MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2012 MEETING

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2012 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Dottie Dubuisson, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Rose George, Pattie Krakowski, Ann Hill, Eddie Todd, Robin Reshard, Neil Richards, Jim Myatt, Beverly Perry, Kareem Safe el-din, Marlin Mueller, Gloria G. Horning, George Hawthorne, Andrew Rothfeder, Heather Greer and Eleanor Johnson. Guests included at-large City Council candidate Lara McKnight. Minutes were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves, our liaison with the Police Dept., was congratulated on his reappointment by Gov. Rick Scott to the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council. Rev. Reeves is pastor of the Greater Mount Lily Missionary Baptist Church in Pensacola. He noted that there is a growing trend toward home invasions and car thefts and urged everyone to make sure their doors are locked and their house secured. He said most of these break-ins are by people who live in the neighborhood. He encouraged people to dial the new 311 citizen support line for non-police non-emergencies. You can use this number to report potholes and broken sidewalks, burned out streetlights, damaged park equipment and to ask general questions relating to city services. The website is at www.pensacola311.com .

Lara McKnight, who is running for the at-large seat reportedly being vacated by Councilman Sam Hall, is president of the Scenic Heights Neighborhood Association and immediate past president of the Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola, resigning when she chose to run for public office. She noted that the new association has already had some success, including fending off some East Side zoning that a member group opposed. She said her civic involvement began as an angry letter writer, and now she is seeking a seat on City Council because she is concerned that citizens are not always heard at the governmental level. She hopes to add a voice of common sense to the equation.

Vivian Lamont gave an account of the Belmont Youth Band’s recent performances and academic achievements. Ceresa Elliott will be singing the National Anthem at the Blue Wahoos game on Sunday, April 15 at 3:30 pm at the Maritime Park. Graham Louisell and Ramel Price will be playing violin duets, etc. on April 2 at 5:30 pm at the ARC Gateway, 10th Ave. off Fairfield. Students will also perform at UWF’s Festival on the Green at 10 a.m. March 31 and later at Bayview Park on the pier at 6 pm. They will also appear at this year’s Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. Ms. Lamont will again star in the Senior Follies at Pensacola State College. Tickets are $12 each for the shows at 7 pm March 16 and 2 pm on March 17-18.

Dottie Dubuisson gave a brief summary of the recent meetings she has attended, including those of the Downtown Improvement Board and its associated committees, Code Enforcement hearings, the reinstated Environmental Advisory Board and the mayor’s new Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee.

The mayor’s new committee will meet every other Friday for four months (the next one being March 9) from 9:30 to 11 am. The meetings are open to the public and are of great importance to members because they deal with the urban core, including our neighborhood. Each meeting brings in speakers who have a perceived stake in Pensacola’s future. Dolores Curry has been invited by the committee chair Brian Hooper to address the views of the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood.

Members expressed concern that some city officials are suggesting that the city merge and rename some of the downtown districts and change city coding to reflect the new urbanism belief that form is more important than function. While the mayor’s committee has not endorsed this idea that how a building is used is second to how it looks (called a form-based code), some of the key players on the committee want Pensacola to adopt what has worked for Seaside resort near Destin.

Eddie Todd noted that Councilman Brian Spencer wanted to address our group regarding some of the ideas he has for urban redevelopment. We are also still trying to work out a Saturday in late March where we can all walk the DeVilliers corridor and develop priorities on how to improve it. Members expressed concern about the Philadelphia Green / Vacant Land Management presentation Councilman Spencer gave to the City Council. Information regarding this program on the Internet indicates Philadelphia relies on eminent domain to take control of some of the vacant spaces, and no one at the meeting seemed ready to endorse this option.

Ms. Dubuisson discussed a draft plan the Downtown Improvement Board housing committee is working on that might avoid some of these pitfalls in finding ways to provide infill housing. She also noted that the city’s Code Enforcement is aggressively enforcing city ordinances and that homes are being found in violation for maintenance and lack of city sanitation services.

As a result of this group discussion, it was moved by George Hawthorne and seconded by Rosemary Kirkland that we write a formal letter to let the City Council and the Mayor know that we oppose gentrification of our neighborhood in any planning and that we continue to support the original Belmont-DeVilliers mixed-use development plan that was created during neighborhood hearings. The letter will emphasize that we want to protect existing residents, the heirs of property owners, the disabled and the elderly.

We have received permission from the artist to use a musician image for our logo, branding and our neighborhood sign, but the details have not been finalized.

A thank you letter was sent to Councilman Ron Townsend (with a copy to the mayor) for the $500 check to help defray the cost of putting up outdoor banners. We have not heard back from our request to Councilman Spencer. The Rev. John Powell sent a $300 check from the Truth for Youth as a donation from the black history festival. Elvin Jones contributed the $61.25 we owe for taxes to the IRS.

Robin Reshard is looking for a 501(c) 3 to work with her as a fiscal agent regarding donations offered to underwrite her Belmont DeVilliers documentary. She expects the cost of the 90- to 120-munute production to be about $1,000 per filmed minute. She has a professional business plan for such a partnership.

