Abbott-Downing Neighborhood Association

Meeting Minutes 09.02.03

Members Present

Kimberly Shepard, Karen McClellan, Sky Merritz, Kenneth, Alice, Dave and Paula Palmer, Maggie Stier. Guest: Jill Seifried

Minutes

1. Jill gave a brief update on city planning projects in our area. Traffic calming construction around the school was delayed by rain but should be on track for opening day. Still more paving to be done on Perley and Downing. A special meeting at City Council chambers on Monday at 7 pm will address issue of Broadway Street roundabouts and whether traffic calming measures are good for the city of Concord. Ken asked about the status of the Concord Coach Museum and Jill said that since the announcement in the paper of the owner’s financial problems, the city has backed away from partnering on this. However, the man planning to create the museum, Louis Barton, has filed with the state to use the name Abbott-Downing Company Inc. and because our names are similar, Sulloway & Hollis (our legal counsel) were required to contact him. He told them he would not give us permission to register under our name, but when Kimberly later called him, he was open to discussion in there could be “mutual benefit.” He asked Kimberly for an in person meeting when he is in Concord in two weeks. Dave Palmer agreed to investigate legal issues in our using the A-D name.



2. Maggie read Keith’s report on website progress which is filed separately with these minutes.



3. Neighborhood Festival Plans are coming together, thanks to a few members’ dedicated hard work. PYC is donating hamburgers and hot dogs. PYC will be the subject of our first business profile when we get a newsletter going. Three or four bands will come, Sky is doing face-painting, and Ballard’s may supply a clown house with balloons. Other participants include Concord Parks and Rec, Groundwork Concord, Concord Police Dept., Concord Fire Dept and their old A-D neighborhood truck, CATCH, City Council, Boys and Girls Club, and maybe Concord 20/20 and Rumford School PTO. Kimberly reported that Joe has done a great job organizing food. Since we don’t have our non-profit status yet, he worked some other deals for donations, and Joya from City Planning found some money for other supplies. We reviewed all the jobs for the day of the festival, and everyone agreed on what they would take care of.



4. Ken offered to start a scrapbook of clippings and publicity related to our neighborhood association and area. This will be a great record of our activities.



Meeting Adjourned at 8:25



Next meeting will be Tuesday, October 7 at 7 pm at St. John’s Choir room


Respectfully submitted,



Maggie Stier