Meeting Minutes

July 6, 2010

Chairman Craig called the meeting to order and asked Don Daily to lead in prayer.  We then had the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Chairman Craig thanked Brenda Pauldo for being with us and for opening the building.  He then asked her to introduce her guest police officers.  She first apologized for not being here last month and explained that she had had knee surgery.  She then introduced Officers Alan Harris and Walter Warren.  Both officers are involved with the gang population and related issues in Dublin.  They work through the Middle and High Schools and in the neighborhoods of the young people.

The officers reported that we do have gang activity in Dublin.  There are approximately 13 gangs involving children from 10 to 17 years of age.  These are hybrid gangs as opposed to traditional gangs, which are usually in larger cities.  Our hybrid gangs make their own rules and activities.  The young people involved are mostly looking for attention, as they do not get it at home.  Most are from single parent homes with very little supervision.  Most of the crime we hear about in brought about by initiation into these gangs.  They don’t steal to make a living, but to make points with the gang.  The bigger the crime is, the higher the points accumulated.

What can we do to deter the gang population?  We can become mentors to the children and youth, and we can encourage our churches to reach out to these groups.  The police are already striving to get to know the kids involved, or probably to become involved.  We need to do as much as we can to reach out to them also.

Lynn Rogers asked if there is anything that can be done about the young people wearing their pants around their knees.  The officers reported that they cannot do anything, except ask them to pull the pants up.  We will have to have a law passed by the City Council before we can fine or arrest them.

Mr. Warnock again mentioned the involvement of our churches, but also the involvement of Boy Scouts of America.  This movement has begun to die out and was always a wonderful influence over young boys.  Maybe we need to attempt to reorganize the Boy Scouts in our community.  Ms. Pauldo stated, at this point, that they are worried about the influence that is coming into Dublin from Florida and from the North.

At this time, the minutes from the last meeting were read and approved as read.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Law Enforcement meal has been put off until the weather cools.  The committee will work toward setting a date, probably in the fall.  Any input from members would be appreciated.

The possible reinstatement of covenants is still being looked into, but with the need for 100% participation, this will probably be impossible.  The committee will look into revising the original covenants and possibly presenting them to the community.  A local realtor has said that new residents look for neighborhoods with covenants.  The question was asked if we could start with minor covenants and revise them without 100% agreement.  The answer was no.

Don suggested, with input from Gerald Smith, that we initiate a letter asking for input from all residents, and then proceed from that point.  Gerald Smith, Don Daily and Roger Folsom agreed to form the committee to proceed with these suggestions.

Pat Ballard gave an update of the proposed speaker who was to have been with us on this date.  He did not come, but is a possibility for the future.  He would present a new type of home alarm system.

Gerald Smith had no new information on the Speed Table that was mentioned at the last meeting.  He is still looking into the cost and success of this possibility to help traffic on Shamrock.  Gerald stated that the best thing we can do is confront speeders and ask them to slow down and watch out for our neighborhood children.  He also stated that the problem is not as bad as it was before the new speed limit and the increased patrolling.

The problem of bad lighting on some of our streets was again mentioned.  It was stated that this problem is still under investigation and will be addressed as soon as possible.

The Financial Report was presented at this time and approved.  A copy is herewith attached.

Chairman Craig stated at this time that someone has addressed the problem of liability for our association when we have neighborhood gatherings.  He stated that this situation is being investigated and a report will be brought at a future meeting.

Mrs. Schultz mentioned a large patch of Behea grass in the yard of one of our empty houses.  She is concerned that if this lawn is not cut regularly the seeds from this pest might blow into other yards.  Chairman Craig will try to get the phone number from the sign in the yard and address this problem.

Chairman Craig also stated that we will look into the selection of new block captains at the next meeting.  He also thanked Wallace Miller for volunteering for Merrill Drive.

Chairman Craig asked for further business.  Buddy Adams mentioned the political forum that is to be held on Wednesday evening, July 7.  Our 8^th District congressional candidates will address the issues at the forum.  It will begin at 6:30 with refreshments followed by the meeting at 7:00.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Elsie Rogers, Secretary/Treasurer