SBHA Meeting September 1, 2009

SBHA Meeting September 1, 2009

First Baptist Church of Benbrook

Jess Jordan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. There were approximately 125 in attendance.

We no longer have a vice-president so the officers are Jess Jordan, Linda Conner - Secretary and Angela Farrell–Treasurer.

Minutes from last meeting was voted on. All in favor. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s report balance is $4,828.29. Motion made, seconded and passed.

The gas leases have slowed down – so the membership dues can be rolled over thru 2010. Motion made, seconded and passed.

Jess turned it over to the police chief. Data is uploaded every hour to www.crimereports.com. You can put in your address and it will show what is happening in your neighborhood. Wes Cooper, crime prevention officer showed a presentation on crime prevention.

Benbrook police help with courtesy calls (changing a flat tire, etc.). If you are going to be gone a couple weeks a police officer will drive by and check your home. Check your credit report once a year for identity theft. If you see any suspicious activity, call the police.

Jess introduced Sarah from the YMCA. They ran a summer day camp this summer. There were 2 girls 10 and 13. Their mom is a single mom. The fireman came to see if the Y could get them in. They have scholarships for people who cannot afford it. They are expanding the facility – the fitness area will double in size. The children’s area will expand. The current room will be larger for fitness.

Marcia Etie works for Kay Granger. She just popped in to see what is going on in the community. Her phone # 817-338-0909.

A representative from XTO spoke and answered questions. XTO operated in 15 states. There are 6 wells in the city of Benbrook. There are 2 wells on Ryffel property, 2 on Timbercreek and 3 on Edwards Ranch drill site. The downturn has affected the overall company. Also the price of the product. At its peak natural gas was $13 per cubic ft. Now it’s less then $2 a cubic ft. A drill site has to be established. Permit off that well. City of Benbrook has certain distances from a church, school, residences. The drill site has to be the size of a football field.

Dan Tully from EDC spoke next. Walmart secured the property back in February. They closed the deal on Aug 17, 2009. They wrote a check for $2.8 million. It is planning to build in 2011. They were under contract 3-1/2 yrs with 5 law firms. Original acres was 80. Walmart bought 21 acres. Vista Way to 377 will be commercial. Vista Way to RR tracks will be residential.

Congestion with a new Walmart and no pre-widening the road. The state controls Hwy 377. They do not care what businesses do. Walmart knows a wider road is coming. They are using the traffic light at Mercedes.

Question: How about a sit-down restaurant? There is no contract on any sit-down restaurant. Marketplace is changing. The economy is not good now to build a new restaurant. The demographics of Benbrook shows elderly people not spending money for instance. The demographics needs to be changed to persuade businesses to come in.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Submitted by Linda Conner, Secretary.

Benbrook Night at the Fort Worth Cat's La Grave Field

Friday Aug.14, 2009 is Benbrook Night at the Fort Worth Cat's La Grave Field, tickets can be bought at the Chamber of Commerce. there will be a area for Benbrook Citizens and the Mayor will throw out the first ball.

Meet the Candidate Night April 20, 2009

Meet the Candidate NightApril 20, 2009

Meeting called to order at the Benbrook Senior Center at 7:00 pm by Kate Moore. She asked all candidates and citizens to please be seated. Kate Moore will be monitoring tonight’s meeting. Renee Kimbrell from Timbercreek Homeowners Association will time the candidates. The format tonight will be: each candidate each will have 3 minutes. You may stand and ask a question or write a question on a card. Each candidate will have 1 minute to answer.

Jerry Dittrich, present mayor started. Hoping to be mayor another 2 years. He is a veterinarian. He works 6 days a week in Arlington. Jerry introduced his wife Christine and his mother who has moved into their guest house. She is 91 years old. He has 4 children, 3 grandchildren – all who live here except a daughter going to college. He has lived here about 30 years.

Keith Bailey is recuperating at home from surgery.

Charlie Anderson, City councilman Place 2. Spent 6 years EDC (Economic Development Committee), 5 of which he was president. He worked with city council to reduce taxes. He has an open-door policy. He thanked everyone for coming out.

