Madison Block Association #3
June 7, 2008 Minutes
Handouts: Block Party Budget, History of Mr. Russell’s tree complaints.
Maliza Joseph-Gabriel called us to order.
Jason Schneiderman read the minutes from the previous meeting. The minutes were approved.
Stars of Hope Update
-Mollie Parnis money will hopefully be available to update the garden
-There is still unused money for the garden, we hope to renew a grant.
-We hope to pave a walkway
-We hope to keep the garden open longer hours.
-Reminder that anyone can get a key by calling Michael
Maliza Joseph-Gabriel Reported on Public Safety
-Maliza missed the meeting due to illness.
-There have been no incidents since last meeting.
-Residents are reminded to call 311 with problems.
Finance and Fundraising
-Receipts for dues were distributed by Andrew.
Mollie Parnis Dress Up Your Neighborhood Award
-We are one of nine finalists for the Grand Prize.
-The Brooklyn Eagle will be running a story on our planting party.
-If we win, we’ll receive $3000 more to get more planters
-Residents should remember to water the existing planters EVERY DAY.
-There is a problem with kids pulling up the plants. Please confront if you see it.
-For the fall, we hope to have another BBQ to winterize the planets.
-Mr. Russell will look into option for lighting the planters in the evening.
-The Judges loved our BBQ on the 17th, especially the Power Point & bringing the whole block together.
Kisha Sigler Presented on the Youth Committee & Block Party
-Kisha would like to take the neighborhood kids to “Added Value”, a teaching farm in Red Hook.
-Kisha put down a $200 down payment on the carnival rides for the Party.
-The kids meeting was cancelled due to heat, and rescheduled.
-The same person who worked on the Basketball Tournament last year will run it again.
-Kisha is working on getting a sound permit.
-We will use the same games from last year.
-Barbara will look into calling the Press about the Party.
-Kisha has requested $800 from Al Van.
-Kisha is planning for money, even if she can’t get the money from Al Van.
-Currently, the budget is at $1504, and $809 has been raised.
-Kisha is going door to door to generate support, using Maliza’s list of block residents.
-There will be a Bike Parade.
Old Business
-186 Madison has been purchased! It will be occupied in the fall by the owner of the New You Day Spa at Clifton & Grand and her husband, a Police Detective.
-Maliza is trying to figure out how to get a license to prune one’s tree.
-John Russell showed us the history of his complaints since 2002 regarding tree pruning.
-Maliza will follow up on the tree pruning issue.
-Ms. Darlinton is going to lead the new trip planning committee. She will look into a bus trip to a winery and/or Atlantic City. She will present itineraries and budgets for potential trips at our next meeting. Kisha will assist.
Treasurer’s Report
-There was no handout, as Andrew’s printer was broken. The Block Association will consider buying Andrew a new printer at the next meeting.
-We spent $1869.09 on beautification.
-We spent $52.83 on the newsletter. (usually the printing is done gratis, and we’re trying to find away to continue doing it gratis.
-We reimbursed Kisha $170 for Block Party expenses.
-We spent $75 for 250 checks for the Block Association.
-As of June 7, we had 935.56 in our account.
-Mr. Russell expressed concern about the transparency of the finances.
-Mr. Russell has been placed on the audit committee for the association.
-We need to get receipts that identify the Block Association officially.
Maliza adjourned the meeting.
Attendance:
209 Jason Schneiderman
184 Maliza Joseph-Gabriel
170 John Russell
153 Kisha Sigler
136 Ms. Darlington
157A Ms. Bridgewater
173 Barbara Hopkinson
145 Dale Fraser
157 Andrew Robinson
