Steering Committee Meeting Minutes from November 21, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Invocation was given by Bob Morrow. Excused absences: Rachel Korzan, Marilyn Poulos, Laura Sampsel, Dave and Dena Claus, Michelle Trbovich, SueZanne Artzner, and Emil Alecusan. In Attendance: Bob Morrow, Krysten Neal, Jen Golden, Gus Pirovolos, Rosemary Norton, Rick Miller, Steve Lamiell, Cindy Hofacre, Marie Malernee, Dionne Hight, Pat Silagy-Wesson, Linda Cook, Cynthia Roland, and Niki DiCola.

Remarks from the President:

Bob Morrow discussed the closing of the Market Heights Church of Christ. The financial status and lack of membership is the reasoning behind its closing. The church is looking for another United Church of Christ congregation or will try to sell the property to another church. The end of the year is slated for its closing. Also, Rosemary Norton will be taking Debbie Morrow's place as Area Coordinator for Area #9.

1st Vice President's Report:

Rick Miller had reported that we have 16 new members since our last meeting. Total to date for 2005 is 196. Six members have already paid for 2006. Rick has already set into motion a MHNA membership card. He sent a sample around the room, showing the new design. He will try to meet with Darryl Paden before our January meeting.

2nd Vice President's Report:

Pat Silagy-Wesson reported that there was very little activity to report since our General Meeting earlier this month. There was a break-in on 11/18/05 on 30th Street. The breezeway light was been broken and the house ransacked, money and a purse were stolen. It was reported that we have the 30th worst city in Ohio for crime. (This was found to be incorrect in that Canton is the 6th worst city with a population between 75,000 and 99,999. See reference City Crime Rankings by Population Group www.morganquitno.com/xcit06pop.htm) A motion to accept the Safety and Security report was made by Gus Pirovolos and 2nd was made by Cyndi Hofacre. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:

Bob Fay was not in attendance. Membership dues to date total $4,728.00 as of the General Meeting report.

Old Business:

The 2004 Grant money has been spent on the landscaping of both islands and the bank of the park has been landscaped with trees and landscaping brick. The 2005 Grant money has $400.00 left for the website. Bob Morrow discussed what he would like to see done with the website, therefore, more access would be able to be had by members of MHNA. An audit is being scheduled; Marie Malernee and Darryl Paden will meet with Bob Fay to look over the accounts. According to our By-laws we should have an audit of the finances every year and one hasn't been done.

New Business:

A Directory Committee; Rick Miller and Bob Morrow are going to work together and start on a new directory for MHNA. Aerial photographs to be included. The city is going to be slated for aerial photos and will be able to have different views, 3-D measurements and will also have 360 degree angles available. Aerial photos will be available on the Auditor's website.

It was mentioned that any Block Coordinators who chooses not to pay membership fees in 2005, will no longer be a Block Coordinator for the following year of 2006. A motion was made by Bob Morrow and 2nd was made by Steve Lamiell.

A PO Box was discussed since the Church will no longer be able to take our mail. Cost of said box will be a $50.00 fee for the year. A motion was made by Pat Silagy-Wesson and 2nd was made by Cyndi Hofacre.

Several locations are being looked into for our next meeting, slated in January; Mason Elementary, the Jewish Center, and the 25th Street Library. The Church may be an option, but, if that falls through we need another meeting place. Last Check that we sent the Church was not cashed. Our intent is to send rent for this year and last year.

Ideas for the 2006 Grant are needed. Letter of Intent is slated for March 1, 2006. The money awarded will be received on June 1, 2006. (This was later found to be incorrect in that the deadline is 1/24/06 at 4:00 PM with the award on 4/11/06.) Ideas were tree replacement, new and selected sidewalks replacement throughout the neighborhood and repairs to the Tennis courts.

Adjournment: 9:15 PM