June 30th Minutes and Election Results

President - Toya Williford
Vice President - Kisha Sigler
Treasurer - Andrew Robinson
Secretary - Fran Krause

The meeting started off with 15 neighbors in attendance. Welcome packets were handed out to new members and the minutes from last month's meeting were read.

The Community Garden Committee reports that the garden has been getting very green! The problems involving the fence on the West side of the garden seem resolved, though a more permanent fence will be needed eventually. Green Thumb might be of help with the fence. We also have a tool that can be used to open the fire hydrant next to the garden, so that the plants can be watered.

The Block Party Committee says things are looking good for the upcoming block party. Detais with the cotton candy machine still need to be ironed out. The Key Food on Nostrand, the corner store on Bedford and Madison and several neighbors have donated food for the party. We'll be getting "No Parking" signs in advance in order to avoid problems with towing. The American Legion on Nostrand donated $125 for the party, and there was a suggestion to ask the beverage distrubutor on Nostrand and Wonder Bread bakery for donations as well.

The Public Safety Committee then gave a report on the latest precinct meeting. Officer Lyons, head of the 79th Precinct, says that crime has been up recently. There was a shooting at 99 Madison, and several robberies on the subway. A mugshot was passed around of the subway robbery suspect.

Andrew gave a report on the financial situation of the block. Eighty dollars were collected at the last meeting in dues. $214 remain from the flower sale to be used for the block party. $1298.88 is the current ballence in our bank account.

Kisha reported from the Youth Committee. She had a meeting on her stoop with 18 kids from the block, who enjoyed ice cream and conversation. We hope to see the same kids at the block party!

There was then a unanimous vote to use $300 towards food for the block party.

There followed elections for the officers. The current officers had reached the end of their six-month terms. Toya Williford was re-elected as president. Andrew Robinson was re-elected as Treasurer. Kisha Sigler is our new Vice President, and Fran Krause is the new Secretary. The position of Assistant Secretary is currently vacant.

The floor was then opened up to new business. Toya said that she has some small trees and rose bushes to distribute and use in the garden. Andrew said he would like to get an artist to draft a layout for paths in the garden. He also said he's like to have an area in the garden with a picnic table to be used by block residents, as it would be very useful for renters who might not have access to a backyard space.

The meeting was then adjourned.