Minutes
Summit Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
January 22, 2018
Present: Erik Christiansen, Anneliese Greenier, Ethan Gyles, Britt Page, Tom Schmeling, Sharon Lee Waldman
Absent: Lee Clasper-Torch, Anne Holland, Sandra Lee, John Pettinelli, Laura Ramsey, Emily Spitzman, Dean Weinberg
Guests: Mark Tracy, Grant Dulgarian.
Minutes: Approval of December meeting minutes postponed to later. Corrections: add Ethan’s name to those present and remove Kim’s name from those absent, since she resigned. Sharon moved to approve, Anneliese seconded. Approved.
President’s Report: Dialogue with Nirva LaFortune cannot happen tonight, perhaps next time. Still need volunteers for key positions, including newsletter committee chair, newsletter writers, and new board members. The membership management software (Neon) has so far not worked as we’d hoped, and John Pettinelli has said he can’t do it. Tom offered to take a look at it.
Treasurer’s Report: Nothing significant to report.
Snow Brigade: A few extra people helped out with the last big snow, and everything went well.
Ongoing Business:
- “Keep Summit Beautiful” signs: need update from Dean.
- Miriam grant application: MLK PTO did not want to apply for the grant for playground equipment, and the deadline has passed. Ethan will ask if the deadline might be extended and if we could apply for funding to support phase three of Summit Ave park renovations.
- Lippitt drinking water fountain: Mark Tracy suggests this is a needed improvement to Lippitt Park. Providence Parks Dept is in favor, but has no money. The cost should be around $9000. Ethan will raise this with Miriam Hospital too. Mark offers to coordinate fundraising campaign.
- Friends of India Point Park – Power Line RI Supreme Court Amicus Brief: Ethan sent out the letter that we agreed to write in support last meeting.
New Business:
Senator Gayle Goldin: postponed attendance. Discussion about her vote (along with almost all Democratic senators) in favor of state and local subsidy for PawSox stadium.
Kerry Kohring Park: Wendy Nilsson seems to favor the idea but the commissioners have not yet met to consider the proposal.
Phase III of Park Upgrades: Parks Dept has a bit more money for phase three, which includes a tricycle path, a shade structure, picnic tables, and other amenities.
North Burial Ground: Mark raised question about community garden plots in Randall Park. Erik volunteered to talk with the Groden Center greenhouse about the possibility.
Summit-Mt. Hope: Talks have begun surrounding candidate forums for Ward 3 races, probably during summer.
Other: Annual meeting discussion. Anneliese offered to contact the Highlands about availability for late April, either the 23rd, 24th, or 30th. Nominating committee so far consists of Tom and Anneliese.
Mark announces that he is running for Aaron Regunberg’s seat.
Adjournment: Tom moves to adjourn, Anneliese seconded. All in favor.
Next Meeting Monday, February 19