Oakwatch: The Oakland Code Enforcement Project Meeting Minutes August 21st, 2013
Mission: Oakwatch: The Oakland Code Enforcement Project seeks to improve the quality of life for residents, employees and visitors by enforcing codes on negligent property owners, housing violations, parking violations, disruptive behavior, excessive noise and underage drinking in the Oakland neighborhood. I.
In attendance: Ethel DeIuliis, Michael Medwed, Carol Mitchell, Henry Cianciosi, Robert Beecher, David Manthei, Valerie Flatley, Brendan O’Brien, Kannu Sahni, Camille Burgess, Craig Campbell, Steve Cetra, Shawn Ellies, Gloria Sciulli, Mark Oleniacz, Kalli Lardas, Mary Ballerini, Kathy Boykowycz, Nathan Hart, Brian Hill, Geof Becker, Hanson Kappelman, Janice Markowitz, Lizabeth Gray, Rebekkah Ranallo, Blair Kossis, Wanda Wilson
II.
Introductions; Brief new members (Geof Becker, 5 minutes)
III.
Oakwatch Citizen Observers (Hanson Kappelman, 15 minutes) Hanson explained the new initiative to the meeting attendees, specifying that the new patrol group will work and coordinate public safety efforts with police and residents. The group will also help monitor parties in Oakland and make calls to police regarding these parties. The hotline will send a transcription of voicemails to volunteers on call. The effort is non-confrontational. Those present at the meeting had the opportunity to ask questions and provide input. Hanson also reviewed the Incident Report form. Police will have three cars out this weekend as part of the Oakland impact detail. Ms. Lardas: What about retribution? Hanson and Nate explained in response to this question that patrol volunteers will meet the police for them to avoid retribution. Ms. Sciulli: Are we allowed to call the hotline on behalf of other neighbors, and does OPDC need their neighbors’ contact information? Ms. Sciulli highlighted the fact that many of her elderly neighbors do not want to release their info. In response to Ms. Sciulli’s question, Wanda confirmed that OPDC can take the neighbor’s contact info instead of the caller’s contact info, and that OPDC keeps the information confidential.
IV.
Oakland Property Progress Report (BBI, 15 minutes) a. 244 Dunseith: Constable trying to track down owner to serve warrant b. 162 Robinson: REMOVE from the Top 10 list since OPDC is trying to acquire property through City of Pittsburgh Treasurer Sale. c. 210 Ophelia: In court August 27th. There is a, rumor that the property sold to a neighbor. Liz reported that they have been doing a lot of work planting a lawn. Geof and Liz don’t think they’re grading it properly, though. UPDATE: ABATED , DISMISSED IN COURT d. 53 Lawn: OPDC reviewing appraisal. In meantime, Brian Hill was not sure if BBI resubmitted citation yet.