ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Minutes

Thursday, August 5, 2010,

7:00 PM, Reeves Center, 2000 14^th Street N.W.

The regular monthly meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B occurred on Thursday, August 5, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the Reeves Center, Commissioner E. Gail Anderson Holness, Chairperson, presiding. Commissioner Myla Moss was present as Secretary. Other Commissioners present during the meeting: Peter Raia, Sedrick Muhammad, Brianne Nadeau, Rosemary Akinmboni, and Eduardo Ferrer. Commissioners absent: Deborah Thomas, Melissa McKnight, Juan Lopez, Thomas K.D. Smith.

Chairperson Anderson Holness observed the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Chairperson Anderson Holness then made the following announcement:

ü We ask that you silence your cell phones. By “silence” I mean either put them on “silence” or turn them off if you are able. The vibration and rings interfere with our recording and we sometimes lose valuable information.

ü Our meeting agenda is based on a strict time frame. We want to address all issues and assure participation by all interested parties, but we also want to make sure that our meeting ends at a reasonable hour and that others would stay to be engaged with all of the concerns of all of the members of ANC 1B. Therefore, we ask that all presentations be limited to three to five minutes. Our staff director, will give each presenter a three-minute and one-minute warning, and then will announce the expiration of time. We request all those asking questions to be as brief and concise as possible, not to make a dissertation, but to ask a question. Community announcements at the end of the meeting are limited to two minutes each.

ü This meeting is audio-recorded for the public record and the draft minutes of the meeting, which will be published on our website as soon as possible.

ü We welcome and encourage public comment at appropriate points in the meeting. Normally, we will ask for public comment on issues before the Commission before any motion is offered for official action. Once a motion has been made and seconded, comment and discussion is confined to Commissioners.

ü We ask that all those making presentations, asking questions, or making comments speak loudly and clearly for the benefit of our recording device. Please state your name, residence address, and what organization you represent. If you are representing yourself as a resident, rather than an organization, please say so.

ü For the accuracy of our public records, we ask that all those making presentations, asking questions, or making comments complete the very brief speaker information form located on the sign in table at the back of the room. Please give the completed form to our Staff Director, Jim Irwin, either before or after you speak to the Commission. The purpose of this form is to assure correct spelling of your name in the minutes, accurate address and accurate statement of representation.

Thank you for your attendance, participation and cooperation.

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked Commissioners to introduce themselves.

Presentations

Chairperson Anderson Holness introduced Councilmember at-large Kwame Brown, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee.

Councilmember Brown said that he wanted to talk about where the city was going (1) from a fiscal standpoint and (2) what was being done about education and neighborhood development.

With regard to the fiscal situation, Councilmember Brown said the situation was bad, but not as bad as in Maryland and Virginia. He serves on the Council of Governments and learned from talking with his colleagues that they are struggling with major deficits and laying off people. In the District, there was a surplus or fund balance. It has been spent down, but the Council has now put in place mechanisms to use surpluses to pay down debt and replenish reserves. In the past, when there were surpluses, the Council would use them to finance new programs instead of paying down debt or replenishing reserves. Now, for the first time, the Council has passed a law creating two funds. One is funded by a specific percentage of any surplus that would be applied to debt. The other would be funded by a specific percentage of any surplus to replenish reserves. So, no matter who is in office, part of any surplus will automatically go back into the city’s savings accounts.

With regard to economic development, Councilmember Brown said that he has always required that any project coming before his committee demonstrates community benefits. He has created a compliance unit to make sure that promises and commitments made by developers are actually kept. In the past, when a condo development or other project was built, promises about affordable housing and other benefits were made, but then after the Council released the land and the money, it was always a struggle to make sure the promises were kept. Now, for the first time, developers not only have to sign an agreement up front, but an independent auditor will check to make sure the promises are kept as agreed. For the first time, developers are being held accountable for their commitments to the community and the Council.