Dr. Gloria Horning is now working with Pathways for Change. That group’s new center at 2050 West Blount will have an open house week beginning April 2. Pathways for Change is a faith-based nonprofit with a mission of changing lives, reducing crime and building futures.

Hot Glass, Cold brew will be back on Friday, March 23. In addition to live glassblowing, pottery and glass bead demonstrations - it's also member appreciation night with surprises for new and renewing members. Enjoy the Belmont’s unique ambiance and talents and partake of some complimentary pizza and beer. Live music will also be provided.

Geraldine Vaurigaud invited everyone to the North Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on Monday (March 12) at 6:30 pm at the new Open Books in Long Hollow Community Center. She said the relocation of the Belmont Arts Center to Long Hollow will be discussed at this meeting.

Ms. Curry asked if anyone would like to attend the Neighborhood Leadership Training classes that will be offered on Tuesday evenings. Please call her if you want to join these highly rated excursions into the depth of city government.

Mr. Hawthorne noted that Paradise Gardens is working to correct its zoning issues and that he expects to make a major announcement soon.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 4, 2012 Belmont-DeVilliers MEETING

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 4, 2012 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Rev. John Powell, Rev. Eugene Franklin, Sheikh Tariq Abdul Aziz, Diane Mack, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Pattie Krakowski, Ann Hill, Eddie Todd, Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis, Tony McCray, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Dicky Hartley, Sonja Evans, Jim Myatt, Omar Williams, Katharine Andrews, Beverly Perry and Burnett Williamson.

Guests included Helen Gibson of Neighborhood Services with the Mayor’s Office and Gregory O’Gwinn and Pansy East of the Oasis Community Center, 317 N. Spring St. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Ms. Gibson gave an update on our PCIP sign grant. The application has been revised and a different type of sign and design might be proposed, but the association will have a chance to review this when it’s all put together.

Ms. Gibson said that Sherry Morris, interim director of the Community Redevelopment Agency, declined to attend the meeting because of her position is interim at this point and she would prefer we work with the as-yet-unnamed new director. Ms. Gibson noted that the proposed rezoning that was to be discussed at this meeting, however, has been tabled to allow neighborhood input. Ms. Gibson said that the tabled rezoning proposals are in line with the land use plan that was recommended in 2004.  Eddie Todd said that the residents has made some suggestions to that plan but those revisions had never been incorporated into the final version.

Ms. Gibson explained that the comprehensive plan preserves the commercial core (the four corners of Belmont and DeVilliers) and perimeter with specific designations for single and multi-family housing. Both Mr. Todd and Ms. Curry said the earlier study revisions that had gotten lost in the changing of Community Redevelopment Agency staff over the years would have given more flexibility to property owners.

Ms. Gibson said the city now has a range of residential zoning and that there would be public input on this before any action would be taken. Ann Hill wondered why she hadn’t received a postcard notifying her of the rezoning recommendations, noting that some of the zoning changes were to parcels of land that touch her backyard. Ms. Gibson said the cards are expensive to mail and that the CRA limited the mailings to people whose property might actually be rezoned. Ms. Curry suggested that any issues relating to the neighborhood be sent to her as the president of the association so that all members could then be notified. Ms. Gibson said she would make that recommendation. She did not know when the new director would be selected.

Gregory O’Gwinn and Pansy East of the Oasis Community Center at 317 N. Spring St. distributed cards with information on how to reach the center. Office: 850-429-7551; email occpensacola@hotmail.com and on Facebook at OasisCommunityCenter. The center offers free rapid (20 minutes) HIV testing through funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Red Ribbon Charitable Foundation. The calendar includes a movie night at 6 pm on Jan. 20 and a Tapas Night at 6 pm on Jan. 27. Wells Fargo financial adviser Donna Gill Spencer will be offering free financial advice for same-sex couples and others on Monday Jan. 9 at 6 pm. Refreshments will be served.

The Rev. Carl Reeves with the Pensacola Police Dept. said we probably had noticed the rash of gun violence and shootings lately. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates any incidence in which an officer is involved. Local officers will not comment until that report is released. Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis suggested that negative information on the victims also not be publicly released until the full report is available and both sides of the issue can be heard.

Vivian Lamont said the Belmont Youth Band has been busy with parades and making card for prisoners. They performed at the Osceola Golf Course and for radio station WRNE’s Christmas program. Ms. Lamont will be playing Lena Horne at 4 pm on Jan. 22 for encore performance of “Our Voices Are Many: Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance” at UWF’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The program is a theatrical presentation of African-American literature and history through poetry and prose, music, song and dance. The cast, consisting of local readers and other performers, presents myriad themes celebrating the voices of historical figures in the performing arts. Ms. Lamont suggests you get there very early if you want a seat.

Tony McCray gave a brief report on the selection of a city department to head up the management team for the Community Maritime Park Association’s stadium and amphitheatre. He also noted there will be an update on the Disparity Study on Monday. The CRA meets at 3:15 at City Hall, followed by the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Neil Richards said the Belmont Arts Center will hold its Valentine edition of Hot Glass, Cold Brew from 5 to 9 pm on Feb. 10. He said Goombay will be holding an organizational meeting on Monday at 4 or 4:30 pm. Some board positions are open.

