Eastwood Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Zoom General Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2020
John Walls called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm.
In attendance: 28 members (including board members) John Walls, Greg Jacobs, Karen Babb, Karen Cott, Darrell Wood, Amy Martin, Scooter Smith, Brian Cade and Annie O’Kelly.
John Walls reported that many of our regular neighborhood activities have been cancelled for this last year, such as NNO, meetings, and Fourth of July parade, and Easter Egg hunt. However, because so many have been at home, we have all become more familiar with our neighbors and neighborhood. He restated our policy this year that membership in the ENA did not require dues and that any voluntary dues received would be applied to next year. John explained what some of the $20 membership fee is used for such as Welcome Baskets, website fees, social events, greenbelt and playground improvements, post office box, and VIP equipment.
A membership drive for 2021 will begin in February.
Darrell Wood submitted a report on VIP matters. We are reminded to be especially vigilant in keeping our property secure and watching out for deliveries. There will be a virtual VIP training on December 5 from 9:00 – 1:00. Darrell met with Paula Blackman at a Personal Protection Drive and invited her to participate in the VIP program. She will be attending the next training.
John Walls shared the ballot for the election of the board members: John Walls, president; Scooter Smith, vice-president; Karen Babb, treasurer; Annie O’Kelly, secretary. Scooter said that the polling survey was not working and would be sent out later. All members could vote up until Saturday night, at which time the results would be shared. John invited others to volunteer for board and committee positions.
John Walls introduced our speaker for the evening, Brett Johnson, an urban biologist for the city of Dallas. He shared information about coyotes and bobcats, their habits, physical appearance and how they have adapted to living in cities, in particular the metroplex. He suggested ways that we can co-exist safely.
After the presentation, John reported that two more members had volunteered to run for the elected board positions: Ashley Reichel for secretary and Erik Ramirez for vice-president. Their names were added to the ballot.
Kathryn Bozan reported that measures had been taken to control speeding on Easton between Northwest Highway and Lake Highlands Drive. She also requested that the board support an effort to address the excessive speeding on Easton from Lake Highlands Drive to Garland Road. Board members were in agreement. John will talk to Darrell Wood about bringing up the issue at the next VIP training.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:19.
-- Annie O’Kelly, secretary
Results of the Eastwood Neighborhood Association 2020 election
26 ballots returned from the 325 sent out
For President - 24 votes
John Walls - 24
For Vice President - 25 votes
Scooter Smith - 13
Erik Ramirez - 12
For Treasurer - 24 votes
Karen Babb - 24 votes
For Secretary - 25 votes
Annie O’Kelley - 17
Ashley Reichel - 8
Note: Section 10.6 of the Association’s Bylaws states that “No person shall remain on the Board as an Officer for more than five (5) consecutive years or serve in the same elected position for more than two (2) consecutive years.” Annie O’Kelley having served for two (2) consecutive years became ineligible to run for re-election so the Board chose to either not count votes for Ms. O’Kelley or to count them as cast for Ashley Reichel. No argument being heard the election for Ms. Reichel stands approved.