ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Columbia Heights / LeDroit Park / Pleasant Plains / Shaw / University Heights

7 April 2005, True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW

Attending: Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens, Parker,

Akinmboni, T. Smith, Mathews

Absent: Commissioner Wright

Quorum was achieved just after 7PM. Secretary moved minutes of the March meeting, and it was seconded and they were adopted (9-0-0). In the Treasurer’s Report Commissioner Stephens reported that our opening balance was $74,488.40, and that there had been one debit for $25.00 to the DC Auditor for Bonding of Officers and one credit for $549.00 representing unspent funds returned from a grant last year to Hobart Gardens in Grant 04-04, which leaves a bank balance of $75,012.40. We do still have an outstanding check from May of 2003 to the Howard University Community Association for $637.86, which leaves an outstanding check book balance of $74,374.54. Treasurer Stephens also asked the Commission to pass a resolution authorizing the Treasurer to apply for online banking. The Treasurer’s Report and the online banking resolution were moved, seconded and adopted (9-0-0). Secretarial expenses for March of $84.25 was moved, seconded and adopted (9-0-0).

Greg McCarthy, the Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, reviewed the Mayor’s proposed budget for FY 2006. Commissioner Moss asked about cuts in the Public Safety budget noting that the citizens of LeDroit Park had seen an increase in criminal activities. In the realignment of the PSA’s our PSA grew in size and they are now strapped for manpower and resources to effectively police the neighborhood. Mr. McCarthy responded that he could not respond in detail, however, he is unaware of an actual cut and suggested that realignment of the budget inside MPD may be the problem. The line item for deployment stayed at 3,800 officers. Commissioner Mathews asked about the plans for revitalizing the Georgia Avenue corridor. Derrick Woody explained that the initiative would incorporate the ongoing work of the Office of Planning dealing with Georgia Ave., and would extend the reach of the plan to areas not currently included. Commissioner Mathews asked about small business initiatives, and Mr. Woody responded that ReStore DC would be a part of the planning and designs. Chairperson Hunter asked if there had been a reduction in funding for the Main Streets program this year, and Mr. Woody responded that that was indeed true, but that they were working to make sure that appropriate funding was in place. Chairperson Hunter responded that it was great to see Georgia Avenue included, but our local Main Streets program is literally bankrupt. Chairperson Hunter asked if Park Morton was to be included as candidate for the ‘New Communities’ program, and Mr. McCarthy responded that it was their desire to include Park Morton, but that they need to get some participation and buy in from the community before the designation. Kenneth Barnes asked if there were monies earmarked for redistributing group homes and facilities through the District, and Mr. McCarthy responded that this problem is being addressed but will take a longer time to accomplish. A constituent asked about the commitment to low income housing which is not always a part of affordable housing, and Mr. McCarthy responded that the guideline was to first do no harm and to replace current affordable housing on a one to one basis.

Derrick Woody from the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development Office gave an overview of the proposed ‘Great Streets Initiative’. Mr. Woody stated that the intention is to implement the plans that have been developed by the Office of Planning. The two plans that will affect ANC1B are the ‘Duke’ plan that deals with the Florida Avenue and U Street areas, and the Georgia Avenue Petworth Plan. Commissioner Spalding asked about public meetings, and Mr. Woody responded that the emphasis was on implementation of already developed plans and that meetings would be scheduled with ANC’s and neighborhood associations.

Chairperson Hunter acknowledged the presence of School Board member Jeff Smith. Mr. Smith mentioned that a district wide meeting had been held the previous weekend at Cardozo High School, and that some of the Commissioners had made it out to the meeting in the rain. Mr. Smith stated that he is forming a District 1 Council on Education and is looking for community members to participate, and if interested you should add your name to the list of participants at jeff.smith@k12.dc.us. Commissioner T. Smith asked about the program for repairs to the schools in the Mayor’s budget, and whether it is need based or an even pot distributed around the system, and Mr. J. Smith responded that this year’s capital budget is targeted at rehabilitation with an emphasis on the High Schools. Clyde Howard asked about improving the curriculum content of the schools, and Mr. Smith responded that separate vocational academies are a part of the planned changes to the content of the high schools. Cardozo will have a construction academy starting in September that is a partnership with Holland & Knight and Clarke Construction.

