April 30, 2011

NACNW MINUTES

The meeting was opened by President Scott Harnish.

Treasury Report – Scott
One member paid BZ$100 dues
Scott paid the BEL bill for the Police substation for three months - BZ$35.20
Treasury Balance – BZ$2,520.

New Business
Scott stated the Neighborhood Watch Presidents are now meeting as an organized group with Town council rather than individually. This gives the organizations a structured plan and strength. Items pending with the Council are passenger boat manifests and large vehicles crossing the bridge. Council Member Joe Elijio is the Town Council representative to the NACNW area. Scott will ask Joe again to give us an answer to a letter written to the Town Council weeks ago concerning large vehicles crossing the bridge. Truck loads of concrete block have been observed crossing.

Scott also reported that a Police check point has been held twice in the last couple of weeks and he will continue to ask for more. There were no incidents reported at the check points. Scott was told that the Police truck patrols up to Tranquility Bay periodically. They drop off officers and they walk back on patrol. The Police truck is not used exclusively in the north area, but is in use all over the island.

The subject of Street lighting was discussed. Steve Spiro made a list of critical areas that need lights. Chris Allnatt wants the whole area from the bridge to Las Terrazas covered. The result so far of the NACNW lighting poll shows 66% not in favor of lights. Minister Heredia made this statement to the San Pedro Sun on the subject:

Recently, The San Pedro Sun published an article in regards to the street lighting situation north of the bridge. When asked about what the Minister thought and whether he would be directly involved in rectifying the situation, he commented; "As the Area Representative I can do the request for proper street lighting up there, however I am yet to do a survey, as well as a public consultation with the residents and businesses north of the bridge, because up north is [a complicated situation]. If one would really look at it, it would seem like those residents, I wouldn't say all, but there are a number of them who practically would not want anything to be done over there. I recall that we once had the okay to put a number of lights up there, but there was an outcry that they didn't want any lights because that would encourage more people to be going over there, and that wasn't in their plans."
While the Minister disagrees and believes that lighting would actually assist, he insists that the general population north of the bridge seemed to be opposed to infrastructural progress.

Chris Allnatt’s proposal is to raise BZ$75,000 from business, resorts and property owners. This would pay for the lights, installation and one year’s worth of electricity. He thinks the electric bill would then be taken over by the government. He thinks lights will provide more safety for tourists driving at night.

Jodie commented that the money might be better spent on more Police presence.

A motion was made by Scott to meet with Chris Allnatt to discuss lighting. It was seconded and the vote was in favor.

No one at the meeting was in favor of street lights.

Events
Scott reported that fence lumber was stolen from the Britton’s property. The thieves have not been caught.

There have been numerous reports and observations of people taking coconuts from private property. When the coconuts are cut from the tree it affects the tree’s health. This practice should be discouraged.

Tammy Peterson is organizing a beach cleanup this Saturday morning, May 7. Please contact Tammy for more information: tammyinbelize@yahoo.com

As there was no more business the meeting was adjourned.