North Anthony Area Association Archived Minutes

Monday, November 28, 2022 Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting, Held at Oh Five Scoop Shop (1937 E State Blvd) at 7 PM, November 28, 2023

• Call to Order
  • Interim President Joe Giant called the meeting to order at 7 PM
  • Attendees reviewed and approved meeting minutes from the September 26th Regular Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Treasurer Jack Colliver provided the Treasurer’s Report, stating that the account balance was $6,981.17
  • Expenditures from the previous report
• Tom Didier Address
  • City councilman and mayoral candidate Tom Didier addressed the group
  • Mr. Didier discussed his familiarity with the North Anthony neighborhood and his focus on neighborhoods, generally
  • More information is available on Mr. Didier’s campaign website
• Neighborlink
  • Eric Wood, Executive Director of Neighborlink, gave a presentation about Neighborlink’s services, and a brief history of the organization
  • Mr. Wood stated that creating help requests and responding to help requests is best achieved through their website and mobile app
• Historic Northeast Plan & Neighborhood Grants
  • City of Fort Wayne Planner Josh Campbell gave an update on the Historic Northeast Neighborhood Plan, stating that a large amount of citizen input had been gathered
    • The next step in the process will be synthesizing community input, which will be undertaken by the Neighborhood Planning staff
    • Mr. Campbell noted that the North Anthony neighborhood led all others in terms of participation
  • Mr. Campbell stated that the 2023 Neighborhood Improvement Grant process will begin soon
    • He stated that one major difference from previous years is that grant funding may be paid directly to a contractor or vendor, instead of following a reimbursement process
    • This is intended to aid neighborhoods that may not have cash on hand to pay the vendor
• Christmas Families
  • Peggy Mccary provided an update on the Christmas families that the neighborhood adopted through the Christmas Bureau
• Cody and Kensington
  • Mr. Giant gave an update on the effort to petition for a stop sign at Cody and Kensington
  • Approximatley 25% of the needed signatures have been obtained so far, and nobody that was asked refused to sign
• Buena Vista
  • Jacki Butler led a discussion on the need for revised parking regulations on Buena Vista
  • The street is very narrow, and this change would permit parking on only one side of the street, instaed of both sides
  • Ms. Butler will lead the effor to collect the necessary signatures
• Nominations
  • Nominations for association officers (which is typically done in December), were postponed due to lack of candidates

Approved 23 January, 2023

Monday, September 26, 2022 Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting, Held at Oh Five Scoop Shop (1937 E State Blvd) at 7 PM, September 26, 2022

• Distribution of Prior Minutes
  • Prior to the meeting, minutes from the July meeting were distributed to the group for review.
• Call to Order
  • Interim President Joe Giant called the meeting to order shortly after 7 PM, followed by introductions. Sixteen people were in attendance.
  • Minutes from the July 25 Regular Meeting were approved unanimously by the group.
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Treasurer Jack Colliver gave the Treasurer’s Report. The account contains $7,589, with no expenditures and $210 of income from dues since the July meeting.
• Christmas Bureau
  • Peggy McCarty led a discussion of the Christmas Bureau Family program. NAAA has sponsored one or two families for several years. The group voted unanimously to continue supporting the program with a grant of $200. Ms. McCarty will lead the effort to procure the items.
• Guest Speakers
  • City of Fort Wayne Deputy Director of Neighborhood Code Enforcement Chris Blauvelt gave a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the Neighborhood Code department, followed by questions and discussions
  • The best way to contact Code is to call 311 (it is anonymous, and the process is documented), and by contacting our district officer Mike Koehlinger.
• City Planner Josh Campbell gave an update on the survey results of the Historic Northeast Neighborhood Plan.
  • Mr. Campbell also discussed the City’s neighborhood improvement grant program, which would be enabled through the City’s budget process. The grants provide up to $5,000 in reimbursable funds for neighborhood projects.
• Other Business
  • Mr. Giant led a discussion on potential traffic-calming initiatives, including installation of a 4-way stop sign at Kensington and Cody. Olivia Gendron discussed potential traffic calming measures on N Anthony, including installation of a radar detector speed limit sign.
• Mr. Giant stated that new yard signs advertising the neighborhood meetings had been ordered, but had not yet been paid for and were not yet ready for pickup.
• Adjournment
  • The meeting adjourned shortly after 8 PM

Approved 28 November, 2022:

Joe Giant, Interim President

Jack Colliver, Treasurer

Monday July 25, 2022 Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting, 7 PM July 25, 2022, Oh Five Scoop Shop (1937 E State Blvd)

