Association Minutes - July 12, 2001

Marlborough Pride Neighborhood Association - Minutes July 12, 2001

President Tonya Hood called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M.

1. Attendance:

Twenty-one neighborhood residents were present. The KCPD had two representatives present. Neighborhood Preservation had two representatives present. The Neighborhood Community Services Department had one representative present.

2. Public Safety Update:

P.O. John Straubel and P.O. James Swoboda of the Kansas City Police Department attended. Car thefts generally rise in the summer, so the officers distributed 2 fliers which gave tips to minimize property loss and highlighted auto safety. Portable basketball hoops have been causing problems. Those playing with them haven't been moving out of the way for passing motorists. This is against city ordinance. Previously, the ordinance hadn't been enforced, but because of safety concerns, tickets may be given out.

Some residents expressed a desire to have a speed bump placed on Wabash between 8400 and 8419. The officers emphasized that community groups have to pay for speed bumps and speed bumps tend to slow emergency vehicles when they're trying to gain access to a street.

On weekdays, the curfew is 11:00 P.M. On weekends, the curfew is 12:00 A.M. If a child violating curfew is under 17, the parent will receive a ticket. If a child is 17, the child will receive the ticket.

The city's noise ordinance is violated if music can be heard fifty feet from a vehicle or on a neighbor's property.

3. Neighborhood Preservation:

Booker Armstrong, Field Supervisor, and James Jackson, Inspector, of Neighborhood Preservation (Codes) attended. Residents stated that an empty house at 81st and Garfield is being used as a dump (rats, trees). The inspectors advised residents to call in when this happens. Abandoned cars have been a problem in the neighborhood. The inspectors emphasized that inspections are time consuming. Each case must receive the same attention. They can't pick up every case, but safety hazards will be dealt with. To report cars parked on the street, call the Action Center at 513-1313. To report cars without tags parked on private property, call 513-9010. This is the number for Codes' Customer Service and can also be used to report weeds and neglected property. The grass mentioned at the last meeting (East 80th and 79th and Hickman Mills Drive) has been cut.

4. Neighborhood Community Services Department:

Renea Nash with the Neighborhood Community Services Department discussed the Crime Prevention Program. The Program is funded by federal grant money, not city money. The Program offers workshops on how to "block watch" and on personal safety, presentations on how to lessen criminal opportunities and referrals. Ms. Nash handed out packets containing all this information. The Program also gives away free crime prevention devices such as door security bars, personal alarms, car clubs and window stops. A request form must be filled out at the Linwood Multi-Purpose Center, 3200 Wayne. Residents must attend a workshop to receive these free devices. August 7 will be a Night Out Against Crime. Move Up is offering cash prizes for neighborhoods with the most participation.

5. Other:

A resident expressed concern that on 85th Street, between Olive and Park, there is no sidewalk and water is eroding the asphalt and creating potholes. For these types of problems, call the Action Center, 513-1313.

6. President's Report:

Tonya Hood made this report:

The Focus Reports are available.
The new Marlborough Community Center will have been standing one year in August. On Saturday, September 8, there will be a celebratory picnic. That date is tentative.
The next meeting will be August 9.