Rosewood Neighborhood Contact Team Monthly Meeting Thursday, March 19, 2009 Harvey House Present ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Martina Alvarez, Doug Boyer, Judith Clarkson, Sam Lee, Dusty McCormick, Gilbert Rivera, Jane Rivera, Lonny Stern, Gerard Verkaart, Officer Chris Davis Chair's Report ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Report on Project 2009 Jane reported that there were some projects to be completed in Foster Heights, and Gerard confirmed the same situation in McKinley Heights, but overall the project was successful on the weekend scheduled. All the houses were painted as scheduled. Election Committee Jane noted that we are past due for election of officers. The group discussed whether to just have an on-the-spot election or a committee to receive nominations, and the latter was proposed and seconded. The committee consists of Gerard Verkaart and Gilbert Rivera. New Busines ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bees in the Neighborhood Martina Alvarez just bought a home on Glen Rae in the Rosewood Glen Oaks neighborhood and wants to raise bees on her property. She has spoken with an expert and plans to get Italian bees, which are the most mild-natured of the European bees. She will take training and work with an experienced beekeeper. The group was very supportive. She will be presenting her plan to the Rosewood/Glen Oaks Neighborhood Association on April 9, 2009. There was discussion in general about sustainable environment and community gardening. There is interest in holding an entire meeting on gardening. APD Crime Fighting Strategies Officer Davis reminded us that as a community, we have the power to collectively say what is important to our neighborhoods. He noted that 20% do 80% of the work within the community, and we need to increase that. The Chief supports the community-oriented police efforts. Officer Davis stated his goal is to try to unify all the East side neighborhoods together to fight crime. Most of the criminal activity in his district centers on the criminals hanging out at 12th and Chicon, and the crime is mostly drugs, theft and such things related to drugs, and prostitution. Two years ago there were kids playing in the street, but today there are no kids and logs of drugs and people hanging out trying to ddo drug deals. Officer Davis recommends an ordinance in Zone 2 to prohibit loitering in commercial areas. There is also high burglary activity on Tillery, Lyons and Castro, and it's spillover. He also would like to suggest a no cruising zone to keep late night car clubs from hanging out and causing noise pollution. Many of those cruising are parolees and there is also a problem with sex offenders, so they want to cut out the hanging around. Officer Davis said we need sidewalks where we don't have them, speed bumps, and more bike trails. We explained our history trying to get exactly those things and explained we've been told we have little likelihood of getting more since there are more populous neighborhoods who also want these infrastructures. Officer Davis invited us all to attend a meeting Saturday to sign petitions in favor of these proposed ordinances. Councilmember Morrison will be speaking. He also suggested we consider participating in Citizens on Patrol (COP) to go out on patrol with the police. There will be a sign-up at the Saturday meeting. Announcements ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Homewood Heights Clean Sweep will be at 8 in the morning at the Community Garden. April 18, MUNTU: Reflections of East Austin will be at Space 12. City Council Candidates Forum, April 23. *Meeting adjourned*