Diane Mack reminded everyone about the Women’s Civic Forum coming up on Thursday, Jan.12 at 11:45 a.m. at IHMC (Institute for Human and Machine Cognition), 40 S. Alcaniz, Pensacola, with Okaloosa Magistrate Mary Polson as the guest speaker. Ms. Mack said that CNAPP (Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of the City of Pensacola) President Lara McKnight has announced she is a candidate for City Council’s at-large B seat. That seat is now held by Council President Sam Hall, who has said he will not run again in 2012.

Jewel Cannada-Wynn urged everyone to support her in her bid for an Escambia County Commission seat for District 3. Ms. Cannada-Wynn said there are still openings for high school juniors and seniors to join her 9-college tour this spring. Danny Lewis is assisting with this trip organization. Cost is $200 for 2 nights and entertainment tickets, plus $60 for food for the 3 days.

Rev. John Powell gave an update on plans and an upcoming meeting for the Feb. 10-12 Black History Festival. He praised the winners of the art competition and urged members to stop by Gumbo Gallery to see them. A large banner for the festival will be erected at the corner of Palafox and Garden next week.

Dr. Canady-Davis said 4 members have paid dues for 2012 so far. Dues are $24 a year or $2 per meeting. Guests, of course, may attend for free. She also reported that the main library addition is two months behind on construction and renovation of the older section is now scheduled to begin in mid-February.

Sonja Griffin Evans said there will be a family-friendly “After the MLK Parade Gathering” on Jan. 16 at the DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Museum, 500 West Belmont that will begin immediately after the parade. The Martin Luther King Parade itself starts at 11 am at Spring and Garden Streets.

Pattie Krakowski is active with Pensacola Historic Preservation Society, which operates the Desiderio Quina House at 204 S Alcaniz Street. This is the oldest house (built in 1810) that remains on its original lot in Pensacola. It is open for tours and admission is free. Details: www.quinahousemuseum.org .

Ms. Krakowski invited members to attend a free talk titled “How to Create a Better Place to Live” by Christian Wagley at 7 pm Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Bayview Senior Resource Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St., Pensacola. Wagley, who heads Sustainable Town Concepts, will focus on development patterns that encourage more walking, bicycling, and public transit. A similar proposal will be presented to Pensacola City Council at its 5:30 pm meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Geraldine Vaurigaud also provided everyone with a link to her community calendar: www.mycalendars.net/pcolacommunity. To receive email brief weekly community and calendar updates, email her at GTV50@hotmail.com. She also gave out some Pensacola311.com magnets announcing the new 311 phone number for non-emergency citizen support for potholes/street issues; broken streetlights; damaged park equipment and general questions. She discussed the Lemar Advertising / Brownsville mural project and offered to order tickets for anyone who wanted to attend the free all-day leadership skills seminar by John Maxwell with guest Chris Gardner (subject of the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”) at the Civic Center on Jan. 23. Website: www.pensacolaciviccenter.com .

The meeting was closed by Ms. Curry at 6:30 pm.

Minutes of the Nov-Dec meetings of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 7, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Diane Mack, Allen Gibson, Larry King, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Dicky Hartley, Eleanor Johnson, Sonja Evans, Rev. John Powell and Alexa Canady-Davis. Guests included Councilman Brian Spencer, Dr. Gloria Horning, Burnett Williamson, Robin Reshard, Anthony Crawford, Sheikh Tariq Abdul Aziz, Pattie Krakowski, Forrest Ray, Takia Berry, Beverly Perry. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

President Dolores Curry thanked Rose George and Vivian Lamont for their help is setting up and decorating the food table for the association’s annual Christmas gathering.  Dove Chocolatier Burnett Williamson also brought some of her truffles and other treats to share with the group. Ms. Williamson holds free chocolate tasting parties. For more info, she can be reached at 850-432-5493 or 773-627-3137.

Rev. Carl Reeves urged members to take safety precautions during the holidays. The thieves are out, so put your valuables in your trunk.

Vivian Lamont noted that the Belmont Youth Band will be at Paradise Gardens on West Gregory St. from 11:30 to 1:30 on this Saturday. They will be creating Christmas cards for prisoners. On Dec. 15, band members will be part of the jazz program at Oseola Golf Course. On Dec. 22, they will be part of the Seville Square Christmas program. The band was featured in a recent front-page Pensacola Voice article you can read here: http://belmont-devilliers.blogspot.com/2011/12/belmont-youth-band-on-move.html . She noted that two of the youths in the program have received full scholarships at Pensacola State College. She also thanked Councilman Brian Spencer, who serves on the BYB board, for his help in obtaining $1,000 for the band.

Eddie Todd wished everyone a happy holiday and noted that a letter concerning the new logo for the association was forthcoming.

Councilman Spencer noted that January marks the first anniversary of his serving as District 6 councilman. He said his journey has been more spiritual than political and that he now feels more in touch with a greater variety of people than he would have been had he not taken this path. What he wanted to share with the group that he has learned this first year is that we have the opportunity to focus not only on the needs of District 6 but of the entire city and that there should be no fences between districts.

