Minutes of the LCIA General Meeting

St. Dominic Cafeteria

November 19, 2011

Attendance by Board of Directors (P = Present; A = Absent)

Opening Call to Order

President Todd Wallace called to order the General Meeting of the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association at 9:35 a.m. on November 19^th, 2011, at the St. Dominic School Cafeteria.   

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Nancy Lytle with an Opening Prayer by Al Petrie.                 

Approval of Minutes from Last General Meeting

A Motion to approve the minutes of September 17th, 2011 General Meeting was made by Tom Schnatz, seconded by Glen Stoudt and approved by all.  Motion passes.

Opening Remark by President Todd Wallace

“Ask the President” – Mr. Wallace welcomed all members to the meeting and began with this question and answer session.  This feature is new to LCIA this year and allows members to email the LCIA President in advance of General Membership meetings so that common questions can be properly addressed.  Mr. Wallace responded to the following questions:

Even though the Lakeview Street Maintenance District vote failed, can we still hire someone to oversee problems and advocate on our behalf?  Unfortunately, no.  He explained that the LSMD was not simply a pothole tax as the initiative did much, much more.  The LSMD gave us the ability to collect the tax and to hire project manager(s) to oversee and administer all street projects.  By voting the tax down, the legislation that allowed us the unique opportunity to hire our own project managers to advocate on Lakeview’s behalf no longer exists.  Mr. Wallace reminded everyone that Freddy Yoder still chair’s the LCIA Infrastructure Committee and that LCIA would continue to work with the city to do what can be done.  Mr. Wallace concluded, however, that the burden of fixing our streets lies with all residents and asked those who campaigned against the initiative to be just as vigilant in demanding new streets from the City and State as they were in opposing this District.

What is the status of removal of Port-a-Potties at Canal Blvd & I-610?

LCIA is currently working with DOT & Enrico Sterling with Councilwoman Guidry’s           office for removal.  They should be removed in the coming months.  Mr. Wallace also reported that the State will be undertaking beautification projects in advance of the 2013 Super Bowl.  As a result, renovations to the Canal Blvd./I-610  and West End exchanges are planned for 2012.

Can LCIA newsletter articles be submitted by anyone?  Yes.  Communications Committee Chairman Mark Uddo asked for content with an emphasis on Lakeview related, non-political content.  Mr. Uddo confirmed that the committee loves and embraces input from the community. 

Is Coconut Beach going to be relocated?  Yes. The Corps of Engineers will purchase the property in order to continue flood protection activities.  Current Coconut Beach owners are looking into three location alternatives including Kenner (near the river), City Park, and another location in West End.  Mr. Wallace encouraged everyone to contact the owners to let them know that we would love for them to remain in the Lake Area.

What is the status of coyotes in Lakeview?  Mr. Wallace reported on recent sightings of the animals roaming Lakeview in the early morning hours and at dusk.  He stated that a few remaining coyotes are coming from City Park.  Please notify LCPD if you see one in Lakeview. Mr. Wallace reminded everyone that they should not approach or feed the animals and that all trash should be secured.     

“Peter J. Compagno Award” – Mr. Wallace welcomed all residential and local business input for nominees for the 2011-12 Peter J. Compagno award.  The award recognized people who go above and beyond the call of duty and who give 110% to community of Lakeview.  The award(s) will be given at the January meeting and nominations can be sent directly to Mr. Wallace.     

Reports by Public Officials

Extensive reports were made by the following public officials:  Councilperson Susan Guidry’s Office (by Enricho Sterling), Sgt. Doug Eckert of the Lakeview Crime Prevention District, Senator Ed Murray, and Orleans Parish School Board Representative Brett Bonin.  Highlights of the reports include:

·         Based on the latest City budget, we should see street light (LED) improvements in 2012 (Sterling).

·         LCPD’s focus at the moment remains on violent crimes and robberies (Eckert).

·         Detailed crime reports can be found on LCPD’s website (Eckert).

·         Residents can call LCPD if your home is under construction or if you will be out of town for an extended period of time so that your area can be properly patrolled (Eckert).

·         The new DMV office will open at the base of Veterans in April of 2012 (Murray).

·         Mr. Wallace thanked Mr. Murray for his continued efforts in bringing LDOT and LCIA together on a number of projects (Wallace).

·         Hynes Charter School is scheduled to open on January 17, 2012 at 1:30 pm (Bonin).

·         The new library at Hynes has been fully funded (Bonin).

·         Hynes is now accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year with 70124 zip code residents receiving priority (Bonin).

·         Mr. Bonin thanked LCIA and its Board for its continued support of Hynes, with special thanks to Freddy Yoder (infrastructure) and Ray Bergeron (zoning) (Bonin).

