Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
April 12, 2000
Attending: Rachel Ahlmie, Mark Bequeath, Bernie Burke, Patty Daniels,
Catherine Dietz-Klien, Nancy Geiger, Larry James, Eldon McAfee, Tony
Schmitt
Absent: Jennifer Hoover, Ron Langston, Carl McPherson
Excused: Nathan Brooks, Forrest Meyer Dawn Price
March minutes were approved and Treasurer's report given.
Our site and meeting time was used for an official public meeting on proposed rezoning of property between the new Walgreen's location (31st & University) and the First Christian Church (25th & University). The proposal is to rezone this property to Neighborhood Pedestrian Commercial and this item will be on the May 18th Planning & Zoning agenda. Two city staffers were present along with Drake University representatives and a couple of residents from within the 250 feet 'notice' area. Drake University is requesting the rezoning. They do not at this time have any development plans for the area other than previously stated interest in parking. Two landowners besides Drake University are also included in this section of property.
This zoning proposal was mentioned during the time when the City Council was listening to the various parties involved in the Walgreen's development zoning debate. Our meeting included a discussion of what commercial development the designation could be used for and what general restrictions might be proper for this section of University Avenue. The property usage's in C-2 zoning were read aloud.
The Board moved and passed a motion to approve the concept of NPC zoning and have a committee work with Drake University for C-2 specific restrictions and contact the other property owners.
Committee reports:
Neighborhood Based Service Delivery:
- Rick Gates, who will be retiring in June, reported an increase in
break-ins in the area and on some gang activity in a bordering area.
- Ed Leedam indicated that the housing inspections were continuing. He
encouraged people to call him even on weekends to make reports, as some
violators have become aware of his movements. Ed also spoke of a
Peer-to-Peer meeting with the city of Rochester, New York. He indicated
he would report in more detail on this in the future but found it to be
quite helpful to him.
- For the A. Casey Foundation Grant process a survey was distributed
and conversations had with area residents who may want to get to know
their neighbors using gardening/landscaping projects.
- Eric Anderson will come to a board meeting sometime to talk with us
about the NBSD program.
Des Moines Coalition for the Homeless house at 904 28th Street is
occupied. Eldon has stopped to say Hello and welcomed the family to the
neighborhood.
Taits: The store closed last weekend. There will be a meeting yet in April of DNA representatives, Waveland Park Assn representatives and HyVee. This is to be an informational meeting.
Farmer's Markets: the first market of the season will be June 7. The church has gotten electricity to all the poles in the parking lot. The church is still committed to the project.
The motion was made and passed to purchase two more tents for use at the market and other DNA events. Tony indicated he would buy the tents.
May 4th will be a Candidate Meet & Greet at Grace Church. Bernie has sent an invitation letter to persons running for the county, state senate and state house races. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and close by 8:30 p.m. The Board agreed that refreshments would be provided by the Assn. Denise MacAfee will coordinate.
April 29th will be the Drake Relays Parade. The house needs to be painted before the event. Volunteers to drive and ride were suggested.
May 10th is the Drake Park Cleanup.
The 21st Street Initiative has been stalled due to the city staffing changes. This effort may need to have more volunteer effort put into surveying the homeowners again. Nothing definite is known.
House Tour
Denise presented an operating budget of $2800.00. The committee would
like to buy new signs for this year. An estimate was presented and
discussion followed concerning their durability and possible placement
sites.
The motion was made and passed to spend approx. $1150.00 on new signs.
Tour sponsorships have already been received to the amount of $825.00 Most of the homes have been secured and posters are being printed. Mary Beveridge is working with volunteers. April 27th will be the Homeowners/Volunteers meeting.
Communication
There was a discussion that possibly a certain House Tour sponsorship
level would earn an ad on the DNA website and/or a link to that site.
No formal action was taken.
Organization reports:
Drake University
Jazz in July paperwork has been received and there is continued
interest from the Drake Friends of the Fine Arts to co-host this event
and requests a Wednesday evening.
The motion was made and passed to again spend $125.00 (half of the cost) towards Jazz in July.
Des Moines Neighbors -- April 13th is their next meeting.
Neighborhood Housing Services -- No Report
Neighborhood Development Corporation
The Habitat for Humanity property along Forest Ave has not yet been
discussed with Mr. Petersen. This is an ongoing interest of the NDC
within the DNA area. There is a discussion of the possibility of the
Urban Renewal designation moving further west along Forest Ave. The
business plan for the whole NDC's efforts will soon be coming together.
New Business
May 11th will be the 10th Anniversary of the Neighborhood
Revitalization Program. They are interested in three to five
nominations for their Neighborhood Leaders Honor Roll. The group agreed
that Gladys Burkhead, Bill Cappuccio, Suzanne Stewart and all past DNA
presidents were worthy nominees.
May 20th will be the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides event. We agreed to place this event on our web site and newsletter.
Rick Gates will be retiring in June. There was discussion of the transition to another officer for the NBSD program.
The Board acknowledged the need for a person with tax accounting knowledge to review the financial status of the DNA. This assistance would be sought to insure tax compliance. George Welch will be contacted and asked if he would do this review.
Gladys Burkhead has been nominated to the Women's Hall of Fame.Respectfully submitted,
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.