Mr. Spencer discussed the great financial obligation that is facing the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is about to face a $4.3 million annual obligation. He addressed the issue of the CRA staffing, noting that Sherry Morris is heading the agency at present, assisted by chief of neighborhoods Helen Gibson. Both women are certified planners, he said. And now that the city’s interlocal agreement is in place, the mayor has assured Mr. Spencer that a design person will be named after the first of the year.

Mr. Spencer noted beginning in 2013, the CRA will be committed to a $4.3 million annual obligation, which includes the 30-year, $3 million annual obligation for Community Maritime park and a 17-year, $1.3 million annual obligation for the acquisition and demolition of the ECUA plant. In addition, operating expenses for the CRA amount to about $1 million a year, bringing the total to $5.3 million. At present, he said, the CRA receives about $4 million in TIF money. (Background on TIF this is at: http://www.pensapedia.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Community_Maritime_Park&oldid=20158 .)

Obviously, the CRA will be strapped for cash for other projects in the next couple of decades. Councilman Spencer encouraged members to focus on what we can do to identify projects that will enhance the neighborhood and produce more tax revenue. He gave as an example the Hixardt project, in which the city forfeited the value of the land but not the property tax. Mr. Spencer, who is an architect with a great interest in urban planning, said the DeVilliers corridor from Maritime Park to Cervantes is the best for development.  He said the big blocks of emptiness along this corridor are his No. 1 candidate for attention. He urged us to invite Helen Gibson to the January meeting.

Eleanor Johnson noted that she and Tony McCray were among the 2,200 delegates to a recent community development summit in Detroit, Michigan. (Article here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=315427521814350&set=a.275055752518194.75658.196504367040000&type=1&theater ) . She also noted that the appointment with Helen Gibson that she and Dottie Dubuisson had regarding the PCIP grant for the welcome sign was canceled and hasn’t been rescheduled as yet.

Diane Mack was pleased to announce that the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association is joining the Council of Neighborhood Association Presidents of Pensacola. Because of Ms. Curry’s schedule, secretary Ann Hill will be attending meetings and representing the association for Ms. Curry. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 17, so if anyone has any issues they would like to bring to CNAPP, please let Ann know (sfnewsgal at yahoo.com).

Ms. Mack said that any new association needs a “win” and that CNAPP’s first win was in defeating a rezoning issue opposed by the East Side Neighborhood Association.

Rev. John Powell gave an update on the 2012 Cox black history festival on Feb. 10-12, which will be called the Black History Expo 2012: Images in Black. Ms. Lamont and Ms. Curry are serving on the project committee. Deadline is Dec. 16 for submissions to the middle and high school student art exhibit, which will be displayed during the festival. After next week’s meeting the full schedule will be emailed to the neighborhood association membership.  Rose George encouraged the committee members to think outside the box in getting the word out on the festival.

Members voted to give Larry King a $100 check to show their appreciation for his setting up the monthly meeting.

Ms. Curry mentioned the tightening of voter registration requirements in Florida and urged members to get their photo IDs in place before it is time to vote.

Robin Reshard with Robert Robino Productions, 321 N. DeVilliers, Ste. 306,  handed out business cards with the web address of the Belmont-DeVilliers documentary that is in the works. A trailer for the film is also online at www.themakingofaneighborhood.com. Ms. Reshard is also acquiring 3,000 - 5,000 children’s books and 10,000 bookmarks on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to distribute at the MLK Parade on Jan. 16. Volunteer youths will be gathering from 2 to 6 pm on Jan. 12 at Bethel A.M.E. Church to get ready for the book giveaway.

Geraldine Vaurigaud said she’d been working with seniors on artistic fundraising ideas. One of them is an adorable goblet made from a fused candlestick and mason jar. A hole in the lid leaves room for a colorful straw.

The meeting was closed at 6:40 and everyone had a great time enjoying the Christmas feast and catching up on the latest neighborhood news.

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BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2011 MEETING

The meeting was opened at 5:32 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Dottie Dubuisson, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Eleanor Johnson, Sonja Evans, Rev. Eugene Franklin, Alexa Canady-Davis, Sandra Wilson, and Burnett Williamson. Guests included Dr. Gloria Horning, Mack Smith, Elrico Tunstall and Robin Reshard. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves reported that several arrests have been made regarding the copper thieves that were targeting commercial AC units. He also mentioned that the sheriff’s dept. had broken up a crime ring that had set up a shop to fence the stolen goods. He said auto burglary is the No. 1 crime and urged citizens to double-check their cars to make sure they are locked. He noted that anyone hearing gunshots (as one member did) should call 911 even if the exact location isn’t known.

Elrico Tunstall introduced himself and his company, Jump Off Productions. He is a native Pensacolan, veteran of two U.S. Army tours of Iraq, and student at the Los Angeles Film School. Among his credits are: Straight Out of Sweden, a new TV show for the Swedish market; a short documentary Out of the Shadows, highlighting the lives of young adults with developmental disabilities, and casting for two productions in L.A. Mr. Tunstall’s goal is to bring Hollywood-style entertainment and filmmaking to the Gulf Coast. He can be reached at (719) 287-1600, elrico.tunstall@gmail.com or on the web at www.jumpoffproductions.com .

