The meeting was called to order by the Chair Karen Hiller.
Members present: Karen Hiller, Chair
Joe Swalwell, Vice Chair/TreasurerMembers absent: Gene Cain, Potwin; Tom Ellis, Washburn; Danny Felton, Chesney Park; Alvin Georgia, Monroe; Jim Daniel, St. Francis; Clardy Vinson, USD 501; Tom Luellen, Stormont Vail; and Annie Kuether, State.
The January board minutes were distributed and approved.
Treasurer Joe Swalwell reported that there were no expenditures leaving the account balance at $1,378.73.
Jack Blossom reported that a couple have bought a property in the 1300 block of Lane Street, which has been in need of renovation for many years, and they are now restoring it. Joe Swalwell volunteered to photograph "before" and "after" pictures. These can be used to showcase the changes taking place on the Washburn-Lane Parkway as well as be beneficial when we apply for grants.
Deborah Swank has talked with the county to get the names and addresses of property owners along Washburn-Lane including vacant lots.
Chair Karen Hiller has spoken with Ben Blair, a former real estate representative to the TurnAround Team Board, present Chair of Washburn University's Board of Regents and a member of the Go Topeka group. He has agreed to be an advisor for the TurnAround Team. He and Dick May, our real estate representative on the board, will be resources as we assess future projects.
Karen asked that the board approve the Articles of Incorporation. Joe moved and David seconded. Motion passed.
Pam Mullins reported on the meeting with Dillons. She stated that she was not encouraged as even if the local people are interested in upgrading the present location, Kroger's corporate headquarters makes the decisions. Ted Mize asked if we might find a volunteer architect to render a design to upgrade the north side of the Dillons store to make it more appealing, thus bringing in more core shoppers and an incentive to headquarters to maintain and/or add to the store.
A meeting is scheduled for March 1 with Wynne Dillon and the local managers. Krogers has done market study reports and Wynne will bring those reports to the meeting. Ideas were discussed to assure Dillons does not sell the land north of the store. Dillons will be approached to share in the cost of the Parkway lighting around the store.
David Leamon reported that the city council formally approved the Washburn-Lane project which will probably start in May. Various ideas for sources for additional funding to assure continuation of the project were discussed.
The Kilduff visit was reviewed including remarks he made about the College Hill business district. His belief is that this area requires a lot of planning in order to assure improvements will be appropriate for the type of traffic it has. We need to work with the city regarding what needs to be done with 16th Street since the curbing, etc., is deteriorating. He also noted that the number of abandoned and dilapidated houses around the hospital area needs to be addressed. Ted Mize stated that Old Town NIA is working to contact property owners.
Dick May has spoken with Lardner Monuments and stated that they are open to helping with markers. He will provide a photo from the Design Theme Plan and more information to them.
Time was spent identifying the various entities along the Parkway that might be contacted to help fund the Parkway. Other major businesses in Topeka were discussed with the thought that they might wish to contribute by donating the cost of a light even if they are not directly on the Parkway. Pam Mullins stated that Elmhurst NA had received a call from Topeka Bible Church saying they are interested in buying a neighborhood marker.
Karen asked the board if we should continue as a committee of the whole or if we should have several committees. It was decided that the board needs to lay out definite planning stages before assigning committees. During the next two meetings the board will identify the different phases and frame out what our tasks should be. A decision will be made at that time on the most efficient and productive course.
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.