Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
December 12, 2002
Members present: Larry James Jr., Andrew Pinneke, Susan Lombard,
Patty Daniels, Jim Dietz-Kilen, Carl McPherson, Tony Schmitt, Kendall
Dillon, Tony Schmitt, Eldon McAfee
Members absent: Mark Bequiaeth, Michelle Saveraid, Jennifer Lawler, David Courard-Hauri
Minutes approved as submitted
Treasurer’s Report
6,927.94 – current balance
2183 computer
5040 tree planting
Waiting on 2500 grant from DNR to pay for trees
$500 check will be sent to First Christian for Farmer’s Market signage.
Committee Reports
NBSD
Police report – did not originally think burglaries were connected, but have learned that they are. They have become very brazen – hitting houses at 5 or 6 in the morning. Have been hitting 24th/25th. Carry weapons, risk being approached.
There will be a neighborhood meeting next week 12/18 to discuss burglaries and tips for protecting yourself/home. Team of three detectives working on case – have pretty good idea of who the suspects are. Three black/one white male. Getting computers/TVs/food/stereos.
Meeting with Ingleside Hills/city manager – Ingleside Hills must cooperate with NBSD to have continued service. Ed and Jeff will not attend meetings if they just present problems and ask for resolution – looking for more of a partnership. Police dept. wants to work with the neighborhood – want phone calls to keep DMPD updated about issues. At the meeting, Larry offered the DNA board position open to a member of Ingleside Hills.
Ed – pretty quiet. 1500 block of 34th Street – a few houses with a lot of cars/neighbor complaints. Cleared up once, but they are back again. Will continue to watch. Senior group at Drake wants to adopt alleys and keep them cleaned up. If you know of an alley that needs attention, let Ed know.
Old Business
Bodensteiner – property has remained clean. Property sold to new corporation – Certificate of occupancy – for used car lot – ok under c2 zoning. Questions about whether or not the property will conform to city’s used car lot rules.
Drake – Larry Mulenburg reported on a rash of burglaries on Drake campus. Four North High students were caught following a stakeout. Two Drake students from student senate want to meet with Larry to discuss getting involved in DNA.
Drake cooling unit – Dolph met with Jolene Schmidt in last few days. Working on a plan that may include moving it. Andrew to be meeting with design professor at Drake – but will wait until Drake offers proposal. May be January or February before Drake has proposal for improving cooling unit.
Building that houses Rocco’s (25th and University) has been sold to owner from Ames. Is planning to locate a restaurant in the building.
Houses on 30th Street – Meeting with Pres. Maxwell and Carol Bower on Dec. 20 at 9:00 a.m. at Drake to discuss future plans for land/houses.
NHS – office closed on Nov. 1 – board voted to file bankruptcy. Tool lending library and home buyer education classes now located at NFC.
House Tour – Meeting at Kendall’s house next Wed. 12/18 at 5:30 p.m.
Beautification – Tree planting – trees need water due to dry conditions. Larry and Eldon watered all trees after planting.
Kingman Avenue – meeting planned in Jan. with neighbors to develop ideas to present to landscape architect. David has found a landscape architect who is willing to donate her time. David looking for guidance on any DNA budget available for improvements. Area to include entire boulevard (in phases). Patty offered to host a meeting to discuss ideas.
Forest Avenue Development – Meeting scheduled for Dec. 12 at Senior Center. Meeting for RFP on Dec. 19 at 4:30 at Levitt auditorium. Press conference planned to announce project. 24th/Forest – tore down gas station building, did test work, did find contamination. Additional tests will be done.
Ingleside Hills – Larry meeting next week with Sharon to let them know what DNA can offer. Reinforce that we want a board member from that area. Their next meeting will be in Jan/Feb. Meeting scheduled for 12/17 at Noon at Beggar’s Banquet.
Cottage B&B – Larry spoke at P&Z on behalf of the DNA. Were discussing site plan – Larry talked to owner (Buddy Quick) and told them that DNS supports Cottage, but wants to ensure that the building (2615 Cottage Grove) is dealt with quickly due to drug dealing. Asked to have input in site plan. P&Z approved site plan contingent on approval of DNA of front porch design. Larry invited representatives to next DNA meeting to present plans.
Other
Mickle Center – Sherman Hill – wants input from DNA on house the facility should be used. Sherman Hill Association bought it and wants to make it a community center.
Board officer elections – Larry James – president, David Courard-Hauri – vice president. Kendall Dillon – secretary, Eldon McAfee – Treasurer.
Motion made to approve board positions. Motion seconded, passed by unanimous voice vote.
2003 Goal Setting – meeting in early 2003 to talk about plans for upcoming year. Meeting scheduled for January 18th at 9:00 a.m at Larry’s house.
Ashworth Pool – Parks and Rec is proposing the closure of the pool. City council meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16. Discussion about DNA involvement
Motion made to take position in the form of a letter to city councils to oppose the closure of the pool. Attendance at city council meeting Motion seconded, motion carries.
Vacant lots on 24th Street – Eldon received notice from weed commissioner – will charge $62. Charges will be deleted, but city is not sure that they will be able to continue to mow lot, even though city lots flank the lot.
IA Supreme Court case in Blackhawk county– Eldon brought up recent case that illustrates the importance of talking in public about landlords and purported drug houses.
26th Street parking – another letter to city will suffice to show interest. Next meeting – 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 (traffic and transportation). Patty agreed to write letter.
Drug Town – agreed to changes have not yet occurred. Stay tuned in January for more information.
Film Fest – Andrew still working on plans and community connections. Also looking at grants (Iowa humanities grant) about funding possibilities.
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.