Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Location: 2911 Epiphany United Church of Christ
Meeting Called to Order: 7:01 PM
Attendance: 41

Welcome

Lori welcomed new members, including Mitch.

Old Business

Approval of the last meeting minutes, available on the website.

New Business

• Introduction of the new Event Committee Chair, Amanda Rammacher, replacing Brittany Nelson. Acknowledgment of Brittany’s contributions to Benton Park events. Amanda invited members to join the Event Committee.

Strategy & Budget

• Budget review presented, allowing members time to examine the financials.

• For the first time in five years, BPNA ended the year without any debt.

• A community poll will be conducted next month to decide how to allocate the surplus funds.

• Budget for 2025 passed with over 20 approvals and 0 objections.

Question: What is the Community Improvement fund?
Answer: A meeting will be held to determine how to utilize the surplus from last year.

Special Guest: Mark Bates - Benton Park 5K

• The first Benton Park 5K was held in 2011 as an 80’s themed event.

• Efforts are underway to revive the event, and volunteers are needed.

• Discussions are also in progress regarding the return of Benton Park Plaques.

Committee Reports

Building Committee:

• The Cherokee property, formerly owned by Dara Daurighty, has been surrendered to the BPNA.

Friends of Benton Park:

• Litter clean-up scheduled for Sunday at 10 AM. Christina will provide trash bags and pickers.

• A successful effort in collaboration with Longmeadow Rescue Ranch led to the rescue of 8 domestic ducks.

• QR codes available for those interested in volunteering.

• Lumberjack event planned for Sunday, March 23.

Garden & Cave Committee:

• Welcoming five new gardeners.

• Budget overrun last year was balanced by raising over $800.

• The cave exploration continues, with efforts to obtain the right survey tools and progress on a robotic exploration initiative.

• Daffodils expected to bloom within the next week.

Volunteer Committee:

• Christine Kaufman is seeking 3-6 members to help structure the committee.

• Meetings held on the third Thursday of each month at Small Change.

• More details available on the website and newsletter.

Events Committee:

• Celia will perform at Family Fun Night.

Tangible Change/Marketing Committee:

• Co-funded an event benefiting wildfire relief, raising $3,000 for a local school and a firefighter recidivism program.

• Hosted a house piano party with support from Saturn Lounge (food), Spoonful of Sugar (ice cream), and Apothecary (drinks).

Officer Reports

Ketosha Harris:

• Working with Derrick Kilgore regarding problem property at the 2100 block of Wyoming.

• Collaboration with Officer Rojas and the City Attorney to take action against property owners.

• Abandoned vehicles have been towed with assistance from Alderwoman Spencer.

• Additional vehicles on 1900 Provenchere identified for towing.

Officer Rojas:

• Two vehicles and a trailer on 1900 Provenchere scheduled for towing.

• Criteria must be met before vehicles can be towed.

• Minivan on Utah has been tagged.

• Crime has decreased by 23% from January 27 - February 23 compared to last year.

• Residents encouraged to check SLMPD.org for daily crime updates.

Community Safety Questions:

• Illegal activity in the park? Call 911, but response times vary based on severity.

• Solutions for unhoused individuals? Contact the Department of Human Services or submit a CSB request.

• Response time for assistance? Varies by department; same-day service is possible.

• What to do if someone is overdosing? Call 911 for EMS dispatch.

• Is SkyCop surveillance an option? Our ward has only 5 surveillance units out of 14 citywide.

Open Forum: Community Priorities for 2025

1. More traffic calming, including daylighting intersections (bump-outs).

2. Closing multi-road intersections.

3. Increased support for small businesses.

4. Organizing neighborhood block parties.

5. Installing fitness equipment in Carnegie Park.

6. Adding basketball courts.

7. Increasing neighborhood engagement.

8. Establishing a tool library or tool exchange.

9. Hosting monthly porch gatherings.

10. Addressing unattended gardens through community involvement.

11. Organizing children’s playdates (e.g., New Dimensions Soccer program).

12. Improving neighborhood signage.

Meeting Adjourned.