Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
August 11, 1999
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Mark Bequeaith, Nathan Brooks, Patty Daniels,
Catherine Dietz-Kilen, Nancy Geiger, Larry James, Ron Langston, Eldon
McAfee, Tony Schmitt
Absent: Bernie Burke, Jennifer Hoover, Carl McPherson, Forrest Meyer,
Jim Monroe
Guests: Carl Barnes
Minutes of the July meeting were approved with Cathy Dietz-Kilen are
excused.
The Treasurers report was given.
Committee reports
Civic Affairs
Walgreen's - Eldon presented an Aug 8th letter from Drake President
Maxwell. There was a recap of the Board's feeling on the proposed
construction. Larry and Eldon will send a letter to President Maxwell
with a National Trust Publication titled: Better Models for Chain
Drugstores.
Farmer's Market - no report
Neighborhood Based Service Delivery - Several property locations were
discussed those have had multiple contacts. Several tenant evictions
are in process. There may become a problem in staffing the Housing
inspection area of the NDSB team. Patty, Eldon, Bill C and Suzanne were
present at an Eric Anderson meeting about the progress of the program.
We were reminded to contact the Polk County Weed Commissioner as a
resource.
Senior Center - Mr. Cooper of Cooper's Garage was present and requested
a board member to speak on his behalf at the upcoming condemnation
hearing. He wishes to stay in the area and is having some difficulty
finding property with the proper zoning to accommodate his relocation.
The motion was made and passed for Eldon to present the DNA previously
outlined position on the area, which included the support for fair
dealing with existing businesses. The Board discussed and recognized
the attributes of his business for the neighborhood and community.
Taits Foods - There continue to be only rumors at this time of any
change in ownership or service.
Community Center - September 15th will be the opening of the Community
Center at the First Christian Church. There are volunteer time slots to
be filled. The DNA will try to fill a time slot. Mark and Eldon will
work on this issue.
West Central Coalition of Neighborhoods -There has been a meeting
concerning the 42nd street traffic concerns and there will be a session
involving 31st street. The concerns are planning for the increase in
traffic load and speed of that traffic especially around Kingman Blvd.
Flyers may be distributed before the next meeting.
Board Nominations - Announcement was made of whose terms will expire at
the end of the year. Eldon, Tony and Nancy will work to pull a slate of
names together for the annual meeting.
Special events
Kingman Islands Cruise - August 28th - There was discussion of the
time, location, setup and invitations. There was a motion made,
seconded and passed to allocate $300 for the band. Ron was willing to
contribute to the band, if needed.
Annual Meeting -The committee will meet tomorrow (August 12th) at
Patty's house.
National Night Out -There was general agreement that the event was a
good time and worth the effort.
Beautification
Trees may yet be acquired for the intersection of 31st and Kingman
either from the DOT or other low cost programs.
Witmer Park - There will be a Fall cleanup by the local Drake alumni,
which will include Witmer Park and Drake Park. The date is not yet set.
Organization reports
Drake University
The Presidential Inauguration will be surrounded with a set of
activities in mid-October including a Saturday morning pancake
breakfast on Oct 9th. The breakfast will be free with the donation of a
canned food item. There will be panel discussions on Friday, October
8th and the main event to be held at the Knapp Center on Saturday
evening. The University has requested and received a list of our
members, local churches and businesses.
New Business
Citizens for Community Improvement - Mary Welsh of CCI refreshed the
Board on the purpose and activities of the organization, which works
towards empowerment rather than charity. She distributed a Des Moines
Business Record article from June 1999. She thanked Patty and Eldon for
their support. Ms Welsh went on to discussion the capital campaign,
which is underway to bring the two offices in Des Moines into one space
at the NW corner of MLKing and Forest Ave. The motion was made and
passed to make a $1000 pledge to the campaign to be covered with
existing treasure funds and solicitations at the Annual Meeting.
There was additional discussion of what should be done with the existing billboard on top of the building. Should the organization use it as a revenue stream or destroy it. Several ideas were given to Ms. Welsh.
McDonalds at 30th/Forest - There was a presentation at today's Drake Neighborhood Task Force by the corporate personnel concerning the design and layout of the proposed McDonalds relocation. The company needs to go before the Planning & Zoning Board due to a desired alley change. The current business site would be demolished and then belong to Drake University. Eldon has requested a neighborhood meeting with the McDonalds personnel. There will be as much notice given for this meeting as possible.
AnnouncementsSept 12th will be the Ramsey Home Open House on 27th street north of Drake stadium.
Mid-American has sent a request for the Assn.'s assistance with a warranty program. There was not interest amongst the Board.
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.