Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
November 13, 2002
Members present: Larry James Jr., Andrew Pinneke, Susan Lombard,
Patty Daniels, Dolph Pulliam, Jim Dietz-Kilen, Carl McPherson, Tony Schmitt,
Kendall Dillon
Members absent: Mark Bequiaeth, Michelle Saveraid, Jennifer Lawler, Eldon McAfee, David Courard-Hauri
Minutes from the September meeting were approved with the amendment that Andrew Pinneke be listed as absent but excused.
Treasurer’s Report
No treasurer’s report.
Committee Reports
NBSD – Teva Dawson has been working on ideas for the new green space created by the 235 construction. When the road work is complete, she will work with the DNA on the design.
The second round of neighborhoods grants for growth has an April 1, 2003. There is up to $1000 available to build resident leadership and or/involvement in the neighborhood. The grant cycle will run from May – December, 2003.
There will be a community garden appreciation event at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Botanical Center.
Teva also presented the idea of standardizing the look along Kingman. The beautification committee is looking for help – if interested, contact David Courard-Hauri.
Ed has been working in the NE part of the neighborhood. The only real problem has been with junk and debris on the curbs. There are a number of houses along Kingman and Cottage Grove that still have large limbs in their yards from the storms earlier in the year. Public works is planning to go out and clean up the remaining branches.
Bodensteiner – he was given until Nov. 7 to clean up the property. He just met the deadline and removed all tools and equipment. He is currently appealing to the city.
Police Report – No police report
Organization reports
Drake – Dolph reported that on Make a Difference Day, 135 Drake students painted a house on 26th Street. They also fixed the porch and back door and raked yards along 26th.
He also stated that Drake is still trying to decide what to do with the houses near the intramural field.
NHS –no report.
Re-Leaf – On November 9th, an additional 18 trees were planted (48 planted to date). Additional trees will be planted next year.
Old Business
Forest Ave. Development – Dolph discussed what funds are available - the EPA has a $110,000 grant for study and soil borings. The state also has funds in its “innocent landowner” program that may be available to help pay for clean-up. He also mentioned getting Drake students involved in identifying the types of businesses that would interest them.
The Habitat building next to CCI has been purchased by NDC. They want to work with the DNA to determine the best use of the site.
Computer – Tony ordered the new laptop for the DNA. It includes Windows XP and costs $2187 with a $100 rebate.
Drake Cooling unit – Andrew has continued to try to talk with Jolene Schmidt about the University’s plans for the cooling unit. Andrew has come up with ideas for working with Drake to camouflage the unit. He proposed pulling together the students, professors, and neighborhood to improve the look. Dolph agreed to help facilitate talks and cooperation with Drake.
A motion was made to direct Dolph to take Andrew’s proposal for improving the appearance of the cooling unit to Drake officials. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.
Drake houses – Larry gave a recap of his meeting with President Maxwell to discuss the future of the university-owned houses next to the intramural field. Carol Bower, who has renovated 62 houses in the River Bend area, was invited to look at the structures to determine their potential. She was enthusiastic about the renovation potential of the homes. A discussion followed about the cost of renovating the homes ($150,000 - $200,000) versus the resale potential ($130-140,000). There was concern expressed for where the gap funding would come from. Grant funding was mentioned as a possible source, but the decision will ultimately be up to Drake to determine if they want to renovate the structures. There was also discussion of the benefits of renovation versus new construction in the neighborhood. Larry agreed to write a letter to Drake in support of working with CHDC in general and to look into the options for the two houses.
26th Street Parking – Traffic and transportation has tabled the request for one-sided parking until its next meeting on Dec. 10. A petition was submitted with 40 signatures of apartment dwellers opposing the one-sided parking. There was no DNA representation at the meeting.
New Business
Film Fest – Andrew would like to work with Drake nest summer to present films on the Drake campus. He agreed to work on a proposal.
Keokuk Book – Nathan Allen is interested in setting up a section on the DNA website to highlight the history of the neighborhood. He proposed a section where each home could be featured including historic information. He asked the board for approval to move forward.
Annual Meeting/Board elections – has been scheduled for Nov. 23. Patty will confirm location and time. The DNA needs two additional board members. The following nominations were made: Trish Davis, Nathan Allen, and a representative from Ingleside Hills.
A motion was made to approve the nominations. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.
Minutes submitted by Kendall Dillon
Drake Neighborhood
Association
Annual meeting minutes
November 23, 2002
Drake Liquor Store – Jeff gave an overview of the situation at the Liquor store – since they got their license back, they have been good neighbors. They have been carding patrons – the next arrest for an illegal sale will result in the loss of their license.
House Tour – Kendall Dillon has agreed to chair the House Tour committee. She gave an overview of progress to date and mentioned the need for two additional volunteers to chair subcommittees.
Board Elections – Both nominees, Nathan Allen and Trish Davis were unanimously approved by the neighborhood association. A board seat has been left open for a representative from the Ingleside Hills neighborhood.
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.