Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2007

Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Karen Seggerman, President, Lake Morton Neighborhood Association.

Comments/Announcements by Ms. Seggerman:

Lori Powell has resigned as President of the Lake Morton Neighborhood Association
Board members voted unanimously that Karen Seggerman fill position until term expires.
New members and guests were welcomed.
Request was made for a volunteer to assume the duties as newsletter editor.
Upcoming Events – Karen Seggerman
First Tuesday to be held Tuesday, February 06, 2007 at Kevin & Kim McCole’s home, 922 Success Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Adopt-A-Lake Clean-up is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Lake Morton at 9:00 AM. LMNA contract with the City of Lakeland is to host a minimum of 4 clean-ups per year. Sign-up sheet was circulated. Call Jim Malless if you are able to participate.
4th Annual Home & Garden Tour is set for Saturday, March 10, 2007. Lisa Horak is the chairman. Volunteers are needed. More information will follow at future meetings.
Future monthly meeting schedule: all meetings are scheduled for 7:00 PM Beginning in March all meetings will be held at the Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton.
February 27 Imperial Polk County Shade Tree Society Michell Githens & Brent Geohagan
March 27 Lakeland Downtown Development Authority Anne Furr
Membership report – Jim Steinbauer will send out 2007 renewal notices next month.
Lisa Horak reported on her correspondence with the editor of American Bungalow. They will be visiting Seminole Heights in Tampa, April 20th and she has invited them to visit the Lake Morton area. Historic Lakeland has agreed to fund up to $750 for any expenses LMNA may incur during the information gathering stage.
Polk Museum of Art has requested approval from LMNA to play music in the courtyard, late evening, Saturday, February 24th. Approval granted.

Program: Neighborhood Projects and Design Guidelines Changes

Lynn Schindler, Lakeland Community Development
David Ruben, Chairman, Lakeland Historic Preservation Board
Comments from Lynn Schindler:
The Lakeland Historic Preservation Board was established by the City of Lakeland as a review committee to assist homeowners in understanding the historic guidelines (exterior) which were established in 1980. Guidelines are available on website, www.lakelandgov.net. The board meets monthly on the third Thursday at 7:30 AM. Meetings are open to the public.
There are seven historic districts in Lakeland.
Lynn Schindler must sign off on all building permits in historic areas.
New construction is reviewed, but standards vary from changes to existing structures. New construction must “have a reference to the area”. It must be compatible, but not required to look like the old homes.
Design review fees: there are no fees on projects under $10,000; $150 for projects over $10,000.
Lynn’s office is host of the annual Historic Workshop held at Florida Southern College.
Currently there is no member serving on the Board from the Lake Morton Neighborhood area and Lynn encouraged interested persons to make application.
Comments from David Ruben:
In order for an area to be declared historic, it must meet specific guidelines of density and concentration of structures.
It is possible to lose historic designation if there is change or lose of older homes either through neglect, disrepair or destruction.
Common pitfalls with older structures – covering with vinyl siding to avoid maintenance.
Older homes require maintenance.
Challenge with new construction is in the cost of replicating an older home is very expensive.
Majority of homes in the Lake Morton neighborhood are small bungalows on small lots, which drives the need to renovate and add space. Set-backs, alleys, elements in keeping with the area, such as columns, porches, and windows are all issues to be dealt with when deciding to make changes to a home.
Lynn and David both complemented the LMNA for their interest and willingness to maintain and improve the historic nature of the neighborhood.

Annual Home & Garden Tour – Lisa Horak

This is a major event for LMNA. Approximately 400 attended the 2006 tour and it is expected that more people will attend 2007. Volunteers are needed to show home, garden, work on the committee, or work on the day of event. Approximately 30 people will be needed on tour day.
Trolley Coordinator: define route, stops, communicate with driver
Brochure Coordinator: Promote event, develop brochure and map
Security & Parking Coordinator: work with LPD
Marketing Coordinator: Promote through newspaper and/or other means
Sponsorship Coordinator: Secure local businesses as sponsors
Pre-Party Coordinator: Plan and organize Pre-tour and party for homeowners and tour volunteers.

Annual Home & Garden Tour – Lisa Horak
This is a major event for LMNA. Approximately 400 attended the 2006 tour and it is expected that more people will attend 2007. Volunteers are needed to show home, garden, work on the committee, or work on the day of event. Approximately 30 people will be needed on tour day.

Trolley Coordinator: define route, stops, communicate with driver
Brochure Coordinator: Promote event, develop brochure and map
Security & Parking Coordinator: work with LPD
Marketing Coordinator: Promote through newspaper and/or other means
Sponsorship Coordinator: Secure local businesses as sponsors
Pre-Party Coordinator: Plan and organize Pre-tour and party for homeowners and tour volunteers.

Community concerns – Karen Seggerman
Florida Southern College – Jim Malless
FSC has been developing a master plan for their campus which requires zoning changes. There is a Public Hearing on February 20th at 9:00 AM before the City of Lakeland Planning & Zoning Board, at Lakeland City Commission chamber. Jim suggested for those who have questions to call Bruce Kisler or contact Jim at j.malless@tampabay.rr.com.

Police Report – Officer Dale Deas, LPD dale.deas@lakelandgov.net or 834-4444 #119

Home invasion 600 block of Walnut Street.
Complaints with narcotic activity on Winfree Avenue
Homeless population moving southeast of Lake Morton.
No leads on vandalism to Kaleidoscope butterfly statues.

Other Announcements/Discussions - none

Kiwanis Annual Pancake Festival, Saturday, February 17th, from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Tigertown.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 PM at the Success House

Respectfully submitted,
Alice Slack Collins, Secretary, Lake Morton Neighborhood Association