General Minutes November 2000

GENERAL MINUTES OF TURNAROUND TEAM MEETING

The meeting followed the 6:00 p.m. lighting ceremony of the demonstration leg of the Washburn-Lane Parkway from 10th to 12th along Washburn Avenue. The ceremony was conducted by Chair Karen Hiller. Mayor Joan Wagnon also addressed the gathering. All three TV stations were present at the ceremony.

I. Agenda : Karen asked if there were any additions or correction to the agenda. None were offered.

II. Minutes of 10/23/00 Meeting: Motion was made and seconded to approve the 10/23/00 meeting minutes. Motion passed.

III. Washburn-Lane Parkway - Celebration "The Lights Are On":

Karen thanked Joyce Ritchey for calling all TurnAround Team members to announce tonight's Lighting Ceremony, Deb Swank for distributing fliers door-to-door along the demonstration leg, and Pam Mullins for arranging television coverage by all three Topeka stations. Karen read Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Lamplighter" in celebration of the lighting of the Parkway. Channel 27 interviewed some neighbors along the Parkway and received glowing reports – all were very excited about the increased safety and security in the area. The theme "Safety, Security, and A Sense of Place" (coined by Karen) is definitely realized tonight.

IV. Administrative (Joe Swalwell)

Treasurer's Report: We have $1,215.85 in our checking account.
IRS Status: Our application for 501(c)3 status was received by the IRS, which made us eligible to collect financial contributions.

V. Projects

Washburn-Lane Parkway: Joyce Ritchey handed three checks to Karen as contributions to the Parkway lighting; the checks are from Ritchey Signs, Latta-Whitlow, and Highland Homes, owner of the University Heights Apartments. Karen also announced we have contribution commitments from Howard Paul and $500 from the College Hill Neighborhood Association. These checks will go toward the match with the TEA 21 application, if received. Those matching funds, along with the $100,000 contribution from Washburn University, will allow the lighting to be completed all the way to 21st Street. The City of Topeka has committed $100,000 each year for 2000 and 2001. It was brought up for discussion to take $500 from our Treasury to donate to the TEA 21 as a symbolic gesture. The consensus is to keep the money in our treasury for use as determined in the future. The grant application will be submitted on December 17, 2000, and will be discussed at the City Council on December 12, 2000. Dave Graversen feels we have a good chance of obtaining grant funding. He stated it is important to optimize fund-raising along the Parkway businesses to obtain matching funds. Spring Landscaping: We must approach Parkway neighbors to "adopt" a tree to tend to after next spring's planting. Elmhurst Neighborhood Association was the first to speak up and say they'll take care of tending to the landscaping along their Washburn border. We need to ensure all the Parkway neighbors have the opportunity to take care of the plantings.
Dillon's: they are committed to landscaping but are waiting for detailed drawings for the demonstration leg landscaping to allow complimentary plantings.
Buttonwood Management Company: Frank Meadows reported Buttonwood isn't able to make a financial contribution but is interested in working on individual projects in the parkway area - they offered to remodel or repair an identified house along the Parkway.
Housing Code Task Force: The Task Force hasn't met since the October membership meeting due to a conflict with Meg Perry's schedule. A report will be given at the January 22, 2001, meeting. It was announced that Darrell Eklund, President of the Topeka Landlord's Association, joined the Task Force. Sally Zellers stated the next task force meeting will be December 15th.

VI. Annual Meeting:

Election of Board and Officers: Deb Swank introduced current Board members. Ballots were distributed and completed. Twenty-two ballots were counted and Karen Hiller was re-elected as Chair, and Deb Swank was elected Vice Chair. Karen thanked Deb and Don Rice for conducting the election. She stated Pam Mullins agreed to remain as General Membership Secretary, Ann Craig agreed to remain as Board Secretary, and Loretta Rahmeier has agreed to serve as Treasurer in 2001. The Board must approve the Secretary positions. Karen also announced a brief Board meeting will follow after adjournment tonight. The Community Nominees for 2001 were also announced: Real Estate: Dick May Jr., Washburn University: Tom Ellis, Housing: Sally Zellers, Topeka Shawnee County Public Library: David Leamon, Stormont-Vail Hospital: Tom Luellen, USD 501: Jackie Hays, City Government: Dave Graversen, Banking: Gerald Lauber, St. Francis Hospital: to be appointed, and Clergy: Kathryn Timpany. General membership approved the list of Community Nominees by a show of hands. Karen recognized Jim Daniels, St. Francis Hospital representative, for his 5 years of participation on the Board. Jim stated that with the current capable, strong leadership, the TAT is in good hands. He said the years of elbow grease are very apparent for both those who do and do not attend the meetings! Karen also recognized Clardy Vinson, USD 501 representative, who stated he wants to give Jackie Hays the opportunity to serve as the new USD 501 rep. Jackie, Principal of Stout Elementary, stated she lives in Chesney Park so this area is very important to her, and she feels honored to serve. Kathy Timpany, Central Congregational Church pastor, arrived from an earlier commitment at the church and stated she is glad to join the TAT. Karen stated another special factor of Kathy and Central Congregational's involvement is the partnership of seven downtown churches that are reaching out to downtown and central Topeka residents by surveying their needs at their area churches. Karen also thanked Rev. Douglas Phenix for his past involvement and Joe Swalwell for getting all the administrative affairs in order through good times and bad. Joe stated he has always felt those who live here should run this organization and he doesn't live here, but he agreed to serve for two years. He stated he is so confident with the TAT leadership that he doesn't feel he is needed any longer, but he will attend as many meetings as possible. His efforts will now be focused on Catholic Charities who does some housing work. Joe thanked Karen for all her extra work this past year. Karen stated she has been involved in community-based organizations for 25 years and this is the best organization she's been involved with. She thanked everyone for all their help and support. She reminded all that the TAT Board meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month year-round; next meeting will be December 14th at the Library Board Room, 2nd floor. She will check with David Leamon to see if the January Board Meeting can be held at the Library, as the offices will be moving into new quarters during that time.

VII. Announcements:

Elmhurst Holiday Home Tour: Pam Mullins stated there are fliers for this tour at the front table. The tour is December 10th and all proceeds go to the Elmhurst Restoration Committee for the repair of homes for the elderly and low-income.
Parkway and Neighborhood Landscaping: Delores Smith stated she is working with the Forestry Dept. on landscaping issues and will help in any way she can.
TLC Resource Center Open House: Melody McConnell announced an open house will be held December 12th at the Central Park Rec Center to acknowledge the recent renovation of the TLC Resource Center at 1235 Huntoon.
Ronnie Siek: Karen announced that Ronnie passed away of cancer in October. She was a local artist and one of the honorees at our spring recognition ceremony.
January 22, 2001 will be the next general membership meeting.

Meeting adjourned. There were 25 in attendance.

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.