• Call to Order
  • The meeting was called to order by Interim President Joe Giant shortly after 7 PM
• Guest Speakers
  • Lindsey Maksim, Brownfields Specialist for the City of Fort Wayne Community Development Division, gave a report regarding the results of an EPA grant on the property located at 3209 North Anthony Blvd.
  • This property was formerly a dry cleaner so remedial activities may be necessary to allow certain future uses. Ms. Maksim also gave an overview of the City’s façade grant program.
• Josh Campbell, from the City of Fort Wayne Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup, gave an update on the Historic Northeast Neighborhood Plan (sub-area plan generally encompassing the North Anthony, Forest Park, and Northside neighborhoods).
  • The planning process will last more than a year. City staff and the steering committee, which includes reps from the subject neighborhoods, is currently in the information-gathering phase, which includes a survey for area residents.
  • As of the meeting date, NAAA residents had submitted more responses than any other neighborhood. Mr. Campbell noted that an online mapping tool could be used to view certain responses that pertain to a certain area.
• Other Business
  • Mr. Giant noted that he is on the steering committee, but that additional representation from NAAA was desired. Melissa Rinehart volunteered to be a member of the committee.
  • Mr. Giant led a discussion about neighborhood assets that meeting attendees believed were important. The majority of the discussion involved property maintenance, declining assets (primarily commercial), out of state landlords, and some areas getting overlooked. It was decided that a representative from Neighborhood Code or Neighborlink attending the next meeting may be beneficial to understand what role residents could play in the upkeep of the neighborhood.
  • Based on a discussion from the May 2022 meeting, Mr. Giant solicited quotes from three local sign manufactures to get new yard signs created for the purpose of advertising upcoming meetings. The bids for 8 two-sided, 18x24 color yard signs were as follows: a. Vista Print = $230 + tax b. Fast Signs = $200 + tax c. Sign Pro $29 a piece for 10 signs
  • Fast Signs was the low bid. Attendees voted unanimously to approve the purchase from Fast Signs.
• Treasurer’s Report
  • NAAA Treasurer Jack Colliver gave a Treasurer’s Report. Mr. Colliver stated the account has a balance of $7,589.95, and $1,982.91 was spent during the last 2 months.
  • Mr. Colliver noted that in order to remove former president Sarah Warsco from the NAAA bank account, the meeting minutes needed to acknowledge the fact that Ms. Warsco had stepped down (as background, Ms. Warsco stepped down following the May 2022 meeting).
  • Mr. Giant stated that this was indeed the case. Ms. Warsco, who was in attendance, as well as other meeting attendees, attested to this fact.
  • Mr. Giant noted that several board seats remain open, including president and secretary.
• Adjournment
  • The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00
  • Next meeting: September 26, 2022 @7 PM

Approved 26 September, 2022:

Joe Giant, Interim President

Jack Colliver, Treasurer

Monday March 28, 2023 Unofficial Meeting Minutes

• Call to Order
  • The North Anthony Area Association meeting took place on Monday, March 28, 2022 at The Oh Five Scoop Shoppe, 1937 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, at 7PM.
  • Due to work-related conflicts, no officers, other than the president, were present, and only one dues-paying member and one interested member of the public attended
  • Since no quorum existed, elections for officers could not be held
  • For lack of a secretary, minutes were unofficially recorded by a member
    • These minutes have no official validity, and are provied for informational purposes only
• Treasurer’s Report
  • The treasurer was not present to present his report
• Secretary’s Report
  • The post of secretary is currently vacant
• Northeast Area Partnership Update
  • Association leadership attended a meeting of the Northeast Area Partnership, an assembly of all the neighborhood associations in the northeast quadrant of Fort Wayne, which meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave
    • Various local government representatives were also in attendance; their remarks are described by office or department, below:
  • City Council
    • Councilman Russ Jehl (R-2nd) was present
    • Jehl stated that $1 million in local income tax money will be used for the city center and older neighborhoods, investing in sidewalk repair at no additional cost to homeowners
    • Potholes will also receive patches over the summer months.
    • Winter pothole repairs are temporary, as a proper patch cannot be completed in freezing weather
    • The search for a replacment for Red River Waste is underway, and the city has solicited bids
  • Right-of-Way Improvements
    • Barret Law bonding is available for sidewalk repairs, with half the cost borne by the property owner whose property the sidewalk traverses, and the other half by the city. More information is available here
  • Neighborhood Code Enforecment
    • Please contact 311 by phone, or use the new web application to report abandoned cars, debris or other code violations that require removal by city employees
    • Please do not report pileups of regular garbage left at the curb by this method, until the city has settled its ongoing trash collection provider issues
    • The Right-of-Way Department would like to remind residents that Fort Wayne has a snow removal ordinance, which is enforceable by Neighborhood Code Enforcment

    …99.047 REMOVAL OF ICE, SNOWAND DIRT Every owner or occupant of any house or other building, and the owner or proprietor, lessee or persons entitled to possession of any vacant lot, and every person having charge of any church, jail, public hall or other public building in the city, shall, during the winter season and during the time snow shall continue on the ground, by 9:00 a.m. every day clean the sidewalk in front of such house or building, and in front of which lot, from snow or ice, and keep it conveniently free thereof during the day. He shall also, at all times, keep such sidewalk clear from all dirt or filth, or other obstruction or encumbrance, so as to allow citizens to use the sidewalk in an easy and commodious manner.

