Russell Hopson called meeting to order at 6:50 PM and opened meeting with a quiet moment of reflection.

Community Pride

Earth Day Tire Clean Up:
A-Tow chipped in with a truck & crew. Other residents brought their trucks. We moved 5-600 tires pre-collected plus the last tires from Blashfield.

Community Reports

Police Reports:
Lt. Dodds, the Zone 3 evening commander, encouraged the body to report illegal dumping to 911 and to be sure to give a thorough description of the vehicle and people to the police. He reported that the crime stats continue to go down for Zone 3 and that the prevailing issue for the area is property crime. Fran mentioned that currently Carver High School students walking off campus and causing problems. Neighbors have seen the kids involved with drugs and even have witnessed a gun being shot. The police recommended calling in for an extra patrol – called 89 – during that time period. Also can go down and fill out a form requesting an 89. He also recommended doing that when you leave town. Chris volunteered to go to Zone 3 office to pick up a form and request an extra patrol for Gammon area for the period when school gets ends.

No elected officials were present.

Committee Reports:

• Beautification: Chris is planning something for mid-June. The desire is do a clean-up/beautification project every other month. He announced that we’re hoping to work with A-Tow and
  Bridgestone to collect more tires in the future.

Community Business

The Socials and Fundraising Committee spoke under business. Fran announced that the kickball tournament is two weeks away. Teams are asked to be at the Carver softball fields at 12:30 PM to check-in. The tournament starts 1-5 PM. She announced that teams could register at the meeting. We already have A-Tow, as well as several South Atlanta and surrounding neighborhood teams committed. There will be a full concession. Ms. Jacklyn Walker has requested volunteer assistance. Fran requested people let her know after the meeting if they are interested in volunteering with concessions. She reported that there was a need for 3 pop-up tents. Fran announced that as soon as a family appropriate movie appeared on the schedule, we would have a South Atlanta movie night at the drive-in movie theater. Tanisha reported that on June 16^th there will be a progressive dinner. South Atlanta has been broken into 5 sections, and the committee is looking for volunteer hosts. Those that bring a dish to their host house won’t be charged to participate, but if you can’t do anything they are asking for a small donation. All participants will be given a cup as an entrance ticket to
each house. Sign up if you are willing to host or email Tnicolec@hotmail.com for more information. The theme is Italian.

Russell mentioned the house signs as an ideal way to brand the neighborhood. A new batch will be ready to go tomorrow.If signs are purchased through the SACL they are $25, but if purchased through
Community Grounds they are $30. Kristi Wood announced that they also will be
available for $25 at SACL sponsored events such as the kickball tournament.
Chris asked if people had noticed the South Atlanta sign at the Marketplace.

Community Forum

Russell added to Park Pride to the agenda. Ayanna Williams spoke on the benefits of being a Friend of the Park. She will research why there are no tennis nets at the park, but recommended that SACL
members call the new park director – Doug Voss at dvoss@atlantaga.gov and to see her at ayanna@parkpride.org. She asked members to like Park Pride on Facebook.

Kristi Wood announced that the annual Wiener Fest is going to be June 9^th on the empty lot on Gammon and Lansing. She said folks are welcome to bring a side dish. The time will be posted on Facebook.

Lucious reminded the body about the new smart911 system.

Fran announced that the next socials committee meeting is THIS Thursday at Community Grounds Café at 5:30 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

 Russell passed around the crime statistics
and then opened the meeting at 6:41 PM with a moment of silence.

Community Pride

Russell announced that at the last NPU-Y meeting we got pre-approved tor a grant that was due BEFORE our April SACL meeting. We had not known about the grant prior to the March NPU-Y meeting. The NPU-Y approved a grant for new neighborhood signage to brand South Atlanta. The E-Board rushed the grant to the city.

Community Reports

The police reported on the crime statistics and passed around extra copies at the statistics to those who came in a Few minutes |ate. The officers reported that most of the crime is occurring in the Villages at Carver. The issue for South Atlanta occurred at 1518 Jonesboro Road — the South Atlanta Market — and the crime was done by a regular customer at the store. The crime for South Atlanta is very
low.

Claire Farley reported on the APD’s new Smart 911. She encouraged people to register online, so that police will know in advance about any medical issues, have pictures of Frequent runaways prior
to going to the home, and will have addresses in the system it toddlers are able to dial 911 . The community cops program is running Smart 911. Sign up at smart911.com.