In Community announcements Kenneth Barnes described the celebrations this coming Sunday at the Lincoln Theatre honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Alice Autrey reminded everyone that the Mary Church Terrell Symposium would be held on April 15^th and 16^th and that you can register by emailing lbflack@research.howard.edu. Bryan Martin Firvida of the Mayor’s Office mentioned that the GLBT Citizens Summit would be held on April 30^th and information can be obtained at citizensummit@dc.gov, next week is the first DC Emancipation Day Holiday and events are planned throughout the city, and next Thursday at 6PM the PSA 305 meeting will be resurrected. School Board member Smith invited everyone to a celebration of his first 100 days in office next Thursday at 6:30PM at Cada Vez. Commissioner Mathews announced that on April 16^th, National Youth Services Day, they will be having a community clean up in his neighborhood. Commissioner Parker added to Mr. Martin Firvida’s description of the April 30^th Summit that it will include Youth Challenges, Business Development, Health, Public Safety and making government work.

Commissioner Spalding introduced review of BZA application 17307. This is a request to add a third story to a nonconforming inside row house located in the square that is truncated by the angled Florida Avenue and which includes a number of nonconforming residential properties. Last year ANC1B approved a very similar proposal from the property immediately to the west of this property, and it was approved by the Board. Commissioner Spalding indicated for attendees that the applicant could not be present since he’s an architect with the Air Force and currently on orders out of the city; however, he has left us a mobile phone number to use if any questions come up that we can’t answer. Commissioner Stephens asked about the previous use of the property, and Commissioner Spalding responded that it was and will be a single family home albeit a very small one. Captain Baker has provided has provided letters of support from his abutting neighbors, and also support from the review of a structural engineer attesting to the building’s ability to add the additional story. Motion was made to support the application and to designate Commissioner Spalding to represent the Commission, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced conceptual review of Markus Architect’s design for a new building at 1939 12^th Street for consideration by the HPRB. This is the vacant property represented by the parking lot and some of the vacant residential lots running south from Dukem Restaurant. Part of this structure would be in Arts/C-2-A zoning and part in R-4. The Commission considered a previous design for these properties last year and approved that design, but it did not go forward and we have a similar design in massing to consider tonight. This was heard at the March HPRB meeting and there was support for the project with one important exception. Josh Adler stated that they have presented to CSNA, 14^th & U Main Streets Alliance, and Councilmember Graham and have secured support from each of them. Mr. Adler explained that though they would be building on the parking lot, they will be providing more than double the amount of parking by putting an underground garage under the building. The HPRB problem was with the split entry to the commercial spaces. In our design there would be four retail spaces with entries either up a set of stairs or down a set of stairs. The lower units would have approximately four feet of exposed window visible from the street. The recommendation of the Board was that we do street level access, and we are undecided whether to continue to fight for the split entries or to concede the point and make the access at street level. We feel the advantage of the split entries is that it allows for four small retail spaces each with their own entrance and be approximately 1500 to 2000 square feet, which we feel encourages smaller businesses that cannot afford the current spaces on U and 14^th Streets. With the street level access we’ll probably have two larger retail spaces. Commissioner Moss asked about the residential units, and Mr. Adler responded that there would be four market rate units comparable to the units recently built across the street at Paul Robertson’s site. There is a third residential parcel, also vacant, that they do not control currently but are in discussions with the owner. Commissioner Mathews commended the configuration of the design incorporating the smaller retail spaces. Commissioner Mathews asked about the pricing of the residential units, and Mr. Adler responded that they would be similar to the units across the street with the upper two units in the $900,000 range and the lower units in the upper $600,000 range. Commissioner Spalding reminded the Commission that we’re considering the concept of the building for HPRB review tonight, and that the zoning details would be considered at future meetings. Commissioner T. Smith asked about handicapped accessibility to the retail components in the split entry design, and Mr. Markus showed the commercial entrance for the upper level commercial spaces that would be handicap accessible. Commissioner Mathews asked why the HPRB had opposed the split entry design, and Mr. Adler responded that the Board had stated that they were not aware of other split level entries in commercial buildings in the historic district. Although we are aware of a number of examples we were not prepared to illustrate these examples for the Board. Commissioner Spalding moved conceptual support including the possible split entry to the retail component, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0). Commissioner Spalding requested that he be designated to represent this application before HPRB, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

