Note: Meeting minutes by Lana Taylor, board member, in the absence of Barbara Maxwell, secretary.

The minutes are somewhat as follows:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Ron Miller first mentioned the “Bark Park” to be located at 18^th and Cincinnati, East of Boston Avenue Methodist Church.  Herb Beatty is chairman of this project and donations of $15.00 and above are being accepted for needed improvements, i.e., drinking fountain, park benches, etc.

Next, Treasurer, Ray Luth, reported that we now have $811.15 in our treasury.  He added that $300.00 had been spent on our conversion from a 501C4 to a 501C3 status for our organization.

Following, Ron mentioned the “Vision 2025” update; the Carson Avenue Arch at 14^th Street plan is being finalized.  The eight foot gateways to be located at 15^th and Denver (Stonebraker Heights); 18^th and Cincinnati (Buena Vista); and 21^st and Riverside (Riverview Addition) are in the making.

A pamphlet detailing historic designation for individual homes was passed about for inspection by those attending.  We were told by Ron (I believe) that some realtor estimates an immediate approximate increase of $1,000.00 in value for homes which exhibit the plaques.  The price range of the plaque, I recall to be from $49.00 to $221.00, and the material to be of brass, aluminum, or bronze (not sure of that).  Also mentioned was the figure of 85% of homes in our association to be eligible for the plaques.  Either Ron Miller or you should be contacted for purchase of the above mentioned plaques.

The guest speaker for the meeting was Michael Patton of the Metropolitan Environmental Trust, email address tulsarecycle.com.  He passed out a number of useful brochures.  He made mention of the Fairgrounds Event on November 8^th and 9^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for discarding dangerous, toxic, or hazardous chemicals from our homes, paint, cleaning products, etc.  He also spoke of curbside pick-up of paper, plastics and aluminum cans for $2.00/month.  Other, somewhat controversial subjects mentioned were; (1) the possible re-opening of the Avery Drive trash-to-energy program; (2) the fact that Sunoco Refinery had returned to the use of the old gas burner for the production of natural gas; and (3) the on-going problem of how to fund the demolition of the once “Abundant Life Center” on South Boulder.  A superfund site can be extremely dangerous to the value of surrounding properties.

Final comments included “City of Tulsa’s” current trash contract expires in 2012; the city controls only residential trash pick-up; and Tulsa would be burying trash until 2017.

The PLANiTULSA city workshops to be held on September 22nd and 23^rd were brought up.  For info visit www.planitulsa.org or call 576.5684.

On a happy note, someone mentioned a shop called “The Restore” located in a neighborhood near 11^th and Sheridan.  Great products for home restoration, old or new, at great prices.

Also, fun events for the month of September include (1) The Greek Festival, volunteers needed who will receive t-shirts and perhaps dinner; dates September 18, 19 and 20^th. (2) Huge Quik-Trip 50^th Anniversary Celebration at the River West Festival Park (September 20^th); and (3) Grand Opening of the Stickball Park at 18^th and Cheyenne across the street from the Council Oak on November 11^th.

Two local politicians, Lucky Lamons and Tom Adelson stopped by for the meeting.  In all, (including our two visitors and the guest speaker) twelve (12) people were present.  Really hoping for more involvement in October.

Meeting ended sharply at 8:00 p.m.. 

 Lana Taylor