Jason Timbert reported on his concern over a shooting that took place outside his house close to Carver High School.

Claire Farley reported on ‘Operation Heavy Metal.’ The city of Atlanta is the 4th in the nation for stolen cars. The operation will be targeting the top 100 car thieves. Often these thieves are
tow truck operators, so neighbors don’t call 911.

Russell encouraged folks to go court watch to support Claire.

No elected officials were present at the meeting to give a report.

Russell jumped to Community Business, as the Committee Reports would be covered there.

Community Business

The South Atlanta House signs were presented by Russell. Katie Delp reported that the SACL will be selling them for $25, as a fundraiser. The signs were mode and designed in South Atlanta. Half of the
price will go to SACL. You can pay with credit cords, checks or cash. Katie reported that a line item in our grant requests is For money to give 20-25 signs for seniors or o senior discount to be decided by seniors who are members of SACL.

Kristi Wood reported that the South Atlanta Kickball Tournament will be held Saturday, May 19 from 1-5 PM. Location is still to be determined. Come to the May meeting/check the SACL/facebook page/check the kickball tournament website in a week for more information and to sign up a team. The registration deadline is April 30. There will be a spirit reward. We are inviting surrounding neighborhoods and will be selling concessions with the addition of corndogs this year.

The next Social Committee Meeting will be Thursday, April at 5:30 PM. Anyone is welcome to join the committee. It meets at Community Grounds Cafe. Please join the committee to help plan South Atlanta community events. The socials committee is working on a progressive dinner in June. Date is to be determined. The South Atlanta Social will be held again in October.

Russell reported on the tire clean up coming up on April 21^st. Meet at Community Grounds Café parking lot at 8:30 AM.

Community Forum

Lucious on Pork Avenue introduced his neighbor — Armond Brown — who has lived in South Atlantasince 2010. Armond said that he was a board member of the Atlanta Fringe board. The non-profit supports fringe artists. Russell invited the artists to perform at the South Atlanta Social.

A question was raised about a broken water meter cover. It was reported that Brenda at Carla Smith’s office should be called. She will get watershed department to respond at a timely manner.

Katie announced that this month Leroy Barber will be hosting a 3-on-3 tournament at the park. Show up between 2-6 PM it you are interested.

Russell encouraged everyone to pay dues: $35/individuals, $25/senior citizens, and

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:35 PM.

February 6, 2012

Monthly Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Josh Noblitt who presidedover the meeting.  The meeting began witha moment of silence.

Community Pride

• Dana Lupton shared an article in Sunday’s AJC about Chris McCord and his work with youth.

Police Report

• Major Cavender and Lt. Mooreman represented APD.  January experienced higher crime activity than prior months and there were 12 arrests in Beat 305.  Lt. Mooreman shared details of a recent
  kidnapping.

Committee Reports

• Beautification Committee – Chris McCord announced that April 21^st will be the City’s annual Tire Amnesty Day and planning will begin soon for the tire clean up.
• Social Committee – Fran Carroll announced that the committee will begin planning this year’s Kickball Tournament and need more volunteers to assist with the planning.

Community Business

• Leroy Barber present the changes suggested by the bylaws committee (see attached) and solicited questions.  The changes will be voted on at the March meeting.  Voting procedures were reviewed
  by the body.
• Chris McCord reminded the body that 2012 dues are due and that SACL now accepts credit cards.
• Rebecca DeHart announced she will be hosting Rep. John Lewis in her home at 67 Gammon on February 19^th from 2pm to 4pm.  All neighbors are invited to attend but are asked to please RSVP.
• Claire Farley from the DA Office gave a brief update on several recent cases in Zone 3.

Community Forum

• Leroy Barber asked for permission of the civic league to talk to the Paper Stock company about cleaning up their property on McDonough Blvd.
• A resident asked about broken water meter covers
• Josh Noblitt encouraged neighbors to attend the NPU-Y meetings.
• Chris McCord announced that February 20^th will be proclaimed “Moving in the Spirit Day” by the Atlanta City Council.

The meeting was adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Katie Delp

(The meeting was held on the 2nd Monday of the month due to New Year’s Eve falling on Sunday and thus many having Monday, January 2nd as a day-off.)

Russell welcomed everyone to the meeting, introduced the SACL officers who were present at the meeting, and invited everyone to join him in a moment of silence.

