The meeting was called to order by the Chair Deborah Swank
Present: Deborah Swank, Matt Carithers, Delores Smith, Karen Hiller, Roy O’Neil, Frank Hoge, Alex Kovalchuk, Rob Banks, Don Rice, Jim Turner, Christy Davis, Gail Kenefake
Treasurer Rob Banks distributed a TAT financial statement dated 1/31/2006. The organization has $41,484.94 in total assets and no liabilities. The assets include approximately $14,000 in an account at Commerce Bank and Trust and approximately $27,000 in the Aaron Douglas account at the Topeka Community Foundation. Rob suggested that some of the money be transferred into an interest-bearing account. He distributed information about CDs and Money Market accounts at Commerce Bank. Rob and Alex suggested that the board consider a revenue stream to pay for expenses related to maintaining the web site. Karen moved that Rob present a budget that included revenue and estimates of upcoming expenses for the board’s review at the next meeting. Later, Christy seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously in its favor.
Frank Hoge from Chesney Park asked if the TAT would be interested in assisting with funds for their proposed mural project. The project is estimated to cost $200,000. It was suggested that some of the $16,000 donation from Howard Dean might be used toward this aim. Christy suggested that the board might offer a challenge grant to the folks raising funds for the mural project – that when they raised a certain amount of funds, TAT would kick in some money. This would give the fundraisers something to use to provide an incentive for potential donors – and would help fund the project. Karen expressed a concern about passing on money that we might need for additional activities at the Aaron Douglas Art Park. Painting the back of the mural, for instance, is estimated to cost $15,000. The board discussed the possibility of approaching donors who pledged funds for the parkway project about re-directing the pledged funds to the Aaron Douglas project. Karen will check to see what the restrictions are on a donation from St. Francis. The board decided that money could not be directed to the Chesney Park mural project until a plan was developed for the Aaron Douglas Art Park. Karen and the AD committee will present a long-term plan for the Aaron Douglas Art Park at the June meeting.
Rob also noted that he no longer had time to manage the publicity for the organization. Delores agreed to volunteer with Alex’s help.
TAT spent approximately $600 in postage and $139 in printing for mailings supporting the College Hill Redevelopment project. The City Commission voted 6-3 on Tuesday in favor of authorizing and approving the College Hill Redevelopment project. At the meeting, a deadline for Friday, February 10 was set for a deal with the two property owners who had not yet signed an agreement to sell their properties. If the developers were not able to negotiation a deal with the property owners by Friday, the city commission would consider eminent domain next Tuesday, February 13. (We later learned that a deal was struck with Jerry Morgan on the day of the meeting to develop around his bike shop building.)
Representatives of the Washburn-Lane Parkway committee, which includes Don Rice, Delores Smith, Matt Carithers, Barbara Leal, Rob Banks, Karen Hiller and Don Taylor, with representatives, architects and engineers for Stormont-Vail hospital. They discussed the design for the new cancer center and the possibility of installing the infrastructure for the parkway project while the site was excavated. The engineers estimate that the infrastructure will cost $3200. Karen suggested that it might be possible for TAT to help with the cost.
Jim reported on the planned town hall meeting to be held at the library at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb 27 as the Feb general TAT meeting. He has sent out 50 invitations. Participants will discuss the lighting plan, entry and exit monuments, north end roundabout, and the link to the trails system. Jim will MC the meeting. Refreshments will be served. The committee will meet Saturday, February 18 at Starry Night Café for the final planning meeting.
The April meeting will be held April 24 at the library. Matt and Delores are planning a reception to recognize the accomplishments of the TAT. Board members were encouraged to help develop an invitation list.
College Hill – Delores reminded the board that the College Hill chili cook-off will be held from 5:30 – 7:00 at the Methodist Church at 17th and College. Admission is $4. Crosswinds will play.
Elmhurst – Matt reported that the Elmhurst neighborhood is exploring the possibility of historic district designation. They will host a garage sale June 2-3. They will coordinate with College Hill for the April alley cleanup.
Chesney Park – Roy O’Neil reported that research shows that Chesney Park was named after a judge named Ezra Chesney. Ashley Bacon has been organizing events for neighborhood kids. Chesney Park is a pilot project for the Blue Ribbon program. This is a program that helps train landlords and improve rental housing. 200 people attended a meeting last Saturday where a representative from mrlandlord.com spoke.
Central Park – Deb reported that the neighborhood association, under the leadership of Don Gigous, is hoping to buy and fix up houses in the neighborhood.
Old Town – Don Rice reported that the Old Town NIA has elected Cale Herreman as its new president. The gang/drug enforcement team spoke at the last meeting.
Delores??*****Deb informed everyone that a house on the east in the 1600 Block of College would go up for auction soon.
Karen announced that HCCI would be hosting a Homebuyer 101 class February 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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.