Commissioner Stephens introduced DPO Developers unsolicited bid to develop NCRC properties at 1410 & 1412 Euclid Street. Eddie Otero & David Pfifferling of DPO stated that they are interested in developing the parcels and were seeking the ANC’s support to pursue the development with NCRC. The design is for twenty residential units in a wide mixture of sizes. The proposal to NCRC includes five of the condominium units as affordable. Commissioner Moss asked about parking, and Mr. Otero responded that there would be twelve parking spaces. Commissioner Parker asked about the income levels that the affordable units would be targeted at, and Mr. Otero responded that this would be determined in negotiations with NCRC. Commissioner Parker also asked if the affordable units would be spread through the building, and Mr. Pfifferling agreed that they would and added that they would also be finished to the same standards as the market rate units. Commissioner Parker asked about community amenities as part of the proposal, and Mr. Otero responded that it has not been included in the proposal so far. They have had preliminary discussions about work on Justice Park, but that those negotiations were ongoing. Commissioner Stephens moved that ANC1B support and encourage DPO to move forward in negotiations with NCRC towards development of this long vacant property, it was seconded and adopted unanimously (10-0-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced an ABRA application for a new CR restaurant license to be located at 2106 Vermont Avenue. This is located in Arts/C-2-B zoning in a square that is predominantly residential though the face along the avenue is zoned commercial. The building itself is a commercial infill building, and the Commission has previously considered an application for a nightclub in this location. This application is from an established restaurateur in DC, and they are planning a similar establishment to their business at Four Provinces of Ireland on Connecticut Ave. Andrew Duffy, manager of 4P’s, described a restaurant that will be open for lunch and dinner. Mr. Duffy stated that he has already met with 14^th & U Main Streets and the CSNA to get their support for the business. They have spoken with the Principal at Garnet Patterson School and have her support. They have been discussing a way of rewarding good scholarship with a monthly luncheon. They are not planning on using the second story of the building. The warehouse at the rear will hold the kitchen and possible spill over seating. Chairperson Hunter asked when they planned to open, and Mr. Duffy responded that the space was good but not built out as a restaurant, and that it would take them a few months to build out the space. Commissioner Moss asked about the occupancy, and Mr. Duffy stated that it would be seventy-five. Commissioner Moss asked about live music, and Mr. Duffy responded that it would be included in the application, however, like 4P’s they only feature live music occasionally and it is acoustic Irish music. Commissioner Stephens asked about external seating, and Mr. Duffy responded that they want to use the front patio but would leave the timing up to the Commission. Commissioner Mathews asked if they had spoken with the neighbors, and Mr. Duffy responded that Mrs. White one of the neighbors was present tonight. I have just met her this morning and assume that she has concerns, and we want to work closely to address any concerns that she may have. Mrs. White stated that she kept asking what was going next door, and it was originally supposed to be a printing plant, but that never happened. I was surprised that they could put in a restaurant so close to a school. There’s only three neighbors in that block and I don’t know if he’s talked to them yet. Mr. Duffy explained that he only signed the lease Monday morning, and