portion of the stairway on Bradford by speaking with
  our City commissioners regarding the subject. Sondra Wilson would
  also like to know who owns the property on either side of the
  stairway, and if there is way to clean up the trash and debris
  alongside the stairway (perhaps people from the work release program
  can do the clean up)? She also asked what is happening regarding
  the stair railings.
  

  
  

Adjournment

• Bob Roosenberg
  requested for a motion to adjourn: JD Formaz made a motion and Joe
  Berens seconded; all were in favor and the meeting was adjourned at
  7:06pm.

  
  

1
Courtesy the Rapid Reporter/Winter 2009

2

NOBL Minutes 1 13 09

NOBL
Minutes

January
13, 2009

Welcome!

• Meeting was
  called to order at 6:09pm. Present were Chair Robert Roosenberg,
  Vice-Chair David Swartwout, Joe Berens, Kristi DeKraker, Executive
  Secretary Walter Taylor, Housing Chair Andy Johnson, Marty Morgan,
  Safety Chair Jayne Johnson and Treasurer J. D. Formaz. Guests
  included: Marilyn Walker, Bonnie Johnson, Lynn Lenz, Brian Bremer,
  Tom Bulton, Paul Haan, Dale Fitz, Gail Heffner and Carol Townsend.
  

  
  

Review of
Minutes

• Bob
  Roosenberg requested for a motion to approve the minutes from last
  month: Phil McConahy made a motion and JD Formaz seconded; all were
  in favor and the minutes were approved.

  
  

Presentations

• Joachin
  Martinez from the GRFD spoke about his role in our neighborhood in
  regards to their community advocacy program. He also informed us of
  certain give-aways and services that the fire department provides.
  He will be available to answer any questions that we may have. His
  contact information was provided to Kristi DeKraker. He mentioned
  that the Kent Count Health Department received a grant to install
  carbon monoxide detectors in certain at risk homes that qualify:
  seniors, homes with children, and low income families at risk.
  If you are interested in one, contact Joachin at
  jmartinez@grcity.us,
  or Kristi DeKraker.

  
  

• Carol
  Townsend and Tom Bulton (from MSU Extensions), along with the
  assistance of Dale Fitz from the Grand Rapids Planning Department,
  gave presentations about the new zoning laws; building orientations;
  updates of the Area Specific Plan and Master Plan; definitions of
  differing densities; signage; use regulations, and how to categorize
  and determine structural building types. After the presentations,
  evaluation forms were handed out, filled out, and returned.
  

  
  

Committee
Reports

Safety

• Jayne Johnson
  is gathering names for the Walking School Bus and several people are
  already interested. They will meet in smaller clusters and hand out
  questionnaires. Jayne will call the interested parties when school
  starts.
  

  
  

• Kristi said
  that we have money available to make Walking School Bus T-shirts
  too!
  

  
  

• 21 cars in
  the neighborhood were towed just last month. It is up to residents
  to call the city regarding abandoned and illegally parked cars.

  
  

• Other than
  those few instances, the neighborhood has been relatively quiet…

  
  

Housing

• Andy Johnson -
  Nothing to report

  
  

Finance

• 
  J.D. Formaz read the financial statement.
  

  
  

BBC

• There will be a
  Treasures & Oddities sale March 21, 2009 at Coit School at 10:00
  am.
  

  
  

• Doctor’s
  Day at Coit School will be cancelled.
  

  
  

• Picnic in
  the Park & Softball game is scheduled for June 13^th,
  2009 from 12-4pm. There will be a softball game, remote controlled
  car races, and hotdogs for everyone. Teams will be chosen before
  each event. There will be a donation basket on hand for donations.

  
  
  
  

  • Items
    needed:

    
    
    
    

    • Volunteers

      
      

    • Roasting
      pan

      
      

    • 18 pkgs
      hotdogs

      
      

    • 18 pkgs
      hotdog buns

      
      

    • 2 tables
      from Clancy Street Ministries

      
      

    • Streamers
      for the softball diamond and car races

      
      

    • Washable
      spray paint for the softball diamond

      
      

    • 8 posters
      for the event

      
      

    • Ribbons
      for 1^st thru 4^th Place

      
      

    • Donation
      basket

      
      

    • (Those
      wishing to play in the softball game or compete in the car races
      need to bring their own supplies, i.e., bat and glove, remote
      control car, etc.)

      
      
    
    
  
  

NOBL Informal
Executive Meeting

• Robert
  Roosenberg discussed how the agenda for our monthly NOBL meetings
  should be e-mailed to each board member two to three days prior to
  its being mailed out; by doing so, it would give those interested
  in adding to, or revising the agenda, the option of doing so before
  it goes to print.

  
  

• There must
  be more activity concerning the Treasurer’s role and
  responsibilities.
  

  
  

• Kristi
  DeKraker: what is her job description?

  
  

• TFOB/NOBL
  joint effort regarding a fundraiser during TFOB’s Heritage
  Days.

  
  

• What grants
  are being worked on?

  
  

• There was a
  discussion about holding a Neighborhood-wide Yard Sale as a
  fundraiser and having food booths available. (Possibly held
  during TFOB’s Spring Fest?)
  

  
  

• NOBL/BBC
  joint effort to hold a Flat & Flower Sale.
  

  
  

• We need
  active Board Members willing to participate and volunteer in the
  community. If you sit on the board, you will be expected to
  volunteer and participate this year.

  
  

• Amendment
  to bylaws: Is it possible to include that a NOBL Board Member’s
  position is dependent upon their participation and volunteerism
  within the community. A board member should participate in a
  minimum number of events in the neighborhood if they are to retain
  their positions of office. Failure to be active is grounds for
  removal from office. (We cannot afford another ineffective,
  lackluster board.)
  

  
  

• Discussion
  about reaching out to other parts of our community: Creston Plaza,
  various churches and neighbors east of Lafayette; in an effort to be
  a more inclusive neighborhood association.

  
  

• Website for
  NOBL: What was the cost of the blog?

  
  

• Possible
  TFOB/NOBL joint fundraiser on July 4^th: Cookout at
  Lookout.

  
  

• Talk to
  those at Creston Plaza concerning their Doctor’s Day and
  BBC’s. Can we perhaps combine them to make it easier?

  
  

• Invite pastors
  from each church in the neighborhood to come and speak about their
  ideas, their organization and what they hope to achieve within the
  Belknap area. (Perhaps a different pastor each month?)

  
  

Parking
task force

• There will be
  work done to create a task force to discuss ideas concerning
  hospital, GVSU and resident parking issues. Those involved will
  send out letters throughout the neighborhood to gain interest.

