The meeting was called to order by the Chair Karen Hiller.
Members present: Karen Hiller, ChairMembers absent: Jack Blossom, Holliday Park; Danny Felton, Chesney Park; Alvin Georgia, Monroe; Jim Daniel, St. Francis; David Leamon, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library; Dick May, Real Estate; Ted Mize, Old Town; Clardy Vinson, USD 501; Tom Luellen, Stormont Vail; and Annie Kuether, State.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Karen Hiller. Those present were asked to introduce themselves and identify the group they represent.
The December board minutes were distributed and approved.
Chair Hiller announced that Deborah Swank has accepted the position of Recognition Secretary. This will formalize the TurnAround Team's desire to recognize those in the TurnAround Team area who make improvements that enhance the area.
Don Paxson, attorney and CPA, has drafted amendments to the TAT Articles of Incorporation to meet 501(c)(3) requirements. It was moved and seconded that we approve the amendments. Motion passed. This will be presented to the Board for a second and final vote at its February meeting.
A proposal regarding what should constitute a quorum of TAT Board members in order to have the authority to make decisions was discussed. It was revised and will be submitted to the General Membership at the January 24 meeting, for a vote on February 28.
Discussion ensued regarding our list of general members and how we might assure more accuracy with mailings or other notifications. Article V., Sec. 2., regarding notification of all members of record will be addressed at a later date.
Treasurer Joe Swalwell reported that there is a balance of $1,378.73 in the TAT checking account. Joe Swalwell, Karen Hiller and Ann Craig are on the account. A question was asked on how money is acquired. Joe explained that the monies can come from grants, the city and/or donations.
Karen asked for affirmation of the "TurnAround Team Goals 2000" document presented to the board at the December meeting. It will be handed out at the general membership meeting in January.
Beth Cooper, Norton NA, is working on the TAT website. The website will act as a "file cabinet" for the TurnAround Team, with minutes and bylaws posted on it along with other information such as letters sent to recognize improvements along the W-L Parkway.
It was decided to invite the media to the general membership meeting on January 24th. Pam Mullins will contact them. Clardy Vinson has agreed to provide coffee and several have volunteered to bring cookies.
Lawrence Kilduff, a consultant with the Community Market Place Development Institute, will conduct a seminar January 19 on creating and revitalizing retail development in the community. Several individuals from the TurnAround Team will attend the morning session. In the afternoon, he will meet with representatives to focus on the Washburn-Lane Parkway with emphasis on areas such as College Hill, Dillons, etc.
Ideas on how we might best work with Dillons were discussed. We will use one of our general membership meetings to get feedback from the neighborhoods.
Ken Donaldson with the city has plans for renovating the brick streets in Topeka.
The city and consultants have recommended that the lighting on Washburn-Lane be 45-50 feet apart rather than the 75-foot spacing originally designated. This will produce a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere for the Parkway.
Meeting adjourned.
People who are interested in improving the quality and image of Central Topeka, particularly people who live in or own property in the Central Topeka area from Monroe to MacVicar and 21st to the Kansas River, are particularly encouraged to attend. For further information, call 234-2883.