that he assumed that the landlord was in touch with the neighbors. I have been negotiating with the landlord since last November and assumed that he would keep the neighbors informed. Chairperson Hunter asked when this was to be heard by ABRA, and Commissioner Spalding responded that the application would be submitted tomorrow morning so it will not be considered for a number of weeks. Chairperson Hunter suggested that since the neighbor had just heard of the development and that since there is time before we need to respond to ABRA that we give it another month before voting on it. Commissioner Spalding addressed the question about proximity to Garnet Patterson. The regulations prohibiting siting a liquor license within four hundred feet of a school is an issue, however, we already have other licenses of the same class within four hundred feet of Garnet Patterson which legally obviates use of the regulation. Chairperson Hunter asked if that’s the law, and Commissioner Spalding responded that the guidance from ABRA is that you can use the regulated distance rule unless licenses of the same class are already located inside the distance. Mr. Norman stated that that is not what the law says. Chairperson Hunter asked if Commissioner Spalding would be willing to delay consideration to address Mrs. White’s concerns. Commissioner Spalding agreed that there was time to delay consideration; however, this appears to be an appropriate use of the property which is a commercial building located in a commercial zone on an avenue, and the applicant is a neighborhood serving establishment with a long track record in the city. We did have trouble when a nightclub asked to occupy the space, but this appears to be a more appropriate usage for the surrounding community. Commissioner Moss asked Mrs. White about her concerns, and Mrs. White responded that there’s no place to park. Commissioner Spalding moved to table to the May meeting, and it was seconded. Mr. Norman asked why other people in the audience were not going to be able to speak on this. So if you don’t like a person don’t mean you don’t recognize him. Chairperson Hunter responded that we are tabling this for further investigation in order to reconsider it at next months meeting. Mr. Norman stated that he was going to speak on this matter. Commissioner Spalding doesn’t have a single member district vote on this matter. It’s not only Cardozo Shaw that’s over there that represents that community. Chairperson Hunter ruled Mr. Norman out of order. Chairperson Hunter stated that this meeting of ANC1B, and Mr. Norman responded that this is a public meeting. Chairperson Hunter reminded Mr. Norman that he is not a member of ANC1B, and Mr. Norman responded that it’s a public meeting. Chairperson Hunter reminded Mr. Norman that his speaking was a privilege and not a right, and Mr. Norman responded that he’s in a public meeting and if you won’t allow me to speak I’ll just speak, and if I have to get disruptive I’ll get disruptive. Commissioner Mathews recommended that we not table the issue, and I don’t understand why there was a cut off of community input, and Chairperson Hunter explained that we have a lengthy agenda and we’re trying to get through it. Mr. Norman stated that he only hears what he wants to hear. Mr. Howard stated that you’ll pass the motion but you need to hear from the community. Chairperson Hunter responded that now we’ll have a whole month to do just that. Mr. Howard responded that you need to hear now. Chairperson Hunter asked Mr. Howard not to cut him off, and Mr. Howard responded that the Chairperson was cutting people off, and I’m getting tired of you. I’m getting tired of you as a director. Chairperson Hunter asked for a vote on tabling, and Mr. Norman interjected that it’s not only Cardozo Shaw that live in that area. Vote to table passed (6-3).

