ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

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

6 January 2005, True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW

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

Akinmboni, T. Smith, Mathews, Wright

Quorum was achieved at 7PM. Commissioner Spalding commenced the meeting with no objection from other members. Commissioner Hunter was nominated for the position of Chairperson, and it was seconded, and in a roll call vote Commissioner Hunter was unanimously (11-0-0) chosen at ANC1B Chairperson. Chairperson Hunter took control of the meeting and took time to thank his fellow Commission members for their support. He promised to help the Commission be as efficient as possible and to work to build consensus within the Commission. Commissioner T. Smith was nominated for Vice Chairperson and it was seconded, and Commissioner Moss was nominated for Vice Chairperson and it was seconded. Commissioner Moss stated that she brings over fifteen years of experience in the public policy arena, and in her day job spends considerable time negotiating with differing parties to arrive at solutions. She is committed to making sure that we work well together, that we build consensus, and that we stay committed to doing this job for the people of ANC1B. Commissioner T. Smith stated that he brings six years of knowledge working in the field of architecture, zoning and codes that will be of critical importance in dealing with development in ANC1B’s districts. He is also the acting Secretary for Howard University’s Architecture and Engineering Alumni Association, which could help foster the link between the University and the community which has been missing. In a roll call vote (8-3) Commissioner Moss was chosen as Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Stephens was nominated for the position of Treasurer and it was seconded and was unanimously (11-0) elected to the position. Secretary Spalding was nominated for the position of Secretary, and it was seconded and Commissioner Spalding was retained as Commission Secretary in a unanimous (11-0) vote.

Chairperson Hunter recognized Councilmember Graham, and the Councilmember congratulated the new officers and new members of ANC1B, and said that he looks forward to working with the Commission and its members.

In the Secretary’s Report Commissioner Spalding reviewed actions in the past month that the Commission has been involved in. Community members have signed a voluntary agreement with Tena Café in the 1100 block of V Street. BZA approved variances and exceptions for 906 T Street. Renewal of the nightclub license for Between Friends was protested by CSNA. The Duke Ellington mural, with partial funding from ANC1B, was illuminated. The Mayor’s Agent has approved the proposed subdivision for the First African New Church development. HPRB has sent designs for the corner of 11^th and T back to OHP staff for further work with no decision, and the plans have been scaled back to two units. The new tavern license for Collage Café has been protested by the residents of the 1300 block of T Street. The proposed addition of a gymnasium for Cardozo High School will be following a different review path, and the Secretary has spoken with the Commission of Fine Arts, DCPS, and the architect. The architectural firm has been asked to present before ANC1B this spring. Raze permits have been issued for 923, 925 and 929 Florida Avenue. These are two story industrial buildings and the assumption is that residential housing will be the proposed redevelopment. The Commission has received a response to our request for follow up on the collapse of construction at 1014 W Street from Inspector Abdullah Barrow, and further details will be supplied for the February meeting. NCRC has communicated that all four entries are still in the bidding for development of Parcel 34, and the public meeting scheduled for January 19^th will probably be pushed forward to early February. Secretary Spalding moved approval of the December 2004 minutes, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (11-0-0). In the Treasurer’s Report Commission Spalding thanked past Treasurer Esters for preparing the initial report for this month. The Commission began the past month with a balance of $71,846.27, and in the past month there were no deposits and eight withdrawals including; $2.00 for Bank Service Charge, check #1558 for $161.28 for October Secretarial expenses, check #1559 for $3,000.00 to Council of Latino Agencies, check #1561 for $700.00 to Teaching for Change, check #1562 for $161.69 for November Secretarial expenses, check #1563 for $312.00 for Treasurer’s expenses, check #1564 for $3,000.00 to City Arts, and check #1565 for $2,500.00 to One Common Unity. This brings the total debits for the month to $9,836.97 and leaves a balance of $62,009.30. There are two outstanding checks that have not cleared including check #1516 dated 5/1/03 to Howard University Community Association for $637.86, and check #1560 dated 11/15/04 to Howard University Community Association for $3,000.00. These outstanding items total $3,637.86 and result in a current check book balance of $58,371.44, and Commissioner Spalding moved the Treasurer’s Report and it was seconded. Chairperson Hunter asked about the outstanding items to HUCA, and Commissioner Spalding responded that both were for grants. The earlier check appears to have been lost, however the services applied for in the grant have taken place and accounting for the expenses has been received. The more recent grant allocation is partially explained by a letter from Maybelle Bennett copied to the Commissioners explaining that one of the expense items inside the grant request may be unavailable, and she would like the Commission to consider changing the line items inside the larger grant request. Commissioner Wright stated that HUCA should return the monies allocated for the book purchases, and reapply for the redirected funds for the symposium. Commissioner Spalding indicated that the new Treasurer aided by the previous Treasurer could explore this issue with Ms. Bennett and prepare something for our February meeting. Treasurer Stephens asked for more clarity, and Commissioner Spalding responded that the grant was issued to cover symposium expenses and in the breakdown of those expenses a line item was for the purchase of books, however, the books are not available in the quantity expressed in the line item and Ms. Bennett is requesting the Commission to allow them to shift the balance to other line items included in the grant request. Treasurer’s Report was called and approved unanimously (11-0-0). Secretarial expenses for December including two purchases (1) ink for $37.60, and (2) paper products for $42.70 with receipts for both totaling $80.30, and it was moved that these be reimbursed, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (11-0-0).

