Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
October 9, 2002
Members present: Tony Schmitt, Andrew Pinneke, Don Adams, Larry
James, Eldon McAfee, Dolph Pulliam, Susan Lombard, Jim Dietz-Kilen, Carl
McPherson, Kendall Dillon, Jennifer Lawler
Members absent: Mark Bequiaeth, Michelle Saveraid, Patty Daniels (excused)
Minutes from the September meeting were approved with the amendment that Susan Lombard be added to the board members present.
Treasurer’s Report
No treasurer’s report.
Committee Reports
NBSD – Ed has been spending his time in the NE part of the neighborhood. The “hotspots” have been at 2600 Kingman, lots of kids/trash; 2918 Cottage Grove, a lot of activity; and 985 25th Street, commercial equipment left on property.
Ed mentioned a $1000 grant that Teva Dawson has available for the betterment of the neighborhood. He will get a copy of the grant requirements.
Police Report – Jeff talked about a number of recent drug arrests in the neighborhood. He also mentioned a reduction in the number of abandoned cars.
He also gave a summary of the Drake Liquor Store case – Jeff met with Jeff Flagg, the attorney representing the DLS to discuss the specified crime property. At the meeting they went over the previous agreements (signage requirements, security, and surveillance cameras). The DLS is currently on probation and under a 30 day liquor license suspension. If the conditions are met, the city will not go forward with the specified crime property charges. However, a second violation in two years will result in an automatic revocation of their license. The owner has agreed to meet with neighborhood leaders to hear concerns about the business.
Beginning October 11, Ed and Jeff’s offices will be combining. This will facilitate better communication and information sharing. The office will be located in the armory.
Organization reports
Drake – Drake is working on creating “Centers for Global Citizenship” to discuss issues of global significance. The program will include faculty, students and staff.
Bulb giveaway – Saturday October 12th at the Botanical Center.
Tree planting – Drake University will supply auger for digging holes. The city forester is awaiting approval to plant on 31st Street. ISU students have agreed to assist with the planting. Property owners need to be contacted to tell them about the proposed plantings.
Drake is sponsoring Make a Difference Day on October 26 – students will be painting a house on 26th Street and the 26th will also be a neighborhood scrub day with a collection site at 25th and Forest.
NHS – will be closing on November 1. The tool lending library will be transferring to NFC.
Old Business
Drake cooling tower – Andrew has tried to contact Jolene at Drake University to discuss the plans for the cooling unit – he has been unsuccessful in his attempts to talk to her. Dolph agreed to keep the DNA board informed of any developments.
Forest Avenue Development – A meeting took place on October 8 to discuss plans for the area from Beaver to 2nd Avenue. Business owners were present. The general consensus was that it’s time for action. A plan is being developed to approach developers. Some ideas that were presented include: quality student rental property, additional activities/events. The next meeting will be on October 29th at the Senior Center.
New Business
House Tour – The location for 2003 tour needs to be decided soon. Marty Schmitt is not interested in chairing the tour, but Jen James and Trish Davis are willing to help coordinate. A group will meet in November to discuss the tour.
Thresholds for Peace – the 1st Christian Church will be asking for financial support from the DNA. The event is scheduled for February.
DNA computer – Tony presented information he gathered about the cost of purchasing a laptop computer for the DNA. A Gateway laptop with software would be approximately $2200 and printer with label capabilities would be approximately $150.
A motion was made to authorize the purchase of the Gateway computer for up to $2300 and a printer for up to $400 . The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Tony agreed to make the purchase
Minutes submitted by Kendall Dillon
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.