MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF THE LAFAYETTE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION FOR MAY 16, 2022

Members in attendance: Randie Denker, President; Benji Charles; Matt Duke; Bill Mattox; Kathy McGuire; Ellery Sedgwick; Craig Shaw; John Wallace
Others attending: Nina Alexander; Brian Lupiani

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

Agenda Item 1, Midtown Working Group.  John stated that the Group met earlier this month and that it came up with generalized recommendations that will be forwarded to the City Commission, which is expected to authorize the hiring of an outside consultant to develop concrete proposals for a master plan. John expressed the hope that any such consultant (1) would not be closely associated with the city's planning department, and (2) would be open to working with the Midtown Working Group regarding its wishes, which would include signage, lighting, and walkability issues. (John also mentioned that there will be a recommendation that no electronic signs be employed in the area.) He added that the city plans to realign the western end of Beard Street and that the group will recommend some sort of signal for pedestrians to help them cross where the realignment takes place. Randie inquired whether it would be helpful to send a letter to the city to facilitate this process, but John suggested instead that she confer with Jake Varn, the Chair of the Group, as to whether and how to proceed.

Agenda Item 2, Grant Money for Neighborhood Projects. Bill reported that he, Randie, and Kathy met recently via Zoom with Betsy Couch of the Knight Creative Community Initiative, who walked them through the grant process. The three board members were able to convey to her the Board's concerns about using local artists if at all possible, and also having neighborhood review of any proposed designs. LPNA would be allowed to have a representative on the design committee, and Bill mentioned that Randie solicited some design ideas at our recent neighborhood picnic. Bill reported that Betsy is waiting for city approval of various projects, and that she has been working with groups from the Cobb and Sullivan schools to implement crosswalk art projects near those schools. Bill feels that our neighborhood should solicit approval and then decide whether to work with the schools or proceed with a separate project near Trinity Catholic School. No decisions are required until the city decides whether to fund these projects. Bill further stated that a member of our neighborhood, Jason Zaborske, owns a property on Miccosukee Road that features a retaining wall, on which he would like to see a mural be created. Bill feels that that could be a possible alternative project if the city is not in favor of a crosswalk project. He also mentioned that Dan Taylor, a neighborhood artist, will be on the design committee. Randie volunteered to serve on that committee. In response to a question from John about not designing something on Miccosukee Road that would require county approval, Bill was of the opinion that Betsy may have encountered resistance from the county and, therefore, was possibly favoring a project on Mitchell Avenue that would not require county approval.

Bill brought up a second item, involving city solicitation of recommendations for neighborhood awards. Bill asked Randie to send the city's invitation to the other board members to see if we deem an application to be worth the trouble of putting it together.

Agenda Item 3, Update on Activities of  Alliance of Tallahassee Neighborhoods. Kathy stated that the ATN has not been active in recent weeks but that it plans to try to interview all candidates for the city and county commissions regarding their views on growth management issues, and post those interviews on its website.

Agenda Item 4, Annual Picnic. Randie reported that the May Day picnic was successful despite some inclement weather, and asked for any recommendations for future events. Craig suggested moving the date up to early April, but John cautioned that we would need to consult various schedules to ensure that we avoid as many conflicts as possible. No official vote was taken but the consensus is that the event should take place earlier next year.

Agenda Item 5, Suspension of Upcoming Meetings. Randie suggested that the Board not meet in July and August, and that the Board meet via email if any pressing matters arise during those months. On motion made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to cancel those two meetings.

Committee Reports:
Development and Growth Committee: No report.
Outreach Committee: Craig reported that several properties are up for sale and the committee will be monitoring those properties in case new neighbors move in.
Police Liaison Committee: No report.
Newsletter Committee: No report.
Communications Committee: No report.
Disaster Preparedness Committee: No report.
Traffic Committee: No report.

On motion made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 2022 meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.