Triangle Neighborhood Association

September 8, 2008

 

1.                         The regular meeting of the Triangle Neighborhood Association was held on   Monday, September 8, 2008 in the Warner School Library.  It began at 7:02 PM.  Those in attendance started at 16 and grew to 36 persons before individuals began to leave around 8 PM.

 

2.                         Howard Sholl, President of TNA, started the meeting.  He addressed the group:

·       He welcomed all, and introduced the TNA officers and Board members who were present.

·       Howard introduced Jane Taylor, who has a request for building project.

3.                         Jane Taylor addressed the group:

·       Her home is on the corner of 20th and Monroe Streets. 

·       She would like to build a deck like structure to accommodate an outdoor grill.

·       There were no plans available for distribution.

·       Howard suggested that she check with her neighbors, first.  She should request written statements, which she could deliver to Howard.  After a favorable review by the TNA Board, Howard would write a letter to Jim DiPinto to support a variance.

·       To date no date has been set for a zoning hearing.

·       Jane will contact her contractor for the details of the project.

4.                         Margaret (Meg) Hoefer, the new Principal for Warner School addressed the group:

·       Meg spent 16 years at Warner as a teacher.

·       In addition, she split administrative duties between Shortledge and Warner Schools.

·       She spent seven weeks in district office, before going to Dickinson High School.

·       The opportunity to lead Warner Elementary School is a thrill.

·       City schools have some concerns that other schools do not have.

·       Schools have a direct impact on the neighborhoods, and influence property values.

·       Currently, Warner is a school under improvement.  This designation was based on one test.  One must consider that children start at different places, so one test is not the best measure.

·       Warner has a significant number of “special needs” children.

·       A major goal is to improve student behavior. 

·       Some grants will be written especially for technology.

·       A good deal of time will be spent with parents and staff.

·       There is a new assistant principal, who has a great deal of promise.

·       Adults will be invited into the school community.

·       The school wants to be a good neighbor.  Call the school office, if there is a problem caused by the students in the neighborhood.

·       Question from the floor: How many special needs students are attending Warner?  Answer: Higher than other schools, but we are developing plans for intervention.

·       Warner is a Title 1 school, so there is a high poverty population.

·       Question:  What is a “special needs” student?  Answer: These are children with identified and documented learning and behavior needs.

·       Question: How much control does the school have outside the building?  For example, buses damage cars.  Answer: The District contracts with First Student for bus service.  If there is an issue with a bus, get the identifying number, so the particular bus can be reported.

·       Question: Dumpsters are emptied in the early morning resulting in noise. Can anything be done? Answer: She will find out.

·       Question: Can the noise from the air conditioning chiller be addressed?  Answer: Write a letter about the situation, and then we can have tests administered.   By the way, the chillers are controlled by an office in Stanton. 

·       Comment: The city was supposed to check the noise level.  Howard will check on the city’s investigation.

·       Control of the custodians has been given back to the local principal.

·       Question: Is there a uniform for the students?  Answer: Yes.

5.                         Captain Harris addressed the group:

·       A Community Policing representative in attendance, who will speak later.

·       The recent crime statistics for the neighborhood were read.

·       Do not have UPS packages left on the door step.

·       Comment: Why not have a sting operation to discover the criminals taking packages?  Answer: Good idea.

·       Comment: Requiring a signature before a package is left at a residence would be helpful.  If the individual is not at home, it would mean a trip to Newark to get the package.

·       Comment: Stop signs are not being observed.  Response:  Thank you, the matter will be reported to traffic enforcement.

·       Carrie was introduced and she spoke about Child Development with Community Policing.  They work with the police, but not for the police.

o      The program works with children who have experienced violence.

o      This counseling service is free of charge.

o      There have been 1,600 referrals in the last three years.  A flier is available.

o      The cutoff age is 17.

·       Captain Harris mentioned that the Brandywine Arts Festival has been changed to this weekend, September 13 and 14.

·       Call 654-5151 to report mischievous behavior.  One must understand that the calls are put in priority order.  

·       Comment: The windshield of my vehicle was broken twice.  There were neighbors drinking on the side of my house.  It appears that the police report did not receive a follow-up.  Drug deals need immediate action.  Answer: The incident will be addressed with the officers on the watch.  At times, we look for supplementary issues.

·       Comment:  I can guarantee an arrest.  Every night, there are individuals kicking cars and trying to get into houses.  It happens between midnight and 2:00 AM.   Answer: Sgt Kane is present and I will make sure these concerns are raised.

·       Tom Baker offered to contact Lt. Bruno Battaglia of the Wilmington Police Department.  Tom’s email address is chev34thb@verizon.net

·       Beware of scams.

6.                         Howard Sholl addressed the group;

·       The TNA Membership Campaign has begun.  At the next monthly meeting, we will have envelopes available so membership registration can be mailed.

7.                         Frank Joyce addressed the group:

·       We need a phone tree coordinator to replace Rita Bevin.

·       There are three coordinators who contact the block captains at times of necessity.

·       See me afterwards, if you are willing to assist.

·       Howard Sholl remarked that we look at the incident carefully before we exercise the phone tree.  We would not use it, for example, to say that the Brandywine Arts Festival has been rescheduled.

8.                         Tim Sharpe addressed the group:

                                                    i.     We operate neighborhood watch to deter crime and mischief in our neighborhood.

                                                  ii.     We are in the midst of a recruiting drive.  The term of service is one hour every two months.

9.                         There was a motion from the floor:  TNA should give uniforms in the value of $200 to Warner School.  The motion passed.

10.                      Question:  Has the letter about the air conditioning unit used by Warner School been sent to city officials.  Answer:  Yes, but there has been no response.

11.                      Tom Baker mentioned that he serves on the Blueprint Community Committee for second district.

12.                      Question: Have any provisions been made to replace the grass which was disturbed for the concrete work.  No answer was supplied.

13.                      The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.