Minutes

Ginter Park Residents Association General Membership Meeting and Board Meeting

October 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m.

3603 Moss Side Avenue, Home of Karen Bernhard and Shawn Smith

 

In Attendance:

Norma Murdoch-Kitt, Vice President

Julie O’Kelly – Treasurer

Robyn Bridges – Secretary

Karen Bernhard – Board Member at Large

Stephen Weisensale, Planning and Zoning Chair

Prudence Justice, District Representatives Chair

Candace Blydenburgh, Membership Chair

Guests:

Lamont Bagby, Virginia State Senator

Rae Cousins, Candidate, Virginia House of Delegates

Kenya Gibson, RPS School Board Member

I Welcome – Norma Murdoch-Kitt

II. .  Candidates Forum – Moderated by Norma Murdoch-Kitt

A.Norma introduced Lamont Bagby, Rae Cousins, and Kenya Gibson.

B. Opening comments

    1. Kenya Gibson is a new neighbor to Ginter Park and also a School Board representative since 2017. Safety (including mold and fires) is Kenya’s top concern, echoed by parents of students.
    2. Rae Cousins is candidate for Virginia House Delegate, District 79. Rae is a lifelong Richmonder, currently living in Battery Park.  Her platform is driven by economic opportunity for all, access to education, access to voting, fighting climate change, and protection of abortion rights and reproductive freedoms.
    3. Lamont Bagby lives in downtown Richmond and is up for re-election to Virginia Senate. He was formerly a teacher and principal in Henrico County.  His biggest passion is education, but also believes housing is the biggest issue facing Virginians.

C. Question from the floor – What is your position of the proposed casino?

    1. Lamont said he is a Yes vote for the casino. Rae said the voters will be making an informed decision on the matter.

D. Question from the floor – What is the purpose of a separate black caucus, when we need to be bringing people together?

    1. Lamont said the black caucus was created in 1970 to ensure black candidates have support to get elected. He says that today, black candidates still do not have enough support.

E. Question from moderator – What are your thoughts on protecting elections?

    1. Lamont said the drop boxes have helped, and Governor Youngkin is supporting these. Virgnia was previously ranked 47th in the nation for ballot access.  Virgnia is now ranked 12th.  Lamont is pushing for Sunday voting.  Rae volunteered at voter registration and has since become involved in voter protection work.  Restoring voting rights to those previously incarcerated is important to her.

F. Norma thanked the candidates for their time and for attending our meeting.

III.  Annual Membership Meeting and Board Meeting – Karen Bernhard

  1. A Quorum was established.
  2. 2022 Annual Meeting minutes were approved.
  3. Karen thanked our event sponsors: Prudence Justis, REALTOR; Missy Bass, First National Bank lender; Michael Durrer, Assurance Partners Insurance Sales; Ace Handyman and Renovation Services
  4. Karen thanked those who donated to the raffle baskets: Linda Miller; Sarah Bergh; Lakeside Park Club; Ultra Slim of Virginia; Nancy Falcone; Little House Green Grocery; Up All Night Bakery; Lyons Company

IV.  Election of 2024 Board of Directors

  1. Robyn Bridges read the 2024 Board Slate

Board Slate- Officers

President – Melody Imburg

Vice President – Norma Murdoch-Kitt

Treasurer – Matt Rose

Secretary – Robyn Houser Bridges

Other Board Positions

Newsletter Editor – Anne Thorn

Member at Large – Karen Bernhard

Standing Committee Chairs

Membership – Candace Blydenburgh

Planning and Zoning – Stephen Weisensale

Public Safety – Mary Ann Batsche

 

2. The board slate was unanimously adopted.

V.  Chili Cookoff winners announced.

VI. Adjourn