Minutes for Drake Neighborhood Association Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Board Members Present: Larry James Jr., David Courard-Hauri, Trish Davis, Jim Dietz-Kilen, Daniel Koenig, Andrew Pinneke, Jennifer Sayers, Tony Schmitt
Minutes recorded by David Courard-Hauri
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
No minutes to approve yet.
TREASURER'S REPORT
(Trish): We have $10,693.28 in the bank. Many people are taking advantage of the 5 years/$50 one-time-only deal.
NBSD
(Jeff): If you look at the pin maps for shootings, assaults, robberies, and other crimes, the Drake area looks really clean. There are lots of dots around the borders, including homicides, but it is good to be able to show the statistics and figures to demonstrate that the neighborhood is really quite safe. Gang activityÑwe no longer have the Crips and the Bloods, like we did in the 80s and 90s, because most of their leaders were imprisoned or, in some cases, died (although some of those who were given 10 year terms will be getting out soon). Now, however, there are about 8-10 hispanic gangs in the city, including the Hang Out Boys, Latin Kings, and others. They generally wear their colors, so you can often spot them. One gang wears all red, another wears lime green bandanas. Also pitchfork or crown tattoos are gang symbols. Be aware of these things, as well as graffiti, and if you notice activity, let Jeff know. The police intelligence unit has been increased from 2 to 5 or 6 people to focus on improving intelligence regarding gang and other issues. The Drake Liquor Store had its third violation for selling to minors in two years. They will have a hearing on March 5th at 12:30, and Jeff expects them to get fined $1500 and lose their license for 60 days. If they sell during that period, they will lose their license for 2 years, to keep your eyes open. Jeff and Larry brought up the possibility of the Drake Park Neighborhood partnering with the DNA, due to a difficulty in finding new leadership for the DPN. This is nothing certain, just a possibility.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Business Association (Dan): The Drake Business Association has passed their new by-laws and are now on the road to success. They will be encouraging the use of the term ÒDogtownÓ to simplify referring to the business area of the neighborhood, and hope to develop a banner to put up along streets in Dogtown. They are planning a street festival in September, maybe a 25th Anniversary event. Java G's space is leased, but they want to get the Clive store going before getting things moving here.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Beautification (Rob Ferguson): The committee got a grant for $4000, which will go toward bulbs in various areas of the neighborhood. The order for the annual flowers from the Botanical Center will be online this yearÑno paper applications to fill out. We will be doing a brick sale when the snow melts. Rob has spoken with students regarding Òroaming pickup daysÓ to clear trash from the neighborhood. Still looking for a water tank. Rob asked for permission to place a $25 add in the paper requesting one, Jim moved, and the motion was passed.
House Tour (Trish): Seven houses have agreed to be on the tour. We are hoping for a couple more, but we are well ahead of last year's schedule at this point. Sponsorship letters will be sent out this month. The next meeting will be on the 18th at Trish's house. Their goal is to have the tickets ready to sell at the Diner during Relays.
25th Anniversary (Jim): The idea is to have celebrations throughout the year. Possible slogan Ò125 years of suburban living.Ó Other ideas: commission a piece of public art for Carpenter Square where it will be visible. Heidi Wessels will be looking into possibilities for that. Maybe have a few design concepts and have people able to vote online for their favorite design. Banners, perhaps alternating with the business association ones? Jen James is working on her dissertation, maybe we can publish that and make it available for sale? Maybe some of her audio interviews as well, perhaps for a display at the historical building. It would be nice to have the tour be the first of several events: House tour in June, then Jazz in July, then Kingman Island Cruise in early August, then Friday, August 20th (on the anniversary of the founding of the DNA), have the first annual Gladys Burquette award dinner. Finally, the business association's street festival in September. We are looking at the possibility of getting cultural district designation if the Iowa bill passes. Getting back to the tag line, Jim explained the history of the slogan, David, Andrew, and Jen indicated that they were uncomfortable with the idea of associating ourselves with suburbs, but decided it was OK as long as people got the joke. David moved to accept the wording: ÒDrake Neighborhood Association 25th Anniversary / 1979-2004 / Celebrating 125 years of suburban living.Ó Motion carries. Larry, should we hire somebody to do a professional logo, someone like Jen? Jim moves to designate up to $1000 for a logo, to be paid to Jen Sayers. Seconded. Trish points out that it will be 10% of our budget. We could not vote because with Jen recusing herself we no longer had a quorum. The vote will have to be taken over e-mail.
