MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF THE LAFAYETTE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION FOR JANUARY 17, 2022

Members in attendance: Randie Denker, President; Benji Charles; Matt Duke; Sam Kimelman; Bill Mattox; Kathy McGuire; Ellery Sedgwick; Craig Shaw, John Wallace
Others attending: TPD Sgt. Allan Morris; Jim Parker; Robert Volpe

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Agenda Item 1, Q and A with Tallahassee Police Department. Officer Morris appeared at the invitation of the Board and stressed the importance of preventing auto burglaries by locking vehicles. He also stated that TPD offers inspections to improve the security of homes, and he specifically mentioned the value of outdoor lighting. In response to a question about callers' immediate access to a 911 dispatcher, he stated that occasionally the Consolidated Dispatch Agency is flooded with calls about a particular incident, but that most calls are picked up without delay. On the subject of speeding on Sixth and Seventh Avenues, he entertained a suggestion that radar be added to the Traffic Complaint List, but that the traffic units are often tied up with other matters, including traffic homicides. Jim Parker also stressed the need for traffic controls.

The minutes of the Dcember meeting were previously approved.

Treasurer's Report: No report, waiting on figures.

Agenda Item 2, Midtown Working Group.  The Group met on January 5th but did not have a quorum. Randie attended the meeting along with John and suggested that the Group would benefit from expert advisors. John reported that the Group will hold meetings with businesses and the public on February 7th and March 7th, respectively. At the March meeting, the Chair asked that a representative of each neighborhood speak for the neighborhood. Kathy stressed that there should be input on issues of concern to our neighborhood, and John replied that suggestions should be neither too specific nor too broad. Kathy noted that a representative of the Chamber attended the five public meeting regarding the "glitch ordinance," gave little input during the meetings, but subsequently wrote a letter to the Planning Department outlining the Chamber's requests, some of which were adopted. On February 26th the ordinance comes before the City Commission for public comment and approval. Kathy noted the attendance of Robert Volpe at the Planning Commission meeting on behalf of the Chamber and businesses, asking that Midtown not be singled out for disparate treatment concerning tree heights, density requirements, and the availability of transfers of development rights (TDRs). Mr. Volpe replied that he was not appearing as a paid lobbyist for businesses. John then announced that money is about to be released for expansion of sidewalks on Thomasville Road, and the burying of utilities.

Agenda Item 3, Grant Money for Neighborhood Projects. Bill stated that the City received the LPNA's application and would reply soon. Bill expects that if the grant is approved, the neighborhood will need to coordinate with both the city and the county on the street projects.

Agenda Item 4, Update on Activities of  Alliance of Tallahassee Neighborhoods. Kathy stressed the importance of attending the public meeting at the Senior Center on January 20th regarding development of the Northwood Mall property. Regarding the glitch ordinance, Kathy noted that the reason Midtown was singled out for exemption from the tree/TDR requirement is that the Midtown Working Group is working on a master plan for the area and that the Group wanted the ability to draft a plan without the constraints placed on other neighborhoods. Kathy noted that the proposal would encompass all of Midtown with the exception of the Monroe Street corridor.

Agenda Item 5, LPNA Facebook Page and Website. Benji reported that the Myers Park Neighborhood webpage might serve as a good example of how the LPNA page might be modeled. Matt stated that he has been posting items of interest on the neighborhood's Facebook page every couple of weeks. The notice regarding the Northwood Center public meeting has been posted. Benji will put notices of Zoom calls for the LPNA board meetings on the webpage.

Agenda Item 6, Yard Signs. Matt solicited bids for yard signs to be made, for announcements regarding upcoming Board meetings a few days before each meeting. Target Print and Mail was selected as the best bidder. A discussion ensued about getting a graphic designer to refine the LPNA logo to give it more clarity and to save money on production costs.

Committee Reports:

Development and Growth Committee: No report other than the issues discussed earlier in the meeting.
Outreach Committee: Craig reported that he and the other members of the committee will meet soon.
Police Liaison Committee: No report other than the issues discussed earlier in the meeting.
Newsletter Committee: No report.
Communications Committee: No report other than the issues discussed earlier in the meeting.
Disaster Preparedness Committee: No report.
Traffic Committee: Jim Parker reported that the desirable approach would be to wait on a speed study until after Betton Road reopens, to assess conditions on 6th and 7th Avenues under normal traffic conditions. Jim also suggested that a letter be sent to the appropriate officials requesting a more visible crosswalk at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Terrace Street. Randie asked Jim to draft a letter for circulation to and approval by the Board. Randie noted that the reconfiguration of the street and sidewalk at 6th Avenue and Colonial Drive is awkward and potentially unsafe for bicyclists and persons using wheelchairs.

Open Discussion: Craig raised the issue of the possibility of a neighborhood-wide "shredding event." He will investigate potential costs. At Sam's suggestion, Craig will contact the City to see if it offers such a service on an occasional basis.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.