Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
February 10, 1999
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Mark Bequeaith, Nathan Brooks, Bernie Burke,
Cathy Dietz-Klien, Nancy Geiger, Jennifer Hoover, Larry James Jr, Eldon
McAfee, Carl McPherson, Forrest Meyer, James Monroe, Tony Schmitt
Absent: Patty Daniels, Ron Langston
Guests: Bill Cappuccio, Jennifer Irsfeld, Guy Williams Minutes of the
February 3rd meeting were approved with a correction that Bernie Burke
was not in attendance. The Treasurers Report was not given.
Committee reports
Civic affairs
April 17th will be the I235 Cleanup. Volunteer youth groups will be
contacted at assist.
Application for April 17th has been made with the City of Des Moines
for the Scrub Day. There are other neighborhood groups getting dates
also.
The Neighborhood Services Delivery System (NSDS) will be presented at a
meeting on March 6th. The designated area is I235 to Franklin or Clark
or Jefferson and ML King to 34th Street. The issue comes before the
City Council on Feb 15th and Feb 20th will be a neighborhood leadership
planning meeting.
Beautification
The Parks & Recreation Dept will be having a meeting concerning
flowerbeds.
History
Jennifer Irsfeld and Gretchen Brooks are looking for ideas and
interested people. Jim Dietz-Klien was suggested. Also, a good Sherman
Hill history person was requested.
House tour
Rachel indicated that eight houses in a general area of Kingman Blvd/
University Ave/ 35th to 42nd have been identified. The committee
continues to meet and may secure more homes for the tour.
Special events
Feb 18th at Grace Methodist Church will be a meeting on the upcoming
Sales Tax Vote. This event will be submitted to the COPS phone
notification service.
Member services
There was a general discussion of the type of events the DNA Board
would submit to the COPS phone service. Those present did not support
the submittal of political or for-profit events.
Organization reports
Drake University
Feb 12th will be a Women's basketball game. There was some discussion
of meeting before the game as an association.
Two candidates for the presidency will be on campus soon.
With motion and second, approval was given to paying for directory
assistance and listing charges.
Des Moines Neighbors
The $15.00 annual dues are due and approval was given to pay. Bob
Michel will continue as president and other officers were recently
elected. There was a report of the general financial status of the DM
Neighbors. They may promote individual memberships.
Neighborhood Housing Services
Materials were distributed concerning the various rehab houses
currently on-the-market. With motion and second, approval was given for
a letter of support for additional infill housing within the Drake Park
with their knowledge.
At 806 26th Street, the City is allowing for the rehab to continue with
siding.
Carpenter/Drake Park revitalization
There was a general discussion of the 21st Street project. Part of the
designation will allow for 4% loans for exterior housework and free
Tool Library memberships. Cathy Dietz-Kilen will write the DNA letter
of support.
Legislative issues
A summary of the Land Use Bill was distributed.
New business
A landlord, Hung Nguyen, represented by Larry West requested a letter
of support to receive HOME-funded Rental Rehabilitation consideration
from the City of Des Moines. Several photos were passed of the property
at 1415 23rd Street. There were questions and concerns as to the
condition of the parking, backyard and density of the unit. With motion
and second, the Board declined to approve a letter of support.
There were 12 patrons of the Lost Souls Café present to
introduce themselves to the Board. There were introductions and a
general discussion of the activities for the youth at the Café
and the noise concern. They presented themselves as a good melting pot
of nice youth that meet at the Café with their parent's consent.
Carl Bobenhouse presented several handouts concerning the Drake
Neighborhood Farmer's Market. He voiced his concern about the future of
the market without increased neighborhood support. Future meetings will
be held with interested parties.
Larry James indicated his progress with setting up a web site for the
organization. After several options were reviewed, Iowa Web was chosen
to host the site for a $15.00 a month fee. With proper motion and
second, approval was given for the expenditure.
A MLKing Beautification Report was distributed
The proposed Senior Center was a topic at the Drake Area Task Force
meeting held today. Tentatively a meeting will be held on Feb 16th with
the Polk County staff on the topic.
The meeting notes are copied and pasted from a variety of sources, and so the font sizes may be inconsistent. If you have trouble reading any of the notes, please let us know.