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| Minutes from December 15th 2004 |
You are here: Meeting Minutes > Minutes from December 15th 2004
Minutes of the meeting – Neighborhood Watch – 12/15/04
Place of meeting – Thorpewood
Meeting commenced after social hour and “pot luck” dinner.
Attendance – approximately 8 neighbors.
1. Firewise program
Much discussion of the firewise program commenced with a report by Steve Chambers that the response was good. A letter of congratulations was received from the Firewise Commission for the acceptable response by our Catoctin community. The National Firewise program will support our efforts with press releases, signs, and other publicity as may from time to time be useful.
Seven families participated in the firewise upgrading effort making the following contributions:
Community investment: approx. $3,200
Currently, we have no signs stating Firewise rules. Posting these rules makes them enforceable at law. The Department of Natural Resources has authorized this posting. the area at High Knob across from the park maintenance office where personal mail boxes were originally located is a possible sign and community bulletin board location.
2. Law enforcement response
Residents noted some difficulty in receiving timely response from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department, park officials and the Department of Natural Resources. The average response time was thought to be approximately 15 minutes. The reason for this is understandably “officer availability.”
Of course, law enforcement should be called when necessary to help avoid or minimize damage to property or physical injury to persons. In such case, judicious use of terminology becomes important. If the illegal or dangerous event is obvious, state it as such. If the situation is unclear but could conceivably evolve into an illegal or dangerous event, report it as “suspicious activity.” Reportedly, our law enforcement personnel will respond readily to that specific terminology.
3. Participation
The Department of Assessments and Taxation web site lists property owners on Gambrill Park Road. This could play a role in soliciting more participation in our Neighborhood watch and Firewise programs.
Some further thought will be given to conducting a Gambrill Park Road picnic to be held at a location on the mountain to be determined. Historically, picnics have been held which were very well attended and successful. Attendance by the Sheriff’s Dept., park managers and workers was very well received. This original community identity and comradery made possible a coming together of residents as volunteer workers to accomplish certain grounds maintenance duties at a time when the State of Maryland was seriously considering closing Gambrill Park altogether. Many hours of volunteer service were given and significant maintenance cost to the state was carried by the community over this difficult financial period.
Planning for such an event may commence if enough interest among current residents seems apparent. “Pot luck” food service by residents, musical or other entertainment, and information presentations may be part of the agenda. Comments and opinions from residents are welcome.
4. Driveway security
Some residents have installed infrared warning devices across their driveways. These devices are inexpensive.
5. Identifying personal property - Operation Identification
Of considerable use in identifying your property after theft or burglary is to have your driver’s license number engraved on each item of property such as TVs, computer equipment, firearms, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Lind