With regard to educational reform, Councilmember Brown said he was a native Washingtonian with two small children in the D.C. public schools and a wife who has been teaching in the public schools and now a charter school. He is personally invested in educational reform. He believes that no matter where a child is located in the city, he or she deserves to graduate from a school system that provides a quality education. He said that is we are going, no matter what it takes to get there. He wanted to be very clear that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, but our number one goal is to insure that our children get a quality education. It is unacceptable that a student in the tenth grade is reading at the fifth grade level. That is not what education should be about. That is why he has focused on world-class middle schools. We have done great with our elementary schools, but once kids get into middle school, parents move out of the city or students move to private schools. In order to keep families in the city and students in the school system, we need to create world-class middle schools, and more importantly, our high schools will get better. How do we do this? Smaller class size, a teacher’s aide in every classroom, Saturday classes and summer school to help our students get back on par. There is nothing worse than spending $92 million over the past two years on a summer jobs program for a young person who is failing. We give them a summer job where they can go out and sweep or remove graffiti, they can not really [inaudible….] and they have failed the grade. We have to focus on insuring that the dollars we spend really help our young folks get ahead. There are parents who are not around and we have to make sure that those kids whose parents are not around get someone who cares for them.

Councilmember Brown said that, as we move forward in the city, the question is how we work together, communicate together, and work in a way that moves the city forward. There are thirteen different Council members and to get anything done and work together, there has to be a leader who can work with them. He is looking forward to stepping up to the table to be that leader, to work with all the Council members, to work with the administration, but to be an independent voice for the legislative body.

Councilmember Brown also said that the vocational schools in the District should be better supported and kept open nights, weekends and summers to serve adults and provide better vocational education opportunities and to improve employment opportunities. $92 million dollars for summer jobs programs for kids and $3 million for adult vocational education: the dynamic by which we operate has to change.

Chairperson Anderson Holness called for questions from the Commission.

Commissioner Raia commented that bigger developers get bigger breaks sometimes than smaller developers. The District has reinstated a 5% tax on small development like converting apartments to condos. Is there any way of relieving that tax on small developers?

Councilmember Brown said they were working on a bill now, but they did not just want to eliminate the tax. Rather, they want to make sure that small developers are meeting green standards and hiring DC residents. They want to do everything they can to provide that kind of incentive. What they want to get out of is just providing incentives for ever. Every economist believes that when the economy recovers, DC will be the first to take off, so we don’t want to give everything away. We want to give something, but we want something in return.

Commissioner Raia asked if that was available now.

Councilmember Brown said no, but they were working on a bill that would provide that. There was a cost associated with it and whatever that cost is, they have to find the money to cover it when money is very tight.

Commissioner Akinmboni asked about developers who make commitments to the community, get tax breaks and other incentives, and then do not deliver on the commitments.

Councilmember Brown said that as Chair of the Economic Development Committee, he had done something that had never been done before: hold developers accountable for their commitments to the community. He has established a compliance unit that will audit the performance of developers. There will be a penalty at the end of the process if commitments are not met. In the past, developers have made commitments, not kept them, and nothing could be done. Tax incentives were used up by developers who did not keep their commitments and there were no incentives available for the small developers that actually improve our neighborhoods. Now, for the first time ever, we are changing eight laws to provide for accountability and penalties and consequences if commitments are not kept.

Chairperson Anderson Holness thanked Councilmember Brown for his time and his informative presentation.

Officers Reports

Commissioner Moss submitted the draft minutes of the July 2010 meeting for approval.

Commissioner Moss moved that the draft minutes of the July 1, 2010 meeting be approved.

Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion.

Commissioner Raia noted that Ms. Andrea Doughty had made a community announcement that people get involved with the MidCity ARTS District and go to the website. He asked that that announcement be included in the minutes.

Commissioner Raia said that he did not think the minutes should state who was voting yea or nay unless there was a roll call vote.

Commissioner Nadeau said that the commissioners voting no had been recorded in the minutes for the past two years because they had requested it. If she voted no, she wanted her vote recorded in the minutes.

Chairperson Anderson Holness called for a vote on the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Treasurer’s Report

Commissioner Ferrer referred Commissioners to his report which they had in their meeting folders and asked that it be entered into the minutes of the meeting:

ANC 1B Treasurers Report – August, 2010

Overview

A copy of the July, 2010 Industrial Bank Statement is attached

showing current balance and activity. The current balance is $58,919.41.

