Hyde Park icon Dorothy Richter had a different view. She pointed out that the City's contention that service levels were not impacted adversely by the lower water capacity of the smaller truck were inaccurate. The estimated 3.5 minute response time will, in reality, be complicated by numerous obstacles such as railroad tracks and a rising number of moving and parked cars on the avenues. Dorothy, whose efforts have thwarted the City's attempts to close or shrink Station # 9 on several occasions, went on to point out that Hyde Park is composed primarily of houses that are old, wooden and large. A truck that is first on the scene needs to be ready to fight a structure fire.

    Volunteers are needed for the Homes Tour coming up this Father's Day. Anyone interested in assisting the Association in its primary fund raising activity is urged to contact Bob Breeze.

    Summer is almost upon us and once again it is time to clear the brush form our alleys. The folks in the City's solid waste department do not share Hyde Parks enthusiasm for that "lush" backyard look. In order to preserve our back of alley service, owners and tenants must take an active role in keeping their alleys free of detritus. Many owners, by virtue of apathy or absenteeism take a less than active role, and the association voted an amount not to exceed $600 to the volunteers who will clean the alley's on the owners behalf. This is time and money that could have found a much better home and neighbors are urged to remind home owners that they are responsible for keeping their alley's clean.

    A general discussion took place about the paucity of voters who bothered with this year's City elections. It was agreed that The Few who take the time to raise their voices at City Hall and in the Legislature would have a much easier time of it if The Many would raise their voices at the ballot box. A good example of this was brought up by Planning and Zoning luminary Karen McGraw who reported that the "six unrelated adults" clause limiting the construction of the dreaded "Super Duplexes" was headed for City Council this month. It would be nice if our elected officials could expect the full might of the central city electorate bearing down them when issues affecting the quality of life coincided with an election month. In fact, only 19% of voters in the two Hyde Park precincts bothered to vote. This feeble turn out sends a message to our elected officials that Hyde Park can be ignored with impunity.

    As representation at the ballot box shrinks a few members of the planning team have accelerated their efforts to preserve the quality of life in Hyde Park. Neighbors passed a resolution thanking these members for their constant vigilance and involvement.

    Co President Gary Penn gave a grim report on the status of a flurry of bills affecting zoning laws. These bills do not bode well for cities and neighborhoods seeking to control or influence the size and appearance of structures built in their boundaries. These bills seem to be on a fast track on their was to the Texas Senate. At the time of this meeting neighbors pretty much agreed: it would take a miracle to derail these bills.

    Penn wished neighbors well adjourned the meeting.