The President, Ken Rose, opened the meeting at 7:30 pm with a welcome to new neighbors and first-time attendees. There were six new attendees.
Atlanta Police Department, Zone 6
East Atlanta will be getting a new beat officer. The previous officer was transferred in the reorganization shuffle.
Report from Natalyn Archibong, 5th District Councilperson
The crosswalk signs have been delayed one week for analysis. The sidewalks have a verbal approval. Analysis for speed humps on May Avenue will be redone in January. EACA donated $200 for tire slashing at Zone 6.
EACA thanks Ms. Archibong for having parking meter holes refilled in the Village, support on the sewer issue (denial of rate increase) and vote against the 2:00 am bar closing. The alternate water plan approved by city council included $25 million that could be made up from the watershed management budget. A meeting has been scheduled from 1:00-3:00 on December 17 with the new fire chief. A committee from EACA need to attend to share concerns, desires, etc.
The City is resisting issuing a building permit for the new library. Commissioner Graves will have an answer to this dilemma within a week.
The Happy Donuts drive thru, previously approved by the City, has been ordered closed. The owner is stressing hardship if this is done. Ms. Archibong would like a representation from EACA to meet with the owner.
Vernon Jones, Dekalb CEO
Dekalb County has acquired over 2,000 acres of land which includes property adjacent to the Prison Farm. County would like more nature and bike trails through Arabia Mountain. Dekalb County is interested in partnering with the City of Atlanta on projects. Contact at 404-371-2881 or ceoco.dekalb.ga.us
Dekalb Commissioner Larry Johnson
A successful collaboration between the City of Atlanta and Dekalb resulted in an EMS vehicle being stationed in East Atlanta Village, thus reducing response time. Contact at 404-371-2988 or lljohnsoco.dekalb.ga.us
Susan Elliott in attendance for Councilmember H. Lamar Willis
Contact at 404-330-6041 or hlwillisatlantaga.gov
Atlanta Fire Department, Station 13
Ten hydrants remain out of service (since Spring check). These have been reported. From this point forward, car seats will be distributed at periodic “fairs” held by the department. Be sure your homes have large and highly visible house numbers. Smoke detectors are available. Installation may be available for those citizens unable to install themselves.
President’s Comments to Membership
Ken Rose, EACA president for the last two years, commented on the accomplishments achieved which include: improved finances (new grants request system, major fundraiser chosen); improved communication (website regularly updated); improved community (potluck in the park, historical tour resurrected, better collaboration with business community of East Atlanta Village, i.e., strut and pub crawl), Diversity Committee activated, new library, economic development in village and community, beautification committee active, infrastructure maintained in the community association.
President suggests the following needs are ongoing: media exposure, membership increase, increased greenspace (e.g., East Atlanta Park Trust), public improvements, more speed humps, more focus on Bouldercrest/Flat Shoals area.
President stressed that diversity cannot be the responsibility of one or two people. The association members must bring their neighbors in order to make EACA more accurately reflect the community it seeks to serve.
Treasurer’s Report
Anne South presented the first payment of $3500 profit from September’s Strut. A smaller final payment (~$350) will be received later. The EACA body approved expenses for Holiday lighting ($100), donation to Zone 6 to help with tire slashing expenses ($200), donation to Fire Dept Station 13 ($200) and renewal of Post Office box ($63.00). Also approved unanimously were a donation to Branan Towers for purchase of an office chair ($200) and $258 for ordering 57 more t-shirts (EAV). Jennifer Murray is handling t-shirt inventory and sales.
Minutes for November meeting were approved.
International Human Rights Day Forum
Deanna West, program manager at the National Center for Human Rights Education, informed the EACA membership that December 10 is International Human Rights Day. She invited us to attend a forum to be held from 6:00-8:30 pm at First Iconium Baptist Church. The key speaker will be Cynthia McKinney, former 4th District Congresswoman. Ms. West also left the membership copies of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
EACA/SAND Membership Directory
The president took a straw vote on the possibility of a combined membership directory for EACA and SAND. The membership vote was unanimous in favor with the stipulation, of course, that there be a separation identifying EACA members. Issue will be further discussed and up for a final vote in January.
Nominations Committee – 2004 Officers
Carter Smith, of the Nominations Committee, offered the following slate of officers and opened the floor to nominations:
The slate presented was approved unanimously and are as follows:
President Elena Kaplan
Vice. Pres. David Lee
Treasurer Vanessa Turner
Secretary Joanie Stovall
Land Use and Zoning
Dennis Madsen presented on item for consideration: V-03-361 (Metropolitan and Monument). Large (8 ft. in diameter) Satellite Dish. The owner explained the dish received raw feeds, which is a feature not available with smaller dishes. The membership voted 50-0-0 to approve based on landscape screening plan (proposed crepe myrtle plantings).