In Community Events and Announcements Commissioner Moss announced that phase 2 of the streetscape project in LeDroit Park is underway. A play in honor of LeDroit Park will be presented at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre on February 27^th, and further details are available on the LeDroit Park web site www.ledroitparkdc.com. Commissioner Spalding announced that Marco Santiago is coordinating a MPD3D Fightback scheduled for Tuesday, January 25^th from 10AM to 2PM, and he can be contacted for further information. Commissioner Stephens announced that SOCO will be meeting with developers bidding for Parcel 34 on January 18^th at 7PM at the Boys and Girls Club. Commissioner Moss announced that the African American Civil War Museum will be hosting MLK celebration activities on January 17^th starting at 11AM at the 10^th Street Baptist Church. Clyde Howard announced that the Prince Hall Mason’s would be hosting a MLK tribute on January 17^th from 11AM to 2PM. Mr. Howard also stated that he was present for the signing of the Council action proclaiming the holiday honoring the Emancipation Act of 1862. Ernest Springs of the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association announced that their first meeting of 2005 would be held on January 18^th. Bryan Martin Firvida of the CSNA stated that the organization normally meets in this room on the second Thursday of the month, but the Public Welfare Foundation has moved their monthly Board meeting to that time, consequently the leading candidate for the meeting is this space on the third Thursday of the month. The first meeting will be exploring resurrection of the PSA meeting and electing officers for the organization. Jonathan O’Connell a reporter for DCNorth introduced himself and provided information on contacting him at jonathan_dcnorth@yahoo.com.

In the absence of Scott Pomeroy, Executive Director of the 14^th and U Main Streets Initiative, Commissioner Spalding spoke to the current status of the DDOT U Street/Shaw/Howard University Transportation and Parking Study. The advisory group met last night and discussed streetscape issues, and agreed to postpone the scheduled third public meeting until early February.

Commissioner Spalding also indicated that planning is underway for establishing a group to work with the national Responsible Hospitality Institute. This national planning group was formed by people inside the hospitality industry and targets urban areas where conflicts between the needs of the hospitality industry businesses run into the needs of the residential areas of cities. They have worked with all parties to institute best practices solutions, and are building such a combination of participants in our area. The 14^th and U Main Streets Initiative has secured funding to underwrite the beginnings of this group, and is looking for representation from ANC1B. Commissioner Spalding indicated that he has been working with the planning group, and invited other Commissioners to involved themselves, and promised to email specific meeting times and locations to the Commissioners.

Jerome DuVal, Mayor’s Special Assistant for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners and Civic Organizations, introduced himself and his new role working with the ANC’s. Mr. DuVal stated that this role would be complementary to Gottlieb Simon’s role with the ANC’s, and that he would be acting as a conduit for the ANC’s to the Executive branch of DC government. Mr. DuVal’s phone number is 442-8161, and his email is Jerome.duval@dc.gov. Mr. DuVal explained that if an ANC is not getting an adequate response from government agencies, his office would be able to add additional weight to the request and expedite a response. Increased training opportunities are also part of the proposed activities to be coordinated by this new position. Commissioner Mathews asked how the office would coordinate with the CSA’s and employees like Jose Suero, and Mr. DuVal explained that he would be working hand in hand with these employees and the Core teams as a representative of the Mayor.

