Message from the ONC Manager's Desk
"Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes" (David Bowie - 1971 Hunky Dory Album)
When I think of Spring, one of the first things that comes to mind is change. Yes, CHANGE. Going from indoor activities to outdoor activities. Going from long sleeve shirts to short sleeve shirts. Watching an outdoor baseball game instead of an indoor basketball game. We all experience change in our life.
If your neighborhood association sees a need for change in any or every aspect this may be the time to take some sort of action. Our office is now asking that when you submit your Annual Report you also include a copy of your current by-laws. Those changes may have an impact on the people you serve.
When making change it is best to involve people impacted by the potential changes, at every step along the path. If people fail to see the results of the change from their own efforts, they will be less willing to participate in the implementation because they do not feel their input or opinions are valued enough to be a part of the change for the organization.
Always remember that public participation is the key to effective change.
Before I leave you with a final thought let me wish you, your family, friends and everyone in the neighborhood a great beginning to our Spring season.
Part Two: The 10 Team Commandments
In last month’s issue, I printed Part One of what I thought would be very useful information for you and your neighborhood association. This is the Part Two of that series:
Warmer weather is just around the corner. It will be such a relief for all of us to thaw just a bit and begin to enjoy the outdoors a little more. For those of you who have your annual meeting in March, please remember to send me the date, time and location of the meeting. Our staff is making every possible effort to attend your meetings.
Do You Just Belong?
Are you an active member,
The kind who would be missed.
Or are you just contented that
Your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings,
And mingle with the flock,
Or do you meet in private,
And criticize and knock?
Do you work on committees.
(to this there is no trick)
Or leave the work to just a few,
And talk about the clique?
Do you take an active part,
To help the work along.
Or are satisfied to be,
The kind who just belongs?
Some come to every meeting,
They help with hand and heart.
Not just another member,
But take an active part!
Think this over member,
You know what’s right from wrong.
Are you an active member.
Or do you just belong?
Author Unknown
Attention - Applicants and Developers Notification Ordinance Changes
Effective immediately - ALL Recognized neighborhood associations, Unrecognized neighborhood association and Homeowner associations MUST BE notified of all projects that will impact any of the above associations as they pertain to Planning or Liquor inquiries.
Changes to the Ordinance reads as follows:
Ҥ 14-8-2-7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF APPLICANTS AND DEVELOPERS.
Applicants for approval of amendments of the zone map, zoning site development plans (except houses and accessory buildings), major subdivisions, vacations of public right-of-way, mapping historic districts, landmarking sites, and issuance or transfer of liquor licenses shall, prior to filing the application, make a reasonable attempt to give written notification of their proposal to any recognized and non-recognized neighborhood or homeowner association which covers, abuts, or is across public right of way from the site of their plans. Certified letters, return receipt requested, mailed to the two designated neighborhood association representatives on file at the City Office of Neighborhood Coordination constitutes a reasonable attempt to notify an association. Failure by an applicant to show proof of either notification in person or a reasonable attempt to give written notification of its proposal to such designated association representatives shall be grounds for a neighborhood association to request deferral of a hearing. The application for such hearing shall include a signed statement that such notification has been sent.”
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