LNHC Meeting Minutes March 12, 2025

Attendance

1. Jody Wilkinson-Aquino

2. Shawn Pierce 

3. Faith Denis 

4. Nick Almond

5. Garett McDermin

6. Collin Poseley

7. Jaime Posley 

Introductions

What is your name, and the street you live on? What inspired you to get involved with this group?

Question: Has there been any discussions before these angry emails about forming a nonprofit? 

Jaime’s reply: Yes, there has been communication between the LNH Board and the LNH Community. Some board members have been very resistant to the idea of forming a nonprofit and have, at times, been somewhat intimidating in trying to discourage us from pursuing it. I strongly believe this is the best move for the entire neighborhood. It will create something transparent, trusted and legitimate. It has the potential to become something lasting that will benefit the entire neighborhood. 

Despite their resistance, my goal remains the same: to create a structured, more organized, transparent, and community-driven group that benefits everyone.

Question: Who is this group and who is the LNH board? 

The LNH Community is pushing for a transparent structured nonprofit while the LNH Board is a small group of neighbors who prefer an informal approach. Both groups have been working to help the community. LNH Community has been responsible for things like the Meet & Greet, the Joy Ride, the Website, LNHC Gmail and social media. 

The rules and structure of the LNH board are not documented in any formal way; instead, they are expected to be understood and followed based on precedent and unspoken agreements. This lack of written guidelines creates inconsistencies and leaves room for interpretation, making it difficult to ensure transparency and fairness in decision-making. When the group is small it is easy to operate this way but with about 350 homes in the neighborhood I strongly believe guidelines and bylaws are needed to ensure fairness, keep things organized and provide consistency with decision making. 

General Updates

1. Neighbors Supporting Neighbors

   1. Spread the word we are putting a list together of neighbor owned businesses and services. 

   2. We can share this in an emailed list and/or on our website. It is up to the person on where and how much they share. 

   3. To be added to this list email lakenatomaheightscommunity@gmail or complete the google form.

   4. Google Form: https://forms.gle/CnYrheR9U9qk3Dtp6

2. Monthly meet @Phoenix Park

   1. 1st Wed of each month 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the southeast playground (near Leatham Avenue)

   2. Casual gathering to get to know people in the neighborhood. 

3. Sip, Savor & Connect With LNHC

   1. Sat May 3rd, 5:00-7:00 PM

   2. Adults Only

   3. Bring an appetizer or bottle of something to share.

   4. Generous neighbors have volunteered their beautiful backyard on the bluffs to host this event, offering an amazing view, perfect for connecting with neighbors.  

4. Yard sale

   1. This is a LNH Board event and will be removed from the calendar. 

5. 4th of July

   1. March 23rd at 4:30PM next planning meeting 

   2. Some of the things needed for this:

      1. Snacks & Drinks volunteer to set this up. 

      2. 3 adult volunteers to bike with the kids and keep everyone together. 

      3. Set up/clean up

      4. 2 kick balls

      5. Tables, chairs, E-Z ups

      6. Lawn Games

6. People are expressing interest in a walking group. Ideas to lead something like this? Suggestion: Send an email to those that want a walking group and connect them to let them work out those details. 

7. How to handle communication between the LNHC email list and the community? 

   1. Create a classified section of the newsletter and website for people to offer, ask or just communicate with neighbors. “Do you have something to sell, need a dog walker, like pna caladas? 

   2. Will look into Google Groups as a solution for this. 

   3. Offer a forward email to everyone option? Neighborhood Alert, send an email to the LNHC gmail and we can forward it to the email list. 

   4. Add an option to unsubscribe to emails at the bottom of the signature. 

Eggstravaganza

1. Saturday April 5th 10:00-12:00

2. Schedule:

   1. 10:00 AM Guests Arrive & Check-In. Bubbles, Sidewalk Chalk Start. 

   2. 10:30 AM Potluck Brunch, Eggsquisite Design Contest Voting & Community Connections Hub Start.

   3. 11:00 AM Egg Hunt Starts

   4. 11:30 AM Relay Race Starts, Eggsquisite Design Contest Winners Announced

   5. 12:00 PM Clean Up

3. RSVP event 

4. Flyers: Posting on corners. Garett will help with printing and passing out to neighbors. Jody and Jaime will help with passing out and posting flyers. 

5. Things Needed:

   1. Tables

   2. Chairs

   3. Pop up shade

   4. Prizes

   5. Egg hunt supplies 

6. Volunteers: Jody, Jaime, Garett, Nick, Collin

   1. Event set up/clean up

   2. Egg Hunt set up/clean up

   3. Relay Race set up/clean up 

   4. Keep food and drink table clean

7. Jaime will be sending an email to volunteers solidifying details for the event. 

LNHC Nonprofit

To be very clear this is not an HOA. 

Why Forming a Nonprofit is the Best Choice for LNHC

1. Transparency & Accountability

Ensure clear policies for financial transparency and accountability, so everyone knows how funds are used and decisions are made. This helps build trust and ensures that all members have access to information about the group’s operations.

2. Access to Grants & Additional Funding

By becoming a nonprofit, LNHC would be eligible for grants, sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations—funding we currently cannot access. This means more resources for events, community projects, and neighborhood improvements, without solely relying on individual contributions. This could be street lights, speed bumps, planting trees, goats on the bluffs, etc.

3. Clear Structure & Leadership

Establish a structured leadership system, including fair elections, defined roles, and transparent decision-making, ensuring the group continues to function smoothly over time.

4. Long-Term Stability

Create a lasting framework that allows LNHC to continue thriving, no matter who is involved in the future.

5. Fair & Inclusive Decision-Making

Establish fair voting processes and open meetings, ensuring that all community members have an equal say in shaping LNHC’s future.

6. Strengthening Our Community Impact

Allow us to form partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organizations, expanding the impact of LNHC. It would also give us the ability to take on larger projects that benefit everyone, such as community improvements, beautification efforts, and expanded event programming.

7. Protecting LNHC from Liability

Provide legal protection through liability coverage, safeguarding those who dedicate their time to helping the community. Instead of an individual being liable it is the nonprofit which is liable. 

8. Defining Our Purpose & Values

Solidify LNHC’s mission, goals, and values, making it clear what we stand for and how we plan to serve the community. This ensures that future leadership continues to uphold the same vision that has made this group so valuable.

How To Form a 501(c)(3):

The process of forming a nonprofit for LNHC is straightforward and requires just a few key steps:

1. File Articles of Incorporation – We submit a simple form to the state to officially establish LNHC as a nonprofit organization.

2. Create Bylaws & Elect a Board – We set basic guidelines for how our group operates and confirm our leadership team.

3. Apply for 501(c)(3) Status – This involves filling out an online form (the 1023-EZ application), which is quick and affordable for small nonprofits like ours.

4. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) – This is free and takes just minutes to request from the IRS, allowing us to open a bank account and handle finances properly.

5. Maintain Simple Annual Filings – Once approved, we only need to file a short annual form with the IRS to stay in good standing.

With these easy steps, we can officially become a nonprofit, giving us access to grants, tax-deductible donations, and legal protections—all while keeping the same community-driven spirit we've always had!

Next Steps

1. Get feedback and finetune Bylaws & Mission Statement 

2. Confirm leadership roles