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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER,CITY CLERK
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS MARCH 1, 2017 5:30 P.M.
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Regina Williams-Preston,
Committee Members Absent: Gavin Ferlic, John Voorde
Other Council Present: None
Other Council Absent: Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Jo M. Broden,
Randy Kelly
Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Graham Sparks, James Mueller
Agenda: Organizational Meeting
Committee Chair Karen White called the Residential Neighborhoods Committee Organizational
meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Committee Chair White introduced the committee members
present at the meeting and went over the purpose of the committee. She stated, The purpose is to
oversee the various activities and issues related to neighborhood development and enhancement.
We know the importance of neighborhood associations. We think the first point of contact
should be the district representative. Each Council member is responsible for maintaining the
relationships with neighborhoods in their district. This line of communication has to be clear and
concise. The At-Large Council members have a responsibility as well to forward on any contact
they receive to the corresponding Council member of that district. The annual report summarizes
the activity done last year. A common theme represented in neighborhood walk-throughs was the
inconsistency of code enforcement.Not too long ago, Transpo let us bus around and it took
Council members to areas that otherwise would not have been visited.
Committeemember Regina Williams-Preston stated, It was a great opportunity to learn and see
neighborhood organizations come together and realize the issues they are all facing together.
This was a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to see each other's issues that
they have been talking about. Quality of Life issues are at the forefront of this committee.
Committee Chair White stated, Another issue we have been talking about are about the Munchie
Marts and the behavior these facilities attract, especially after certain hours of the evening. We
need to investigate how we can address this issue. It starts with working with neighborhood
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organizations. At one time I thought it would be beneficial to host a working session where all
the neighborhood organizations can come and meet each other and share their experiences.
Committeemember Williams-Preston stated, I think community engagement is key. Like for
instance,the Munchie Mart wants to open another store. We should talk to the community first to
see if that is what they want.
Committee Chair White stated, It's important for Council members to do more than just come to
meetings. We have to be in the community as well.
Pam,NRC, stated, I think the roundtables are a good idea. No matter what we do,there will
always be people that didn't know what was going on. I think it's a good idea to get together
with other neighborhood organizations. Information is important to give each other too.
James Mueller, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, stated, The comprehensive neighborhood plan is
getting reengaged and Suzarma Fritzberg will be leading that effort.
With no other business to discuss, Committee Chair White adjourned the Residential
Neighborhoods Committee Organizational meeting at 5:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen White, Chairperson
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