Community Pride

Russell kicked off the community pride moment by remembering the Christmas party – 1st state of South Atlanta address, 1st Christmas tree lighting, great food, and a lot of neighbors. He opened the floor to others to share.

Community Reports

No police offers were present at the meeting.

Community Prosecutor Claire Fairley reported that her department has been tasked with coming up with goals for 2012, and she has created a community survey, so that her goals will come from the community itself. Surveys were passed to those present at the meeting. Anyone not in attendance can email her claire.farley@fultoncountyga.gov for a copy. It was noted that her contact information is not on the SACL Agenda’s Important Contacts Side Bar. Katie Delp said she would make sure it was added by February’s meeting.

Community Business

• Beautification Committee: Chris McCord is away on a family matter. Russell reported that starting in April the committee would be doing community clean-up projects every other month.

• Public Safety Committee: Still looking for someone to head up this committee.  Russell reported that he was wanting to work with Drew, the SACL intern, to work towards bringing more streets together as a Neighborhood Watch and getting the official signs posted in an effort. A new neighbor present at the meeting said that when looking to buy in South Atlanta he had in fact looked for those signs. Thought they served as a good tool for encouraging others to move into the community. Claire Farley reported that our new contact could be reached at cwalker@atlantaga.gov.

• Youth Empowerment Committee: absent from meeting.

• Community Development Committee: Russell suspended this report to move onto pressing 2012 items and to help us dismiss in time for National Championship Game.

Community Business

• By-Laws Committee: Russell announced that the new year seemed like an appropriate time to take a look back at our By-Laws. A committee is being formed that will meet in the next couple of weeks to update the by-laws and bring a draft for vote at the February meeting. Russell announced that anyone was welcome to serve on the committee, but needed to let him know ASAP. Current volunteers are Leroy, Fran and Katie.

• Russell asked permission to deviate slightly from the meeting agenda. He announced to SACL policy changes. The first being that in the future we will have 2 sign-in sheets – for visitors and members. The member sheet will list all members and ask for a check mark to be made by those in attendance. The second policy change will be a by-law change and thus need to be voted at the next meeting. Russell is proposing a flat membership: $35/year – though seniors will get the discounted price of $25/year. He announced that the officers would be pushing membership in 2012, as in 2011 we only had 15 official members. He reminded the body that dues help fund our events and activities.

• 2012 Budget: Russell presented the 2012 budget and announced that treasury reports would re-continue in 2012. He announced that if someone wanted to do something outside of the budget that it would need to be emailed to Russell and brought to vote at the next SACL meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the budget. The budget was approved for 2012. A copy can be requested from Russell or Katie.

• 2012 Calendar: The 2012 Calendar was not unveiled, as a request was made for all dates and events of local churches, organizations, etc. to be turned into Russell or Katie, so that they could be incorporated on the 2012 Calendar. The 2012 Calendar would be presented at the February meeting.

Community Forum

Tony Hardin, a new neighbor at 121 Thayer Avenue, was welcomed to the meeting. Tony is retired military and also has community organizing experience. Please stop by and welcome Tony to South Atlanta.

Dates to Remember

A correction was made to the NPU-Y meeting date. Due to MLK Day on January 16, the meeting will be held the following Monday, January 23, at 7 PM.

Russell announced that February’s meeting will be held at the Ron Clark Academy. The RCA students have a special presentation planed. Russell promised refreshments will be served at RCA. The Ron Clark Academy is located at 228 Margaret Street between Jonesboro Road and Lakewood Avenue.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.

Russell Hopson opened the meeting at 6:54 PM and called for a moment of reflection.

The schedule was modified in an attempt to get us out in time to pass festival postcards around the neighborhood before it got dark.

Community Reports

Lt. Reginald Moorman, the investigations commander of zone 3, reported that the biggest issue lately for our beat has been with burglaries and particularly copper relate burglaries. He strongly encouraged residents to put alarm sensors on their HVAC units. He also reported that Moury Avenue has been the cause of problems. He requested that residents report squatters, as police believe that they are the ones largely responsible for the copper burglaries.

A request was made for the new zone head to come and introduce herself to the South Atlanta Civic.

No other public nor elected officials were present to speak.

Committee Reports

• Public Safety: While not the head of public safety (still looking for someone to replace Jason Timbert), Josh got up to speak. He explained that he had just completed the Atlanta Police Citizens Academy. He explained how while we have in the past been told that we need to report suspected drug houses to 911, as they document the reports and keep stats. He was able to tour 911, as a part of the class time and got a chance to directly ask a 911 operator if this was true. Found out it definitely is NOT and was told suspected drug houses need to be reported to narcotics at 404.546.2650. Narcotics fills out lead sheets and tracks the reports and investigate.