The following checks were written at the July 1, 2010 meeting:

Name	Check #	Amount	Purpose
Capital Cause	1763	$3,000.00	Grant #10-12, approved 7/1/10
Columbia Hgts Village Tenants Assoc.	1764	$2,620.00	Grant #10-13, approved 7/1/10
James Irwin	1765	$1,777.60	Staff wages, budget approved 10/1/2009
James Irwin	1766	$93.76	Reimbursement for office supplies, printing, approved 7/1/10
Configuration, Inc.	1767	$1,470.88	Furniture moving and assembly expenses, approved 7/1/10

The following checks were cashed last month:

Date Cashed	Name	Check #	Amount	Purpose	Meeting Approval Date
7/6/10	Capital Cause	1763	$3,000.00	Grant #10-12	7/1/10
7/6/10	James Irwin	1765	$1,777.60	Staff wages	10/1/09
7/6/10	James Irwin	1766	$93.76	Reimbursement for office supplies, printing	7/1/10
7/8/10	Ethiopian Community Svcs & Dev Council	1761	$2,000.00	Grant #10-10	6/3/10
7/12/10	Configuration Inc.	1767	$1,470.88	Furniture moving & assembly expenses	7/1/10
7/13/10	Columbia Hgts Village Tenants Assoc.	1764	$2,620.00	Grant 10-13	7/1/10

Expenses to be approved

Name	Amount	Purpose
James Irwin	$1,551.36	Staff wages-net pay (Gross: $1,960.00)
James Irwin	$169.73	Office supplies, printing, web hosting fees
Best Buy	$2,321.68	Computer equipment, installation, data transfer
Capital Services	368.81	Office supplies

Commissioner Ferrer moved that the following expenses be approved:

James Irwin staff wages $1,551.36

James Irwin $169.73 for reimbursement of office supplies, printing and web hosting fees Best Buy $2,361.68 for computer equipment, installation, data transfer

Capital Services $368.81 for office supplies

Internal Revenue Service $2,204 for payroll taxes for 2009 and 2010

Commissioner Akinmboni seconded the motion.

Commissioner Ferrer noted that the amount listed in the report for the Best Buy expense was incorrect and the actual amount was $2,361.68.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Commissioner Ferrer moved that the Treasurer’s Report for August, 2010 be approved.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Commissioner Ferrer said he would present a report on the status of the 2010 budget at the next meeting, with recommendations for any extensions or amendments that might be necessary.

Commissioner Nadeau asked if the Commission was on track to vote on the 2011 budget in October. Commissioner Ferrer said yes.

Recording of Votes in Minutes

Commissioner Nadeau referred to Commissioner Raia’s question about recording no votes and abstentions in the meeting minutes. She said she believed that had been done since Commissioner Hunter was Chairperson. She thought it was important to have in the record generally who votes no and who abstains and since the Commission would not meet again before the meeting minutes were prepared, she thought the question should be decided now so guidance could be given.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said the question would be taken up by the Executive Committee. The issue was not on the agenda.

Commissioner Nadeau suggested that the public had a right to know how the question was decided so it should be done in a public forum.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said the Executive Committee would bring it back to the public to let them know.

Public Safety and Public Safety Committee Report

Commissioner Muhammad presented the Public Safety Committee report and asked that it be entered into the minutes of the meeting: The report follows:

ANC 1B PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT

COMMISSIONER SEDRICK MUHAMMAD,

CHAIRPERSON, PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

AUGUST 5, 2010

Below is a summary of some public safety incidents that took place between July 1 and August 5.

July 7

Approx. 7:49am

U st is shut down due to oil in street.

July 11

Approx. 9;20pm

Fire in 2125 4^th St NW

July 14

Approx. 2;19pm

Motor vehicle collision, several injuries

July 19

Approx. 7;23am

Motor vehicle collision. 2 car wreck. 1 on its side.

