Drake Neighborhood
Association
Board meeting minutes
July 14, 1999
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Mark Bequeaith, Bernie Burke, Patty
Daniels, Nancy Geiger, Jennifer Hoover, Larry James Jr, Eldon
McAfee, Tony Schmitt
Absent: Cathy Dietz-Klien, Nathan Brooks, Carol McPherson, James
Monroe
Excused: Forrest Meyer, Ron Langston
Minutes of the June 9th meeting were approved.
The Treasurers Report was given.
The agenda order was rearranged with approval of those present.
New business
Rhonda Penquite spoke on a possible Block Party in the area,
which would be sponsored by the Cornerstone Family Community
Church. As a part of that church's outreach a party in the area
of 25th & 24th between Forest and Carpenter Avenues is being
discussed. Rhonda received some ideas regarding contact persons,
locations and publicity. The Board offered the use of the DNA
tent is this would be appropriate to the activity.
Habitat for Humanity - Jim Peterson of Habitat for Humanity spoke
to the Board about the organization's background and current
local status. He is putting together a committee to work on plans
for the renovation of the former Bud's Used Furniture location
on Forest Ave. Habitat's current location is at 1409 23rd street.
Jim outlined that his first concern will be to have a secure,
workable site and is not planning to restore the site. It was
not yet known if the site will be a resell store or only a warehouse
with an office.
He requested input from the Board and received a couple of suggestions of other persons in the area to include in the conversations and what visual aspects are hoped for that area. Larry James will be a contact person for Jim for this committee.
Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) - Patty Daniels gave an update on the CCI fundraising efforts. There is concern that they be able to maintain an amount of money for contingency purposes.
Committee reports
Neighborhood Based Service Delivery - Richard Gates gave an update
on a recent meeting involving local and regional Pizza Hut officials,
Don Adams and representatives of the NBSD team. The issue is
the company's concerns about safety and resulting unwillingness
to delivery to a certain area of the DNA. There will be a possible
follow-up meeting involving the DNA Executive Committee, if requested.
Mr. Gates will keep the board informed.
Mr. Gates also reported on some
of the activities of the NBSD and his efforts to coordinate team
members concerning specific properties. There was a review of
the sequence of events when a citizen makes a telephone call
to general police dispatch, the vice unit versus the NBSD number.
It was suggested to use the regular police phone number first
and then follow-up with the other departments.
Polk County Senior Center - Eldon gave the update that recently
there has been no news on the project.
Farmers Market - Jennifer gave an update on operational issues.
There is some concern as to the rule interpretations with vegetable
vendors and some comments about the multiple fresh bread stands.
If needed, the Market Steering Committee will formally address
the issues. Overall comments seem positive for this year's market.
Those staffing the DNA table have appreciated the new DNA tent.
There was discussion if the tent (housed at the Schmitt's) could be rented to DNA members. There was general consensus that for a $10.00 charge and self-pickup/return the tent could be used.
Special events
Jazz in July - July 21st at Drake University will be the Drake
University Student/Faculty Jazz Band at 5:30 p.m. Eldon or Tony
will make some opening remarks. The Drake Alumni Assn will be
selling ice cream. It was decided to not have a DNA table with
beverages. We will consider signing up for the Jazz in July at
the Drake Farmer's Market next year. The OSACS Women's Center
is hosting a Jazz event this year at 21st and Carpenter.
Quarterly meeting - July 22nd at Drake Park will be a picnic
potluck. Beverages will be provided and the program will consist
of a review of the current issues.
National Night Out - Aug 3rd at Drake Park. There will be a planning
meeting July 17th at the park. The event has a food provided
cookout format with many items donated by local businesses.
A motion was made and passed to pay expenses for the event up to $250.
Oct 9th Drake University's president will be inaugurated. The planning committee is putting together a panel discussion on Drake and the Community. The Executive Committee will address this as needed.
Eldon reminded the Board that for this fall another sales tax vote is proposed. The Board did not take a formal stance for the March vote. He requested that members think about whether or not the Board should formally speak on this sales tax issue.
Old business
Financial support for the Farmer's Market - second consideration
A motion was made and passed to give $250 to the Steering Committee
of the Drake Neighborhood Farmers Market.
Financial support for playground
equipment at Grace United Methodist Church Pre-School Dropin
board second consideration
A motion was made and passed to give $200 to the church for use
on their outdoor playground equipment and fencing.
New business
Proposed Walgreens - After a general discussion of the past meetings
(especially the June 24th public session) and current status
of the proposed new Walgreen's at 31st and University, Board
members were consistent with having concerns about:
1) good relations with Drake University,
2) making any development pedestrian friendly and
3) traffic and neighborhood safety issues.
The Board passed the following:
1) The Drake Neighborhood Board supports the Walgreen's development
at 31st Street and University Avenue.
2) However, we oppose the plans as presented at the June 24th
meeting.
3) The Board supports a structure which would fit within the
historic character of the neighborhood with design elements to
reflect the New Urbanism style e.g. the building being built
up to the street and corner.
4) The Drake Neighborhood Board looks forward to seeing the updated
plans and working with Drake University and Walgreen's on this
project.
Tait's - Eldon shared some recent
conversations he has had with Bob Tait and other neighborhoods
concerning Tait's. A recent newspaper musing brought to light
that Mr Tait may be considering other offers for his store such
as Osco Drugs. Eldon shared a copy of his recent thank you letter
to Mr Tait and supplied a copy of the Roosevelt student's editorial
from DNA newsletter. The members listened and shared their concern
for the possibility of Tait's closing.
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.