July 2015 Minutes

President Maceo George called the July 28, 2015 meeting of the University Park Civic Association (UPCA) to order at 7:05 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

President George reported that Secretary Judi Wolfe could not attend tonight’s meeting and Laurel Conderman will be taking tonight’s meeting minutes.

Treasurer Earl Kelly reported UPCA currently has 103 members. The checking account balance is $8503.81 and the CD is currently at approximately $18,000. Ed Wey motioned that we accept the Treasurer’s report as presented, seconded by Jeanne Scheck-Denton and the motion was carried. He noted the largest expense over the past month was $99.00 for a poster for UPCA that will be used at various community and UPCA meetings. Funds are available should a community project be identified.

President Maceo George reported the decision was made to hold off on UPCA meeting flyers during the summer due to the hot weather for those volunteers making the flyer deliveries. It would be helpful to increase our email distribution listing for UPCA residents for ease of communication.

Vice President Harry Lang encouraged residents to support our community businesses to ensure they will continue to be available. He suggested offering a services offered and services needed section to the UPCA website. This could increase neighborhood involvement in the UPCA.

Laurel Conderman reported on the July Greater Arlington/Beaches Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC).

Ashley Smith-Juarez, Duval County School Board member was the main speaker for the July CPAC meeting. She shared her enthusiasm for the programs and opportunities for Duval County public school students.

JTA will be holding Arlington community design charrettes (workshops) in August for community input on JTA improvements of area services. Meetings will be held at Jacksonville University location.

Mayor Curry plans to reestablish the Neighborhood Department whose responsibilities will include the 6 area CPACS and engaging the city’s neighborhoods.

Renew Arlington is planning a community charrette tentatively scheduled for September 17th 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to present the draft Master Plan for the Renew Arlington initiative. The three suggested Renew Arlington logos were passed around.

Laurel noted the CPAC meetings are open to the public on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Craig Airport conference room and encouraged anyone interested to contact her to catch a ride to attend the meeting.

President George gave additional detail about Jacksonville Transit Authority hosting charrettes (community workshops) to get public input into planning for the JTA improvements of services. All meetings will be held at Jacksonville University River House.

8/05 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Talking with the community and collecting feedback related to future JTA improvements.

8/06 – 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. – Team will begin developing drawings for possible improvements based on information gathered on 8/05.

8/07 – 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. – JTA team will present finds to the community.

President George noted Renew Arlington project is to revitalize the area addressing transportation needs, code enforcement, crime and public safety issues. The draft Arlington Renew logos were to signify the Arlington area. He noted that Old Arlington Inc. did not favor any of the suggested three logos during their recent meeting.

President George reported the Arlington River Bridge that goes through the Clifton area is scheduled to open October 2015. There will be a bike lane and sidewalk on the new bridge as well as decorative lighting at each end of the bridge.

President George reported on planning for project Arlington Aglow by Old Arlington Inc. This is planned to start an annual tradition to celebrate all that is positive in the Arlington community. The main event will be the lighting of a Christmas tree at Norman Studios at Arlington Road on December 12, 2015. In addition, there is planning for music at Arlington Presbyterian Church, tours of Norman Studios, Jazzland concert, antique fire trucks, classic car show, dancing, and food trucks. Old Arlington Inc. planners encourage participation in this great new tradition. All businesses on Arlington Road have been invited to decorate with white lights. President George would like UPCA to be present and visible at the 12/12/15 event. President George noted he is now on the Board of Old Arlington Inc.

Shirley George spoke about area safety concerns because of a recent incident of attempted burglary. She reminded people to not open your door to anyone unless you are expecting them. There was a recent theft of at a home by people identifying themselves are utility workers and also attempted burglary by someone noting they were trying to retrieve their dog. Remember to lock car doors, keep garage doors down and be alert.

Kevin Gray reported for Crime Watch about area crime noting that the University Park proper has been better than surrounding areas. He noted during time period June to today, reported area crime included 1 home burglary, 1 assault, and 5 larceny arrests.

President George reported ordering lime green collar shirts and vests with the UPCA logo – collar shirts for Board members and lime green reflective vests for volunteers who deliver the monthly flyers along with those assist with area clean up. Jim Shields is placing the order and additional shirts/vests can be ordered at any time needed. It is hoped the shirts and vests will be available at the next UPCA meeting. Wearing the shirts and vests will add more visibility to UPCA in the area as well as at community meetings and is hoped increase interest in UPCA membership.

Ricki Shoraka noted that during a fall cleanup day, the poster sign along with the large UPCA banner could be used to recruit members. Information about Renew Arlington along with University Park Civic Association could be available to distribute at that time.

Kevin Gray reported on the deterioration of the Coppedge street wooden sign on the brick street entrance gate. Susan Pohland will be contacted about replacement of the lettering as it was believed that she and her husband donated this sign a number of years ago.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the University Park Library.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurel Conderman

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