Community Business

The August minutes were emailed out the week after the meeting. Russell asked if there were any discrepancies. The minutes were approved as written.

Russell announced that this month’s community pride was that one of Carver High School’s bands, as well as their art students would come out in support of the festival. We also have the Ron Clark Step group signed up to perform.

Fran got up and reported on the upcoming social/festival. She announced that this week only we would be offering 50% off anyone interested in signing up for the BBQ sauce taste off. She also announced that we still volunteers. You can sign up in 2-hour blocks. There is a full range of opportunities to volunteer – everything from cooking to kid area supervision to stage coordinating. You also will be able to donate candy Treat Street and get a free plate of food.

Chris McCord announced that he had two trash grabbers as a thank you to the two boys who Valerie Sellers said cleaned up her street last month during the community pride moment. He hoped to encourage them with their street cleaning efforts and make it easier.

Katie Delp announced that the 2^nd Treat Street will be held October 30^th from 5-7 PM in the Marketplace parking lot.  It still needs candy donations. You can bring donations to the Marketplace or to the social on October 22^nd. The Treat Street also needs volunteers to serve at the booths. Josh and Kara will be bringing back the Haunted Woods.

Christy Norwood reported for Charis Community Housing on a variance request to attach the two porches on 1307 Marcy. The motion was made and seconded and passed to approve the variance request.

Tina Arnold from Lakewood Heights reported on a towing company that is attempting to set up shop in their neighborhood. The neighborhood has found several discrepancies on the towing companies claims and wanted the surrounding neighborhoods to come to the NPU-Y vote informed.

Community Forum

Donna Barber reported that Community Fellowship is offering an after school program. It is for K-8^th grade from M-Thurs. It is $25/month though no more than $50/month for a family. If that is too high for a person, they will work with you. It is located at 1297 Jonesboro.

Two new residents were welcomed.

• Cory Bridges on Park Avenue.
• Harold Haney on Hardwick Street.

Russell opened the meeting at 6:42 PM with a quiet moment of reflection. He reported that the August minutes had been read and approved at the SACL executive board meeting.

Community Reports:

There were no police officers present at the start of the meeting, so Community Prosecutor Claire Farley spoke first. She gave her contact information – clair.farley@fultoncountyga.gov. She passed around a sheet for those who were interested in being a part of court watch. She also shared that we need to update the police on our agenda. She will get us the contact information for the new police officers.

Councilwoman Carla Smith and Sheryl Bennett were at the meeting. (1) They shared that the Mayor’s office has a ‘love your block’ grant. The next round of applications are due October 15^th and February 12^th. She gave Russell an application. (2) They encouraged us to send someone to the Neighborhood Summit. Cost is only $25/person. (3) They announced the Boulevard Park opening on September 25^th. (4) They asked us to get out the Jonesboro Redevelopment Plan for Ms. Lily, so that she can find a suitable building for her proposed afterschool program.

Committee Reports:

• Socials: Russell announced that this was saved for Community Business.
• Beautification: Chris McCord announced that the next community clean-up project would be September 24^th and hosted by Wesley Center at 17 Turman. Candy Taylor presented more information on this project and passed out fliers.
• Public Safety: Russell announced that we still need a chair for this committee.
• Youth Empowerment: Carrie announced that they were continuing to meet and that work is being done behind the scenes. They hope to have something to present in the near future.
• Community Development: Russell announced that he is working with a contact to start a South Atlanta Boot Camp on Saturdays at 9 AM. It will be open to all at $5 (or less) per person. Need to 10 people to sign up before it can get started to make it worth the instructor’s time.

Community Business:

Ida Williams informed the body again about the South Bend Center for Arts and Culture. It is available for youth ages 6-13 for $35 or less dollars a week (sliding scale). There also is a teen program available.

Courtney Alston of the Ron Clark Academy stood up and introduced herself.

South Atlanta Social Update: Fran, Kristi and Tanisha updated the body on the work being done on the first annual hog roast. They informed the body that is being used as a community building and fundraising opportunity. They are now at the point where they need community support.

Russell announced that our Community Pride moment is that our hog roast’s first star support is A-Tow, who donated $1,000. We are now 2/3rds of the way to our financial goal for the festival.

