April 2012 – Meeting Minutes

Ludlow Community Association

General Body Meeting April 17, 2012

Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by the Chair, Mary Ann Kovach. We introduce ourselves then read the minutes. Gary Katz moved for acceptance of the minutes with corrections. Gwen Chapman seconded. The motion passed. Mary Ann thanked Mr. Barker regarding the traffic concerns at Onaway and Van Aken and Shaker Heights Police Officer Lenny Westfall for helping to get a police cruiser to monitor the intersection. She also thanked Paulanita Barker for informing us of the missing one way sign.

Susan Rotatori gave the treasurer’s report. We had a beginning balance April 1^st of $18,585.64. Deposits totaled $30.00. Balance as of April 17^th was $18,615.64. The Shaker Art’s Restricted Fund balance is $6,104.63 leaving LCA with $12,511.00 in usable funds. Mr. Barker questioned the money received from the Ludlow Corporation. Gary Katz moved to accept the report. Mildred Foster seconded. The motion passed.

Gwen Chapman introduced Captain Timothy Sheehan of Cleveland Police Fourth District. He said that the District covers 17 square miles. He stated that there were only 5 crimes during the last 2 or 3 months. He stressed being careful when moving or going on vacation. If we have any community concerns we should attend the meeting on the 4^th Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Covenant Baptist Church. Noise citations will be up as well as curfew violations and basketball hoops in the street. Drug issues, loud music, and noisey neighbors were discussed. Juanetta Hughes-Johnson reported hearing gun shots and the need or possibility of having a camera at Milverton and East 144 and/or East 146^th. We were informed that our councilman would have to provide that. Mr. Barker spoke of the good job being done by the police. Captain Sheehan was asked if Cleveland Police and Shaker Police share information and he assured us that they most certainly do. He spoke briefly of the 5 week citizens’ academy. Penny Croom expressed about the teens walking in the street and being loud in the Livingston and Ashwood area.

Mark Reigleman of Brooklyn, NY. was introduced by Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells. He shared the proposed artwork for the proposed Onaway and Hampton sites. The project is to reflect integration which inspired the prism idea. There will be 12 colors. The title is Ludlow Love It. Shaker has already approved and funded the Onaway site. Cleveland needs to do the same. Ludlow school was also discussed as a possible site. The base of the tubes will be 4 feet deep and 12 inches wide. The prisms will be 8 feet high. Their color should last for at least 10 years and can be repaired on site. The prisms should last for 20 years without problems. Mr. Barker expressed concern about theft for salvage. While that could happen, it is highly unlikely given the concrete 4 foot deep base and visibility of a potential thief is high. He also wanted to know if the paint was environmentally safe. Yes, it is. It will not be easily damaged and aluminum will be used because steel will rust. It will be on peat grass beds for easy maintenance.

Announcements:  Cleanup weekend will be May18-20^th with a dumpster on Hampton Road. Judy Pate-Shields is looking for volunteers for the upcoming Shaker Arts Festival. She also mentioned the walking club suggested by Mr. Barker. Gwen announced that SHAD board of trustees will be at our May meeting. Susan said our cleanup is thanks to Ken Johnson.

Gwen moved for adjournment. Penny seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Harriet Niles, recording secretary

Minutes from January 2012 Meeting

Ludlow Community Association
Annual Meeting, January 17, 2012
Minutes

The meeting was called to order by the chair, Gwen Chapman at 7:15 p.m. She reminded the members that this would be a voting meeting to elect officers.

Gary Katz moved that the minutes of the last meeting be approved as presented. Motion passed.

Ballots were distributed to attendees along with a map of the Ludlow area, the association by-laws and constitution.

Gwen announced that the Nominating Committee asked all the nominees to be working members of the board, and all agreed. Other candidates can be nominated from the floor. The slate was put together with the goal of helping the community association to grow; everyone will serve on a committee. The Ludlow Community has a national reputation and we would like to strengthen the Association.

