MPCA Experiences

You might be aware that the MPCA was in need of individuals to fill the position of President, among others.

I want to share with you my experience in volunteering for the position, which I believe highlights some of the issues in our community. The MPCA is not immune to the animosity that is shown by council. Considering that several individuals act or have previously acted on both, it's not too surprising. What is...dumbfounding (not surprising) is that during the September MPCA meeting it was stated that they desire to separate themselves from council; to create a better distinction between the two entities. There are many steps the MPCA could take to do this, but currently turn a blind eye towards.

That's a separate issue.

When I asked how to volunteer, I was forwarded to Bob Gale, who is in charge of the nominating committee.

I was asked to meet with the nominating committee, though I was out of town and not sure when I would return, as I informed Bob:

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Hi Jessica,

Can you meet with the nominating committee this Sunday evening at Bonnie Townsend's house (...address removed by Jessica for privacy...) ?

Thanks, Bob

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Bob,

Unfortunately I am headed out of town for an event this weekend and I'm not sure what time I will return Sunday evening. 

Is there a time scheduled? I might be cutting it close. 

Thanks,

Jessica

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It is scheduled for 7pm. Sorry I did not put that in the email. Thinking we might have a full slate by Sunday

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Bob,

How did the meeting go?

I'm sorry I couldn't be there; I was still in transit. 

Any word on the position?

Thanks,

Jessica 

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Hi Jessica, 

Sorry we you could not attend. We have all of the officer positions filled. We might have some committee appointments open if you are interested, but won't know until the end of the month.

Regards, Bob

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Bob,

I am not sure how the positions have been filled when the deadline to apply was listed as today in the Villager. 

I thought that this meeting was of the nominating committee, not a meeting to vote in the officers. 

Please help me get these facts straight so that I don't have a negative perception of why volunteers have been turned down and redirected to the positions that existing officers might prefer them to be in.

It seems to me that the process is a bit backwards, since the association has not held a public meeting to address this but apparently the officer positions are filled? Please help steer me straight in understanding how this occurred. 

Something isn't adding up and before I jump to too many conclusions about the process I'd like to know what I might be missing here.

Thanks,

Jessica

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Jessica,

It was a meeting of the nominating committee last night. As of last night regardless of the deadline we had enough people to recommend for the ballot vote for the general meeting on Wednesday. No other members of MPCA were involved in approving these choices other than the nominating committee.

We waited  over 45 minutes for you hoping you would show and then went ahead with our meeting. 

Regards, Bob

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After the Monday night Council meeting, where the Vice President of the MPCA heard what had happened, I received this e-mail from bob:

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Jessica you can always nominate yourself when the chair calls for closing nominations in the Wednesday meeting.

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It should be noted that I received notice that the meeting would start at 8:15 rather than the usual, earlier meeting time, because the sitting President was going to be traveling.

I also received verbal apology from Bonnie Townsend when she informed me to bring copies of my resume to the meeting if I was going to be nominated. (Turns out I didn't need them but that's another story)

During the meeting, Dick Busick interrogated me as to why I operate "the blog that is...insulting to many in this village.."

My response was if it is insulting it's only because the truth is something they shouldn't be proud of. 

Until the officials and personalities in charge of this village start taking accountability for their actions, and start treating all residents with equal respect regardless of their political opinions, home ownership status, or hours of volunteering put in, this village is going down the pipes. If you don't believe me based on that statement, read the Villager more critically, attend a meeting or two, or read previous posts (and comments) on this blog. 

The attitude I was met with from the "officers" of the MPCA was overall not very inviting and is the very issue as to why many people don't volunteer. If the volunteers aren't doing it in a way that "they" want, they are either turned away or redirected. That said, some of the officers did seem to try to counter balance the negativity or hostility, but until there is zero tolerance for this from both officers and attendees of the meetings, things will be very hard to change. Maybe I'm too optimistic.

January 2012 Villager

The January 2012 Villager is available online, if it hasn't hit your mailbox yet.

I anticipate residents can hear more about these topics at the Council Meeting tonight, however here are a highlight of some interesting topics from this month's Villager.

The MPCA is taking nominations for the Duck Award, recognizing an outstanding citizen our group from 2011.

There are plans for a Getting to Know You section, now featuring those who own a (certified) business within the park.

Lynn Eisntrout's Mayor's Report includes that her campaign website will remain live to share information. I don't understand why the Minerva Park website isn't the selected venue for this information, given that it is likely what residents are familiar with and representative of The Village as a whole.

All of Jordan road may be repaved, The Village has received 100% funding for the project, as of the Villager's printing.

Coffee with Council is going to be held January 23, and will include a speaker from ODNR sharing information about controlling the goose population.

The police department was in the process of determining which street signs need replaced due to age or exposed due to branches or shrubs impeding them.

The code enforcement officer is working on enforcing zoning laws with the owners of the "Payless Quickstop" car repair business. This seems to be an ongoing issue, but hopefully something can be worked out to improve the unsightliness we now see.

With the new year brings new terms in Council. Kent Stanley's term as council person ended in December and Dave Way took his place. The position of Matt Danzuso's vacancy was filled by Charles Legg (chosen by council, 4 to 1). Charles was placed on the Streets Committee and Dave on the Community Committee.

Council went into executive session at 7:50pm until 8:03 pm at the December Council Meeting. This was to discuss personnel issues and litigation. I have a hunch this has to do with the Jason Gross case, as posted about previously.

There is an article featuring three MP residents, students of Westerville South. This is a nice touch. I've noticed in previous Villager issues (as in the early '90s, late '80s) there was an emphasis on residents, something I personally would like to see more of. I think it instills a community within us more so than articles about the council and such. I think the MPCA is working towards this, and personally, I think it's great.

The police blotter has several breaking and enterings reported, though it appears many were at once at the Westerville Storage place within the village, it's a reminder of our crime rate lately.

The Village is looking for carpenters and masons to help with some repairs, if you have skills to lend, it would be good of you to share them. One idea mentioned is crafting a lending library box, for reusing books no longer wanted by the original owner. Sounds like a great idea, and I'd like to see it put into action, and would donate a book or two in the case it gets built!

Hope to see more residents at the Council Meeting tonight.

Garage Sale 2011

In the interest of full access and documentation, the MPCA 2011 Garage Sale Map is above. Clicking on the image should redirect you to a larger view of the image itself.