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CALL TO ORDER:
· President Leon Franklin called the meeting to order at 1830 hours.
· There were (33) Members in attendance, (4) Board Members, Police Liaison ,Lt. Fernando Parra, and (1) Guest: Richard Dziewit of the Schertz Citizens Police Academy Association were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
· Led by Lane Hibbard.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
· Eva Hickman: The Minutes of the 16 December 2009 regular meeting were sent to members by email, corrections were made and corrected Minutes were emailed to members. There were no questions or corrections and the motion that the Minutes be approved was made by Judy Henton, seconded by Marc Cloutier . The Minutes were approved unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
· Susy Williams reported that the treasurer’s report was sent to all members by email. There were no questions or corrections and the motion that the Treasurer's Report be approved was made by Lane Hibbard and seconded by Tom Ingle. The report was approved unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Leon Franklin:
· Per Lt. Parra, they are looking into a missing turkey, that was left over from the Blue Santa Program, The Chief was concerned that no one knew what happened to it, just wanted to check with Alumni Members to see if it possibly had been given out during the Christmas Day Blue Santa handing out gifts. Ken Kraemer, who was Blue Santa for the Christmas Day Event and stated it was not given out and had remained at PD. No other members of the Alumni knew of the turkey's whereabouts.
· Per Leon Franklin, alumni member David Cantu, who is in charge of the Fingerprinting Program has been in and out of the hospital since December 2009 and will be limited on his volunteer efforts and that a new volunteer would be needed to take over the fingerprinting events. Per Nell Stein, a Get Well Card was sent out last month to him. Alumni members, Judy & Al Henton stated that they would be willing to take it over and if any other members wanted to be instructed in how to do fingerprinting they would be willing to teach them how to do so.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
· Alumni Green Windbreakers Update: Susy Williams indicated that she could still take in orders for the windbreakers, that payment did not need to be made tonight. Cost: Just the windbreaker sizes S-XL is $21.00, size XXL is $23.00, to have our logo on it additional: $10.00 and if you want your name on it: additional: $5.00. Members who ordered their windbreakers last month were able to pick them up tonight. If members that wanted to order tonight, they could look at the ones that members received tonight since she did not have any sample windbreakers from KD Logo for them to try on.
· Leon Franklin gave update on the City's New Logo:
He had talked with Debbie Maples regarding the new city logo. The Alumni has decided to keep our existing logo instead of going with the new one that the City is now using, since we (Alumni Association) are not an official part of the City. Thru email and other correspondence, the members overwhelmingly want to keep our present logo.
· Guest: Richard Dziewit:
1840 hours, Introduction of Richard Dziewit of The Schertz C.P.A. was made by Ed Sheeran. Mr. Dziewit had requested to attend our meeting,so that he could observe how our Association does things,in hopes of getting some pointers on how to increase the participation of their members.
· Update on Gift Wrapping Event at RAFB BX in Dec 2009: Felicia Skrocki:
They made $405.65, this amount was turned over to the Treasurer, Susy Williams.
The Event was a success.
· Update NNO 2009:Kris England:
City receiving Award for 44th in Nation. That the Award was presented last night during the U.C. City Council Meeting. She also received a Newsletter showing all the winners. Also we could get ideas from these on how to make Our NNO 2010 a better one, One being Project 365, which means doing things besides just the actual NNO date. Pres. Leon Franklin also commented on Key people involved: Alumni members:Kris England, Janet McClure, Clarence Johnson, and UCPD Liaison, Lt. Fernando Parra.
· Snowfest 2010 update: Mike Porter & Kris England:
There will be several booths at this event, Hot Dog Booth sponsored by the Dog Park Committee; Judson will be sponsoring a Hot Chocolate and Hot Cider Booth; Northeast Lakeview College will be sponsoring a sandbox dig for the kids to find hidden treasures; and many others. Set-up time is between 3 pm. & 5p.m., event is from 5 pm. To 8 pm. Neil & Gary Stein suggested possibly McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog and a Police Officer to hand out the PD Badge tattoos,could also be part of it as well. Judy & Al Hinton are willing to doing the fingerprinting booth. Susy Williams volunteered to be McGruff. The next planning meeting will be on 9 Feb at the U.C. Public Works Building if anyone wants to attend. The mascot for the event is a Moose with a Hat. Kris suggested for more information check out the website: www.uc.snowfest.com.
· Update on Anthony Nolden Status: Leon Franklin:
The total amount raised was $600.00. This amount in a gift card and a card was presented to Officer Nolden. He was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Alumni. At this point Officer Nolden is still waiting to find out what his status will be.
· Continuing Education :
Best Defense Video will be held after meeting is adjourned, so that more business could be discussed.