Dan Tully, councilman Place 5. He has been on council for 2 years. He was vice-president on EDC before becoming councilman. Married for 33 years. They have 1 son, 2 grandkids. He has lived in Timbercreek and now resides in Westpark. 4 basic things: FW ISD, Economic Development, Benbrook Blvd and parks. We need to continue that our students get best education possible. Economic Deveoplment he is very proud of.

Jim Wilson running for councilman Place 5. Retired from Air Force. Success is only possible with communication. He does not agree EDC has been open. They have been an embarrassment. Compliancy is not OK. As a council member he will always respect you as a citizen.

Pamela Brandenberg, councilman Place 7. She is an attorney. Her husband is an attorney. They have 2 children. She has been on council previously. She is on the Y board of management. She has lived in Benbrook 27 years. She helped bring about the library, a lifetime member of PTA. We have an excellent city staff. We have a bare bones staff. Need social services even with our tight budget. Revenues must increase each year: tax rate or the tax base (the value of your property). Keep our houses in good repair to keep prices from falling.

Vernon Gatlin, councilman Place 7. (running). I LOVE BENBROOK. He is from Waco, Dallas, Arlington, and Benbrook. He lives in Country Day Estates. He wants your vote because he wants to serve. He feels he can make a difference. Gatlin real estate, a building he has several tenants in, and (another business which I didn’t catch). He wants to be part of the growth of Benbrook.

Ron Sauma, councilman Place 7. He is seeking re-election Place 7. He has held since 2001. Married for 47 years. They have 2 children, 2 grandchildren. He is a Korean War Vet. Over 10,000 volunteer hours in Benbrook. Since 2001 they have lowered property tax rate.

Julie Bakke, Library board. She has been a member since 2004. Her husband works at Lockheed. She has 2 daughters. She is passionate with the library. All you have to do is request a book and they can get it from Fort Worth. They have book clubs, summer reading times. She is up for election and welcomes the chance to speak about the library.

Roy “Corky” Baird. Running for the Library board. He was appointed in 96, elected in 97. He is investment officer for the Library Board. He volunteers twice a week at the library. He and his wife Pat has lived here 15 years. He is semi-retired with a moderate interest in computer business.

Robert Christensen, current member of the Board since August of last year. He has lived here 20 years. He lived in Timbercreek and now in Westpark. He has been at Lockheed for 22 years. The computers are widely used. He grew up in Austin.

Alicia Hunter running for the Library Board. She has lived here 30 years. Siblings: 3 boys, 2 girls. Her dad retired from Carswell. She lives on Wandering Way in Westpark. If you start with the children early. She is not married. She thinks the Library Board has done an outstanding job with computers, electronic media, etc. The internet is not cheap and not everyone has a computer has home.

Ron Pessenden, running for mayor. Widening of the highways, sidewalks, more access for elderly and young.

QUESTION: Chester Bochenko, 903 Keller, Benbrook. When he first moved here they had no super-highway. Terrible. Driving 377 South, to Mercedes, made a left hand turn. Cars were going 60 plus going South.

ANSWER: Mayor answered. Speed limit is state mandated. We can make requests to TX DOT but they have the final say. Mercedes is patrolled very well.

Question: Why can’t you the elected officials ensure the speed laws of Benbrook. Ron: What is the special interest group you mentioned?

ANSWER: Ron Sauma – he was member of COP S and whenever they received a complaint they turned it over to the police. The special interest group was sister cities.

QUESTION: Vince Brown. City passed a ban for smoking, why wouldn’t they ban the sale of smoking.

ANSWER: Mayor would support a ban. Ron Pessenden would support ban of selling tobacco products. Charlie Anderson would not say Yes or No. Dan Tully – likes the idea of smoking ban. Too many legal questions to answer. It would hurt a lot of businesses. Jim Wilson – He does not smoke, has never smoked. Smoking ban is good for public places. He hopes it goes state-wide. He would not support selling tobacco in the city. Pamela Brandenberg – would not support. Vernon Gatlin – he despises smoke. He is a reformed smoker. Does not support the ban on sale of tobacco. If we don’t buy it here they will go across the street and buy it. Ron Sauma – No.

