The Mapleleaf Online

Barbara H July 3rd, 2009

May 4, 2009

Maplewood Citizens Association Executive Committee Meeting

ATTENDEES:

Allen Myers, President; Janet Maalouf, Vice-president; Barbara Harrison, Secretary; Susan Cheney and Mark Nathans

Treasurer’s Report

Allen reported that Hugh Barteman provided a treasurer’s report by email. One minor correction was noted, and Hugh subsequently provided the updated report for the period March 16 through April 30, 2009. Expenses totaling $288.80 were noted (WJ Prom Breakfast, stamps, March general membership meeting refreshments, Verizon bill). Twelve memberships provided income of $300. As of April 30, the checking account balance was $6779.06.

Secretary’s Report

Minutes from last EC meeting had been approved via email.

French School Liaison

John Lawall had informed Allen that the CLC would not be meeting until later in the week, hence no report.

CAB Liaison report – none

Fire Board – none

NIH CLC

Ralph informed Allen earlier that the NIH CLC meeting will not occur for several weeks. The SHA will be coming to the NIH meeting to discuss BRAC plans as part of meetings with all affected institutions (e.g. Chamber of Commerce, Navy, NIH, Stoneridge, Boy Scouts)

Neighborhood Watch Committee – Amy Tsai has been chairing this group, but her husband just died, so she has stepped down. For now, Jessica Kasten and Jessica Brown will serve as cochairs. The group has developed a handout for block captains to give to residents that should be ready to go after their next meeting. Allen asked them for a newsletter article. There are 15 captains now. Allen is in contact with Officer Mathis to get the 4 Neighborhood Watch signs that are currently available to us. These will be located at the following entrances to Maplewood: Alta Vista, Cedar Crest, Beech at the YMCA, and Linden, coming from Pooks Hill. DOT installs the signs, and we have the option to pay for more. The EC can decide to do this if we wish, since the expenditure is under $300.

FAES Committee

The group sent a letter to FAES laying out their recommended opposition to FAES plans. Kaufman, the FAES’ lawyer, responded expressing disappointment and reiterating FAES plans to proceed with rezoning applications.

Allen reported that the Hearing Examiner expects Oct/Nov at the earliest for the hearing date. Mark and Susan noted that two or three of the houses currently rented by FAES are not being kept up. Allen will send an email to the FAES admin person and to Balki also. Mark also noted that Heart House is not being as well kept up as it has been. Allen will also contact their representative.

Nominations Committee

Noone has volunteered for any office.

Maplewood/Alta Vista Park Committee

Some time ago, children’s play equipment at the park was condemned and removed. We are now number 1 on the list for replacement and our input has been solicited. Five people met last week on this topic, but it is not an exclusively MCA group (e.g. Promenade residents also use the park). A coordinator will meet with the committee on site. Allen will report this in the newsletter so that anyone interested can provide input by early June. The coordinator intends to order equipment in June, which would mean it should be in place by fall.

Alta Vista and Old Georgetown Road Visibility No progress

OLD BUSINESS

BRAC Update

· David Olivera – project manager at Navy for BRAC and Capt. Zinder (Base Deputy Commander) – will come to MCA in May.

· A workshop was held to present plans to the community. BIC mtg missed the deadline for comments, thus may not have impact.

· $32 million is all that is designated in the budget for plans that would cost $200 million. Where will this $32 million be used?!

· To complete the plans, property would have to be acquired, including 5 houses on Connecticut Ave. and some HHMI property.

· The State has received only 81 comments, most of them negative, but this may not be enough. So far, most feedback has concerned lack of walkways and bike paths.

· SHA will be meeting with affected institutions in 6 upcoming meetings, including with NIH.

Metro Noise

Mr. Cato responded. They did a survey that showed nothing wrong, but have agreed to do another study. Allen will come with them. Leslie Silver from the Dist. 16 delegation will set up something. One question is where the measurements were taken. If they were not done at the track side, this may be why the survey showed that the train noise standard was met.

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

We have found a company – Darwin Insurance – that quoted us <$600 for a policy. Allen will continue to research this and will talk with Paul Foldi, a former treasurer.

NEW BUSINESS

Newsletter

In 2006 the Post Office incorrectly placed money in our account for the bulk rate mail which should have belonged to another account. We had not put any money into our account. Our efforts to rectify this mistake with the Post Office in 2006 were in vain. However, the Post Office now recognizes the mistake and wants MCA to pay for three bulk-rate mailings made from our account since the money used did not belong to MCA. Allen asked for a statement concerning this. We no longer have a bulk rate, but will likely use the printer’s indicia.

Jan will approach Jeff Young of Potomac Security, which may want to place an ad. Also, a local handyman may want to place a fall ad.

Neighborhood Yard Sale

There are several possibilities, but this needs someone to lead the effort. We should ask for interest.

May 27 General Membership Meeting Agenda

· Election of Officers^t

· Committee reports

· BRAC

· Vote on taking a position regarding FAES plans. BH will bring membership list in case there is any question about non-members voting.

Future EC Dates

Tuesdays will be the regular dates. There will be no meeting in June.

Possible dates are:

July 21^st

Sept. 1 (for Sept. 23 general)

Oct. 27 (for Nov. 18 general)

Jan 5 (For Jan 27 general)

Mar 2 (for March 24 general)

April 27 (for May 19 general)

• Executive Committee minutes
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