Minutes from July 11,  2006

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 4783,Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866  

SSWNA.org

6:55 pm, Trackside Neighborhood Association petition passed for review and signatures.

  ---- Meeting was held at Ball Container Plant, 7pm.

---- Introduction of Officers - officers in attendance;

Molly Gagné (president), Joe Kearney (vice president), John Baldwin (corresponding secretary)  

Cary Hickey (recording secretary) - not present. Tonight’s minutes were taken by Susan Ransom. 

Arlene Fernandes (Treasurer) - not present.                 

----Meeting called to order by President Molly Gagné. A list of 23 “adopted issues” was distributed.  Membership is more than just “paying dues”. Each member giving a little time and effort is essential to making SWNA an effective organization.

 ---Vice President Joe Kearney reported that John Baldwin (Corresponding Secretary) will be moving from the SW Neighborhood.  Eric Lacoppola is willing to assume John’s position and will soon be appointed.  John Baldwin was thanked for his excellent work, notifying news organizations of SWNA meetings and sending correspondence.

---Recording Secretary John Baldwin   reported a letter of “thanks” from County Supervisors and sent to Jean Hall, coordinator of the SWNA Adopt-a-Highway program. John also read a thank you note from Michael Richardson and his Mom. His gift certificate was used to treat family and friends.  

---Treasurer report given by Molly Gagné -- the balance as of July 11, 2006 is $1,334.90. A check for $16.05 will be written for “Curb Appeal” awards.

---Minutes for May 9, 2006 were accepted as read.  

Old Business     

----Animal Control -  Member Bill Chisham reported that all “animal control” signage is in place. It was noted that Public Safety graciously honored the SWNA request at no cost to our association.     

----Curb Appeal Awards - The flowers for this annual SWNA event were prepared by Mary Dudley. Members were reminded to pick one up at the end of tonight’s event and use it to recognize a neighbor for outstanding effort caring for their property.

----Community Policing Program - Inv. John Kelly reported on “proactive work” done by SSPD to further neighborhood policing efforts. Officers attend meetings of civic organizations to encourage open communication. 

      John Kelly described a recent neighborhood event involving a search by police using roadblocks and helicopters.  He requested that neighbors DO NOT CALL the police department to find out what is going on as unnecessary calls can slow the response time for emergency calls.   Residents should call if they see suspicious activity and stay inside with doors locked.

  John Kelly informed members of tv coverage on WNYT.  Channel 13 publicized a roadblock at the intersection of Ferndell Spring Dr. and Hathorne Blvd.  Police officers greeted residents, handed out info, emergency banners and ice cream coupons to cyclists with helmets.  There was a short discussion about atv’s, walk facing traffic, using the “speed sign” to slow traffic and enlisting the help of DEC.

                            jtetu@saratogapolice.org

                            msalisbury@saratogapolice.org

                            jkelly@saratogapolice.org

New Business

METERS - Those interested in installing a second water meter for yard watering were provided with a number to call.

Budget Meeting-  Documents from a recent public meeting held by Commissioner McCabe were made available to attendees.

     Adult Entertainment Zoning - Molly reminded members of the email sent regarding the City’s need to designate an “adult entertainment zone”.  The Grande Industrial Park is one of the locations being considered. Public comment is being requested.  Members were encouraged to email City Planner Geoff Bornemann or attend tomorrow night’s meeting. Member Tom Gibbs suggested that the SWNA should consider taking a position. Joe Kearney made a motion to send a letter to the Planning Board.  John Baldwin will write the letter.  Motion by Joe Kearney to take a position “against adult entertainment zoning” for the Grande Industrial Park. Seconded by Raoul Gagné. Passed unanimously.                                       

Guest Speaker (and Host for this evening)

Steve DiLoreto - Plant Manager - Ball Corporation

                               Metal Beverage Container Operations  

Steve welcomed SWNA members and gave a brief overview of the operation at the state-of-the art facility. A video was shown about making beverage containers. SWNA members were split into 3 groups, equipped with earplugs and taken through the plant to observe production.

 After the tour, members enjoyed desserts and refreshments provided by our host.  The facility was built in 1981.  It produces 2 billion 12 oz. cans a year (9 1/2 million a day). The Saratoga Plant produces 3 1/2 % of the world market and is a “4 line facility”.

The Saratoga Ball Plant will be celebrating 25 years in October.

Next meeting --- September 19, 2006. 

Note the change to the 3rd week in September.  

7pm.to 8:30   at Geyser School Cafeteria.

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