QUESTION: Mike Kimbrell– Timbercreek. Question for place 7. What would you bring to the council – directed to Vern Gatlin. Skills. He has 20 experience insurance business. Previously was a blue collar business.

QUESTION: Jess Jordan. President SBHA. What do you guys do to give better communication to homeowners.

ANSWER: Jim Wilson. He is running because he knows they need better communication. Put out articles, inform our citizens, he has been going door-to-door.

ANSWER: Pamela Brandenberg, already you can call city hall and to look at the agenda to be put on an email list and get an agenda.

ANSWER: Vernon Gatlin – He is current vice-chair of his homeowners association. His office is on Mercedes.

ANSWER: Jerry Dittrich – They try to have representation are all areas when they have quarterly meetings.

ANSWER: Dan Tully – create another web site. They are listed in the phone book also. You can sign up on the website and get every update there is.

ANSWER: Charlie Anderson – He does not like to get on the computer to see when the next meeting is. He would like to see that every week they publish it weekly in the Benbrook News.

ANSWER: Ron Sauma – He is shocked if no one has his phone number: 817-244-2051. He is on the website and flyers.

QUESTION: Rick Whitehurst – Have bicycle lanes – he was going down Mercedes, waiting to turn right. 5 bikes passed him. Enforce the laws for the bike riders.

ANSWER: Jerry Dittrich – police know how to enforce the laws. To all council members.

QUESTION: Vince Brown – Voted in to freeze property tax. Is the city council willing to freeze money to senior center, etc.

ANSWER: Jerry Dittrich – He would not support freezing anything for senior citizens. Ron Pessenden – No. Charlie Anderson – No. Dan Tully – No. It doesn’t make any sense. Jim Wilson – No. Pamela Brandenberg – she did not support the property tax freeze. Would not freeze any amenities in the city. Vernon Gatlin – No. Ron Sauma – 2003 citizens voted over-whelming to pass the senior and disabled tax freeze. City has not raised taxes since then. He would not support the seniors from enjoying the building.

QUESTION: Joan Chew– Pamela Brandenberg – should taxes be raised again? Her taxes have not been lowered. Jerry Dittrich – if our property values did not go up, we would be paying less dollars. Our property values are going up.

QUESTION: Rick Whitehurt – froze taxes for the seniors. Cannot take it off income tax.

ANSWER: Ron Sauma – contains debt for drainage, storm water. It has always been in the budget. Have no control over TAD. (Whitehurt) as you froze taxes that are tax deductible – now we pay a storm water fee which are not deductible. (Sauma) Strongly suggest writing your state Legislature.

QUESTION: Reinstate sister city program.

ANSWER: Mrs. Brandenberg – council rebuffed the sister city program. She would not ask another city to partner with us.

QUESTION: For all: have talked about taxes, homeowners, etc. One way to raise taxes is with commercials – going to have WalMart – then homeowners wouldn’t have to commercial here in Benbrook?

ANSWER: Ron Sauma – they are going to build a supercenter. Another big name to buy the land. When Wal-Mart comes in 2 years. Vernon Gatlin – remembers the town center project. We are getting a million a year from Wal-Mart – the other one is Lowes.
Pamela Brandenberg – she agrees getting more commercial. They will start building as early as 2011. Will need 3 police officers just for that. Jim Wilson – this development is done for you. He has not seen a progress report showing goals. Lack of communication. Dan Tully – Cass Edwards passed away. Charlie Anderson – Edwards and Opus couldn’t get together. The EDC is working hard to revamp communications. Ron Pessenden –smaller businesses fall in the crack for larger business. Jerry Dittrich – Good planning – White Settlement didn’t do the planning as they don’t have the citizens to support it.

QUESTION: Samantha Spence – lived in Benbrook 40 yrs. It took 5 years minimum for Wal-Mart to come. How each incumbent feels about junk cars, etc. Are you happy?