  
  

Forming Bylaw
Committee

• Chair Robert
  Roosenberg requested for a motion to form a committee to look at
  revising the NOBL Bylaws: Jayne Johnson made a motion and David
  Swartwout seconded; all were in favor and the motion was passed.
  

  
  

• NOBL
  elections must follow a set practice of standards

  
  

• NOBL Board
  Member obligations: there must be a minimum number of neighborhood
  activities in which each board member must participate or volunteer.
  We were elected our positions to serve this community; therefore,
  we should consider serving the Belknap Neighborhood as an honor, and
  not a burden.

  
  

• NOBL Board
  Members should attempt to make a presence at every neighborhood
  function.

  
  

• We are also
  working on disciplinary actions for those who fail to meet these
  standards.

  
  

• Both the
  NOBL Policy and the Conflicts of Interest policy need to be placed
  in the NOBL bylaws.

  
  

• The first
  draft of the Conflicts of Interest policy will be sent out by
  e-mail (or mail) to all NOBL Board Members before the next NOBL
  meeting in February 2009.

  
  

• Every month,
  drafts of the bylaws, policies and procedures will be afforded the
  NOBL Board for their reactions, additions, revisions, etc., up until
  May; whereby, we should have a final draft available.

  
  

New
Business

• Area Specific
  Plan Steering Committee: Set for January 26^th.

  
  

• Website
  update: Marty will work to add job listings to the NOBL website
  

  
  

• RFO for
  continuation of city funding: Kristi needs motion for approval
  for her to work on the grant. Bob Roosenberg requested for a motion
  to approve her work on the grant: Jayne Johnson made a motion and
  Phil McConahy seconded; and all were in favor and the motion was
  carried.

  
  

Public
Comment

• 
  Marilyn Walker reminded everyone about the Winter Fest and that they
  need some kind of lighting for the outdoor activities. To go to:
  thefriendsofbelknap.org to find out more about the event.
  

  
  

Adjournment

• Bob
  Roosenberg requested for a motion t adjourn: JD Formaz made a motion
  and Walter Taylor seconded; all were in favor and the motion was
  carried. The meeting ended at 7:52pm.

  
  

1

NOBL In Ex Meeting 01 10 09

NOBL
Informal Executive Meeting

Saturday,
January 10, 2009

Chair Robert
Roosenberg, Vice-President David Swartwout and Executive Secretary
Walter Taylor met at McDonalds on Michigan Avenue in an effort to
come with ideas concerning NOBL, fundraising, board member
participation and community activities. Treasurer J.D. Formaz was
not present.

Thoughts
and Ideas

• Robert Roosenberg discussed how
  the agenda for our monthly NOBL meetings should be e-mailed to each
  board member two to three days prior to its being mailed out; by
  doing so, it would give those interested in adding to, or revising
  the agenda, the option of doing so before it goes to print.

  
  

• There must be more activity
  concerning the Treasurer’s role and responsibilities.
  

  
  

• Kristi DeKraker: what is her
  job description?

  
  

• TFOB/NOBL joint effort
  regarding a fundraiser during TFOB’s Heritage Days.

  
  

• What grants are being worked
  on?

  
  

• There was a discussion about
  holding a Neighborhood-wide Yard Sale as a fundraiser and having
  food booths available. (Possibly held during TFOB’s Spring
  Fest?)
  

  
  

• NOBL/BBC joint effort to hold a
  Flat & Flower Sale.
  

  
  

• We need active Board Members
  willing to participate and volunteer in the community. If you sit
  on the board, you will be expected to volunteer and participate this
  year.

  
  

• Amendment to bylaws: Is
  it possible to include that a NOBL Board Member’s position is
  dependent upon their participation and volunteerism within the
  community. A board member should participate in a minimum number
  of events in the neighborhood if they are to retain their positions
  of office. Failure to be active is grounds for removal from office.
  (We cannot afford another ineffective, lackluster board.)
  

  
  

• Discussion about reaching out
  to other parts of our community: Creston Plaza, various churches and
  neighbors east of Lafayette; in an effort to be a more inclusive
  neighborhood association.

  
  

• Website for NOBL: What was the
  cost of the blog?

  
  

• Possible TFOB/NOBL joint
  fundraiser on July 4^th: Cookout at Lookout.

  
  

• Talk to those at Creston Plaza
  concerning their Doctor’s Day and BBC’s. Can we perhaps
  combine them to make it easier?

  
  

• Invite pastors from each church
  in the neighborhood to come and speak about their ideas, their
  organization and what they hope to achieve within the Belknap area.
  (Perhaps a different pastor each month?)

  
  

• The meeting ended at 11:14am.

  
  

NOBL Minutes 12 09 08

NOBL
Minutes

Tuesday,
December 09, 2008

Welcome!

The meeting was
called to order at 6:02pm. Present were Jayne Johnson, Phil
McConahy, Marty Morgan, David Swartwout, Robert Roosenberg, Joe
Berens, J.D Formaz, Walter Taylor and Kristi DeKraker. Guests and
neighbors included Carl Danielson, Lynn Lenz, Marilyn Walker, Rod
Horlings, Angel Gonzalez and Sarah Crawford.

• The presentation by Carol
  Townsend (MSU Extensions) regarding the new GR Zoning Code was
  postponed until January 2009.
  

  
  

Old Business

• Need a log of minutes from
  November’s elections: Executive Secretary Walter Taylor was
  not able to attend NOBL’s November’s elections;
  therefore the Minutes were not available. Chair Robert Roosenberg
  requested for a motion for Walter Taylor to type the Meeting Minutes
  for November and present them to the board in January. Phil
  McConahy made a motion and Jane Johnson seconded. All were in favor
  and the motion was carried. The Meeting Minutes for November 2008
  will be typed out and presented for review in January.

  
  

Financial Report

• We have a total balance of
  $8,814.25. With a shortfall in next year’s budget of over
  $3,000, we’ll have to find ways to raise that money. Robert
  Roosenberg called for a motion to accept the financials: Jayne
  Johnson made a motion and Joe Berens seconded. All were in favor
  and the Financial Report was passed.
  

  
  

Committee Reports

• Kristi DeKraker mentioned that
  we really need more contacts up near the Shirley and More Street
  area because of increasing drug activity. If you know of someone
  that might be willing to be a contact in that area of the
  neighborhood, let her know. Jayne Johnson stated that the
  portion of the neighborhood around Spectrum Hospital has been
  quieter than usual (crime wise).
  

