Meeting Minutes February 2026

Minutes for Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Normal Heights Community Center/Zoom 

4649 Hawley Avenue 

Attendees: 

X = in attendance 

X	Paul Coogan (C)	X	Kenny Patrick	X	Emilie Dedeic
X	Allan Harjala (VC)	X	Dan Soderberg		Sierra Orsinelli-Rivers
X	Julia Corbett (S)	X	Mark Lawler	X	Brian Adams
X	Frances Prichett (T)	X	Nancy Lawler		Madison Stevens
X	Sami Burrows		Kim Pham	X	Matthew Chaffee

Paul called the meeting to order at 6:10 and read the opening reflection. Then Paul gave a brief overview of the meeting procedure. 

Community Attendees

Estimate: 6 zoom attendees, 10 in person attendees

Vote to Modify Agenda

Brian 1st, Frances 2nd

Yes: Unanimous

Non-Agenda Public Comment

• Becky Rapp*: Requests stronger requirements for marijuana advertising, including on billboards.
• Paul: The City wants to convert existing billboards to digital.
• Attendee: Street sweeping hasn’t been done since June, and it’s supposed to be done every month. Has already called several times about this issues without any resolution.
• Susan from NH Fire Safe Council: 120 people attended the Fire Safe meeting last month. The City Fire Department will be providing and setting up 7 free dumpsters for the purpose of clearing green waste and reducing fire risk. These dumpsters will be utilized during dump-a-thon events to reduce flammable green waste in the neighborhood. If interested in having a fire-safe dumpster installed on your property, reach out to Susan who will be vetting addresses for suitability.
• Paul: The City needs to make a statement on how it will protect people from federal agents.
• Sami: will add resources to the NHCPG website on how to help children cope with big feelings, including those caused by ICE raids and fear of family separation.

Sidewalks

A survey collected information on sidewalk disrepair throughout Normal Heights. The results revealed a substantial amount of disrepair, especially asphalt patching, much of which isn’t accessible to wheelchair or scooter. There’s currently no permit fee to fix sidewalks on private property, but you still need to pay for the repairs yourself. A lot of homeowners can’t afford the cost. However, some organizations might have grants for sidewalk repairs.

AABA Meeting on Parking Meters

Selected streets within City Heights, Kensington, and Normal Heights will have parking meters installed. The meters will operate Monday through Saturday 8am – 8pm. Parking meter revenue is required to be reinvested into local infrastructure. This could present an opportunity for sidewalk repairs, but its unclear what the money will be spent on.

Proposed ADUs

Patricia, a local homeowner, plans to build 2 ADUs on her property. The ADUs will be utilized by her sons, who already live on the property. The ADUs will not block views, since they will be built down into the canyon. They will also not impact parking, since no additional residents will be living on the property. A biologist has already come to the property and was not concerned about the impacts of development.

Actions/Decisions

January Minutes approved
Brian 1st, Emilie 2nd
Yes: Emilie, Frances, Kenny, Sami, Paul, Matthew, Brian, Nancy, Mark
Abstain: Dan, Allan

Reports/Updates

NHCPG Elections will take place in April

The Ward Canyon Cleanup/Mulching Event will take place 9am – 12pm Saturday 2/7

Standing Committees

Adams Community Recreation – Nancy

An artist has been decided on to create a sculpture in Ward Canyon Park. The new playground and sculpture are expected to be complete in a year and half.

Normal Heights for Smart Growth – Paul

The group is working on gaining 501(c)3 status for the community garden, and for that purpose a Board of Governors has been established. The next step is to obtain insurance. There is $1,200 left for the community garden and water installation will cost $2,500. The Selvi team will be funding the water installation.

Advisory Committees

Joint Mid-City Community Plan Update – Emilie

The City will be reviewing the Phase 2 Engagement Summary and going over mobility concepts Wednesday 2/25 at 6pm.

Utility Undergrounding & Street Lighting MAD – Emilie

The Utility Undergrounding will take place in sections, with the NE section of Normal Heights getting undergrounded first. Property owners can vote if they want decorative lighting in that section.