Dickens—Ann reported that although profits from this year’s event were still not finalized, it was clear that less profit was made than in previous years.  In addition, guests reportedly missed the ambience created by visiting historic homes that had been decorated for the season.  Kay reported that certain aspects of the event were easier for volunteers: using a professional kitchen; not having to arrange for houses to host the dinner.

A motion to return to the original event format passed. 

Lease with TACA—No progress to report. Tabled

Parking—No progress to report. Tabled

Web Site (hhhda.org)—Joaquin reported that the web site looks terrific and encouraged everyone to view it on a regular basis and submit information to Salley Trefethen.

Discussion: Ann reported that there were 62 paid attendees, including 30 for the Ball.  Overall, the profit was between $600 and $700.  (Only an estimate was available since not all bills had been submitted and paid.)  Ann noted that in previous years, the event had netted about $1200.  Ann and Cindy Carson summarized comments from attendees indicating that they preferred the previous event, held in historic homes in the neighborhood, to the current year’s event held at the Greek church.  Attendees also noted that they preferred the menu in previous years to this year’s menu.  There was a brief discussion of the extent of decorations this year compared to previous years, and whether it might be possible to resurrect some sort of carriage ride in future years, even if the horses we used in the past were not available.

Joaquin updated the Board on the status of David Oberstein’s remodeling project for the old hospital on Central and Elm.  David received City Council approval for his request for industrial revenue bonds and construction is expected to begin in April.

President Joaquin Garofalo reminded the Board that the deadline for the next newsletter is March 13 and that newsletters will be ready for volunteer distributors to pickup at his house on March 20.  The next monthly meeting of the Board will be on April 7 at 6:30 at the Community Center on Coal and the neighborhood will be invited.  While the current signage on this building will remain, TACA will allow us to add a smaller sign for the Community Center.  Extra chairs will be available and neighbors are encouraged to bring their ideas for neighborhood improvement. Joaquin encouraged all Board members to be present for this meeting.

Discussion: Members asked if Liam was still interested in serving on the Board.

Action: Minutes were approved by a unanimous vote.

Agenda item: Property Concerns – 402 Broadway SE

Discussion: This vacant commercial building on the corner of Lead and Broadway is a magnet for crime in the area. Neighbor Kat Owensby has asked the Board for help.  Options were discussed. Amberley reported that the current owner of the building, Brian Rothman, is looking for a buyer.

Action: Karen volunteered to call Bill Hoch, former Board member and current member of the Safe City Task Force, to see what he recommended.

President, Joaquin Garofalo; Vice President, Amberley Pyles; Secretary, Bonnie Anderson; Treasurer, Ann Carson

We appreciate all of the volunteers that give their time to serve the Neighborhood Association.

Our largest fundraiser is fast approaching. Dickens of a Dinner that is now combined with the Victorian Ball, is scheduled for December 12^th.