  • Fort Wayne Police Department
    • Catlytic converter thefts in the area are on the rise again
    • Hondas are the most targeted vehicle
    • Residents are asked to call the police if they hear noises at night
    • The non-emergency police number is +1 260-427-1222
    • If you fear retaliation, you may ask not to be identified when you call
  • Fort Wayne Fire Department
    • The Fire Department would like to remind residents not to burn trash or leaves in their yards, which is an offense under Fort Wayne City Code:>§ 94.71 BURNING PROHIBITED. (A) No person or business shall kindle or maintain any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning. (1) Exemptions. The following types of fire may be allowed: (a) Bonfires celebrating school pep rallies. (b) Recreational camp fires for scouting or family cookout activities. (2) All exemptions shall be subject to the following: (a) A garden hose connected to a water supply, buckets, shovel, fire extinguisher or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available at the burn site. (b) A Burn Permit shall be obtained from the Fire Department at least 24 hours in advance of the permitted open burning. The burn permit signed by the Fire Chief or his designee shall be on site at the time of the permitted fire. Notwithstanding the foregoing, persons planning on or desiring to undertake recreational campfires for scouting or family cookout activities as set forth in § 94.71(A)(1)(b) above shall not be required to obtain a burn permit for such activities. (c) Only wood products shall be burned - no leaves, paper or trash. (d) A fire shall be attended by a responsible party as listed on the burn permit at all times until completely extinguished. (e) If open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished. (f) A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way. (B) Any person who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally kindles, or maintains any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning that damages property of another person or spreads to property of another person may be liable for criminal mischief. (C) Burning other than mentioned in this article may be permitted provided a variance pursuant to 326 IAC 4-1-1 has been approved and received from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Burning must meet the restrictions of the variance. The variance must be registered with the Fire Department and on the burn site for verification. (D) Penalties for violations of this chapter do not preclude the Department of Environmental Management from seeking legal action for violations of 326 IAC 4-1. (E) Liability for fire. Any person who allows the accumulation or existence of combustible material which constitutes or contributes to a fire may not refute liability for violation of this chapter on the basis that said fire was set by vandals, accidental or an act of God. (Ord. G-28-99, passed 12-28-99) § 94.72 ENFORCEMENT OF PROVISIONS. The Fire Department, Police Department and the Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement shall be charged with the duty of enforcing the terms of § 94.71. (Ord. G-28-99, passed 12-28-99)
  • The new fire department show, Clearing the Smoke, is now available on public access television
  • The fire department’s free smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector program was undersubscribed
    • There is a limit of two per household
    • So few households participated that the fire department took surplus detectors to the Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show, and distributed them there
    • There were, as of the recent area partnership meeting, a number of remaining detector units available, which may be obtained by contacting the Fort Wayne Fire Department through this link, or by completing a paper request form at any Fort Wayne Fire Department station
  • Community & Economic Development
    • There is a new working group for neighborhood planning & activation headed by Don Baisden
    • The group will be soliciting ideas for neighborhood improvements via social media
• Allen County Public Library
  • The library has resumed in-person programming
  • The library has announced a new Facilities Master Plan, which is still in development
  • Proposed changes include:
    • The demolition of less-attended branches and their consolidation in new, larger buildings that cover a wider service
    • A new building on the underserved northwest side, which currently has no branches
    • Rehabilitation of the remaining branches
• Old Business
  • Elections
    • As noted above, elections were not held, for lack of a quorum
  • Infrastructure upgrades
    • Sidewalk repairs paid for with Invest in Neighborhoods Now (INN) funds should begin soon
• New Business
  • Infrastructure improvements
    • Residents of the association place a high value on alley repairs when queried about infrastructure priorities, but as explained at prior meetings, most alleys in the neighborhood are not considered as badly deteriorated as those in some other neighborhoods, and receive a lower priority rating when assessed
  • Drain Stormers Program
    • The president received a brochure detailing a new city program, called Drain Stormers, which endeavors to enlist the public in helping to monitor storm drains for blockages and other problems
    • Residents who apply will be given information about storm drain issues, and endcouraged to “adopt” a nearby storm drain which they will monitor
    • Residents, especially children, may wish to decorate a nearby sidewalk with chalk, calling attention to their adopted drain, and encouraging passers-by to adopt a drain near their own homes
    • The president will include further information in her upcoming newsletter
  • The President’s “Retirement”
    • Due to personal issues, the president, Sarah Warsco, has found it necessary to resign her post, effective in July
    • Until that time, she will continue to meet with outside representatives, send out the newsletter, and discharge her other duties as president
    • A quorum must exist at meetings in order for members to elect officers, including a new president
• Good of the Order
  • Digital succession plan
  • A neighborhood resident took it upon himself to salvage the association’s old domain name and created a placeholder blog until he could speak with association leadership about it
    • The website has been at the association’s disposal since January, along with an e-mail account for the leadership
    • The website relies as much as possible on free resources to operate
    • The only current expenditure of funds is for domain name renewal, which has been paid until 2023 by the resident
  • If anything were to happen to this resident, the leadership would not have access to the domain e-mail administrator account
    • The domain name is not currently registrered by the association, and they would not have a way to assume control of the domain in the unfortunate event of the association’s demise, because it is registered to this person’s business account
    • For security reasons, crdentials, even the name, of the e-mail administrator account should not be shared too widely, but neither should they be known only to one person, creating a single point of failure if something were to befall that person
    • This is not a purely hypothetical problem: the current domain registrant is involved in a city-wide group that recently lost access to some, but not all, of its technical functions, including domain e-mail adminship, that were in the control of someone who died unexpectedly
  • Therefore it was proposed that:
    • Backup codes for accessing the domain e-mail administration be given to a trusted officer of the association, probably the treasurer, to be opened only in the event of the webmaster’s death or incapacitation
    • The association should create its own domain registrar account, and assume full control of the domain name when it comes up for renewal in 2023
      • This must take place at least sixty days before the renewal date, per [Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)](https://www.icann.org/ rules)
  • The association was fortunate to get its domain name back after it terminated its previous hosting agreement, therefore:
    • The association should never again enter into an agreement that makes a third party, whether a hosting platform or a member, the registrant of its domain name, and should consider adding such a proviso to its bylaws
      • This would not preclude the purchasing of e-mail and or web hosting from the same vendor that acts as domain registrar at some future date, it only precludes an entity other than the North Anthony Area Association being named as registrant
  • North Anthony Corridor Website
    • As a related matter, it was recently noticed that the North Anthony Corridor Group website is currently down
    • The group’s Facebook page has not been updated since 2020
    • The group is still registered with the Indiana secretary of state, apparently under the auspices of Concordia Lutheran High School
    • When this was mentioned, it was noted that Holy Cross recently completed a purchase of the North Anthony Shopping Center, which covers most of the east side of the North Anthony Corridor commercial district
    • The group’s service area is just north of the association’s boundaries, but its fate is inextricably linked to the health of the residential portion to its south that is the purview of this association, therefore:
      • It was resolved that the president should raise the matter when next she meets with one of her contacts at Concordia
      • It was further proposed that the association should pursue a permanent collaboration with the corridor group, or an assumption of its duties and responsibility for its service area, depending on whether Concordia intends to renew or dissolve the current entity, and that these possibilties should also be discussed when meeting with Concordia personnel
• Adjournment
  • President Warsco adjourned the meeting just afte 8PM
  • The next association meeting will be held on Monday, May 23rd, 2022, at 7PM, at a location to be determined. Representatives of Neighborhood Planning and Activation will be in attendance.

