November 2003

Minutes from November 11, 2003
Southwest Neighborhood Association
P.O. Box 4783, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866

----- Meeting held in the cafeteria of the Geyser Road School, thanks to an agreement with Superintendent John McFadden and Martin Clark, Building Superintendent. 41 neighbors in attendance plus 5 guests from Public Safety.
-----Introduction of Officers; Molly Gagne’ (President), Joe Kearney (Vice-President), Arlene Fernandes (Treasurer), Cary Hickey (Recording Secretary), John Baldwin (Corresponding Secretary).
-----President’s Report- organization born out of “necessity”. (age of houses, public perception, lack of knowledge). We are here to become informed- NOT to make new rules.
-----V.P. report- new copies of by-laws available to examine. An info sheet entitled “Who we are” has been printed and distributed.
-----Treasurer- our account is now open with the help of Charter One Bank. They assist non-profits with free checking, checks, a stamp etc. Annual dues can now be accepted and need to be paid by January meeting in order to be eligible to vote. ($10 per household- one vote per household)
-----Recording Secretary - Minutes of Sept.16 meeting read silently and accepted.
Announced new business person (insurance) on Geyser Rd.
-----Corresponding Secretary - will compose press release and letter to editor.
Standing Committee Reports- Identify “adoptees”. Notepads available to jot down specific observations or questions after meeting concludes.
NEWLY ADOPTED-Mary Beth Delarm-liaison to Master Gardener
Ken Williams - sidewalk/Bike path for Geyser Rd.
Jean Hall - Roadside Debris/adopt a highway

Old Business:
Certificate of Incorporation - has been filed thanks to Steve Rodriguez. Should be “official” shortly.
By-Laws - revisions 11/06/03 - Article I (PO box), Article III (north boundary), Article IV (dues), Article VI (nominations).

New Business - upcoming meeting dates January 13, March 9, May 11.
- January will have a presentation from the Police Dept.
- May will have a presentation from the Master Gardener.
-In response to a question from Skidmore Housing Office, no one is aware of any student housing within our boundaries.
- Ken Williams is preparing a web site -SSWNA.org

Guest Speaker-Kevin Veitch- Code Enforcement
Kevin spoke of changes in NYS codes, absentee landlord problems, remedies for poorly lighted areas, house number displayed on front of house, new “notice of violation” form being developed by his department.

Guest Speaker - Erin Dreyer- Assistant Deputy Commissioner DPS
Discussion of pros and cons for stop sign at Vichy and Hayes. (More study of intersection is needed.)
Announcement of a “Neighborhood Police Officer” to be assigned to the Southwest Neighborhood. This patrolman will be dedicated to our area and will be a good contact for many concerns. The officer will attend our bi-monthly meetings. Public Safety sent out 900 surveys and only about 80 were returned.

Guests William Crandall, Warren Wildy and Shawn Briscoe from the Public Safety Dept (Police) answered questions during and after the meeting.
Meeting concluded at 8:40
Next Meeting January 13, 2004