Mr. Howard interjected that you still have comments to hear. Chairperson Hunter agreed to discuss the issue with Mr. Howard after the meeting, but that the issue was now tabled and other agenda items deserved our attention. Mr. Howard stated that this is a public meeting. Chairperson Hunter reminded Mr. Howard that it is a meeting of the ANC. Mr. Howard responded that it is not a meeting of the ANC, it’s a public meeting. Mr. Howard approached Chairperson Hunter and told Chairperson Hunter to put his hands down. Mr. Howard said ‘don’t suggest nothing to me’. Chairperson Hunter stated that Mr. Howard was interfering with our business, and Mr. Howard responded that Chairperson Hunter was interfering with the public’s business because you won’t let the public talk. Don’t be condescending to me. Chairperson Hunter asked Mr. Howard to leave the meeting. Mr. Howard told Chairperson Hunter that he was an obnoxious ass, an unmitigated ass. You can go and get security all you want, then you and I are going to deal with it. Chairperson Hunter left to get building security. Chairperson Hunter returned with the security guard from Public Welfare Foundation.

Commissioner Spalding requested that the Commission delegate additional representatives to be able to speak at the Levelle show cause hearing next Wednesday. Chairperson Hunter indicated that he had legal commitments and would not be able to be present for the hearing. Chairperson Hunter moved that the Commission designate Commissioner Spalding to represent ANC1B at the continuing ABRA hearings on Club U, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

Commissioner Stephens recommended discussing and amending our grant guidelines prior to hearing the grant applications on the agenda. Chairperson Hunter asked if there was anything in tonight’s applications in conflict with the proposed changes, and Commissioner Stephens responded that they may lack details in budgetary items. Commissioner Mathews stated that it would be unfair to tonight’s applicants to change the guidelines before they present. Commissioner Stephens stated that he can’t see how we can be torn about changing the rules, as a Commission eight of us who have never sat on this Commission prior to this year and if we don’t make up our minds what we want to provide monies for and how we want to do it, then we’re not doing a service to the community in how we manage our monies. Commissioner Akinmboni stated that we need to decide what we want to do and then publicize it so that community people know what we are willing to do. Commissioner Parker stated that though she agreed with Commissioner Akinmboni, she is hesitant to delay consideration of the three applicants here today, since I know that for at least one of the applicants the funds are for an event to occur in April. Commissioner Stephens reviewed the five suggested changes to the grant guidelines. Commissioner T. Smith expressed a concern over the amount of grants that we are offering. We’ve seen a lot of development here on the U Street corridor, and we’re starting to see a lot of development of 14^th Street, but Georgia Ave. hasn’t seen the same effect. We should supplement these businesses on Georgia Ave. that may be suffering. Commissioner Mathews moved tabling the consideration of the changes to the grant guidelines since it will be a complicated and long process, and to give the applicants here the courtesy of our attention. Motion failed to achieve a second. Commissioner Hammonds moved that we hear the applications first, and it was seconded. Commissioner Stephens responded that he did not understand how we can give out grants if we don’t know why we’re giving them out. Chairperson Hunter stated that even if we approve the changes in the guidelines we shouldn’t hold tonight’s applicants to them, unless there was an obvious problem. Commissioner Mathews pointed out that there is already a set of guidelines in place. Commissioner Stephens reminded the Commissioners that they had an opportunity to consider the same grant guidelines at our previous month’s meeting, and if anyone gets caught up in the changes it is due to our inaction. Motion to consider the grants on the agenda passed.

14^th & U Main Streets Alliance requesting $1,000 towards the Jam on U concert, with the monies being directed towards the printing of the concert programs. Jeff Banks, Vice President of Industrial Bank, stated that the concert would be held at the Lincoln Theatre on April 29^th which is Duke Ellington’s birthday. This is also done in conjunction with the Smithsonian Jazz Appreciation Month celebration, and it will celebrate the past, current and future of jazz in the community. The cost of the project is $21,000 and most of this amount has already been secured. Commissioner Spalding added that the Commission funded this project for last year’s performance, and then shared a list of the participating sponsors. Chairperson Hunter stated that the grant last year was for $3,000 and that the group had amended their request to be in tune with the changes made by the Commission. Commissioner Moss asked Mr. Banks if he had a mock up of the program, and Mr. Banks said that he did not have one with him, but that it was the normal theatre sized guide book. Commissioner Mathews added that this is exactly the type of event that the ANC could and should support. Motion was made to support 14^th & U Main Streets Alliance grant request for $1,000, and it was seconded and adopted (9-1-0).