Robin Reshard of Robert Robino Productions, 321 N. DeVilliers, Ste. 306, presented a short and highly professional video on the history of Belmont-DeVilliers after the Civil War. She is doing research for a full documentary on this topic. She is talking with local historians and people who have knowledge of this neighborhood’s past. She welcomes audio and video, as well as non-copyrighted music. Call her at 479-430-AFRO or 850-356-6921 or email her at robin@robertrobino.com .

Treasurer Alexa Canady-Davis reported $2135.06 in our account. Dolores Curry urged those who haven’t paid their dues to do so.

Vivian Lamont announced that the Belmont Youth Band played at the recent Pumpkin Patch at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center. They will play at the Navy base Fire Dept. this Saturday and at Paradise Gardens at 1:30 pm next Saturday during a children’s workshop to make Thanksgiving cards for prisoners. Danny Lewis said a BYB fundraiser is in the planning stage and that the youth band is getting lots of support from the community.

Eleanor Johnson is working on the upcoming production of “Colors of Love” based on children’s books by Ora Wills and Georgia Blackmon. They are looking for young actors ages 10 to 16 to help with the production, which will presented 3-5 pm on Nov. 12-13 at Dorothy’s Dance Plus Studio, 28½ South Palafox. They are also planning another production on April 21 for children’s month.

Ms. Johnson also has spots for artist booths at the next Gallery Night on Nov. 18. Cost of a space is $10. Burnett Williamson sells her special chocolate at this event.

Neil Richards reminded everyone about glassblowers’ annual Glass Jam set for 6 to 10 pm Saturday Nov. 5 during the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.

Dottie Dubuisson reported on an upcoming zoning development meeting by the Downtown Improvement Board regarding possible expansion of the district; extension of the Palafox Farmers Market to possibly be a year-round event; Councilwoman Sherri Myers request for information on sidewalk issues; and a call for RFPs by the CMPA for maintenance management outside the stadium. She mentioned the need to get our U.S. legislators to support the Restore Act. Unless Congress quickly works to enact this act into law, fines paid by BP and others responsible for the oil disaster will be used for unrelated federal spending, instead of going to repair the area that was devastated by the spill.

There are plans for a special Christmas shopping market at Palafox and Gregory.

Ms. Dubuisson also noted that Councilman John Jerralds has replaced Councilman Larry Johnston on the TDC and that Commissioner Grover Robinson resigned from that tourism council.

Ms. Dubuisson and Ms. Johnson were asked to follow up on getting our sign funded through the PCIP grant.

Plans for the Black History Festival Feb. 10-12 include a chili cook-off and Gospel music event.

Forms for making a pledge to buy a brick for the Pensacola Public Library were passed around. Bricks will cost $100. Talk to Gene Fischer, library director; Ben Townes, architect; or Bette Hooton if you have questions. Pledges must be paid by March 1. The new library addition will open by September 2012.

Dr. Gloria Horning reported that Habitat for Humanity received a $26 million grant to build houses. Right now, the agency is looking for people for 117 homes. The most recent project is the Camshire Meadows development on Gulf Beach Highway off Wheeler Road toward Dogtrack. They are planning to build 240 more houses throughout the community. She said that Habitat would be handing over a big check for taxes on their houses at the Escambia County Commissioners meeting on Thursday.

Members voted to have a holiday party after the Dec. 7 meeting, allocating up to $125 for this. Ms. Williamson promised to bring some of her chocolates.

Ms. Curry adjourned the meeting at 6:30 pm.

BELMONT YOUTH BAND ON THE MOVE

Vivian Lamont and Danny Lewis (in front row) are members 

of the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association 

Gulf Power rate hike hearing set for Dec. 12-16

The Florida Public Service Commission will hold a final hearing on Gulf Power's request for the remainder of a 10 percent, or $95 million, annual rate hike from Dec. 12-16.

The PSC will make its final decision on March 12 of next year, and an order authorizing all, a percentage of or none of the $95 million rate hike will be issued April 2.
Gulf Power will then have 30 days from that date to implement the new rates.

If the entire increase is approved, the average residential rate for 1,000 kilowatt hours usage will climb from $122 to $134. If the entire increase is denied, Gulf Power will have to refund customers the revenues received from September's interim 4 percent hike.

The public may attend the PSC hearings in Tallahassee in December, but no testimony will be allowed, and only written comments submitted prior to the hearing will be accepted.

The email addresses of the public commissioners are as follows:

chairman.Graham@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Balbis@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.brise@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Edgar@psc.state.fl.us; commissioner.Brown@psc.state.fl.us

A FEW POINTS ABOUT PENSACOLA-BASED GULF POWER AND ITS PARENT, SOUTHERN COMPANY, WHICH IS PUBLICLY TRADED ON WALL STREET.

(1) 2010 Southern Company reserves were over $55 Billion.
2009 Southern Company reserves were over $53 Billion.
Pretty good to increase your reserves over 2 billion in a bad economy in one year.

(2) Look at this site on prices for power across the country by state.
http://www.electricchoice.com/electricity-prices-by-state.php
Most states are cheaper this year than last -- NOT MORE...!!!