July 23

Approx. 11:02am

Suspicious package on 900 block of Westminster St

July 26

Approx 12;24pm

Cyclist struck at 7^th& T Street NW

August 4

Yesterday afternoon

Pedestrian stuck at 13^th & Florida Ave NW

Below is the PSA 304 & PSA 305 Crime Stat Report from July 5 to August 4

PSA 304

Number of Crimes that Occurred Between

Crime Type

7/5/2009 to 8/4/2009

07/5/2010 to 08/4/2010

% Change

Homicide

0 [view map]

N/A

Sex Abuse

0 [view map]

100

Robbery Excluding Gun

3 [view map]

No Change

Robbery With Gun

1 [view map]

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Excluding Gun

1 [view map]

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Gun

0 [view map]

N/A

Total Violent Crime

5 [view map]

Burglary

1 [view map]

Theft

20 [view map]

Theft F/Auto

15 [view map]

Stolen Auto

4 [view map]

Arson

0 [view map]

N/A

Total Property Crime

40 [view map]

Total Crime

45 [view map]

PSA 305

Number of Crimes that Occurred Between

Crime Type

7/5/2009 to 8/4/2009

07/5/2010 to 08/4/2010

% Change

Homicide

0 [view map]

N/A

Sex Abuse

0 [view map]

100

Robbery Excluding Gun

11 [view map]

Robbery With Gun

4 [view map]

300

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Excluding Gun

3 [view map]

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Gun

2 [view map]

N/A

Total Violent Crime

20 [view map]

Burglary

2 [view map]

Theft

23 [view map]

Theft F/Auto

27 [view map]

Stolen Auto

12 [view map]

Arson

0 [view map]

N/A

Total Property Crime

102

64 [view map]

Total Crime

117

84 [view map]

Commissioner Moss added to Commissioner Muhammad’s report that on Monday, August 2^nd, the LeDroit Park Market was robbed at gunpoint at about 4:00 PM in the afternoon. The surveillance cameras inside and outside got good images and a good description of the suspect. There have been no arrests to date. The Metropolitan Police Department has increased presence in LeDroit Park. There was also another robbery today, an attempted break-in of someone’ residence at 4^th and U Streets. Commissioner Moss urged residence to be aware and safe.

Design Review Applications and Design Review Committee Report

Chairperson Anderson Holness called on Mr. Tony Norman, Chairperson the Design Review Committee.

Mr. Norman reported that there was no committee meeting in July and therefore no committee report. However, the committee did have an informal meeting with the Howard Theatre developer and architect. Nine members of the committee attended an hour-long discussion of the project. The committee was very impressed and hopefully the project will move forward. The committee was able to review some of the exterior designs for the project, but the developer was reluctant to reveal interior design details. He wants to release those at a major grand opening celebration. The committee was very pleased with what they are trying to do.

Mr. Norman said that the Commission should review the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum application for a public space permit for signage at the Grimke School, 1425 Vermont Avenue N.W. The deadline for public comment is August 31^st, but the application was received after the committee’s informal meeting.

He recommended that the Commission request an extension of time so that the committee can review the application and make a recommendation for action at the September 2^nd meeting.

Commissioner Ferrer moved that ANC 1B request that the DDOT Public Space Committee extend the public comment period for the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum public space application to September 15^th so that the Commission can review and comment on the application.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 6 yes, 0 no.

Liquor Licenses and ABC Committee Report

Commissioner Raia said there was no committee report.

1819 14^th Ventures LLC 1819 14^th Street N.W. – application for new Retail Class C Restaurant License

Commissioner Raia said that there was a time problem with this application, so he had met with the applicant and asked him to come to this meeting to present his application.

Mr. Andrew Kline, attorney for the applicant, introduced Mr. Latif Gulier, the applicant, and said that he is the owner of MASA 14 This business will be located just a couple of doors down from it. Mr. Kline said that all the information was contained in the meeting agenda, which was very helpful, and he did not have anything to add. The agenda stated with regard to this application:

New restaurant/taqueria with entertainment serving Mexican cuisine.

Entertainment to include acoustic bands, Mexican-style music. Restaurant

will have Summer Garden with 99 seats and Sidewalk Café with 14 seats.

Total occupancy load: 274. Hours of operation: Sunday 10 am-5 am,

Mon-Thurs 8 am-5 am, Fri-Sat 8 am-5 am. Hours of alcoholic beverage

sales/service/consumption: Sun. 10 am-2 am; Mon-Thurs. 8 am-2 am;

Fri-Sat 8 am-3 am. Sidewalk Café & Summer Garden hours of operation and

sale/service/consumption of alcoholic beverages: Sun. 10 am-2 am;

Mon-Thurs. 8 am-2 am; Fri-Sat 8 am-3 am. Hours of live entertainment:

Sun-Thurs 6 pm-2 am; Fri-Sat. 6 pm-3 am.