  
  

• Angel Gonzalez had some tools
  stolen from one of his properties in the 500 block of Livingston a
  few months back, as well as some items that were taken last month.
  Jeremie Dallas and Gloria Herroon’s home (646 Livingston) was
  broken into again. The thieves entered the house by pushing the air
  conditioner out of the way and crawling inside. Apparently, they
  took a money jar and other items. Both Kristi DeKraker and Safety
  Chair Jayne Johnson expressed the need to keep our eyes open for
  anything out of the ordinary.
  

  
  

Housing

• Andy Johnson was not present,
  so Robert Roosenberg asked if anyone had any issues concerning
  Housing.
  

  
  

• Kristi DeKraker said that 770
  Lafayette (Leo & Ed’s) is up for appeals. The owners want
  additional time to bring the structure up to code.

  
  

• Jayne Johnson mentioned the
  illegal dumping happening on Fairview. She talked to the Becketts’
  and they have not authorized anybody to dump anything. The
  pile is growing. The pile includes trees, trash, couches,
  appliances, etc… The Becketts’ were cited by the city
  and now they must clean up the area. She mentioned that the mess is
  sliding down the hill and ending up near Division Avenue.

  
  

• Robert Roosenberg said that the
  owner of Thireca spent over $1,000 to relocate a tenant that would
  have been otherwise displaced by the company’s expansion
  plans.
  

  
  

• BBC-Nothing to report.

  
  

Staff Report

• Kristi DeKraker stated that the
  stairs on Bradford will be reopened. We need volunteers to help
  shovel the snow on the stairs to make it safe for pedestrians. If
  there is anyone interested in shoveling, please let Kristi know.

  
  

• Permit parking: we need to
  create a solution for a parking problem. Spectrum employees,
  college students and construction workers working on the hospital
  are taking up parking spaces normally reserved for our neighbors.
  

  
  

• Adopt a Belknap Family: Every
  year the GRPD adopts a family to give food. They usually go
  shopping on Friday. If you are interested in donating to this
  program, contact Kristi DeKraker.

  
  

• (Next NOBL meeting:
  Discuss parking task force.)
  

  
  

• Update: There was a
  discussion about replacing or replanting the trees that were cut
  down in order to make way for power lines and poles. Under federal
  law, Consumers Energy cannot plant trees under power lines, so
  Kristi is working with the property owners and the city to come up
  with a solution.
  

  
  

Old Business

• Chair Robert Roosenberg
  wondered if perhaps we could post employment opportunities on our
  NOBL website. For example, those in our neighborhood that have work
  that needs to be done could link up with people seeking work. In
  essence, the NOBL website would become a go-between for such
  resources.
  

  
  

Election of officers

• Chairperson Nominations –J.D
  Formaz made a motion to nominate Robert Roosenberg and Jayne Johnson
  seconded. All were in favor and the motion was carried. Robert
  Roosenberg is now NOBL Chairperson.

  
  

• Vice-Chair Nominations –
  J.D. Formaz made a motion to nominate Phil McConahy and Phil
  McConahy made a motion to nominate David Swartwout. All votes were
  cast. David Swartwout is now NOBL Vice-Chair.

  
  

• Treasurer Nominations –
  Jayne Johnson made a motion to nominate Phil McConahy, David
  Swartwout made a motion to nominate J.D. Formaz. All votes were
  cast. J.D. Formaz is now NOBL Treasurer.

  
  

• Secretary Nominations –
  Jayne Johnson and Phil McConahy both made motions to nominate Walter
  Taylor. All votes were cast. Walter Taylor is now NOBL Executive
  Secretary.

  
  

• Housing was not voted on.

  
  

Additions to the
Agenda

• Steering Committee: Marty
  Morgan spoke about the present Steering Committee: how it has
  informally dissolved and how the City of Grand Rapids wants NOBL to
  create a new Steering Committee in an effort to freshen the
  objective; with the aid of an impartial consultant to collect the
  information. A discussion was held regarding whether the
  developers in the neighborhood (i.e., Artesian Group, Belknap
  Properties, Beckett Rentals, etc…) should be allowed to sit
  on the committee, seeing as how their biases could ultimately hamper
  the true reflections and honest opinions of the neighbors in the
  Belknap Neighborhood.

  
  

• Marty Morgan would like to make
  a motion to allow an independent agent to be appointed to the
  Steering Committee in an effort to clarify the agenda, as well as
  the membership rules and the guidelines. Robert Roosenberg
  requested for a motion to approve. Walter Taylor made a motion and
  Jayne Johnson seconded. All were in favor and the motion was
  carried.
  

  
  

• Robert Roosenberg requested for
  a motion to add the Steering Committee reports to our monthly NOBL
  reports. Jayne Johnson made a motion and Phil McConahy seconded.
  All were in favor and the motion was carried.

  
  

New Business

• Walter Taylor spoke about the
  need to clarify NOBL’s bylaws. He stated that the bylaws as
  they now stand are too general and amorphous. Chair Robert
  Roosenberg requested for a motion for Walter Taylor, Kristi
  DeKraker, Phil McConahy and David Swartwout to form a committee to
  look into refining the bylaws. Jayne Johnson made a motion and
  David Swartwout seconded. All were in favor and the motion was
  carried.
  

  
  

Public Comment

• None

  
  

Adjournment

• Chair Robert Roosenberg
  requested for a motion to adjourn: Phil McConahy made a motion and
  Jayne Johnson seconded. All were in favor and the motion was
  carried. Meeting ended at 7:15pm.

  
  

NOBL Minutes/December 09,
2008 Page 1

NOBL Minutes 10 14 08

Nobl
Minutes

October
14, 2008

• Welcome!

  
  

• Meeting was
  called to order by Acting Chair JD Formaz at 6pm. Present were
  Jayne Johnson, Phil McConahy, Walter Taylor, Joe Berens, Marty
  Morgan, Andy Johnson and Jessica Doane.

  
  

• Guests
  present were Bonnie Johnson, Lynn Lenz, David Swartwout, Chris
  Thompson, Sunny Sodhi, Marilyn Walker, Harri Sodhi, Ja’Net
  DeBoer, David Shannon, Carl Danielson, Becky Karwoski, Gretchen
  Warnimont, Amy Peters, Brian Bremer, Mike Childress and Sarah
  Crawford.
  

  
  

• No
  additions to the agenda

  
  

• Approval
  of both Meeting Minutes and Financial Statements: JD requested
  a motion to accept; Phil McConahy motioned, Jayne Johnson seconded;
  all were in favor and the vote was approved. (The Financial
  Statement doesn’t include the reimbursements that we have yet
  to receive.)

  
  

• Committee
  Reports:

  
  

• Safety:
  We’ve had an increase of B&E’s. Vacant homes or
  foreclosed homes have been targets. We have a description of a red
  Chevy vehicle with writing on the side: they have hit several homes
  in our area for scrap metal. Also there is a white van with a white
  attached trailer with the words, ‘tool shed’ on the
  side. A white male with short dark hair and bolt cutters has been
  seen driving the vehicle.
  