(3) Thomas A. Fanning
Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer
SOUTHERN CO (SO)
Headquarters: ATLANTA, GA
Electric Gas And Sanitary Services
In 2010, Thomas A. Fanning received $6,019,151 in total compensation.
By comparison, the median worker made $33,190 in 2010.
Thomas A. Fanning made 181 times the median worker's pay.

Don't you really want to take a minute and tell the PSC not to give Gulf Power that 10% increase on the bills of the 99% in Pensacola? We have more than 3,000 people who have liked our page so far. If even a third of them wrote the PSC members, maybe we could budge them.

Anyone going to Tallahassee for the hearing Dec 12-16? Maybe we could form a car pool.

Thanks for reading this!

Ann Hill
sfnewsgal at yahoo dot com

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5, 2011 MEETING OF THE BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

The meeting was opened at 5:40 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Dottie Dubuisson, Vivian Lamont, Rev. Carl Reeves, Ann Hill, Rose George, Eddie Todd, Dr. Gloria Horning, Danny Lewis, Neil Richards, Rev. John Powell, Diane Mack, Jim Myatt, Geraldine Vaurigaud, Eleanor Johnson. Guests included Councilwoman Sherri Myers, Councilman Brian Spencer, Barbara Mayall, Burnett Williamson, Sandra Wilson, Stephen Embry and Dicky Hartley. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Rev. Carl Reeves noted that more police cruisers are covering the neighborhood. Copper thieves are on the increase, targeting commercial AC units from about midnight until 4 am. He urges citizens to call the police if they see anything suspicious.

Councilwoman Sherri Myers described how she won her council seat with about $400 in contributions and less than $2,000 of her own funds, with no campaign literature and only a few signs with her slogan “Change YES, short-changed NO” at strategic locations. She won by doing a lot of door-to-door walks despite her “broken feet.” She urges folks not to let big money intimidate them. Although she supported the new charter, she is not happy with the way it is being interpreted and the way City Council is being “beaten into the ground.” She encourages residents to read the charter and study it to learn that it gives power to citizens through the mechanism of a referendum petition. Such a referendum petition could be filed to repeal the recent ESP gas rate hikes, for example. The charter link can be found at www.cityofpensacola.com/pages/?pageID=19752 .

To exercise the petition option, Ann Hill explained that Article VII (p13ff) outlines the procedure:

(1) A notarized committee list of 10 Pensacola-only electors must be presented to the city clerk (Ericka Burnett) within 60 days of passage of the ordinance in question.

(2) Once the committee is approved, the clerk will give the group an “official” form on which the proposed ordinance/amendment must be written. The form will contain a place for the voter’s official voting name and address, and the person collecting the petitions must vouch for these signatures.

(3) Each signature must be on a separate sheet of paper, and a copy of the ordinance must be attached to each sheet.

(4) At present, 3,790 valid signatures (10% of the number of votes cast in the last general election) must be presented to the clerk during business hours and within 60 days of the receipt of the official form.

(5) Once the names are verified by the supervisor of elections (within 10 days), the City Council must pass the initiative or repeal the original ordinance, and if the ordinance is not passed, it will go before the voters in not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days.

Councilwoman Myers also noted that the City Code including all new ordinances that have passed is also online. The gas rate hike (Ordinance 28-11) at the bottom of the page: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=11418&stateID=9&statename=Florida

Vivian Lamont announced that the Belmont Youth Band is now incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and that Councilman Brian Spencer and Danny Lewis are on the board of directors. The band is selling $5 tickets to Belk’s 4-hour Charity Sale from 6 to 10 am on Nov. 5 at Cordova Mall. The entire purchase price of the tickets is donated to the band, plus the ticket price will be refunded to customers on their first purchase. Also, the first 300 shoppers in the door that morning receive a free gift card valued up to $1,000. The as-much-as-70% off sale includes rarely discounted brands. Purchase tickets from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturdays at the Belmont Bldg. at

401 N. Reus St.

and from 1 to 8 pm on Saturday Oct. 15 and 22 at the Belmont Youth Band table inside the Mall just outside Belk’s store. Call Ms. Lamont to arrange other purchases: 850-458-6744.

Ms. Lamont and Neil Richards reported that the Belmont Youth Band will be playing at the Belmont Arts Center’s 5th annual Pumpkin Patch sale from 10 am to 2 pm this Saturday, Oct. 8. The glass guild will offer more than 500 hand-blown glass pumpkins in a profusion of colors, sizes and styles.

On Nov. 5 from 6 to 10 pm, you can watch live demos by some of the best glassblowers in the country and bid on their creations during the Glass Jam at the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. New art class schedule at http://www.belmontartscenter.com .

Mr. Richards also noted that Goombay is being reorganized and will take place this spring.

The Rev. John Powell said his Truth for Youth organization has been working on plans for a 3-day “PENSACOLA BLACK HISTORY EXPO 2012: Celebrating Images in Black” Feb. 10-12.

