Fairfield discusses bylaws, tree program, master plan

The Fairfield Village Neighborhood Council Jan. 7 discussed bylaws, a tree tenders program and the city master plan process.

President Andy Ellard asked the group to consider updating its bylaws by adding another signature to their checking account. The group agreed to grant all members of the executive committee signature privileges in the case of an emergency and in the absence of the president and treasurer.

The group also discussed allowing neighborhood representatives to fill certain positions, like block captains, but to keep the existing bylaw that requires officers and committee members to be dues-paying active members.

Judy Hovey, chair of the beautification committee, reported about the new tree tenders program offered by Keep Genesee County Beautiful beginning in February. The program will train residents to plant and care for trees and become advocates for the urban forest.

The tree tenders class will be offered from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on four consecutive Thursdays beginning Feb. 2. Classes will be held at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton. Dinner will be provided. The class is free but registration before Jan. 26 is required.

Hovey, a member of the city's volunteer master planning steering committee, reported the Flint Planning Commission's recommendation for hiring a consulting firm is in the hands of Mike Brown, emergency financial manager. A decision is expected soon.

She said neighborhoods that already have a plan in place would be asked to submit them for consideration.

"We may be a tiny neighborhood, but we are a jewel," Hovey added.

Norma Sain, Court Street Village Nonprofit, asked the group to consider putting together a master plan that identifies what the neighborhood will look like in 25 years.

"When your are working on your master plan consider potential landlord tenant problems," Sain suggested.

Pointing to the Central Park's group she said that an investor's committee made up of landlords that hold each other responsible resolves their landlord-tenant problems.

Raynetta Speed from the Genesee County Landbank offered members information about houses for sale that were renovated by the landbank. Homes include all appliances, new kitchens and baths, air conditioning and security systems. They are available for as little as $395 per month. There are income eligibility requirements. Check www.thelandbank.org for more information.

Speed also announced block club workshops would be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 12 at the Flint Public Library, Room 205, presented by Building Neighborhood Power. Workshops include how to start a block club, creating a mission statement and working together through conflict.

Ellard reported about the joint neighborhood association safety training provided by Mott Community College Public Safety Department in December. He told members that the neighborhood elderly's needs should be taken into account when preparing an emergency plan.

The group will meet next at 1 p.m Feb. 4 at the Court Street Village Nonprofit, 727 East St.