Historic Brownsville Community Minutes – Oct 2018
The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. Evon led the opening prayer. The following members were present: Mike Kilmer, Eric Martin, Phyllis Gonzalez, Beth Kilmer, Michael Jackson, Jonathan Owens, Sherry Duffy, Clara Long, David Padgett, Evon Horton, Dennis McReynolds, Randy Steel, Rodney Jones, Faith Higgins and Linda Aguado. County Commissioner Doug Underhill attended to update the committee on specific agenda issues. The Association had not met in September due to weather conditions. Latest minutes are posted on the website.
The Treasurer’s report was not available due to the Robin’s absence – the report will be read at the November meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Brownsville Business Committee. Members of the Business Committee along with officers of the HBC have decided that it will be to the benefit of the community if the Business Committee merges with the HBC. The merger helps to signify that individuals, households and businesses have related interests within Brownsville, and what benefits one group is likely to be to the advantage of the other.
Update on Community Center Program Committee. Evon reported that several programs were set to proceed and an announcement about them will be forthcoming once details have been approved by the CRA. Rodney Jones who will lead the activities program, was present at the meeting and spoke in support of the program. Rodney has a special interest in making juvenile pre-crime intervention activities available. Apparently the teen courts program has an estimated $1million in funds that could be used for such activities.
Update on Governance Committee. The Board has put out the word that HBC would welcome new additions to the Board, especially as the number of community development activities and projects increases. Members should be available to attend monthly meetings and to contribute to the association’s projects and endeavors.
Mike reported that we had a few more yard signs to be distributed. Phyllis Gonzales will distribute signs to some of the non-profit partners she works with.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Underhill reviewed developments on sewer lines along Mobile Highway. The need for sewers to replace septic tanks is heaviest in the poorer areas of the county. The burden is heaviest on local businesses. ECUA and County funds will not be enough to cover the cost. The community should be advocating for some of $1.5 billiion available from the Triumph Fund. It was agreed that HBC should organize a letter campaign from local businesses to the County Commission emphasizing the critical nature of sewerage to business development within the county. Linda, Mike and Evon agreed to be on this committee. Shiela Green was also suggested, and Mike will get in touch with her.
Mr. Underhill also addressed the importance of Form-Based Overlay for sections of the County zoned for business. The main purpose of a form-based zoning code is to create inviting and comfortable public spaces, including streets, sidewalks, plazas, public squares, and other places where people gather outdoors in public. [See plannersweb.com for more information.] The City is approving FBO zoning as part of its recent and upcoming project developments. HBC should publicly advocate for the same type of zoning in Brownsville.
Evon reported that plans are almost completed for the Senior Living facility in Brownsville. Additional affordable housing units are under development for Z Street, Mission Street and Scott street. 72 units are planned, and these are reserved for at-risk persons such as the homeless population and for people age 62 and over.
Linda Aguado, of the REAP program reported difficulties in working with the homeless that her agency encountered in partnership with Richards Memorial Church. REAP has broken away from Richards Memorial but remains concerned about the growing number of homeless who are gathering and sleeping in the area and are unable to find shelter.
Clara Long reported that the project to install 412 additional LED street lights in Brownsville is 90% completed.
The Dixon School for the Arts is continuing with plans to expand and to re-locate, but still within Brownsville.
Evon moved that the meeting be adjourned. JR Welcome seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Free yoga classes are available at Community Health Northwest Fl, 2315 Jackson Street. Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10am.
Learn about Civicon by going to their Facebook page. A series of lectures on issues involving communities and how to develop them goes on throughout the year. The public is invited free of charge.
Much-loved HBC member Gladys Philyaw is in UWF Hospital for an extended period. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayer.
The Brownsville Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 16.