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ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B
Government of the
Minutes
Thursday, December 4,
2008, 7 PM,
The
regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, December 4, 2008, at
7:00 pm in the
Chairman
Smith called the meeting to order at 7:22 pm and informed the Commission and
community that other Commissioners would be arriving late. Due to the lack of quorum at the beginning of
the meeting, the agenda was not followed as presented on paper. Items that did not require a vote were
addressed first.
Officer’s Reports
Commissioner Nadeau presented
the minutes from the July/August meeting for approval. The minutes were approved unanimously. She also presented minutes from the September
meeting for approval. The minutes were
approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s
Report
Commissioner Spalding reviewed the checks for September,
October, and November. The following checks drawn over the past 3 months:
· Check
1691- $1,500-Be the Change (grant recipient)
· Check
1692- $28.78- Spalding-office expenses
· Check
1693- $552.20- wages for Bianca Body
· Comptroller
of
· Check
1694- $22.36- Comptroller of Maryland for tax withholding
· Check
1695- $96.83- United States Treasury for tax withholding
· Check
1696- $18.36- DC Department of Employment Services (unemployment services)
· Check
1697 - $198.34- November wages for Bianca Body
· Check
- $59.94- Phil Spalding for internet site hosting.
Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B approve the
checks. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion. The motion passes 6-0.
The November 28th bank statement showing the
current balance and activity was included in the Commissioners’ packets. A deposit of $16, 080.40 from November and a
similar deposit in October are the full fiscal allotments from the District for
2008. The current balance from the
November statements is $96, 916.06. Commissioner Spalding moved that he
Commission approve the Treasurer’s report.
Commissioner Conklin seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0. Chairman Smith
discussed the three year audit and commended Commissioner Spalding for his
work.
Commissioners Spalding presented the fiscal year 2009
ANC1B budget for approval. He suggested
that he Commission approve the budget.
The deduction from allotments in fiscal year 2009 will be reasonable and
can be dealt with outside the annual budget adjustments. Annual budget adjustments have been made to
the originally presented budget to accommodate for office space and equipment
as suggested the vice chairman.
Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B approve the fiscal year 2009
budget from October 1, 2008 – September 30, 2009. Commissioner Hoerrner seconded the
motion. Chairman Smith asked about line 18,
the grant budget for the year.
Commissioner Spalding stated that the grants amount is slightly
lower. When the budget was presented in
September he tried to balance the budget, and did so by reducing all the items
and then tried to reconcile that and decreased the number on grants from
$20,000 to $15,000. If the Commission
decides to exceed any numbers through the year, a vote will be needed.
Commissioner Conklin thanked Phil for his hard work as
Treasurer, especially on the three year audit.
She also spoke out about the grants.
She stated that for several years the Commission has known about the
lack of accountability on grant reporting, yet grants are still awarded to these
organizations. As a result, the
Commission has had to pay the city back for grants that have not been
compliant. Commissioner Conklin also
stated that giving grants is an important role of the Commission, but financial
accountability should be as well. She
stated that she is hopeful that the new Commission will act strongly on
stressing the importance of accountability procedures with grantees.
Commissioner
Nadeau stated that she would approve the budget as is, but wanted to discuss
the line for wages and adding additional staff for bookkeeping or other items that
may be needed in the future. She wanted
the Commission to recognize that they would have to vote to change the budgeted
amount. Chairman Smith thanked both
Commissioners Conklin and Nadeau for their comments. He believes that as the Commission moves
forward that lapses in grant reporting will not be a continued problem. Smith also thank Commissioner Spalding for
his work, and agreed that moving forward the Commission must be more stringent
on grant applications while keeping in mind that grants are in place to help
the community in a positive way. After
discussion, the motion was adopted 6-0.
The finished fourth quarter report is available. After it is approved and the final letter is
finished, copies will be available for full review. The only unreported issue in the report is
Grant 08-13 because the statement and receipts have not been submitted. Dunning letters have been sent to the
applicant. Commissioner Spalding moved
that ANC1B approve the 4th quarter fiscal year 2008 report. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion. Commissioner Nadeau asked for the name of the
grantee. Commissioner Spalding stated
“Be the Change”. The motion was adopted
6-0. Commissioner Spalding stated that
he needed the signatures of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Consent
Agenda
Commissioner Spalding stated that currently there is
nothing on the consent agenda. This is
something the Commission is working on for next year. The Commissioners are informed of items that
are not controversial, and if no one has an objection, those items will go on
the consent agenda.
Committee
Reports
Commissioner Nadeau presented proclamations for
outgoing Commissioners Hunter, Spalding and Hammonds.