  
  

• Clancy
  Street lot and Coit Park: need to get signs.

  
  

• Housing:
  Phil McConahy mentioned that 726 Coit has a box spring sitting
  outside and it has been there for 2 days.
  

  
  

• We’re
  working on some foreclosure issues. If you know of someone in
  distress, contact Kristi DeKraker so she can put them in contact
  with Home Repair Services (HRS).
  

  
  

• We need
  volunteers for the elderly in raking leaves and taking care of
  their yards. Right now GRCC volunteers are helping out. If you
  know of an elderly person on your block that need help, contact
  Kristi or go and help. We need an updated list of the elderly so
  we can find out who needs help.
  

  
  

• BBC:
  Becky said that the Chili Cookout went well. There were a lot of
  people that came to the chili cookout…more so than last year.
  They haven’t counted the amount that they received. They are
  still working on the raffle. They’re presently working on
  their committee portfolio for donations and sponsors. They will be
  working with TFOB regarding the Halloween Harvest Fest. If you
  would like to volunteer for this event contact, Ja’Net, Becky
  or Jayne. The Cultivating Hands Children’s Garden was a
  success. Much of the tomatoes used for the Chili Cookout were from
  the garden. The BBC also received some good PR from Grand Rapids
  Garden Magazine. The Cultivating Hands Children’s Garden will
  be in the November issue of their magazine. The BBC also handed out
  the last of their books to the children and they received their
  certificates. In total, there were 24 children from Ms. Elton’s
  PPI class that received the books.
  

  
  

• TFOB:
  Marilyn Walker mentioned that there are 4 festivals coming up:
  Winter Fest, Spring Fest, Summer Fest and (next year) Fall Fest.
  They will be working with the BBC on the Harvest Fest. She also
  mentioned that they are still looking for volunteers to help out at
  the event. Pumpkin donuts, cider, caramel apples and popcorn balls
  will be available. Lastly, TFOB is working with the BBC on a
  calendar of events and a community cookbook which they will be
  selling at next year’s Three Sister’s Community
  Harvest Festival and Dinner. The cookbook will include
  submitted recipes from friends and neighbors of the Belknap area.

  
  

• Old
  Business: Nominating Committee flyers were handed out.
  Candidates interested in running for NOBL positions include: Tim
  Corpe, Sonny Sodhi, David Swartwout, Dave Shannon, Philip McConahy,
  Jayne Johnson, Gloria Herroon, Andy Johnson, Marty Morgan and
  Jeremie Dallas. Annual NOBL election is coming up November 11^th.
  
  

  
  

• New
  Business: changes to membership dues and rules regarding voting
  requirements: A discussion was held about the NOBL election.
  Walter Taylor asked if people could bring in current utility bills
  as proof of their residency. It was decided upon that:
  

  
  

1. A current
   Michigan State ID or Michigan Driver’s License showing
   current residency in the Belknap Neighborhood would be the only
   acceptable forms of identification.
   

   
   

2. NOBL
   membership dues would be adjusted to $5 per person (or $15 per
   household).

   
   

3. November
   1^st 2008 will be the deadline for all interested
   parties to announce their candidacy for the upcoming NOBL
   election on November 11th.
   

   
   

• Acting Chair
  JD Formaz requested for a motion to approve both the membership dues
  and the new voting rules/requirements; Phil McConahy motioned and
  Joe Berens seconded; all were in favor and the motion to adopt both
  were carried. Saturday November 8^th will be a meet and
  greet for the nominees at the Newberry Place Common Room.
  By default, let’s assume the meeting will take place from
  noon-2pm.

  
  

• Andy Johnson
  mentioned that we need to work on the NOBL bylaws in order to
  clarify them. Perhaps after the elections we can work on the
  bylaws by creating a group to address the situation?

  
  

• Marty Morgan
  talked about the new website he created for NOBL: (NOBL gr.org). He
  mentioned that if anybody has any pics of the garden or the Belknap
  area to send them to him and he will add them to the website.
  

  
  

• Kristi
  DeKraker needs 2 more volunteers for the Safe Routes 2 School
  to get it up and running again. From 12:10-1pm Wednesdays they walk
  the kids around Coit Park (the kids really enjoy it). We need to
  work on getting the ‘rules’ signs in place at Coit Park.
  

  
  

• The Steering
  Committee is going forward in a good manner regarding the Area
  Specific Plan. There haven’t been any definitive decisions
  yet. It won’t be developer driven and they are looking for a
  third party to help them move the issue forward.
  

  
  

• Public
  Comments: Marilyn Walker mentioned that the Friends of Belknap
  will be meeting this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 510 Coit NE. She also
  added that we need to get more neighbors involved in community
  activities (NOBL, BBC, TFOB, fundraisers, events, volunteer, etc).
  

  
  

• JD Formaz
  requested for a motion to adjourn: Walter Taylor made a motion to
  adjourn and Phil McConahy seconded; all were in favor and the motion
  was passed.

  
  

1

The December NOBL board meeting will be held Tuesday, December 9 at 6pm at 751 Lafayette NE.  An informational presentation regarding the new zoning code for the City of Grand Rapids will be presented at the beginning of the meeting.

Winter_Fest_Itinerary

Friends of Belknap have announced the schedule of activities for Winterfest February 6-8th, 2009.
http://thefriendsofbelknap.org/upcomingevents.html

NOBL Minutes 02 26 08

Tuesday,
February 26, 2008

Neighbors

of Belknap Lookout: Minutes

Meeting
was called to order by Chair, Pete Stieler at 6:05pm

1. Welcome

   
   

2. Mrs. Vander
   Hof presentation. Dale Robart from Image Architecture concerning a
   zoning change: their primary interest was to have an address sign
   for their business on 619 College Avenue Northeast. They wanted to
   tear down the existing sub-standard house that is on their property
   and add green space, along with the desired address sign. Phil
   McConahy made the motion to approve, Andy Johnson seconded…the
   motion was carried.
   

   
   

3. Sunny Sodhi
   presented his plans for the improvement and expansion of the L&L
   Party Store. He requested two letters of support from the board:
   one for the zoning variance that he needs to expand and remodel the
   store; and another letter to extend the hours on a conditional
   basis, from 9am to 12 midnight (Fridays and Saturdays only): the
   condition being, that if he cannot control or reduce the noise, gang
   activity and drug dealing around his store, the board has the right
   to rescind these hours and reduce them back to their previous state
   after a 6 month period. He also reminded the board that just
   because he is from India, he is not related –in any way –to
   the nefarious Nick Singh, (the previous owner of the L&L
   Party Store).