Kristi announced that the festival’s permit had just been approved. Ron Clark and Wonder Root are potential partners. We revealed 3 banners, as well as postcards and small cards to pass out in the neighborhood and surrounding communities. She encouraged the body to go to the festival’s Facebook page and invite their friends. She asked for financial sponsor and donor ideas, and she announced that they have packets available for applications, sponsors and donors. They presented the sauce-off, vender and volunteer opportunities.

Christy Norwood with Charis Community Housing informed the body that Charis would like to take their vacant land to the Land Bank Authority for banking and tax abatement.

The new police officers showed up to meeting. They reported that our beat had 48 crimes – the majority in the Villages of Carver. AC-Units are the biggest problem; however, cages and sensors are big deterrents.

Community Open Forum:

Courtney Alston informed the body that the Ron Clark Academy was proud to be a permanent fixture in the South Atlanta Neighborhood. She invited us to join them at: (1) Admissions Open House on September 22 and 27. Register Online. (2) Community Open House – date in October is to be determined. (3) Education Training Day – October 7, 13, 14. Fee. Register online.

 The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM.

 Minutes taken by Christy Norwood

Russell welcomed everyone to the meeting at 6:40 PM and called for a moment of silence.

Community Pride

Russell asked Fran to speak on the recent 1^st annual Southern Fried Kickin’ Kickball Tournament. Fran reported that we had 80 adults participate on a total of 7 teams with an estimated 30-50 onlookers/cheer leaders throughout the day. Everyone ended the day looking forward to the next tournament – which will be held either in the Fall or Spring. The tournament raised $600 – and are looking to use the funds for other social events. Photos of the event are on the South Atlanta Civic League Facebook page.

The minutes from the August SACL meeting were read. Rakestraw moved to accept the minutes as written. The motion was seconded and passed.

Community Reports

Police Representatives – Officer Browning reported that Lt. Sheffield has been moved to properties. Lt. Mormon will attend future meetings. The stats were not available due to the meeting falling on the 1^st of the month. Officer Browning will see that the crime stats get emailed to Russell.  She reported to have good leads on both the Lakewood shooting, as well as 187 Moury homicide. She also reported that the main problem crime wise seems to be with property and copper thieves. Someone on Brown Avenue saw a suspect loading his vehicle with copper. The Brown resident called 911 and followed the suspect to Green Recycling. The suspect had left by the time the police arrived, though thanks to the detailed description by the Brown Avenue resident he was caught. Unfortunately the police were not able to ascertain where the copper came from and due to strict property owner laws were therefore not able to press charges off copper theft.

Hints from Officer Browning:

• If you have an a/c unit spray paint the coils. Mark your copper, so that the police can trace it back to your property.
• Dodge vehicles need to especially be secured – suggested a bar for the steering wheel or a cap for the battery that can turn the battery on or off.
• The State has to come up with a law to help the police hold recycling centers accountable for taking stolen copper.
• “Clean Car Campaign” – take EVERYTHING out of your car.
• Banishment – has to be included in sentencing of criminals. Talk to the prosecutor about including this.

A comment was raised on the floor about how many cars had been broken into on Bisbee, but calls were not made to 911 as residents didn’t think the police would respond.

Local Elected Officials –  Sheryl Bennett with Carla Smith’s office got up to speak. She praised the recent kickball tournament and our efforts to spread the word out to our community and surrounding communities. She promised to have Carla Smith’s office help spread the word about the upcoming festival. She also wanted to make sure that everyone knew that August 2^nd (Tuesday) was the going to be sanitation day.

As a neighbor, Sheryl Bennett wanted to let the SACL know that there is a lot working against the police.  Due to the strict law, the police have to have the property owner information to file a report. We need to make sure we give the police all the information we can get. Also need to consider lobbying the state government to change laws. She recommended researching the laws that were set in place to hold pawnshops accountable.  She said that the neighborhood lobbying – everyone getting mad – would definitely help the efforts.

