East English Village Neighborhood Association Board Minutes –
January 6, 2026
Present:
Greg Stolarski, President
Brad Dick, 1st Vice President
Maureen Dritsan, Secretary
Priscilla Wilson, Street Rep Yorkshire
Judy Roth, Street Rep Harvard
President’s Report:
Reviewed 2025 Achievements and Goals for 2026 (Attached)
All agreed a great deal was accomplished during the past year with limited number of volunteers. Decision was made to limit the EEVNA-sponsored activities to fewer events unless an individual(s) volunteered to chair. 2026 Priority events approved include:
Newsletter – Quarterly Editions
Garden Tour – Garden Club to plan, coordinate, execute event (Date TBD)
Summer Sizzler w/Morningside – Dependent on EEVNA resident Chairing
Neighborhood Cleanups – Limit 3 (May Motor City Makeover, June, Aug)
Home Plaque Fundraiser – Spring
T-Shirt/Hoodie Fundraiser - Spring 2026
August Beautification Month – Garden Club
Trunk or Treat Events – 5th Precinct and EWDC
Light Up the Alger - December
One Additional Social Event – TBD
Garage Sale Event to be discontinued in 2026 due to both lack of resident participation and lack of volunteers to help w/event.
Neighborhood Improvement Grant for banners on light poles submitted 10/22/2025 was denied. Grant funding was limited to specific owned brick & mortar property owner permission. Pole banners did not qualify.
East Warren Development Corporation Concerns – General feeling is there is a lack of response, involvement or support from EWDC. No longer sending representative to General Meetings w/updates. Did not seek EEV input regarding EWDC Neighborhood Rep. (We are definitely pleased w/Jay Williams, EEV resident and owner of Next Chapter Books, being elected but did not receive any info regarding the EEV nominees or responsibilities of the role prior to election.) Did not participate in Light Up the Alger event despite Joe sending and email expressing willingness to donate, volunteer, participate. EWDC was listed as a participating sponsor on the flyer, however, no one from EWDC showed up. Diana Gomez, Director of the EWDC Kitchen, provided hot chocolate from her family business, Taco Hernandez. Concerns expressed about the lack of maintenance and general look of the business corridor – both from a cleanliness and safety perspective. Currently, there are seven full-time employees at EWDC although we are not clear on the specific roles. Board felt it was appropriate to address concerns via letter to the EWDC Board, copying Councilwoman Johnson. Brad made a motion to send letter to EWDC Board; Priscilla seconded. All in favor. Brad to draft letter. Joe Rashid has scheduled a Zoom meeting w/business owners and community leaders on January 15. Greg is planning to participate and obtain clarification on our concerns and how we can improve partnership.
Wayne County Street Maintenance – Greg emailed Tim Kileen w/update regarding the Dead Tree List. Currently at 17 from original 27.
David Wiesman Lot – Currently for sale ($20,000) corner of Yorkshire & Berden is not being maintained. Tree on property recently came down blocking street. Greg contacted David and tree was moved from street to property. EEVNA currently maintaining the parcel w/Quarter Quts cutting the grass. There had been some prior interest in deeding the property to EEVNA but that appears to no longer be the case.
EEVNA Newsletter – Winter Edition delayed but will be dropped off at distributor on Jan 7. Carole Hoste, Editor, is looking for a possible replacement. Angela Colombo expressed interest. Maureen noted that the newsletter used to have three individuals assigned – Editor, Layout/Graphics, Advertising. Deadline for submitting articles/ads for Spring Edition is March 15, 2026.
EEVNA Home Plaques Fundraiser - Maureen reported that 41 orders were placed ($3979.40) Invoice was $3217.21 for a profit of $761.19. Plaques arrived November 29; Justin Hewitt and Maureen delivered all plaques on December 3. Feedback has been very positive. Received additional inquiries from individuals who forgot and missed the deadline as to whether another opportunity might be available to order. Based on interest, we will resume taking orders in early Spring. Since the mold is already in place, a minimum order is not required. Maureen & Justin willing to Co-Chair again.
1st Vice President – Reviewed City Spring Tree Planting. Land Bank Properties - Brad and Greg plan to drive neighborhood again to identify areas in need of reboarding, securing and maintenance. Address the fact that EEVNA is maintaining these properties via Quarter Quts cutting the grass. Reimbursement potential?
2nd Vice President – Tamika unable to attend. Priscilla mentioned wanting to become more involved with residents with goal of encouraging more volunteers willing to participate in EEVNA events and activities. Pitch will be made at January General Meeting – listing of Accomplishments to be included w/Agenda.
Treasurer’s Report - Willie unable to attend.
501-c3 was submitted and approved. New bank accounts have been established at PNC and old accounts at Credit Union One have been closed. Priscilla had some questions regarding the filing of Tax Returns and cost. To be reviewed w/Willie. Review of Treasurer’s Reports for December 2025 and Year End 2025 as well as proposed Budget for 2026. Greg motioned to accept both reports and budget as submitted. Seconded by Judy. All in favor.
Secretary’s Report – Motion to approve EEVNA Board Revised Minutes of November 4, 2025 made by Greg, seconded by Judy. All in favor.
New Business –
T-Shirt/Hoodie Fundraiser for Spring 2026
Next General Meeting January 20, 2026. Jackie Grant speaking on Hope Grant. 2026 Calendar of Events to be presented.
Submitted w/Attachments: Maureen Dritsan, Secretary