Weed and Seed Begins(posted Sept 11) The Eagledale Lafayette Square Area Weed & Seed Steering Committee launched its first organizational meeting September 11 in order to fulfill its requirement to receive its $1 million Department of Justice grant. Liz Allison, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department grant manager, explained there is no cash, no check book. The weed and seed funding operates on a reimbursement method, so it is important that groups involved are financially sound enough to be able to withstand the delay in reimbursement from City of Indianapolis. The city will then be reimbursed by the Department of Justice. The steering committee worked out a first year budget of $175,000 which is the maximum allotted amount in the five year plan. Allison noted that $87,500 must be dedicated to the IMDP to fight crime. The group also selected Scott Rosenberger to serve as the coordinator to oversee the financial operations and activities of the organization. Rosenberger's salary is set at $30,000 for a 2,000 hour a year commitment. This is a contractual position with the City of Indianapolis. Barbara Rogers of the IMPD Grant Unit explained the weed and seed committees report to the steering committee. These committees can make recommendations if community issues and priorities change over time. She said it would require amending the plan with DOJ approval. The community will have the greatest involvement by participating on the weed and seed committees, not the steering committee. The steering committee functions more like a board of directors that establishes policies and procedures. The weed committee involves working with IMPD, the prosecutors office and Marshawn Wolley of the Crime Watch Liaison to the Mayor's office. Eagledale Neighborhood Association President Harry Simpson agreed to chair the weed committee. The weed committee will meet September 26 at 6:30 pm at IMPD Northwest district headquarters at 3821 Industrial Boulevard. Reverend Steven Wells Horsman volunteered to serve as an interim seed committee chair. Tim Horty of the Law Enforcement Division of the US District Attorney's Office stressed the importance that the weed and seed committees must meet to develop a plan to submit to the steering committee by the October 9th meeting. Allison encouraged the steering committee members to invite the community businesses and residents to participate on the weed and seed committees. The success of weed and seed is dependent upon community involvement. Allison described the community involvement as the power house to weed and seed as the catalyst to make things happen. Rosenberger planned to invite residents of apartment complexes and neighborhood associations to participate. The steering committee realized they needed to draw community support from all areas of its boundaries that extend to 46th Street, I-65, 25th Street (excluding Speedway) and I-465. The steering committee meeting has already drawn grassroots support beyond the concentrated support of Eagledale Neighborhood Association members. Tasha Coe of Gateway West Neighborhood Association and Fred Wallace, co-owner of Big Belly Restaurant, attended. |
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