Monday January 31, 2022 Unofficial Meeting Minutes

• Call to Order
  • The North Anthony Area Association meeting took place on Monday, January 31, 2022 at The Oh Five Scoop Shoppe, 1937 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, at 7PM.
  • Due to work and weather-related conflicts, no officers, other than the president, were present, and only one dues-paying member and one interested member of the public attended
  • Since no quorum existed, elections for officers could not be held
  • For lack of a secretary, minutes were unofficially recorded by a member
    • These minutes have no official validity, and are provied for informational purposes only
• Treasurer’s Report * The treasurer was not present to present his report
• Secretary’s Report
  • The post of secretary is currently vacant
• Northeast Area Partnership Update
  • Association leadership attended a meeting of the Northeast Area Partnership, an assembly of all the neighborhood associations in the northeast quadrant of Fort Wayne, which meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave
  • Various local government representatives were also in attendance; their remarks are described by office or department, below:
  • City Council
    • Councilman Russ Jehl (R-2nd) was present
      • Jehl stated that he is doing everything he can to get answers about the ongoing issues with Red River Waste
    • Missed and delayed pickups are affecting all neighborhoods in the city, but are particularly bad in this sector
    • There is currently no contractor in a position to immediately add service for a city of Fort Wayne’s size
    • The city looked into purchasing Red River’s trucks and paying city employees to collect trash in the interim, but it appears that Red River may have cross-collateralized its trucks, and thus they have multiple liens on them that are being resolved in bankruptcy court
  • Right-of-Way Improvements
    • Barret Law bonding is available for sidewalk repairs, with half the cost borne by the property owner whose property the sidewalk traverses, and the other half by the city. More information is available here
  • Neighborhood Code Enforecment
  • There was no major news
    • There was a reiteration of some previous news and concerns, namely:
    • Right-of-Way Encroachments
    • Code enforcement staff did ask the representatives to remind residents that signs are not allowed in the city rights of way:

    …It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, place or stand any signs, temporarily or permanently, between the property line and curb line on any public street except such signs which pertain to traffic regulations or restrictions. The Board of Public Safety shall cause the same to be removed. (‘74 Code, 25-17)

    • Accordingly, city workers have been removing signs that they encounter in right of way in the course of their duties
    • It is also prohibited to place a basketball hoop in the street

    (A) It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct the free passage along and upon any street, sidewalk, space between sidewalk and curbing, or commonly traveled portion of a street or other public place, and to place or permit to be placed upon such street, sidewalk, space between sidewalk and curbing, or commonly traveled portion of a street or any other public place, any thing or object whatsoever so as to obstruct or block the use thereof, or so to endanger the life or limb, or property of other using such passage.