Commissioner Nadeau read the proclamation for
Commissioner Hunter. Then, she moved
that the Commission offer this proclamation under the signature of the
Chairman. Commissioner Spalding seconded
the motion. The motion was adopted
6-0. Commissioner Nadeau read the
proclamation for Commissioner Hammonds.
She moved that the Commission so proclaim under the signature of the Chairman. Commissioner Hoerrner seconded the motion. The proclamation was adopted 6-0. She read the proclamation for Commissioner
Spalding, and then moved that the Commission so proclaim under the signature of
the Chairman. Commissioner Conklin
seconded the motion. She stated that it
was great opportunity to serve with Commissioner Spalding and his service to
the ANC is immeasurable. The motion was
adopted 6-0.
Events
and Announcements
Commission
Commissioner Nadeau announced the following:
Pepco has energy assistance funding available.
On January 4, 2009, you will need a Smartrip card to
transfer from bus to bus for free and bus to train or train to bus for a
discounted fare.
The District Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning
and Economic Development invites submission of applications to the NIF Target Area
Project grant authorized under resolution 17-824 Neighborhood Investment Act
Spending Plan for fiscal year 2009. 3.9
million dollars is available for this round of funding. Applications have been released and the
deadline for receipt is on January 12, 2009 at 4pm. In order to obtain more information, visit
www.dcbiz.dc.gov or www.opgd.dc.gov.
DDOT has completed a change in pavement markings on
Commissioner Spalding announced the following:
Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association will have its
holiday party at Nelly’s on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 7pm. The dues to join are $15.00.
Commissioner Hoerrner announced:
On Saturday, December 13, 2008 the LeDroit Park
Civic Association,
Commissioner Smith announced the following:
The Pleasant Plains Civic Association will have its
holiday party at the
Community
Chief
Saunders from the DC Fire Department Engine Company #11 was present and gave
residents tips for a safe holiday season.
Residents were given the following tips:
·
Do
not purchase extension cords from the dollar store because they are not high
quality. Only use UL/FM rated extension
cords because they are heavy duty and give more protection
·
Check
your extension cords for wear. Do not
run them under rugs.
·
Remember
to water the Christmas tree on a daily basis.
·
Remember
to turn off the Christmas lights at night or when you leave the house
·
Use
candles that have a non-combustible base
·
Christmas
lights should be tested and checked for cracked cords before they are used.
·
Check
furnace for carbon monoxide leaks every year.
·
Inspect
your chimney for debris that may block smoke from exiting
·
Carbon
detectors should be used if furnace is supplied with natural gas
·
Carbon
detectors should be kept near furnace and sleeping area.
·
Check
your smoke and carbon detectors. If you
don’t have one, you can get one from the fire department. Call 202-727-1600 for more information.
·
Kerosene
heaters are illegal in the District.
·
You
can use electronic heaters, but they must be kept at least 3 feet away from any
combustibles.
·
Remember
to turn off the heaters when you are asleep or not at home. Make sure you are not storing the heater by
any solvents or flammable liquids.
·
Fire
extinguishers are needed in the cooking area of the residence. The gage must be
in the green area to still be in good condition.
·
Portable
wood burning stoves should be kept out of high traffic areas and away from
furniture and drapery. Do not use
unseasoned r wet wood in wood burning stoves or the fireplace. Do not use pine either.
·
Maintain
a briskly burning fire; do not let it smolder.\
·
Inspect
stove pipes and chimney liners before using them each year. Chief Saunders recommended having a
professional check the chimney for broken bricks, birds’ nests, etc.
·
Use
a metal can to dispose of ashes.
·
Remember
to bleed your water heater.
·
Pay
close attention to where your water heater is located. 0 clearance means it sits on the floor, and
non zero clearance means that it is on a concrete block off the floor.
The
African-American Holiday Celebration Marketplace and Healthfair will take place
on Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 11am-5pm at the
Jacob
Ortiz, Associate Director of the Howard University Community Association
announced the 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of
Service. There will be a Food/
Brent
Sisco of the Department of Parks and Recreation has received funding to work on
a park. There will be a meeting at the
Presentations
Joel Bergner presented information for a two story
In order to prepare for the mural, Mr. Bergner will
interview five people from the Afro-Columbian community for ideas. He will also travel to
Commissioner Spalding asked if Historic Preservation
needed to approve the mural. He also
recommended that Mr. Bergner present to the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association. Commissioner Nadeau asked if it was possible
to create the mural on a non-demolishable canvas. Resident Eileen Johnson inquired about the
plans to deter graffiti artists from messing up the mural. Mr. Bergner said that a clear coat of could be put over mural to protect
it. If the mural is sprayed after the
coat is applied, the spray paint can be wiped off.
