ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Minutes

Thursday, February 7, 2008, 7 PM, 1200 U Street NW 

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 7:00 pm in the True Reformer Building, Commissioner Smith being present as Chair, and Commissioner Nadeau present as Acting Secretary.  Other Commissioners present: Akinmboni, Hunter, Moss, and Spalding. 

At 7:10pm, Chairman Smith called the meeting to order and asked for introductions.  Commissioner Smith then asked the Commissioners’ permission for a change in procedure that is more in accordance with the Roberts Rules of Order.  The new procedure being as follows: 1) a presentation will be given by group indicated on the agenda, 2) the public will give feedback on the presentation, 3) the issue will be discussed only by the Commissioners, and 4) a motion will be made about the issue. The Commissioners agreed with the new procedure.

 Officers Reports 

Commissioner Nadeau presented the minutes from the January meeting for approval.  The January meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve the ANC’s participation in the ANC Security Fund and authorize the Treasurer to pay the $25 fee for the period of January 1, 2008-December 31, 2008.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nadeau. The motion was adopted 6-0. Commissioner Spalding then moved for the authorization of checks.

·         Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve check # 1657 ($29.97)-to Phil Spalding for a three month website rental fee.  Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  Commissioner Hunter suggested the ownership of the website be transferred from Commissioner Spalding to the ANC.  After discussion about website, the motion was adopted 6-0.

·         Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve check #1658 ($200.00)-to Nikki Akinyeye for consulting fees.  Ms. Akinyeye assists the Treasurer in preparing documents for ANC1B.  Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.

·         Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve a reimbursement check- to be written to Brianne Nadeau for $44.29.  This check is for the purchase of an assortment of secretarial items for the ANC.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0. Commissioner Spalding made the Commission aware that the revised reports from October 2007, November 2007, December 2007, January 2008, and first quarter 2008 must be revised again.  All the reports must be revised to meet the auditor’s rules and will be presented at the March 2008 meeting. All information in the reports is accurate; however, transactions must be listed according to the issuing date, not the clearing date on checks.  Due to a bank error, ANC 1B will have to revise reports from the last 11months as well as revise and resubmit second, third, and fourth quarter reports for the 2007 calendar year .  These revisions will also affect the timely submission of the first quarter 2008 report.  The auditor has been given notice of the delay in submission.  Tentatively, all changed reports will be presented at the March 2008 meeting.   The bank error stems from an allotment to ANC1A being deposited into ANC 1B’s bank account.  The error noticed in late Nov. 2007 and the money was debited from ANC1B’s account.  This error caused the reports listed above to reflect the wrong numbers.

The grant guidelines and application have been revised.  After reviewing the changes, Commissioners are asked to let Commissioner Spalding know of any revisions to be made. 

Commissioner Spalding presented the 2008 proposed budget for ANC 1B.   He turned the discussion over to Chairman Smith with the hopes to pass a budget that evening.  Chairman Smith asked Commissioners for their suggestions and thoughts on the budget.  Commissioner Spalding stated that the budget is based on the budget from previous years.  There are some additions to the budget for new staff (tax withholding, office supplies, etc).  Commissioner Nadeau gave an explanation of the new staff additions to the budget.  The Commission will need to purchase a laptop computer for electronic storage, hire a service to scan past documents into a filing system, a printer, and potential office space in the future  

 The amount for grants remained the same.  Chairman Smith stated that the amount for grants is exceeded every year. Commissioner Nadeau stated that a real number needs to be given for grants in order to avoid going over budget.  The Commissioners discussed the grants amount from last year.

Commissioner Moss further discussed the office space issue and suggested an amount be budgeted for office space rental.  Chairman Smith agreed that adding a number to the budget for office space rental is necessary because the Commission needs a central location to keep files.  Commissioner Spalding agreed as well and stated that any number can be placed in the budget for office space rental. Commissioner Akinmboni inquired about space in the police substation being used for office space.  Commissioner Spalding stated that Councilman Graham suggested a shared space with multiple Commissions.  Commissioner Spalding motioned that $4,000 be added to the budget for office space rental.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.  (There wasn’t a vote on the motion)

Chairman Smith asked that the grants amount be increased to $21,500 to reflect the amount spent last year.  Commissioner Spalding did not agree with increasing the grants amount in the budget.  (The Commission receives a $32,000 allotment and increasing the amount for grants would mean spending 60-70% of the allotment on grants.)   Commissioner Moss pointed out that the Commission’s job is  to assist the community and giving funds to the community is an important role of the Commission.  Commissioner Hunter stated that limiting the funds for grants based on the allotment is not acceptable when the Commission has a budget surplus.  He also indicated that Commissions throughout the District are being frowned upon by the Council because of the large budget surpluses.  He also suggested moving surplus funds into an interest bearing account.  Commissioner Akinmboni also supported increasing the grant amount for community organizations.  Commissioner Spalding stated that over the last 5 years the Commission has received $148,000 in allotments and spent $130,000 on grants. Chairman Smith indicated that due to the ANC 1B’s geographic location, the need for increased grant funds is different from other ANCs. Commissioner Hunter moved to accept the new grant amount of $21,500 as suggested by the Chair.  Chairman Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted  5-1 with Commissioner Spalding dissenting..  Commissioner Spalding moved the Commission to accept the proposed 2008 budget.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hunter. The motion was adopted5-1 with Commissioner Spalding dissenting. Commissioner Spalding stated in closing that the Chair and Vice-Chair are needed to sign documents at the dismissal of the meeting.-remove

Chairman’s  Report

Chairman Smith introduced Bianca Body to the Commission and the community.  Ms. Body is the new administrative assistant to the Commission. 

