02-08-16 Residential Neighborhoods

Home Browse Search

RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS FEBRUARY 8, 2016 4:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Jo Broden, Regina Williams- Preston, John Voorde Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Varner, Gavin Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Randy Kelly Others Present: Jennifer Coffinan, Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Adriana Rodriguez Agenda: Organizational Meeting Karen White, Chair of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee, called the organizational . meeting to order. Chairperson Karen White distributed the 2015 annual report by the Residential Neighborhoods Committee. She noted the positive comments from the citizens regarding the walking tours that the Committee participated in the previous year and also mentioned the Quality of Life Ordinances. Chairperson Karen White stated that neighborhoods will be vital in the budgetary process making sure that we have safe and clean neighborhoods. Chairperson White asked the committee members to think about and share their thoughts regarding what the purpose of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee is and how they should work with the various neighborhood associations. Councilmember Regina Williams Preston stated the Committee should work with the Neighborhood Resources Connection group that already is heavily involved with the various neighborhood associations. In regards to her own district she mentioned getting up to speed and involved with the West Side Main Streets Plan and connecting folks with what is happening with the redevelopment of Lincolnway and Western. Councilmember Jo Broden stated there are a lot of individuals wanting to communicate what is going on in their neighborhoods with the City. She stated this could be in cooperation with churches and schools in their districts and venues like the last Mayor's night out as a good example of giving residents at a district level the opportunity to have their voices heard. Chairperson Karen White agreed regarding nontraditional ways of reaching out to residents and getting the information to the people who may not have internet or don't go to the various meetings. She agreed those venues could include local churches and other organizations. Councilmember John Voorde asked if the Mayor's Office would be the point person for these initiatives. Chairperson Karen White stated it would probably be Cherri Peate and she would reach out to her to come and meet with the Committee.