Call to Order
Meeting was called to order by Janice Adamson at 7:08 pm.
Guest Speaker
Ty Kekoa from the COH District H Councilmember Mario Castillo’s office: discussed drainage and ditch issues; problems with trash pick-up; the scheduled repaving of East Sunset Heights streets; and, provided an update on the Transit Center Park. He reported the plans were 100% complete and would be presented for final public comment shortly
Ty discussed the new District H patrol modeled after the successful District J patrol. He asked residents to submit their non-emergency HPD requests through this project website. Residents will be able to see all pending complaints and receive status updates on the reports as well. Ty reported that there was a huge drop in drug and prostitution-related crimes in the Bissonnet area when District J implemented this system and he encouraged ESH residents to utilize it.
Neighbors reported new issues to Ty including the need for speed bumps in various locations, crime, and issues with the hourly motels. Ty also recommended residents call for any homeless encampments, particularly those located beneath freeway overpasses. He recommended we work with the Independence Heights Association to eliminate the back and forth foot traffic for those involved in illegal activities.
Finally, Ty asked residents to report issues to the Councilman’s office, as they are frequently able to escalate issues on behalf of citizens.
Nomination of Board and Voting
Janice Adamson was nominated for a 2 year Board position by Michael Strickler, seconded by Buster Pendley and passed unanimously. Allan Jozwiak was nominated for a 1 year position by Janice Adamson, seconded by Sharon Stephens and passed unanimously. Sharon Stephens was nominated for a 2 year position by Van Rommel, seconded by Allan Jozwiak and passed unanimously. Van Rommel was nominated for a 2 year position by Michael Strickler, seconded by Sharon Stephens and passed unanimously. Michael Stricker was nominated for a 1 year position by Janice Adamson, seconded by Van Rommel and passed unanimously.
New ESHA Board Composition
Term Oct 2024 – Oct 2026: Janice Adamson/Sharon Stephens/Van Rommel
Term Oct 2024 – Oct 2025: Allan Jozwiak/Michael Strickler
Board Member Resignation
Michael Leerssen resigned from the ESHA Board via email 10/8/2024 with a commitment to turn over any and all access/custody/ownership of all ESHA related and various records, archives, documents, website(s), social media sites, email account(s), and web and banking user login names and passcodes. Van Rommel volunteered to make contact with Michael to facilitate this turnover. The email should be retained for banking/record keeping purposes.
Banking Information
Janice Adamson reported that she was locked out of the online PNC account, which PNC reported was tied to Michael Leerssen’s phone. A resolution will be adopted at this meeting to change signers at the bank this week. The current balance per the report provided by Ade Hadestrup, Branch Manager at PNC on Yale, is $7,397.16.
Resolution on Bank Account
A motion was made by Michael Strickler and seconded by Buster Pendley to:
- create and approve a resolution removing Michael Leerssen as a signer from the PNC bank account effective immediately;
- create a resolution to deactivate the PNC online account access for Michael Leerssen;
- change the PNC online log-in for Janice Adamson to be the Primary/Master account access holder, and
- add Arthur “Van” Rommel as a Signer on the account and create secondary online account access holder.
This resolution and each aspect was voted upon by all in attendance and approved unanimously. This resolution will be signed by the Board Members and presented at PNC this week.
Collection of Dues
Attendees were invited to join ESHA. Janice collected $20 cash from Ashley which will be deposited in the bank this week. Van will discuss any outstanding checks and petty cash that require deposit when we retrieve the ESHA documentation from Michael Leerssen.
Membership Plan
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
Park Committee
This item was tabled until the next meeting when HPARD provides additional information on whether ESHA needs to form a 501 (c)(3) concurrent to park construction
Other Issues
Neighbors introduced themselves, shared various concerns including drainage and ditch problems, safety issues with growing ditches and voiced strong opposition to the proposed HISD bond proposal due for vote in November.
Subcommittee Schedules
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held at 7 pm on Jan. 14, 2025 at the Brethren Church on North Main.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Adamson
Janice Adamson
1148 E. 28th Street