WGNA Meeting July 28^th 2011 Minutes 7/28/11 D. Mc Allister

The West Garland Neighborhood Association meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by President Doris Lafayette in a meeting room of the North Texas Area Christian Church.  She introduced all the WGNA Board members present, noting that only Treasurer Diana Diaz was absent.  As the current Secretary had recently died, Doris gave a brief tribute to Bobby Wood and her past efforts in education and work in the WGNA.

All recited a Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer.  Ellen Fong reported the Treasury had the same amount in it as the prior meeting, $475.81.  There were no minutes from the previous meeting to read as the Secretary had not been present; however, the Agenda passed out by the President covered most of the items from that meeting. 

Old Business:  Doris announced the need to form a National Night Out Committee to get things rolling as it was scheduled for October 4^th.  A sign-up sheet was passed around and got enough names to form a committee.

A discussion was opened on working on a better definition for the Yard of the Month awards (YOM).  Ken Agee and Doris have been doing the work to chose the awards.  The signs are expensive to make up and it was suggested closing the award down during the winter when yards really aren’t that well maintained.  Ken also suggested we limit the signs to 2 home award and one floating award for either home or commercial awarding. It will be tried.

New Business:  Doris noted that the Garland Citizen Police Academy classes are enrolling again for 12 classes to start on August 24^th.  She found them very informative.  She noted that on-line reporting of non-emergency crimes was now available.  She noted the types of crimes that should be reported on the web site.

It was noted that Garland was in a Stage One Drought Situation and to please observe the correct watering polices to help out and to try and keep power usage down between 3 PM and 7 PM, high volume times. 

Doris also noted the low cost pet services available at the Garland Animal Control facility.  The clinic was on  July 30 so if you would like low cost vaccinations, registration with the city, and micro-chipping at a minimum, try to make it.

Lori Dotson, the new City Council member for Area 5 was not present, but her email communications were found to be very informative with the crime report and restaurant ratings.

There will be a Healthy Living Expo on September 24^th at Naaman Forest Activity Center.  Fran Brown noted that the affair last year was very successful, especially with collecting approximately 86 lbs of old drugs, mainly pills.  Jeanette King asked how they were disposed after that.  Fran said she would find out for next time.

Misc:  David & Anita Morehead advocate walking your neighborhood to get better acquainted with the folks living there.    Fran Brown noted the success of getting a crosswalk and flashing light across Walnut to the new Hollabaugh Center, making it safer to access for the children.  Allen ?, scoutmaster, noted the trip taken by the local scout troop to cooler country.

As we have several folks on city boards, it was suggested they be contacted about help with the National Night out.  Doris also opened the floor to nominations to fill the Secretary position; duties would include taking minutes, correspondence needed, and keeping the membership list up to date.  A back-up name would also be nice to have.  No one volunteered so she left it open

The signs announcing the WGNA meetings total 9 now, Ken Agee and Doris have been putting them out.  Jeanette King took two of them to put out next time.

Ken Davis asked if anyone knew of someone who could check on an elderly relative  during the current heat wave, Ellen Fong took the person’s name and will give it to her church, which does checking on the elderly.  Fran Brown thought it would be a good idea to keep an eye on the elderly in your neighborhood and some of the younger folks too due to the economy and high heat.

Doris adjourned the meeting at 7:52 PM.