November 2019 Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order

2. Sign-In & Introductions

3. Treasurer's Report

• $1074.67

4. Announcements - 7:00 pm

• TEP Update—Transmission line from DeMoss Petrie substation to Kino substation. Still unsure where line will go. No one wants the above ground line in their neighborhood. Underground power lines are 10 times more expensive and neighborhood can vote to pay extra tax to cover cost. The idea is if we all work together, it will be less horrible for everyone involved.

• TPD Update—Three officers present from TPD and together discuss a burglary on Perry between 4th and University. Residents concerned that response time took 9 hours, despite tracking of stolen devices and cooperation with halfway house manager. Officers discuss understaffing as a main issue and also priorities. When burglar is no longer present, threat of loss of life is no longer a concern. Other crimes (involving potential loss of life) take precedence. Officers discuss best practices individuals can take to protect their belongings through photographs and recording serial numbers or unique markings (which can often serve as serial numbers). Pawn shops are supposed to upload serial numbers of newly received items. These data are checked against TPD database of recently stolen items. Item serial numbers on this database expire after 21 days. Officer Jackson invites direct email or phone ((520)305-1382) with him, after making a 911 call.

• Chuck Ford from the Dunbar Coalition/Dunbar Spring Neighborhood Association has passed away.

5. Committee Reports

a. DNARC—Karen met with Pima County Assessor Bill Staples to inquire about property tax increase exemptions for elderly and most in need. Assessors across state cannot get AZ legislators to make changes. Have been working for five years to protect vulnerable from increased property tax, but change must operate at a legislative level. Laws have lowered commercial property tax, so residents end up paying more. Announcing100th anniversary of Menlo Elementary School. Actual original school is closed. Behind Centennial plaza in west downtown is location of Bautista Apartments project. It is considered a “mixed-use” residential community. b. Downtown Links—Natasha has contacted director of transportation Diana Alarcon. She responded that construction is in preliminary stages with Downtown Links Constructors (partnership between Granite and Borderland Construction). Still in pre-construction stages (e.g., closing lanes). Will begin actual work in Spring 2020 and project will take at least 2 years. A representative will be sent to a Dunbar meeting (TBA).

c. WAMO—Postponed for next month.

d. Neighborhood Garden—Postponed for next month.

e. Dunbar Coalition—Postponed for next month.

f. Walkability/Neighborhood Foresters—Postponed for next month.

g. 11th Avenue Housing Project—Looking for an update. Inviting City Council member Lane Santa Cruz and Liz Morales to our January meeting.

6. Discussion - 7:30 p.m.

a. TEP Wall (10 min)—Vote to be made about variance to allow for a taller wall around station.

b. Follow-Up on Three-Neighborhood Picnic (10 min)—Only attendees were from Dunbar. What to do different in future planning to ensure more cross-neighborhood communication and collaboration??

c. Update on Design for Meeting Signs (10 min)—Color options to be explored.

7. Approve October minutes

8. Adjourn 8:05 p.m