    • Homeowners must trim trees and shrubbery to ensure that they do not encroach on alleys or sidewalks

    99.145 TRIMMING OF TREES AND SHRUBS DUTY OF PROPERTY OWNER. The owner or occupant of any property abutting any street shall remove or trim any tree, shrub, vine, flower or plant or part thereof on the property of any such owner or occupant which may be unsightly or in a dangerous condition or which may project over the street beyond the property line of such owner or occupant in such a manner that the limbs or branches thereof will not permit free and unobstructed passage of pedestrians and vehicles and an unobstructed view of street lights. (‘74 Code, 30-4) (Ord. G-85-66, passed - -66) Penalty, see 99.999

  • Fort Wayne Police Department
    • Catlytic converter thefts in the area are on the rise again
    • Hondas are the most targeted vehicle
    • Residents are asked to call the police if they hear noises at night
    • The non-emergency police number is +1 260-427-1222
    • There were two thefts on Kensington in the past month
  • Community & Economic Development
    • There is a new working group for neighborhood planning & activation headed by Don Baisden
  • New Business
    • Councilman Jehl is proposing a new Urban Core Sidewalk Funding initiative
    • If enacted, this will take state money for urban improvements that was almost entirely dedicated by city council for street and alley repair and dedicate some of it to sidewalks and other neighborhood improvements
  • State of Garbage Collection
    • Attendees discussed their recent experiences with trash collection, which were uniformly bad
    • The president re-iterated that it is important to keep to the published schedule for placing trash for collection, even when it isn’t being collected on time
    • This is especially important with respect to recycling
  • Old Business
    • Invest in Neighborhoods Now (INN) Sidewalk Funding
    • This is an existing program, separate from the proposed Urban Core funding proposed by Councilman Jehl
    • This program was limited to a maximum dollar amount, and focused on fixing the worst infrastructure first
    • Residents of the association were invited to submit sidewalk areas for review, and they were rated on a scale of 1-5 from worst to best
    • Most of the 1-3 rated sidewalks have been approved for repairs, which will begin in the spring
• Elections
  • As noted above, elections were not held, for lack of a quorum
• Open Discussion: Questions & Comments
  • No comments or questions were offered, and the meeting adjourned
  • The next association meeting will be held on Monday, March 28th, 2022, at 7PM, in the Oh Five Scoop Shop

Monday November 11, 2022 Unofficial Meeting Minutes

• Call to Order
  • The North Anthony Neighborhood Association took place on Monday, November 22, 2021 at The Oh Five Scoop Shoppe, 1937 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
  • President Sarah Warsco called the meeting to order at 7PM
  • For lack of a secretary, minutes were unofficially recorded by a member
    • These minutes have no official validity, and are provied for informational purposes only
• Treasurer’s Report
  • The association has approximately $8,400 in the bank
• Northeast Area Partnership Update
  • Association leadership attended a meeting of the Northeast Area Partnership, an assembly of all the neighborhood associations in the northeast quadrant of Fort Wayne, which meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave
  • Various local government representatives were also in attendance; their remarks are described by office or department, below:
  • Three Rivers Ambulance Authority
    • Emergency response times are in compliance with minimum standards
    • Non-emergency response times are still sometimes out of compliance, due to staffing shortages
    • The authority has started a new emergency medical technician (EMT) certification class
    • A new course will begin as soon as students in the current class have graduated
    • Students will be paid for their class time while taking the course
    • More information is available here
  • Fort Wayne Fire Department
    • The department would like to remind citizens to use timers and stay in the room when cooking to avoid fires this Thanksgiving
    • The department has re-started its public access television program on CityTV, beginning with the recent Fort Wayne Fire Department 93rd Recruit Class Graduation Ceremony
• City Council
  • Councilman Russ Jehl (R-2nd) was present to ask the public’s opinion on giving additional tax rebates for Phase II of the Fort Wayne Electric Works project
    • The councilman also noted that he is aggressively seeking answers to questions about the Red River Waste bankruptcy and any potential disruptions of service that could result, as well as the potential consequences of the company not renewing its performance bond
  • Neighborhood Code Enforecment
    • A former medical building on Lake Avenue within the partnership boundaries was found to be structurally deficient due to the removal of support pillars in its basement, and an order to demolish is being prepared
  • Fort Wayne Police Department
    • The police department recently made some arrests in area catalytic converter thefts
    • The suspects are alleged to belong to an organized theft ring from out-of-town that were selling the stolen converters elsewhere
  • Community & Economic Development
    • No representative attended due to the Veteran’s Day holiday
  • Capital Improvement Projects
    • The City of Fort Wayne has undertaken a number of infrastructure projects in northeast neighborhoods

