SJVGreens Minutes
Minutes of St. Joe Valley Greens
February 10, 2003, Kathleen Kaiser, Recorder
PRESENT: Victoria W., Kathleen Kaiser, Jeffrey Sutter, Lance Howard and Tom Brown.
1. OPENING AND CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 7:20.
2. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Please refer to website for last month’s minutes and recommend any changes to co-coordinators within the next two weeks.
3. TREASURER'S REPORT - Lance reported that he received a $100.00 donation from the IUSB Labor Studies and Alumni Association. Lance will forward the organization’s address to the Secretary so that a thank you note can be sent. Vicki will send logo design to the Secretary to create letterhead stationery.
4. REPORTS OF DELEGATES AND OFFICERS
Mayor's Commission on Sewer Rates - Tom has not yet heard back from the mayor regarding Tom and Dave Vollrath’s inclusion on the sewer rate commission although there are still 30 days left in the mayor’s time frame for formation of the commission. Tom will contact the mayor again as a follow-up and to maintain visibility as viable members of the commission. Kathleen will contact David V. to suggest he do the same.
Tom suggested the Greens determine what the environmental strategy should be for the commission. Victoria’s suggested goals: 1) to sit on the commission for as long as it is in session, and 2) to look at this as a starting point in seating a Green on the Common Council. Tom noted the latter was a good idea although he is in the 1st district and Dave is a Mishawaka resident. Dave cannot be a candidate. Tom would have to overcome a strong Democrat presence in the 1st District.
Jeffrey suggested that a strategy for the Common Council could be to identify the least-desirable member and to strategize for a replacement.
South Bend City 50 year plan - Jeffrey reported that the City of South Bend is beginning a comprehensive planning process. The City Plan timeline was discussed and the importance of the Greens to stay on top of this issue.
Immediate goals should be to: 1) find out who the “stake holders” are with whom city planners will be meeting; 2) seek representation through our neighborhood associations; and 3) participate in the training process for public participation in the planning.
Jeffrey will track down Area Plan Commission's report. A comprehensive water plan is on record. Tom suggested that the Greens publish the Area Plan and other documents on our web site.
5. NEW BUSINESS
Announcing meeting site - Tom noted that the web site did not reflect when a meeting is held at a member’s home. A suggestion was made to confirm the meeting location based on the minutes from the most recent meeting. The Feb. meeting and location was announced four weeks ago. A second notice was sent several days before the meeting.
Neighorhood early warning signs - Tom discussed a strategy to keep neighborhood homes in the hands of home owners rather than become rental properties. Neighborhood associations and realtors should have data base of elderly owners who may be willing to discuss their plans for their property upon the event of their moving to another living arrangement or their passing.
Economic development is also impacted by the passing or retirement of elderly small business owners whose businesses are not perpetuated by their families, but sold to competitors who then shut down the business. Plans should be in place to identify and assist these retiring owners to sell their businesses in a way that keeps the business in the community by finding and financing local buyers.
March for Peace - The Center for Peace and Non-violence and the Michiana Peace and Justice Coalition are holding an anti-war protest on Saturday February 15th 3:00-3:45 p.m. Meet at St Paul Bethel Missionary Church located at the corner of Lindsey & Scott St. in South Bend’s near Northwest neighborhood. Lance will bring the Greens banner for our members to carry.
6. OLD BUSINESS
Paddlefest - Discussion of Paddlefest participation was deferred until the next meeting.
Palestine Forum - Tom will speak with his friend whom he suggested as a speaker for a forum based on her experiences in the Middle East. Jeffrey suggested that his wife, Becky may also be able to offer her knowledge and help in such a forum.
7. NEXT MEETING - Monday, March 10, 7:00 p.m. at the Central United Methodist Church, 1920 South Main Street, South Bend. Guest speaker will be Chuck Devleeschower, an activist in water fowl habitat and wetland restoration.
St. Joe Valley Greens, South Bend, IN