Announcements

Holidays on Harrison:  Ann Leblanc

Ms. Leblanc reported lighted decorations on each utility pole will now span from Argonne to Fleur De Lis this year thanks to funding by LCIA. She also thanked donors for the $3,000 in donations collected for the Holidays on Harrison event scheduled for Sunday, November 27^th at St. Dominic.  She reported on additional details surrounding Holidays on Harrison.  Ms. Leblanc also encouraged residents and businesses to get involved in the Holiday Lighting contest. Finally, she recognized C. Ray Bergeron and his colleagues for his continued efforts in installing the holiday lights on the Harrison Avenue neutral ground.

Lighting the Way in Lakeview Gala:  Todd Wallace

Mr. Wallace reported on the Friends of Lakeview “Lighting the Way” in Lakeview Patron Party and Gala.  Details of this fundraiser as well as the planned lighting project can be found throughout this edition of the newsletter.    

Lakeview Church’s Breakfast with Santa:  Todd Wallace

Mr. Wallace reported that Lakeview Church will host this event on December 10^th from 10 am – noon.  Additional details were provided to the membership.

Kiwanis Club Request:  Kiwanis Guest Kathy Simmons

Ms. Simmons reported on the current state of the Kiwanis Club and provided details of their current Thanksgiving fundraiser for military families.  Ms. Simmons requested donations and answered questions from the public.  Mr. Wallace thanked Ms. Simmons and Kiwanis for their efforts in donating food and dinners to military families this Thanksgiving.

Highlighted Lakeview Businesses:  Nancy Lytle

Ms. Lytle welcomed owner Ty Salvant, owner of ParTeeRentals.com, a new children’s mini golf course business designed for children’s birthday parties and similar events.  Residents can enjoy a Shop Lakeview First discount of 10% off your next party as a LCIA member.  Ms. Lytle also thanked Ty for her donation of her course for the Night Out Against Crime business party.

Committee Reports

NORA Committee:  Al Petrie

Mr. Petrie reported that 32 Lakeview NORA properties were sold at the last sale with the highest selling for around $130K.  He reported that another sale is scheduled for January.  Additional details on that auction can be found in this edition of the newsletter.  He stated that only 120 (out of 650) properties remain and that three more auctions will be scheduled for 2012.  Mr. Petrie stated this development is wonderful news for Lakeview as all properties will be returned to commerce in 2012.       

Communications Report:  Mark Uddo

Mr. Uddo reported that LCIA currently has 1,014 resident members and 61 business members. Mr. Uddo also introduced the two new co-chairs of LCIA’s Membership Committee, Sarah Abbot, with nolababy.com, and Rory Bellina, a Loyola law student.  He thanked both Sarah and Rory for agreeing to chair this important committee.  Mr. Uddo mentioned that he will continue to oversee the LCIA e-blasts and newsletter.  LCIA President Todd Wallace thanked Mr. Uddo stating that he has done a tremendous job and joined him in welcoming our two new volunteers to the LCIA family.

Blight Report:  Tom Schnatz         

Mr. Schnatz reported that 70% of Lakeview properties are now occupied, rented, or under construction and that less than 6% are considered “problem” properties.  Blight complaints will continue to be handled by this Committee and Mr. Schnatz urged residents to email the committee, contact 311, or contact Code Enforcement at 658-4342 to report a problem with blight.  LCIA letters to property owners continue to be mailed with most property owners taking the demands seriously and positively. Mr. Schnatz explained that the Blight Committee also continues to meet with city officials and community leaders each Thursday to confront problem properties.  All such meetings are open to public.  Board Member Angie Wulff inquired about partially rebuilt doubles with vacant spaces being occupied that are about to collapse from neglect.  Enrico Sterling responded that the above property would likely qualify for demolition if the property is in imminent danger of collapse.  

Economic Development:  Brian Anderson

Mr. Anderson explained the different roles the committee is now playing to promote Lakeview, including the Shop Lakeview First (SLF) program.  SLF is now supported by 34 Lakeview businesses which offer special discounts and deals to LCIA members who present their membership cards.  In addition, Mr. Anderson reported detailed on a number of LCIA partnerships with other entities including:  LCPD/NOPD,  WGNO and Taste at the Lake, OPSB-Hynes School, EJGH–Healthy Lifestyles, Lakeview Social, Lakeview Living Magazine, Beacon of Hope, and now Friends of Lakeview.  LCIA and its partners realize the importance of supporting each other to create a win/win situation for our community.      

Additional Comments

LCPD Meeting – Mr. Wallace reported that the next LCPD board meeting would be held on November 22nd in the St. Dominic Rectory.  The Board does not meet in December.

Construction Updates – Mr. Ray Bergeron reported that the Discount Zone Gas Station on Harrison and Argonne will be open during the early part of 2012.  In addition, the Robert E. Smith Public Library construction is complete.  However, the library cannot open until all books and furniture are installed.  Funding was delayed on those two items resulting in the delay. 

A Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ghislaine Hegarty, seconded by Brian Anderson, and approved by all.  Motion passes.

The meeting adjourned at 11:36 a.m.  

Minutes prepared by LCIA Recording Secretary Nancy Lytle.

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             Nancy Lytle                                                              Date