January 2026 Meeting Minutes

MEETING MINUTES

IN ATTENDANCE

Kathy Wells, Rip Weaver, Kristena Merritt, Isaac Wardlaw, Gail Choate, Stark Ligon, Rachel Tanner, Justin Vess, John Hedrick, Brenda Stallings, Tricia Bean, Cameron Ennett, Lindsey Boerner, Crystal Boerner, Virgil Miller, Beverly Jones

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Kathy Wells in the absence of President Brittany Nichols.

Quorum

A quorum was confirmed. The association has 41 members; the required 15% (6 members) was met, allowing official business to proceed.

Membership & Dues

Members were reminded to ensure dues are current to be eligible to vote.

• Stark Ligon renewed an individual membership ($15, cash).

• John & Patti Hedrick renewed their memberships ($30, cash).

Financial Update

DNA began 2025 with $1,582.70 and ended with $1,207.38, plus $622.93 in PayPal, for a total balance of $1,830.30 at the start of 2026.

Neighborhood Announcements

Director Miller let members know that the City has launched a new website. Upcoming agenda meeting for Board of Directors Tuesday at 4pm to set the agenda for 1/20. Special meeting set for 1/13 for Metropolitan Housing Alliance to get a loan. The 12th Street Police Quarterly meeting will be held 1/15 at 6pm.

Other announcements: 

State of the City will be held at The Hall this year, 1/22 6pm

Deck Park Study Public Engagement at CALS Downtown Library, 1/26 at 4:30 pm

AMFA Yoga Class, 1/17 11am $20

Early voting starts February 17th, Voting Day March 3rd

AMFA Art Insights: Roots and Recipes, April 23rd with new resident artist Laura Tanner’s community driven project “Dish”

Election of Officers

The proposed slate of officers was presented by the 2025 Election Committee (comprised of Danny Lewis, Shelley Green, and Justin Vess):

• President: Brittany Nichols

• Vice President: Lindsey Boerner

• Treasurer: Kathy Wells

• Secretary: Kristena Merritt

No nominations were made from the floor. A motion to elect the slate by acclamation was made and passed without dissent.

The presiding officer noted that new officers assume their roles immediately following the meeting.

Committee Reports

• Membership Update: See above

• 2026 committees mentioned and interest sheet was passed around

  • Historic Preservation - Scott Holiday, Mike Rushin, Beverly Jones, Rip Weaver

  • Safe & Clean Streets - Isaac Wardlaw, Crystal Boerner, Justin Vess, Rachel Tanner, Gail Choate

  • Bylaws - Lindsey Boerner, Rip Weaver, Brenda Stallings

  • Outreach - Kristena Merritt, Michael Rushin, John Hedrick

New Business

• New outreach committee to discuss the 2026 SoMardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

• A new ad hoc committee will be formed to review DNA bylaws. 

Additional Discussion

Beverly Jones proposed reviving the association’s Fourth of July celebration, including a breakfast brunch and a children’s parade around the Governor’s Mansion, ending at the front gates. The proposal was well received.