March 21, 2023
Hampton Park Terrace Neighborhood Association
Meeting Notes
Anne Kelley Russell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. at the church at 137 Moultrie St. and introduced the guest speaker, Mac Gandy. Mac works for the City and manages the City’s program to place wiring underground.
In 2019, the City change the process for doing underground wiring. Instead of a petition by residents, neighborhoods nominate areas, and the City ranks the applications based on many factors. The recommendations are then sent to City Council for approval. 100% of the affected residents must sign off on the project and must grant an easement to the power company to place the wires underground on each parcel. Wherever transformers are placed, that owner must give a special easement for that.
Answering neighbors’ questions, Mac shared this information: Whole neighborhoods are not required; applications can be done by street or block. All wiring (cable, internet, etc.) would go underground. There is a non-standard service fee which the City collects from everyone all over to fund the projects. The only cost to residents would be the connection to the house from the supply lines. Details are yet to be worked out, but the cost might be $1000 and could be paid out over several months or longer. The regular power poles would go away. The completion could be two years from today. Factors for ranking include presence of existing tree cover, presence of sidewalks, public benefit, and history of the district. Transformers could possibly go on City property like in Hampton Park. The underground wiring is more reliable but mainly this is being done for aesthetics. Examples of transformers can be seen on Daniel Island and in Longborough. Compensation for owners who would get a transformer is a possibility, but it has not been looked into. Katie Saylors of 542 Huger St. has prepared flyers and a survey she wants everyone to complete.
Kevin Eberle gave a report about the house tour that was held on the first Saturday of March. 125 tickets were sold. After very limited expenses, we raised about $4200. The committee felt that doing tours every year would be too much work, but they suggested every other year or every third year.
Anne Kelley reported that the association has about $8900 with money from dues coming in.
Kim summarized the Saturday social events and reminded everyone that volunteer hosts could get up to $100 for their costs to hold a coffee/donut social, happy hour, brunch, etc. We aim for the third Saturday of each month but are flexible. Kim then distributed a budget for an event to be held on May 20 from 5-7 p.m. The total expenses could be $4600-$5000 ($1500 for the Dallas Baker Band, $2704.78 for tent and chair set up and rental, $25 for permit, $414 for police). The event will occur in Allan Park, and Glenwood Ave. will be closed. There are no food trucks, and residents will have to bring their own food. We have already approved $2500, and permission is sought to another $2500. No sponsors have been secured, but if none are attracted, we will still have (sic) $6900. Anne Kelley expected to received a few thousand dollars in dues. The association approved the money.
Laura Horlbeck suggested a $400 donation to the Parks Conservancy, and that was approved.
The floor was opened for nominations to all the offices for one-year terms. Ashley Williamson was nominated to be the secretary by Kevin Eberle. Ashley was unanimously approved, and the other officers will remain in their posts. People are always able to express an interest in taking over one of those roles.
Ashley Williamson suggested we should spend money to sponsor a student. It was agreed that the Tour Committee might have a specific goal up front that could be used to help with fundraising.
Erin Fennell (364 President St.) said that she would be meeting with the Preservation Society about some details about the Septima Clark sign that we approved last year.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.