GPNA Meeting Minutes - 2019 January

Date:                      January 15, 2019
Time:                      7:33pm – 8:45pm
Location:               Zoo Atlanta ARC Building, Coca-Cola World Theater
Officers/Chairs Present:
Dr. Michelle Kirby                President
Samantha McKinley            Economic Development
Laura Keen                            Fundraising
Paul Simo                               Homes & History
Rick Hudson                          Land Use and zoning
Eliza Adams                           Philanthropic
Chris Newman                      Public Safety

Welcome! Housekeeping and Meeting Conduct
Call to Order – 7:30 p.m.
Officer Reports

President – Dr. Michelle Kirby ([email protected])
Welcome, housekeeping rules, and thanks to Zoo Atlanta for use of the theater for the meeting.
Reminder: The purpose of the monthly general GPNA meeting is for GPNA officers/committee chairs, local organizations, elected officials, etc. to provide brief updates to the community. In-depth discussion occurs at the committee level.
Zone 6 update: Sgt. Smith
- Zone 6 received an award in 2018 for crime reduction
- City is seeing an increase in car thefts – clean car campaign
- Officers will be working 12 hours shifts for the Super Bowl from 1/26 to 2/5
Elected officials:
- District 5: Mitsay Henry: Flyers for Black History Month
- Senator Nan Orrock, District 36 (http://nanorrock.com/):
  - Represents ~200,000 residents in the district
  - New session just started with the new Governor’s agenda
  - Many new initiatives started. Some of which are to unite the people, protect the environment, Medicaid expansion, low cost housing for 1^st responders, funding teacher’s salaries, strengthen sexual harassment policies, wildlife protection, and more
  - To get engaged with Senator Orrock’s initiatives or to volunteer, contact her at [email protected]
  - Opportunities for teenagers to be a Page. Contact Nan at 404-463-8054
Grant Park Schools Update: No updates
Grant Park Conservancy (www.GPConservancy.org): No Update
Porch Press: Robert Sarwark is the GP editor and always looking for articles. Jan 25^th is the deadline for submissions for the Jan/Feb issue. [email protected]
GPPN update (www.GrantParkParents.org): Melanie Calhoun is the new VP
- Pre-K and Kindergarten Forums: Jan 17th at Park Ave Church
- GPPN Family Night: Jan 28th, 2019 at Your Pie with discounts
- Easter Egg Hunt: April 20^th is free to the public
- GPPN Playgroups
Historic Oakland Cemetery (https://www.oaklandcemetery.com/events/): Richard Harker
- New website up and running
- Working on raising funds to get a new entry gate at Memorial and Boulevard
Vice President – Open ([email protected]) - Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby
Please check in. Please sign in if you’re a new member. Committee Sign-up Sheet
Treasurer – Michelle Botwinick ([email protected]) - Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby
The GPNA is a IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible!
Secretary – Open ([email protected]) - Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby
December Minutes (approval vote toward the end of the meeting)

Committee Reports

Public Safety – Chris Newman ([email protected])
- Robbery on Jan 2^nd on Grant St at 3 PM. Person was arrested later that day
- A neighbor on Grant St reported to Chris “ring” app data. However, it is providing incorrect safety data
- LRBs: The Shed at Glenwood change of owner approved unanimously
Economic Development- Samantha McKinley ([email protected])
- Group welcomed Samantha as the new chair. She is excited about engaging the businesses and residents of GP
- Order your Sunburst today and have it by Friday!
Fundraising – Laura Keen ([email protected])
- 2019 Annual Sponsorship Packages will be coming out soon
  - Please alert Laura to any filming in the neighborhood
- Don’t forget to sign up for Kroger Rewards & Amazon Smile. Each of your purchases provide a donation in your name back to GPNA, at no cost to you
Philanthropic –Eliza Adams [email protected]
- Group welcomed Eliza as the new chair from her prior position as Secretary
- Will be working with prior chair to set a plan for 2019
Technology – Stephanie Warner ([email protected]) - Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby
- If you are not receiving contact information from GPNA, please contact [email protected]
- Also, please make sure your information on the gpna.org site is up to date
Homes & History – Paul Simo ([email protected];) - Presented by Dr. Michelle Kirby
- Update on Northern annex to the historic registry. Has been working the the State Historic office for the past 6-7 months
- Tip of the month: cold weather is coming and turn off your outdoor faucets so as to not freeze
Land Use and Zoning – Rick Hudson ([email protected])
- Rezoning to R4B-B for 395 Pavillion and 690 Oakland approved unanimously
- Summerhill is in need of help to reject the possible Homeless Shelter at FanPlex
- Habitat for Humanity is moving their offices downtown, but Restore will remain