Commissioner Spalding introduced reconsideration of conceptual review for HPRB approval of changes to the design for the building located at 901 U Street. This is a two story commercial corner lot building that has been vacant, and unfortunately, larded with a formstone covering. Mr. Clay has been working with the Office of Historic Preservation on a design to redevelop this property in the historic zone, and in working with HPRB the third story addition was approved with agreement to replace the formstone with a brick veneer façade covering. Mr. Clay indicated that they have been working on the design for over a year, and that they have agreed to replace the formstone and are permitted for the third story. With the changes in the design they have discovered that they need to add an additional floor in order to make the financing of the redevelopment possible. The property is zoned C-2-B which allows matter of right addition of additional height to allow a fourth story. In meeting with community groups they approved of plans for us to tear the building down, and if we could add the properties contiguous to the corner property we could expand the development. We might be able to build a six story building. Mr. Walker, architect for the project, showed the insertion of a third story below the now project top fourth story. Commissioner Wright asked if there were any other four story structures nearby, and Mr. Walker responded that there were none in the block currently. Mr. Clay pointed to the Rhapsody development on the corner of Florida and W as being eight stories. Mr. Clay also mentioned that developer Jim Abdo has plans for development in the block on vacant land for a seven story residential building. Commissioner Spalding complained that the presentation did not show the context of the project, and that the lack of detail and context prevented the Commission from understanding the project and visualizing the finished development in the context of its neighboring buildings. Commissioner Spalding specifically cited the architecturally intriguing building adjacent at 903 U St., and Mr. Clay said that a friend is redeveloping 903 U and planning on adding additional height to the building. Commissioner Moss asked why the additional floor was required, and Mr. Clay indicated that the additional cost of removing the formstone and replacing with brick veneer had made the original design difficult financially, and that by adding the fourth floor they can more easily afford the changes required. Commissioner T. Smith asked if this would need further review and acceptance by the Fine Arts Commission, and Mr. Clay responded that they would need to return to the HPRB for approval before proceeding with the development. Commissioner T. Smith requested that the presentations show the northeast corner of this intersection with its larger structure to aid in visualizing the impact of the massing on the north west corner. Commissioner Mathews asked if there was any purpose for the additional floor other than the cost, and Mr. Clay stated that they control other surrounding properties and hope to develop them, and that by getting the additional height on this corner property they can work towards higher buildings on the surrounding properties. The only property that we don’t control is 903, but that will not hold up our plans to develop 905, 907 and 909 U Street. Commissioner Moss asked about the projected use of the redeveloped four story building, and Mr. Clay responded that the ground floor would be commercial and the top three floors residential market rate units. Bryan Martin Firvida asked about HPRB approval, and Mr. Clay stated that they have final approval from HPRB for the three story design. Mr. Martin Firvida asked about comments from other neighborhood groups, and Mr. Clay stated that they had presented to CSNA, and that since they have building permits they must have gone through the required procedures. Mr. Martin Firvida added that a number of the larger buildings cited in the discussion like the Rhapsody are outside of the historic district. Commissioner Parker asked why the development of the additional properties is not part of the design, and Mr. Clay responded that they want to restore the empty lots as soon as possible and that those plans would be similar to the plans for the corner redevelopment. Commissioner Akinmboni asked about the current permitting, and Mr. Clay responded that they are permitted for the three story design and are asking to expand to the four story design. Ron Renchard asked why they have not provided some schematics of the entirety of the project including the development of the additional properties, and Mr. Clay stated that they don’t control the property other than the corner property that they currently own. The owners of the other properties along U Street have no choice but to work with us since we control the back access to these properties. The owner of 903 has agreed to sell to us, but it’s just a matter of the price, but we really don’t need his property in order to do a larger development. Clyde Howard noted historically that the second floor of the property at 901 U Street was the first home of ANC1B. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B oppose the design. When HPRB asked for our input on these development there are a number of specific issues that they are looking for the community to comment on, and the presentation boards and designs that you are using do not allow us to comment on the materials or design of the proposed structure. Even the consideration of the additional floor specifically calls on the Commissioners to consider the massing of the design in the context of its neighboring properties, and the lack of presentation materials showing the proposed structure in relation to the block’s existing structures does not allow the Commissioners to make educated comments on the merits of the design to forward to HPRB. I do offer the opportunity for Clay to return with a presentation that shows the building at four storeys in the context of the existing neighborhood, and with the kind of specific architectural details illustrated that allow us to comment on those details to OHP and HPRB. Motion was seconded and adopted unanimously (11-0-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced the request for Public Space permitting for a curb cut at a new single family dwelling being constructed at 1024 W Street. The request entails losing one public parking space along 11^th Street in order to allow access to two private spaces for the new residence. Commissioner Spalding stated that he has not received the permit application from DDOT Public Space at this time. The architect from Division 1 explained that the property has no alley access and they are requesting an alley cut that will mean the loss of one curbside parking space in order to accommodate two parking spaces for the owners of the property. In order to accommodate the FAR on the three story structure space was carved from the ground level floor and original designed for storage, but this was rethought and redesigned as an accommodation for parking. Other examples of neighborhood development projects with similar curb cuts were presented in illustrations and photos. Letters from neighbors supporting the proposed changes were presented. Commissioner Spalding indicated that since there is no alley access, the parking for the cars associated with the building would be using two street side slots, and this proposal is to lose one of the curbside slots to allow the two cars to park on the resident’s property. Commissioner Stephens asked if the parking illustrated as outside of the garage on the drive was permitted, and Commissioner Spalding responded that this would not be allowed in the historic zone, but that this project is outside of the historic zone. Commissioner Spalding moved approval of DDOT Public Space approval of a curb cut for 1024 W Street NW. Ernest Springs urged caution in approving more curb cuts at the expense of losing valuable public curbside parking spaces. Commissioner Parker concurred that there is a danger in losing any public parking spaces and would vote against the proposed curb cut. Lorraine White concurred that finding a parking space in this part of the community is extremely difficult, and losing any current spaces is a burden to current residents. A constituent argued that you are putting two cars off the street at the expense of one parking space on the curb. Motion was seconded. Commissioner Stephens asked about the precedence of allowing curb cuts, and Commissioner Spalding responded with a recent ANC1B support for a similar curb cut in the small condominium project at the corner of 10^th and W Streets enlarging an existing curb cut to allow four cars to park off street. There has been opposition to curb cuts from previous Commission consideration, but in cases where there is no rear access we have approved curb cuts. Commissioner T. Smith indicated that you cannot by DC law park within twenty-five feet of the corner. Commissioner Mathews was concerned that this is a private residence and that the newly created two parking spaces would be private while the lost space on the curb is a public space. In a roll call the motion was approved in a vote of (7-3-1).

