On Monday, October 31, Island Home Boulevard will close from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Three barricades will block the road to traffic, each with a police officer present. The barricades will be located at Island Home Boulevard at Maplewood, Island Home Boulevard at Fisher, and Island Home Boulevard at Watson. The alleyways between the Boulevard and Maplewood and the Boulevard and Spence will be blocked with cones. If you must be driving in any of these areas during this period, the officers will ask you to show proof of residence.

If you do not want trick-or-treaters to park on your property, you may put up special tape to block cars from your lawn. Flagging tape will be available at the following homes: Gina and David Brace, 2150 Maplewood Avenue; Rebecca and Brian Simmons 2126 Fisher Place; Casey and Chris Field, 2121 Island Home Boulevard; and Connie and Terry Vogt, 2114 Island Home Boulevard. Look for the tape in pink baskets on the front porches at most of these residences, or next to the garage hanging on the wooden fence at the Brace house.

If you wish to flag off an area but need some assistance, you may contact Gina Brace no later than Saturday, October 29; she will be happy to help. Flagging tape will be available for pickup starting Friday, October 28.

Included in this newsletter is a copy of the map we hope to hand out to visitors that evening. Ideally we would like to distribute maps at the two entrances to the neighborhood, both at the columns and at the top of Fisher. To make this plan for a safe evening, we are looking for volunteers to sign up for a one-hour time slot between 5 and 9 p.m. (a total of eight volunteers). Please contact Gina Brace to sign up. IHNPA would like to encourage folks to turn out their lights at 9 p.m. to help signal the end of trick-or-treating. Let’s have a safe and fun Halloween!

Members present:  Greg Congleton, Connie Vogt, Gina Brace, Laura Barton, Chris Field, Kurt Zinser, Jim Staub, Katie Hannah, Jessica Rodocker, Stephanie Welch

Brian Simmons (by proxy)

Madeline Rogero (mayoral candidate)

Cindy McGinnis- GM of KAT

Cindy: addresses concerns of buses speeding through the neighborhood.

http://www.katbus.com 637-3000:  send an email or call to report anything.

Need bus number and time of day to address concern.

Jessica talked about how she paced a bus.  It was going 30 mph, and she said our speed limit is 25.  Cindy passed out schedules for the bus route 40 (which is the bus that goes through IHP).  Cindy emphasized that safety is KAT’s utmost concern, and please let them know if any problems with speeding continue.  They want to be good stewards of the neighborhood.

Madeline:  gave background (moved here 30 years ago).  1980 moved here.  Became actively involved when they moved here.  Youth project. Then masters from Furman.  City planning.  She was a planner at TVA, then non-profit, Coal industry, Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge—director of her foundation, Imagination Library.  Then, she worked for Knoxville’s promise the Alliance for youth (5 promises).  She then served 8 years on county commission in 1990.  1998.  Rogero has always been active in neighborhood associations, and also worked in community design center.  In 2003 she ran against Bill Haslam, it was a great race, and it mobilized a lot of people.  Of course he won, but not by much.  It was very close race.  They reached out when it was over.  He appointed her to the team that helped select the design team for the waterfront.  She became Community Development Director.   She got to know Stephanie- helped turn that dept. around.  It focuses on neighborhood issues, encourages businesses to help revitalize the community.

(Woodlawn Pike, S. Knox, Lake Forest neighborhood associations).

Believes we can be the most sustainable city in the country, vibrant city in the country.  She has real experience in working with the city and for the city, and has degree in planning. Rogero firmly believes in citizen input, (South waterfront). The government makes better decisions when public is engaged.  She is a strong supporter of the neighborhood.  A vibrant community has to have sustainable neighborhoods, youth and education, and a vibrant downtown.

Jessica:  question about public schools and downtown neighborhoods.  Rogero: 72% goes to education (school system).  Project Grad- put targeted resources into inner city schools. Another way that the city works with the school system:  Stem (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) school (L and N building will be location) 800 students will be going downtown.

Thank you to Madeline Rogero and Cindy McGinnis for coming to our meeting.

Connie and Gina approved past minutes. Minutes are approved as read.

Greg: Let’s talk about the agenda for the GM on May 17^th-

Blvd. closure for Halloween (Gina)

Jim- park plan (someone from the design center? Leslie)

City will speak about new/free recycling

Airport person?  We will see.

Stephanie will be facilitating the GM.

Laura will post signs on kiosk, Kurt will post on web (and old minutes).

Coin: Rachel is not here for update

SKBNC: Chris

There will be a Candidate forum: 8/18 and 10/11 at 7:00pm. One will be a mayoral debate, and one will be a meet and greet for all candidates

These will be at Woodlawn Christian Worship Center.

Connie: We aren’t sure if we won the best hood for marathon!!  Connie has emailed.  The Knoxville Expo (10K) has come through IH in the past.  They have to change the route due to the Henley bridge.  Connie is waiting to hear if they are coming through or not.  Expo is 5/28.  Connie thanked everyone for coming out for the marathon.  Run for the Deaf is this weekend.

Jim:  Park and tree plan update.  We started with a grant from the city (matching funds deal).  The design center said the matching funds could be in the form of donations, or work by other people.  IHP matched it with work and time.  Exciting news! This can be discussed at the GM.

Airport/Tree issues:  Greg-they have yet to flag trees in the park, but have done this for private property.  This led to some confusion.  They met yesterday (5/2).  Greg shows map (aerial view).

Cannon and Cannon (what does this mean, Greg?) Is Cannon and Cannon the firm?

Greg has a tree that is 99 feet tall.  No bucket trucks go that high.  It is going along, we are communicating.  In a couple of weeks, they will survey the park and greenway.  They are looking to hire an arborist to work with the surveyor.  There are people on Estelle circle who are going to lose whole trees.  Some trees are growing right in the approach zone.  There are probably some trees on greenway and park also growing into the approach zone.  We will probably get some compensation.  The GPS is making the approach zone more precise.

Treasurer’s report: Jim

We have $2600, and there were checks written to cover the newsletter, marathon fliers, t-shirt company, egg hunt and potluck, marathon supplies (those will be reimbursed to us).  We have collected 75$ in dues.  We made about $160 from the t-shirts.

This year: We have collected $595 in dues, and we were given $100 in donations. We made $160 in t-shirts, and we spent 79% of our budget.  Jim will set up a booth at GM for dues.  Directories will be there too.

Newsletter: Katie- almost everything is with Kurt.  The egg hunt story is almost ready.  We have to hand them out Friday afternoon!  This one is a long one.  It may take longer.  Katie will email about who is delivering what area in IHP.

Jessica: traffic update.  She went over Nick’s email: There was a traffic meeting, and Joe Bailey was in charge. Board has been restored.  Joan Brown was appointed to traffic calming committee from Lake Forest.  Jessica wants to talk with her and get her to meet with us.

Walking group: Jessica.  It ended Sunday, 5/1. Went well!  40 people. Avg. was 60,000 steps a week.  Some were close to 120,000, which raised the average. Jessica is turning in all the data tomorrow 5/4.  We will see if we win.  Downtown and S. Knoxville are competing against us. Stephanie has t-shirts.  If we win, we get $500!  

Signage:  Lance is not here.  We need to discuss. Greg brought up the point that if we had distinct/different signs (unique) in the neighborhood, then it would be noticeable and calming when you entered Island Home.

Gina gave the update for 4^th of July gathering/parade. This year, it is on a Monday.  We will do the same thing as in the past: potluck, fried chicken, will invite mayoral candidates, councilman, 11:00, fire truck, marathon money pays for music, music should start earlier so more people can enjoy it.  Music will play from 11-2. Jonathan Maness is performing (WDVX dj).

Suggestion was made to make a banner with “There’s No Place Like Home” for next marathon.

Halloween:  Gina was told to fill out the road closure forms, which she did.  Tony Vandergriff said we would need an officer at both ends ($25/hour for 4 hours).  We need 6 barricades.  David called about those to find out how that works.  He also talked to signage dept.  The cost for this event would be $200 (for the officers).  Nick Pavlis is very supportive and said if we need anything, just let him know. Gina told Pavlis that it is a traffic, parking and safety issue. Workers could drop the barricades off and pick them.  Halloween is on a Monday.  Gina has put it in 2 newsletters, and announced at potlucks.  One concern is that Maplewood cannot handle the traffic.  There would have to be a detour sign to help with the traffic flow.

Greg: for the upcoming GM we need a visual to explain the block offs/barricades.

New Business:

New board, new by-laws, need a nominating committee to create the slate.

Katie: the board is going down in numbers.

Katie, Gina, Chris, Laura and Jim will be on the nominating committee.  They will call different people to get them on the board.  Lissa Gibbs and Greg Brown are possibilities.

The committee will strive for gender/age/location diversity on board.

Greg: the KPD Neighborhood Expo is 6/7 from 5-7 at the Expo Center.  We have to respond by 5/24.  Do we have a neighborhood watch group?  Not officially.  We have an alert yahoo group.  Should we set up a booth?  Greg will call about  KPD Expo.

Mike has ideas about neighborhood watch.  Maybe he can share them with us?

George Wallace is running for city council.  He wants to come talk to us, possibly in August?   He is running at-large.

Do we want to send a letter in support of the H-1 Overlay for South Knox High to City Council?

Jess moved, second from Katie.

Greg will ask Rachel to write the letter.  Thanks, in advance, Rachel!

Stephanie: There is a re-districting plan for the city council district based on the 2010 census.   We didn’t gain residents at the same rate as other districts.  We are losing the part where UT students live.  This won’t have a big impact.  Rick Emmett is taking the lead on this. This proposed plan is on the website.

Crime Forum: Chris

5/19 Hillcrest United Methodist 7:00-we need questions.  There will be canned questions that are submitted to the leaders of the forum and selected.  There will be a moderator. Not sure who yet.

Chris submitted a question about home invasions.  Need questions ASAP.

History Book:  Laura will let Arcadia publishing that we are not interested.

Next board meeting:  8/9, Tuesday.