BZA,
HPRB, DDOT Applications
Commissioner Spalding reviewed HPRB 09-004, the
Temperance Row application. The Public
Welfare Office is proposing to build homes in the interior lots in the alley
system of _______. This came before the
Zoning Commission 6 years ago and was defeated.
The new proposal was not substantially changed for the new
submission. Public Welfare presented to
the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association, and they sent a letter to the
Commission. The letter stated, “CSNA supports the creation of more affordable
housing in the greater
Commissioner Spalding reviewed BZA applications
17871 for
ABRA
Licenses
Commissioner
Spalding reviewed the following applications:
Duke’s
City, now Indulj is changing from a restaurant (CR license) to a CN or CT
license.
The
Gibson a new bar located next to Marvin on
International
Grill was on a past agenda, but due to a lack of quorum the Commission could
not protest the application. There is a
group of five protesting, and he is a part of the group.
Twins
Lounge is in show cause because they had entertainment on a Tuesday evening. Commissioner Spalding stated the Commission
will want to address this with Twins at a later date because there is no reason
why they cannot have jazz on a Tuesday night.
Yes!
Organic has opened in the new P.N. Hoffman building.
Hyde
Market at
Commissioner
Smith announced to the community the 24 hour alcohol service during
inauguration weekend.
Commissioner
Spalding reviewed application 80135 for Little Ethiopia Restaurant. This is a new CR01 license requesting full
hours and entertainment. The building is
landlocked and will be completely landlocked next year when a parking lot is
built north of the location. The
building will not have proper receptacles to store and have trash removed from
the facility because it is landlocked.
The Westminster Neighborhood Association sent a letter asking the
Commission to oppose the application. Tutu, a representative for the restaurant was
in attendance to answer any questions of the Commission and the community. She stated that she is the publisher of the
Ethiopian Yellow pages and the President of the
Commissioner
Spalding reviewed application 78849 for The Republic. There is a difficulty in the existing
voluntary agreement with the stated hours of operation. The Republic is requesting a change to hours
and sales. In order to address this difficulty;
he worked with the owners and ABRA to come up with an amendment to the
voluntary agreement. The amendment
allows the owners to apply for no more than six one-day substantial changes to
the operation of the business each calendar year without written consent of the
protestant. The applicant will provide
notice to the protestant when they submit a one-day application. They will be able to have day time hours or
extended evening hours. Resident Eileen
Johnson stated that she did not agree with giving the establishment the ability
to amend its hours six times in a year without giving proper notice to the
community. She wants to have more
community input and wants the Commission to wait for new Commissioners to be
sworn in before voting on this issue. Commissioner
Spalding indicated that this item was on the agenda for last month, but was
unable to be discussed. Ms. Johnson also stated that Commissioner-elect Rhia
expressed concerns about the reopening of the Republic.
Commissioner
Conklin asked about the notice period stated in the amendment and how notice is
given. Commissioner Spalding stated that
there is no specific time frame on the notice period. As soon as they know they will have and
event, they will give notice. Chairman
Smith stated that late bookings might be out of luck. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B
support the amendment to the existing voluntary agreement of The Republic. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0-1. Chairman Smith abstained from the vote.
Commissioner
Spalding reviewed application 75811 for Solly’s U Street Tavern. The application is for a substantial change
to extend the hours of the patio. The current hours are 9am-10pm
Sunday-Thursday and 9am –midnight Friday-Saturday. The changes would add two hours on
Sunday-Thursday and one hour on Friday-Saturday. The business has been operating without any
difficulties. The bar owner is the head
of the public safety committee of the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association and
is very active in the PSA 305 meetings. Commissioner
Spalding moved support of the substantial change to the current sidewalk hours
for liquid inspiration at Solly’s U Street Tavern. Commissioner Moss seconded the motion. Commissioner Hoerrner asked for clarification
on the hours of the business on Sunday-Thursday. After discussion, the motion was adopted
6-0-1.
Commissioner
Moss reviewed license 003439 for Cookie’s Corner. This is a license renewal. Mr. Simon the owner of LeDroit Market is a
very active member of the
Commissioner
Spalding reviewed the application for Union Row. The application is for an additional B
license to be located in the P.N. Hoffman building. The difficulty is the business had not been
placarded and will not be placarded because it is within 400 feet of a new B
license (Yes! Organic Market) and requires DC Council approval. The application is for a specialty wine store
and deli. Mr. David Shot was in
attendance to address any concerns of the Commission and the community. He stated the business would be located in
what is now the sales center of the building.
