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BELLEVUE CIVIC ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2001
- Vice President and acting President, Tim Pfohl, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Christ Ascension Church by thanking the Church for the meeting accommodations. He also recognized Domino’s Pizza, Walgreen’s and Nuttall’s for the food and refreshments. Tim thanked Florenz Sterling and Mary Garber for all their work on the recent newsletter edition.
- Delegate Viola Baskerville. Ms. Baskerville was recognized and she reported that most of the legislative business is over for this session of the General Assembly and that the budget will consume the balance of the remaining time. She emphasized that our position on the car tax must be shared directly with the Governor and the rest of the members of the General Assembly. Redistricting is another important topic that will affect our district. Even though the population census of Virginia is up, the census around Richmond is down. The net effect will require redistricting changes. There will be a special session in April just to deal with this topic.
She then introduced 2 contenders for the office of the Attorney General on the Democratic ticket, Donald McEachin and Witt Clemmons. Ms. Baskerville’s number is 698-1171.
- Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS). Assistant City Attorney, Greg Lukanuski, explained the CAPS program that is a coordinated interagency approach to fighting blight problems in City neighborhoods. The neighborhood civic association is the way to refer problems in the neighborhood. Mr. Lukanuski phone number is 646-7949.
- 911 System. Captain Beadles explained the new seamless radio communications system that would soon be installed (target date 4/22/01) for all 3 jurisdictions, including Richmond City, Henrico County and Chesterfield County. The installation of this new radio system will allow officers to hear of crime reports from all participating jurisdictions. This will be particularly beneficial for the perimeter areas in the 3 jurisdictions. Captain Beadles’ phone number is 646-5142 and his e-mail address is beadlesl@ci.richmond.va.us.
- School Board Update. The 3rd district representative, Bill Laffoon, reported that expenditures for FY 2001 are approximately $7000 per student and will be approximately $8000 next fiscal year. He also said that the transportation of the Richmond Public School System is over funded when compared to Chesterfield School System. He thought that access to public schools is a topic of concern for neighborhoods due to the current high rental fees. Mr. Lafoon also is concerned about the problems of students having access to textbooks and timely record transfers for students. Mr. Lafoon also reported concerns about the difference in the electricity bills between Holton and another school in Southside; both schools were built from the exact same blueprints.
- Holton School Noise. Sudie Pasco reported that there has been weekly contact from the school about the noise problems. She said that the school is budgeting for 2 noise remedies that include gauge and hood equipment. She said that the
light problems are still in the discussion stages and she needs to talk with more neighbors to discuss viable alternatives. Ms. Pascoe’s phone number is 261-2993.
- Safety Committee. John Butcher reported that CVS on the 1200 block of Bellevue Avenue had 2 armed robberies in 1999 and 3 in 2000. There were also 2 armed robberies in 2000 outside of the store, on the same block. He said that the Safety committee was having a meeting this week with the CVS manager who has been reluctant to hire an armed guard up till this point. John asked those in attendance if they would be willing to boycott the store until an armed guard was posted in the store. The majority in the attendance raised their hands, agreeing to boycott.
- Neighborhood Watch. Libby Clark reported that there had been a many reports of cars being broken into to as well as an attempted house break-in. She reminded everyone to report all crime to the Police and to the Neighborhood voice mailbox. She updated the group on the Neighborhood Watch block signs, saying that all but 4 have been installed. She asked that the block captains update their telephone tree and include as many e-mail addresses as possible to reduce the need to make calls. She ended her report by asking for more block captains where a Neighborhood Watch program has not been established.
- Security Patrol. Chris Sterling reported that he and Winnie Cobb are co-captains for the Bellevue Neighborhood Security Patrol. He announced new member training is 2/22/01 at 7:00pm.
- Upham Brook Study. Roy Reynolds reviewed the purpose of a new study for which VCU has received a grant. The study will include Princeton Creek. Roy introduced 2 persons who are involved with the study.
- Crisis Pregnancy Center. Tim reviewed the details of the Center that plans to locate medical services at a former medical office site at the corner of Brook and Bellevue. He said that the director came to the Bellevue Board meeting in 7/00 to notify the neighborhood of their intention. Their plans would require a special use permit that reportedly has not been officially filed; however, preliminary paperwork has been submitted to the Community Development Office. Tim reviewed the concerns that have been expressed by the various members of our neighborhood which include:
· North side already has too many special use permits, not retaining the original purpose of the property. The current use is desirable.
· North side needs medical care facilities for whole neighborhood; not a restricted facility designed for a more narrow purpose.
· The property would not be taxable.
- Westminster Canterbury Planning Process. Our representative, Beryl Riley, says that the recommendations are forthcoming.
- Mini Arch Update. Chuck Epes reported that he had a plan that would cost $17,000. He recommended that he continue efforts to find a stonemason that would not be so expensive. One resident reported concern about the deterioration
of the current Pope Avenue arch. Two other residents expressed concern about the building another arch, saying that maybe we should revisit the duplicate design and think of something different.
- Parks and Recreation Conservation Easement. Irene Jennings reported that she had to make a decision by this Thursday night, 2/8/01. She wanted feedback from the neighborhood and provided newspaper article for information. She asked people to please read the article and get back to her with their input. Her phone number is 264-8638.
- Nominations and Election of Officers. Chuck Epes presented the slate of officers which consisted of:
- President, Tim Pfohl
- Vice President, Ed Parks
- Treasurer, Paul Johnson
- Secretary, Kath Sadler
There was a motion to accept the slate of officers and a second. A show of hands confirmed the new officers.
- Bylaws. Tim reviewed the major changes in the current bylaws. Copies were available with the proposed changes. A suggestion was made that the proposed changes be included in next newsletter and then is voted on at the next general meeting. This suggestion was accepted.
- Treasurer’s Report. Ed Parks reported that the treasury consisted of $1022.02 for the security patrol; $3449.71 for the arch fund; and $352.00 for the general fund. All bills have been paid. We are in need for neighbors to pay their membership dues.
- Minutes. Kath Sadler reported that all the minutes are posted on the Bellevue website after approval by the Bellevue Board. The only exception is the 10/24/00 board minutes that have not been approved by the board at this time.
- Other. One neighbor announced that a group called, Richmond for Effective Government, is organizing a forum for 3/15/01 that will be held at VCU and will have a very good slate of speakers.
- Adjournment. Tim adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kathleen P. Sadler,
Secretary
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Last updated 02/24/02
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