Drake Neighborhood
Association
Board meeting minutes
March 10, 1999
Attending: Mark Bequeaith,
Nathan Brooks, Patty Daniels, Cathy Dietz-Klien, Nancy Geiger,
Jennifer Hoover, Larry James Jr, Eldon McAfee, Carl McPherson,
Forrest Meyer, James Monroe, Tony Schmitt
Absent: Ron Langston, Carl McPherson, James Monroe
Excused: Rachel Ahlmie, Bernie Burke, Forrest Meyer
Neither minutes nor a Treasurers
report were given.
Committee reports
Civic affairs
Eldon has attended the West Central Coalition of Neighborhoods
(Sherman Hills, Woodland Heights, North of Grand, Ingersoll Ave
and DNA) meetings concerning the effect of I235 exits/entrances
on traffic flow. The group will present their concerns to the
City Council. There are plans to eliminate the high speed off
ramps but rather have stoplights at the exits. The intersection
of 42nd and Kingman is being reviewed for stoplights similar
to the 31st and Kingman intersection.
There will be a meeting in early April of the Farmer's Market
stakeholders. The various parties involved in the event need
to figure out their roles.
Approx. 100 persons attended the Neighborhood Based Service Delivery
informational meeting last Saturday. There will be a leadership
meeting with the NBSD team to figure out the communication process.
Verbal support has been given to a possible joint fundraising
effort of the DNA and the Citizens for Community Improvement
(CCI). They have $189,000 committed of a $360,000 total in the
capital campaign.
Community Service
The I235 Cleanup will begin at 7:45am on April 17th. There will
be an effort to arrange for youth volunteers to join us.
April 10th will be the designated Scrub Day for the Kirkwood
Glen/Drake Park/Carpenter Neighbors. April 17th will be the DNA
Scrub Day.
Environmental
April 25th will be the Community Gardens WorkDay. Plot assignments
will be made at that time.
Mark will contact Chuck M concerning the Botanical Gardens bedding
plants that will be made available on May 15th.
Mark and Eldon will meet with the NBSD team and Holly Ross concerning
the Kingman Blvd island beds.
Mark B will begin coordination of a cleanup of Witmer Park.
A tree inventory will be done as a part of the 21st Street initiative.
History
Jennifer and Gretchen have begun to weave some history from the
house tour homes. There has been some work done in the office
tidying up the files.
House tour
June 5 & 6; 8-10 houses will comprise the tour. No theme
has been selected yet. There are between 35th and 42nd. The selected
sites include houses, apartments, and duplexes. St George's church
is on the route.
Special events
April 22nd will be a quarterly meeting as a full potluck. Cathy
will call and invite Larry Cunning, the first DNA president,
to speak.
Patty will contact a group to put together the October meeting,
which could have a 20th Anniversary theme.
Tony will submit the application for a Jazz in July date.
The Drake Relays parade float will be the house with the banners.
With a motion and second, approval was given to spend up to $75.00
on a 20th Anniversary banner.
Organization reports
Drake University
The Theta Chi fraternity will be reorganized in light of the
infractions.
The new Drake President will hopefully meet with the various
community groups soon after his arrival in mid-May.
Jim Dietz-Kilen was a participant in a recent conference at Drake
concerning Sustainable Community. There was interest expressed
in having whole residence halls become members of the DNA.
Des Moines Neighbors
The status of Polk County projects in the city was discussed.
There was a presentation by Gary L on the 2010 plan.
April 29th will be a Potluck Recognition event. With motion and
second, approval was given to nominate Gladys Burkhead and Bobbi
W of the Des Moines Police for the recognition categories. Cathy
and Jennifer will submit the nominations.
April 17th is the next meeting.
Neighborhood Community Development
Board
Cathy reported that they are looking to spend money on development
in the area.
Old business
Web site
Larry has a temporary page up and will work on this throughout
the spring.
Lost Souls Cafe
As reported in the newspaper, several issues between the Café
and the neighbors were resolved before the Board of Adjustment
meeting.
Senior Citizen Center
Polk County does not yet own all the land and the issue come
to the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 1st. There will
be a meeting with the four neighborhoods and the architect soon.
There was a general discussion of the various boards involved
and what issues may be outstanding between the county and city
officials.
HOME funded rental rehabilitation
Neither the landlord nor other representative was present at
the meeting concerning the request of H Nguyen concerning property
at 1415 23rd street. There was a discussion and clarification
of the DNA Board's voice in these matters. There was conversation
of the process a landlord goes through and the belief that the
opinion of the DNA Board is heard. Eldon indicated he would send
a letter indicating the DNA's non-approval of this request based
on the density issue.
There was interest in having the DNA Board criteria for approval
written down to assist all parties concerned.
New business
Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID)
Larry indicated he has talked with the Drake Business Association
and the Drake Improvement Task Force. He briefly outlined the
idea to the group indicating this was a way to improve an area
without city funds.
Schools First Initiative
The vote will be on March 16th. Eldon indicated he was invited
to a press conference but would not be representing the DNA or
the DNA Board. Tony gave a presentation and handouts to the Board.
Americorps sevice project
Jody Heuberger presented the basic Americorps goals and outlined
some upcoming projects. The will be employment opportunities
and volunteer situations throughout the city. The goal of clean,
safe and beautiful parks is high on the list. Des Moines is the
first program that is sustainable past the initial Federal funding.
Community Center
Mark requested DNA monies be spent to cover some of the out-of-pocket
expenses for the Community Center computer room. This actual
request was not acted on rather it became the starting point
for general conversation concerning the DNA's monetary support
and what guidelines should be followed. The Executive Committee
will look into the question.
RACI Grant
Patty distributed information about the RACI Grant.
Newsletter
Eldon will make various assignments and there will be a newsletter
in early April.
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.