Sankofa Books & Videos and the Blackout Arts Collective requesting $4,000 towards purchase or rental of a sound system was introduced by Steffan A. Spencer a volunteer at Sankofa Books. Arts Under the Stars provides a stage for artists and poets from the community who either never before or have rarely shared their art with an audience. There’s shrinking space for youth of color to share the concerns of the day and contribute positively to the community. A spokesman for the Blackout Arts Collective DC stated that last years program in the courtyard of Sankofa was a success, but they want to add a level of consistency with the addition of the sound system. Chairperson Hunter asked if they had secured funding from anyone else, and applicant responded that they were hoping that by securing the ANC’s approval and funding that they could then use that to raise further funding. Chairperson Hunter asked when the performances would begin, and whether they would continue with or without a sound system, and applicant responded that the first night was April 22^nd and that they would go forward whatever the circumstances. Commissioner T. Smith stated that he has attended a number of their previous performances and echoed the wide variety of participants. It provides an environment where all types of people can come together and promote artistic expression. Commissioner Spalding asked what Sankofa Books and Videos is, and applicant responded that it is a small business. There is another section of the business that is a 501C3. Commissioner Spalding asked if the performance courtyard is outdoors, and applicant responded that they had two spaces the bookstore that can accommodate around fifty people, and an adjacent courtyard that can accommodate seventy-five people. Chairperson Hunter stated that he has purchased things at Sankofa, but I do have trouble giving a grant for this project when no other funds have been raised. There are also suggested limits on the amounts that we give to certain organizations. Commissioner Mathews compared the previous grant and the legacy of Jazz on U Street to Sankofa as an icon on Georgia Ave. Commissioner Moss asked for clarity in the expense for the sound system, and applicant responded that this was the figure quoted to them to rent the equipment. Commissioner Moss asked for clarity on the roles of the organizations, and Mr. Spencer responded that Sankofa provides the space for the performances and Blackout provides the talent. Commissioner Moss expressed concern that they would have to return for continued funding for the sound system each year, and that it might be more practical to purchase the system. Chairperson Hunter asked if anyone had a motion on this application, and that dialogue could continue once the motion had been established. Mr. Norman interjected asking if public comment would be allowed on this one. This is in the Pleasant Plains Civic Association area and we want to know if we can comment. Chairperson Hunter explained to Mr. Norman that he was asking the Commissioners if anyone had a motion to offer, and Mr. Norman responded well that means you don’t want public comment, and I’m sure that if it was Cardozo Shaw then you’d listen to it. Chairperson Hunter stated, and Mr. Norman interjected I’m not going to ask your permission. We are in favor of this grant because we think it’s something that needs to be supported. We don’t need your permission to give us the right to speak, we support this kind of activity and what’s going on at this summit. Chairperson Hunter reminded Mr. Norman that Councilmember Catania has introduced legislation that actually makes it a criminal offense to interfere with the performance of the duties of an ANC Commissioner. Mr. Norman responded so prosecute us. Chairperson Hunter stated that he thinks this has happened tonight on two occasions, and it’s my intention to refer a copy of this tape to the MPD so they can make a determination. Mr. Norman stated his name and address for the record. Commissioner T. Smith stated that the request was for just over 10% of the total cost of the project and this shows a small business that is underserved in the neighborhood. After the tragedy recently on 13^th Street we need to foster environments that allow them to be safe and grow. Four thousand dollars cannot match the value of that life. Commissioner T. Smith moved support of the application and it was seconded. Commissioner Stephens asked if the applicant would amend the request to reflect their updated knowledge that $2,000 would cover the cost of the sound system, and also a question for the Commission in whether ANC’s can give monies to a private for profit company. Applicant explained that there are a number of possible organizations involved in producing the shows that could be used as the named grant requestor. Chairperson Hunter asked if we could fund a small business, and Commissioner Spalding responded that he did not believe that we could give monies to small businesses. Commissioner Stephens stated that he also thought that there would be problems with giving ANC monies to a private business. Commissioner Mathews offered a friendly amendment that we write the check to Blackout Arts Collective as the non profit arm of this application, and Commissioner T. Smith accepted the amendment. Commissioner Stephens again asked what amount was being requested since applicant has stated that they now have someone who will supply the sound system for $2,000. Chairperson Hunter stated that the motion on the table is for the $4,000 figure. Chairperson Hunter asked that the record show that we have now spent better than half an hour on this application. Motion to fund at $4,000 and make out the check to Blackout Arts Collective, and motion failed on a vote of (4-5-1). Commissioner Akinmboni moved that we support the application at a funding level of $2,000 and make the disbursement contingent on clarification of the funding questions, and it was seconded. Commissioner Moss asked for a document that states the grant recipient as Blackout Arts Collective, and also suggested that they find a means to purchase a system. I think we need a new submission that documents the 501C3 status of Blackout. Commissioner Spalding urged caution in suggesting using ANC monies for purchase of equipment which may trigger problems with audit review, and this was agreed to by Commissioner Stephens. Commissioner Stephens expressed his support for the applicants, but suggested that there were a number of serious questions that would benefit from a month’s further work on the application. Commissioner Parker offered a friendly amendment to Commissioner Akinmboni’s motion, which is that her motion be subject to resubmission of grant paperwork that clarifies the issues raised tonight e.g. the 501C3 designation, the name of the organization, clarification of the amount, and whether the funds are to be used to purchase or rent the equipment. Commissioner Stephens offered a friendly amendment that authorizes the applicant to rent the equipment for the first month, and then working with Commissioner T. Smith and myself we come up with a resubmitted grant that covers you through the rest of the year. Chairperson Hunter asked applicant what the figure would be to rent the equipment for a month, and Mr. Spencer responded $600. Commissioner Akinmboni did not accept Commissioner Stephens’s friendly amendment. Commissioner Akinmboni’s motion to fund the application at $2,000 to the Blackout Arts Collective under the condition that the supporting documentation be provided prior to the expenditure of any funds. Commissioner Akinmboni agreed with the reading of the motion. In a roll call Commissioners Hammonds, M. Smith, Parker, Akinmboni, T. Smith, Mathews voted Yea, and Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hunter, Stephens voted Nay, and the vote prevails (6-4).

