March 2, 2004

Minutes General Meeting

Present: Cathy Barnette and Kären Nady Co-Presidents, Glenn Robinson, Treasurer, Louie Nady, Finance

Absent: Lorraine Bacon , Secretary and Lon Johnston, Governmental Affairs

Cathy Barnette called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Glenn Robinson gave the Treasurer's report.  As of March 2, 2004, the balance in the account is $2,788.49.  There were four renewals last month and a donation of $300.00 to the Olde Towne Daphne Business Association for the statue Daphne for city hall.

Village Point: Al Guarisco reported that a restroom gazebo will be constructed on Main Street at the park entrance.  As part of a fundraiser, acorns from Jackson's Oak have been potted and are available for sale.  A certificate of authenticity is provided with each seedling.  The first payment on the 11acre parcel is due October 15, 2004.  Approximately $7,000 has been raised to date.

New Business:

Bylaws: Cathy Barnette reported that the bylaws will be updated with the State of Alabama.  Changes include: (1) The description of OTDWA's purpose will be expanded to reflect the Mission Statement more accurately (2) The corresponding secretary will be changed and (3) The restriction limiting membership geographically will be eliminated, per membership vote in 2002. 

2004 Board Positions: Cathy discussed current board positions.  She noted that Lon Johnston's position as chairman of Governmental Affairs is a non-voting position, so as not to conflict with serving on the City Council.  The board has nominated Louie Nady to serve as financial chairperson. Louie has prepared financial analysis for the City and worked with the council on their finance retreat.  Cathy asked for nominations from the floor for the membership chairperson.  There were no nominations.  The board will seek to fill that position.

Program:

Ken Eslava, Public Works director, spoke about two small projects OTDWA could help with and provided photos.  (1) the S-curve on Captain O'Neal is dangerous and OTDWA has suggested a pedestrian bridge in the past.  Ken provided a drawing of a proposed wood footbridge that could be started in the near future using lumber remaining from the trailblazer project by I-10.  (2) Dauphine Acres sewer project has created an area suitable for a small park. 

The Deer Avenue park project is currently on hold after some concern from residents regarding plans. Maria Bueche is working on a plan that will be simple and provide seating. Frank Lamb offered to help with the project. Ken also reported that the new trail from I-10 to D'Olive Creek will open soon.  A parking area may be available by the pumping station.

Ceann Wachner and Ken Eslava reported on the progress of the Daphne statue.  Ceanne introduced Fran Neuman, the artist. Fran displayed the model for the statue.  The statue is at a foundry in Sarasota. Fran will over see 8 local artists to provide tiles for the fountain.  Public Works will work with the group to construct the fountain and landscape the area. The total budget is $50,000 and it has taken two years to plan.  Ceanne discussed the upcoming fundraising event, a wine and food tasting.  The fundraising goal for the first phase is $25,000 and $17,000 has been raised.

McMillan Bluff Update:

Cathy reported that the board had discussed the lawsuit with Jay Ross, city attorney and had voted to stay in the lawsuit.  She introduced Shawn Alves, with Stone, Grenade and Crosby and invited him to speak to members.  Shawn discussed issues regarding the public access including: allegations of abandonment that could potentially lead to vacation of the access, judge vs. jury trial, how OTDWA could assist the City in this case.  He took questions from the members, a representative from Potter's Mill homeowners association and residents in the McMillan bluff neighborhood.

Kären Nady concluded the discussion of the McMillan litigation by asking a show of hands to support the board's decision to stay in the lawsuit.  The majority responded in support.  She reminded the group that this is a community issue and that OTDWA will ask the community for assistance to help finance the legal defense.

Announcements: 

Members asked about the potential sale of the Jubilee Courtyard, commenting that this is the third attempt to sell the park.  Part of the downtown plan is for two story buildings and one would potentiality be constructed on that site of the courtyard if it were sold.

The Trione sports complex will be discussed at the next work session.

Members expressed concern about oak trees recently cut to accommodate a sign on Hwy 98.  It was suggested that a tree committee be formed to assist the city develop or better monitor requirements for tree removal.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.