Paulanita Barker invited people to join in the promenade as LCA representatives at the Shaker Heights Centennial kick-off event at the High School. The neighborhood associations will process around the auditorium at the conclusion of the program. She reported that the video with community members singing looks really great.

Gwen announced that the Shaker Arts Council wants to display art in Ludlow in the spring. She is on the Arts Council Board and will have more details at a later date.

Sadly, Gwen reported that we lost SHAD liaison, Rezina Banks who passed away recently, leaving a 14-year old grandson who now lives with his disabled uncle. We were all saddened by her passing. LCA members have made individual contributions to her grandson’s education fund, but the executive board would like to make a donation from the association in memory of Rezina, in lieu of flowers. The contribution would come out of the Youth Fund. Paulanita asked if the LCA assembly will vote on a donation to be given to the youngster from the Youth Fund.

Gwen said that the Executive Board is authorized to give up to $35 or $50 without approval of the general assembly.

There was some discussion around the contribution and the Youth Fund. The money in the Youth Fund came from a fundraising event held by the Shaker Arts Council on behalf of Kevin McDermott after he was attacked. The proceeds are to be used to benefit area youth. Although Rezina did not reside in Ludlow she actively promoted the area. The donation toward her grandson’s tuition would honor her memory.

Maggie Carlson moved that the Association match the amount collected from individuals and send it to Detwan’s charter school to help cover his tuition. The money should come from the LCA Youth Fund.  The motion was seconded by Penny Croom and passed unanimously.

Shaker Heights Crime Prevention Officer and friend of the Ludlow community, Gerald Jankowski, announced his retirement from the police department and his role in the association as of January 2. He read his letter of resignation and introduced Commander John Cole who will take his place as community liaison.

Officer Jankowski reported that there were no incidents of major crime in Ludlow in 2011; in 2010 the only major incident was an automobile death. He commended residents for taking charge and calling the police when they observed anything suspicious. He reminded people to fill out a card with the police (491-1220) if a resident is going away. Do NOT cancel newspaper delivery or the mail; ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up for you instead. Also, don’t leave personal property in your car.

He suggested that residents call 491-1230 if they’re putting an alarm system in, or check the website for approved companies. He also recommends establishing Block Watches, with meetings every other month.

Jerry will help Commander Cole during the transition. Commander Cole said he is available 24/7/365! He comes to Shaker from Cleveland where he worked as a police officer, lawyer, and prosecutor. He spent 18 years with the Cleveland force where he worked in internal affairs and with special victims. He invited people to call him at 491.1225 or email john.cole@shakeronline.com.

Gwen reported a successful Christmas party and thanked Julie Donaldson for chairing the event and collecting canned goods. Fifty-five pounds of food were donated to the Cleveland Food Bank. LCA is always proud to reach out to help those in need.

Gwen is on the board of SHAD and was upset about the lack of disclosure regarding its merger with Buckeye Area Development Corporation (BADC). Funding is going to BADC rather than SHAD because SHAD’s direction has not been as strong.

Brian Siggers arrived at the LCA meeting after a gathering of BADC and SHAD members. He reported that it was a positive meeting and that Joel Ratner admitted that the two groups probably should have meet much sooner – maybe even last year.

Gwen will keep LCA informed of the merger and will try to get someone from NPI and BADC to speak at the next meeting.

Penny Croom said that we don’t have to go through a Community Development Corporation (CDC) for funding because we have our own 501(C) 3. We should write NPI with our concerns about the merger and that we won’t support it.

Gwen reminded the group that in the past the annual meeting was a dinner meeting, but that practice had change in the last few years. The fiscal year runs from September 1 – August 31.

She presented the slate and announced that voting members can 1.) Add another name (there is room for additional candidates) or 2.) Nominate someone from the floor.

Louis Barker asked who was on the nominating committee because he felt things weren’t done quite right in the past. Gwen responded that she served on the committee, along with Susan Rotatori, Luiz Coelho and Ken Kovach. They were appointed by Gwen, as co-president and vice president.

