2.             Guest Speaker: Frank O'Brien, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, Public Works Department.  Mr. O'Brien discussed the issue of trash barrels being provided by the city.  The challenge is in the maintenance of the barrels.  Mr. O'Brien stated that many of the barrels are abused with household trash.  Some members suggested that residents could take responsibility to keep sidewalks clean by their homes and it was stated that this is required already under city law.  Mary Larkin suggested that if the DPW provided extra barrels, the residents could maintain them.  The city is opent to this and the DHA will pursue it through a committee.

3.             Police Update: Officer Rich Doherty reported that there have been 4 arrests for B&Es.  He mentioned that Captain Russell would be attending a DHA meeting in the future. 

4.             Park Update:  Steven Connor, Supervisor, Law Enforcement Division responded to a discussion of dogs running off leash. The concerns include safety and cleanliness.  There is a 50 dollar fine and in certain situations can lead to arrest.  Members expressed interest in having selected hours for dugs to be off-leash under voice command.  Mr. Connor stated that the monument is a federal national treasure and not suitable for this activity although members pointed out that it occurs in other city and federal parks.  A committee was formed explore this further and will report at a future meeting.  Joe Rull of the Mayor's Office Neighborhood Services added that the public health department has an ordinance against dog runs for sanitary reasons. 

5.             Guest Speaker State Senator Jack Hart:  Senator Hart gave an update on some of the recent legislative initiatives with which he has had key involvement including mechanisms to sustain and attract new businesses o the area through the Commerce and Labor Committee, the very successful sales tax holiday, his co-sponsorship on a bill to make affordable prescription drugs available from Canada, a change in designation of the land by the Harborlights pavilion to prevent loss of jobs, and issues regarding Coastal Oil spill on Farragut and 1^st St., among others.  Peter noted that Senator Hart, state rep Brian Wallace and the Mayor’s office have remained very accessible to the DHA, often attending personally and otherwise through representatives. 

6.             Treasurer's Report: Pat Teague, DHA treasurer reports a balance of 367.50 at start of this year September/04, and a collection of $205 in dues thus far for a total balance of 572.75.  Expected expenses are the internet service for the web site, holiday party and barbecue.  Bill Kenneway said that the web bill is 250 dollars.  Monthly sponsorships are available for $35 which includes a thank you banner and a link to your Web site. 

7.             Upcoming Events: Peter reviewed upcoming events, including the Christmas Party, still seeking interested members to volunteer to work with June Blanchard on planning it.  He has invited other community organizations to attend.  In addition, the DHA will be singing Christmas Carols at Marian Manor on Dec 4th from 2-3 PM in Carmel Hall.  All members, families and neighbors are invited to show up & sing along.  Other events:  Community Day Nov. 13^th at the BCEC; South Boston Arts Assn Open Studios Nov. 6^th & 7^{th;  c}a Closing Vigil with visiting hours from 5-8 PM for St. Augustine’s church, Oct. 25^th – 29^th, 5-8 PM.  See local papers for further details of these events. 

8.             New Business:  Peter recommended that any new business be written on the survey forms and handed in when leaving or emailed to him directly for consideration.  The surveys reveal a very interesting cross section of concerns and opinions.  A review of them was tabled for a future meeting so as not to overlap with tonight’s Sox game.  Peter also summarized a “rough draft” outline of proposed topics for the future meetings. 

9.             Next meeting:  November 9th, 7 PM Marion Manor.  Mr. Bill Kenneway (past DHA President) will be a featured guest speaker to discuss the neighborhood crime watch.  Members are reminded that dues for 2004-05 are $5.00.  Please see Pat Teague at any meeting to pay dues.  To volunteer for any committee or follow up on any issue please send an email to peter.golemme@dorchesterheights.org or call him (# is in phone book).

Tuesday, November 9th, 2004, 7pm