Grant request for $300 from Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington for plants and herbs. The Unity Day is hoping to involve both new and long term residents. The Club will be painted courtesy of an in kind donation from Duron and local contractors. We will be cleaning trash. We will be planting trees donated by Casey Trees. The funds would be used for mint and other herbs and bulbs to be planted, as well as mulch and top soil and shovels and trowels and things like that. Commissioner Moss asked if there were facilities available to water the plants, and Ms. Sara Akbar responded that there is water available inside the clubhouse that can be used to water the plants. Commissioner Mike Smith stated that he walks by the property all the time and is in full support of this request. Commissioner Parker congratulated the applicant on getting the parents and kids involved, and this $300 is such a small amount next to the sweat equity that you’ve already put into this effort. Commissioner Stephens stated that he lives immediately beside the property and he has some real concerns, first is the way that this application arrived today. I agree with Commissioner Smith’s view, but I don’t see any commitment on the part of the institution to support this. Applicant responded that they did not know they could apply for a grant until Councilmember Graham’s office told them a week ago. We have had discussions with Theresa Gray from the Club about building these activities into their programs. Commissioner Stephens responded that he has been speaking with Ms. Akbar for a number of months and the knowledge of the availability of grant monies from the ANC had been passed to her. Commissioner Parker moved that ANC1B award the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club Clubhouse #10 Parents Association $300 for the planting of plants on Unity Day, and it was seconded and adopted (8-1-1).