Mr. Barker moved to throw the slate out; motion seconded by Paulanita Barker. Motion failed to pass.

Added to ballot were:
Paulanita Barker, as co-president representing the Cleveland part of Ludlow
Louis Barker, as vice president representing the Cleveland part of Ludlow

Ballots were collected and tabulated.

Paulanita Barker said she attended a meeting with Coral Group and that they want to put a lot of money into Shaker Square. She suggested we approach them and open our hands. Additionally, the apartment owners are investing a lot of money in their buildings and landscaping.

Results of the election were announced (asterisks indicate elected persons):

Co-president, Shaker: Mary Ann Kovach 14*
Co-president, Cleveland: Gwen Chapman 13*
Paulanita Barker 8

Vice-president (4 positions):
Penny Croom 17*
Bill Williams 11*
Judy Pate-Shields 13*
Juanetta Hughes 11*
Louis Barker 6

Recording Secretary: Harriet Niles 16*

Corresponding Secretary: Mildred Foster 18*

Treasurer: Susan Rotatori 16*

Delegate-at-large (5 positions):
Gary Katz 14*
Ramona Lowery 16*
Kevin McDermott 16*
Diane Karpinski 19*
Ken Kovach 19*

Motion to adjourn was made by Maggie Carlson at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ann Kovach

Minutes from November 2011 Meeting

Ludlow Community Association
November 15, 2011 Meeting
Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Gwen Chapman at 7:10 p.m.

Gwen introduced Gary Katz, a Hampton Road resident who works for Judge Ray Pianka in the Housing Court. He could not stay for the meeting due to a schedule conflict, but he briefly described some of his housing court responsibilities and offered to speak at a future association meeting. Attendees felt this would be a useful program and agreed that we should invite him to speak in an official capacity.

Minutes of the October 11 meeting were reviewed. Diane Karpinski moved that we accept the minutes with corrections presented by Shaker Heights Police Officer Jankowski. Minutes were accepted with the change that residents are advised NOT to cancel newspapers and mail deliveries if they are going to be out of town.

Ms. Chapman introduced Mardele Cohen from the Northeast Ohio Sewer District. She gave a history of the Sewer District and described the work of the three treatment plants. The sewer district is one of the leading districts in the country for combination sewers and green technology. She also described several programs to help county residents save money:

1. Homestead program for persons 65+ or totally disabled (income limits apply)
2. Summer Sprinkling – summer water consumption based on winter use, if lower.
3. Wastewater Affordability Program – eligibility based on income and household size.
4. Crisis Assistance Program – job loss, medical expenses, change in marital status.

These programs are for owner-occupied property. Additional information is available at 216.881.8247 or at neorsd.org/save.

Officer Jerry Jankowski from the Shaker Heights Crime Prevention Department presented a safety report and announced that there were no major crimes to report for the year through October. He thanked the community for taking a pro-active and awareness approach. He encouraged attendees to report any suspicious activity to the Shaker Heights Police Department at 491-1220 or, for emergencies, 911. He suggested that anyone having windows in their garages cover the windows so no one can look inside. Residents can take advantage of an inspection of their premises by Officer Jankowski who can make suggestions to improve the security of their homes. Shaker Heights also offers the use of a scriber pen to mark items with the last four digits of the owner’s social security number. He advised people to call the police department if they are going out of town and give the police their cell phone number. He reiterated that residents should not discontinue the mail or newspaper delivery during their absence. It’s much safer to have a good neighbor pick them up.