Mr. Kline said that the applicant would be happy to review the building plans with the Commission and said they would answer any questions.

Commissioner Raia noted that the closing time of 5:00 AM did not mean that the business would be serving liquor until 5:00 AM. This time provided for a “soft closing” that allowed for the gradual departure of patrons in a way that did not disturb residential neighbors. The whole restaurant will be open until 5:00 AM, but liquor will be served only until 2:30 AM.

Mr. Kline referred to the first floor plan for the building and said that the front part of the first floor was the taqueria and that was the area that would be open later. The restaurant is a casual, inexpensive concept.

Chairperson Anderson Holness commented that was exactly what the neighborhood needed – great food at a reasonable price.

Commissioner Akinmboni asked if the business would be located next to or near residents.

Mr. Kline said that the location was not very close to residents. It was next door to the Black Cat on 14^th Street.

Commissioner Raia said there were residences located behind the business.

Commissioner Akinmboni expressed concern about a restaurant being open until 5 AM on Mondays when people have to get up to go to work.

Mr. Kline said the entire restaurant would not be open that late, only the taqueria at the front of the building.

Commissioner Raia said it would be like a 24-7 that was open all night. There were many small businesses in the city that stayed open that late or later.

Commissioner Raia said that the business was operated by the owners of MASA 14, and they had learned from their experiences with that roof deck. They have consulted with Historic Preservation, which has approved their plan for a roof deck with sound barriers on three sides to mitigate noise.

Commissioner Raia said that the applicant had gone a long way in working with the community and that he was willing to enter into a voluntary agreement similar to the one with MASA 14.

Commissioner Ferrer asked Mr. Gulier if he would confirm that he was willing to enter into a voluntary agreement with the Commission similar to the one with MASA 14 .

Mr. Gulier said he was willing.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the application of 1819 14 Ventures LLC for a new Restaurant Class C license, on condition that the applicant negotiate a voluntary agreement with the Commission.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Grant Applications and Grants Committee Report

Commissioner Akinmboni presented the report of the Grants Committee:

GRANTS COMMITTEE REPORT

July 27, 2010

Commissioner Rosemary Akinmboni, Chairperson

The Grants Committee met July 27, 2010 at 7 pm. In attendance were Commissioners Akinmboni, Nadeau, and Lopez as well as applicant from Howard University Dr. Rodney Ellis, applicants from Banneker Little League Jean Homza, and Supreme Aquil.

Howard Theatre Restoration grant application

The committee heard from Dr. Ellis on behalf of the Howard Theatre Restoration Inc., asking for support of the 100^th anniversary celebration where there will be exhibits, music, poetry. The ANC would be contributing to the printing and production of a commemorative program that will go to all attendees (city-wide and outside the city). There is collaboration with DC Arts Commission. He provided some background on the restoration of the Howard Theatre and plans for the museum. The applicant indicated that they wanted this to be a community event, which is why they are not charging admission. The committee agreed that $5,000 seemed like a large amount of money for a one-time event, that this would be essentially funding a quarter of the costs of the entire event. The committee recommended the Commission support this grant in the amount of $1,500.

Banneker City Little League grant application

The committee heard from Jean Homza and Supreme Aquil of the Banneker City Little League on the need for the league in our community. They will be starting an entire league, not just a team. They explained the need for this opportunity in this part of the city, the opportunity for youth development and mentoring opportunities for the community. The T-ball camp will be at Harrison Recreation Center and Banneker will be the home base. They have been advertising at every parks and recreation center in Ward One and community list serves. 9:30 Club has committed $6,000. The applicant has increased their request to $3483.51 and the Committee has reviewed the budget and recommends the Commission support the grant in the amount of $3,000.

Grants Budget and Consideration of Future Grant Applications

If the recommendations of the committee are accepted, the total expenditures of the Commission will be $30,595, which is $595 above the budget allotted for Fiscal Year 2010 (ending September 30).

The committee requests that the full Commission permit them to continue considering grants for the remainder of the fiscal year, but that rather than amending the budget for the remaining months, the Commission will vote on each grant with a special motion permitting the budget to be increased by that particular amount.

