Drake Neighborhood Association
Board meeting minutes
August 12, 2003
Present:
Absent:
NBSD
Police Report – The Drake Liquor Store received its second violation and is likely to lose its liquor license.
Neighbors have complained about activity at 2919 Kingman Blvd., owned by Vern Kinney. Jeff and Ed have spent time over at the property towing illegal cars and speaking with tenants.
Organization Reports
Drake – Dolph reported to the board regarding Drake Security’s training procedures. He said that after speaking with Hans Hanson, head of Drake Security, it was clear that Drake Security does not tell its new recruits that the neighborhood is one of the most dangerous in the state. He does not know where the officer who said this to several DNA board members got that information. All officers are to make comments only about what they know to be the truth.
Dolph also reported that the dispute over the landfilling of an area on Drake’s property near Mondamin Ave. has been successfully resolved. The area has been graded and re-seeded. Dan Koenig, a neighbor to the north, agreed that the area looks much better and thanked Dolph and Drake for attending to it.
Film Fest – Andrew reported that the Drake Neighborhood Outdoor Film Festival is on track to show films September 5 and September 12. Local and indie films will be featured, as well as a local band on September 5. Tony Schmitt said that he would help Andrew get a better deal on the projection equipment.
Beautification – Dave reported that the beautification committee will meet soon to discuss the next steps in the Kingman Blvd. beautification.
Forest Avenue – Jim reported that President Maxwell and other Drake officials met with city staff and local developers to discuss the sites along Forest Avenue that may be open for development. The developers expressed the most interest in a site at 24th and Forest, adjacent to the Knapp Center. If that site is chosen, parking currently on the site will have to be found elsewhere. Also, he requested that the DNA write a letter to the NDC expressing out support for the NDC’s efforts to purchase options along the block.
New Business
Ako Abdul-Samad – Des Moines school board candidate, Ako Abdul-Samad spoke to the board about his candidacy for the board.
New board member election – A discussion was held about potential new board members. Members decided to wait until next month to vote, to allow additional candidates to come forward.
NCCJ Walk As One – Dolph presented information regarding the NCCJ’s Walk As One. It will be held Sunday, September 21. The DNA board was encouraged to attend as a group.
First reading of a motion to donate $250 to the NCCJ in support of Walk As One. Motion passed unanimously.
City Council candidate forum, discussion – Larry asked the board for suggestions about whether to hold a quaterly meeting/candidate forum prior to the Mayoral Primary. A date was set for September 21 at 6:30 for a potluck. All City Council At-Large and Mayoral candidates will be invited.
Senior Housing, MLK and Forest, discussion – All board members were invited to attend a meeting at CCI on August 18 to meet with Richard Helgeson, a developer interested in building a housing complex for seniors at the old Mustard’s site on MLK and Forest.
Old Business
MTA bus route 2 promotion – Larry reported that a Route 2 kick-off event will be held on September 9 at 7 a.m. near Roosevelt High School. The event is designed to encourage ridership on the bus route that runs along Kingman Blvd. All board members are welcome to attend. The DNA will pass out flyers printed up by the MTA for the event.
Kingman Island Cruise update – Tony reported that Paul Mishek will play at this year’s event on August 23 at 5 p.m.
20th Place block party – Larry announced that he will be meeting with CCI on August 14 to discuss plans for the upcoming 20th Place block party.
Minutes submitted by Larry James Jr.
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