OCNA Board Meeting

July 10, 2006

Present: Rob and Chris Brennan, Kevin Hanlon, Ellen McCoy, Kirby Spencer, Jane and Andy Bowie,

Cheryl Wasmund, Mabelle Thomas, Jim Himel, and Robert Croom

Meeting began at 7:05

Introductions were made

Minutes of May 1, 2006 meeting were reviewed (available on line) and were approved.

Bruce VanDervort, Executive Director of the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce, was introduced. Interest in being involved with the Chamber to improve aspects of business district had been expressed previously so Bruce was invited to begin contact. There was a discussion of what role the Chamber has, who are members, what area is covered. Of particular interest to OCNA was how Chamber helps/encourages members, what are responsibilities of property owners and renters. Some examples of concerns were trash removal, snow removal, graffiti, keeping streetscape going. Jim suggested idea of renaissance/revitalization. This could get into condemnation of neglected property. There was a suggestion that trash collection in the village be unified rather than each business being responsible for own trash contracts. Bruce discussed Heritage Foundation and its purpose of strengthening Chamber, being a charitable organization, and starting Catonsville Development Corporation to buy and improve property. A motion was made and seconded to contribute $100 to Heritage Foundation. A motion was made and seconded to become a member of the Chamber in order to be more active. It was suggested to include flyers about it in the newsletter. Kevin Hanlon and Jane Bowie volunteered to contact other neighborhood associations and form an umbrella group to provide contacts and strength if needed for problems.

Neighborhood Fall Picnic- September 9, 2006. Kirby will contact the Benzings to see if they are willing to host again. Kirby will look into finding someone to cater, as has been done in other years (Café on the Grove suggested). Ellen will handle crab orders as in past. Flyers will be sent out for numbers attending and orders for crabs. Suggested to get flyers out by August 21^st.

Jim H. spoke about looking into Energy Co-Op (Chamber also looking into, but theirs is only for businesses). Jim will head and get information to present to association.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P. M.

Next meeting: Monday, September 11, 2006

General meeting in November

Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Wasmund