Gwen discussed upcoming elections. A slate of nominees will be presented by the nominating committee at the December 11 meeting (and Christmas party). The election will take place at the January 17 meeting. The nominating committee is made up of executive committee members. Nominees will receive formal letters with the nomination so they can accept or decline in advance of the meeting. Nominations can be also taken from the floor. Paulanita Barker and Mr. Barker had questions about the nominating procedure. Gwen replied that we follow Robert’s Rules and that residents can recommend names to the nominating committee. Both Mr. Barker and Ms. Barker volunteered to be nominated for the position of co-president. Gwen reminded the attendees that the two co-presidents are chosen to represent the Cleveland and Shaker Heights sections of the Ludlow Community; one must be a resident of Cleveland, the other a resident of Shaker Heights.

Gwen introduced Lila Mills, the editor and publisher of the Neighborhood Voice, a new print publication that covers the Greater University Circle Area, including Buckeye, Shaker Square, Larchmere, Central, East Cleveland, Fairfax, House and Little Italy. They are accepting news, features and poetry for upcoming issues, which are published on a monthly basis.

Gwen announced that on December 7 Mayor Jackson will present the design for the African American Cultural Garden, currently in the development stages.

Kevin Kay introduced Veyonne Jackson, who owns “Grow Outs,” a resale shop on Larchmere that specializes in children’s clothing, toys and accessories. She is also a Ludlow resident.

Gwen announced a concert on Friday, December 2 at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights, conducted by former LCA Co-President Luiz Coelho. She encouraged attendees to support the concert which benefits the Shaker Arts Council. She thanked everyone who supported the Shaker Centennial Celebration by singing in the video recording.

LCA t-shirts are still available and would be good Christmas presents. They can be purchased through Gwen.

The Holiday Celebration is chaired by Julie Donaldson. She announced that it will take place Sunday, December 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ludlow School. Attendees are asked to bring hors d’oeuvres or a dessert to share. Donations of non-perishable foods will be collected for the Cleveland Food Bank, and white elephant presents are also requested. This should be a wrapped gift, for a child or adult, and may be a gently used item. Be sure to attach a label indicating whether it is for a boy or girl, and the age or size.

Santa will attend the party, so people are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the delight of their children when they meet him! Mildred Foster will play piano to accompany the Christmas Caroling.

There was no new business to discuss.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on the motion of Diane Karpinski, seconded by Mr. Eskridge.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ann Kovach

Minutes from June 2011 Meeting

You can find the minutes from the June 2011 Ludlow Community Association by clicking here.

Minutes from May 2011 Meeting

You can find the minutes from the Ludlow Community Association May 2011 meeting by clicking here.

Minutes from April 2011 Meeting

General meeting notes/info

Officer Jankowski report –  

• No part 1 crimes  …Keep calling the police if you see something/someone suspicious in the community!
• Daytime burglaries – 4 arrest made (arrest includes juveniles truant from school) .
• Please place non transparent materials on all garage windows… out of site, out of mind
• Now is a great time to update locks, lights and shrubs !
• Free premises inspections  Officer Jankowski 491-1230 (Shaker) or Pat Purdy 664-3294 (Cleveland).
• Call Officer Jankowski before getting an alarm system
• If going away on vacation or any extended leave, make a going away card at the police station -1 arrest was made using info off of the away from home card
• Bike Patrol will be out this spring and summer …get a bike license for a one time fee of $5. Bring the bike and 1 piece of identification to Shaker Police Department (to apply for Bike Patrol – pickup application in person from Shaker Police Department)

LUDLOW LINK

• April 30, 2011 deadline for Spring issue …please send information to Ken Kovach Kennethjkovach@wowway.com or Simon Walton Edunet2000@hotmail.com – upcoming weddings, anniversaries, new births, graduating students (all levels), Honor Roll, Merit Roll, Awards, Perfect Attendance, promotions…

SHAD

• workshop on April 13th went great! There is limited help available for Home Repair on the Cleveland side of Ludlow – email ReZina@shad.org to be placed on the list. As funds become available, they will be given based on list.

Ludlow Community Association Youth Activities

• coming this summer!

Ludlow Beautification Project

• committee’s formed to evaluate possible artist and review feasibility of obtaining new lighting post.