Discussion of the grant guideline amendments. Commissioner Stephens moved adoption of the five proposed changes to the grant guidelines. Commissioner Parker asked that the items be considered and moved separately. Commissioner Stephens moved the first change ‘allow one award per organization per calendar year’, and it was seconded. Commissioner Moss asked that an exception be made for tonight’s application from the Blackout Arts Collective. Motion was adopted (8-2) and Chairperson Hunter asked that the nay votes be recorded, they were Commissioners Mathews and Spalding. Commissioner Stephens moved the second change ‘have a suggested cap of $1000 on any grant’. Commissioner Mathews asked for the reasoning behind capping, and Commissioner Stephens responded that it would help assure spreading the grants around the community. Commissioner Parker offered a friendly amendment that ‘the Commission might award larger grants if a coalition of community groups applied together’, and Commissioner Stephens accepted the amendment, and it was seconded. Motion was adopted (7-0-3). Commissioner Stephens moved that ‘a minimum of $500 (or 50%) matching funds be identified for any project the Commission funds’. Commissioner Moss stated that a number of the organizations that apply are smaller 501C3’s that don’t have expansive budgets, and it might be onerous to ask matching funding. Commissioner Parker stated that with tonight’s example where first securing the ANC funding would enable them to raise additional monies from other sources, and other small businesses will be in the same situation and they will look at our funding prior to attempting to raise additional funds. Commissioner Stephens responded that each of tonight’s applicants would have met the test, and I don’t see it as onerous. Commissioner Mathews stated that we shouldn’t stifled by this bureaucracy, and made a friendly amendment that we encourage applicants to find matching funds of up to 50% but we do not mandate it. Commissioner Stephens did not accept the friendly amendment. Motion failed on a vote of (5-5). Commissioner Stephens moved that ‘to ensure compliance with rules to report grant expenditures and outcomes, the Commission would ask any applicant who did not provide the sixty day reports in a timely manner to wait one year before they applied for a new grant’, and it was seconded. Commissioner Mathews commented that it is not our business to play parole officer to these folks and say you can’t do this for a year, and if a group does not abide by the guidelines then we’re not going to award them another grant. Chairperson Hunter responded that if you don’t follow the regulations that there will be a penalty to be paid. One of the reasons we’re having to have this discussion is that awards given previously by this ANC have not been followed by submission of proper documentation from those receiving the grants. Commissioner Stephens stated that we have $20,000 in grant dispersals not complying with documentation regulations. Motion was approved (9-1). Commissioner Akinmboni asked that the Commission consider requiring earlier submission of the grant applications. Commissioner Moss stated that the Sankofa grant was mailed to each of us so we could prepare for tonight’s consideration. Commissioner Spalding added that late submission was his reason for opposing the Clubhouse #10 submission this evening. My favorite grant is for people putting plants in the ground, but I cannot countenance receiving an application hours before voting on it. Commissioner Akinmboni moved that grant requests shall be submitted to the ANC no later than close of business at the meeting prior to the meeting at which they will be considered. Motion was seconded. Commissioner Mathews suggested that two weeks would be more appropriate, and it was not accepted by Commissioner Akinmboni as a friendly amendment. Motion to require submission prior to closing of the previous ANC meeting was adopted (10-0). Commissioner Stephens moved ‘the Commission appoint one (or more) members (ion addition to the Treasurer) to work with the community group to ensure they complete the application and reporting requirements (this might be the Commissioner from the originating SMD)’. Chairperson Hunter asked what should be done if the SMD Commissioner does not support the application, and Commissioner Akinmboni suggested that this shows a need for a grant reviewing committee. Chairperson Hunter asked if this complied with the direction of the original motion, and Commissioner Stephens responded that the motion was primarily to deal with reporting after an award and that the SMD Commissioner would be the obvious choice. Chairperson Hunter indicated that the language does not preclude a committee. Motion was seconded and adopted (10-0). Chairman Hunter moved that ANC1B create a committee on grants that reviews grant applications, makes recommendations to the Commission on grant applications submitted to the Commission, and it was seconded. Commissioner Parker indicated that she did not want this committee’s failure to meet or support an application to preclude an application from appearing before the full Commission. There was discussion regarding membership on the committee. Chairperson Hunter indicated that this required more discussion, and we do not have time this evening to fully discuss this. Commissioner Mathews moved to table the motion, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0).

Commissioner Parker moved that for the May meeting the bylaws discussion be moved to the top of the agenda, and it was seconded. Chairperson Hunter disagreed saying that tonight we had the Chief of Staff to the Mayor present as well as a number of time sensitive issues that are more important than the bylaws. Commissioner Spalding agreed and stated that he needs to inform participants of the order of the agenda and suggested times for their appearances, and taking consideration of a lengthy item like the bylaws discussion at the top of the agenda would preclude giving anyone with business before the Commission from knowing when to appear. Chairperson Hunter called the question, and it was seconded and it failed (4-6).

Motion to adjourn was adopted and meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:30PM.