Monday, January 23, 2023 Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting, Held at Oh Five Scoop Shop (1937 E State Blvd) at 7 PM, January 23, 2023

• Call to Order
  • Interim President Joe Giant called the meeting to order shortly after 7 PM.
  • Eleven people were in attendance.
  • Agendas, November minutes, and copies of the bylaws were distributed to attendees.
• Approval of Minutes
  • Attendees reviewed and unanimously approved minutes from the November 28 meeting.
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Mr. Giant gave the treasurer’s report:
    • Starting balance of $6,981.17
    • N0 withdrawals
    • $65 in deposits from dues
    • Ending balance of $7,046
• Guest Speaker
  • Neighborhood Planner Josh Campbell gave a Community Development update. He noted that Neighborhood Improvement Grants can be submitted until March 17 and gave several project examples.
• Battle of the Neighborhoods
  • Mr. Giant stated that NAAA was invited by the Northside Neighborhood to participate in the 2nd annual Battle of the Neighborhoods Chili Cookoff on Monday, February 27, 6:30 PM at Hop River Brewing Company, and that 3 or 4 participants could enter their chili in the contest.
  • Todd Jordan tentatively agreed to participate.
• Discussion of Bylaws
  • Mr. Giant led a review of the NAAA bylaws.
  • He stated that the bylaws were created in 1987 and that the meeting format and schedule has evolved such that many of the bylaws are not being observed.
  • Participants suspected that monthly Board of Director meetings eventually became open to anyone, and eventually were changed to every other month.
  • Mr. Giant suggested that the bylaws be amended to reflect current practices. It was recommended that the procedure set forth in the current bylaws be followed for amending the bylaws.
    • This procedure requires that a Board of Directors exist, so it was recommended that a Board be approved at the March meeting, along with a draft of new bylaws for review, and then formal action be taken on the amended bylaws at the May meeting.
• Discussion of Association Goals
  • Mr. Giant led a discussion on goal setting for 2023.
    • The group discussed events that the Association used to do, and events that they would like to do again, in particular the Wine and Beer Fest.
    • Holding the event outside and multiple times throughout the summer was discussed.
  • The group discussed potential speakers at upcoming meetings.
    • Topics such as gardening (both food and flowers), home improvement, trails, and someone who could talk about “being a tourist in your hometown” were brought up.
  • The group discussed ideas for the Neighborhood Improvement Grant.
    • Improving the intersection of Anthony and Lake was discussed, but no specific project came up. The group discussed potential improvements within the Boulevard such as benches.
    • Mr. Giant stated that he would post the questions to Facebook to gain additional input.
• Christmas Bureau Families
  • Peggy McCarty reported on the 2022 Christmas Family and showed the thank you cards she received
    • It was resolved that cards should be scanned and posted to the website and Instagram so that those not in attendance could see them
• Buena Vista Parking Update
  • Jacki Butler gave an update on the parking initiative on Buena Vista (allowing parking on only one side).
    • She successfully gathered the requisite signatures, and the change will be made following approval from the City of Fort Wayne Board of Public Works.
• Good of the Order
  • Melissa Rhinehart told the crowd that she is seeking the Democratic nomination for Fort Wayne City Council to represent the 2nd District, which includes our neighborhood
    • She is currently unopposed in the Democratic primary to be held in May; her Republic counterpart, incumbent Russ Jehl, is also currently unopposed in his party’s primary race
    • More information about her campaign is available at Melissa’s campaign website

, Secretary Approved March 27, 2023

Monday, March 27, 2023 Meeting Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting, Held at Oh Five Scoop Shop (1937 E State Blvd) at 7 PM, March 27, 2023

