Minutes of the Jan. 9, 2013 meeting of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

Please note that the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association meets monthly on the first Wednesday of the month unless otherwise notified:

Feb. 6

March 6

April 3

May 1

June 5

July 3 (probably won't meet on this date)

August 7

Sep 4

Oct 2

Nov 6

Dec 4

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 9, 2013 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Eddie Todd, who reaffirmed that he will try to hold the meetings to one hour. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Vivian Lamont, Dottie Dubuisson, Sheikh Yusef Aziz, Ann Hill, Eleanor Johnson, Beverly Perry, Eddie Todd, Dr. Alexa Canady Davis,  Rev. John H. Powell, Lloyd Reshard, Tony McCray Jr., Diane Mack, Neil Richards, Sonja Griffin Evans, Diane P. Robinson, Jim Myatt, Jessica A. Griffen, John Rigsby, Eddie Todd, and Councilman Brian Spencer. Guest Dave Keighley, new administrator at Southern Oaks Rehabilitation Center, was introduced.   

Minutes were read and approved.  

The Rev. Carl Reeves sent his regrets at being unable to attend the meeting.

Vivian Lamont said the Belmont Youth Band gave 35 performances in 2012. They are currently holding the free Saturday music lessons from 10 to noon at the Fricker Center but are working to get another building at the Longhollow Center. Councilman Brian Spencer praised the BYB’s Christmas performance at the Downtown Rotary Club. The band received $631 from a fundraiser set up by Councilman Spencer that was at the old Sacred Heart Hospital on 12th Avenue. 

Neil Richards yielded his report time to Councilman Spencer.

Pattie Krakowski gave an update on the Emerald Coast Animal Alliance’s grant for low-cost spay and neutering for those earning $25,000 or less. Details at www.spayyourpets.org. They are looking for volunteers and locations to sign up pet owners. Upcoming registration dates: Jan. 22, 23 and 26 at the Downtown YMCA, 410 N. Palafox St. See site calendar for time and details.

Dottie Dubuisson said she was “on strike” regarding her report because members have not been attending governmental and other meetings she’s announced. She did report on the Planning Board’s suggestion that the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood move forward on a binding zoning overlay. While we have participated in developing plans and reports, no ordinances to effectuate these plans are in place as yet. Ms. Dubuisson also gave an update on the new committee for Veterans Park. She also discussed developments at the Downtown Improvement Board and the Running of the Colors event.

Diane Mack, who serves on the DIB’s Maintenance and Beautification Committee, discussed her ideas for public art projects, such as one sponsored at Iowa City, where local knitters are making colorful sweaters for trees.  UWF wants to set up free public pianos at various locations, with the first one heading for Community Maritime Park during the Wahoos baseball season.

Ms. Mack also reported on Rebuild Northwest Florida’s outreach to Escambia County residents for hardening about 3,000 more homes to make them more hurricane-proof. About 75% of the cost is underwritten by FEMA, with the remainder paid by the homeowner. Deductions in property insurance after this hardening can also help pay for the initial cost.

Alexa Canady Davis gave a report on the upcoming ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebrations at the Main Library. She reminded members that the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association was instrumental in keeping the Main Library in its present location.

Councilman Spencer congratulated Dr. Canady Davis as a member of the Library board on the success of the renovation project. He noted that he will be in talks with Habitat for Humanity regarding his concern that their current house plans do not mesh with the historic and architectural styles of the communities in which they are constructed. He also discussed the hiring of Dr. Lila Cox as the council’s executive and point person to help research and fill the gaps in council rules and procedures and the council’s funding of the Municipal Charter School study.  He noted that many would-be residents or current residents choose to move to Gulf Breeze or Pace because of the schools there. He said good schools are an economic development tool.

Members voted to ask the mayor to name Christian Wagley as his liaison to the county’s RESTORE Act Advisory Committee.

The Rev. John Powell gave a report on the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. He noted that the lieutenant governor will be in town for this event. Details are forthcoming. Rev. Powell also noted that a Black History celebration is in the planning for Feb. 9.

Dolores Curry said the city has sent a check to the sign maker for the Belmont-DeVilliers sign and banners. She said members need to get started working off the 1,000 volunteer hours (over one year) that are a required match for this grant. Dr. Canady Davis said Del Teens would probably help.

Lloyd Reshard said the B-D documentary is nearly complete and noted the article on Robin Reshard  in the Pensacola News Journal. Sales of the CD are strong and the DVD should be out in February. Mrs. Reshard is looking for volunteers to help prepare for the 5,000 new books and 10,000 bookmarks that will be distributed at the MLK Parade on Jan. 21. Details on this will be sent separately.

Sonja Griffin Evans reported that the DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Society’s Progressive Dinner Party on Dec. 21 was a great success and even made the society column. Attendees came from as far away as Lakeland, Fla. She’s had request for a repeat performance next year and maybe even a second progressive dinner for the spring. She praised the performance by 11 members of the Belmont Youth Band. Ms. Griffin also invited everyone to the gathering after the MLK parade. Details forthcoming.

Dr. Canady Davis collected dues. Members voted to change the approved check-writing persons for the association to now be these B-D association officers: Dr. Alexa Canady Davis (treasurer), Eddie Todd (president) and Ann Hill (secretary). She gave Mr. Todd and Ms. Hill forms to fill out and give to the association’s bank.

Eddie Todd said he is in discussions with David Hawkins regarding Gulf Power’s plans to.upgrade the Jackson St. station. The association would like to see aesthetic improvement to the wall there. He said that station provides electricity for both downtown and the Port. Mr. Todd gave an outline of some of his goals for the association in 2013, including housing, the website and an annual calendar of events. A presentation on these objectives is set for the Feb. 6 meeting.

Higher Heights  Escambia (www.higherheightsescambia.com ) is offering a number of workshops. Details to be sent separately. John Rigsby also noted an upcoming discussion of the RESTORE Act as it relates to Escambia County.

Mr. Todd closed the meeting at 6:30 pm.