Minutes February 7, 2005

The meeting was held on February 7 at 7:00 pm in the Hugh Smith Recreation Center at 1815 New York Avenue.

Present were Cheryn Barnett, David Barnett, Angie Brown, Doug Brown, John Darling, Dale Denton, Christina Hernandez-Castruita (from Goodman Elementary School), Maud Huber, Linda Lawler, Jean-Marie Smith, Stephen Smith, and Al Vincent.

Revisions to the regulations and contract were discussed. A change was approved to replace references in these documents from Steering Committee to Board of Directors. Revisions were approved pending retyping.

Grant status. The latest information is that we are unable to learn when the results of either grant application will be announced. With this in mind we discussed financial alternatives, including selling engraved bricks or stepping stones, displaying donor’s names on signs, and asking local merchants for donations of money or materials. The need for a detailed list of materials was considered essential in pursuing local options.

A related discussion followed that was focused on the sequence of things to do in order to prepare the garden. The first priority expressed was the need for boundaries to be clearly marked by Parks Department personnel, then a survey or consultation to establish the presence or absence of any underground utilities.

Several participants indicated interest in beginning to kill the grass once the area is marked. A number of points will have to be discussed with Gordon Robertson, including the possiblity of Parks Department trucks delivering mulch to the site and assistance with a water line. John Darling volunteered to talk to Gordon.

In anticipation of beginning work, March 19 was set as the first workday for placing paper and mulch to kill grass. A tentative date for a trip to some of the Dallas community gardens is March 12. The next CGA meeting will be held on March 7.

Submitted by John Darling, Acting Secretary