Saturday, October 12,
2013
Meeting Minutes of
The mission of the
Sharon started the meeting at 10:16 a.m.
1. Sharon introduced the
members of the Projects and Planning Committee, Business and Finance Committee,
and Block Representatives.
2. Sharon said that a lot of
people preferred a Saturday meeting. We talked about tips and project
priorities. Neighbors took 10 minutes to vote and rank priorities that were
first thought of during the September Martin Drive Neighborhood Association
Meeting.
3. Milwaukee Police Officer
Iverson talked about the latest update on crime and safety in the neighborhood.
The major incident on September 11, 2013 lead to events he talked about. An
investigation occurred. An incident took place in the area near Birdie's Cafe
with an individual who is a medical doctor and avid runner. He got away and called
the police. It led to 18 subjects that have been identified and several
arrests. There have been 12 arrests responsible for several incidents in the
West Side. Age range from 11 years old to 19 years old with most around 14
years old. Some are from Martin Drive neighborhood, others from the Washington
Park neighborhood. The attacks are called "highlights" and may have
been recorded on a cell phone. The Milwaukee Police Department is looking for
the videos Online. PO Kong said that each case is being reviewed.
Neighbors should email their
impact statement toraymond.duncan@gmail.com These statements will encourage the
judge to give the harshest sentence. Answer the question, "When you heard
of these incidents, how did you feel?"
Even though the problem feels
solved, you should still follow best practices for the neighborhood to keep
crime down:
Parking Enforcement – Chronic
Parking Problems 414-286-8350
Be prepared to have license plate number, address, description and problem
Report at any nonworking streetlights to Milwaukee City Electrical (414)
286-3481 24/7. Be prepared to give a address and location along with the light
behavior (I.e. out / on and off / blinking).
If you believed any trees need to be trimmed to improve lighting around a
streetlight feel free to contact Alderman Murphy's Office.414-286-3763
Ideas:
1. Get a phone number from a neighbor if you are coming home and want an extra
set of eyes to welcome you home.
2. You control the traffic in the neighborhood. Take your foot off the pedal
and take a look as you go home.
3. Call 911 for crimes in progress.
4. Use your porch light – We can’t get a good description if we can’t see.
5. Report suspicious activity immediately. Call the police at 414-933-4444,
then press 9. This is good for quality of life crimes. The suspect is typically
not cited or arrested when there is no victim (calling anonymously does not
help). There are examples of it working where neighbors accept no excuse when a
problem is bothersome.
More tips on what is
suspicious can be found here: http://martin-drive.org/
4. Alderman Murphy talked about
the Milwaukee Police Department's commitment to the neighborhood. The Westside
Guide was Pat's work and encourages residents to shop at local business in the
neighborhood. The mayor's proposal for the new budget is that you will bring
your garbage cart to the curb all year. The change will result in less injuries
to an aging sanitation workforce.
5. Milwaukee Supervisor Stamper
III, stated that he wants to have someone from the Sheriff Department to attend
neighborhood meetings. Raymond said he did not have a direct contact. A
neighbor said that when he rides his bike through the park, he said he saw an
increased presence in the Sheriff Department compared to years department.
Supervisor Stamper III, stated the move in funding away from the Milwaukee
Sheriff Department will result in lay offs for Deputies. Neighbors voted to
direct Supervisor Stamper III, to shift 1.1 million to the Milwaukee Police
Department to patrol Milwaukee County Parks. Neighbors talked about seeing the
Milwaukee Police Department patrol the Washington Park more than the Milwaukee
Sheriff Department.
6. Pat stated that this year is
the twentieth year for night time trick and treating for Friday October 25th
7:30 to about 8:30 or when all the candy given out. Pat needs help with
volunteers to pass out candy and registration of homes. You can also donate
money or candy to 4303 West Vliet Street (door is on 43rd Street). Pat said the
TIN application was turned in and we met 100% of the criteria. Pat said that 15
neighborhoods are applying for three spots in this three year program that will
help neighbors repair loans through a low interest rate and grants. LISC is an
organization that is offering a workshop on Saturday October 26th 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. at Marcus Lutheran School, 2215 North Palmer in Milwaukee.
7. Neighbors by a one vote
margin voted for keeping meetings monthly on a Saturday, 10 a.m. Attendance
will help determine future scheduled meetings.
8. Adekola explained the vote
result in neighbors voting on the activities to improve the neighborhood and
work on activities to help with crime and safety. Neighbors voted to work with
youth, reporting problem areas, reporting problems with Advanced Waste, using
and repairing porch lights, and connecting neighbors.
Neighbors started work on
several new committees and exchanged contact information for future meetings.
Neighbors that worked for
volunteer can use the form on the Martin Drive Neighborhood website www.martin-drive.org We will work with them by find a way
to use talents to meet the needs of the neighborhood.
The meeting ended at 11:50 a.m.
The last day for the Vliet
Street Community Green Market is Sunday. There will also be a flea market.