Web Site (Larry): These guys know what's going on. They will probably be coming with a request for some software (like Dreamweaver).
Membership (Trish): We need calls done by the end of February, so if you have your list, get them done. Trish will send out a talking sheet.
Housing (Larry): The housing list is out. If you see any houses for sale, let Larry know. If you know anybody looking, tell them about the list.
Events (Larry): The parade float for Relays will need to get unstuck. On the first warm day, Larry will give everyone a call to come pick it up. If you want to work on the float, your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
History (Larry): Jen James is looking for help researching homes for the house tour. The woman who wrote and self-published ÒHistory of University PlaceÓ is willing to talk at our next quarterly meeting. David moves that we hold the remaining meetings this year on May 1, Aug 7, and Nov 6, per Trish's schedule. Motion carries.
NEW BUSINESS
Metro Market: There is an issue with parking at the Metro Market. Their peak hours are about 10 to 3. They are currently not allowed to operate the auctions when the market is open due to parking constraints. They would like to ask Planning and Zoning for a waiver to allow them to hold auctions during off-peak hours when the market is still open. The idea here is that then they wouldn't have to be open an extra day and people would cross-fertilize (some market goers would visit the auction, and some auction goers would visit the market, so everybody wins). They expect substantial opposition at the P&Z meeting, even though they have the support of the Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association and the neighbors around the market. There was a staff recommendation to allow the two to be open at the same time with certain stipulations. The presenters said that they would like to get a letter saying that we support the recommendation, and after a little prodding from Larry said that they would actually like even a little more freedom than was in the staff recommendation. After discussion, Jim moved to write a letter in support of the staff recommendation. Motion carries. The meeting will be on Thursday the 19th at about 5:15, and they would love to have people go.
41st St. Parking: Some residents want to change the current regulation (no parking from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, seven days a week) to no parking 7-9 am, M-F. They had a petition with 70-80% of the homeowners in favor, and wanted the Board to write a letter in favor of the change. They presented a letter for us to sign, Tony moved that we sign the letter as is. Motion carries.
Drake University Stadium Proposal (Larry): The University wants a letter of support concerning the stadium proposal. Jim moved that we write a letter with wording suggested by Larry. Motion carries.
Scrub day (Larry): We will ask for a scrub day sometime in late September or early October.
501(c)(3) (Larry): There are a number of reasons to become a 501c3 organization, but in the past we haven't. People think it is because we wanted the ability to support candidates, but there was fear that it was more complicated than that. Larry requested permission to look into how much it would cost to hire a lawyer to consult on the question, Jim pointed out that we'd need one anyway just to fill out the application. Tony moved that we give Larry permission to contact a lawyer to find out how much it would cost and report back. Motion carries.
Anti-crime committee (Larry): We want to form an anti-crime committee to target negligent landlords and be able to deal with flare-ups and prevention without having to go through the whole board. Jen moves that we form such a committee. Motion carries.
OLD BUSINESS
Thresholds Donation: Last meeting we approved a $750 donation to the Thresholds festival, but we need to vote in two meetings to pass it. Trish indicated that she thought money is best spent on improving the neighborhood, and that perhaps $750 is a bit steep given some of the other commitments we have (and made tonight). She thought $500 seemed more reasonable, since that is what we gave last year. Tony said he felt that this is one of the best things we do, especially given all of the recent issues with free speech and lack of understanding. Motion to donate $750 carries.
Speed limit: Get people to sign the petition.
Annie E. Casey grant proposals (Andrew): The foundation now requires at least three people to work on the grants, the idea being to increase interaction and community involvement in these things. They would also like to see at least two people at the workshop. Grants will be due on April 15, and there will be three rounds this year. Awards are for $1000.
Adjourn
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.