College Hill Neighborhood Association

Minutes:  January 11, 2020

Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89519065947?pwd=dU0yNTVNU3Y1STFXQ0FaU1J0OHJ5UT09

Meeting ID: 895 1906 5947
Passcode: 889818

Attendees:  Christi Stewart (President), Tom Luellen (Treasurer), Brett Martin (Secretary), Brian Adams, Dana Adams, Carol Christensen, John Christensen, Sharon Dodd, Sue Fackler, Andy Fry, Ava Fry, Anna Fry, Karl Fundenberger, Emmett Hull, Patty Kane, Gail, Katrina Shaw, Benjamen Alford, Duane Pomeroy, Diane Pomeroy, G’Tobia Washington

Zoom Meeting

1. Introductions 
2. Minutes – Minutes from November meeting will be approved at the March meeting
3. Treasurer’s Report
   1. Presented by Tom Luellen (Treasurer); see attached
   2. $4,600 in the general fund; $3,500 in grants
   3. Sue Fackler and Sarah Meadows oversee the Blossoms Fund (park improvements)
   4. Approval of the report; Patty Kane moved, Andy Fry second; report approved
4. New Business – Introduction of any visitors 
   1. No visitors
5. Operation Food Secure (OFS) in College Hill – Brett Martin
   1. Brett shared that volunteers over the last few months have continued to deliver food to our neighbors in College Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. Here are some details:
      1. More than 20 volunteers have been involved
      2. Food is delivered every other week to 77 households
      3. Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries sent a report of the impact in CHNA as of December 30, 2020
         1. 424 food boxes
         2. 424 gallons of milk
         3. 14,246 pounds of food
         4. 23,743 meals
   2. The federal Farmers to Families program through USDA officially ended on December 31, 2020
   3. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas has granted $350,000 to continue the program through the beginning of March. The boxes will not include precooked meat
   4. The White House announced on January 4 that they will re-start the program with an investment of $1.5 billion
6. Trailer Purchase for CHNA – Brett Martin
   1. Brett shared that volunteers have been using borrowed trailers for OFS over the past few months
   2. Some residents have suggested that the purchase of a trailer might be useful for not only OFS but also for July 4 festivities, neighborhood clean-up, and the recycling drive
   3. Christi asked Carol if a trailer would be helpful with the recycling drive; Carol was unsure
   4. Tom asked about the duration of OFS; Brett was unsure of the timeline for the program
   5. No action taken; conversations will continue
7. Topeka Community Acceptance Grant for Light Bulbs – Andy Fry
   1. Topeka Community Foundation grant ($4,000); CHNA contributed $500
   2. We will purchase light bulbs with photocells for houses in the neighborhood
   3. Some residents have had issues with bulbs, but Andy indicated there are more reliable options
   4. The purpose of this initiative is to help light the neighborhood for increased safety; individuals would use the bulbs in their front porch fixtures
   5. There is an opportunity to look at crime rates before and after the installation of the bulbs
8. Recycling Drive Update – Carol Christensen  
   1. Carol reported that we made $135 during the December drive
   2. Midwest Salvage, the new company on Branner, requires us to separate the metals; we would like communication with the neighborhood to save their recyclables and to pre-sort them
      1. They only take metal; aluminum beverage cans are our best money-makers
      2. It would be helpful to let people know about the drives on a regular basis
      3. Carol has sent information to Erin when she develops communications; she can also send it to the group to share with everyone
   3. Carol is proposing that the next recycling drive be March 27 (after our next meeting)
9. Traffic Calming Projects (action item) – Andy Fry
   1. At our past meeting, we looked at different options (15^th and Jewell and 13^th and College) to help calm traffic in the neighborhood
      1. Zach shared that these are longest stretches of road that have no stop signs and can contribute to faster car traffic
   2. When we sent out information a few months ago, some residents gave feedback and suggested other locations
   3. Carol shared that there was some concern about the historic nature of College Avenue as the old trolley car route
   4. Andy suggested that layers holding historic value are a few layers down; he reminded the group that these are temporary options to calm traffic 
   5. Zach shared that this is a temporary opportunity that can serve as a test case for the city
   6. Christi suggested that it’s a great idea and that we have nothing to lose
   7. Motion: Traffic calming project at 13^th and College and at 15^th and Jewell at no cost to CHNA. Andy moved; Zach second 
      1. Andy shared that there will be signage posted to share about the project and provide an opportunity to share feedback

