AMBIVALENCE—AN UNWANTED ADVENTURE
“AMBIVALENCE”—the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
It all started with my trying to decide on a topic for this month’s newsletter. Should I write about the vampire Memorial Park Master Plan that has risen from the dead despite assurances from the former city representative and the acting city manager that it would never see the light of day; the revelation that commitments, assertions and assurances of city government are, to be charitable, frequently “fluid”; or about city government and the police department game of hop scotch that has left Five Points out in the cold and removed Central Command from Central El Paso?
As I racked my brain, the answer, unwanted as it was, came to me in an email from Past President Stephen Heimer. It was to be none of the topics I had contemplated, but rather the matter of Pastor Stephen’s departure from Zion Lutheran, Five Points Development and our city. From the mild ambivalence of three choices, I was confronted with major ambivalence regarding Stephen’s news. It gave me a topic alright, but one I don’t even want to contemplate, let alone write about. But, so much must be said so here goes.
My earliest memories of Stephen coincide with my first joining FPDA. I see him in his collar already engaged in discussions in our meetings. President Jim Erickson asked me if I had any suggestions for a board member and Stephen immediately came to mind. It certainly proved to be a great choice. Stephen has become a valuable board member who has brought his talents and skills in a wide variety of areas to FPDA. He put his avocation in the internet world to work creating and maintaining our website and publishing our newsletter, giving us social media presence and promotions, and distributing email blasts. With his experience as a talented and trained performing musician, he is helping us with our sound problems at our new venue. With the passing of our long-time president, Jim Erickson, Stephen became our President. He has brought his executive experience and good judgment to all our Board deliberations and made our decisions better for his service.
Those who have gotten to know him, know that he is a man of faith, enthusiasm, creativity and good humor. These traits have helped him to build his church and make our neighborhood a better place. As a Board Member he fits right in with all our other Board Members who are always willing to do what needs to be done without even being asked. FPDA is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and creative Board that has enabled FPDA to grow and add membership value. Those Board Members have made my Board service and Presidency a true joy. With Stephen’s departure, we will be truly losing a part of our family.
So, where is he going you ask? I have kept you in suspense long enough. He has “accepted a position with (his) church body in their national office which means that (he’ll) be moving to St. Louis sometime this summer.” He will end his board service at the end of May.
Although we may not be pleased, we should not be surprised at the news. There is always a crying need for skilled and talented individuals and Stephen was not to go unnoticed. We have all seen this occurrence in our business and professional lives. It’s just too bad this opportunity is out of town. Pastor Stephen Heimer is a great example of the type of citizen and leader our city needs. His move will be a loss not just to Zion and FPDA but to all of El Paso as it seeks to grow and prosper.
Ambivalent? Indeed I am. While I’m saddened and concerned about the effect of Stephen’s departure on FPDA and will miss him personally, I am very happy for him and his family and the opportunities and new experiences it will open for all of them. And, of course, all of us are happy that his value has been recognized by others.
Stephen, please accept my thanks and the thanks of the Board and all FPDA members for all you have done for us. Know that you will be missed and go with the best wishes of all of us as you begin this next chapter of your life. Please stop by and see us any time you find yourself back in El Paso. And, in the meantime, let us know what’s happening in your life in St. Louis.
MOVING FORWARD
Last week we were brought up to date on our water supply, increasing rates, storm water projects and some explanations of political football. All of this came from John Balliew, PE, President and CEO of El Paso Water. Mr. Balliew is always a welcome presenter because of his encyclopedic knowledge of our city’s systems and his straight-forward manner. Plus, he lives in central El Paso!
We are continuing to refine our new meeting place. We will be trying a new arrangement and additional sound equipment this week. Please bear with us as we seek to improve. The Board welcomes your suggestions on how we can make this happen.
With Reverend Heimer’s leaving, we will be needing help maintaining our website and social media presence. If you have expertise in this area and are willing to help, please let a Board member know.
MAY PROGRAM
In May, we will have The El Paso Central Appraisal District Deputy Chief Appraiser David Stone who will regale us with tales of property values, protests and legislation, all to assist us in dealing with the somewhat shocking news that many of us have found in our mail boxes recently. While Mr. Stone’s programs may not be the most “digestible” noon-time fare, the information he brings is vital and helpful to all of us as business and property owners and we appreciate his efforts. If I recall correctly, this will be his second year making the presentation to us.
You may notice the conspicuous absence of the Chief Appraiser and Executive Director Dinah Kilgore. Although I have suggested to her that she was just unwilling to face us, the truth is she will be teaching out of town. We appreciate her serving on our Board of Directors and helping with programs, including making this one possible.
REMINDER: DON’T FORGET YOUR NIP!
Calm down, now. Before you get too excited, this will not involve a trip to your nearest public house nor subject you to a sometimes endearing, sometimes unwelcome physical activity. No, although none of the above, it is an equally emotional event, the spending of your tax dollars by the City of El Paso. If it removes any of the sting, we have a chance to have some say in the projects and improve our neighborhood.
Well, what is it you say? It is the Neighborhood Improvement Program! I must now quote from the City’s website for my modest vocabulary does not include the buzzwords and jargon to properly convey the message on my own.
“The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) provides the opportunity for Recognized Neighborhood Associations and Civic Associations to request small-scale permanent physical improvement projects to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The intent is to facilitate an organized process for residents to have direct input on physical improvements in their neighborhood.”
Now I will paraphrase. The Community Progress Bond (which some of you may have voted for) included $5 million for projects in the NIP. Each of the eight Representative Districts will receive $625,000 for NIP requests. There are eligibility requirements, some of the most significant of which are that the project be on city property, have an expected lifespan of at least 10 years and be no further than ¼ mile from the association’s boundary. Favored projects include parks and park improvements, streetlights, sidewalks, ADA curb cuts and murals.
For those of you who may have participated before there have been changes, some intended to simplify the process including a “catalog” to choose from.
This is a “competitive event.” Since Five Points Development Association is a part of two districts, our projects east of Piedras Street will compete with projects throughout District 2 and those west of Piedras Street will compete with projects throughout District 8. Projects from the catalog, well documented and described on the application and supported by many resident signatures will have the best chance of success. Details can be found on the City’s website elpasotexas.gov under Community and Human Development. Since this is for neighborhood associations, once you have gotten information from the City’s website, contact Five Points Development Association so that we can vet projects and submit the one the Board feels is the most likely to succeed. Although each Association can submit two applications, only one per Association will be chosen. No time to waste! THE DEADLINE IS MAY 31ST.
ONE MORE TIME
Don’t forget. Wednesday, May 15th, noon (11:30 for those that want an early start), Su Casa, 2030 East Yandell. David Stone, Deputy Chief Appraiser El Paso Central Appraisal District will be the speaker. Bring a friend and possible future member. We’ve been having great turnouts. Remember, as our membership and attendance grow so do our abilities to attract quality programs and influence the decisions of government that determine our neighborhood’s future.
See you Wednesday!
Fred Evans, president