ANSWER: Jerry Dittrich – we are going to enforce code compliance. Ron Pessenden – not happy. Private property is not being enforced. Charlie Anderson – No – but with new plans being put in and willing to go forth to take care of it – it will change. Grass that grows too high can be a fire hazard. Dan Tully – civil side – the elderly people to help them with volunteers. There is a warrant for the others. Jim Wilson – Everyone can call in and report – COPS can call in and report. Pamela Brandenberg – aging housing – when you see a problem call in to city hall and report it. When you see the property has been cleaned up – call them and thank them. Vernon Gatlin – Has not been happy. Good things on horizon. Ron Sauma – 1/3 of phone calls involve junk cars. Has been issued citations, the City is going to crack down. Call in and the city will enforce the law.

Kate Moore /Jess Jordan – asked for volunteers to help the elderly ( SBHA). You can call us we will help.

QUESTION: Shirley Green –gave an opinion only.

QUESTION: Mark Timbrell – if he calls and complains about his neighbor will his neighbor know? Is backyard included?

ANSWER: Ron Sauma – city does not look in your back yard – if you take photos and send in to city hall. Jerry Dittrich – code compliance works under state law. If it’s a public health problem they could look in the back yard.

Kate Moore – had a neighbor composting in the back yard – had rat infestation – neighbors called and it was taken care of.

Joan Chew – Does your neighbor have tall grass, can you call city to come out and look?

Kate Moore started with Alicia Hunter – running for Library Board. Wants to be part of it.

Robert Christensen – it’s all free for everyone.

Ron Baird – we get ½ % of all retail sales. They draw up their own budget. Comfortable with a reasonable income.

Julie Bakke – Served 4-1/2 years and it has been a pleasure.

Ron Sauma – thanked everyone for coming. After 8 years you can’t say it in 3 minutes. 2001 – he has been a member of 4 PAWS – 2007 passed a registered sex offense ordinance (2000 ft from any child friendly area off limits).

Vernon Gatlin - #1 spot on ballot. Imperative that revenues don’t drive the expenditures. City has been very prudent.

Pamela Brandenberg – open government. We have a right to know what is going on at all times. Mr. Sauma - some issue that was illegal – city attorney had to be called in – all council members had training for open meeting law. I don’t operate on rumor – Mr. Sauma has let us down.

Jim Wilson – running against Dan Tully. He is running for issues: communication, respect for tax dollars, EDC is not informing you on issues. We need to respect every tax dollar. JimWilsonforBenbrook.com website. Go vote. Dan Tully – EDC has spent a lot of money for these big guys to be here. He has served 2-1/2 years on city council .

Charlie Anderson – Has a lovely wife Karen, 4 children, 4 grandchildren. Came 22 years ago. Has no one running against him. One vote and he is in. Do your American duty and vote. Every tax dollar will be spent on the majority of citizens. Did not benefit any special interest group. When you are taxing people – tell them it is a tax.

Ron Pessenden – has a cell phone for you guys – it’s not for him. He wants to make himself more available.

Jerry Dittrich - Thank you for coming. When money comes in for waste water it goes for waste water. It is not a hidden tax. This is when our country is at a low – but our city is not in bad shape. Have 7 million in reserve. Things are real good. He is going to watch over our tax dollars. We are totally blessed to live here. We meet tomorrow night.

Dennis Lindgren – it’s a storm water fee – not waste water fee.

Meeting adjourned 9:10 pm. Minutes submitted by Linda Conner

SBHA Meeting April 6, 2009

SBHA Meeting April 6, 2009

The SBHA met at First Baptist Church in Benbrook April 6, 2009. Jess Jordan called the meeting to order 7:00 pm. Minutes accepted and seconded, motion was passed.
April 20, 2009 Jess has accepted the offer from Timbercreek Homeowners Association “Meet the Candidate” night. North Benbrook is having theirs April 21 at Waverly Park Elementary School.

The sidewalks are not any further than the 1000 block, none on Park Center, nothing we can do with the sidewalks that are being paid for by grant money. If anyone gets hurt the City is responsible. If sidewalk gets cracked or damaged the City is responsible. If more people want to sign the petition against future sidewalks Martha Arthurs and Kate Moore are at the back to sign the petition and sign up for new members.

Question – Block captains need to get to their people (the elderly ones who can’t get out).
Answer – Jess sent out an email last week to see if people want to step down if they don’t want to participate.

Question – I am a block captain and I cannot get ahold of people – if they want to get ahold of me they can call me.
Answer – Jess gives out his phone number at every meeting.
Answer – I am one of the directors – we do not know who needs to be contacted. I am retired but have 300 homes – I put a sign in my front yard, it is in the newspaper, let us know if we need help.
Answer – I am director of District 6 – I am sitting at the back and if anyone wants to be block captain please see me in the back.

Question – I live on Cozby Street South – I have not seen any signs – 1302 Cozby S – I have neighbors that did not know there was a meeting. I joined this Association for one issue – oil/gas. I have not heard one word about the oil/gas issue since I joined. We need better communication.
Answer – call me and I’ll see what I can do to help you. 817-249-7509.

I have Jennifer Poe and Jerome Garza from the census bureau and they will tell you what they plan to do here in Benbrook.
“Our duty is to come to different organizations to let you know what we are planning to do for the census in 2010. They will knock on your door and ask/verify your address is recorded. In March 2010 you will receive a survey – 10- questions about 10 minutes to fill out. The number of people counted means the number of money coming back to the community. The last census was 80% in 2000 which was good.
Any information you give to the Census cannot be released for 72 years.
The Census will always have a badge – they have had FBI background checks. They will not ask for your social security number”.

Jess wanted to acknowledge there are city councilmen present that may be able to answer questions.

Debbie Watkins from Benbrook Chamber of Commerce was introduced. Some of the benefits of the Chamber and what we do. We get individuals coming in everyday asking where to take visitors, etc. They have a website GoBenbrook.com. Links to the city, anything going on in town we try to promote that for you. We have Lynette Spence to answer questions also. Being a member of the Chamber is a link to all the businesses we have here. They have maps which will be printed in a few weeks. There will be an interactive map on the web. We try to promote Benbrook as much as possible. Price for an individual is $75 a year.

Sarah Gray from Benbrook YMCA was introduced. We are having a renovation this year. We are expanding the fitness and child care area. She brought pamphlets and guest passes. As a Benbrook resident you get 10% off.

A lady from Chesapeake was introduced, Mercedes Bolen. I am here to answer. We have 2 wells on 2871, and 2 on Vickery. Questions: How do you think the city works for you to get pad sites? Answer: yes the city works with us. Question: Is there a possibility in South Benbrook? Answer: gas dipped below $4.00 so at the present time the answer is no. Question: Price per acre for bonus? $2500 an acre. Within 330 feet around a well bore. How many unit size? 200 and 250 acres. How much outside of well bore? Nothing now. It’s because of the price of gas. Chesapeake has let go of half of their rigs. What about pipelines? A different company has built the pipelines on 2871 and we are working together with them to get the gas to market. How far horizontally can you drill? Up to 2000 foot kickout. We have gone as far as 6000 foot, average lateral is 3500 ft. How thick is the formation in this area? If you take our tallest building downtown Fort Worth and shove it down about a mile down into the ground that would be our thickest part. Lets wait until the market turns. Mercedes brought some materials for people to pick up. Also go to Askchesapeake.com. My phone number is: 817-502-5000.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Linda Conner, Secretary.

SBHA Board Meeting March 19, 2009

SBHA Board Meeting March 19, 2009

The SBHA Board met March 19, 2009 at the Benbrook Senior Center. Eight people met. District 5 and 6 were missing. Kate emailed me and said she couldn’t make it – I did not hear from Daniel. Also did not hear back from Vince Brown.

Jess called the meeting to order at 7:11 pm. Martha made a motion to accept the minutes, Harold Reasoner seconded. All in favor.

Angela gave the treasurer’s report. $5091.13 was the beginning balance. Ending balance is $4816.74. Martha made a motion, Samantha seconded motion to accept Treasurer’s report. Motion passed.

Jess had new signs made. He has dates to put on the signs for the next meeting which will be April 6th (Monday night) at the Benbrook Baptist Church. We will have a Chesapeake, EOG Resources, The Benbrook Chamber of Commerce, and YMCA representatives there.

Jess will give an update April 6th for our Homeowners Association general meeting. Eighty four people signed against sidewalks. He suggested that the block captains can see if anyone else wants to sign against sidewalks. Low income housing goes from Warden to Childers, to Bryant, to Hwy 377, to Mercedes, to San Saba, Bandera. West side of Usher and both sides of Bryant 2009. E. Usher and West side of Wade Hampton in 2010. Jess will go over this at the meeting.

April 20th Timbercreek Homeowners Assn. is having a “Meet the Candidate” night. We are going to join them as a joint effort on this at the Benbrook Senior Center.

Samantha is going to check to see if Benjamin Pennington still lives in this area. She will call Jess. Ben was supposed to move. His email got returned. If he has moved, we will need a replacement for Vice President.

Motion made and passed to dismiss. Meeting dismissed at 7:45 pm.

Minutes submitted by Linda Conner.

Recent Q & A about sidewalks...

1. Do homeowners pay for sidewalks? - No, the projects are funded with Federal money and there is no expense to the homeowners. The City has no plans to assess homeowners for construction of sidewalks.

2. Do homeowners maintain the sidewalks? - No, the City is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks.

3. Do homeowners assume any liability for the sidewalks? - No, the sidewalks are a public asset and the City assumes all liability.

4. Homeowners can’t park two vehicles “back to back” and keep from blocking the sidewalk. - City Staff will work with homeowners to the extent practical and permissible under law to determine whether specific design considerations can mitigate this issue. It is a violation of City Ordinance to block a public sidewalk. The Benbrook Police Department generally responds on a complaint basis only.

These next questions come from the homeowners, in some cases this has already happened.

1. Can a homeowner have his sidewalk against the curb?

Standard sidewalk design is along the street Right-Of-Way/Property Line. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and the standard design allows pedestrians to have a safer separation from vehicles in the roadway. It is not anticipated that any obstructions will cause any sidewalks to be located adjacent to street curbs.

2. Is the sidewalk the same width no matter where?

Standard sidewalks, along Right-Of-Way/Property lines, are four feet wide. In the unlikely event that a section of sidewalk must be adjacent to the curb the sidewalks are typically about five feet wide to provide pedestrians a safer area if closer to the roadway.

3. Past practice every homeowner has parked in their driveway across the city easement (10 ft from curb) and not ask to move, why would the homeowner be ask to move or ticketed if and when the sidewalks are in place?

The Ordinance has been in place for many years and driveway parking that extends beyond the Property Line and encroaches into the street Right-Of-Way has been a violation for years. The installation of sidewalks does not change the long existing Ordinance, sidewalks make the location of the Right-Of-Way/Property line more obvious.

4. What about brick mailboxes, will the homeowner have to move it if is in the path of the new sidewalk?

All efforts will be made to avoid mailboxes. If the relocation of a mailbox is unavoidable the City will relocate the mailbox.

SBHA Meeting February 2, 2009 Meeting Minutes

SBHA Meeting February 2, 2009
First United Baptist Church Benbrook

Jess Jordan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Minutes from last meeting was voted. All in favor. Motion passed.

Benbrook Chamber of Commerce notified Jess to join. They will give us an opportunity to get info on individuals, businesses that have a stake in our city. We have more of a handhold on things. It costs $75.00 to join. Motion made by Martha seconded by Luigi. Is this an annual fee? Yes it is. When we have meetings we will have Debbie Watkins give a talk at our next meeting.

Jess is trying to keep everyone informed. Broadway Minerals offered us $3,000 an acre. We should just wait it out and wait for gas prices go up.

Question: $75.00 a year for Chamber of Commerce. Is anyone going to attend? Jess will try to get to the meetings. Is there a fee for the lunch? Jess will pay his own lunch.

Question: Will this be to an advantage to homeowners? Homeowners should come first in our area. We are a non-profit organization. It will probably help the whole of all of us – give us political power.

Vote on joining Chamber of Commerce. Motion passed.

Jess had calls to join the Homeowners Association. We have petitions against the sidewalks to sign. The petitions Jess will take to the City Manager to see where we go with it.

What they are fixing to do is put sidewalks in and maybe the homeowners pay for it. If they do go there the homeowner will probably have to pay for it.

Question: Why would we want to be against it? We are rehashing 20 years ago. We fought it before and need to fight it again. We had to get a lawyer before so we don’t cut up our yards. Most people area on fixed incomes and cannot afford it.

Question: Each individual paying for sidewalks. Government grants – he has issues against. When they built Lakeside Addition, they did not allow for sidewalks. They had to put in sharp corners and bends. One guy they took out 6 to 8 feet of his yard. If you walk up or jog on Winscott or Mercedes, when a sidewalk ends and a driveway starts you may fall and break something. If you measure your vehicles, you cannot park without encroaching the sidewalk. If you have family and friends come over you will have to park on the street. He has had vehicles vandalized because it was parked on the street. If you block the sidewalk you can get sued if someone skateboards and runs into your vehicle. They are encroaching on his property to park 2 vehicles.

Question: Older people would have to maintain the sidewalk and keep ice off.

Question: She lives on Bryant Street. She has had 4 vandalized and almost a home invasion. Sidewalks are a detriment to the homeowner. They can visualize what kind of dogs you have, security system, if you live alone. She had to move her mailbox – because of vandalism. She doesn’t want crime. It brings the crime element closer to you. People can walk slowly on the sidewalk – where if you have just your grass people walk on the street – not on your yard.

Question: This was a dead organization 6 months ago. We paid our dues to deal with oil issues. Why are we talking about sidewalks?

Jess: A significant number of people asked about the sidewalks.

Jess: There is one offer $xxyy an acre. Do we want to take that? Answer: No.
Any changes: Association needs to handle what comes along.

Question: Where she lived they formed a Homeowners Association to become aware of the criminal aspect of it. Tell about what they are suspicious about.

Bill Smith: Homeowners Association was developed to handle issues. When we re-activated it was for gas but does not leave out other issues. When the City gets ready to install sidewalks they will do it. Sidewalks are rearing its ugly head again. Whenever there are issues that’s what the Homeowners Association is for.

Lelia Smith: If they put in sidewalks they might put a lien on your home. When you get ready to sell it or get a homeowners loan it will have to be paid off. She had this happen to her.

Question: If people don’t really want the sidewalks, you go to city hall. The place to go is to city hall and vent our feelings.

Jess will visit the city manager himself tomorrow on this.

Mr. Tully, our councilman, is present tonight. He has been here 20 years. The liens should not be on your property. Let the city know if you have a lien. Federal grant money is paying for some blocks of sidewalks. As a council member he lived in Timber creek and now Westpark because he wanted sidewalks. He said taking local tax money and building sidewalks and assessing the homeowner he doesn’t see that happening. He has been a Council Member for 2 years. The council members cannot talk when there is a forum present they cannot talk about anything unless it’s on the agenda.

This Thursday night city council will review the royalties under the cemetery at $2500 an acre. 2 weeks ago they signed a lease on the backside of Vista Way they signed 47 acres of land of potential drilling $18,000 an acre. It is not a bad idea to wait. Mr. Tully said this is public information.

Harold Reasoner: Sidewalk issues: When sidewalks break up, get uneven, Who is responsible? Probably the homeowner?

Jess told Mr. Tully we have a blog site to post things on and maybe he can let us know on the blog.

Vince Brown: North of Usher. Not part of city property. It’s plotted as an alley. Why doesn’t grant money pay for it?

A 6 minute video was shown on fracturing a well.

Treasurer’s report balance is $5,091.31.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by Linda Conner, Secretary.