1. Kansas Leadership Center COVID-19 Grant – Andy Fry
   1. As part of the Kansas Leadership Center’s (KLC) “Kansas Beats the Virus” initiative, Andy gathered five residents to look at ways to help families during COVID-19 pandemic
   2. The group decided to look at a public access WiFi network in Boswell Square Park for students as they are remote in school
   3. CHNA has procured other dollars as well
   4. Andy has communicated with Parks and Rec and Westminster Presbyterian about housing the hardware
   5. The group is looking at a one-year contract
   6. The group also decorated the gazebo with Christmas lights to bring some light and joy to the neighborhood
   7. Karl mentioned that the Topeka Spits group also received a KLC grant. Individuals who have posted selfies with #TopekaSpits and are practicing COVID-safe behaviors will be entered to win a $20 gift card.
2. Old Business 
   1. Carol asked about the bricks
      1. Christi reminded the group that Sue is working on this and that she is working with Bill Riphahn
      2. Carol shared that Sue is working with Bill on bricks that are longer lasting
   2. Andy has organized the ideas that Zach gathered from the chili feed on a spreadsheet to share at the next meeting 
3. New Business 
   1. None
4. Our next meeting will be March 15, 2021. We will meet at Westminster Presbyterian Church or on Zoom.

Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Brett J. Martin 

Meeting was held via Zoom.

Persons in attendance follow:  Brian Adams, Dana Adams, Ben Alford, Carol Christensen, Susan Duffy, Andy Fry, Gail Kennedy, Tom Luellen, Brett Martin, Debbie Pomeroy, Duane Pomeroy, Katrina Shaw, Christi Stewart, Ardith Woertz, Emmett.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer’s Report was approved as presented.

• • Tom Luellen provided a recap of income and expenses for the past year.
  • A brief discussion related to College Hill Neighborhood Association (CHNA) dues and forms of payment ensued.
    • Currently, dues may be paid at various in-person CHNA sponsored events or by mail or drop-off to Tom at 1619 Plass.
    • Annual Dues are $20 per family.
    • Some form of electronic payment and/or Pay Pal were discussed as possible future payment methods to explore.

Minutes of last meeting – Minutes were approved with the noted change.

1. • Ardith Woertz reviewed the Minutes from the July 2020.
   • A change to correct the spelling of Debbie Pomeroy’s name was presented.
     • Note – while reviewing past minutes it was discovered that two other names were misspelled – Andy Fry and Carol Christensen.  The spelling of these names has been corrected as well.

New Business – Introduction of any visitors –

1. • No visitors.  Item not discussed.

Information regarding traffic calming, safety and speed reduction in College Hill –

1. • Andy Fry provided an update on project, including talks with City Traffic Engineer.
   • Goal of Project is to make neighborhood safer.  Project is seen as having several stages or iterations.
   • A diagram showing potential use of road markings that are designed to help slow down traffic was displayed.
     • Drawing highlighted 13^th and College and 15^th and Jewell.
   • No decisions have been finalized.
   • Feedback was asked for – concept, locations, etc.
   • Comments and suggestions should be sent to Andy Fry at farmerfry@gmail.com

Lighting the Neighborhood project update –

1. • Andy Fry provided an update.
   • Andy is working with Cynthia Naeger and they are looking at applying for a Community Grant to provide a dusk to dawn light bulb to each house in College Hill.
   • Goal is safety related and to lighting up the neighborhood.
   • Light bulb offering is an initial phase of what is seen as a multi-phase project.   
   • Light bulb type and where to purchase were talked about as was soliciting donations or cost reductions/savings from store bulbs would be purchased from to help offset costs and demonstrate outside support in grant submission.

Update on recycling and next scheduled pick up December 12^{th –} 

1. • Carol Christensen talked about recycling efforts and issues related to former recycling vendor, Jim Starkey.
   • Starkey has applied for and is waiting to receive a new license.
   • Discussion focused on most recently used vendor and that we need to make participating in recycling program easy for neighbors.
   • Next recycling drive is in November 2020.
   • More updates to follow as more is learned with respect to vendors.

Election of new officers – Outcome:  Slate of officers was approved as submitted with Vice President position to be determined at a later date.

Slate presented – President Christi Stewart

Vice President – to be determined later

Treasurer – Tom Luellen

Secretary – Brett Martin

1. • Slate of officers was presented and request for additional nominations was made.
   • No additional nominations were submitted.
   • Vote was taken.
     • Congratulations to Christi Stewart, Tom Luellen, and Brett Martin!

Request for Volunteers – 4^th of July parade coordinator needed –

1. • Role of the 4^th of July Parade Coordinator was discussed.
   • Ardith said she would help.
   • No volunteers were identified.
   • Erin Snethen will coordinate the July 3^rd activities.

Other Business – No Other Business was presented or discussed.

Next Round Table Meeting on November 16^th

Close of Business – thank you for this opportunity to serve our neighborhood.  Thank Gail Kennedy for your excellent work as the secretary for the last two years!!

Added Note from Gail – thank you for the opportunity to serve as Secretary of the CHNA.  College Hill is a great community and the CHNA is a vibrant and active organization.  I have enjoyed my time on the board and meeting all the wonderful people that I have encountered.

Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Gail L. Kennedy

College Hill Neighborhood Association

Round Table Agenda and Minutes – July 20, 2020

Persons in Attendance: Cynthia Naeger (guest), Gail Kennedy, Ardith Woertz, Tom Luellen, Deb Pomeroy, Duane Pomeroy, Christi Stewart, Andy Fry, Zach Snethen, Erin Snethen, Brett Martin, Carol Christiansen, Patricia Kane.

1. 1. Introductions – Meeting held via Zoom
   2. Minutes — Approved as submitted
   3. Treasurer’s Report – Report Submitted and approved as submitted
   4. Guest – Cynthia Naeger regarding grant proposal
   5. Lighting Project – Andy Fry in conjunction with Cynthia Naeger
      • Andy and Cynthia have been working on grant proposal for dusk to dawn lights for distribution to new neighbors. Neighborhood Safety is key motivator.
      • Partnering with other community action groups to make it happen have been explored.  Have looked into several grants: Hand R Block, Topeka Community Foundation – Greater Topeka Community Fund, Evergy to name a few.  Most grant possibilities have shifted funds at this time to COVID related activities.
      • Also working with Community Resource Center (CRC) to become a member organization so we can qualify for 501c3 grants.  Membership fee is $100.
      • Lights and costs were discussed, and question was asked if we would be providing matching or some funds to try and Improve grant search.
      • Yard/Sidewalk Lights were also discussed.  This project is more costly and was seen as a possible next step.  Need for more data and how yard lights have helped the crime rate in other neighborhoods was discussed. Participants indicated desire to continue work on this and to talk with Evergy about.
      • Ardith will seek a letter of support from Safe Streets to help with grant applications.
      • Motion presents by Andy and seconded by Carol:  spend $100 to obtain membership with CRC and put up $500 of unencumbered funds as match for grant for light bulb project.  Motion unanimously approved. AS Cynthia was dropped off the Zoom call, Andy will get back with Cynthia.
   6. Porch fest/music event — Andy Fry and Lauren Neuer –
      • Event will involve having several different smaller music gatherings in front yards or on porches.
      • Participates would socially distance and wear masks.
      • Event date could coincide with or be related to National Night Out activity.   People could walk by and enjoy music from sidewalk.
      • It was mentioned that Porch fest could possibly build into something that replaces house tours without going inside as it will be featuring the neighborhood and the talent in the neighborhood. It was mentioned that we could pick a date, put information out, and let it organically grow over time.
      • October 10^th was identified as event date to coincide with National Night Out.   Day Light hours were discussed as a way to encourage people to walk neighborhood. Different ideas were mentioned, and an initial planning team was formed.  It was also mentioned that it would possibly be up to the individual host to plan the entertainment.  An August 2^nd planning meeting was set.
   7. Recycling Drive – update by Carol Christiansen
      • Jim Starkey has applied for registration with Kansas State Department of Revenue and has not heard back.
      • After a discussion on options, it was decided that as we have a long-term relationship with Jim Starkey, we will wait until he is in business.
      • Information will be put out to let neighborhood know we still plan on doing recycling and they will be asked to hang on to their recyclables.
   8. Neighborhood Cleanup – Ben Alford is coordinating this event and it is being rescheduled to the fall.
      • This may be cancelled.  The Keep America Beautiful Activity has been cancelled for the year. No decisions made at this time.
   9. 4^th of July – Independence Walk recap.  Good coverage for independence walk.  Great participation. Event was declared a success.
   10. National Night Out – see Porch fest — item b. above.
   11. Old Business – Park projects.  Have money from Blossoms.  Project will be discussed at the Annual meeting in September.  — explore grant projects.  Some ideas have been generated.  There are no cost estimates currently.
   12. New Business – nominating committee for officers.  Ardith will gather.
   13. Added item:  – meeting with City Traffic Engineer to discuss traffic flow and how to slow traffic down.
       • Safety is the focus.
       • Diagrams were reviewed and discussed.
       • City Traffic Engineer will be invited to Annual Meeting in September to make a presentation.
   14. Annual Meeting will take place the 3^rd Monday in September – September 21^st – at 7:00 pm, hopefully in person, at Westminster Church located at 13^th & Boswell.

Respectfully submitted by Gail L. Kennedy

College Hill Neighborhood Association

Round Table Minutes – May 18, 2020

Persons in Attendance: Ben Alford, Carol Christenson, John Christensen, Susan Duffy, Sue Fackler, Andy Frye, Karl Fundenberger, Brett Martin, Sara O’Keffe, Duane Pomeroy, Katrina Shaw, Erin Snethen, Zack Snethen, Ardith Woertz.