NEW BUSINESS:
· 2010 Proposed Budget: Leon Franklin:
Was presented using a PowerPoint presentation, questions were gone over concerning last years spending on police equipment. It is a balanced budget and follows the same format as prior budgets. Felicia Skrocki brought up request again for a list of items that the PD would like to have. Leon Franklin and others voiced that a communications problem existed and that a chain of command should be followed to avoid confusion. That the Board would go over requests and that the President (Leon Franklin) would be the one to communicate with the UCPD Liaison (Lt. Parra) and the Chief of Police Gary Speer on this matter. Ken Kraemer had voiced a question on the Community Events and how the Blue Santa Program is listed. Was advised that the Blue Santa Program was listed separately and not part of the Community Events listed in the Budget Proposal (2010). The trust funds (Wolfe Koehle Memorial Fund) are not part of the Operating Budget. After the questioning and discussion was completed, Jerry Skrocki made the motion and Dan Hancock seconded it. Vote to approve was unanimous.
· Update on Blue Santa 2009: Leon Franklin:
Mr. Gatti's presented to the Blue Santa Fund a $800.00 Check for funds raised, this boosts the amount for the 2010 Blue Santa Program to: $3600.00.
· Update on Wolfe Koehle Memorial Fund:Leon Franklin & Elfi Koehle:
Covered with Power Point Presentation: Wolf Koehle Memorial Fund:
Amount in fund: $3500.00
Elfi had met with Chief Gary Speer and discussed the need of an Emergency Operations Response Trailer (named in honor of Wolfe Koehle). Elfi agreed with funds to be used from the Memorial Fund be used to purchase the item. The trailer would cost $2999.00. To finish out and graphics needed would be an additional $1000.00. The trailer has been purchased and should be received by the February 1. The Shortfall: funds are needed to complete this purchase, was suggested that it be covered by funds allotted for purchase of police equipment by the Association, over riding Elfi's stating she would cover it. John made the motion, seconded by Jerry Skrocki. Vote to approve was unanimous. Everyone thanked Elfi for her approving the purchase.
· Update on New C.P.A. Registrar: Leon Franklin:
Leon sought out his own replacement as CPA Registrar, Karen Blessing. He strongly suggested that if a member has a desire to no longer be a committee member,etc to first find their own replacement in order to make the transition a smooth one.
· Update on Crime Prevention Seminar: Dan Hancock:1907 hours- Neighborhood Watch Program has stagnated, attendance at the meetings has fallen drastically. He sent out invitations (14) apartment Complex Contacts to attend a Watch meeting and only (1) responded. That now more than ever there is a need for proactive participation. Possibly changing the name from Block Captain to Points of Contact would help those that are put off by the title Captain. To help promote this he wanted to get input on possibly holding a Crime Prevention Seminar in the future (possibly in April). That it could be held at the City Public Works Building since it can hold a large amount of people. It could be advertized in advance,etc. Basically he needed input/ brainstorming to bring this about. Judy Henton suggested it could be called the Crime Prevention Summit. Mike Porter indicated that he would be willing to canvas the Apartment Complexes to see if something like that could be held in their club houses. He requested that those who want to voice ideas should contact him .by email. Clarence Johnson voiced his concern that this should have been brought up to the Board before coming to the members and that it should be reviewed by the Chief of Police. Dan Hancock indicated that he had talked with President Franklin, etc and that this was just a request for input so it could be then reviewed by the Board. Leon Franklin indicated that after that he would take it to the Chief of Police for review. Also Lt. Fernando Parra stated that it should be taken to the Chief (Gary Speer) for review because of possible liability issues. Jerry Skrocki indicated that most people don't want to get involved unless it directly affects them and until it does no one wants to participate. It was decided to discuss this matter further during our Next Meeting in February. Until then those who want to discuss the matter or brainstorm could contact Dan Hancock.
· Update on Next C.P.A. Class: Leon Franklin:
So far (16) residents have signed up and (3) non-residents are on the waiting list.
The total slots available is (18). Residents have priority, if slots left over then non-residents can fill those slots.
· Update on Chairperson Changes & Approval:Leon Franklin:
There is a need for members to volunteer for these positions. And if you decide that you no longer have the time to volunteer,that you should find you're own replacement. Right now there is a need for a volunteer for Program Committee Chairman and Project Coordinator for Grant Research.
· Recognition of Blue Santa/ UCPD Officer Matt Steves: Leon Franklin:
Background on Officer Steves, he is assigned to the midnight shift and for at least the past ( 2) years he has been the Blue Santa on a volunteer basis. Hopes are to give him recognition for this possibly in the way of a letter to be put in his personnel file. Various ideas on what to do was went over. Jerry Shrocki stated that the person who works on this project should work on this (Ken Kraemer). Lt. Parra indicated that Letter would be forwarded to the Chief to review. Gary Thompson stated that last year, a Letter of Appreciation and a $60.00 gift Certificate to the Macaroni Grill was given to Officer Steves. At 1930 hours, a motion was made by Jerry Skrocki and seconded by Tom Ingle that a Letter and a Gift Certificate be given to Officer Steves. Vote was unanimous.
