Minutes from the Annual Meeting on March 25th
Wednesday, March 25th at Helmerich Library
Those that attended the 2009 FCHA Annual meeting received a wealth of information and were able to voice their concerns and opinions. Board members present: Bob Slepka, Gary Grover, Tim Kizziar, Gary Williamson, Pam Chronister, Scottie Lawrence, Holly Yeagle. Absent were John Broostin & Josh Rainwater. Guest speakers were Officers of Tulsa Police Department & Crime Commission, Cathy Hill City Neighborhood Liaison, Sherry Helms of Park Friends & FC Parks & Rec., Bill Christensen, Councilman for District 8. Meeting began at 7 pm with introduction of the FCHA Board members present & absent. Bob Slepka reviewed the budget and items of interest for 2009; new mowing contract which will save the HOA estimated $1000 in 2009, sprinkler system installation bid completed and should begin this Spring and completed within 30 days of start date. New bid includes the addition of 81st & Harvard R.O.W. He requested the need for volunteers to join Brookwood one time per month to clean the 81st & Harvard R.O.W. Sign up sheet was available at entrance to meeting. Concern was expressed for a neighborhood watch, so Tim Kizziar sent a sign up sheet for volunteers to get involved in forming solid committees. Gary Williamson discussed block party and future dumpster dates. Gary Grover discussed landscaping and holiday light contest. Holly Yeagle expressed guidelines for Forest Creek email distribution and that residents should not gossip, threaten, solicit business or advertise on the email. Pam Chronister reviewed the budget and membership dues for 2008 & 2009. Scottie Lawrence explained the newsletter and communication efforts of FC.
First guest speaker Sherry Helms of FC Park & Rec. & Pool Savers gave a short but powerful invocation on how much the park and pool affects the value of their property and will harm the ability to sale your home in this community should there be a decline in the Park/Pool Property and homeowners should be inclined to show more support. The pool will not be open for the 2009 season, but efforts are being made by the Pool Saver’s group to raise funds and gain interest in with the City to fix and repair Vensel Creek. She stated to please join Park Friends for $20 to help with cost associated with running electricity, water, landscaping, taxes & insurance at the park. Come by Saturdays 10-12 and she will answer all your questions/concerns. They are holding a Yard Sale to raise funds for their 2009 budget expenses. Bring your unwanted items to the pool on Saturdays & Sundays 10-12 now through April 18th. Support your pool- Do It Now!
Second guest speaker was Dean Mandlebaum from the Tulsa Crime Commission and Three City Police Officers. They gave helpful tips and insights on safety (see page one). Residents expressed concerns on the recent vandalism in our neighborhood by suspected youth residents. The Officers stated to always file a report and call 911 if you suspect or see anything suspicious or kids past curfew. They stressed the importance of being “Nosey Neighbors”! Start a Block Watch & protect your neighborhood. Additional concern was expressed on the excessive speeding down the major arteries of FC and running of stop signs. Officers stated they will begin patrolling the area with notice from our neighborhood. Drug trafficking & selling concern was voiced by a resident who witnesses strange and alarming behavior at the park. If you notice anything, call 911 immediately. You can also report a crime online at: http://www.tulsapolice.org/records/online_report.html
District 8 Councilman Bill Christensen spoke on the topic of Vensel Creek. There is a 2006 third penny money to fix portions of Vensel Creek, but it is not near the pool area. This will be advertised in 2010 and to start in 2011. In addition, there will be no stimulus money to help repair the pool area. Mr. Christensen has organized a District 8 wide meeting to discuss safety issues in South Tulsa on May 11th at Hardesty Library. The Mayor of Tulsa has asked for a 7% department budget cut due to the loss of sales tax revenue. The City gets 3 cents of the sales tax and runs the city budget on 2 cents. The remaining 1 cent or third penny goes to infrastructure and public works. Electronic ticketing has been discussed by City Council as a way to increase revenue. Another concern for the city residents is EMSA fee on their water bill. In June of 09, there will be a 30 day window to opt out or in for that year. Contact the City of Tulsa for further information. Meeting was adjourned at 9 pm. Thank you all for attending and making this meeting the best ever.
