Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
April 14, 1999
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Mark Bequeaith, Patty Daniels, Cathy
Dietz-Klien, Nancy Geiger, Jennifer Hoover, Larry James Jr, Eldon
McAfee, Forrest Meyer, James Monroe, Tony Schmitt
Absent: Ron Langston, Carl McPherson
Excused: Nathan Brooks, Bernie Burke
Minutes of the March meeting were approved. The Treasurers Report was
given.
Guests were introduced: Rick Gates of the Police department and Scott
Clyce of the Fire Department. There was a reminder that Home Fire
Inspections are free.
Also, Margaret A from 2900 block of Cottage Grove; Denise McAfee, Marty
Schmitt
Committee reports
Civic affairs
The West Central Coalition of Neighborhoods have drafted a letter to
the DM City Council concerning the traffic flow and pedestrian access
plans for MacVicar Freeway intersections at 31st and 42nd street.
Copies were distributed. Eldon wanted the board approval of the letter.
Following a general discussion, there was a motion with second to
endorse the letter. The motion passed. There will soon be an
Environmental Impact meeting concerning the intersections. Margaret
indicated that tress and poles at 31st and Cottage Grove make the
intersection a dangerous spot due to poor visibility.
The Drake Farmer's Market needs our support and more attendance. There
will be a working group meeting in a couple of weeks. There was a
discussion of the role the DNA should play in this event. It was not
the DNA intent to take over existing duties but could help with
promotions. Perhaps the House Tour publicity could include the Farmer's
Market. There was a desire to create a concrete list of what the DNA
would do in conjunction with the Market.
Neighborhood Based Service Delivery (NBSD) There was a meeting at 2:00
p.m. today and will be again in two weeks. The county attonory office
may have a team member in the future. May 19th will be the full
resident meeting concerning NBSD. There will be an effort to 'flyer'
the area before that meeting. The agenda for May 19th will be to
prioritize issues and begin to get solutions identified.
Lost Souls Café Joe Fagan initiated a meeting with the
close neighbors and Patty D, Bill C and Eldon M. The café is not
in compliance with the settlement and there is belief that the City
legal department will be going forward with action. The DNA does not
have a position on the issue but various board members are assisting as
requested.
Three houses in the area are listed for demolition:
3418 Clark, 1927 22nd, 1521 22nd
Community Service
I-235 cleanup day is this Saturday, April 17th. Please gather at the
school parking lot at 7:45.
April 17th will be the DNA Scrub Day. There was discussion of the
publicity issue surrounding the city wide clean up days. Four
volunteers are needed for each site.
The Community Center will begin to lose about one third of there
regular volunteers when the Drake students leave in mid May. The Center
plans to stay open until the end of the public school year. A sign up
sheet was sent around.
Beautification
Community Garden workday is April 25th.
Kingman Blvd beds were discussed. Chuck Mertz is the contact person.
Some beds have gotten too big and may need to be reduced. There may be
a tree planting in the future along the Blvd.
House tour
Marty S and Denise M presented A proposed budget . They have sent
letters to area businesses to generate sponsors for the event. There
will not be a refreshment stand this year since we are partnering with
the Greek Food Fair. Volunteers are needed for both days of the tour. A
motion was made and passed to accept the budget as presented.
Special events
April 22nd will be a potluck at the First Christian Church.
The Drake Relays parade assignments were made.
Jazz in July will be in mid-July. A motion was made and passed to
support the event with $125.00 towards the music.
Annual Meeting a committee is beginning to meet to prepare for
the Oct anniversary event. Patty Daniels, Jim Dietz-Kilen, Virginia
Petersen are on the committee.
Membership Services
There have been between 15-20 new members join in the past weeks due to
one-on-one efforts at the various neighborhood meetings.
Communication
Web Site Larry James invited comments concerning the page.
Various links were discussed including links with other neighborhood
groups.
Organization reports
Drake University
Eldon has just been made aware of talks between Walgreen's and Drake to
build on the old Elmwood School site at 31st and Univ Ave. There will
be more discussions with Drake on this development issue and the Assn's
involvement.
Des Moines Neighbors
Bill C reported on the last meeting being information from the state
legislature.
Neighborhood Housing Services
The Tool Lending Services will be offering classes.
Carpenter/Drake Park Revitalization
Mark B indicated that the Neighbor Con Services for 21st street is
moving forward including talks with NRB
Neighborhood Development Corporation
Habitat and CCI -- Cathy reported on the status of the Habitat for
Humanity usage of building frontage next to the building that CCI
wishes to occupy. There were concerns as to the future intent of the
local Habitat chapter and this site. A letter of concern would be sent
with a copy going to the national organization.
Senior Citizen Center
The continuing issue of Polk County and the City of Des Moines discussions about the placement of a Senior Center along Forest Ave and MLKing was updated. Several recent meetings have focused on who knew what when and what will happen next by whom. This includes issues of which organization will pay for the land.
A motion was made and passed to send a letter to express the DNA's stance. The letter will indicate:
1. support the senior center on either side of MLKing but prefer the east side
2. oppose the multi-unit housing because it does not fit the desire the reduced density and we would like to be involved
3. support for the businesses be treated fairly and if Mr Miller does not want to move, he should not be told to move
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.