Board president, Jerry Deckard, called the meeting to order, introduced speakers: Greg Leatherman and Cindy Joyner with Neighborhood code, Sgt.Jim Neu, Crime Prevention Officer, and Tim Pape, 5^th District Councilman. Approx. 30 residents attended the meeting and Jerry asked everyone to stand and introduce themselves.

Secretary’s Report: Cindy McAfee read last month’s minutes, with one correction. Kelly Williams will be considered for secretary position instead of Neighborhood services. This was voted on and passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Tim Dykehouse reported additional due payments, but need at least 55% of our residents to pay in order to avoid cutting programs. Jerry will personally assist in difficult collections.

Neighborhood Code: Greg Leatherman reported our quadrant has 3 officers to enforce city ordinances in the following areas: 1) Abandoned Vehicles 2) Safe Housing 3) Grass/Weed 4) Land Use/Zoning 5) Garbage.

Pertaining to the recent code violations in our neighborhood, Greg encouraged resident to respond to violation letters and said a six month extension can be given. The Citizen Review Board is available to handle discrepancies. Greg said small repairs are just as important as large ones and suggested the "Broken Window Approach: a broken window invites breakins; invites robbery; invites assault, etc." Deterioration invites crime. One resident mentioned concern for deterioration of alley behind CVS, and wants city to enforce the weed and garbage ordinance in that area. Another resident mentioned concern for variance requests for multi-family housing and would like our association to be notified in advance so we can attend these hearings. Tim Pape said he would check to see which city department receives this info. Another resident mentioned shrubs/tree that cover and block a sidewalk, and Tim Pape said he would check to see which department handles this.

Petitions for improvements: Tim Pape, our 5^th district councilman, has office hours on Tuesdays 1:30-4:30 by appointment. Ph# 434-9411, e-mail tmp@mcbm.com. Tim described the CEDIT (Community Economic Development Income Tax) as a program that encourages cost participation by the residents. It has a budget of $450,000 for improvements towards lights, alleys, curbs, and sidewalks. Money is awarded following a petition process gathering signatures of 60% of the residents who agree to participate in the cost of these improvements. (enforced by the Barret Law.) Jerry would like us to consider a petition for sidewalk repairs.

One resident mentioned that the city could pay the light bill in our easements since they already pay for the lights in the alleys. Tim said he would check into this. Tim stated he would like ideas from residents on improving the city’s police force, and that 24 new officers have been added. One resident mentioned concern that these new officers are going to newly annexed areas, leaving older neighborhoods at a loss of police protection. Tim commended the residents for their large turn-out and participation in the meeting.

Crime Protection: Sgt. Jim Neu teaches crime prevention and performs free home security surveys. In the future, he would like to see 4 crime prevention officers per quadrant. His ph# 427-5876. His e-mail address: jimneu2000@hotmail.com. Jim presented a video demonstrating the ease of kicking and entering a standard dead-bolted steel door, versus a door with larger strike plates with 3-1/2 inch screws. Jim past around these larger strike plates ($7), as well as safety brochures. He said homeowners could do a lot to deter break-ins. Installing exterior lighting on all sides of your home is the #1 deterrent. Suggested large strike plates with large screws, keep all doors locked, and prune shrubs around doors and porches. Jerry reported that it only costs $1.64 per month to turn on a 60-watt porch light for 11 hours each day. Do-It-Best in Southgate will provide 20% discount towards motion detector/flood lights. Jerry will ask about including large strike plates in discount. Also, walk your neighborhood during the day. Many break-ins happen during daytime.

H.H.Directory: Jerry reported block-captains would gather info, and work toward collecting unpaid dues.

CCW: Jerry said volunteer applications are still being processed and training date has not yet been set.

Rental Covenant: Quinton Ellis reported we have successfully completed the vote to amend the bylaws, giving the board the authority to now add a covenant to restrict additional rental properties.  The current rental properties will be grandfathered into this covenant. Quinton said the restrictive covenant would require 75% vote by the entire association, not just the dues paying members. One resident suggested also restricting rent-to-own properties. Quinton said he could include this language although it would not be legally enforceable. One resident suggested that several of the now vacant homes for sale might become rental properties without this provision in place soon. Jerry requested this paperwork from Quinton so that a meeting to obtain the signatures can take place.

Halloween Party: Oct. 27^th 3-5pm,contests,fire-truck, etc. Exact location will be in the next newsletter.

H.H.Night Out: Oct.17^th at 6:30 pm at Harrison Hill School.

Future Planning: Food drive, Harrison Hill night out, Toys for Tots, Christmas pitch-in, caroling, guest speakers.