ABRA application for substantial changes to the license for Mangos located at 2017 14^th Street was introduced by Commissioner Spalding. The request is to change the license from a CR restaurant license to a CT tavern license, and to permit a sidewalk café with seating for 16 people. The application for the sidewalk café is only the liquor license portion of the request for use of the public space, and an additional permitting process through DDOT’s Public Space division will also be required and will come to ANC1B for review and approval. ANC1B has passed support for Mangos renewals of their restaurant license in the past, and know of no ABRA violations associated with the current operation of the business. The primary constituent concern has been that this has not been a very active business, and that community members would like to see it open more often. Commissioner Spalding stated that he has spoken about this business with Scott Pomeroy at 14^th & U Main Streets and other business owners, and they have indicated that the business owns the property and may be ready to expand his business to answer the activity concerns. Chris Willoughby the owner stated that he’s been at this location for eight hard years through the metro tunneling and darker days of the block. It was originally opened as a restaurant, but it was hard to sustain this business model. They have moved to a business model that centers on catering and using the space for private events. The change to a CT license is designed to lower their cost of doing business, and the outdoor seating is to increase their visibility and enhance the block. They are committed to staying in the location and growing their business. The direction for the menu is smaller plates with a Caribbean influence and has a neighborhood lounge spot. Chairperson Hunter added that the food at Mangos is terrific, and the community is mad that they can’t get in more often. Commissioner Moss said that she’s glad to see younger entrepreneurs trying to establish new ventures, and asked if there would be any music associated with the outdoor seating. Mr. Willoughby responded that he hasn’t considered the possibility, but did not think it would be part of the plan. Commissioner Spalding added that this would be a substantial change if outdoor music were part of the design, and that it would be reviewable by the Commission if Mr. Willoughby asked to add it to the design. Commissioner Stephens asked if the furniture would be moved inside when the establishment was closed, or if it would be a permanent structure like Polly’s. Mr. Willoughby responded that he was not at the stage of finalizing the design. Chairperson Hunter stated that in consideration at CSNA’s review by their Business & Development Committee there was no opposition to this plan voiced. Ernest Springs questioned whether there would be room for the outdoor area in the available sidewalk area, and Mr. Willoughby responded that there was nearly a twenty foot sidewalk at the area in front of his building. Commissioner Parker stated that she has attended events at Mangos and the food is indeed great. Commissioner Spalding reminded the applicant and the Commission that the specifics on the design of the sidewalk use will be addressed by the Commission when the application for DDOT’s Public Space Dept. is reviewed, and that this opportunity will allow OHP to also weigh in on the architectural design of the proposed use. What we’re considering tonight is the possible extension of alcohol sales to a possible sidewalk café, when and if he gets the Public Space permit. Commissioner Spalding moved support for the substantial changes in application 23734 of Mangos to change from a CR restaurant license to a CT tavern license, and to allow sidewalk café seating for sixteen, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (11-0-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced ABRA application for substantial changes to a CT license allowing the food service hours to be extended to 6AM seven days a week. Owners were not present to answer Commission questions. Commissioner Spalding said that he is disappointed that the applicant is not present. When they came before the Commission about six months ago for a substantial change from a CR to a CT license I gave them a very hard time. This business was originally located in only the upper story of the building on the south west corner of 11^th and U. During this time it operated as a club and was problematic for the community residents on 11^th Street. They did secure the lease for the ground level portion of the building, but languished in the development for almost a year. Fortunately, in the past few months they have finished the ground floor level and made a much more positive gesture towards the streetscape and are establishing more food service available during regular dining hours. I’ve been very impressed with these positive changes, however, this request to extend the hours through to the early morning does have potential to disturb the residential neighbors on 11^th Street. The owners have stated that they want to capture the business of serving food to patrons leaving the clubs closing at 2 and 3AM. The past problems with noise, violence, and parking and after hours use do concern local residents, and the impact of this extension to the early morning hours is problematic. This could be addressed with a voluntary agreement, and I move that ANC1B oppose the substantial change to license 60130 for U Turn, and the motion was seconded. Chairperson Hunter indicated that at CSNA’s Business Development meeting this week the consensus was to oppose this extension due to U Turn’s past history of problems. This does not mean that the door is closed forever, but a period of establishing good will is needed. Commissioner Mathews stated that the owners were not here to respond, and Commissioner Spalding reminded the Commission that ABRA is unwilling to extend our period of review, and that not taking a position effectively renders the Commission’s voice silent. Commissioner T. Smith asked if there were any neighbors present, and Clyde Howard stated that he knows a number of people living close to this location, and that the increased pressure on public parking is already intolerable. Allowing this extension to 6AM will only further deteriorate the parking situation, and that the Commission should be very careful in setting a precedent of allowing businesses to operate in these early morning hours. Commissioner Moss questioned whether this was merely an extension of after hours club activity with the breakfast idea an afterthought. Motion was approved in a vote of (10-0-1), and Commissioner Spalding requested that he and Chairperson Hunter be designated as representatives of the Commission in dealing with this application, and this was seconded and adopted unanimously (11-0-0).

