Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
December 8, 1999
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Nathan Brooks, Patty Daniels, Catherine
Dietz-Kilen, Nancy Geiger, Larry James, Eldon McAfee, Tony Schmitt
Absent: Ron Langston, Carl McPherson, Jim Monroe
Excused: Mark Bequeaith, Forrest Meyer, Bernie Burke, Jennifer Hoover.
The November minutes were approved and Treasurer's Report was given.
A letter of approval from the Board was sent concerning the purchase of 904 28th Street by the Des Moines coalition for the Homeless. Neighbors against the purchase have circulated a petition.
Committee reports
Neighborhood Based Service Delivery
Jeff Nash and Rick Gates gave a short report and indicated there may be
a meeting in the first months of 2000 concerning the program. Noise
wall plans were distributed for the sections of I235 between 42nd &
35th and between 31st and Cottage Grove.
New business
The Cottage Bed and Breakfast
The owners of The Cottage at 28th and Cottage Grove described their new
bed and breakfast business and invited DNA members to an open house on
December 17th. They also requested our support for a variance they are
requesting at Planning and Zoning concerning their parking area. The
matter is on the consent agenda of the P&Z.
After discussion, a motion was made and passed to support the
request of The Cottage.
New home occupation rules
This item will be on the agenda for a December 16th hearing. The
proposed rules could be very restrictive to in-home business people.
Patty will look into this matter further.
Board of Adjustment
Hairy Mary's at 2307 University is seeking a variance to required
off-street parking. Mark was not present but supplied information to
Eldon that there is support from neighbors, including Mark, for this
request.
Upon motion, the letter of support was passed
3510 Cottage Grove
There is an item on the P&Z agenda concerning 3510 Cottage Grove.
At this time Board members know no specifics.
Joe Coppola, owner of 3510 Cottage Grove (former Lost Souls
Café) introduced himself and explained some of the future for
that site. Rex Street, not present, who lives on 36th Street is
interested in using the commercial building for a woodworking business
and office space. The business would only be used in daylight hours and
this new owner is interested in being a good neighbor. There was a
discussion of what type of rezoning has been requested and whether the
actual need is for an adjustment to the zoning. It was not clear if the
rezoning is for the house also or only the commercial building. Mr.
Coppola encouraged the Board to contact Mr. Street for more information.
Rainbow Recovery Center
Robb Meyer and others represented Rainbow Recovery Center at 3650
Cottage Grove. He was present at the request of Eldon to share some
information about this Center especially after a Des Moines Register
article. Mr Meyer opened with his talk with his biography and
qualifications. He described the Center as a women's recover house
offering an intense treatment experience before getting into
transitional living. The length of stay is approximately 90 days and
there are units allowing for 22 occupancy. They expect to open this
spring.
Organization reports
Drake University
The Spring Activity Card is expected to be out soon.
Patty has gotten a call concerning the use of the Drake library by DNA members and she reported that there are ways to use the library via the Internet and interlibrary loan through the Des Moines library system.
Neighborhood Development Corporation
Catherine introduced Roy Bradshaw the new director. He was welcomed not
only to our meeting but also to the neighborhood.
Old business
Polk County Senior Center
The sale of the Candy Kitchen property is still in progress. Mr. Cooper
is also having some problems getting his business moved we were told.
Planning & Zoning approval was given for NPC zoning. The Board
expressed concern about a possible phase two for the whole project that
will include multiple housing units.
Schools First
Schools First funding motion was left tabled.
Power lines
Questions concerning above ground power lines should go to Frank
Bowers. This is an issue for some members and is a long-term project
for all concerned that would like to see the power lines buried.
Neighborhood boundaries
Nov 16th was a joint meeting of the Waveland Park, Beaverdale, City
staff and DNA representatives. The session was to discuss the
overlapping of boundaries. Perhaps a separate Forestdale group will
emerge at some time but no change was requested by the residents. The
DNA should consider changing the DNA Bylaws to state that some areas
are shared or change the wording to allow an acknowledgement that
boundaries overlap. This is believed to help the City handle the
perceived problem. There was no intention by any of the groups to 'give
up' any territory.
Walgreens
January 3rd will be the public hearing at the City Council. Eldon gave
an update of meetings held since the last Board meeting. A subcommittee
met with Preston and concerns were raised from all sides of the issues.
Cathy moved and received a second to make no change to the DNA stance and try to get City Council support.
There was much discussion of what compromises/alternatives had not been attempted and intangible consequences in relationships, as this issue becomes a public disagreement with Drake University.The motion passed.
The focus of the discussion moved to what actions need to take place to prepare for the Jan 3rd Council meeting. Eldon will set up meetings with individual Council members.
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.