   
   

4. Sunny Sodhi
   handed out his Conditional Letter for Approval to the
   board members, once again reaffirming his commitment to remodel the
   store in 3 to 5 years. Dr. Roosenberg suggested that for the time
   being, the board give a letter of support for the zoning variance
   for expansion only, and table the discussion for an increase in
   hours until after that particular variance is approved. Dr.
   Roosenberg motioned for a letter of support for the variance to
   expand the store and Joe Berens seconded…the motion was
   carried.
   

   
   

5. Jayne
   Johnson is appointed by our Chair, Pete Stieler, as a member of NOBL
   Board; as well as Safety Committee Chair.
   
   
   
   

   
   

6. Pete Stieler
   offered to create and donate 1000 address booklets for NOBL. He
   plans on seeking sponsors that will pay NOBL to place their
   advertisements in this booklet. The booklets will be 40 pages
   long, showcasing an A-Z listing of pertinent information; such as
   addresses, telephone numbers, and business sponsorship information.
   The cover will reflect the history of the Belknap Neighborhood and
   why it’s so important to become a member of NOBL, and on the
   back of the book, will be a two-year calendar; a move-in/move-out
   checklist (to make it easier for folks to relocate in the
   neighborhood), as well as a contact page regarding all the
   neighborhood services and citywide programs that there are
   available.
   
   

   
   

7. Pete Stieler
   has also created new receipt and donation forms for NOBL.
   
   
   
   

   
   

8. With regards
   to The Lookout Newsletter: Kristi DeKraker reminded us
   that we are contractually obligated by the city of Grand Rapids to
   publish 8 safety articles and 8 articles of neighborhood
   improvement per year. The vehicle for the dissemination of that
   information was up for discussion. Should it be a newsletter, or a
   flyer? Who will write and publish it? How will it be delivered?
   (By mail, or by hand?) Pete suggested that only NOBL members
   receive The Lookout, whereas Kristi proffered that by
   doing so, the rest of the neighborhood might then go unserved. Phil
   McConahy suggested instead, that a flyer be created; one with the
   information printed on both the front and back. Pete sought to look
   for sponsorship, and will continue to look into what the costs will
   be to mail a single-page flyer. The topic was then tabled.
   
   

   
   

9. The NOBL
   website was brought up: It is still in the creation stage.
   Walter Taylor still needs to add contact links, graphics, NOBL
   Minutes and Agendas, photos of members, fundraising information and
   events, if any. Pete will bring his digital camera on March 11^th
   to take pictures.
   

   
   

10. Update from
    the BBC: Becky Karwoski mentioned that the potluck was canceled.
    The Mid-Winter Raffle ends on March 30^th. March 8^th,
    the BBC will have its ATT Technological Grant and Asset Mapping work
    session. Chris Thompson is working on the trash ordinance with
    Anita Jones from the city. BBC didn’t get the NGA Grant, but
    they are working on other grants, such as the ATT
    Technological Grant and Captain Planet. The
    Home Depot awarded the BBC a deep discount with regards to garden
    supplies, and Scholastic is giving them a discount on books. BBC
    filed its grant with First Books; those that will be needed for
    their Cultivating Hands Garden Project. The BBC is
    still researching the history of the neighborhood. The results
    so far have determined that Samuel Dexter purchased our neighborhood
    back in December 2^nd, 1833. It was called White Pigeon
    Prairie at the time, and was part of, “The Michigan
    Territory.” An Act of Congress approved the sale and the deed
    was signed by President Andrew Jackson. It was finally recorded on
    September 8^th, 1921. .…Thus the reason why the
    BBC unanimously decided to approve the pigeon as its official
    logo...
    
    

    
    

11. Walter
    presented his statement regarding NOBL Board member participation
    within the community. A discussion was held…
    
    
    
    

    
    

12. Jayne
    Johnson mentioned that there is a need for Police Chief Belk, Deputy
    Chief James Farris, and Captain Pam Carrier to discuss our funding,
    community policing issues, neighborhood crime statistics, police
    response time and curfews. What can we do (as community members) to
    assist the Grand Rapids Police Department to further in their
    efforts to curb crime in our neighborhood? (There was even talk of
    creating a fundraiser to pay for additional police officers,
    primarily for the Belknap Neighborhood.)
    
    
    
    

    
    

13. Kristi
    DeKraker said that we might be able to get more Radon test kits for
    the neighborhood, but it may depend upon the budget of the Healthy
    Homes Coalition.
    
    
    
    

    
    

14. Meeting was
    adjourned: Phil McConahy motioned, Joe Berens seconded: 7:46pm

    
    

NOBL Minutes 08 12 08

NOBL
Minutes

8-12-08

• Welcome to all

  
  

• Meeting officially called to
  order at 6:03pm. Present were Bob Roosenberg, JD Formaz, Joe
  Berens, Phil McConahy, Jayne Johnson, Andy Johnson and Walter
  Taylor. Guest speakers were David Swartwout and Suzanne Schulz.

  
  

• No additions to the agenda

  
  

• Approval of last month’s
  Meeting Minutes and financial statements: Phil McConahy motioned
  to accept the Minutes and financial statements and JD Formaz
  seconded. All were in favor and the motion was passed.

  
  

Committee
Reports

• Safety: There hasn’t
  been another report about the man who was flashing neighbors late at
  night. There was a B&E on the 600 block of Livingston. The
  hotspots in the neighborhood are being worked on.

  
  
  
  

  • Progress in Coit Park about
    signage and utilizing the restrooms is positive and ongoing.
    Around dusk, we need the police to come and shine their lights in
    the park to dissuade troublemakers and drug transactions.
    

    
    

  • People driving go-carts around
    the area late at night need to be called right into police
    dispatch.

    
    
  
  

• Housing: Andy Johnson
  went by the 600 block of Coit and noticed improvements. Bob
  Roosenberg mentioned that he heard that some of these houses were
  having difficulties with some of their tenants and asked if Andy
  Johnson could follow up on some of these places to make sure that
  they’ve gotten their certification. David Swartwout said that
  he would be willing to help Andy with certain housing issues that
  need to be addressed. Are there specific houses that need to be
  mentioned?

  
  

• Executive Committee: We
  have not met formally and have nothing to offer.

  
  

• Fundraisers: JD Formaz is
  wondering if anyone has come up with any fundraising ideas. There
  was a committee that was formed last month (Sondra Loukes Wilson,
  Becky Karwoski, Chris Thompson, Jayne Johnson and Brian Bremer).
  Within the next week, he will contact these people and get back to
  the board with ideas. It was mentioned that we need more volunteers
  in the neighborhood.
  