1. Minutes – No action taken.

1. Treasurer’s Report – Report submitted by Tom Luellen and given by Ardith and accepted as submitted.

1. Events

1. Recycling Drive – update by Carol 

• Discussed continuation of program. 
• Till-star, where we have taken recyclables to for many years, was closed for the impromptu drive in March. Another business was found, and recyclables were taken there in north Topeka. 
• Dollars received have been down because of the price of aluminum and program participation. 
• We will continue with Till-star and assess options after the next drive in July.  Drive is usually the weekend after the 4^th of July celebration.

1. Neighborhood Cleanup – Ben Alford is coordinating this event and it is being rescheduled to the fall.  We may be able to have dumpsters for cleanups in both the fall and next spring. 

• Brief discussion on Neighborhood Clean-up. 
• Date has not been set, looking at Fall 2020. 
• County will supply dumpsters.  This is a joint event with Elmhurst Neighborhood.
• Once the date is set, we will need to give County 1-month notice. 
• Other groups may be interested in taking part and providing volunteers, i.e. church volunteers from Central Congregational.

1. Blossoms event – Sara Meadows/Sue Fackler & their committee sold premade planters in lieu of our annual Blossoms plant sale.  Ideas for the silent auction items will be discussed.

• Thank you to Sue and Sara and committee was expressed. 
• All premade planters were sold. 
• Having the silent auction in conjunction with the Night Out Against Crime was identified as an option.

1. Neighborhood Garage Sale – currently scheduled for June – Cletus Linenberger. has volunteered to coordinate this event.  – Should we proceed with this event?

• Garage Sale — currently set for June 11-13.
• We need to verify if we can have this event. 

1. 3^rd and 4^th of July activities – should we proceed with these events?

Below is a summary of discussion points:

• July 4^th activities will proceed in a different manner as we may still have health related restrictions in place in July.
• New Coordinator is needed.
• All agree to not having a parade.
• Discussed having a family-based community walk.
  • Will still do same route.  Start time 10:00 AM – people will start where they are, not at Westminster Church or Boswell Park.
  • Church Bells will signify start—bells start at 9:58 AM then patriotic bell music will pay for 30 minutes.
• Holding a Celebration Walk in lieu of a parade was approved. Possible name choices:  Celebration Walk, Freedom Walk, Celebration of Freedom Walk, Independence Walk
• Events will be more family/small group focused – there will be no organized group activities.
• Encourage entire neighborhood to participate and to decorate their homes.  May still have home decorating contest or have folks submit and post pictures. 
• Walk same route as the parade route or own walk own block if it rains.  KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE.  Encourage all to wear festive masks or 4th of July masks.
  • Keep 2 to 3 sidewalk squares between.
  • Put flags or reminders up every 6 feet apart.
• There will be no congregating at the park.
• If neighbors are not comfortable participating in the walk, they may join on Facebook Live.
• There will be nothing sponsored during the evening or at the park.
• Erin will put together a flyer. Event and related activities will be posted on Facebook and email.  Signs will also be made and put-up in the Park.

1. National Night Out – information has been provided by email, the neighborhood is registered for the event, volunteer needed to coordinate this activity and to possibly attend meetings.  National Night Out is now scheduled for October 10^th. 

• Night out rescheduled to October 10th.
• Discussed showing a movie and having campout.
• Incorporate silent auction was discussed.
• Social distancing and other health related restrictions will be observed.

1. Park Projects – update from information gathered at the Chili Feed

• Park project is on hold until July meeting. 
• Pictures of possible park project options were shown.
• Identified the following ‘actions to take’:
  • Make sure we are maintaining any agreements that may have been made with the City, Menninger’s, etc. related to the gazebo.
  • Explore how it work with the City or County to do work on local parks? We need to advocate for our projects, look for grants, etc.
  • Ask the County where Boswell Park improvements fit into the County’s neighborhood park improvement plans.

1. Old Business – see Park Project
2. New Business

• Events and Activities – We need to be creative as year goes on. Schedule other activities later in year.
• Motion was made by Susan Duffy to provide a $100 donation to the Westminster Presbyterian church for being a good neighbor and for ringing nightly bells.   Motion was seconded by Andy Frye.  All agreed.  Motion passed.
• Discussion on various houses that have been sold, possible Airbnb, and houses that host nightly/weekly parties.  Yard and home maintenance, sewer clogging, downed twigs and branches, lack of social distancing and possibly other behaviors that are counter to current governance requirements were also mentioned, as was possible impact on home values.
• It was recommended that we encourage neighbors to be aware of what is going on in their blocks and that we could send out reminders to the neighborhood on what each person might do to maintain the neighborhood.  Ardith asked for ideas to be sent to her.
• Ardith also mentioned that we will no longer have a Community Officer from the Police Department in attendance at our meetings.

1. Next Round Table Meeting will take place the 3^rd Monday in July, the 20th at 7:00 pm., hopefully in person, at Westminster Church located at 13^th & Boswell.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail L. Kennedy

25 May 2020