MEETING MINUTES— 3.12.2015
Location: The Pizza Ranch – 84th & Lexington
Present: Members: Amy Fish, Bill Neeman, Carl Tesch, Barb Tyler, Nga Vu, Capt Anthony Butler, Tim Kirkpatrick, Jon Borton, Sherri Recker, Fred Knight, John Rood , Steve Maly, Kolleen Meyer-Krikac, Diana Schilf, Larry Gudeken, Patty Gerlach, Peggy Green, Carl Eskridge, Jule Robinson, Darlene Boardman, Pat Borer
Guests: Jeff Boggs, Sydney Stanard, Katie Bossung, Rosario Huffman
Introductions/ Member Announcements:
- Amy called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for attending. The motion and second to approve the February minutes was made by Barb and Jon.
- Amy announced a new member benefit featuring discounts at many places – more information coming.
- Darlene said that Mumm & Associates has over 500 individuals and over 200 businesses they serve. Now through April 15th is a busy time with tax season.
Police/Fire Update:.
- Capt Butler said the department has imitated a 30-day tracking window in addition to the traditional 90-day. This allows them to see different crime patterns.
A robbery at CVS Pharmacy led to the arrest of a man from Independence, Missouri. The robbery was unusual from the standpoint that the robber was very quiet in his approach to the point of being polite.
An i-pad robbery took place at West Lincoln Elementary on February 27th – no suspects at this time.
In an effort to curb the large number of larcenies at Wal-Mart the department parked a cruiser on the premises. It proved to be effective bringing the number of calls from 51 per month to only 4 calls in two weeks. The plan was foiled when a light snow covered the vehicle thereby alerting some perpetrators that the car was not attended at which point a potato was lodged in the tailpipe of the cruiser. In related news the department has asked permission to place a substation inside of Wal-Mart.
John R asked if a gun was displayed during the CVS robbery. No display of weapon was witnessed.
Steve M asked if it is illegal to mail a glitter bomb. Capt Butler said he didn’t know for sure, but if he hears of any glitter bombs in the city of Lincoln he will know where to start to find the suspect.
Tim K asked if the state basketball tournaments caused any problems. Nothing to report – well-behaved group.
- Pat Borer from Lincoln Fire & Rescue said they had an increase of 600 EMS calls last year. They currently have 7 vehicles available for EMS calls. They staff those vehicles heavier Thursday through Saturday, as that is when they get the most calls. They can add reserve units as needed.
The fire that destroyed the Karma Nightclub was the result of a smoke machine not having adequate clearance. The device required two feet of clearance, but it only had 2”.
There is an increasing number of accidents and call to 84th & Adams because of the hill an increased traffic.
Lincoln Fire & Rescue partners with LPD for large events such as Uncle Sam Jam and the Lincoln Marathon. The Marathon this year hopes to add 5,000 runners so even more help will be required.
Pat reminded the group that there is a ballot to approve a .25% sales tax increase to fund the purchase of a new communication system as well as four new fire stations (one being shared by LF&R and LPD). There has been an increase in population of around 55,000 since the last station was built in 1996.
Amy asked if the ballot would be one or two questions. Pat thought only one.
Bill N asked if any of the new stations would be built in north Lincoln. Yes, 19th & Superior / 86th & Leighton.
Amy asked if Lincoln has an adequate number of EMS vehicles compared to other cities our size. Pat said studies show we should have 8, not 6.
Social Chair Update:
- Sherri announced a bowling event taking place at Sun Valley Lanes on Friday, April 10th from 4-6pm. More information to follow.
Treasurer’s Report:
- We currently have $2750 in the checking account and another $3,000 in CD’s
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Featured Speaker:
CARL ESKRIDGE – City Councilman
Carl said that Doug Emery sends his regrets and reminded us that Doug will be stepping down in May.
There are a number of road projects in the works including Highways 6 & 34 for which there is some Federal funding available. Superior Street just west of I-180 will be re-done this year and then the portion east of I-180 will be done next year. Approximately $10 million was left over from the Antelope Valley Project and that money will be used to help fund road projects and repairs.
Potholes are a huge concern this time of year and very difficult to control using current hot-patch techniques. New technology is available whereby a machine allows one person to scoop, fill and re-pave pothole areas and the repairs will last up to a year, unlike the repairs made today which may only last a few days. Carl said the city fields complaints for potholes twice a month. The city can be held accountable for pothole damage to vehicles only if they don’t make repairs.
Another project in the works for city council is updated storm shelters – particularly for mobile home parks. The parks located just north of cornhusker on 1st street used to be able to go to Zoetis (Pfiezer), but that facility is no longer available to them. West Lincoln School is another possibility.
Carl agreed that the sales tax increase has huge implications in terms of moving forward with the communication system and the new fire stations stating that the proposed 19th & Superior station is very important for the amount of seniors living in the Autumnwood Communities.
Amy asked if there was any talk of a new hospital in north Lincoln. Carl said we need one, but no talks.
Tim asked if the very thin layer of blacktop were an option for some of the roads needing repaired. Carl said that unfortunately most of the roads slated for repair are beyond that point, but he agreed that method is good for maintenance of roads which is key to their longevity.
Jon asked about the proposed bike trail from North 14th street to Lincoln North Star. Carl said they have a meeting scheduled next week to discuss
NLBA Meetings:
- The next Association meeting is Thursday, April 9th
- THE PIZZA RANCH – 84th & Lexington | 11:30am – 1:00pm
- Speaker: Harvey Pearlman – UNL Chancellor
- The next Board meeting is Wednesday, April 22nd
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Fred Knight
NLBA Secretary
www.NorthviewLincolnBusiness.com
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