  
  

• Belknap Beautification
  Committee: The community garden is going well. Some of the
  vegetables that were planted didn’t grow as well as was hoped
  for, but all in all, everything else looks great. Ms. Elton’s
  class from Coit Academy will also be back at the garden next week.
  There should be between 20-25 children. The BBC Chili Cookout is
  set for October 11, 2008.

  
  

• Staff Report: National
  Night Out went well. There were 100-200 people at the event. There
  was food, games, gifts and prizes, like bike helmets for the
  children. The money used to put on the event ($654) was from a
  grant, so nothing came out of NOBL’s general fund. It went
  really well, so we’re going to do it again next year.
  

  
  
  
  

  • We need to fundraise for next
    year’s event, because we can’t rely on the grant again.
    
    

    
    

  • Back to School Bash: there
    were a couple of snafus: there were only supplies for 100 children
    and not 400 as previously thought. Urban Health paid for the
    hotdogs and the rest of the supplies for the event were donated.
    All in all it was a great event.
    

    
    

  • Thireca plans to expand:
    Suzanne Schulz said that the owner of Thireca wants to purchase the
    3 homes to the north, allowing him to expand his building into
    where his parking lot now sits. He would then create a new parking
    lot just behind Clancy Street Ministries. He also wants to buy 3
    homes on the other side of Matilda and tear them down to build
    another parking lot. He has talked to people in the neighborhood
    and has not met resistance to his plans. Kristi DeKraker will call
    the owner of Thireca and ask him if he would be willing to present
    his plans to NOBL before his meeting with the City.
    

    
    
  
  

• We commend our Crime
  Prevention/Community Organizer Kristi DeKraker for working so
  hard on the National Night Out and the Back to School Bash events.
  

  
  

• NOBL Board Candidates:

  
  
  
  

  • David Shannon moved
    into the neighborhood in 1988. He purchased his property at
    510/512 Coit back in 2001. He strongly believes that everyone
    living in the Belknap Area has a say in what goes on; whether they
    be renters or homeowners. David is a Block Captain. He also
    belongs to many different groups and organizations outside of the
    Belknap Area.
    

    
    

  • Marty Morgan moved into
    the neighborhood in October of 2007 and lives at Newberry Place.
    He his happy to be here and wants to be the first representative of
    Newberry Place on the NOBL Board.
    

    
    
  
  

• Phil McConahy thanked both
  candidates for their interest in offering their services and
  reminded everyone that there will be many NOBL positions open come
  November.

  
  

• Paper ballots were handed out
  to all board members at the table for a vote. They were then
  collected by Kristi DeKraker, with the results to be read near the
  close of the meeting.

  
  

Old
Business

• 
  L&L Extension of Hours: JD Formaz requested that the
  discussion for the extension of hours be tabled. Jayne Johnson
  asked why and Sunny Sodhi, the owner of L&L Party Store, stated
  that he wanted to show everyone how committed he is before a
  decision is made about the extension. Bob Roosenberg asked if Sunny
  could open up some of the space in the store for more grocery items.
  Sunny said that he already has a lot of groceries in his store, and
  that if anyone needs anything in particular, all they have to do is
  ask and he will make sure it is stocked. Bob then said that he
  received some e-mails with concerns about some of the product that
  is being sold in the store, such as rolling papers. He asked if
  Sunny could cut back on sales of some of those products. Sunny
  responded by saying that many people still roll their own cigarettes
  in this neighborhood; especially when packs are running well over
  $5.00. He reminded the board that everything in his store is legal
  to sell by law, and that he cannot stand in judgment over whom to
  sell certain items to, let alone be responsible for how those items
  might be used. Bob Roosenberg mentioned an article in the paper
  about tax breaks for neighborhood grocery stores.

  
  

• Tentatively
  Proposed NOBL Policy: The Policy was mailed out to Block
  Captains and the process is coming along well.

  
  

New
Business

• David Swartwout
  proposed his Belknap Lookout Neighborhood Area-Specific Plan
  Alternative. Copies of the plan as well as color-coded maps
  were then passed out to Board Members. He stated that unlike the
  developer’s Area Specific Plan Draft, his plan follows the
  current and existing land use and zoning classifications offered by
  the City’s Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance. While drafting
  his proposal, he noticed some obvious discrepancies between both the
  plans and rectified the problem by harmonizing them. A discussion
  was held.

  
  

• Suzanne Schulz
  spoke about the developer’s Belknap Neighborhood Area
  Specific Plan Draft, the Discussion Guide, and the Quick
  Questions sheet. September 25, 2008 will be the public meeting
  before the City Planning Commission. Postcard reminders will be
  sent out ahead of time to those living in the Belknap neighborhood.
  The planning commission is looking for information from residents on
  how to proceed. She encouraged all those with questions or comments
  that can’t make it to the meeting to send their letters or
  e-mails to City Planning Commissioners. There was a discussion as
  to whether residents had enough time to read and respond to all the
  information included with the draft packet. Jayne Johnson
  responded by saying that most block contacts were pleased with the
  Quick Questions sheet (versus the lengthy Discussion
  Guide).
  

  
  

• On
  The Hill Newsletter: Walter Taylor will put a
  disclaimer on the newsletter stating that it is a privately owned
  newsletter and not affiliated with NOBL.
  

  
  

• Phil McConahy
  brought up the fact that NOBL is required to have its own
  informational newsletter or flyer. It was mentioned that our
  neighborhood had a newsletter that came out four times a year, but
  ever since Anita Prins resigned, that niche has been filled by On
  The Hill.. Marty Morgan offered that perhaps NOBL
  should consider a blog instead and offered his assistance to anyone
  who might be interested in creating one.

  
  

• Bob Roosenberg
  brought up concerns about Walter Taylor recording Suzanne Schulz’s
  conversation without her consent. Walter Taylor addressed the
  situation quickly by first apologizing to Suzanne Schulz, but added
  that under Michigan law it is totally within his legal right to
  record any conversation, so long as at least one of the parties
  involved know about the recording. He assured Suzanne that in
  future conversations with her, as a courtesy, he would let her know
  whether or not she was being recorded.

  
  

• Appointments:
  All the paper ballots were counted and the results of the vote
  were announced… Marty Morgan won and is officially the newest
  NOBL Board Member.

  
  

Public
Comment

• Angel Gonzalez
  mentioned that Suzanne Schulz did a great job of putting together
  the questionnaire and mentioned that it’s important that we
  get the information out to everyone.