• Call to Order
  • Interim President Joe Giant called the meeting to order shortly after 7:00pm.
  • Eleven people were in attendance.
  • Agendas, January minutes, and a handout discussing native plants for home landscaping were distributed to attendees.
• Approval of Minutes
  • Attendees reviewed and unanimously approved the January minutes.
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Mr. Giant gave a Treasurer’s Report. Balance of $7,046, no deposits or withdraws.
• Guest Speaker
  • Master Gardener Heather Shively from the Purdue Extension gave a presentation on native plants and landscaping, focusing on edible plans, and plants that would be well-suited for home landscaping.
• Neighborhood Event Planning
  • The group discussed potential neighborhood events that could be held this year.
  • Mr. Giant stated that the Food and Wine Fest would likely need to be a distinct event from a block party because higher costs and rules regarding alcohol consumption make it difficult for the Food and Wine Fest to do in the boulevard.
  • He stated that NAAA would support a block party event in addition to the Food and Wine Fest if someone were interested in taking the lead on such an event.
• Neighborhood Planning Update
  • Neighborhood Planner Josh Campbell gave an update on the Northeast Neighborhood Plan and other City programs.
  • He stated that staff are reviewing 2023 Neighborhood Improvement Grant submissions, and noted that North Anthony did apply. He stated that the Curb Appeal program has begun, which offers matching funds for improvements to homes.
• Great American Cleanup
  • Mr. Giant stated that Melissa Rinehart is hosting a Great American Cleanup event and anyone interested in helping should contact her.
• Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements
  • The group discussed potential neighborhood infrastructure improvements that could be submitted to Public Works. These submissions work their way into the Public Works capital improvement plans and do not require a financial match from the neighborhood.
  • Attendees pointed out several things, including:
    • Streetlights of varying colors, styles, and levels of brightness
    • Powerwashing and tuckpointing the entrance pillars at Kensington/Lake
    • Repairing the sidewalk on the north side of Lake between Anthony and Kensington.
• Cody Stop Sign Update
  • Mr. Giant gave an update on the initiative to install a stop sign at Kensington and Cody.
  • Approximately half of the signatures have been obtained.
  • No one has declined to sign when asked.
• Buena Vista Parking
  • Jacki Butler stated that the ‘no parking’ signs on Buena Vista have been installed.
• Officer Elections
  • The group discussed officer elections. The bylaws state that the elections are to be held in the spring, so elections were deferred to the May meeting.

, Secretary Approved 22-May 2023

Monday, May 22, 2023 Meeting Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting Minutes, Held at Oh Five Scoop Shop, 1937 E State Blvd, 7:00 p.m. May 22, 2023

• In attendance: Neil Miller, Joe Brennan, Peggy McCarty, Kathy Jones, Nick Miller, Melissa Rinehart, Dennis Przybyla, Kevin Piekarski, Todd Jordan, Molly Jordan, Joe Giant, Josh Campbell, Kristin Guthrie
• Interim President Joe Giant called the meeting to order shortly after 7pm.
• Minutes from March 27th Regular Meeting were approved unanimously.
• Treasurer’s Report: Balance of $7,046. Mr. Giant noted that some expenditures were upcoming, including pillar insurance and printing/distribution of newsletters.
• Kristen Guthrie from Visit Fort Wayne spoke on Fort Wayne tourism.
  • Fort Wayne hosts over 7,000,000 visitors per year, bringing in over $800,000,000 per year.
  • The group discussed key factors driving tourism in Fort Wayne, as well as VisitFW’s tourism master plan survey which will gather information on the status of tourism in Fort Wayne and where resources should be allocated to improve that status.
• Joe Giant, interim president, proposed a general election of Neighborhood Board of Directors. All members in attendance at the meeting paid dues at the meeting to ensure membership status as “active”. By unanimous vote, Joe Giant, Joe Brennan, Neil Miller, Peggy McCarty, and Kathy Jones were elected to the NAAA Board of Directors.
• Joe Giant proposed an election of officers. 5 Board Members were present. The Board elected Joe Giant as President (5 votes), Joe Brennan as Vice President (5 votes), and Neil Miller as Secretary (5 votes)
• A drafted amendment to the Neighborhood Association Bylaws was presented for consideration.
• Neighborhood Improvement Grant Update: The NAAA was awarded a $4,800 grant for chess table infrastructure.
  • The FW Parks and Recreation Dept has agreed to maintain the installed unit and provided a metal and cement option for consideration. Members voted and a cement table option was chosen.
  • Location will be decided based on current utility presence and ADA Accessibility.
  • Kensington and Cody is agreed as the preferred location.
  • Table and benches to be installed by November
• Food & Wine (& Beer) Party Update. Mr. Giant made a call for volunteers. The event is tentatively scheduled for Sep 23rd, subject to change (editor’s note – the event has been rescheduled to Sept. 30).
• Josh Campbell provided Community Development Update: The Active Transportation Survey for the Active Transportation Plan is now closed. The Historic Northeast Neighborhood Plan Steering Committee meeting discussed areas of focus and goals for the plan, which is underway. Lake and Anthony mentioned as a possible area for consideration
• Garage Sale weekend: June 16th and 17th.
• Dumpster Day scheduled for June 24th.
• Stop Sign at Kensington/Cody update – still collecting signatures
• Newsletter will be sent in the next couple weeks. It will include a call for dues and a way to pay them electronically.
• General Membership notes:
  • City Utilities offering lateral line lead testing – contact 311 for more information
  • Neighbors should feel encouraged to leave porch lights on at night to help with neighborhood appeal, security, etc.

