Present

Gabe Ciociola, Dennis Maroney, Milo Martinez, Lynn Murray, Gary Santo, Jenn Santo, Jerry Smith, Barb Swartz. Guest: Jane Carroll (Nominating Committee)

President’s Report/General Discussion

The annual meeting is being held on Thursday, March 28th at 7 pm at the Hawthorne. The agenda for the meeting will include a summary of SCNA accomplishments, events, and issues over the preceding year, the election of officers, and a presentation on innovation by Common neighbors Erick Sayce & Jen Pullen who own the “Goodnight Fatty” local cookie business. Jerry Smith alerted the board that he will be stepping down as President at the end of his current term on March 28th. He does intend to remain involved in neighborhood issues. Jerry has served for three years as President and longer than that as a Board member. He notably led the effort to revise the by-laws several years ago. Board members expressed appreciation for all Jerry has done.

On 12/15 at noon at the Hawthorne Hotel, the Preservation Partners monthly agenda will include representatives of the National Guard who will open discussions on the idea of creating a National Guard museum in Salem. Several members of the SCNA board plan to attend. The idea of conducting membership surveys on issues of interest to the Common neighborhood was discussed. These surveys would go to SCNA members only and be short & focused. Barb and Milo will work on developing the first one.

Vice-President’s Report/General Discussion

Gabe reported that he has pulled together a nominating committee headed by himself and SCNA members Jane Carroll and Matt Cornell. They will work together to develop a full slate of candidates for the upcoming election at the annual meeting.

In regard to continuing efforts to restore the Washington Arch, Gabe has visited the Artist’s Asylum in Somerville to assess the possibility of having the carvings completed there. Other options that were suggested include both the Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical High School and the North Bennett St. School in Boston’s North End. In addition, creating removable art of some kind on the Arch was discussed as an interim option.

Treasurer’s Report

• Funds as of February 12, 2019
• Checking: $12,901
• Arch Fund: $7,067
• Savings: $3,004
• Total: $22,972

Donations/Incoming to SCNA

– Membership 2019 renewal process continues – thanks Barb!

• $542 deposits from Square
• – $465 from 9 members via check

– Potluck – no donations

New Donations By SCNA

– None in this period

Incurred Expenditures

• Decorations: $31.50 (#1545) to Jenn for supplies
• Potluck Event: $195
  • $100 (#1546) to Tabernacle Church for space
  • $95 (#1547) to Milo for supplies

Anticipated Expenditures

• Membership 2019 Renewals:
  • Renewal process via email has begun
  • Plan to follow with physical mailing if needed: Cost TBD
• Movie Night @ Witch Museum 3/1 at 8 PM: Costs if any TBD
• Annual Meeting @ Hawthorne on 3/28 at 7 PM: Costs if any TBD

Arch Project Cost/Status

• Arch Images
  • Total project cost estimated at $40K to $50K
  • $5,000 Eastern grant – on hold while exploring alternatives for carvings
  • Sponsorship with National Guard; NG Museum discussions
• Arch Explanatory Sign:
  • $1,085 quote; 10-year warranty
  • Put on hold until spring for re-bid involving City

Committee Reports

Common Committee Report

Jenn reported on the excellent job the City/DPW did to address the major tree limb that was felled by the wind. She also reported that a bollard was either knocked down or fell over on the corner of the Common closest to the hotel. Discussions held on exploring security based grants to replace existing bollards.

Events Committee Report

On Friday, March 1st at 8 pm, SCNA will hold movie night at the Salem Witch Museum. The movie will be the John Water’s classic “Serial Mom”. The Museum is donating drinks, Lynn will follow up with Popped about a donation of popcorn, and Jenn and Gary will purchase candy bars – all of which will be offered for sale at minimum prices. The movie remains free of charge.

For the annual meeting on March 28 th at 7 PM, the Hawthorne has generously supplied the Essex meeting room and will offer tea and cookies for attendees. Each year, the SCNA incurs a cost to rent a projector for the meeting. The Board discussed the purchase of a projector as it could be used for many additional events. Milo will look into kinds and costs for projectors and will present this information at the next board meeting.

Milo is also working on expanding the membership of the Events Committee and at future meetings will be exploring a fundraising event. Due to loss of the Knights of Columbus as an event space, there will be no Kentucky Derby/Cinco De Mayo party in May. It is hoped that we can bring this tradition back in the future.

Membership Committee

Barb reported that she has received membership renewals from 40% of the present 2018 membership roster. She will continue her work on gathering renewals and new sign-ups. One must have a paid membership by February 26th in order to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting on March 28 th . Please note that anyone who misses the 2/26 sign up can still join after that date as as member but will not be able to vote at the March annual meeting. We welcome all our neighbors’ support.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12th