Howard Theatre Restoration Inc. Grant Application

Commissioner Moss introduced Dr. Rodney Ellis, Interim Chair of Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc. She thanked Commissioners Akinmboni, Nadeau and other members of the Grants Committee for their work, but expressed disappointment with the Committee recommendation.

Commissioner Moss said that the historic Howard Theatre opened in 1910. It predates the Apollo Theatre in New York City. The Howard was the first African-American theatre built in the United States. She said the building is now about to be renovated and revitalized. She asked Dr. Ellis to explain the grant application.

Dr. Ellis said that the Howard Theatre originally opened on August 22, 1910. On August 22^nd they will celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the theatre opening. They are asking the Commission to help fund the brochure that will be handed out to all attendees at the celebration. They are expecting as many as 1,000 people to attend. The brochure will explain the history of the theatre, the neighborhood and describe how the theatre is a national treasure. The cost of the production and printing of the brochure would be about $5,000.00. The grant application requests funds primarily for the cost of the brochure.

Chairperson Anderson Holness commented that the Howard Theatre is such a landmark in Washington DC that it is like introducing the President of the United States of America. You just say this is the Howard Theatre; it’s almost like the 9:30 Club. They haven’t been around as long as the Howard Theatre. She thought it was such a great asset to our community and a great historical site. We do not put enough emphasis on the Howard Theatre and what it really means in our community. We talk about the Lincoln Theatre, but the Howard Theatre is the theatre in this country. She said everyone was glad Dr. Ellis and the organization had taken an interest in bringing the Howard back. She remembered as a little girl being a part of that with her uncle. The Howard Theatre was the place that everybody went to see all the stars. She thanked Dr. Ellis for coming and for doing what he was doing.

Commissioner Moss moved that ANC 1B approve the Howard Theatre grant application in the sum of $4,000.00 and that the Commission utilize the additional $1,000.00 to place an ad in the brochure from ANC 1B congratulating the theatre on its 100^th anniversary.

Commissioner Raia seconded the motion.

Commissioner Nadeau said there was an issue with procedure because of the budget

Chairperson Anderson Holness said there was no issue with procedure or budget until the motion was adopted, and then the Commission could deal with the budget. The Treasurer was present and she thought the issue had been discussed in terms of the budget.

Commissioner Nadeau suggested the Commission needed to pass an additional motion on the budget before approving the grant.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said there was a motion on the floor, and it could be either voted up or voted down.

Commissioner Muhammad asked whether the Commission could afford to contribute $4,000 to a brochure when it had contributed $5,000 to the Columbia Heights-Shaw Collaborative, which was a very good expense, and which assisted and continues to assist a lot of constituents.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said that the brochure was $1,000 and the grant application was for $4,000; the $1,000 was for the ad in the brochure.

Commissioner Muhammad commented that the Commission was paying for the brochure, and then paying for an ad in the brochure that they were paying for. He asked if that really made sense.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said no, that was not what the Commission was voting on, and she wanted to clarify it. The Commission was voting on a grant of $4,000 to the Howard Theatre Restoration Inc. to do this project and the Commission was buying an ad for $1,000 in the brochure.

Commissioner Moss said the grant funds were not solely for the brochure. The grant included administrative costs, a videographer, a photographer, and a litany of activities associated with organizing this event.

Commissioner Muhammad asked if the Commission could realistically afford $4,000 for one event and $1,000 for an ad.

Commissioner Moss said that the Commission had placed ads often in other publications.

Commissioner Muhammad said that the Commission had not paid $1,000.

Commissioner Moss agreed.

Chairperson Anderson Holness there was an historical aspect to the brochure.

Commissioner Moss said there was an historical aspect to the theatre.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said the ANC would be a part of that and would be a part of the brochure in perpetuity that will go in the Howard Theatre when it is reopened.

Commissioner Muhammad asked if the Commission could justify to its constituents taking out a $1,000 ad as opposed to spending that money somewhere else where it might have more effect and impact, instead of a one-day event.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said she thought the Commission could because they were talking about being part of a historical piece in ANC 1B. It was a very great opportunity for the Commission to be a part of that and she thought they could justify it. Howard Theatre justified itself.

