In attendance:

• Mary Daniels Bonnie Hamilton
• Julie Jones Linda Walker
• Linda Washington Lisa McClain
• Barbara Chandler Roda Ward Carter
• Sheila Reid Hazel Walker
• Beverly A Mathis/Johnson Officer Liza Cieszynski

Many thanks to those who joined us. Officer Czee, (Liza Cieszynski) presented the concept and history of the Neighborhood Watch, which goes by many names in different communities.

Whatever it’s called it is a Community working together to be stronger.

Officer Czee mentioned supporting organizations from local (WPPD and CRA) Orange County, to State and National corporations and organizations, like AARP, the National Sheriff’s Association, MetLife, the American Library Association, Dollar General Store, Bank of America, Walmart and Target. There is a wealth of material available as well as some really good grant opportunities!

The powerpoint she presented with a lot of links and lists, will be made available. If you’d like a copy via email, let me know. asallee@cityofwinterpark.org. If you have questions for Officer Czee, on her mobile 407-335-0698. She serves as a community support officer. Don’t hesitate to call her.

First rule of Community is the tried and true “See something/Say something.” If you think it may be a crime in progress or someone might be in danger, call 911. If it is after the fact or there is no imminent danger, call the non-emergency number at 407-644-1313. Better to call and have it be a false alarm than to regret later that you didn’t call.

National Neighborhood Watch Day is the 1st Tuesday in August. However in Florida, it is pushed out to October to avoid the mid-summer heat. The WPPD has a citywide event, generally at the Public Safety Complex, with food, fun and information. It usually includes foodand refreshment, a bounce house, relevant vendors and lots of public safety information.

To kick off the effort in this community, the first item of business was a discussion of the Neighborhood Watch program (NW) and selection of a NW Coordinator. Roda Wade Carter volunteered to serve as coordinator as long as she had support. Julie Jones and Mary Daniels will fill that role.

They will meet at the community center, at 6 pm, Wednesday, July 12th to discuss structure, NextDoor page, etc.

Everyone is welcome to come participate.

A Neighborhood Block Party kit has been assembled that is available to utilize, at no charge, to help set up a community block party.

Block Party Kit:

• 6 Tables
• 28 Chairs
• 4 Water jugs
• 3 Ice chests
• Trash and recycling bins
• Waste can liners/garbage bags
• Safety cones
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Street Cones or Barricades to close streets
• 2 Chalk or Dry erase sandwich board signs
• Table games – Dominos, Checkers, etc.
• Lawn games – Corn hole, Connect 4, Long jump rope, sidewalk
• chalk, and hula hoops

The process will be printed up with all the necessary details and it will be shared as soon as it is available. In the meantime, if you have an idea and want to test it out, let me know!

There was agreement to host a Community-wide Neighborhood Watch, potentially at the Community Center at a date in the not too distant future to spread the word and build excitement.

When Officer Czee was done, there were some community issues that were raised.

1) The situation on Douglas Street is very concerning. In the past several months 4-5 street holes have been created after it rained. They have been filled but the street is becoming a bumpy patchwork. The street and infrastructure need to be assessed to see why there is still flooding, why the holes keep appearing and what the fix is.

This will be taken to the appropriate city staff to assess the issue.

2) The question was asked regarding what the plan or criteria are for lowering the water levels in the lakes is in anticipation of a storm or significant rainfall. * I will get that information and share it.

There were questions about the Home Improvement Grants available within the CRA. The Winter Park CRA has a number of loan/grant programs to help keep families in their homes.

Since the CRA began, more than 250 homes have benefited from the program. There is a Home Renovation Program, a Paint Grant and a Driveway Grant. There is also an Emergency

Repair Program to address issues related to the Hurricanes last year. The paperwork can seem complicated and that was preventing some from trying to apply. The information is on the website and I will help any homeowner apply. If you know someone who needs help, just let me know, or have them contact me.

If you know anyone who needs help with their home, let me know and I’ll work with them to get the application completed,

Traffic was discussed as an issue again, speeding, parking illegally, and generally creating unsafe conditions for the community. Speeding on New England, Capen and down by Carver and Railroad Ave are a concern.

Carry over from the May meeting, Issues for Action:

• Neighborhood Watch
• Better Communication – Hannibal Herald-Will be coming in September!
• CRA Loan/Grant Programs
• Traffic
• Costs and Programming at the Community Center
• City Board Opportunities

We will set the date for the next community meeting after the July 12 meeting and send a notice out.