 Announcements

Commission

Commissioner Spalding announced that the Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association will meet at the True Reformer Building on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 7:00p.m.  The meeting will focus on public safety issues and the newly hired Lieutenant Alberto Jova will discuss his plan for PSA 305.  There will also be discussions about the Metropolitan Police Department structural changes for PSA 305.

Commissioner Nadeau announced the following:

  • WETA-TV26- Black History Celebration for the month of February.  Visit www.weta.org for more information.
  • WASA is holding a series of public meetings to discuss potential changes in the lead service replacement program.  There are three meetings left: 
    • Monday, February 11, 2008- 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. at the Southwest Neighborhood Library
    • Tuesday, February 12, 2008- 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. at the Washington Center for the Aging
    • Tuesday, February 26, 2008- 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. at the Fort Stevens Recreation Center

Commissioner Moss announced that the Third District Metropolitan Police Department will have Summer Youth Employment registration at the V Street, NW office from 4:00p.m.-7:00pm.  Officers will be there to assist parents in filling out the necessary documents for their children to work this summer. 

Commissioner Akinmboni announced that 1B03, 1B08, and 1B09 will have a joint single member district meeting on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 7pm.  The meeting will be held at 2801 14th Street, NW.

Community

Commissioner Alexander Padro from ANC 2C announced the new calendar of events from the Historical Society of Washington.  All of the events are free and most will be held at the Historical Society.  There is a new lecture series entitled the Wilson Lecture Series which is held at the John A. Wilson Builiding.  Visit www.historydc.org for more information.   Shaw Main Streets has published the Shaw Heritage Coloring Book.  The coloring book is available at the Watha T. Daniel Library and elementary and middle schools in the District.

Christopher Ziemann, DDOT Ward 2 Transportation Planner, announced the 14th Street Streetscape.  Streetscape did a transportation study of Florida Avenue, NW to Thomas Circle.  There will be a public meeting on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 6:30p.m.-830p.m. at the Studio Theater to report corridor improvement recommendations.  Visit www.14thstreetstudy.com for more information.  He also announced a 15th Street, NW reconfiguration study.  A planning meeting with Councilman Jim Graham is also in the works.

Christina Griffin, Howard University College of Arts and Sciences Community Service Chair, announced Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s 8th Annual Tax Preparation and Information Fair.  The event will be held Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Washington Convention Center from 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

Commission Business

Commissioner Spalding reviewed the DDOT Public Space application submitted by Axis for an unenclosed sidewalk café at 1340 U Street, NW.  Due to a communications problem ANC 1B did not know about the January DDOT Public Space hearing.  The application was heard by DDOT Public Space and was approved with the following conditions: 1) applicant will maintain a six foot clearance on sidewalk, 2) applicant will reduce seating to one four top table only, 3) applicant will revise café (missed word) drawings and resubmit, and  4) no fencing or barriers will be permitted around sidewalk café.  Chairman Smith asked Commissioner Spalding when can ANC 1B request to see revised drawings and plans.  He also stressed the importance of the ANC being involved in the DDOT hearings.

Commissioner Hunter suggested inviting a representative from DDOT to come speak to the Commission.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed DDOT Public Space application submitted by Vinoteca for an unenclosed sidewalk café at 1940 11th Street, NW.  The hearing is scheduled for the February meeting of DDOT Public Space.  Commissioner Spalding received notice of the meeting earlier in the day on Thursday, February 7, 2008; therefore, it was not placed on the agenda for the meeting.  Commissioner Spalding acknowledged the presence of Paul Carson, owner of Vinoteca, and asked him to explain his side of things.  Mr. Carson stated that paperwork was submitted in September and the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2008.  He is willing to wait for ANC 1B to review the application before continuing with the process.  Chairman Smith advised Mr. Carson to let the ANC know in the future about any paperwork he will be submitting. Commissioner Spalding stated due to a lack of notice given to the ANC and community, the Commission cannot go forward with the matter.   The ANC can ask DDOT Public Space to delay the hearing for a month, but most likely it will not happen.  It is unfortunate that the Commission and the community will not get the opportunity to share its comments on the application.-remove Commissioner Spalding instructed Mr. Carson to get in contact with the Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association, give them a copy of his application, and inform  his neighbors of the changes he would like to make.  Commissioner Spalding moved that  ANC 1B send a letter to DDOT Public Space officially requesting a delay in consideration of the Vinoteca application for an unenclosed sidewalk café at 1940 11th Street, NW to the March 2008 meeting. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 6-0.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed the following ABRA cases:

