Monday, October 13, 2008

PAC 2 MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, October 13, 2008
Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center
2107 Hillandale Road
Durham, NC  27704
6:00 to 8:00 p m

Meeting led by Co-Facilitators:  Cheryl Shifflet
Bill Anderson 282-8209

Introduction by Attendees

Bill Anderson made an announcement to recognize Captain Larry Smith for outstanding service, making arrests of several people who were committing break-ins.  A plaque was presented to Captain Smith in appreciation.  Captain Smith honored his fellow officers in this joint effort which resulted in crimes solved.

Website Business:  Cheryl Shifflet was able to change our Website ListServ  and save about $60.00 annually.  She paid for this service and a motion was made and approved to reimburse Cheryl for this expense.

Speaker:  A representative from “Taste of Durham”  presented a question and answer session for the “Prepared Food Tax Referendum.”  He encouraged everyone to vote for this Referendum.  This is a 1% tax on prepared meals from restaurants, banquets, catering etc., to finance the construction and upkeep of select capital projects throughout Durham.
It will generate about $5.000,000.  The projects include cultural and recreational facilities and trails. Proceeds will also assist with community cleanups, workforce/job training, and destination marketing.  A brochure was provided that gave detailed information and answered a lot of questions about this Referendum.  There was much support for and some opposition against this Referendum. It does give Durham money to spend on very worthwhile projects without coming out of the Budget.

We were very pleased to have Boy Scout Troop #423 observe the PAC2 Meeting.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

A big thank you was given to Rick Hester for getting a building cleaned up.

Concern was voiced regarding “Google Earth” and pictures taken of home for the Internet.  This is Public information and nothing can be done about it, but should not pose a problem in most cases.

Concerns were raised about the changes in the Bulk Item pickups. A packet of information was given out by Solid Waste Department with revisions and changes.

Many Thanks were given to the police department for  the arrests made in multiple break ins.

Departmental Updates:

Audrey Gill – Durham Parks and Rec.   Reports the Accreditation Process is almost  complete  Information for upcoming Special events was passed out.   They gave a big thank you to Police Officer, Ken Taylor for 30 years service at Edison Johnson.

Neighborhood Improvements – Rick Hester  reports that ComNET (Computerized Neighborhood Environment Tracking) now enables members in Neighborhoods to track improvements needed prioritize repairs with the City.  Interested parties should call Jay Rhinstein at 560-4222.  The training for this works in teams of 3-4 people and takes 1-2 hours.  Darryl will ask Jay to confirm his contact information.  The new Housing Inspector is James Leonti – 560-1467, ext. 252  James.leonti@….

The New Police Sub Station at Eno Square will have a Dedication and Open house on Saturday October 25, from 11:00 to 1:00. Encourage everyone to attend.

Cynthia Mebane-Watts, Community Relations  Coordinator
There is a Foreclosure Workshop coming up and a Town Hall Meeting on October 18 at Golden Belt 12:00 to 3:00 PM.
LandLord training workshop at the Millenium Hotel on November 13. 2008  All day.

Beverly Rush from Argonne Hills Neighborhood presented information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch.  She gave wonderful information on, “What is a Neighborhood Watch” and how to get started.  Printed information will appear on the ListServ soon.

Captain Smith encouraged everyone to call 911 anytime you see something suspicious.  Most times your name will never be given out nor will you be required to appear in Court.   It is very important that you report this activity when it is happening.  He also encouraged everyone to make a list of serial numbers of possessions, especially electronics.  Engrave the item with the serial # when possible.  This will ensure that you get your property back and help aid in arrests being made.

Co-Facilitators Cheryl and Bill offered a contest.  The Neighborhood who can get the most serial numbers recorded will receive a free dinner cooked by Cheryl and Bill.

Retired Officer, Eric Hester was present and brought the Shadow Box he had made displaying his awards, gifts and other special items depicting his history with the Police Department.

COP forms for “house checks” will be brought to the next meeting in time for Holidays.

Meeting Adjourned.
Carolyn Best, Secretary PAC2   clucas8@…