Sonja Griffin Evans of Gumbo Gallery sent a reminder about the Estevanico Arts & Gospel Festival Oct. 14-16, running 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 on Sunday. Read all about it at www.downtownpensacola.com/estevanico/ or call the DeVilliers Heritage Museum at 850-602-5205. Word has it that Pensacola native and author Walter H. Richardson will be on hand during the festival to sign his book “How Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression Era Success Story." For details call Gumbo Gallery at 850-912-6806.

Walter Wallace thanked the association for its contribution to fixing up the Sickle Cell Anemia quarters. He noted the group’s recent banquet and bike-a-thon were successful. He reported, however, that his organization is having difficulty getting into schools and talking with coaches about the sickle-cell trait, which can bring on a crisis during sports activities. He also said that some doctors are turning away sickle-cell patients.

Mr. Wallace was pleased to report that the Woodland Heights community center will be located at Highland Park as his neighborhood association had requested. They are selecting an architect at present to draw up their new creative design. He invited our members to attend the Woodland Heights association meeting on the 4^th Monday of the month at 7 pm at Bethel A.M.E. Church,

511 Woodland Drive

. Next meeting is Oct. 24.

The group congratulated Dr. Gloria Horning on joining the Human Relations Commission and her new position with Habitat for Humanity. Several members expressed their eagerness to work with her in finding a housing design that would blend into the historic nature of Belmont-DeVilliers. Dr. Horning was invited to address the association at November’s meeting.

Diane Mack discussed the “Who, Me? - Yes, You! Encouraging Women to Run for Political Office” FREE seminar (also known as “Don’t Get Mad – Get Elected”) set for at 5:30 pm on Monday, Oct 10 at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition,

40 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola

. Guest lecturer is Sandra B. Mortham. RSVP to 850-438-0207 or dianepmack@gmail.com.  Ms. Mack noted that the U.S. ranks 87^th in number of women in elected office, lower than 86 other countries in the survey.  This event is sponsored by Women’s Civic Forum; Delta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pensacola Chapter; and Pensacola Women’s Alliance.

Councilman Brian Spencer reported that he is also working with Habitat for Humanity on its design concept. He said rebuilding a neighborhood must go beyond repairing and move toward restoring. He shared an inspirational message he had received that morning from a friend who remains optimistic during some very challenging days. His friend reminded him that a stereotype may contain some truth but is never the complete picture. Councilman Spencer said that diversity must move beyond words and be put into action and he encouraged the association to continue doing this.

Danny Lewis also said he is working with Habitat for Humanity to measure its footprint in the community.

Rose George gave a library report for Dr. Alexa Canady-Davis. (1) The Sept. 20 benefit at the Fish House raised $250,000. (2) The contract for the Molino library will be awarded this week. (3) The West Side library on Cervantes will be moved into larger quarters that will house other resources. (4) 2 fundraisers coming up, one in which memorial brick pavers will be sold for $100 each, and the other a dinner Friday, Oct. 14 sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Special guest is Alex Kava, New York Times best-selling author of psychological suspense novels. Time: 5:30 to 6 p.m. hors d'oeuvres and cash bar; 6:00 p.m. dinner and program; Seville Quarter’s Heritage Hall,

148 E. Government Street

. Cost $30. RSVP deadline was Oct. 3, but call Bette at 850-969-0001 to see if they can add you. Ms. Rose said Dr. Canady-Davis would be happy to clarify any part of the report: 850-477-7091. The new library will be open by September 2012.

Ms. George also said that Delta Make a Difference Day on Oct. 22 will include a quality sale of “Everything’s a $1” at 601 W. Belmont. Funds raised from the sale will be used to help restock Manna Food Bank and to help meet the group’s pledge for the Mall to Mall Walk for the Cancer Foundation. Email her for donation details: rgeorge9592@yahoo.com .

Regarding the move of the West Side Library to a new resource center, Mr. Wallace questioned whether students living in Attucks and Morris courts would be able to commute to a new location without difficulty. He thought the building would cost more than the $1.5 million allocated, and Councilman Spencer said that the commitment is $3 million. Mr. Wallace suggested several city-owned properties on

J St.

and Jackson that might make a good location for the new library.

Dottie Dubuisson gave an update on the disparity studies regarding measuring minority hiring and contracting for the Maritime Park project. She noted that George Hawthorne, Audra Carter and Tony McCray are involved in this work. Mr. McCray is also extending the work of the Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity (REAP) Summit.

Ms. Dubuisson also reported that a Spanish sister-city delegation from Macharaviaya, including Mayor Antonio Campos and Councilman Jose Luis Garcia, will join a wreath-laying ceremony at Fort George on

Palafox St.

at 9 a.m. on Oct. 8 and a Family Cultural Immersion program introduction at the Perry Mansion at 1:30 p.m. that same day. The Galvez Celebration Committee organized the visit to help celebrate the legacy of Spanish Gen. Bernardo de Galvez, who helped recapture Pensacola from the British in 1781 at the storied Battle of Pensacola at Fort George. PNJ article at http://www.pnj.com/article/20110926/NEWS01/109260310/Delegation-visit-Pensacola-from-Spanish-sister-city?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Ms. Dubuisson plans to attend a DIB Redistricting Meeting on Oct. 22. She reminded everyone of the 14,000 pound food giveaway at Oakcrest Elementary School, 1820 Hollywood Ave., Pensacola, on Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 3 pm. Details: Cathy Harris, president/founder, Streets and Lanes Ministry, SM, P.O. Box 42, Cantonment, FL 32533, 850-324-1951 www.streetsandlanesministry.com . This group also hosts a weekly feeding and prayer from 1 to 2 pm at Corrine Jones Park at W Intendencia and S Coyle in Pensacola.

