Meeting:  10/23/2007 at 7:30pm


In attendance:  Please see sign-in sheet

Treasurers Report:  Our current total is:  $1,651.52.  However, BHIA received $204.00 from the Lauraville Fair, as well as a $100.00 donation from Atlantic Catering.  This would bring our current total to:  $1,955.52.  BHIA has spent no money in the past two months.  BHIA continues to brainstorm for ideas to generate increased dues participation from all BH residents.  Additionally, the notion of increasing dues (effective 2008) was discussed. Currently, no other neighborhood associations have annual dues that are greater than
$10.00 per household.  In 2007, approximately 60 households paid their annual dues.  All members in attendance were asked to think about ways to increase our dues participation and to bring all ideas to the next BHIA meeting (11/27/2007).

BHIA Website/Newsletter:  While there is no BH newsletter in circulation, this is an idea that has been discussed previously.  BHIA would like to have a newsletter to circulate to households via block captains, email, website, etc.  If possible, BHIA would like to begin circulating a newsletter (6 newsletters per year?) in 2008.  The notion of obtaining donations from local vendors was discussed as a way to decrease direct cost of newsletter.  Katrina reminded everyone that Leslie Miller/BH Neighbor offered to assist with the newsletter as long the content (for the newsletter) was made available.  A BHIA website is currently under construction.  Shan Abeywickrama is in the process of developing the website.

NOGLI Annual Meeting:  This event was held on 10/20/2007.  The event was well received by the community.

Zoning Issues:  Rebecca Crew/Neighbor discussed the proposed cell phone tower on Bevdon Lane.  The first zoning hearing (10/2/2007) scheduled to discuss this matter was postponed.  It is unclear when the rescheduled zoning hearing will occur.  BHIA voted on the matter and agreed to submit a letter voicing our opposition to the tower. Rebecca agreed to complete and submit this letter to CRP.

Crime:  Ned suggested inviting a representative from the NE police district to speak at the 11/2007 BHIA meeting.  Mike Hilliard/HARBEL explained that the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is proposing a 4 day/10 hour per day work week for NE district police officers.  This will create an overlap of on-duty officers between the hours of 9:00pm-2:00am.  The pilot of this new program will begin at the end of 10/2007.  Additionally, the Cameo's liquor license was sold/transferred.  A new restaurant is scheduled to take over the
Cameo's old location.  The new owner has been very receptive to the community's concerns about the previous happenings at the Cameo; he is willing to work with the community to avoid any similar situations that the Cameo created.

Dott Property:  It is believed that there is an active offer on the table for the Dott Property; however, it is unclear if a contract has been officially ratified.   Katrina explained that it has been explained to her that once the contract is accepted, the new owner of the property has agreed to meet with the community to discuss plans for the property.  Concerns were voiced over this notion, as BHIA would prefer to meet with the potential purchaser of the Dott property to learn their plans for the property BEFORE a contract is signed.  In the past, interested purchasers wanted to create rental apartments for the property (in order to generate enough money to make the purchase of the property worthwhile).  BHIA does not feel that rental properties would be good for the community.

HARBEL Boat Cruise:  This annual fundraising event is scheduled for 10/28/2007 (from 5:00pm-8:00pm) upon the Bay Lady at the Inner Harbor. Tickets are $50.00/each; there will be a DJ and dancing!  HARBEL is also sponsoring a raffle – tickets are $5.00/each or 3 tickets for $10.00; Winners will receive 2 nights stay in a Bed & Breakfast in Cecil County, a CD system from Boscov's or a diamond earring & necklace from a local jeweler.  Please contact Mike Hilliard if you are interested in purchasing tickets.

Transportation:  Our local contact (Gabriel Gaines) from the City's Department of Transportation did not attend the meeting.  However, Ned will be applying for a calming study to address transportation issues through the BH community.  Katrina reminded everyone that Jamie Kendrick/Baltimore City Department of Transportation did a wonderful job on removing the existing barricade near Safeway.  A sidewalk and planters have been installed in place of the barricade.

Lauraville Fair 2007:  BH participated in this year's Lauraville Fair.  We had a snow cone stand.  Many thanks to all the neighbors who helped to work the stand!  BH received a $100.00 donation from Atlantic Catering; Atlantic Catering also donated the snowball supplies.  Lauraville also refunded the application fee (to BH). Katrina reminded everyone to start planning for BH's participation in next year's fair – please start thinking of ideas to raise money for BH!

Local Events:  Senator McFadden will be addressing the Baltimore City deficit.  He will be speaking at Glenmont Elementary/Middle School on
10/24/07 from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Herring Run Park Cleanup:  10/27/2007 from 9:00am-12noon

Free fall tree give away:  410.396.7900

COP Training:  Contact HARBEL for additional information

Baltimore City Leaf Collection:  Occurs on the second trash day of the week; now through 1/2008.  Please place leaves in clear or labeled bags. Bulk Trash:  Ned is working on scheduling this service for BH.  Mike Hilliard/HARBEL offered to assist with this, as he has a contact through Cleaner, Greener Baltimore.