October 11 Meeting Minutes

Meeting started at 6:35 p.m.

Those present:

• Jenny Downey
• Aaron and Jason Barton
• Alicia Miller
• Deanne and Justin Cliburn (President)
• John Encomienda (Treasurer) and Andrew Rickel
• Donna Stiles
• Micah LeGall (Vice President)
• Chris Turner
• Carter Faison and Russell Vannoy (Secretary)

Median Weeds and Pesticides
Jenny brought up concerns regarding the median’s weeds and using pesticides.
Alicia and Aaron said they used pesticides in the past and it helped and Micah suggested to do it in the winter because there would be less foot traffic. It can cost up to $750 but Micah said he knows someone that has done it for less.
Action Point: Micah will call around (Kiss My Grass is too expensive, will try Don’s Lawns).
Concerns were mentioned regarding how to advertize that there are pesticides on the grass-possibly use signs on the median and/or in the neighborhood newsletter.
Micah brought up the concern about using fertilizer in the summer as it will burn up the grass and be a hindrance to dogs. He suggested instead to do it in January or February because of less foot traffic.
Alicia mentioned we could put it on the website. In total the costs look like they will be around $400-500.
Deanne reminded the group that if we are not doing this until winter we have time to shop around for a deal.

Median Trees
There are five trees at the west end of the 2500 block that Doris Carder was concerned about.
Jenny suggested that we straighten and/or fertilize them. Micah mentioned we might think about digging them up and planting them straight.
    Action Point: Jenny said she would talk to Don regarding the trees.
All agreed we cannot cut them down and that crepe myrtle trees generally grow in groups.

Neighborhood Grant
Deanne reminded all she submitted a grant (Create Great Neighborhoods)- we can use this for a number of purposes if we receive it.
    Timeline: Should hear back in a month.

Neighbor’s Night Out (NNO)
Those present appreciated John for his event planning with NNO.
Jenny asked about the money vis-a-vis NNO and John gave an update:
    Financials: 15-20 people paid dues, an anonymous donation of $400 was given (not
earmarked for anything). Justin asked where we are financially:
    Checking Account: $1,378.69
    Savings Account: $1,882.56
Micah suggested a spring membership due drive as we gained financially during this NNO and it only cost us $179.

Neighborhood Goals
John suggested that we make goals for the year as a board (e.g. an amount to raise for Median Maintenance or NNO etc.)
Deanne suggested internal sign toppers as a goal.
Jenny asked about doing a plant sale.

Halloween
Justin asked what, if anything, we would like to do for Halloween.
Suggestion: John suggested a “Trunk or Treat” on 19th St. i.e. a median Halloween.
Justin said they could bring a projector and possibly play Hocus Pocus.
OKC official Trick or Treat will be held on a Monday, all present seemed to agree that it would be a good idea to invite neighbors to bring candy to the 19th St. median and we can pass it out together, set up a few tables, etc.
    Action Point: John will publish a Nextdoor thread advertising it. The Crestwood Neighborhood Association will bring tables and invite people to bring candy and decorations. Jenny mentioned she can bring portable speakers or that someone should.

Neighborhood Association Goals
John brought up the idea of goals such as the median, NNO, interior sign toppers (Deanne), Benches from Oklahoma Correctional Industries (OCI), and Gazebos (Jason & Aaron). Also mentioned were doggy bag holders & trash can maintenance.
    Action Point: Justin will contact the city re: dog waste receptacles and see how much they are. Jenny suggested getting metal ones like Cleveland and that we can check on Amazon for prices. Carter mentioned fundraising for them. Deanne mentioned buying one from OKC and finding the make and model and buying it at cost.

Ask the City to Spray?
Deanne asked if we should ask the city if we are allowed to spray but all agreed we were in our rights to spray the median.

Monetizing the Newsletter
John announced that he would like to look into monetizing the newsletter by selling ad space to lawn companies, contractors, etc. Justin said that during the winter we should think about making the newsletter digital so that people do not need to go out in the elements.  

Voting on Flowers
A vote was taken that pansies would be planted and if the cost of tulip bulbs were reasonable they would be planted before the pansies so that they would come up in the spring in the median.
    Action Point: Jenny will shop around (Micah mentioned Lowe’s 10% price matching)

Meeting was concluded around 7:10 p.m.