Wicomico Neighborhood Congress

General Meeting
February 22, 2011

WNC OFFICERS:
Chair Terry Potterton
Vice Chair Mike Pretl
Secretary Cindy
Pilchard Treasurer
Lena Wallop

WNC COMMITTEES:
(1) Community Concerns – J. Austin, D. Truitt, J. Bonas, R. Burnett, S. Purnell, C. Pilchard (2) Convention and Forums – M. Pretl, L. Wallop, D. Macleod, S. Lankford; (3) Recruitment and Membership – C. Pilchard & M. Pretl; (4) Website Development – K. Drechsler, T. 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.

CALL TO ORDER: Secretary Cindy Pilchard called the meeting to order at 6:30PM.

PRESENT: Cindy Pilchard (Schumaker Woods), Sona Morrison (Schumaker Manor HOA), Lena Wallop (Salisbury), Kurt Drechsler (Harbor Pointe), Craig Dobson (Kensington Woods), Mike Pretl (Riverton), David Macleod (Huntington Park), John Bonas (Meadowbrook), Laura Mitchell (Moss Hill).

MINUTES: The minutes of January 25, 2011 were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:. Treasurer Lena Wallop reported there was a $367.23 balance as of January statement. 1 check was written in February in the amount of $60.00 for the new PO Box. A deposit will be made in the amount of 207.45 which include $180.00 in membership receipts and a refund from SU in the amount of $27.45 form October’s Dinner. A check in the amount of $25.00 was issued to Mike Pretl to reimburse for out of pocket expense in which a receipt was given. New cash in bank balance $489.68.

Status and Plans for 2011:

1. Community Concerns Committee Focus:

1. Neighborhood Beautification
2. Vacant homes and Blight

Mike Pretl presented - Environmental concerns

Pepco is working toward the placement of 7 miles of power lines, 6 towers and a 7 story power converter station in Wicomico County. The towers and converter station were originally to be installed in Dorchester County. The towers and the converter building are scheduled to be located in the wetland area of Wicomico County around Old Bradley Road and Rt 50. The tract that the lines are to follow run from Calvert County under the Bay to the Choptank River at Cambridge, crossing the Nanticoke into Wicomico through into Northern Delaware. This has become very controversial issue. The Conversion, which we were told would help reduce the cost of electricity, will actually increase the cost of electricity. Wicomico Environmental Trust has asked for the partnership of the WNC. Mike Pretl made a motion to investigate and respond which was seconded by Craig Dobson. The vote by the board was unanimous.

Vice Chairman Pretl also suggested the WNC would benefit by supporting and serving with other organizations; when doing so will act as or serve as a vehicle to contribute to the betterment or improvement of/for Wicomico County and its residents.

2. Web site Committee Focus and report by Kurt Drechsler

1. Working on updating the information and minutes.
2. Requested any photographs from or around Wicomico County

3. HOA Workshop Committee Focus and report by Kurt Drechsler

1. Covenants, Bi-Laws
2. Energy Workshop
3. Neighborhood Beautification, including storm water management, landscaping and neighborhood beautification grants – CFES

Member Craig Dobson suggested a tax workshop be included or added to help HOA’s fill out their own tax forms in lieu of paying $400.00 for a preparer to fill out the forms with -0-‘s. There was a showing of support from the group.

4. WNC 2011 Convention/Forum – Subjects, date, location, etc.

1. Working on creating Convention/Forums timeline based on goals and vision for 2011 and 2012 – Strategic planning for the year.

Comments, Questions, & Concerns – Good for the Order

1. Wicomico County Residents – 21 hours Citizens Emergency Response Training Course at Wor-Wic Community College. Building Henson Hall Room 205 Starting at 6:30 PM on March 8th Ending on April 19th. There are no charges or fees associated with this course but you must call 410-548-4820 to register by March 1, 2011.
2. Ms. Laura Mitchell introduced herself and it was recognized we could not have candidates speak about her candidacy per rules and guidelines pertaining to 501 c3. She offered information pertaining to the 8 Week Comprehensive Citizens Police Academy being offered by Salisbury Police Department open to anyone who lives or works in the City of Salisbury. The first class is full but Chief Duncan is busy working on lining up another class later in the spring. Class size is limited. Contact the SPD for information and to sign up. Printable brochure available here- http://www.salisburypd.com/CitizensPoliceAcademyBrochure.pdf. Contact Information: Captain Paul Simon - 410-548-3165 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Adjournment – 7:45PM - Next meeting will be March 22, 2011 (4th Tuesday) Location to be determined.