WGNA

Quarterly Meeting Minutes

July 26^th , 2012

I. Call to order

Doris Lafayette called to order the regular meeting of the WGNA at 7:01 p.m. on 7/26/12 at the North Texas Area Christian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer were recited.

II. Roll call

Doris Lafayette conducted a roll call and all members and attendees introduced themselves. The following persons were present: All officers except Ellen Fong, Glenna Brown with Environmental Waste Services.

III. Approval of minutes from last meeting

Minutes for the last quarterly meeting were published on the WGNA website and motion was made for them to be approved and seconded by Fay Runnels. Treasurer Dianna Diaz reported the treasury balance was at $475.81.

IV. Old Business

The Utility Rebate Program was brought up and one member noted taking advantage of the program and its benefits. The program is currently set to expire 9/30/12 and there is word that is may be extended/renewed.

V. Open Issues/New Business

· Yard of the Month updates were given and members are asked to nominate worthy yards for consideration. The topic of utilizing Calloway’s Nursery Good Neighbor Program is being discussed in participation of our beatification efforts.

· Dairy Queen that was damaged by fire at Plano Rd. and Buckingham applied for a permit in March and received a permit for demolition on April 16^th. That is the latest to date and it is recommended that Planning and Zoning be contacted for further information and Robert Vera (member) is attending to the follow up for us.

· National Night Out for 2012 will be on October 2^nd. We are starting to take volunteers and form the committee.

· Many issues were discussed among citizen attendees with regard to Code Enforcement; tall grass, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, loud music and stolen tailgates.

· Another concern is homeless people and what resources we can use to address the problem. A specific case is one homeless individual that loiters the Walnut/Jupiter/Plano Rd. boundaries and has been witnessed nude and bathing in the creek; efforts are being made to address this individual through GPD, HUD programs but it seems the line may need to be drawn to outside sources such as charities/facilities in order for this person to be reached.

· It was announced that long-time resident and Parks Department employee, David Greer, will soon be moving out of the area.

· Glenna Brown with Environmental Waste Services presented insight and information regarding our recycling program.

o While some blue recycle bins have been distributed, a phase-in approach is being devised for the remaining citizens due to the budget for the bins as well as new trucks to accommodate the route pick ups. For the recycle bins that have been issued, it is reported that recycling has shown a significant increase.

o Recycling items are single stream meaning all types of recyclables may be placed together, ie; plastic, paper, aluminum. All plastics are now acceptable for recycle but no #6 materials which is Styrofoam. The current red bins may be used in this manner and additional items may be bagged and placed with the red bins as long as black trash bags are not used for recyclable items. Do not place heavy glass (wine/beer bottles) in bags as they are likely to break and cause broken glass on the street. Remember to rinse food containers that you are recycling to ward off odor, flies, rodents or stray pets. Keep brush and bulk trash separate from each other. Brush is taken to the Wood Recycling Facility in Rowlett for shredding and chipping and is then diverted into mulch that is free to all residents. (Must load yourself). Also noted, that while phone books can be recycled, there is the ability to opt out of receiving phone books altogether.

· Keep Garland Beautiful (KGB), an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful is an active committee that is responsible for coordinating a Spring Trash Bash and Fall Trash Bash. This is a city-wide clean-up effort that uses volunteers to pick sections of a neighborhood, common area or specific location to pick up trash and debris. Our Fall Trash Bash will be on September 8^th followed by a picnic.

· Garland’s annual Healthy Living Expo will be held September 22, 2012 at the Curtis Culwell Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include numerous exhibits and informational resources to teach more about personal health, environmental health and safety issues. Free health screenings will be available as well as the opportunity to donate or recycle a multitude of items. For more information you can visit the website at www.garlandgoesgreen.org . Support the recycle industry!

· Lee Elms recently graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy.

I. Adjournment

Doris Lafayette adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Minutes submitted by: Lesley Henry, Secretary

Minutes approved by: