Federal Hill Neighborhood Association (FHNA)

General Membership Meeting

Meeting Minutes January 19, 2016

Date: January 19, 2016 / Start Time: 7:03pm / Chair: Beth Whitmer
Location: Christ Lutheran Church / End Time: 8:24 pm / Secretary: Jessica Damen
Board Members Present: Beth Whitmer, Jessica Damen, Bob Merbler, Nancy Gordon, Brooke McDonald, Walt Ettinger
Board Members Not Present: Deb Nelson, Sharon Johnson, Kyle Warner
Members / Guests in Attendance: _approximately 25 registered members
Guests: 5
Itemized Agenda:
Adoption of Minutes from 11/17/15 meeting – Damen. _Charles Thomas moved to approve as written. Seconded. Approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report- Nancy Gordon- The treasurer’s report ending 12/18/15 was handed out. Lane Bert moved to approve as written and seconded. The Treasurer’s Report was approved as written.
Sagamore Presentation, Port Covington – Nina Albert: Director of Community Engagement. or O: 410 617-0007 x 202 or mobile: 410 829-2169 Contact information: ,
Introduced the Sagamore development project, which is the expansion of 266 acres in Baltimore City. The site once had a Sam’s Club and Walmart and has been under utilized for years. The Sagamore company is infrastructure developer. While Under Armour’s growth is the impetus for Sagamore Co.’s development of this Covington region, the two Companies are separate entities. Sagamore Development is owned by Kevin Plant. Sagamore has also purchased the Westport site, which was once the focus of developer Pat Turner. Background videos were presented for both Under Armour and Sagamore. Sagamore focus is “Biohabitats,” that is, blending human development with ecology. They envision that the total development may take 20 years.
Residential Parking Permit Renewal Update – Beth Whitmer presented pick up information for residential parking permits at Berkshire Hathaway Company. Steve Robinson from the parking permit department is the lead organizer.
Public Safety Update _ Sargent Jonathan Amey and Officer Adriel Runez- Most crimes in the region are larcenies. He distributed a handout regarding safety measures to avoid burglary and other crimes. Fortunately there have not been many personal crimes. He suggested keeping receipts and serial numbers of your laptops etc. so they can be easily traced if thieves then take the stolen items to pawn shops.
Local Development Update - Rash Field– Rufus Lusk presented information. He recommended that interested resident to to: Rashfield.org for the survey. It was suggested that the membership develop a memo to be presented to the Board regarding the Rash field redesign.
Trash Can information- Eric Costello, summarized information and will also distributed via email or delivered by hand more information regarding the City’s new trash cans. He explained rationales for the new trashcans. The Municipal Trash Can program was announced last Monday. The measurements for the trashcans were provided. It was noted that sallyports (the small walkway between town homes) are too small for the larger cans. Eric explained the qualifying reasons for opting out of the new trashcans.
Opt – Out procedure: one can call 311 or email, and send the form for opting out beginning 1/23/16. He will try to get DPW to pick up old cans. If you are a renter, you can coordinate the trash can choice with the landlord, but the person who lives in the property is responsible for notifications to DPW.
Liquor Advisory Committee (LAC) Ivo Jamrosz presented. The Liquor Board is having a community information meeting tomorrow, which Ivo is planning to attend. There is a hearing in the Court of Special Appeals regarding the validity of the Turner’s/Cross Bar.
Announcements: Candidates debate February 11, 7pm National Federation of the Blind, district 11 all 4 candidates have be invited. March 3rd for the mayoral candidates. Think of your questions, email to Beth or other Board members. Questions deadline is probably end of January or very beginning of February.
-John Bacci- described initiating a “Neighborhood clean up day” plus cook-out to promote sense of community and to increase membership.
New Business – Lane Bert- described an Ethical Society initiated community program to help bridge neighborhood gaps between affluent and economically depressed communities. More information to follow.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:24pm