· Need For Volunteer to check messages on the City Telephone Line for the CPA:
Leon asked for a volunteer and Tom Ingle volunteered for the job at 1934 hours.
· Input from Alumni Members on what you want to see or have during Our Meetings:
Leon Franklin, started a new approach to getting input from alumni members on what they would like to be covered in up coming meetings. Emailing does not work, only a few would respond. Instead he would ask someone present at the meeting tonight that question. 1st person he asked was Marc, who was in our CPA Class 2009. He expressed continuing education with various officers from the PD to reinforcement what was covered in the classes. Next he asked Garry, he wished to see a tour of the new training area of the PD. Gerald was asked, and indicated possibly having some of the PD Officers come to the meetings so we can meet them. Dan Hancock stated we should encourage more visits from the City and PD personnel to attend our meetings, that we should send them invitations to attend. Jerry, stated another tour of the Jail would be good. Martha was asked what she wanted, she stated that she enjoyed the Class and welcomes more coverage of areas we covered in class. Judy Hinton indicated she enjoyed tonight, it was very nice because of the interaction between the members. Jerry suggested more input from the committee members and that everyone should try to participate when they can. Susy indicated that she would like to see us do more dinner Meetings to support those businesses that support us.
· Police Department Update: Lt. Fernando Parra:
1942 hours: The need for a point of contact between Alumni and PD is needed, a chain of command should be followed, in order to avoid persons being left out of the loop. This will make things run smoother. As far as the National Night Out for 2009, the City placed well. The overall results is what is important. We need to start thinking about how we approach it (NNO) to make it better. We have reached a limit on the amount we can do with the caravans. Too many and we can not spend enough time with the individuals, resulting in it not being as effective as it could be. We might need to modify how NNO is done. Possibly having a Central location for networking and have a longer time to meet with the Officers, etc. Whatever the community wants is what we should do. Get input from the Block Captains on how to make it better. Felicia voiced that the whole idea was to meet your neighbors. Clarence indicated that there is not enough time allowed to attend the various parties...that it was a rush to make them all. Per Lt. Parra an average of only (3) minutes was spent at each party. Modification on how we do the caravans are needed. Also Lt. Parra stated that NNO should be seen as not just a one night event. That doing more things thru out the year leading up to NNO is in order. Everyone agreed that Neighbors meeting neighbors was number one. Lt. Parra voiced that in some areas (Nationally) McGruff is out. Felicia strongly disagreed, that everyone she saw loved and wanted to be with McGruff. Lt. Parra indicated that the tread nationally had moved away from McGruff to other ways of promoting NNO. And to compete meant that some changes to keep current would have to be made if interested in placing higher. Lt. Parra indicated it should be first come first served when it comes to signing up for the Caravans to visit the block parties. Overall it is what the Community in general wants from NNO that we must address.
Also PD is in need of a person to do Grant Research, they do not have anyone at this time
doing research for the PD. This would be very helpful if someone could do this.
· Cards & Letters Received on Blue Santa 2009:Leon Franklin:
The Alumni received several Cards and Letters from persons about the Blue Santa Events 2009 and what it meant to them. One was from an Officer, one from the Superintendent from the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, and a Thank You from one of the families that received assistance. That the letters/Cards were available if the members wanted to check them out.
· Alumni Dues for 2010: See Susy Williams after meeting is adjourned to make your payments.
· Statement from Guest: Richard Dziewit, he stated he was very impressed with how many members were in attendance and overall how we do things. That he took extensive notes and hopes to use some of our ideas to help their Association. He thanked Our Association for inviting him to the meeting. That their biggest problem is getting the people motivated enough to participate.
· Leon Franklin asked if there was anything else that needed to be covered:
Eva Hickman- Suggested to the members to check out our website, that it has lots of information in it, like photos... and our New Newsletter, which can be found under the News Section. Website: www.uccpaaa.org.
· Next Meeting will be 17 February 2010.
Members requested a Dinner Meeting, Lane Hibbard stated that Pappy G's was willing to
open up just for us. Buffet Style with (2) entrees. He will email use with the choices. Estimated number to attend is (40). Average cost of entrees is between $7.00 & $9.00.
· ADJORNMENT:
Motion for Meeting to be adjourned was made by Tom Ingle, seconded by Jerry Skrocki. The Meeting was adjourned at 2010 hours. Those wishing to pay their dues need to see Susy Williams and those who wish to see the Best Defense Video should feel free to do so.
__________________________
Eva L. Hickman, Secretary