November 2003
At 7:30 p.m., prior to the EACA meeting, the elections for NPU-W representatives were held. Genie Strickland, NPU-W V.P., assisted by Fred Smith, presided over the election. East Atlanta residents present elected the following representatives: Ed Gilgor, Dennis Madsen, John Hays, Charles Turner, Mark Shelton, and Dean West. Andy Schneggenberger and Carter Smith will be alternates.
The regularly scheduled meeting for EACA was called to order at 7:44 p.m. The president began the meeting with the announcement of EACA officer elections at the December Meeting. He encouraged volunteers for position of secretary. Self-nominations are accepted.
Report from Natalyn Archibong, 5th District Councilperson
The 45% water and sewer increase is still being discussed. (EACA thanks Natalyn for coming out against the increase.) She is hoping for a delay in order to evaluate options again. The fire chief starts December 1. Councilperson Archibong says that he is willing to work with the neighborhood on the location of the new fire station, what goes inside, etc. Questions and answers followed.
Fire Department, Station 13
The captain reports that since the season has changed, its time to change batteries, service heaters, heating systems, water heaters, and cleaning out around the pilot. He recommends purchase of carbon monoxide alarms on your heating unit. If your pilot light has a blue flame, everything is fine; if you flame is orange/red, there is a problem. Make sure you have large reflective numbers on your house and both sides of the mailbox. Check on your elderly neighbors. (President says be a good neighbor. Cover the cost of the HVAC check for an elderly neighbor who is on a fixed income.)
Treasurer’s Report was presented and accepted.
NEW BUSINESS
A representative from the Sierra Club presented information about the Georgia Water Coalition. The coalition is working to make sure sale language stays out of the bill before the legislature. House Bill #237 allows for water treatment. Water permit trading allows for the sale of water not being used. EACA agreed to the four principles to become a water coalition partner. The vote was unanimous.
Atlanta Police Department – Zone 6
Offer Kopiecz has no specifics to report.
EAV Marketing Committee
Lee Wright reports the formation of a marketing committee consisting of representatives from EABA, EACA, and SouthStar. Upcoming events include the lighting of the East Atlanta Village Christmas Tree and the surrounding area. Long terms plan include a quarterly event in the village that will be branded to the East Atlanta Village. Short-term plan includes lighting up the East Atlanta Village on December 6 around 6 p.m. to encourage shopping, etc. in the Village. They are asking EACA members to forward this information to everyone for wide exposure. Also, a contest is possible for best home decoration and best business decoration. The committee meets every Thursday at 9 p.m.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Education Committee
The new school will possibly be complete by the beginning of the new school year.
Holiday Party
Vickie announced the holiday party would be after our next (short) EACA meeting on December 9 at Branan Towers. The menu will be potluck.
Land Use/Zoning
The two-story garage dilemma at 1476 Metropolitan is still ongoing.
(At this point, the president recognized new neighbors and new attendees.)
Public Safety
Ed Gilgor asked us to check the website for forms for reporting crime, for vacation patrols, and other standard requests for Zone 6. Be sure to call 911 to report all crime. Ed is asking for a letter of opposition from EACA for parking meters the city plans to install in the Village. EACA is in favor of sending this letter. He is also asking for a vote to remove the fire hydrant at Flat Shoals and Glenwood. EACA voted in favor of this letter.
Mary Norwood and C. T. Martin have proposed that bars close at 2:00 a.m. EACA voted to oppose changing the closing time to 2:00 am. The vote was 31-2.
There are still some streets that need one side closed to parking to allow easier access for fire trucks. Other issues discussed were housing code violations, parking rules and the drug-free commercial zone (requested by North Ormewood Park Community Assn.) and how it affects the village. (EAV is included because it falls within ½ mile of the drug free zone.)
SouthStar
There will be a meeting on November 20 at 7 p.m. for the public regarding the streetscape plans. Meeting will be held at Branan Towers. Sarah, SouthStar’s intern from Emory, shared information on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program, the first of which will be held on Saturday, November 15.
Friends of East Atlanta Library
Thanks to Matthew and Vickie for keeping the book cart at Joe’s. Henry Bryant requests that EACA write the Fulton County Commission and ask for no library budget cuts.
Porch Press
Henry Bryant is asking for volunteers to serve as board members.
October Minutes were approved as printed.
Meeting adjourned.
