The Treasurer, Marguerite Murray, called meeting to order at 7:40 pm. New neighbors were recognized, followed by recognition of elected officials or their representatives.
Natalyn Archibong, City Council, 5th District
Ms. Archibong has been working with Corby Hannah, SouthStar Executive Director, to get the Streetscape project underway. She and staff are also working on the Strut. Sidewalks along Glenwood from Flat Shoals to I-20 are still awaiting approval from Georgia DOT but funds are still in place. She has met with the interim Fire Chief to reaffirm that East Atlanta residents want to keep Fire Station 13 in East Atlanta Village. The owners of the property of interest are still waiting to hear from the City. The Council is working on sanitation services issue. She has asked the city to at least look at privatization so that all options may be explored. Among other options, volume based billing also is being explored.
Mike Holloman, School Board Representative
President Ken Rose introduced Mike Holliman, School Board Representative for Atlanta City Schools. Mr. Holliman talked about the No Child Left Behind program, an overhaul of city schools. He gave an overview of Atlanta's efforts to raise school standards and students' test scores, especially in reading. Currently 30% of Atlanta city students are not reading at grade level, down from 60% two years ago. New American Schools company was hired by the city to research and present several reform models. Each school had to choose one with the exception of Mary Lin, Morningside and Inman who were allowed to choose Core Knowledge program. Also excluded from choosing a New American Schools suggested model were Project GRAD schools. With the No Child Left Behind program, 95% of students must be tested (must meet 95% within each subgroup also, i.e., ESOL, race, economic status, special ed). Each subgroup must meet the same criteria as the whole. Project GRAD (graduation really achieves dreams) schools incorporate academics and a social component and graduates receive a scholarship. Mr. Holliman is confident the Neighborhood Charter School's insurance issues will be cleared up and the school will be renovated. During Q&A, Mr. Holliman reiterated that the Neighborhood Charter School would be rebuilt and also confirmed that although outsource, alternative schools are held to the same standards and receive the same resources as traditional schools. Contact Mr. Holliman at mikecstone1.com or 404-873-3304.
Joel Feingold, ESCA president, informed everyone who pays sewer and water to Dekalb County to an information meeting at 9:00 am on August 19 with Vernon Jones.
Atlanta Fire Department, Station 13
Lt. Isom reports that smoke detectors are on hand; batteries are available. The station does blood pressure monitoring. Station is also a car seat checkpoint - bring your car, child and the old car seat. Car seats especially need to be checked if your car has been involved in an accident.
Atlanta Police Department, Zone 6
Lt. June reports that burglaries are up on the south end of Zone 6. Juveniles are suspected. If you would like your home inspected for safety or security issues, please call Inspector Ruby Naylor at the Zone office, 404-371-5002. Note: the rezoning is not yet in force.
Dekalb County Public Health
Arnette Willis reports that the West Nile Virus season is just beginning (highest in August/September). Most people bitten by infected mosquito do not get the disease, only those with weakened immune systems. Best to use repellant with at least 35% deet. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Empty all standing water, particularly gutters, saucers around flower pots, etc. East Atlanta has been treated with a larvaecide.
Brownwood EAKC Tech Center
Kevin Banks is soliciting suggestions of what residents would like to see at the Center. Computer classes have been held for Branan Towers residents. 11:00 am - Noon has been reserved for walk-ins needing computer assistance, questions, etc. Mr. Banks encourages resident to come check out the facilities at the newly renovated recreation center.
President is asking for volunteers for the nomination committee for selection of the officers for 2004.
Treasurer's Report
The East Atlanta Kids Club grant was approved and reimbursement was approved for Elena Kaplan for parks functions.
SouthStar
Vanessa Turner presented details for a series of fundraisers to replenish SouthStar's home repair program funds. The first fundraiser will be held on the Friday prior to the Strut at Level 3.
Strut
Anne Shaw reports the Strut this year will begin with a 5K walk/run at 8:00 am. The cost is $20.00 in advance or $25.00 same day registration. The parade will be held from 10:30 - noon and will begin at the Boys and Girls Club. Parade registration is from 9-10am. Mr. Reeves is in charge of parade registration and can be reached at 404-627-4026. The festival will have two stages on opposite ends of the Village and entertainment will be staggered. The silent auction will be held at the IRIS and will include such enticements at round-trip airline tickets, YMCA memberships, etc. For silent auction donations of services or products, please call Anne at 404-643-8353. Steve Carr is donating his street sweeper for cleanup and use of trailer for a float.
Public Safety
Ed Gilgor is asking residents to show support for stop signs and crosswalks on Ormewood Avenue by e-mailing Council Member Archibong at narchibongatlantaga.gov and copy to Sandra Jennings of Traffic and Transportation at sjenningsatlantaga.gov. Indicate your desire for residents to be able to cross over Ormewood Avenue safely. Volunteers are needed to work two hours a week on a neighborhood wide traffic calming effort. Please call 404-926-4515 or e-mail publicsafetyeaca.net. Report all crimes or suspicious activity to 911. It is not necessary to give your name and number when reporting a crime if you do not feel comfortable doing so. Graffiti should be reported to the Dept. of Neighborhood Conservation at 404-330-6190 or dconneratlantaga.gov. Also, send e-mail with same information to publicsafetyeaca.net so that EACA public safety can follow up.
For information on West Nile Virus check the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dybid/westnile/ or Dekalb County Board of Health at http://dekalbhealth.net/mosquitoes/index.html.
Battle of Atlanta Pub Crawl
Pub Crawl receipts from sale of wristbands was donated to the Strut. Thanks to Lee Wright, Charles Turner and Elena Kaplan for their successful efforts in coordinating the Pub Crawl.
John Poppa announced he has been retained as manager of The East Atlanta Arts and Antiques Bazaar, which will open in September at the renovated Best Buy building.
