August 2023 Community Meeting Recap
Note: Any changes to the minutes should be directed to secretary@upperfellspoint.org.
Hybrid Meeting
Welcome/Introductions
Guest Speakers
1) Wendy Bozel, UFPIA President, lead the discussion on safety camera options under the $50K Safety Grant. Concerns expressed were lack of confidence in the Baltimore Police Dept., felt it was unrealistic to expect the cameras to prevent crime, or had suspicions about why the cameras are being subsidized by the State, to name a few. There also was discussion about locations as to where the cameras would be installed (Safety Committee would propose the locations at a future meeting). It also was stated that the cameras might not be a deterrent but could help solve crimes. A few stated that they felt there was not enough discussion before applying for the grant (Grant submission was fast because it was a 2-week timeline to submit). (For the Surveillance Camera Fact Sheet, click here. Also, see vote 1 below).
2) Mark Hoffmann, UFPIA Land-Use Committee Chair, briefly outlined the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sweet Carolina Liquors (309 S Broadway) and stated that if approved by the UFPIA, it would be attached to Sweet Carolina’s liquor license. (The Land-Use Committee would monitor their compliance.) - Sweet Carolina MOU Draft. Mr. Cole, contractor and engineer for Sweet Carolina, gave a brief presentation about the remodel plans too. See Vote 2 below.
Votes
Vote 1: Motion to purchase Verkada cameras for public safety implementation. Details of the process for installation and management of cameras will be contingent upon later Association approval; motion passed (Y-29; N-11 and A-3).
Vote 2: To endorse the MOU presented by the Land-Use Committee regarding Sweet Carolina Liquors on S Broadway; motion passed (Y-25; N-7; A-9) (Note: The MOU will need to be reviewed by an attorney before moving forward.)
Committee Reports
Beautification
Mallory Kuehn—beautification@upperfellspoint.org
Cleanup/Dumpster Day - 8/26 9am
Community Cleanup/Social: 8/28 6pm
Followed by social time at Ministry of Brewing
Meet at 6pm at 1931 E Pratt (Mallory’s garage)
Cleanup/Social - Sept. 25th 6pm (Social location TBA)
Community Garden
Jan Mooney - communitygarden@upperfellspoint.org
Honey Happy Hour was a great success - beautiful day and great turnout; raised $586; thanks to everyone who attended
Have raw, local honey for sale ($15/jar) - contact Jan
Next event is Oktoberfest - Oct. 14th from 4-7pm; will have beer, cider, wine, Ostrowski’s sausage, vegetarian options; a raffle too.
There were a few questions about UFPIA’s role with the garden (contact Jan if you have any questions). Also, the UFPIA will consider discussing this further in a future meeting.
Education
Vacant — president@upperfellspoint.org
Need a chair as George has stepped down since he and his family are moving out of the neighborhood.
FUND-RAISING
Lisa Knickmeyer - fundraising@upperfellspoint.org
Considering having the Progressive Dinner in February next year.
If you have any ideas for fundraising, contact Lisa.
Land-Use
Mark Hoffmann - landuse@upperfellspoint.org
See info under guest speakers/votes above.
Safety (sub-committee)
Dan Harrison — safety@upperfellspoint.org
Dan Harrison will replace Chris Moad as chair.
MEDIA
Jan Mooney - newsletter@upperfellspoint.org
Need a carrier for the Lombard route (S Washington to S Broadway) - about 60 newsletters - Nancy Hoffmann volunteered.
The deadline for the Sept. newsletter is Sept. 3rd at 5pm.
Traffic & Parking
Kurt Schiller - trafficparking@upperfellspoint.org
RowArt project has been delayed due to needing a new striping contractor.
Was supposed to begin next week but will likely be in a few weeks.
Additional $1,000 was quoted but have checked the budget and should be able to fund the difference.
Street closures on 9/3 (Broadway, Fleet, and Baltimore) due to MD Classic Bike Race
New Business
Glen Middleton, Jr., Neighborhood Liaison from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods, is available to discuss illegal dumping and other issues in the 1st district (call 311 first, get confirm # and then contact him)
To vote on issues at a meeting, you must have paid your current dues (based on calendar year beginning in January), attended 2 of the preceding 11 meetings, live in our boundaries and be age 18 and/or attended UFPIA sponsored events/activities per our Meeting & Voting Regulations.
