Quick Hits: June General Membership Meeting

Quick note: There will not be regularly scheduled General Membership meetings in July or August. They will resume in September. Topical meetings will be held to deal with special circumstances (read: AVI related issues).

Message left on my window after the General Membership meeting - thoughts?

Here is a rundown of some of the topics discussed at the General Membership meeting held on June 12th at EOM.

AVI UPDATE:
As always, the meeting had some link to the ongoing AVI battle. Recently, both the State and the City have been introducing bills to get Philly's big-time property tax collection problem sorted. As for Pennsport, the Civic Association is actively looking to create an outreach program for those affected by AVI. In partnership with the Crosstown Coalition of Taxpayers, the outreach programs will help homeowners through the appeal process with the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT). Appeals must be made by October 7th of this year - so this is going to move quickly.

Look for more information on this outreach program in the coming weeks. I would recommend joining the email blast (pennsport@aol.com). Also, keep an eye on their Facebook page.

ENERGY COORDINATING AGENCY (ECA) STOPS BY:
The gist is that the ECA, through the EnergyWorks program, is working with the City of Philadelphia to provide home energy audits to help the people of Pennsport save money by making their homes more energy efficient. For a small fee ($150), the ECA will assess your homes' energy efficiency, customize solutions should they be needed, find qualified contractors (and also check/ensure their work), hook you up with low interest financing, and help connect you to various tax credits ("The City is actually trying to GIVE you money.")

Again, the program is $150 to have the initial assessment but may be worth a look if you feel like your house is leaky and therefore, putting a hurting on your wallet.

Key Tidbits:
- 55% of the energy consumption costs in your home comes from  heating and cooling the home as well as heating water
- Unplug cords when not in use
- Be mindful of air leakage - "Don't use your home to heat the neighborhood"
- Consider the mindset of cooling people, not rooms

For more information, visit ECA's website.

SCHOOL'S OUT AND CURFEWS ARE COMING:
Please be mindful that school is almost out for the Summer. This means more kids in the neighborhood during the day and at night. Curfews will be strictly enforced  throughout Pennsport.
Kids 12 and under are to be inside by 930pm while the curfew for kids 17 years of age and under is set at 1030pm. These times are in affect Monday through Sunday.

It was stressed that Police presence will be "highly visible with bike cops" in and around the neighborhood - especially in the beginning of the Summer.


PHILADELPHIA DEPT. OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISHES ON WEST NILE/LYME DISEASE:
Dana Perella presented information on the dangers of West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. Here is what you need to know in order to "Fight the Bite".

Basically, mosquito proof your home and neighborhood by dumping and standing water withing three days of it appearing. Wear insect repellent (you missed a free sample, HAH!) Brush up on how to safely remove a tick. If you're in or around a wooded area, check for ticks and clean yourself thoroughly.

THANK YOU FOR MATT SNYDER:
Lastly, the Board Members wanted to recognize and thank Matt Snyder (who was not in attendance). If you remember, Matt graciously honored Captain Michael Goodwin by raising money through selling red ribbons and also having a bench made in dedication to the fallen firefighter of Snyder Avenue's Engine 53 Ladder 27. There was such a tremendous response to Matt's work that he was able to donate over $1,100 back to the fire station. Great work by Matt and and excellent example of the community in Pennsport.