Wicomico Neighborhood Congress

WNC COMMITTEES: (1) Community Concerns - Joe Austin, Dot Truitt, John Bonas, R. Burnett, S. Purnell, Cindy Pilchard (2) Convention and Forums - M. Pretl, Lena Wallop, D. Macleod, S.Lankford; (3) Recruitment and Membership - Chair Cindy Pilchard & Vice Chair Mike Pretl; and, (4) Website Development - Kurt Drechsler, Terry Potterton and D. Campbell (5) HOA Workshop Development-- K. Drechsler, S. Miller and T. Potterton (6) Covenants and Bylaws: M. Pretl, B. Leonard, and A. Ackerson (7) External Communication-C. Pilchard and B. Hocutt , (8) Annual Dinner and Conference-M.J. Marine, B.Johansson, D. Truitt, C. Pilchard, D. Macleod, and R.Oartel.

I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Terry Potterton called the meeting to order at 6:35PM.

II. PRESENT: Ruth Anne Oartel (Schumaker Manor), Barbara Leonard (Deer Harbour), Terry Potterton (Wolfe Creek) Lena Wallop (West Side Neighborhood Assoc.) Cindy Pilchard (Schumaker Woods), Craig Dobson (Kensington Woods), Kurt Drechsler (Harbor Pointe Community Association), Cliff Fridlind (Cooper Landing HOA), Starr Purnell (Brookridge/Moss Hill), John Bonas (Meadowbrook).
III. MINUTES: The minutes of September 28th, 2010 and October 26th, 2010 were approved.

IV. TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Lena Wallop reported a previous checking account balance as per bank statement of $345.75 after paying the $100 fee for the Wor-Wic Tech. Community College Center room used for the States Attorney forum. There was a deposit made from the dinner totaling $1,246.00 and a check written to SU for the dinner totaling $1,012.00 leaving a balance of $579.75. There is one outstanding bill for printing associated with the WNC Dinner.

V. GUEST SPEAKER - WICOMICO COUNTY STATES ATTORNEY DAVIS RUARK

Mr. Ruark gave a very informative presentation about the Criminal Justice process and the roles that he sees for the WNC. In summary, Juvenile crime and Gang Crime are up. Primary responsibility of government is to protect its citizens. The current Police force is understaffed for the job. The WNC should engage in increasing public knowledge and neighborhood watch programs. Make our concerns known to city and county government.

Mr. Ridlon asked about home invasions; very concerned. How can we resist this? Are we allowed to own a hand gun? Mr. Davis responded under Maryland law you may possess a hand gun "in your house" and you are authorized to use deadly force "in your house." The daytime burglaries occurring; guns, jewelry and electronics are being stolen.

Member John Bonas suggested that there are also White House initiatives out there; grant money available for the redevelopment of neighborhoods through HHS, Justice and the department of education. Davis encourages the WNC to explore all avenues.

VI. Routine Reports:

1. Community Concerns Committee: Chairman Potterton asked if the Community Concerns Committee would work on "Redevelopment of the Neighborhood" grants available from the "White House." Chairman Potterton also agreed with putting together the "Crime Action Conference - Creating Safety and Protection for our Neighborhoods" as suggested by the committee. "The Letter" was tabled for the moment.

2. Website Committee: No report at this time.

3. Status Report - Government Filings - The Wicomico Neighborhood Congress has received it's 501 (C)3 from the IRS. Chairman Potterton asked for most recent Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for the WNC. Also asked for the application for 501 (C)3. Secretary Pilchard indicated she would forward the information that she had available via e-mail.

4. Convention and Forums Committee - No report.

VII. New Business:

1. Discussion of correspondence policy: Chairman Potterton has proposed for discussion the following:

Committees
Define the issues, develop strategies and propose actions.

They Present to the Executive Committee (the Officers)
• Statement of the problem
• Brief Discussion of Approach and Strategy
• Recommended Action(s) to include
o Expected Result
o Action Officer
o Pro & Con
• Minority Opinion(s) if any
The Executive Committee Reviews the proposal for
• Is the proposed action backed by facts?
• All Parties benefit from the action or those adversely impacted have had input.
• Does the proposed action meet our stated Goals?
• Is there an Appearance of forming political alliances?

For minor actions and issues previously discussed at Board meetings, the Executive Committee may approve or return for resolution of concerns.
For significant actions or brand new initiatives, the Executive Committee will include it in the next meeting of the Board for discussion.

VIII. Comments, Questions & Concerns:

1. Barbara Leonard (Deer Harbour HOA) suggested a "Hands Across Wicomico County" to encourage the community to participate and become aware of the WNC and what our vision and goals are and to encourage membership. Cindy Pilchard agreed to meet with Barbara and formulate a plan for this event in the spring or summer.

2. Cliff Cooper suggested at the Magi Concert a generous donation was made by many of those attending to help and that when people see a need and know they are helping a good cause, they will help.

3. West Side Revitalization - Westside Homeowners meeting is Thursday, December 2nd at 6PM at the Westside Salvation Army. Lena Wallop encouraged members of the Wicomico Neighborhood Congress to attend the meeting. This would be a great way to let the Westside know who we are and what we're about. Lena stated she has been encouraging the Westside to join the WNC but they have a misconception of the WNC and what our vision is.

IX. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm. Due to the holiday's the Next Business Meeting will be January 25th, 2011. (4th Tuesdays).
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Everyone!