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Neighbors and trustees clash over Neighborhood Watch fundraising, liaison and bylaws
Summary
Committee members and residents told the board they want simpler, community-focused Neighborhood Watch activities and clearer accounting for fundraisers; trustees said bylaws require coordination with police and the Village and displayed bank statements during the meeting.
Members of the Southern View Neighborhood Watch Committee and several residents used the Nov. 13 special meeting to dispute how the volunteer group has operated and to press for clearer use of donated funds.
Committee member Anna Berkley, who said she has been involved "since 1986," urged a return to low-cost community events and less frequent fundraising, saying Covid reduced block captain participation and the group should focus on "togetherness." Several speakers said they were unsure how past fundraiser proceeds were being spent; Trustee Betsy Richbark said bank statements were provided to the Board during the meeting but the transcript does not record the account balance.
Cyndi Tavernor, a Neighborhood Watch participant, said some committee meetings excluded a trustee and that volunteers felt constrained when a Board liaison attended. She said the committee had charged for tables at events and that members had asked Trustee Robert Eskew about that plan. Trustee Eskew countered that the committee's bylaws require coordination with the Police Department and the Village, and that committee members had voted on their bylaws.
Trustees and residents repeatedly urged clearer expectations for the relationship between the committee, the police department and the Village, including whether the liaison role should continue and how future requests for funds or park/room use should be handled. The meeting record shows trustees agreed future funding or fee waivers would require Board approval.