In additional motions and resolutions consideration of ANC1B’s Bylaws was raised. Chairperson Hunter stated that there have been discussions about the current status of the bylaws, and that Commissioner Parker has retrieved sample bylaws from Gottlieb Simon, and has additionally drafted some changes to the sample bylaws for incorporation into new bylaws for ANC1B. Chairperson Hunter suggested that this be discussed in meetings prior to our February meeting. Commissioner Spalding added that the Commission has been working with an incomplete set of bylaws, however, the existing pages do contain most of the relevant information for running the Commission and we can continue to run using the existing bylaws. It is important that we draft a complete set of bylaws and work towards adopting them. Commissioner Parker stated that she was asked to draft, or work with others to draft, a new set of bylaws. These do lay the foundation for Commission operations and the way we will conduct business. My preference is that we adopt a set of bylaws at this meeting with the understanding that they can be amended at any time with a 2/3 vote, but getting a full set of bylaws would get us off to a good start. Chairperson Hunter responded that he thinks we’ll be spending a number of hours in debating and drafting the bylaws including changes addressing moving the meeting location and capping grant amounts, but that he preferred not to stay at the table tonight making these changes. Commissioner Parker responded that she feels that the discussions regarding the changes should be open to the public so they can hear the debate on these items. Chairperson Hunter reminded the group that any changes that are proposed will come before the Commission at a future public meeting and will have a full hearing in front of the public at that time. Commissioner Akinmboni stated that adoption of a complete set of bylaws is important, and that we should not let this issue linger and muddle along for another three years with an incomplete set. Chairperson Hunter responded that we can continue to work on the changes through the month of January and bring the changes to the February meeting. Chairperson Hunter also explained that the Commission had met informally for breakfast to share ideas, and would continue to do so. These are informal gatherings and are designed to keep the members informed and make the meetings run smoother. Commissioner Parker suggested a special public meeting to work on the bylaws, and not that the discussions be opened for everyone to participate, rather that the public can watch the discussion and rationale behind the decisions being made. Commissioner Stephens agreed that he is uncomfortable working from an incomplete set of bylaws, and suggested that the Commission could adopt the model bylaws as a foundation for the changes. Commissioner Stephens moved that ANC1B adopt the model bylaws supplied by Gottlieb Simon, and it was seconded. Constituent Clyde Howard suggested that the proposed substitute bylaws sit on the table for thirty days prior to voting on their adoption, and that would accord with Roberts Rules. During those thirty days you can discuss it any way you want to, and when you come back to them in your organized meeting session, and then you can deal with them. Commissioner Moss agreed that this was correct parliamentary guidance. Commissioner Mathews concurred that ongoing meetings will be required, but these meetings should be public. Chairperson Hunter indicated that he would vote against the motion. We need time to make these changes, and due diligence requires that we take whatever time is required, and that this be revisited at the February meeting. We can each work on these and bring changes to the February meeting where they will be fully discussed in a public meeting. A constituent commented that the lack of a full set of bylaws is a reflection on the past Commission, and that he has full confidence that this Commission will quickly enact a full set of bylaws. Commissioner Stephens withdrew his motion to adopt the model bylaws. Chairperson Hunter moved that consideration of the ANC1B bylaws be tabled until our next meeting, and that we meet informally to discuss the bylaws and report back at the next meeting, and it was seconded. Commissioner M. Smith suggested that any meetings on consideration of the bylaws be open to the public, and Chairperson Hunter responded ‘any meeting’, and Commissioner M. Smith responded that if we meet as a body the discussions should be public. Commissioner Mathews asserted that it is always preferable that this type of discussion be held in public view, and Chairperson Hunter responded that DC does have sunshine laws restricting meetings of official bodies, but that this requires that when they meet they do so in public. It does not mean that members of this body can not get together informally and have discussions, the Council does this all the time. Constituent Lorraine White suggested that we continue to operate using the existing bylaws and do whatever meetings are required to iron out differences, then come back to this setting and discuss any changes in public. Question was called and passed unanimously (11-0-0).

Commissioner Spalding spoke to executive committee review of a budget, and to Council Oversight Hearings on the ANC’s. These are both situations similar to the previous discussion held on the bylaws and need to be worked on during January in preparation for public hearing at the February meeting. ANC law requires that we come up with a budget and present it to the community at one of our regularly scheduled meetings, and we should meet with our new Treasurer and perhaps request the presence of our previous Treasurer at an executive meeting and draft some sense of a budget for discussion and review at our February meeting. The Council’s Oversight Hearing will probably occur after our February meeting and we should be preparing individually to discuss this at our next meeting. We need to address our thoughts on the bylaws, budget, and also the desires of the Commissioners in directing the focus of the Commission for the upcoming term. We will need to express the areas of greatest concern for the Commission, and the directions that the Commissioners want the Commission to take. I ask that each Commissioner consider the one or two most important issues facing you as a Commissioner, your single member district, and the Commission as a whole. These can be expressed at our February meeting and we can compile these for presentation before the Council.

Meeting was adjourned to sustained constituent applause at 9:05PM.