January 2024 Community Meeting Recap
Note: Any changes to the minutes should be directed to secretary@upperfellspoint.org.
Hybrid Meeting
Welcome/Introductions
The meeting kicked off with dessert provided by the UFPIA as well as Girl Scout cookies for sale.
Votes
Vote for Vice President: Brent Temeng ran unopposed; no nominations from the floor. Motion: To elect Brent Temeng as Vice President to continue the remainder of the term; motion passed by acclamation.
Vote on proposed 2024 budget: Nancy Hoffmann, UFPIA Treasurer, presented the proposed budget for 2024. The proposed budget was written to spend $3,000 more than expected income; however, this does include anticipated income and there is enough in the bank to cover any potential overspending. There will be a separate line item for the Lady Day Way enhancements and the Traffic & Parking Committee total budget was reduced to $500. The possibility of raising membership fees was discussed but some were opposed to this since our membership total is low and we want the Association to be as accessible as possible to everyone. All committees were encouraged to under-spend and/or do more fund-raising. Motion: To approve the proposed 2024 budget with noted modifications; motion passed.
Discussion
Several available grants were discussed.
The Community Health and Safety Works Grant - Up to $100K is available for collaborations that: a) engage artists and designers to create lovable spaces for community use; b) eliminate predatory and unhealthy practices such as illegal dumping, litter and traffic hazards and other conditions; c) remove illegal and dangerous activities from communities by using lighting and camera surveillance strategies and related community safety services. Also grants up to $250K are available for place-based comprehensive outreach and case management services that directly connect at-risk individuals to safe, restorative pathways.
The Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund Grant - Up to $15K is available. This would include community revitalization, education, employment, health and public safety.
Officer Reports
The Treasurer’s report was given.
Everyone was reminded to pay their membership dues and if possible to pay via check or cash to avoid online fees. If you pay via the PayPal Giving Fund be sure to send a copy of your email confirmation as it takes several weeks for us to receive notification.
If anyone has any experience with taxes, especially since we received a large grant last year, please contact Nancy.
Brainstorming/Committee Reports
Each Committee Chair reviewed their accomplishments for last year and presented their objectives for this year. Then attendees met with each chair to discuss items in more detail. If you are interested in working on any of these projects/committees, contact the respective committee chair.
Beautification
Mallory Kuehn - beautification@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, four Dumpster Days were held, several cleanups that included Monday night socials after the cleanup, as well as tree plantings and pruning.
In 2024, the same events will continue.
Community Garden
Jan Mooney - communitygarden@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, the front and back walkways were repaired; soil was tested for lead and other contaminants (all clear!); produce was grown for active gardeners and extra produce was donated to needy families in the neighborhood; two fund-raisers were held which raised over $2K; a garden social membership for non-gardeners was provided and a presentation to the UFPIA membership about the history and maintenance of the garden was given.
In 2024, the raised bed boxes will be repaired/replaced; more garden plots will be added; at least two fund-raisers will be held; non-gardener social memberships will continue; and will assist Baltimore Green Space in data gathering on pollinators.
Education
Latonya Watson - education@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, re-established an active relationship with Wolfe St. Academy (WSA); helped in providing over 400 children with Christmas gifts; and obtained input from the community to engage with local artist, Jessy Desantis, to create a mural in the playground at WSA.
In 2024, assist WSA and Commodore John Rogers; support the completion of the WSA mural; improve school tutoring and after school programs; obtain hotspots for internet for WSA families; and have a booth at Wolfest (May 4th).
FUND-RAISING
Lisa Knickmeyer - fundraising@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, raised funds with a Billie Holiday Progressive Dinner and the Halloween adult costume contest (although this was more of a “fun-raiser”).
In 2024, raise funds to support various neighborhood projects and initiatives, as well as cover ongoing UFPIA operating expenses; increase paid memberships and look at offering tiered memberships; provide four fundraisers; support submissions of grants and UFPIA committees in generating revenue. The committee is seeking ideas but keep in mind that ideas are great but commitment to help is essential.
Land-Use
Mark Hoffmann - landuse@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, the Land-Use Guidelines were updated; multiple zoning appeal requests were evaluated and letters of support or opposition were written; an MOU was negotiated with a local liquor store who wanted a seven-day liquor license; conducted a sidewalk survey which aided in getting the City Council’s office to get the sidewalks repaired.
In 2024, continue to seek ways to improve the neighborhood; maintain relationships with City entities; monitor zoning appeals in our neighborhood; explore new proposals for CHAP and continue to hold monthly committee meetings.
Safety (sub-committee)
Dan Harrison - safety@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, security cameras and cafe lighting were installed.
In 2024, perusing interest in having block captains.
MEDIA
Jan Mooney - newsletter@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, compiled and distributed 1,200 printed newsletters for 11 months in both English and Spanish; obtained sponsor ads which paid for 64% of printing costs and helped to advertise our local businesses; and kept the social media and website current.
In 2024, will continue the same projects and hope to offset printing costs by at least 50%.
Traffic & Parking
Kurt Schiller - trafficparking@upperfellspoint.org
In 2023, The Right of Way Art project was accomplished despite obstacles.
In 2024, create safer traffic paths for multiple modes of transportation.
New Business
Bicycle Ride for the Feast will be held on May 11th on the Eastern Shore. This is the largest fundraiser for Moveable Feast. Each participant has to raise $1,000. For more information go to https://www.mfeast.org/ or https://www.mfeast.org/rideforthefeast/
Meeting adjourned - Social at Benders (301 S Ann St)
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.