  
  

• Suzanne Schulz
  stated that this is the first plan, and it is interesting!
  Hopefully everyone can live with the end result. Perhaps it’s
  something that everyone can be proud of…?

  
  

• David Swartwout
  gave out his e-mail address.

  
  

• Sunny reiterated
  that if anyone has any problems regarding his store that they should
  come to him before they go to anyone else.

  
  

• Jayne Johnson
  motioned to adjourn the meeting and J.D. Formaz seconded. All were
  in favor and the motion was passed.
  

  
  

• The meeting
  was adjourned at 7:16pm

  
  

1

NOBL Minutes 07 08 08

NOBL
Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2008

• Welcome to all!

  
  

• Meeting was
  called to order at 6:03pm. Present were Joe Berens, Phil
  McConahy, Acting- Chairman Bob Roosenberg, Safety Chair
  Jayne Johnson, Housing Chair Andy Johnson, Treasurer
  J.D. Formaz and Executive Secretary Walter Taylor.
  

  
  

• Meeting Minutes
  from June: Phil McConahy made a motion to accept the NOBL
  Meeting Minutes, Andy Johnson seconded and votes were cast. All
  were in favor, and the motion to accept the Meeting Minutes for June
  was approved.

  
  

• Financials:
  Copies of NOBL’s financial statement were provided at the
  Board Meeting. J.D. Formaz brought up the fact that NOBL Board
  Members need to come together and work on ways to raise money
  through fundraisers, activities, a Farmer’s Market, etc.:
  anything that might bring some money into the NOBL coffers. Joe
  Berens made a motion to accept the idea, Jayne Johnson seconded and
  votes were cast. All were in favor and the motion was carried.

  
  

• Safety: We
  have National Night Out coming up on August 5^th at 5-7
  pm. Kristi DeKraker and the Board Members of the BBC are working on
  pulling together resources for the event.

  
  
  
  

  • Suspicious
    Activity: Kristi DeKraker mentioned that we have a Hispanic male,
    approximately 5’8” to 5’10” tall, with a
    military-style buzz cut going around and throwing rocks at windows,
    then exposing him self to the women that respond. These incidents
    happen in the early morning; usually between 3 and 5am. Everyone
    should be on the lookout for this person. If you see anything out
    of the ordinary, please call the police department. Block contacts
    should also be notified of the situation.

    
    
  
  

• Housing:
  Housing Chair Andy Johnson presented a list of properties to
  Kristi DeKraker that need repair.
  

  
  
  
  

  • It was brought up
    that property owners are responsible for maintaining the back area
    of their lot all the way to the alleyway; this means overgrown
    brush and debris. Letters need to be sent to landlords in the
    Belknap Area regarding their roles and responsibilities. Most of
    the landlords on the 600 block of Coit need to work on maintaining
    their properties. The NOBL Board will follow up on this matter at
    the next Board meeting.
    

    
    

  • There are
    concerns about trash pickup and brush removal. If you miss your
    regularly scheduled trash day, you cannot dump your trash.
    Neighbors must be apprised of the day and times for trash removal.
    Perhaps an article can be placed in On The Hill to remind renters
    and new homeowners. The number for Streets and Sanitation is:
    456-3232

    
    
  
  

• Executive
  Report: No Executive Report for this month.

  
  

• BBC: The
  Cultivating Hands Children’s Garden received a visit from
  Grand Rapids Magazine and from Spectrum’s Healthier
  Communities; both were very impressed and Grand Rapids
  Magazine wishes to do a story on the garden!

  
  
  
  

  • BBC Executive
    Secretary Chris Thompson went to the Citizen’s Planner
    Conference in Lansing, as well as Green Grand Rapids that
    was held at Devos Place.
    

    
    

  • Chris Thompson
    would like to introduce the idea of having a Farmer’s Market
    in the neighborhood. Hopefully once the gardens begin to bear their
    fruit this vision can be realized…
    

    
    

  • The BBC made over
    $108 (net profit) by selling glow sticks, pop, chips and water
    during the 4^th of July.
    

    
    

  • BBC’s Yard
    and Garden Contest is still in full swing and runs through
    September. Everyone living in the Belknap Area is automatically
    entered to win. There are First, Second and Third Place cash
    prizes; along with 10 Top Honorable Mentions. Winners will receive
    their names, addresses and pictures in upcoming editions of On
    The Hill.
    

    
    
  
  

• Staff Report:
  July 1^st started our new contract year with the City.
  

  
  
  
  

  • Funding for
    Fiscal Year 2010 will most likely be decreased.

    
    

  • If you are
    interested in volunteering for National Night Out and the Back to
    School Bash, please contact Kristi DeKraker; she is in the process
    of organizing the events. There will be an information booth at
    the event; as well as the GRPD, the GRFD, EMS and Safe Kids…
    
    

    
    

  • There is also a
    block meeting coming up at Newberry Place.

    
    
  
  

Old
Business

• Acting-Chairman
  Bob Roosenberg brought up last month’s Board vote
  concerning (then Chairman), Pete Stieler’s behavior and the
  recommendation that he be removed from office. Shortly thereafter,
  Bob Roosenberg stated he received Pete Stieler’s resignation
  from the NOBL Board.

  
  

• Block
  Captains/Contacts are a source of information and distribution. Do
  we have representation on all blocks?

  
  

• There are some
  blocks that don’t have a contact person at all. We need to
  work on filling those positions; it will be an ongoing task.

  
  

• There is also
  no block contact on the 800 block of Coit. J.D. Formaz said that
  he would be willing to be the Block Contact for that area.
  

  
  

New
Business

• Phil’s
  McConahy’s Presentation: Phil presented a proposal
  regarding the unwritten policies of NOBL and requested that it be
  adopted by the NOBL Board. A discussion was then held and two (2)
  motions were presented to the board:

  
  

1. Jayne Johnson made
   a motion that the NOBL Board table voting on the proposed policy
   until further input from all Block Captains in the neighborhood
   could be made.

   
   

2. Walter Taylor
   motioned that the proposed policy be passed tentatively (as a means
   to safeguard NOBL and the Belknap Neighborhood): whereas afterwards,
   reactions and revisions from the Block Captains/Contacts concerning
   its wording could be thoroughly and thoughtfully adjusted.
   

   
   

• Joe Berens
  voiced his reservations regarding some of the wording in the
  proposal.
  

  
  

• Walter Taylor’s
  motion was brought to a vote: J.D. Formaz seconded the motion and
  votes were cast. All in favor were: J.D. Formaz, Phil McConahy,
  Andy Johnson, Walter Taylor, and Jayne Johnson. All opposed were
  Joe Berens… The motion to accept the proposal as the
  tentative policy of NOBL was passed. The Tentatively
  Proposed NOBL Policy will be sent to the available Block
  Captains/Contacts for their conscientious and deliberate
  assessment.
  

