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May 22, 2001 board meeting minutes (approved)

Present: George Jones, Verna Epperson, Sr. Leah Holzman, Joan Botwinick, Kellie Shelton, Bob Babione, Kim Jayne, Odell Martin, Don DeVivo, Anne Thompson    After social time with ice cream, the meeting opened with prayer at approximately 6:40 p.m. at Lighthouse Church. The minutes were approved, correcting the reference to tracking to "Joan is working with others to create a tracking system for families that move in, out, or within the neighborhood."    Lisa Williams, from the Housing Council, spoke to the group about predatory lending. She stated many people are losing their homes because they are not aware of the terms they are agreeing to. The majority of victims are lower income families who are not able to access smaller mortgages from banks. Most banks will not loan below $60,000-$70,000 and many families' homes are not worth that. A discussion took place about the financial status of homeowners in Forest Park Southeast. Ms. Williams distributed literature and encouraged people to contact the Housing Council with questions or needs.    Denie Robinson from the Urban League presented ideas about organizing and the programs offered by the Urban League. She informed the group about free grass seed and paint, and the benefits of belonging to the Federation of Block Units.    Election of officers took place. Bob Babione was unanimously elected President. Joan Botwinick was unanimously elected Secretary. Additional officers may be elected at the next meeting.    A decision was made to begin a project mapping neighbors' assets. Joan and others will begin on Hunt in the near future. Phil Heagney will be working on the 4500 block of Gibson.    There was discussion of holding a yard sale to bring neighbors out and raise funds.    The executive committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 5 at 6:30 at Gibson Heights Presbyterian Church. The bylaws will be discussed at the next Council meeting June 26, 2001 6:30 at Lighthouse Church.    The meeting ended at 8:40 p.m.   Respectfully submitted,   Kim Jayne