SUMMIT MEETING NOTES - corrected

June 11, 2009

Location:  Llanfair Retirement Community

Approved Summit minutes can be found at the following website:  collegehilloh.net

ACTION ITEMS

No action items were identified in this meeting.

ATTENDEES: (in alphabetical order)

Karen Barrett                                                  Aiken High School

Pete Bauer                                                       CHCURC

Jim Bodmer                                                     COP

Amy Finnegan                                                            Forum

Fr. George Jacquemin                                     College Hill Ministerium

Chris Miller                                                     College Hill Presbyterian Church

Sheena Parton                                                 CHBA

Phyllis Schoenberger                                       Forum QOL, Housing Team

Arnice Smith                                                   College Hill Library

Dan Weyand-Geise                                         United Church in Christ

Sgt. Jason Voelkerding                                   CPD

Officer Governor Williams                             CPD District 5

Officer Carol Walker                                      CPD District 5

AGENDA

Welcome

Host Greetings

Opening Prayer

Introductions

CPOP/COP/CPD

CHCURC Update

Schools Updates

Library Update

CHBA

Children’s Hospital Update

Ministerium

College Hill Recreation Center Update

Housing Team Update

Discussion Topic:  Increased Safety - People & Assets

Community Activities & Announcements

Adjourn to Next Meeting – 8:00 am Thursday July 9, 2009

1.      CPOP/COP/CPD

      There will be plainclothes officers at Harbeson and Cary due to recent burglaries.    Officer C. Walker stopped someone on Tuesday that is on probation for burglary.  He is due to check in for the first time on Monday.  At that time they will do a search of him and begin checking his house.  Believe that he is the one that has been doing the recent burglaries.  Officer Williams will email out the person’s identification to Summit members who request it.

A serial burglar in south end of district has burglarized 17 homes in multi-family units.  Has a unique way of entering homes.  Check for wood removed around locking assemblies.

Burglaries have gone up by five since April.  Not as many in May.

Some kids are still using the steps behind Shakers.  Jim will call Jimmy and make sure he knows.   Because they sell food out of the back, really can’t stop them.  It is the known drug kids hanging there that are the concern.

Todd Barnes is back in the neighborhood.  He has already been arrested for open flask.  Vito Jones has moved to Northside, but is on Marlowe at his mom’s a lot.

It has been fairly quiet during COP walks, who may begin walking during the day.  They have been asked not to ride around while there are plain clothes riding around.

2.   CHCURC – by Pete Bauer

Fund Raisers:  There will be a fund raiser at Laurel Court on Friday, June 26th. Everyone is welcome.  The annual Rhythm Race will be Saturday, August 8^th.

Business District: 

-          The City finished the market feasibility study.  Northbend and Hamilton would be better to construct rental property, retail and some single homes.  Condos are not selling.

-          The City is going to enforce eminent domain for the old Desh Cleaners.  Landlord has a hearing set for July 14^th.

-          The old car wash on Hamilton is up for auction.  You can view the building between June 22nd, and 24th.  Online bidding begins July 14^th. 

-          Those who do a carwash on the old Schuller’s lot have been told not to.  Neighbors have been told to call police if they see anyone. 

-          It is assumed that Orlando Wyatt’s carwash has been permitted by Vince Edwards of the Mart.  He has a portable unit.  There have been no known complaints.

Gateway:  Southgate sculpture was planned to be at the corner next to Arhaus, but the City feels it needs a stronger foundation.  The cost for both Gateway structures is $170,000.

College Hill Signs:  College Hill signs are up and comments have been favorable.

Façade Program:  The Façade Program is over June 30^th. 

Miscellaneous:  There was a public nuisance meeting regarding Belmont and Hamilton but owner wants the building declared vacant to have a year to clean-up the property. 

3.   SCHOOLS - Updates

Aiken

Karen Barrett announced that Aiken University is closed.  Team Building exercises have begun for the new school year.  Staffing is just about complete.  Mr. Thomas started recruiting early so that there is a strong staff.  Preliminary rating is 65% of 10^th graders have passed all five parts of OGT, or missed one part.  Those who have missed the last part will retake it in August.

