Triangle Neighborhood Association Meeting

Monday, February 6, 2006

 

            A meeting of the Triangle Neighborhood Association was held on Monday, February 6, 2006 at Warner Elementary School in the cafeteria.  A summary of the presentations made and the discussions held at the meeting follows:

 

1.              Meg Hudson opened the meeting at 7:09 PM.

 

2.              There were 17 persons present at the start of the meeting.  The total attendance rose to 20 persons, as the meeting progressed.

 

3.              Norm Griffiths addressed the group:

·      Four magnetic signs for Town Watch cars have arrived. 

·      Delmarva Power (alias: Conectiv) has announced a possible 60 % increase in costs. (Telephone number is 1-800-355-0368.)

·      A suggestion from the floor offered to get someone from Delmarva to talk to TNA.   Some skepticism was raised as to the value of a speaker who would voice the company’s part line. 

·      A resolution was offered in the General Assembly to have the costs phased in stages.

·      An example of the cost increase:  $91 to $145 per month for electric.

·      After May 1, the cost of heat will be replaced with the cost of air conditioning.

·      Plaque to recognize Rosa Parks will be installed.  Water Street has been changed to Rosa Parks Drive

·      The Mayor will present the city budget at 6 pm on March 23.  It can be viewed on TV Channel 22.

·      A city ordinance is in committee with respect to the registration of dumpsters.  It is to combat overflowing conditions.

·      A city ordinance is in committee, which would prevent the placing of blocks in the doorframes of multifamily residences.  The blocks prevent the locking of the door.  Convenience is compromising security.

·      There will be a Delaware Transit meeting from 11:30 AM to 2 PM, Tuesday, February 7 in the Carver State Office building.  This is a public hearing, and it will deal with Sunday bus service.

·      Updated list of members of City Council was provided.

·      There are two new police officers for our area: Chris Connelly (247-2319) and Shawn Gordon (463-4207)

·      Councilman Brown has introduced a resolution to limit the number of slot machines in the city. Chester gambling will take people away from Delaware.  The Governor is inclined to increase the number of slot machines elsewhere in the State.

·      The mandatory closing of stores issue remains in committee. Storeowners will be asked to demonstrate that they do not tolerate gang behavior.  There are some nuisance gangs on Concord Avenue and Monroe Street. The 7-11 store chain will make their case to be permitted to remain open form midnight to 4 AM.  The entire issue will be a matter for the Zoning Board.

 

4.              Michael Kozikowski, the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds addressed the group:

·      Materials distributed:  Mr. Kozikowski’s bio, a three page “Frequently Asked Questions” handout and a glossy brochure describing the operation of the office of the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds.

·      A slide of the County government structure was shown.  A PowerPoint presentation followed.  Some of the salient points presented were:

·      PowerPoint presentation

o      Genealogy service is in Dover.

o      County deed transfer tax amount to $ 45 million each year.

o      28 full time people with 4 supervisors

o      The library of the recorder’s office is open through the web.

o      There is the ability to trace back through previous deeds.

o      Plot plans are available with reference to building, public streets.

o      Easements, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney and plot plans are recorded.

o      See www.ncc-deeds.com for more details.

o      Mortgage records have been scanned from 1831 to the present.

o      There is a desire to scan back to William Penn’s time in the 1600’s.

o      Records of deeds have been scanned from 1945 forward.

o      A full search of a deed is available for $100 per month or 50 cents per page.

o      It cost $2 million to purchase  the current imaging system.

o      Delaware Public Archives in Dover is an excellent resource.

·      Questions were asked about identify theft, the availability of Social Security Numbers on documents and the office’s operating budget ($2.7 million).

 

5.              Captain Maggitti of the Wilmington Police Force spoke to the group:

·      Crime stats for the Triangle Neighborhood were given to Tom Baker.

·      Burglaries:   5 in the neighborhood and 2 in Warner School

·      Ladders to the 2nd floor of a dwelling are an invitation for criminals.

·      Outside lighting is a great form of prevention.

·      Open windows or windows on front doors are possible means of unlawful entry.

·      At this time of the year, there tends to be a real spike in burglaries.

·      Tire slashing has come to an end, but we must keep vigilant.

·      There have been some instances of speeding on Baynard Blvd.  Tickets have been written, yet more violators appear.

·      There have been two instances of attempted rape in the nearby area.

·      On January 3, a man in a nearby neighborhood was shot in the face, but more information is needed.

·      Reverse 911, based on listed numbers, was used in our neighborhood. If you did not receive a call, get in touch with Sgt Wells, Public Information Officer, at 576-3162.

·      The Captain’s email address has changed to: Michael.Maggitti@cj.state.de.us

·      All police officers use a similar email format.

·      Suggestion: Clean out garages and park cars in garages.

·      Three households are going together to hire an electrician to put in lights.

·      2307 Harrison needs lights.  The manager was called and the light was repaired.

 

6.              Meg Hudson made some announcements:

·      Crime stats are available tonight.

·      A progressive dinner will be held in April.  See the newsletter for details. Those who want to be a host should call the number in the newsletter.

o      Appetizer house

o      Side dish house

o      Main course house

o      Dessert house

o      May split, if size grows.

o      $15 per person

o      Every one brings a dish

o      Left over money goes into treasures

·      TNA donated to Wilmington Parks last year about $150 to $200.  Can we support at this same level this year?  The question was tabled to the next meeting.

·      On February 25, there will be the Second Annual Mari Gras Ball held at  30th and Market.

·      Do we want someone from Delmarva Power speak to us?  No resolution was reached.

·      Question: Do we want to have the Record of Wills speak to us? No resolution was reached.

·      Announcement:  Habitat for Humanity has a “restore” center on Hutton Street in the middle of the block with hours: Wednesday (10 to 2) and Saturday (9 to 2).  The items available are windows, plumbing, overstock, and donated items. 

·      Tim Sharpe will continue with Town Watch.

·      Pat Joyce will help with Town Watch phone calls as reminders.

·      In the spring, the TNA garden will need attention.  A gentleman from the neighborhood works in Longwood Gardens.

 

7.              Howard Sholl will compose a slate of officers for consideration.  Elections will be held in May.  Meg indicated that she cannot continue as President, due to her work obligations.

 

8.              Frank Joyce mentioned the installation of a historical marker at Salesianum School.  It commemorates the 100th anniversary of the school, and the 1950 decision to racially integrate the student body.

 

9.              The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 6 at 7 PM in the Warner Elementary School cafeteria.

 

10.           Meeting ended at 8:40 PM.