Community Reports

• Beautification – Jeff reported that he would be having an informational meeting on Friends of the Park for the South Atlanta Park at Community Grounds August 13^th at 10 am. Chris reported that there will be at least one more August clean up with a dumpster. Chris also encouraged gardeners to check out the Kimpson Community Garden on Thirkield Avenue.
• Public Safety – Jason reported that due to personal reasons he needed to step down as the head of the committee. Russell thanked him and said he knew the community could still count on Jason for help; he then asked the body if anyone desired to lead the committee.
• Youth Empowerment – Mandi was not at the meeing.
• Socials – Kristi reported on the upcoming South Atlanta Social to be held on October 22^nd at the South Atlanta Park. She distributed fliers with information, as well as with t-shirt designs. Fran also reported that other social ideas were in the works – including a progressive dinner party, South Atlanta at the drive-in, and a holiday dinner party. Katie reported on the 2^nd annual street treat. She asked for volunteers.
• Community Development – Russell reported on an opportunity for South Atlanta to have a boot camp in the park on Saturday mornings at 10 am starting in September.

Community Business

Jeremy Crute presented his South Atlanta GIS project.

Community Forum

Ina Williams made an announcement about an after-school Art & Cultural Program at Southbend Park. Contact iwilliams@atlantaga.gov for more information.

Cathy Taylor reported on an upcoming crime prevention workshop. She also reported that keep our post office from closing that we will need to a community wide petition and turn it into Post Office in DC.

Ms. Mary Porter reported on the South Atlanta Study Hall which starts back September 6^th. It is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:30 PM.

Russell introduced Katherine Hankins and Andy Walter as the professors who partnered with Charis Community Housing to oversee Jeremy Crute’s project. He opened up the floor to questions and comments on the GIS Map of South Atlanta.

Russell asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. A motion was made, seconded and passed. The meeting ended at 8:06 PM.

Due to the 4th of July following on the 1st Monday of the month, per the by-laws the July meeting was held on the following Monday.

Russell Hopson was absent, so Chris McCord called the meeting to order n his behalf with a moment of reflection. Chris McCord had everyone turn to their neighbors and say ‘you live in South Atlanta – the best neighborhood where you are safe and loved.’

Community Pride

Sam Delp has a new bike.

Community Reports

Lt. Sheffield gave a report.

 • 1397 Blashfield was served a warrant on a suspected chop shop. John Lattimore was charged. Stolen cars were found there. However, the other owner – Keith Hayes at the site appears to be running a legitimate business.

• 3 arrests were made at 46 Bowen. Metal thieves were spotted by a passing patrol.

• 1364 Lakewood had a shooting robbery. A warrant has been issued.

• There was a homicide at Lakewood and Jonesboro.

Committee Reports

• Beautification: Jeff is starting a Park Pride to adopt South Atlanta Park. It needs resources and ideas. Kristie said if money comes from the social we want to put it into the park.

• Socials: was pushed to the community business.

• The leaders for the public safety, youth empowerment, and community development were absent.

Community Business

The South Atlanta Southern Fried Kickball Tournament is THIS Saturday. Chosewood, Pittsburg, Lakewood Heights, A-Tow, and Community Grounds are all participating. It will be held on the baseball fields at Carver High School. Concessions will be sold.

Chris McCord reviewed the new sanitation schedule. As of August 1st sanitation will be picked up on Tuesday. Community Forum Chris reminded the body of the upcoming NPU-Y meeting and encouraged everyone to attend the kickball tournament.

Click here for registration forms and more information about the tournament: Southern Fried Kickin’

June 6, 2011

Russell called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM and welcomed everyone in attendance. Russell started the meeting with a moment of reflection and then introduced the executive committee: Russell Hopson (President), Josh Noblitt (Vice President), Chris McCord ( Treasurer), Katie Delp (Secretary), Christy Norwood (Assistant Secretary), and Fran Carroll (Parliamentarian).

Community Pride

Russell Hopson opened the floor to residents sharing moments of community pride. Be ready to share next month too… (1.) Russell shared about the mural project. He was encouraged to see neighbors rising to meet the challenges that keep coming up against the mural project. We are close to reaching our goal of having the largest individual piece of artwork in the city of Atlanta. (2.) Josh shared that his excitement about the drug house on his street FINALLY being closed down after months of complaints to the police.

Community Reports

Lt. Sheffield reported that Cowboy will be banished form South Atlanta when he is released from jail. He also reported that a nearby city pool had been hit by copper thieves. The park department is at working trying to fix it. Good news – a big arrest of a copper thieve on Milton Avenue. He also reported on a car jacking of an employee at the Arthur Langford Center; the car jacker was arrested in the victim’s car. The police are looking into his connection with other crimes.

Lt. Browning reported on the Moury drug investigation and arrest at 8 Moury. The house was fortified with a surveillance system. A 2 year old girl was there; she is now with her grandmother. Lt. Browning also reported that vice has been in zone 3. Vice made 45 arrests this past month – most on Lakewood and Jonesboro.

