Drake Neighborhood
Association
Board meeting minutes
November 10, 1999
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Nathan Brooks, Patty Daniels, Catherine
Dietz-Kilen, Nancy Geiger, Larry James, Ron Langston, Eldon McAfee,
Forrest Meyer
Absent: Mark Bequeaith, Bernie Burke, Jennifer Hoover (excused),
Carl McPherson, Jim Monroe, Tony Schmitt
The October minutes were approved and no Treasurer's Report was given.
Committee reports
Neighborhood Based Service Delivery
A couple of addresses are still being investigated but recent
informational meeting with landlords in the 25th and 26th street
area has seemed to help.
Walgreens
A review of the past few weeks activities was presented and the
previous night's meeting with President Maxwell and Governor
Ray. Nathan moved and Ron seconded a motion that would amend
the September 30th Board action to permit one row of parking
against the building on the west and north sides. There was conversation
as to what reasons the previous stance would be altered and for
what purpose. The motion was withdrawn There was also discussion
as to the various consequences of staying the course versus making
more concessions. The Board decided to not change the September
30th motion and Eldon will speak with Mr Ellis.
New business
Des Moines Coalition for the Homeless
Gene Jones representing
the Des Moines Coalition for the Homeless requested a letter
of support towards their purchase of 904 28th Street for transitional
housing. Mr Jones gave an overview of the program and who might
be selected to rent that house. Neighbors had been notified of
this meeting and several of them were in attendance. There was
a question and answer exchange between Mr. Jones, Board members
and the neighbors. The neighbors concerns included whether the
property would be kept up, level of activity at the household
and the overall effect on their property values. Board comments
included several detailed financial ones concerning the operation
of their residences. There was appreciation that this increases
the number of rental homes in the area but this would not be
an absentee landlord situation.
Upon motion and second the Board
voted in favor (one against) of DNA support of the Coalition's
purchase based on their service to the community.
Organization reports
Neighborhood Housing Services
The Tool Lending library is now open again.
Neighborhood Development
Corporation
A director has been hired and lots are being purchased.
Old business
Schools First
$50.00 has been authorized
to the Chili Supper, which will be held on November 21st at Holy
Trinity Church. The Board tabled the motion to approve $450.00
donation to the Schools First committee.
Polk County Senior Center
An update on the situation and a review of several recent conversations
led the Board to support Eldon expressing our past position concerning
the NPC zoning for the entire block. This will be on the agenda
for the November 8th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Taits Foods
No new information.
Neighborhood boundaries
November 16th will be a City requested meeting with associations
that border our western edge. There was a reminder from Catherine
as to how a previous border question was solved with a
softball game.
Drake Library usage
The question was raised
if Association members could have privileges at the Drake Library.
This matter will be pursued.
Submitted by Nancy Geiger, Secretary
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.