Hillside/Ridgetop letter?  Greg will send an email to city council.  Gina made a motion that we write a letter to support Hillside/Ridgetop to city council.  Brian and Stephanie-second.

Katie:  working on more systematic approach to setting event dates.

Gina just heard that the Expo is running through here and that WATE news will be in IHP!

George Wallace plan:  keeping the James White flow set (the Henley bridge could be a pedestrian blvd.) This is a proposed plan.  While the Henley Bridge is being worked on, it would be a pedestrian- friendly bridge.   We need to be thinking about this and forming an opinion.

Stephanie: Roberto Jaminez passed away a month ago.  He was in his 50’s. The house is vacant.  Katie will put this in the newsletter.

Gina:  there are many vacant houses in IHP.  Can we bring this up?  Why are there so many houses?

Jessica: corner of fisher and Hillsboro is about to be listed. 134,900.  They are motivated. Tell a friend.

Meeting adjourned:  9:15!!!!!!!

Members present: Stephanie Welch, Jim Staub, Laura Barton, Katie Hannah, Connie Vogt, Gina Brace, Kurt Zinser, Joanna Pennoyer, Jessica Rodocker

Meeting began at 7:05

Connie: marathon update
We discussed the theme of “There’s No Place Like Island Home.” (LeAnn Ratledge’s idea), and Kurt/Chris will design a logo for T-shirts. They will be $5 each, but you have to order 36. Jessica suggested that this could also be our walking theme. Katie suggested that we order 100 and charge 7$? Then we make $200. We could sell them at future events. Do we have 25 kids and 75 adults? Connie said that we will do the usual “Burma Shave” signs. We will not provide food for the neighborhood, just the runners. KTC needs volunteers for water/course monitors. Connie will call about band and noise-makers. Neighbors should crank up music. Kurt will work up a flyer about moving cars, course, etc… kids can congregate by Taryn’s. Oranges will be handed out by Taryn’s corner, and across from Jim’s. We are checking on “Goo” locally. Connie will send out an email about getting neighbors to hand out stuff during certain times.

Park update: Jim shared a map that ETCDC has created with information regarding the walkway and trees.

Treasurer’s report: Jim shared that we have purchased fresh box of mutt-mitts and potluck supplies. Recently, we have collected about 30$ in dues. We have collected $525 in dues this year. We have 25% neighborhood participation this year in dues. Maybe we should collect dues at the Easter egg hunt?

Newsletter: Katie wants to sit down with Kurt and make a more rigid deadline. For the May newsletter, Katie would like a marathon story (Connie), Easter party/hunt (Gina?), walking/running group (Jessica?), dogwoods, and potluck. Katie wants articles by May 1, May 4th to Kurt, out to neighborhood on May 6th. Katie would also like a Parks and Tree article from Jim, and Greg’s president letter.
Calendar for upcoming events: Katie is working on a calendar for future events for next year’s events. This will go in the newsletter!

Traffic update: Nick was supposed to be here, and he is not (he has not called Jessica back). We are waiting to hear back from him. Jessica is going to call Nick, and find out what is going on.

Walking group: Jessica
37 people have signed up! She will make a Google spreadsheet with a URL. You can click on that, and you will enter your steps in yourself. Center City and South Knox are “competing” against us. Let’s win it. It’s an average per person. We need to get the TSD people to sign up. Jessica is getting pedometers Friday. Counting starts Monday! This is an 8-week program.

Signage update: Lance is not here to give this report

Social: pot-luck
Gina: how often do we have it?
Discussion…TSD? Do they mind? We need to decide tonight. Let’s have it once a month, and let’s see what happens. It will be the last Thursday of the month. No December and no November due to holidays. March 31st is the last Thursday. Laura will submit form. We will only have water. Gina will put a sign on the kiosk, and put it on website.

Halloween: Gina
She called Judith and Elaine (from the city?) She emailed back the form, and sent a form for Gina. Stephanie Welch talked with Judith about it. It doesn’t look promising. Kurt mentioned making a donation. It is a S. Knoxville city event. 202 funds: Nick Pavlis- discretionary funds for your district. We could maybe use some of that. Gina needs to talk to Nick about this. This would be to just to close part of the BLVD., not all of it. You never know until you try it. Why can’t people park outside of the neighborhood? Could they park on the Gumpert property? (Katie). Why can’t they just park on the street?

Looking at a May GM for possibly this: Halloween closure, and other issues. We will discuss Taryn’s replacement and a spring GM via email. At the GM, we will talk about closing our streets, the potluck, and etc…
Greg Brown doesn’t live in the same district as Taryn. Can we vote to leave it vacant? Is this possible? We don’t have a quorum tonight, so the decision is to leave it vacant.

New Business:
-Neighborhood history book? No—(Katie). Too much work, nobody will buy it.

-GM date? Possibly May 17th. ?

-Via email: GM date
Taryn’s spot

-Next Board meeting: May 3rd 7pm.

Roundtable:
Stephanie: Hen ordinance passed city council, went to MPC, and now it is at the law department.

8:15 meeting adjourned!

Submitted by Laura Barton
IHPNA Secretary