Leroy asked the police if the word had gotten out to the police about the mural project. Lt. Browning said that she has sent out 2 emails and put out a radio announcement. Lt. Sheffield handed Leroy a business card to give to the muralist that they can show any police officer who does bother them.

Jackie Walker reported that suspicious activity has started back up at the Marcy Street apartments. In particular. There is a big guy on a 4 wheeler who drives up and down Jonesboro from the apartment to fancy cars.

Russell thanked Sheffield and Browning for their time and efforts.

No elected officials were present to give a report.

Committee Reports

1. Beautification: Chris McCord reported that Thayer Avenue hosted their own street clean up. He encouraged others to do the same and to see him if they wanted to use the SACL equipment. He announced that a dumpster will be located at the back of the Marketplace at 1297 Jonesboro Road on June 10-11 and residents can use it to dump their junk. He also announced that residents can take from the mulch pile that sits at the corner of the Jonesboro parking lot.

2. Public Safety: Jason Timbert was absent. Geri reported that a tree blocking Bisbee was going to be removed.

3. Youth Empowerment: Mandi Giles announced they committee didn’t have anything to report, but would be meeting next week.

4. Socials: Fran reported that she would be sharing on the kickball tournament later in the meeting. Kristi Wood reported on the SA Social tentatively planned for October 8th. The kickball tournament will be used to raised funds for the social. The committee put in a grant request Friday with Community Foundation. The grant could get at up to $10,000. The planning committee is being split into different committees and requested people sign up on sheets.  Committees with leaders: (1) 3-on-3 bball tournament – Rebecca Dehart. (2) Fundraising & Sponsorship – ?. (3) Vending & Artists – Katie Delp. (4) Music – Carrie Amestoy – looking for local artists. (5) Kids Area – Tanisha Corporal. (6) Clean Up – Chris McCord. (7) Beer Sales – ?. (8) Volunteers – ?. (9) Marketing – Kristi Wood.

5. Community Development: Russell is working on getting a report done.

Community Business

Ms. Walker with the APD gave a ‘Neighborhood Safety Reminder’ as we head into summer months which often come with an increase in crime.

She reported that the #1 crime in the world is larceny – of that auto larceny. She said one should NEVER leave anything in one’s car. It takes less than 30 seconds for an amateur to break into a car.

The BEST thing to do when confronted is to throw your items down and run the opposite way. NEVER get into the car. Do whatever you have to do to not get into the car – including throwing yourself down and become dead weight.

Home Invasions are ARMED robbery. This is a high felony. This is given immediate attention by 911 dispatchers. Ways to avoid home invasions: key pinning windows; wooden screws in doors; barking dogs; noisy neighbors; alarm system. Do NOT leave items on the porch. Look for landscaping trucks – these are often stolen and used to rob houses.

Drew Swope gave an update on the progress of establishing neighborhood watches in South Atlanta and invited other streets to start watches. Currently we have NW’s on Gammon, Martin, Thirkield and Brown. Neighbors have each other’s contact information. Captains check the neighborhood crime report each month and reach out to those who have been victimized. It’s simple to start a NW – it just requires going up and down the street a couple of times gathering information, as well as a couple of meetings.

Fran reported on the South Atlanta Kickball Tournament = the South Atlanta Southern Fried Kickball Tournament. She passed around 2 sign up sheets – one for being captain and one just for playing. She reported that we need at least 4 teams. The cost to sign up is $10, but that includes the tournament tshirt. The teams must be co-ed. Tentatively looking at June 16^th to play. Going to the NPU-Y meeting to extend the challenge to other neighborhoods. Socials and Youth Empowerment Committees will be working together to set this up. Fran concluded by saying that the socials committee hopes to make this an annual event and that Ms. Jackie Walker will be selling concessions to raise money for the South Atlanta Social.

Katie Delp reported on the new SACL meeting reminder signs. 20 signs will be placed around the neighborhood the Friday before the meeting and picked up the following Tuesday. She asked for volunteers and said she would send out an email reminder.

Community Forum

Kerry and Mike reported on an upcoming FCS volunteer project in the neighborhood on June 10-11 and asked if there were any specific sites people would like to get picked up.

Fran reported on the neighborhood directory.

Russell closed the meeting. Leroy motioned to adjourn. Josh seconded the motion.