May 11, 2004
Minutes General Meeting
Present: Cathy Barnette and Kären Nady Co-Presidents, Glenn Robinson, Treasurer, Lorraine Bacon, Secretary, Lon Johnston, Governmental affairs, and Louie Nady, Finance
Guest Speakers: Chief Mund Hansen Daphne Fire Department
Ruth Seawell, President, Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools (SEEDS)
Cathy Barnette called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Cathy announced that Lorraine Bacon would be resigning from the Board due to relocation and thanked her for her contribution to OTDWA.
Frank Lamb made a motion, seconded by, Louie Nady to accept the March 2, 2004 general meeting minutes as written.
Treasurer's Report: Glenn Robinson reported the checking balance was $1204.51. Donations were being received for the attorney fees for the pending lawsuit. Cathy noted that fundraising brochures and a petition are being circulated. Channel 5 expressed interest in doing a story on the pending lawsuit affecting OTDWA and the attempted privatization of a beach access.
Village Point Update: Al Guarisco informed OTDWA members that construction of a recreation pavilion and restrooms were complete. The boardwalk is a wonderful walk through the wetlands. The City of Daphne has entered into an agreement to purchase the Tonismire property and Village Point was raising funds. Cathy noted there was a Blue Grass fest on November 6. Lon noted that he and John Gwin allocated their unused travel funds to the VP foundation as seed money.
McMillan Bluff Update: Kären reported that attorney Shawn Alves was retained to represent OTDWA in the pending litigation. Counselor Alves has filed a letter with the City requesting OTDWA to be informed of all proposed settlements. Plaintiffs’ recent proposal that the City exchange property near the Alligator alley for the McMillan bluff was rejected.
Currently there is a temporary restraining order against all improvements on the McMillan bluff. OTDWA has requested $5,000 from the City for legal fees. (Estimated costs for defense are between $5,000 and $10,000.) Lon noted that some Potter Mill’s residents believe that losing the bay access will have a financial impact on the value of their properties. Residents are checking Potter Mill documents which may note McMillan as a beach access.
Kären noted that the Complaint filed by Breland, et al, against the City and OTDWA, is on the OTDWA website.
Lee Yokel and Kären Nady will need volunteers for the Candidate Forum to be held in August.
Guest speakers: Cathy Barnette introduced Chief Hansen who gave a brief presentation regarding the CERT program. The city has received federal funds to train neighborhood groups to better prepare citizens for disasters. Backpacks with safety supplies will be distributed to interested neighborhood groups. Training is free. Baldwin County is assisting in the program. There is an annual refresher course for the trained groups.
Cathy introduced Ruth Seawell was joined by Lynn Davis to discuss the SEEDS (Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools) project. They will be working with members of the community to provide enrichment and enhancement programs for students in both public and private schools in Daphne. A Discovery Center is a goal to provide after school program, traveling exhibits, theater etc. They encourage OTDWA to become involved. Discussion followed the presentation and concerns were raised about the closing of the Middle School, transfer of students to the Elementary school and the effect this will have on traffic and future plans for the Olde Towne Daphne Business District and efforts to preserve the small town feel of Daphne. (SEEDS information in OTDWA files)
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.