Neil Miller, Secretary Approved 24-July 2023

Monday, November 27, 2023 Meeting Minutes

North Anthony Area Association Regular Meeting Minutes, Held at Oh Five Scoop Shop, 1937 E State Blvd, 7:00 p.m. May 22, 2023

• Call to order
  • Attendees:
    • Joseph Giant (President)
    • Joseph Brennan (Vice-President)
    • Sarah Beiswanger (Treasurer)
    • Kathleen Jones (Secretary [pro tempore])
    • Nick Miller
    • Molly Jordan
    • Don Haus
      • Maggie Haus
    • Peggy MCarty (Board Member)
    • Sandy Brandt
• Approval of minutes
  • Minutes from previous meeting approved pending confirmation of point raised by Brennan
    • Brennan seeks confirmation from prior guest as to what speed triggers enforcement action by Fort Wayne Police department
  • Kathleen Jones volunteered to act as secretary and take minutes for the meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Beginning Balance: $7,315
  • Ending balance (Does not include Food & Wine Party) $7,300
  • Revenue from Food & Wine Party (Pending, Approximate) $4,100
  • Expected Balance for December: ~ $11,000
• Review of minutes
• Annual Beer-Wine Party
  • Very successful, participants thanked
• Christmas party
  • Donations covered all the gifts, along w/Assoc donation (150$)
  • Bike for older brother
  • Play kitchen for younger child
  • Possible bike for middle child; father [presumably Don Haus] is putting bike together & will deliver
  • Peggy assisting with wrapping.
  • Facebook fundraiser raised an additional $200 for bicycle and gift card, in addition to a Walmart gift card and clothing
  • Volunteers equested photos of gifts to post on Assoc website
  • Photos of some of the gifts have already been posted for benefit of those who donated.
• Previous meeting celebrated small wins
  • Digital speed tracker was deployed
• Maumee River Dam
  • Challenge—Complex due to number of depts involve
    • City engineer stated city utilities is responsible—challenge is the dam is functional even though an eyesore in comparison to other City Utilities priorities.
    • Approx 10-15k cost to improve.
  • Options to manage dam:
    • Association could use community dev money, fundraiser money, grant money and City U sees , and see if City Utilities *History of dam
    • Has THE dam ever been cleaned?
      • Historically if dam is creating a danger, city. Has cleaned it up.
  • Next steps
    • Check grant timeline and discuss with city contacts
    • Contact Coumcilman Jehl
    • Contact one of the Dean’s at Indiana Tech – dam affects them, too
    • Next meeting-develop project scope
• Historic Northeast Steering Committee
  • Outstanding item—Awaiting plan resulting from the Engagement Survey (see handout)
  • Strategies listed are very general. Recommend specific action items-ie
• Major issues
  • Crossing busy intersections
    • Neighbors continue to complain about speeding, misuse of parking lanes, etc.
  • Multi-family residential building being built on E. State
    • What are repercussions?
    • What can the neighborhood association do if members are opposed? *Survey is to be utilized in long range plans for community
  • Over 600 respondents
  • East State Village
    • Heavy traffic
    • Speed of traffic
    • Safety for pedestrians
    • Bike lanes vs traffic.
  • Grocery store in light of increased number of residents. Recommend identifying what community desires in a grocery store 2). Address “the dam"
• Project updates
  • Cody Ave – Kensiington Game Table
    • Three benches and a table have been installed
      • Handicap-accessible
      • All-stone construction
  • Lake/Anthony intersection—funding approved to replace sidewalks to Crescent.
  • Joe G. spoke with owner
    • Funding includes replacement of patio and trees
    • Likely completed in spring of 2024.
• Goals for 2024
  • Boost meeting attendance
    • Expand current number of signs
      • Currently there are ~7 usable signs
      • It was resolved to purchase 8 more at cost of 22$/sign
      • Priority will be given to placement at highly visible locations like intersections to encourage attendance *Other ideas:
        • Consider merger with a smaller association e.g. Forest Park, or a joint meeting to share idea
        • Invite speakers on viability of a grocery store
        • Hold more events, such as a free block party
        • Create subcommittee for projects to encourage greater involvement by members
• Open discussion
  • Kudos to Kristen Giant for a successful fundraiser
• Proposals
  • Create an office of social media and/or event planner, perhaps subordinate to the secretary role
  • Invite owner of North Anthony Shopping Center near Concordia to find out their plans
  • John Bowen, President of Parkview Regional Medical Center, on future of Parkview Randallia campus, was suggested as a guest speaker
  • Meeting frequency could be changed to meet more or less often Bimonthly recommended; quarterly only if board meets more often * Board needs to meet more frequently * No motions made: current bimonthly meeting schedule maintained
• Further update from the President:
  • Signature requirement for 4 way stop 85% completed
• Meeting adjourned 8:07pm

Sarah Beiswanger, Secretary

• Approved Monday, January 22, from notes, with corrigenda and addenda by members viva voce