Ms. Dubuisson praised the recent live taping session of the Pensacola reading from the book “When Black Folks Was Colored.”  The event was sponsored by the Pensacola State College Black History-Multicultural Committee and the African American Heritage Society.

Ms. Dubuisson said that a number of red leaf maple and oak trees, as well as about 100 four o’clock flowering bushes are available free for planting. Contact her for details.

Members were invited to attend a FREE presentation at 10 am this Saturday Oct. 8 by attorney Gerald McKenzie to discuss winning fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations in difficult times. Attorney McKenzie holds an MBA in finance from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania; a BA in economics from Swarthmore College and his juris doctorate from Widener University Law School. His meeting at

301 N. Barcelona St.

is sponsored by the Gathering Awareness and Book Center and by the Grover and Sara McKenzie Family Foundation. RSVP: 850-438-7285.

Geraldine Vaurigaud reminded everyone about the all-day 18^th annual Big Community Cookout at the Fricker Resource Center, 900 North "F" St., on Saturday, Oct. 8, beginning at noon. Enjoy a day of free food and great entertainment by local recording artist, groups, soloists along with some contests, and fun events!

Eleanor Johnson said that Art in the Park will be extended down

Palafox St.

along Chase, Gregory and Belmont during the next Downtown Gallery Night on Oct. 21. Artists interested in displaying their work can contact Ms. Johnson at 678.754.5743 or dansart9@cox.net or Pam Turner, 850-434.2525. Cost for a table or tent is $10.

Ms. Curry adjourned the meeting at 6:30 pm.

URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DOLORES CURRY, BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DOLORES CURRY, BELMONT-DEVILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

If you read the paper this morning, you know that the City Council voted 5-4 to support the 10% rate increase in ESP gas rates proposed by Mayor Ashton Hayward. The deciding swing vote came from Councilman Ronald Townsend, who has been against this rate increase until now. Mr. Townsend said he changed his vote in part because no one was at the meeting to voice their objections. That is why I am urging you to call him RIGHT NOW to let him know that he should VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSED RATE INCREASE at the next hearing on Sept. 28.

 

Councilman Townsend's home phone is 850-433-0174 and his cell phone is 850-450-3257. If he doesn't answer, please leave a message with your name and phone number.

 

The other councilmen who voted in favor of this rate increase are: Councilmen Brian Spencer, John Jerralds, Sam Hall and Larry Johnson. Voting against the rate hike were: Council members Megan Pratt, Maren DeWeese, Sherri Myers and P.C. Wu.

 

Please forward this email to your neighbors!

 

Dee Curry

President

Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association

 

PS The article is at http://www.pnj.com/article/20110917/NEWS01/109170325/Pensacola-City-Council-favors-10-rate-hike-natural-gas  You can also post your comments there.

Proposal could cost ESP residential customers an extra 10 percent

Written by Thyrie Bland for Pensacola News Journal

The Pensacola City Council voted 5-4 on Friday in favor of a proposal to increase gas rates an average of 10 percent for residential customers.
The measure also will increase the rate 6.9 percent for commercial businesses.
The hearing at Pensacola City Hall was the first of two needed before the proposal can go into effect.
The council will vote on it again Sept. 28.
Mayor Ashton Hayward included the rate hike in his proposed 2011-12 budget. It has been a point of contention for some council members.
Council members John Jerralds, Sam Hall, Larry Johnson, Brian Spencer and Ronald Towsend voted in favor of the proposal. Council members Megan Pratt, Maren DeWeese, Sherri Myers and P.C. Wu voted against it.
Don Suarez, director of Energy Services of Pensacola, said the rate hike is needed for operating costs and improvements to ESP's infrastructure. ESP is a city-owned utility company.
"I would like to tell you there is some room for negotiation with the rate, but there isn't," Suarez told the council.
Hall said he voted for the increase because the council has punted on needed upgrades to ESP's system for the last four years.
"It's the reason that such a big increase is needed this year," he said.
Hall said he hopes the public will understand the council's decision and support it.
"Regardless of what the public opinion is, I feel like it's my fiduciary responsibility to keep the economic health of Pensacola intact," Hall said.
Myers said she could not vote in favor of the increase because of the bad economy.
She said she attended Thursday's meeting about Gulf Power's $93.5 million rate increase and heard many people talk about the tough times they are facing financially.
"I cannot in good conscience vote for this," Myers said.
Dick Barker, the city's finance director, urged the council to approve the increase.
"ESP is the biggest contributor to the city's general fund," he said. "Just be careful you don't kill it."

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110917/NEWS01/109170325/Pensacola-City-Council-favors-10-rate-hike-natural-gas-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE