PAC 2 MONTHLY MEETING
Monday, November 10, 2008
Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center
2107 Hillandale Road
Durham, NC 27704
6:00 to 8:00 p m
Co-Facilitators
Cheryl Shiflett
Bill Anderson
Self introductions by attendees.
Community Concerns:
Bill Anderson reminded everyone that if you are having work done on your property to remind the Contractor’s to write down the serial numbers of all the tools being used. These situations are real targets for thieves and recently there were two robberies and none of the tools could be identified. This is very important.
Duplex at 1508 Englewood Avenue: One side of the duplex is vacant and this is being used for drug dealing and prostitution. Police have checked on this and spoken with the man who lives in the other side, and cautioned him not to allow people to hang out in his yard. Member reports they do call the police and as soon as the police leave the people come right back dvised to keep calling the police every time.
River Forest still having a problem with trash containers and recycle bins being emptied and left in the street. Someone from Solid Waste will check on this.
Report of increased traffic on Charlotte Street. Drug are being sold, attempts to break into a home and people standing on the Street staring at homes. This had been a past problem but improved however, it has become a bigger problem now. They were advised to call 911 anytime they observe suspicious activity.
There was a report of a horrific crime involving someone’s cat on Ruffin Street in the Northgate Park area. It was reported to the Police and they will investigate. The resident was also advised to report it to the media in the event that someone might know something about this incident and come forward with information.
Scarsdale Village reports the theft of A C Units for copper. Questions were raised about the sale of stolen copper and if the Scrap yards are following the legal requirement to obtain a drivers license from anyone who is selling. The Police are checking and yes, these establishments are following protocol. Once the copper has been shredded it is impossible to trace and it was reported that if you paint copper wiring black, it contaminates the copper and not valid for resale. It was pointed out that if Manufacturers would do this on all their new units, it would prevent a lot of problems.
PROGRAMS:
Daryl Hedgepeth, Impact Team Manager City of Durham, presented a very interesting program about COMNET. This is a program that involves surveying repairs and improvements needed in Neighborhoods on a hand held device and prioritizing repairs with the City. It involves 3-6 members of the Neighborhood along with representatives from the City in a 2 hour training session. Then a walk of three blocks in the neighborhood documenting repairs or improvements needed. They encouraged everyone to become involved in this and if interested call Jay Reinstein at 560-4222, ext. 226 or emailJay.Reinstein@….
Fire Department’s Holiday Safety – They were unable to be here so the Police did a brief report on safety issues while shopping:
- Put all purchases into the trunk or hide them someway.
- Park in well lighted spaces and close to the front door of the building.
- Do not carry large sums of cash. Use credit cards when possible and carry these in your pocket or in a small purse. Do not carry a large purse.
Home Decorating:
- Use a power strip for plugging in trees and other decorations. Do not put multiple plugs directly into the wall.
- If expecting home delivery of items and you cannot be there to receive them, ask a neighbor to be on the lookout and put these away.
- If you are going out-of-town, have COP come by to do house checks for you. Forms are available for this service.
- If you purchase a live Christmas tree, cut off about 2 inches off the bottom, this will allow for much better water absorption to the branches.
- Consider shopping in the local malls and strip malls near your community.
DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES:
Durham Parks and Recreation have received their Accreditation. Congratulations!!!!! This is quite an honor and we applaud you for accomplishing this. We were reminded of the upcoming Holiday events.
Holiday Craft Show Saturday, December 13, 11:00 a m to 5:00 p m
Durham Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 6, 2008 2:00 p m to 4:00 p m
Pre-parade Performance 2:00 to 4:00 Suntrust Plaza
Parade Downtown Durham 4:00 p m
Tree Lighting: Suntrust Plaza 5:30 p m 201 N Corcoran Street
2008 Senior Holiday Party Tuesday, December 9, 2008 4:30 p m to 7:30 p m
Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center
4700 Emperor Boulevard, Durham NC Tickets on sale November 3.
Pam who serves on a Committee for Community Improvement Projects for the City of Durham, presented information on how they advise the City Council of which improvement projects should be included for completion. Deferred Maintenance is one of great importance. There are projects in the works since 1996 that have not been completed. This committee is trying their best to get the Council to complete these before moving to other line items in the budget. This committee meets once a month. The question was raised about Walltown Park. It was approved years ago but never completed. They do not know whether this will be considered since they act in an advisory capacity only.
The question was also raised about the deterioration of Whippoorwill Park. Audrey Gill with Durham Parks and Rec will check into this because there is a system in place to remove graffiti and clean up these areas.
Meeting Adjourned.
Minutes:
Carolyn Best, Secretary.
November 11, 2008