Commissioner Nadeau said that the Committee heard from the applicant that Commission funds would go to the publication of the brochure and it would be nice if the Commission could get ….

Chairperson Anderson Holness said that Commissioner Moss had just said that a portion of the funds would go to the brochure and a portion to other expenses.

Commissioner Nadeau said that was not what had been presented to the Committee.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said that was what Commissioner Moss was saying would be done with the money.

Commissioner Nadeau asked if the Commission could hear from the applicant.

Dr. Ellis said the cost of producing the brochure would be $5,000, and in creating an event like this they had administrative costs, audio equipment costs, the videographer, and all of the things that happen to help make an event like this go on. It would certainly help them to have ads that would help reduce the cost of the event.

Commissioner Nadeau said she thought the Commission needed to know today exactly where their money would go. She did not care whether it was the brochure or the videographer; in her mind both of these things were equally valuable, but the Commission had an obligation to know where our dollars were going so that we know what receipts we are getting so that we can be compliant with the DC Auditor’s requirements. That was the discussion the Committee had. She did not know whether the videographer was more towards entertainment, which the Commission was not allowed to spend funds on. The Commission had to be careful.

Chairperson Anderson Holness and Commissioner Moss said that the videographer was there to document the event and create a documentary.

Commissioner Nadeau said she did not know how administrative support broke down either.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said that the Commission could vote the motion up or vote it down.

Commissioner Muhammad asked if the ANC that represents the area where the Historical Society on K Street NW is located was contributing to the event.

Commissioner Moss said yes.

Commissioner Muhammad asked how much that ANC was contributing.

Commission Moss said that they were contributing in-kind services. They were allowing the use of their facility at no cost.

Commissioner Muhammad asked if the ANC controlled the Historical Society.

Commissioner Moss said no. There were two separate events on the same day. The reception will be held at the Carnegie Library. The actual centennial celebration for the entire public and all of ANC 1B plus the rest of the District of Columbia will be in front of the Howard Theatre.

Commissioner Muhammad asked what costs the other ANC was contributing.

Commissioner Moss said the Library was allowing the Howard Theatre to host a reception for all of the District of Columbia at no cost at the Library.

Commissioner Muhammad said he understood, but the question was what the ANC was doing.

Commissioner Moss said she did not know what that ANC was doing. That ANC was in Councilmember Jack Evans’s ward.

Commissioner Muhammad said that was his point.

Commissioner Moss said that the applicant was meeting the prerequisite of going to other entities and insuring additional funds; one source is DC Humanities. They were also going to the Bloomingdale community in Ward Five, so they were not just solely looking to the Commission for support.

Commissioner Muhammad asked Dr. Ellis if he had gone to the ANC in Ward Two where this event would be held for support.

Dr. Ellis said they had not, as of yet, done so. They did plan to talk with that ANC. He said there were other sources of support, such as the DC Arts Commission and other organizations that they were asking for support.

Commissioner Nadeau thanked Commissioner Muhammad for the points he had made. She said the Committee was concerned that the Commission was being asked to fund one-quarter of the cost of this event in an amount that is one-sixth of the entire grant budget, for an event that takes place on one night for something that is undoubtedly a historic landmark in our community, but the event would be drawing not only citywide, but also beyond the city. The program book would be going not only to participants but it would not be staying within DC in its reach or in Ward One or in ANC 1B

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked Commissioner Nadeau what her question was.

Commissioner Nadeau said that her point was that she did not see how the Commission in good conscience could spend this much on a one-time event when we have lots of need in this community.

Chairperson Anderson Holness called for a vote on the motion.

The vote was by roll call.

YES NO

Moss Muhammad

Raia Nadeau

Ferrer Akinmboni

Anderson Holness

The motion was adopted, 4 yes, 3 no, 0 abstain

Grant Budget Increase

Commissioner Ferrer moved that the 2010 grant budget be increased by $4,595 to $38,595.

Commissioner Raia seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Banneker City Little League Grant Application

Chairperson Anderson Holness said she was elated and excited about the Banneker City Little League coming to Ward One. Everyone she talked with was excited about the return of Little League baseball. She called on Jean Homza of the 9:30 Club to explain their grant application.