The store would sell wine and seasonal beer. Festive and wine collector wines would be
sold as well. The deli would be an
Italian or Jewish deli, possibly both.
Chairman Smith recommended that Warre’s Port wine. Commissioner Nadeau requested the deli sell
kosher items. Sean of Towne added that
David is a good person and. Commissioner
Spalding stated that because this is a prohibited location, it cannot go to
ABRA until Councilmember Graham passes legislature on the 400 square feet
rule. The current legislation allows an
exception for Yes! Organic Market in Ward 4 and two licenses in
Grant Applications
Commissioner Moss moved that the
Commission approve grants in block. Commissioner
Akinmboni seconded the motion.
Commissioner Spalding stated that he had specific oppositions to a
number of the grants. Commissioner
Conklin stated that he she has specific concerns because of past grant
issues. The vote was as follows:
Conklin-no
Moss-yes
Akinmboni-yes
Hoerrner-yes
Smith-yes
Spalding-no
Nadeau-
no
Commissioner
Moss withdrew her motion to approve the grants in block. The non-compliant grants were discussed
first. Commissioner Spalding discussed
the Campbell Heights Resident Association grant from last year that was in
non-compliance. Due to the
non-compliance, the Commission will be docked $2,000; therefore, he cannot
approve any monies for them. Commissioner Spalding moved that due to
non-compliance in previous grants that Campbell Heights Resident Association’s
application for a grant of $2,000 be opposed.
Commissioner Hoerrner seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 7-0.
Commissioner
Akinmboni reviewed the Rachel Lord grant application. Commissioner Spalding indicated that the
grant could not be approved because the application stated that the funds were
for a block party, and the Commission is prohibited from using funds for
parties. Commissioner Hoerrner moved to
strike the Rachel Lord grant from the agenda.
Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 7-0.
Commissioner
Akinmboni reviewed the Arose Youth Development grant application. The representative from the organization
stated that the funds would be used to supply youth with hats and gloves for
the winter. Commissioner Spalding stated
the applicant could not apply for two grants in the same calendar year. He also indicated that the Commission could
not approve grants like this due to ownership issues. If the funds are going to purchase items to
be given away, the items are the property of the ANC. They must collect the
items back at the end of the event.
Chairman Smith told Mr. __________ to speak with him after the meeting,
and he would be able to give him contacts with community organizations like the
Prince Hall Masons that could help him purchase the items. Commissioner Spalding moved to strike the Arose
Youth Development grant from the agenda.
Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.
The motion was adopted 5-0-2. Chairman
Smith and Commissioner Akinmboni abstained from the vote.
Chairman
Smith moved to strike the Mentoring Works grant from the agenda because the
event had already occurred. Commissioner
Nadeau seconded the motion. The motion
was adopted 7-0.
Commissioner
Spalding reviewed the MidCity Business Association grant application. Ms. __________ was in attendance to answer
any questions about the application. The
grant would be used to pay for the holiday marketing campaign for businesses on
Commissioner
Moss reviewed grant application 09-06 for the African American Holiday
Association. She acknowledged that the
group had to be contacted due to a previous grant non-compliance issue with the
Auditor. The organization is very
positive and focuses on community events.
The organization is a non-profit 5013c.
The Marketplace and health fair is an event that is open to the
public. The ANC1B grant is the most
reliable grant that the organization receives for this event. The funds support youth for crime and
prevention. They offer young people ages
8-21 on the job training and provides them the opportunity to work and gain
work skills. Youth earn holiday money
from the items they sell, and they are given a stipend to match whatever funds they
earn. Commissioner Moss moved that ANC1B
support the African American Holiday Association grant application for $1,
000. Commissioner Hoerrner seconded that
motion. Commissioner Spalding stated
that the children must be given a check or an invoice to account for the funds
they receive. Commissioner Akinmboni
offered to help Ayo with creating invoices for the youth. The motion was adopted 6-0-1. Commissioner
Conklin abstained from the vote.
Commissioner
Spalding introduced a grant application for the Howard University Community
Association for $1,000 to support the Martin Luther King Volunteer Day. The grant was introduced for January
consideration.
Commissioner
Moss introduced the
Commissioner
Moss moved to suspend the rules of the grant application process for the
purpose of considering the
Commissioner
Moss moved that ANC1B approve the
New
Business
Chairman
Smith reviewed the plan for speed humps on the 700 block of
Commissioner Spalding had a point of order before the
meeting was adjourned. He asked if any
of the previous meetings needed to be closed.
Commissioner Nadeau indicated that the July/August meeting was properly
adjourned and September was opened and adjourned. The October and November meetings were never
opened due to a lack of quorum.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50pm.