Will not know numbers for 10^th and 11^th grades until after summer school.  There will probably be an influx of kids in August that have not signed-up yet. 

College Hill Fundamental

Jim Bodmer reported the school’s groundbreaking this last month.  The expected open date is 2010.  Has not heard its rating yet.  With the new kids from the No Child Left Behind program, the school could be in jeopardy of losing its magnet school status.  The old kindergarten building has been torn down and water table is fairly high which is why it is taking so long for the project to get going.

4.   LIBRARY – by Arnice Smith

The Library is getting security cameras due to efforts of some members on Summit.  Special thanks was given to Phyllis Schoenberger.  Current system does not work.  A purchase order has been put in for one.  There are a lot of kids jumping over fence, opening gate and climbing over wall.  The Library will be getting cameras and new system.  They don’t have an arrival date yet. When Ken Lyons comes back he will wrap up the installation.

Have summer reading program for kids, teens and adults. 

There is a one mil tax levy for library on ballot this fall due to state cutbacks.

Jim Bodmer added information about the College Hill cameras.  The contract has been signed.  PNC has to sign a write of entry form and then get liability insurance and then we will be ready to get the cameras on.

5.   CHBA  Update – Phyllis Schoenberger

There are new officers:

President – Juanita Canfield

VP – Tim O’Keefe

Treasurer – Karen Hartman

Secretary – Tina Stoeberl

There are two new phone stores.  One on Cedar and one on Hamilton.  New shoe store where old wine store used to be.  Owner says business is okay. 

6.   MINISTERIUM  Update – by Fr. George Jacquemin

Community Issues: There was a lengthy discussion regarding recent vandalism, graffiti, etc.  CPD is confident that they could solve immediate issues, but concerned about long term issues.  Ministerium will get in touch with their extended membership, such as Bishop O’Neal, to find out what actions they may already be taking.  Ministerium will also get in touch with Rick Schroer of the College Hill Recreation Center to check on progress of the proposed teen council.

Racial Reconciliation: The Ministerium is willing to work with any organization in the community to assist in any way with racial reconciliation.  The Bridges program is not involving the broad community, but Drew Smith is willing to adapt the program to any organization which wants to use it.  The Ministerium has approximately ten churches that attend Bridges regularly and are willing to be of assistance.

Interfaith Hospitality:  Pastor Dan Weyand-Geise reported that out of the ministerium conversations, two of the churches have begun work with the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  He is hoping Twin Towers and Llanfair can help with bedding.  The average stay for a family in the program is 20-25 days.  College Hill Presbyterian and United Methodist churches will host four weeks out of the year.  60 volunteers are needed for each week.  Dinner is served, there is an activity and then bedtime.  IHN works on housing, jobs and kids in school.  Participation is expected from at least six churches, and the Boy Scout troupe from United Church in Christ has committed to help.  Beds are really the only cost.  Schedule will be set in July for all participating churches for 2010.  Beds will be stored at CHPC and First Church.  Approximate cost for each bed is $200.  Also need baby beds or pack-and-plays for infants.  A maximum of 16 people can be hosted.  Next meeting is July 21^st at noon at CHPC.  All are welcome to attend.

Chris Miller reported that Rick Schroer was allowed to stay at the College Hill Recreation Center due to the calls from the community that were received.  He will be staying until at least September.

7.   HOUSING TEAM Update – by Phyllis Schoenberger

A meeting was demanded by the Forum and WIN with Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke because of loopholes in the current regulations that are not helping a segment of the population facing foreclosure. People who have always paid their mortgage but now have a change of circumstances cannot get any bank to talk with them about extending or cutting payments to keep them out of foreclosure

There will be a planning meeting to go over questions that will be asked at the meeting with the Cleveland Federal Reserve.  Summit members are invited to attend meeting in July.

Jim Bodmer stated that WIN has grants and hope to break ground and do a remodel fairly soon. 