Ms. Homza introduced Supreme Aquil, President of Banneker City Little League. It is his vision for the little league that she is supporting. She said Mr. Aquil had been coaching in the Northwest Little League, which is west of the Rock Creek Parkway. There is another Little League east of the Anacostia River. The new Banneker City Little League will cover all or parts of Wards One, Two, Four, Five and Six. He wanted to start a league, not just sponsor a couple of teams. She said the 9:30 Club has committed money to start the league. They will be sponsoring a couple of teams, but their money now is focused on getting the league started. There are lots of costs associated with getting started, which is why they were applying for a grant.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said that the Grants Committee had recommended approval of $3,000.00. As Commissioner for single-member district 1B11, she concurred in that recommendation.

Commissioner Raia asked if businesses would be able to sponsor the shirts for kids to wear.

Ms. Homza said yes they would. They were trying to keep the cost of joining down to $25.00 per kid to make sure as many as possible participate, and if someone really can’t afford $25.00, they want to be able to provide the uniform. They will have full uniforms. She did not know the cost yet, but they would be going to businesses for support.

Ms. Homza said they were starting with two teams, one T-Ball team for five and six year olds, and one AA team for seven and eight year olds. There will be a fall league. They will be doing a camp this coming weekend.

Mr. Aquil said it was a free camp. They had a goal of 28 kids, but have signed up 32. They get free shirts and hats and a free lunch. Ben’s Chili Bowl is catering on Sunday and Subway is catering on Saturday.

Ms. Homza said that there would be a spring league and more teams would be added. They hoped to grow as big as Northwest and Cap City leagues.

Commissioner Muhammad noted that many more families would want to participate and many might not be able to afford the cost. Could the Commission increase the grant to $3,500 to help those families.

Commissioner Akinmboni said that the Committee had agreed to the $3,000 amount with the understanding that the League could come back to the Commission with another application in the fall.

Commissioner Nadeau said that they had reviewed the costs to make sure that ANC funds were applied to permissible expenses. The maximum amount of permissible expenses now was $3,400.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said she would like to see the grant amount increased to $3,400, but the league was in her single-member district and she was sitting as Chair, so she requested Commissioner Muhammad to move that amount.

Commissioner Muhammad moved that ANC 1B approve the Banneker City Little League grant application for $3,400.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Friends of Harrison Recreation Center/U Street Neighborhood Association grant extension

Commissioner Nadeau moved that the Friends of Harrison Recreation Center grant be extended until September 30, 2010 so that the project can be completed, with the grant recipient submitting a final report and receipts at that time.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Chairperson Anderson Holness thanked Commissioner Akinmboni for her work as Grants Committee Chair and Commissioner Nadeau for assisting her.

New Business

There was no new business.

Community Events & Announcements

Commissioner Muhammad announced that the South Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association, of which he is the president, would be meeting on Wednesday, August 18th, at 7:00 PM, at the Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15^th Street N.W. This will be a joint meeting with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) PSA 304. The guest speaker this month will be Brian Sivak, Chief Technology Officer of the District of Columbia.

Commissioner Nadeau announced that the third screening of the U Street Movie Series would occur on Tuesday, August 10 in the Harrison Recreation Center Park. The film to be shown was The Soloist.

Commissioner Moss announced that she and the community were working actively to get Councilmember Marion Barry to remove his hold on the Gage-Eckington park project. This is an approved project for $1.5 million. The hold has blocked the effort to get the project started, but she was optimistic that the situation would be resolved soon.

Chairperson Anderson Holness announced that ANC 1B11 would be holding its regular monthly single-member district meeting on Monday, August 9, 2010, in the LeDroit Senior Building where they meet every month.

Commissioner Ferrer announced that the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force would be having its community review of Georgia Avenue on Saturday, August 7, 2010 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Howard School of Architecture, 6^th Street and Howard Place N.W. The Task Force has been working to get residents and business input on what is needed for the lower Georgia Avenue corridor from New Hampshire Avenue to S Street.

Ms. Andrea Doughty announced that the first branding workshop for the ARTS Overlay branding project will be hosted by Andy Shalal of Busboys and Poets and will take place on Tuesday, August 31 from 6 to 8 PM.

[Several community announcements were inaudible.]

Commissioner Moss moved that the August 2010 be adjourned.

Commissioner Ferrer seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.