MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF THE LAFAYETTE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Members in attendance: Randie Denker, President; Benji Charles; Sam Kimelman; Kathy McGuire; Craig Shaw; John Wallace
Others attending: Nina Alexander; Carrie Hamby; Kevin Hattaway; Bob Parker; Robert Volpe

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

The minutes of the October meeting were previously approved.

Agenda Item 1, Fall Picnic. There was discussion about the recent neighborhood picnic, including a suggestion that the next one include a food drive. A motion was made and seconded to hold two picnics per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The motion passed unanimously. No dates were selected.

Agenda Item 2, Alliance of Tallahassee Neighborhoods. Kathy reported on several items. First, ATN participated as one of the panelists in selecting a consultant to propose updates to the comprehensive plan. A consultant has been chosen and is slated to begin work in the new year. Second, ATN has prepared a draft document that it will be sharing with the city that addresses how to improve the citizen participation process, with the expectation that this will ultimately be presented to the city commission. Third, ATN is continuing to work with city staff regarding development of the Northwood Center project. Kathy and Randie both observed that the focus so far appears to be solely on getting the new police station built, with no indication that the construction will be part of a comprehensive development of the rest of the site. Kathy and Randie, along with the representatives from the Old Town and Providence neighborhoods, met with City staff to advocate for a holistic and creative approach to the Northwood project, the desire for carbon neutral architecture, and the need to focus on community needs. Randie noted that the city is accepting suggestions for development ideas.

Agenda Item 3, Grant Money for Neighborhood Projects. Randie noted that it appears that we will not be making suggestions regarding artwork on any roads within the neighborhood. Sam mentioned that utility boxes in other cities had been painted and that might be a possibility in the neighborhood, and Craig noted that the same could be said of fire hydrants. Randie suggested that various neighbors could write a sentence or two on sidewalks around the neighborhood that constitute a "life lesson" or a philosophical idea. Craig volunteered to ask Stacie Mellman to offer ideas to the board, since Stacy originally proposed the project. Craig suggested that Bill Mattox contact the KCCI Group to solicit design ideas.
 
Agenda Item 4, Old-time Dance Event. Carrie Hamby announced that the old-time music group that played at the recent picnic will be holding a dance at the park pavilion on Sunday, December 4th at 2 p.m. Randie stated that a mass e-mailing to members would go out, and Carrie will post a notice of the event on the NextDoor website.

Agenda Item 5, Update to LPNA Website. Randie observed that the LPNA website needs major work. It does not currently contain the LPNA articles or bylaws, nor does it list information about the board members or recent minutes. Randie noted a lack of progress so far and would like to solicit volunteers with expertise to update the site. Robert Volpe volunteered to work with the Communications Committee members.

Agenda Item 6, Traffic Safety Issues. Jim Parker and Randie met with Commissioner Porter about the speeding problems on 6th and 7th avenues, who promised to query the city attorney about whether the city code allows more safety design elements than are currently in place, and that Commissioner Porter has just reported back to Randie that no additional elements are allowed. Randie also heard from a resident on 6th Avenue who is very concerned about potential hazards. Randie reported that she has written to Commissioner Porter about amending ordinance 602. Bob Parker expressed considerable frustration about the city's lack of attention to this issue, and that the city traffic engineers seem to prioritize traffic flow over safety issues. Robert Volpe noted that there are similar problems with excessive speed on Gadsden Street, bordering the neighborhood to the west, and that city records indicate a high number of accidents on Gadsden. He also said the problem applies to other one-way paired streets in the city. Randie announced that she will draft a resolution, with Robert Volpe's and Bob Parker's help, to be forwarded to the commissioners, proposing an amendment to the code to allow implementation of additional safety features.

Agenda Item 7, Board Election. Randie noted that an election to fill the seat of departing board member Matt Duke needs to be held before the end of the calendar year and ballots will be sent out soon to members. Robert Volpe expressed an interest in running for that seat.

Committee Reports: 
Development and Growth. John noted that there may be pending construction near Grace Church in the neighborhood and that he will monitor the situation.
Outreach. Craig stated that he has passed out new member flyers to a couple of households and asked that anyone aware of a new neighbor to let him know.
Police Liaison. Craig reported no problems at Halloween. He will arrange for the neighborhood's police liaison to appear at an upcoming meeting.
Newsletter. No newsletters are planned before the spring picnic.
Communication. No report other than what was discussed in Item 5 above.
Disaster Preparedness. No report.

The next board meeting is scheduled for December 19th.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.