GREETINGS:
Brad called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He explained that tonight's meeting would include nomination for officers for this year, and that elections would be held at next month meetings. Per the new MNA bylaws, only persons nominated in January can be voted on in February. To vote, persons must be members in good standing that requires attendance at 4 of the past 12 monthly meetings or the payment of the $15.00 annual fee. Brad reminded all persons to be sure to sign in at each meeting so that they qualify as members in good standing. He also noted that the $15.00 could be paid, even by those who met the attendance standard, and that the money would help run MNA.

MINUTES:

Brad gave audience members a few moments to review the Minutes of the last meeting and then they were unanimously approved on motion by Paula Deyoe, seconded by David Kha.

TREASURER’S REPORT: (David Kha)

Cash on hand	Deposit	Expenses	Balance
891.38	2028.64	1570.62	1349.40

           Treasurer David Kha presented the monthly treasurer's report which was approved on a motion by Carolyn Isamon and a second by Ana Marie Patti.

UPDATES:

Bike Club (David Kha)

The Bike Club gave away four bikes this Christmas to homeless people. Ana Marie Patti suggested that the Bike Club advertise that there are bikes available on the Internet. David will look into this.

Computer Club (David Kha)

Misha (MNA volunteer) provided a four week course at St. Vincent de Paul. Another four week course should start next month. David asks those interested in attending to contact him.

Chili Festival (Ana Marie Patti)

There are 300 paletas left over and taking up space in Ana Marie's freezer. She asks anyone for offers (standard price is $1.00 each) in order to get rid of them. On a suggestion by Brad Holland, a motion by Howard Ward and second by Carri Rondeau, it was agreed to give away a dozen with each $15.00 membership paid for at next month's meeting (while they last).

Green Retrofit (Ana Marie Patti)

Ana Marie will be happy to help a volunteer oversee the next tree planting. We can get almost any kind of tree from Trees for Tucson. Brad noted that the volunteer would not have to spend an inordinate amount of time to direct this program and that it is a good entry-level project for new volunteers. Planting should be done in April. Anyone interested was asked to call Anna Marie.

Library Learning Center (Andy Squire)

Andy had not yet arrived at the meeting, and this item was skipped until next month.

John B. Wright Report (Lisa Langford)

Attendance is improving at JBW: 77 kids have perfect attendance up from 60 at this time last year. It is something Lisa is concentrating on this year. Ana Marie Patti will get some free passes to the Botanical Gardens to add to the list of prizes given to kids for perfect attendance.

School Out Days: 1/21/01 is Martin Luther King Day; 01/24/02 is Professional Development Day for teachers with kids leaving school at 11 a.m.

Love of Reading Week starts February 11. Residents are invited to phone Lisa to arrange times to read to kids.

Misc: Brad Holland asked Lisa if the signs reminding folks that no dogs are allowed on JBW play fields could be put back up. Dog waste is becoming a problem, again. She will look into it.

GUEST SPEAKERS:

Lydia Sorensen, Dept. of Economic Security

Lydia emphasized that she was not attending in any official capacity, but wanted MNA members to be aware of the various services DES can provide them. She works for Project Jobs, which helps remove barriers to employment such as lack of transportation, dental work, etc. Her office is at 1200 N. Country Club and she can be reached at 881-4081, ext #222. She mentioned that some $10.00 entry-level jobs would soon be available and that those interested should contact her.

Amra Sabanic, Tucson Alliance of Refugee Communities (TIARC)

Amra, the Executive Director of TIARC, briefly reviewed the programs provided to refugees and neighborhood residents, including English classes, translator services, driving classes and computer classes, among others.

NEW BUSINESS

Traffic - Ana Marie Patti noted that the striping on Pima Street, intended to slow down traffic, had not been done and that speeds were excessive. Brad reviewed the history of the project and suggested all residents to phone the City Dept. of Transportation (791-4371, 791-4321) and the Ward VI Office (791-4601) to ask that this be done.

Sewer - Brad noted that sewer maintenance on Village drive had been inadvertently dropped by the City, but scheduled maintenance had resumed after complaints were filed with the City.

Footprints Project - Brad explained the idea of painting footprints on sidewalks and other throughways connecting the three Midtown activity centers: The Tucson Botanical Gardens, JBW School, and the soon-to-be Midtown Library and Learning Center.

Neighborhood Watch - on request of Brad Holland, Officer Frank Damanico gave an overview of crime prevention tips and discussed some general police activities in Midtown. He encouraged residents to phone 911, if they have any suspicion of criminal activity. For example, he said a common ploy of burglars is to knock on the door and then ask if a particular person lives there. If you are not home, they may then break in and burglarize your home.

NOMINATIONS

President - Brad Holland nominated by Ana Marie Patti

Vice President - Howard Ward nominated by Marty Ittner

Treasurer - David Kha nominated by Howard Ward

Secretary - Carolyn Isamon, nominated by Brad Holland

No other nominations were made.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

On a motion by Howard Ward and a second by Ana Marie Patti, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The next meeting will be held in Wright Cafeteria on February 19, 2002.

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