Joe reported that the city is redesigning the Community Block Grant Development committee. They plan to have one representative from each neighborhood association and other areas of Cedar Rapids and several at- large members. This will allow voting to be fair, not so lopsided.

On safety concerns it was announced that the CR Police Department was sponsoring a presentation on ‘Community Policing’. Lt. John Matthew of the Dallas, Texas Police Department will be giving the overview on November 14th at the City Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Paul Smith reported that the city has put up No Parking signs along Maple Wood Dr. and also did some repairs to the road. There was a question on what to do about abandoned vehicles parked on private property. The reply was to call City Hall, and they will notify the property owners.

Last month the Grant Wood Tour was put on the internet. We received an application for a hotel/retail tax grant. Though we met 99% of the requirements we still do not have the 501-C3 tax exemption. Joe reported that the neighbors coalition is giving each of the NA’s $1,000. This can be used to pay our insurance premium and the cost of the trolley tour. This can also cover the cost of brochures and fliers. A suggestion was made to place brochures at the public library and Amana Visitor Center. Vi showed us a photo of a rock on D Ave. that has a plaque “On this place in 1887 nothing happened”. She suggested that the helicopter could do a fly over and highlight houses on the tour.

Other items brought up included the “Festival of Lights”. Sponsored by Hillcrest Family Services, this event will be held at Ellis Park, Nov. 28th through Jan. 1st. They are looking for volunteers, if anyone is interested in volunteering please contact me at 362-7720. Paul Smith mentioned that if you have something to give free of charge the Gazette will print the ad free. Bev noted that since they cut down bushes at Daniels Park, more leaves blow across the street, but this may be for safety, so people can’t hide in the bushes. She also had concerns about solicitors. It is best to get an ID and make sure it’s a legitimate organization. There was a question on how to inform neighbors what days the city will be doing the leaf pickup so they are not obstructing street parking. Besides the Gazzette there is a Cityline number to call for leaf information. You could share this with your neighbors so they will be aware. Someone suggested that it is a good idea to composte your leaves.

Other items: The Neighbors Coalition did not have the "Breakfast at Thanksgiving" this year. They are looking at having a spring breakfast. Anyone interested in the share program can come to this church on Saturday, Nov. 21st, at 11:00am to see what a share package is and have an opportunity to sign up.

Submitted by Lois Nosek, sec.