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DPNA Meeting Minutes
DPNA Board Meeting, October 25, 2007
Board Members:
Present: Dan Read (president), Brian
Green (treasurer), Cheryl Summers (secretary),
Members-at-large: Angelo Abbate, Barry Ragin,
Bill Anderson, Carol Donin, Jessie Eustice,
Suzanne Tyler.
Quorum Present: Yes.
Proceedings:
-Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
by chair, Dan Read.
-Minutes of September 13, 2007 meeting accepted
and approved by majority.
-Treasurer’s report: Brian stated that he
has not yet received DPNA bank statement, but based
on book balance $1,326 remains in our account.
Brian has collected $70 in dues and $30 in advertising;
we have disbursed $35 to Durham Cinemathiqué and
$50 to Durham Parks & Recreation for the Light
Up Durham Holiday Parade. The Treasurer’s
Report was accepted and approved by majority.
Consent Agenda:
New Business:
Item #1: Member Dues
Angelo Abbate asked how we know who has and
has not paid Member Dues. The secretary described
the database designed to record payment amounts
and to auto-track the payment term period beginning
the date of payment and ending 364 days after.
The member renewal term can then be calculated
on any month the neighbor joins rather than be
limited to the month of September, as is the current
policy. The Board voted to change the Membership
term from a calendar year (September to September)
to an anniversary year (any month the person joins).
Cheryl further stated that the information handed-off
to her from Pam Campa will be incorporated into
the database. Notice will be made in the next Newsletter.
Item #2: “Around the Park”
- Carol stated her concern that the newsletter be ready for distribution after Thanksgiving and her unavailability during the holidays to pick up the newsletter from the printer. The Secretary informed the Board that Marty Jarrell, Editor of Around the Park, set an articles submission deadline for November 9th, with a projected print date by/before Thanksgiving. This will allow distribution for Saturday, December 1st.
- Barry stated that we produce and distribute 750 copies of the newsletter, less than 350 of which are member. Angelo suggested that we have a new member drive to increase member income. Carol suggested the annual Luminaria as a good event for collecting member dues. Cheryl agreed to attend this year with clipboard and registration forms.
- Cheryl introduced the notion of a Green(electronic) distribution for those who would like to receive an electronic newsletter versus a hardcopy. She further stated that an exception list could be created so that volunteers would know what homes NOT to delivery a hardcopy. Carol expressed her concern that with only four distributions per year, a Green distribution would not provide a meaningful cost-benefit to DPNA. She further stated her concern that an exception list would only serve to confuse the distribution volunteers. Barry corroborated that we would likely save only an approximate 50 cents per copy by going Green. A majority ruled that the newsletter continue in its current paper form.
- Cheryl noted that Emily Egge has volunteered to write an article regarding holiday events and is able to translate articles into Spanish.
- Cheryl introduced Marty’s suggestion that the Board consider newsletter sponsorship rather than advertising, which would reduce the amount and cost of paper use. Barry stated that we would save very little based on our 750 copy production and that the advertising income helps deplete the approximate $1,200 annual reproduction cost. The Chair suggested that this issue be tabled until another time when Marty can further present her case. Angelo suggested we have a membership drive to convert the number of persons who are receiving the newsletter to dues-paying members.
Item #3: Community Events
- Light Up Durham Holiday Parade will be 12/1. Duke Park is normally the only neighborhood association to participate.
- Confirm holiday potluck 12/7 with Rebecca Crocker and Raeth(sp?) Sagarin. Barry will take inventory of paper products to take to the potluck. The Chair authorized funding a reasonable amount for the cost of paper goods and soft drinks.
- Night of Lights (Luminaria) will occur 12/16 in Duke Park, with sales on December 8th and 9th and the 15th and 16th.
- Pam Campa project lead on “Share Your Christmas”. Need board approval to match us up with a needy family. Carol stated that last year we paid $300 and the Board approved the same amount.
- Bill Anderson introduced the Durham Can You Spare A Change Campaign which encourages charitable donations to the organization, which more efficiently disburses goods and services to people in need. The Chair asked that this discussion be tabled for presentation at our November meeting.
Item #4: Crime Prevention / Criminal Activity
- Status of Duke Park Signage: The Chair stated that after meeting with Duke representatives who questioned the Duke Kappa Alpha Fraternity, our signage is pretty much gone. Barry commented on his personal ownership in fundraising to purchase the letters and how disappointed he is that no one has been held accountable for the theft. Bill stated that it is unfortunate for us that it cannot be proven that the theft was perpetrated by any one at Duke. A majority ruled that the Board will not pursue this matter any further, until and unless we have better evidence of Duke’s involvement,. The Chair will contact Andrew Preiss regarding Duke Park signage replacement options.
- Shootings at 1600 block of Roxboro Apartments (behind Markham) as reported by Peter Boykin. Bill stated that police have to be called so that a record is on file. We have a low 911 rate because neighbors do not report criminal activity. Bill stated he would speak with Officer Hester about getting a report.
Item #5: Guest Presenters
Nov. 8th: Judy Kincaid, Clean Energy Durham.
She will talk about ways to talk about saving
energy.
Old Business:
Item #6: Ongoing Projects
- DOT tree planting on 1-85 border. Drought has delayed installation of trees; The Chair will contact Wally Bowman about getting this done.
- Status of Bathhouse. According to September meeting, they will give up the parking lot in two years.
- Erosion in park. Angelo will follow-up with Parks Dept on status on parks erosion.
Adjournment:
· Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.
· Minutes taken by Secretary, Cheryl Summers.
The next DPNA event will be the November 8 meeting.