There are approximately 42 houses in the neighborhood that have uncut grass.  The City has no money.  Phyllis working on something to use parolees.  Chris Miller suggested that Christ’s Community in College Hill’s Clean Cut Program might be an organized way to use the parolees.   Due to trespassing issues, some parolees will not be able to do all yards even with non-profit connections.  CHPC will be contacted to see if parolees can use their lawnmowers.

8.  FORUM – by Amy Finnegan

Due to a standing appointment, Amy will not be able to attend the Summit on a regular basis.  She covered the following at this meeting:

NEP (Neighborhood Enhancement Program):  The NEP Program is wrapping up. City officials and others will give a report today (June 11)  at 10:00 am at the College Hill Coffee Shop.

Bedbugs:  Forum has started a Bedbug initiative.  The Forum needs to find out about any places in College Hill with a problem.  State Representative Mallory is coming to talk about his program.  The monies from his program are not filtering down.  The meeting will be Monday, June 29th at CCAC at 5:30.  All property managers are invite to attend.  The two properties with known problems are Blue Fountain and Hillrise.  There was a meeting with Hillrise and the Officer from the district.  It is believed that 30% of 68 units in Hillrise are infected.  Will email Chris Miller and Tom Seith of College Hill Presbyterian to work with them in their efforts to help Hillrise.

9.  Community Activities & Announcments

Ø      National Nite Out & Neighborhood Block Party are the first week in August.

-          Blockparty goes August 4^th – 7^th.  6:30 – 9:00 each evening. Jim Bodmer has applied for $2,500 grant to help out with Blockparty and has also solicited food.  The schedule is as follows

Tuesday – National Night Out,

Wednesday – Jazz & More featuring the Young Jazz Messengers

Thursday – Talent Show and Three On Three Basketball Tournament

Friday – Worship & Praise Night featuring David Minor and Cornerstone Comm.

Sunday - Festivities end with a single service on the lot Sunday morning @ 10:00.  All are welcome.  There will be lunch and a concert following.

Llanfair donating food for Tuesday.

St. Clare will participate with cake and cupcakes for Tuesday. 

Each church is being asked to donate four cases of water.

Last year, approximately 350 attended each evening.

Only National Nite out in District 5.

Officer Carol Williams took a list of food items needed to see if she could get donations.

Ø      CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) is holding their annual national conference in Cincinnati on October 21-24.  This conference is a good place to get information and connections for community development.  Evening events are free.  Check CCDA.org for more information.

Ø      On The Avenue:  The deli part of “Shhh” is scheduled to open next Monday. 

Ø      “Love Songs” Benefit Dinner & Concert, featuring professional opera singer (and College Hill native) Ross Hauck, will be at 6:00 pm on June 28 at College Hill Presbyterian Church.  Reservations are required for the dinner and costs $15 per person.  The concert is at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary and is free.   Funds raised go to ARCH and Sonlight Power.

Ø      The Annual Garden Tour by the College Hill Gardeners is June 20.   This event brings hundreds of visitors to the neighborhood every year. 

Ø      The Farm Market is every Thursday through October, from 3 to 6:30 pm in the College Hill Presbyterian Church parking lot.  Come buy great fresh fruits and vegetables!

Ø      An Evening At Laurel Court fund raiser is on Friday, June 26, starting at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $50, and the evening features catered hot & cold hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a silent auction, raffles, and live musical entertainment.  Reservations must be received by June 19. 

Ø      There will be a free concert on July 10 at United Church in Christ. A free will offering will be collected,  with monies going to the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  ADAGIO Trio will perform beginning at 7:00 p.m. 

Ø      The Natural Mandala will be in the sanctuary of First UCC for the rest of the summer.  Mandalas are an ancient visual prayer and meditative art form.  People are welcome to come view it and to use it for personal prayer and meditation.

Ø      If there are signs on telephone posts rip them down.  We Buy Cheap Houses signs should be thrown in the garbage.

Next Summit meeting:  July 9, at 8:00 am at St. Clare Church

                                                                                                Summarized by:

                                                                                                Chris Miller

                                                                                                June 25, 2009

                                                                                                Revised July 8, 2009

                                                                                                Revised July 19, 2009

Summit Meeting Schedule

2009

General Meeting Time: Second Thursday of the Month, 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Location Rotates