Merle Hay Neighborhood Association

10/11/00 Mbr. Mtg. Minutes

Minutes

The fourth quarterly membership meeting of the MHNA was called to Order by Ed Pagliai, V.P. at 7:05 P.M. on Wed., October 11, 2000 at the Hillis Elem. School auditorium.

The speaker for the evening was Ben Bishop, Admin. of the City of DM Neighborhood Code Enforcement Offc. Mr. Bishop began this position in May, 2000 after 28 1/2 years with the Police Dept. He can be reached at 283-4246 or 237-1449 or FAX 237-1746 or e-mail bencbishop@ci.des-moines.ia.us. This dept. address the issues of rental code enforcement, junk, debris, abandoned vehicles, public nuisances, condemned properties, pests, crows, etc.

Several questions were asked about deteriorating properties that are unlived in: one on the west side of the 1400 block of 57th St. has been vacant about 4 years; and another at about 1370-60th has been vacant about 3 years. There is another property at 4017-55th which has been condemned over 2 years. It has been sold on contract, but returned to the owner. No plans have been approved for it's rehab, but the owners occasionally do some minor work to it. Removing a building is a lengthy legal process, but steps are being taken to make the process quicker.

The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was dispensed with and the minutes were approved. Jan LeCroy gave the treasurer's report, the current checking account balance is $854.19. Pat Meiners reported there are currently 109 individual, 9 business, 3 associate and 3 church members.

JoAnne Hanover reported from the Des Moines Neighbors meeting. The meetings are usually held the fourth Thursday of each month in the lower level mtg. room of the Armory. The Resource Office is at 317 E. 6th. Continued funding is in process. Annual dues are $25 for neighborhood assns. and $10 for individuals. Current issues include predatory lending practices, and increasing city debt policy from 70% to 80%. Housing problems get the most complaints. JoAnne thanked Judy Patterson and the Vacuum and Sewing Dealer Trade Assn for helping us produce such a nice newsletter.

Rick Meiners gave a brief summary of our participation in the Beaverfest Worlds Greatest Parade. Dressed in our new t-shirts, all participants had a fun time and we hope for more next year. We had a new banner from Signs Now, and used a truck from Jordan Motors. Donations for candy and balloons came from Barnrd's; Julie Helps-State Farm Insur.; Golf Pros; Brad Veenstra-E. Jones Investments; Higgins Texaco; Midas Muffler; Arirang Korean Rest.; Royal Prestige; Great Plans Orthotics & Prosthetics; Copy's Unltd.; and A-1 Hawkeye Appliance. Be sure to support our business friends.

Ann Stoen reported for the Activities Comm. They didn't believe there was enough time to do justice for a Chili Supper this mtg., but are planning an Open House before the Jan. 2001 mtg. JoAnn Tolarico reported about adopting Riley Park and a sub-comm. of Wayne, Kathy, Brad and herself submitting a 5-year plan of improvements. The Riley Park sign is in process. A clean-up day will be planned. The daffodil bulbs did not come in on time so they could not be planted when originally scheduled.

An an update, the gasoline transports have been rerouted off of 49th St. when going to the Git'NGo at 49th & Urbandale. It seems quieter in the area.

The next mtg. will be Wed., Jan. 10, 2001 and is planned to be at the Merle Hay Mall Options 55 mtg. rm. on the lower (bowling alley) level. It should be proceded by an Open House. The mgt. was adjourned at 8:20 P.M. -- Pat Meiners, Sec'y.