  
  

• Sunny Sodhi’s
  Presentation: Sunny Sodhi requested a Conditional Letter of
  Approval from the NOBL Board to extend the hours of L&L
  Party Store from 10am-10pm Monday through Saturday, to 9am-11pm
  Monday through Saturday for 6 months. He added that if it didn’t
  work out, (i.e.,: he couldn’t control the loitering, drug
  traffic, or the noise in front of his store, that he would –
  on bequest of the NOBL Board - go back to his regular hours. A
  discussion was held:
  

  
  

• Jayne Johnson
  mentioned that when the store is open, troublemakers stay away. But
  when the store is closed, people from all over begin to loiter, deal
  drugs, etc.
  

  
  

• Dr. Roosenberg
  questioned approving an extension of hours in consideration of
  school hours.
  

  
  

• Andy Johnson
  reminded everyone that Sunny has done a lot for the community.
  

  
  

• Becky Karwoski
  mentioned that the activity around Sunny’s store is not so bad
  anymore.

  
  

• Dr. Roosenberg had
  concerns about winter time and people driving up with boom boxes.
  (Could Sunny put up additional parking?) Roosenberg offered
  to table the discussion.
  

  
  

• There was a
  caveat made by Sunny that if anyone notices anything out of the
  ordinary around his store to come to him first to address the
  situation before going to anyone else.
  

  
  

• Phil McConahy made
  a motion that Sunny Sodhi’s hours be extended and Jayne
  Johnson seconded. Votes were cast. All in favor were: Joe Berens,
  J.D. Formaz, Phil McConahy, Jane Johnson, Andy Johnson and Walter
  Taylor. The motion was carried.

  
  

• The Conditional
  Letter of Approval from NOBL regarding the request from the
  owners of the L&L Party regarding their extension of hours was
  passed.
  

  
  

• Concerns by
  NOBL Board Member Joe Berens: Joe Berens brought up recent
  E-mails that Executive Secretary Walter Taylor sent to Grand
  Rapids City officials, as well as to neighbors regarding the
  development group and the people involved. He was disturbed by the
  fact that not all NOBL Board Members received copies of these
  E-mails. Moreover, he felt that Walter Taylor misused his official
  NOBL Board position by recklessly sending his personal commentary to
  City officials and signing his E-mails using his official NOBL Board
  title. He requested that the NOBL Board censure Walter Taylor at
  the very least, or remove him from office altogether. A discussion
  was held:

  
  

• Phil McConahy
  mentioned that the NOBL bylaws are too vague and that they need to
  be amended to accommodate more definitive information: such as a
  censure or an expulsion from the NOBL Board for violations of such a
  nature. Under the current bylaw guidelines, as they now stand,
  there is no written mention of using one’s title or
  status errantly.
  

  
  

• Jayne Johnson
  concurred with Phil McConahy in that there are no true definitive
  written rules prohibiting the use of one’s official status
  with regards to contacting City officials in the NOBL bylaws,
  although there may be an unwritten, “understanding.”
  She then offered up a motion: that if a NOBL Board Member’s
  statement is not one approved or supported by the NOBL Board, they
  cannot sign any letter or E-mail with their elected NOBL title or
  designation, and must also mention within any document to offered to
  City officials that they are writing on behalf of their own accord
  (as a private citizen, and in their own opinion).
  

  
  

• Phil McConahy
  seconded the motion and votes were cast. All in favor were: Joe
  Berens, J.D. Formaz, Phil McConahy, Jane Johnson, Andy Johnson and
  Walter Taylor. The motion was carried.
  

  
  

• Concerns by
  J.D. Formaz: J.D. Formaz asked if there was a way we could come
  up with a moneymaking opportunity or fundraiser for NOBL: whether
  that would be a Car wash, a Farmer’s Market, or an Art Fair;
  anything that might bring the community together and make money for
  NOBL.
  

  
  

• Roosenberg made a
  request that a public committee be formed to work with J.D. Formaz
  on this concept. He then asked if anyone at the meeting would be
  willing to help.
  

  
  

• Becky Karwoski,
  Sondra Wilson, Chris Thompson, Jayne Johnson and Brian Bremer all
  raised their hands in support of the idea.
  

  
  

• J.D. Formaz will
  present his fundraising ideas at the next NOBL Board Meeting.
  

  
  



• Neighbors
  Interested in Becoming NOBL Board Members: Dr. Roosenberg
  brought up the fact that we need to fill the empty seat on the NOBL
  Board as soon as possible. He stated that if any of us know of
  someone who might be a good candidate for the position to let him
  know immediately by sending him an e-mail with their name, their
  qualifications and their reasons for wanting to join. He [Dr.
  Roosenberg] stressed that the position of Chairman must be filled
  and that he will stay on as Acting-Chair of NOBL until the elections
  in November.
  

  
  
  
  

  • There will not be
    a vote for vice-Chair until the November elections.
    

    
    

  • Dave Shannon
    mentioned that he is interested in becoming a NOBL Board Member.
    

    
    
  
  

• Jayne Johnson
  wants to know when the block captains will get their Area Specific
  Plan Draft/Information Packets so that they can disseminate that
  information to others. Are we going to mail them or distribute
  them by hand? We have to wait for the information from the
  City. Once the packets are made, Kristi DeKraker will contact
  Jayne.

  
  

Public
Comments:

• Angel Gonzalez was
  bothered that NOBL passed the motion to write a Conditional
  Letter of Approval to extend Sunny Sodhi’s hours at the
  L&L Party Store. He felt that the Belknap Community was not
  given the opportunity to express their concerns regarding the
  extension of said hours, and also went on to say that the
  Tentatively Proposed NOBL Policy was rushed into a vote
  without initial neighborhood input. He feels that the NOBL Board
  is, “putting the cart before the horse…”
  

  
  

• Walter Taylor
  mentioned that Angel Gonzalez didn’t seek a, “ true
  consensus of community opinion” when it came to his public
  redevelopment/rezoning charrettes; so why was he so concerned with
  public opinion now regarding the extension of the L&L Party
  Store hours?
  

  
  

• Jayne Johnson
  responded to Angel’s comments.
  

  
  

• Sondra Loukes
  Wilson stated that we all should be proud that we have so much
  passion about our neighborhood, and that what is going on now, is
  democracy in action. She encouraged us to take the energy and the
  commradery that we feel and put it to good use within our community.
  
  

  
  

• Phil McConahy
  motioned to end the meeting and J.D. Formaz seconded. All were in
  favor and the motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at
  7:45pm.
  

  
  

1