July 2025 Community meeting

1. Conflict of Interest Statement:
   A conflict of interest means having a relationship that could impair (or could be perceived to impair) your impartiality with a given topic, or when a person’s duty to one group conflicts with their duty or responsibility to another.  This could mean having other interests or relationships, like decision-making authority with competing neighborhood organizations, financial conflicts, or otherwise.  
2. Quorum –
   Quorum is 14 (21 x .6666).  There were 14 attendees in the room.

3. Minutes for approval
   Minutes for June 14, 2025 Community meeting were approved.

4. Welcome/Introduction, Ahsia Caraway, Chief of Staff for P. Porter
   Phylicia Porter and Ahsia Caraway will reschedule  - they had to cancel due to illness.

5. 2025 RDA Budget Status Report (Julia Lebherz)
   Semi annual meeting was held per bylaws.  Bookkeeping is up to date and RDA is in good financial position.  Billy Hufnell mentioned that there are funds in budget for beautification that could be spent upon request. RDA budget is available for review upon request.

6. National Night Out update (Nicole Dungee) – Nicole provided background on the event.  This event previously had a budget of $250, but needs to be increased to $450 because of price increases, and the need to replenish certain supplies that have run out (paper plates, etc.).  Also, addiional volunteers are needed to set up, grill, clean up, etc.  See Nicole or email president@ridgelysdelight.org.  Paul Rubenson motioned to increase the budget to $450.  Si  Saulynas seconded the motion.  All in favor, no opposed. Nicole Dungee abstained from vote.

7. Update on BGE-owned property surrounding Green Street Substation.   Welcome comments/suggestions for long-term use of the property (Nicole Dungee)

   RDA sent letter asking for cleanup from BGE – BGE did come out.  But substation area is not being maintained.  Weekly emails from us and The Babe Ruth museum.  BGE cleans ahead of big baseball games.  Baltimore City is not responsible for maintaining – land is owned by BGE.  Also, police can’t move homeless encampments, etc.  BGE does not want to move people that are camping.  If they are going to allow camping, they need to send out people to clean.  Email sent again to BGE - they cleaned some.  City council also involved – may put up fencing.  Longer term to consider repurposing area – drive in bus stop, what else?   Do we have ideas?  BGE may put up fencing – Paul asked if architectural or chain link. BGE probably needs to consider CHAP guidelines.  Rat runout needed – lots of rats there, too.  Temporary fence sounds like a disaster.  Clarissa Howison suggested that maybe this should be an article for Baltimore Banner.  Nicole has ccd the Banner.  Trash by bus stop – this is a city issue.  Nicole to go back to Councilwoman Porters office with findings.  Babe Ruth Museum is planning mural and sculpture. 

8. Community Garden update (Celine Brundridge) – There was a recent Facebook discussion, to discuss location options.  Site 2 (corner of MLK Blvd and Washington Blvd) and Site 3 (utility easement). Raised beds on both sides of path are being considered.  There is some shade and some sun in these locations.  Suggestion was to start small with a couple of beds.   Celine is reaching out to the City about use of these sites.  Flyers are being distributed to the community about the garden.  Sandy Anderson would be willing to do a mural on wall behind Site 3.

9. Maintenance Committee update (Julia Dumont) -
   Clean up scheduled for 9 AM on  July 19th to clean up S Fremont St, including removal of leaves/soil from gutters, clearing storm sewers, and weeding.  Please meet on S Fremont to participate.

10. Motion to adjourn – Paul Rubenson motioned, Billy Hufnell seconded. 

Attendees: 

Nicole Dungee
Julia Dumont
Billy Hufnell
Paul Rubenson
Maia Tatinclaux
Kate Leitkowski
Celine Brundridge
Kim Ahern
Julia Lebherz
Kayla Dawson
Navi Singh
Clarissa Howison
Si Saulynas