  • Queen Makeda’s license was cancelled.  If Queen Makeda wishes to re-open as a business serving alcohol, they will have to reapply for a new license.
  • Smarta Broadway’s license was revoked by the ABC board. 
  • Towne’s voluntary agreement that was drawn up by the Commission will be reviewed at the upcoming meeting.  Commissioner Moss spoke about Towne being very proactive in the voluntary agreement process.  There will be a meeting on March 5, 2008 to revisit the agreement made with the community.
  • The Black Cat protest is finished and the Board has been writing the decision for the last two months. They expect to have a written decision in the next few weeks.
  • Café Collage was protested by ANC 1B.  They asked for the license to be put in safe keeping after paying all the licensing fees.   The Commission is in an ongoing conversation with the Board to find out if a license in safe keeping can be renewed or if a license that is renewed and in safe keeping be protested.
  • 11th Street Market is in the voluntary process.  Commissioner Spalding indicated he was waiting to hear from Commissioner Hunter concerning the agreement.  Commissioner Hunter stated that the only addition to the agreement is that cigars cannot be sold.  
  • The Prince Hall Masons received a draft a voluntary agreement and sample safety and security guidelines.  Chairman Smith is in contact with Mr. Lacey about finalizing paperwork.
  • All participants in the Tabaq protest have been ill.  Commissioner Spalding created a draft voluntary agreement on behalf of the ANC, but there have not been any meetings about it.
  • The U Street Mini Mart owner Steve Tekle participated in the Council hearings on ABRA last month and requested with the support of the ANC that B licenses be allowed to hold tastings. Due to his testimony a change to regulation will happen
  • The Ulah Bistro should open in the next two weeks.
  • The Velvet Lounge is being sold as a transfer in kind. There will not be a community review.  If the new owners make major changes to the business plan that ABC feels are substantial, it will come to community for review.  If the license is just transferred and remains the same, it will not need a review.
  • The ABC Board has been writing the decision for the last two months on 7 Days Grocery.  A written decision is expected at the end of the month
  • Chuck and Bill’s Bison Lounge voluntary agreement was submitted approved.  Chairman Smith indicated that the owners will meet with him quarterly and a member of the staff will patrol the corners of Fairmont Street, NW and Girard Street, NW.
  • Chairman Smith stated the Harvard Deli business has been sold.  Commissioner Spalding indicated the voluntary agreement transfers with the license to the new owner.
  • International Grill- Due to a violent incident last summer, a police report 251 was filed.  An ABC Board investigation led to a show cause.   Representatives from International Grill approached the Commission for an entertainment endorsement and an extension of hours.  The ANC voted to protest the request.  Unfortunately, the letter sent to the ABC Board did not include the word “protest”; therefore, the ANC was not listed as a protestant.  The Board has asked for clarification of the ANC’s stance.
  • Nellie’s Sports Bar requested the ANC’s support for a substantial change to license 75240, adding dancing to the existing entertainment endorsement.  Doug Schantz owner of Nellie’s was in attendance and explained the reason for the dancing addition to the license.  Commissioner Spalding moved to support the substantial change to Nellie’s license 75240. Commissioner Moss seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.
  • Zula Restaurant requested the ANC’s support for a substantial change to license 60547.  Commissioner Moss moved to support the substantial change to Zula’s license 60547.  Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.
  • Republic Gardens requested the ANC’s support for a new license 7XXXX.  Damali Neal the new owner of Republic Gardens was in attendance and explained her business plan.  Commissioner Spalding and Hunter offered suggestions on what the next steps are in the process.  Commissioner Moss also suggested that Ms. Neal pay attention to the traffic on U Street, NW.   Commissioner Hunter also advised Ms. Neal to obtain legal counsel.  Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission table the application to the March 2008 meeting.  Commissioner Smith seconded he motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.

Grant Applications

There are no grant applications at this time.

Commissioner Spalding announced the revision of 2007 2nd- 4th quarter reports and the 1st quarter report for 2008.  If you know of anyone that does not have their information submitted with receipts to the ANC, please urge them to submit their information. 

New Business

Commissioner Nadeau moved that the Commission support the National Marathon with a letter of endorsement.  Chairman Smith seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.

There was a U Street Historic District Expansion presentation given by Kim Williams of the Historic Preservation Office.  Ms. Williams asked for a partial block expansion between 6th Street and 7th Street, NW and S Street, NW and T Street, NW.  Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission write a letter of support for the project to the Historic Preservation Review Board. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. Commissioner Spaulding added a friendly amendment  changing the recipient of the letter to Historic Preservation Office from of the Historic Preservation Review Board.  The motion was adopted with amendment (6-0).

Chairman Smith asked all Commissioners in need of business cards to e-mail him.  He also suggested a vote for a July recess during the March 2008 meeting.  

The meeting was adjourned at 8:59p.m.