ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Columbia Heights / LeDroit Park / Shaw / University Heights

 

 

4 March 2004, True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW

 

Attending: Commissioners Guyot, Spalding, Hammonds, Thomas, Glover, Skinner, Esters

 

Absent: Commissioners Houston, Butler, Wilson, Wright

 

Quorum was late in arriving and meeting was convened at approximately 7:30PM.  In the Secretary’s report Commissioner Spalding requested information on boundaries and contact information for all known local neighborhood associations.  The Secretary indicated that he is working with OANC towards the development of an official website for ANC1B, and that currently all agendas and minutes of ANC1B’s meetings are available at www.ustreet.com/csna.  Minutes for the February meeting were presented, and motion was made to adopt, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).  In the Treasurer’s report Commissioner Glover stated that the following activities had occurred in the past month; checks were issued to Secretary Spalding for supplies (#1528 for $146.55) and to the ANC Security Fund (#1529 for $25.00), 2nd quarter allotment was deposited ($7304.85), and two separate bank service charges for $1 each (1/20/04, and 2/18/04), which results in a current account balance of $101,489.41.  Treasurer’s report was moved, seconded and adopted on a unanimous vote (6-0-0).  Secretary has submitted expense receipts for February including $2.49 for postage, $0.83 for postage, and $76.44 for paper and ink, which totals $79.66 and Treasurer moved reimbursement, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).  Treasurer also asked approval of the two one dollar services charges, and it was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0). 

 

James Speight III and Kenneth Barnes from the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Day Committee presented an award to Commissioner Lawrence Guyot for his lifelong commitment and participation from the Freedom Marches through his current community activism.  Mr. Barnes read the inscription “To Mr. Lawrence T. Guyot, Jr. an original Freedom Marcher for your unyielding devotion to freedom and equality for all, The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Lincoln Theatre, January 18th, 2004, Washington, DC, James T. Speight III President.  Commissioner Guyot accepted stating that he did so with the understanding that it is for nothing that he had done himself, and that everything that he has accomplished has been done in conjunction with other people. This award is inspirational for me, and will make it easier for me to make the hard decisions while making them openly, fairly, and be as inclusive about making politics as relevant to everyday life and people as possible.  I’m deeply honored and sincerely appreciate this award. 

 

In community announcements Commissioner Spalding reported that the next hearing on the voluntary agreement with Shop Express would be held on April 29th, and that SOCO was continuing the negotiations with the owners of the business.  The Ellington’s sidewalks are now scheduled for early April.  There is a new matter of right development being planned for the 900 block of Florida Avenue, and some details can be seen at the developer’s website www.metropropertiesinc.com.  The core team has done an initial review of the problematic 1300 block of V Street, and a number of city departments are working to remedy the problems that local owners have reported.  The initial public meeting on the Uptown Destination District was held, and the next public meeting is just ahead on March 18th at 6:30PM at 815 Florida Avenue.  Legislation has been filed for renaming the Banneker baseball field to Maury Wills Field, and hopefully the change can be made prior to the tournament in early April.  There will be a conference entitled “Building Futures: Housing Design & Development in Washington DC’s Historic Districts” held here at the True Reformer Building on March 10th.  Craig MacIvor, President of the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association announced their Public Safety Committee meeting and their regular monthly meeting would be held at the True Reformer Building starting at 6PM on March 11th.  Commissioner Guyot returned to the UDD meeting scheduled for March 18th, and stated that there was a large an energetic turnout for the first public meeting, and encouraged everyone to attend the next public hearing.  Michael Carr spoke on behalf of the DC Child Family Services Agency and asked participation by anyone interested in becoming foster parent or adoptive parent at an orientation to be held at the Reeves Center on March 13th from 10AM to noon. 

 

Lt. Gary Durand representing PSA 306 indicated that MPD has designated “hot spots” through the city, and that the stretch running from V Street to Euclid Street on 14th Street (and including the blocks on either side) has been designated.  Additional resources and attention will be focused on this area and the other hot spots and will include stepped up enforcement by both the MPD and other city agencies.  Lt. Durand asked if any property owners in the 1400 block of W were present, and finding that there were none present explained that there would be an increase in pressure targeted at nuisance properties.  Lt. Durand also indicated that the stolen and vandalized auto problem in the U Street corridor is also going to be an area receiving increased scrutiny.  Commissioner Skinner asked about the difficulties arising from the Club U exiting traffic being routed west when most of the patrons are ultimately heading east.  Lt. Durand indicated that 3D has been closing traffic lanes southbound on 14th at V St., and westbound at 14th and U St. at closing times for Club U.  The reasons for these closings is to prevent patrons from looping around the building and further congesting traffic.  The other difficulty in allowing exiting patrons to travel east is the congestion currently being experienced in the 1200 block of U with the patrons exiting Between Friends.  Lt. Durand stated that it’s an overwhelming problem when the clubs release, and that the MPD reaction is to facilitate getting the traffic out of the neighborhood as efficiently as possible.  Commissioner Skinner requested that 3D find all ways of increasing cooperation with the clubs, private security and the police to work out the traffic confusion.  Commissioner Guyot proposed having a lottery that would vary closing hours, and to revolve the earlier closings so no business is put at a serious disadvantage.  Lt. Durand responded that none of the clubs have entered into voluntary agreements with the neighborhoods, and that discussions have been less than productive.  If the clubs are not going to assist the police in dealing with the problems they are creating, you’re going to allow things to happen however they happen, and just rake in the money, and then MPD is going to respond with regulatory actions to either control the situation or close the businesses.  Lt. Durand stated that the owner of the 7-11 above Between Friends has had to close his store when the patrons leave the club, that they have been overwhelmed by the number of these people flooding into the store and stealing his merchandise.  Chairperson Thomas stated that she is currently working to reestablish the U Street Business Coalition in order to provide a forum for business owners and local residents to discuss their problems and needs.  We need a forum other than the ANC meetings to address these issues.  Lt. Durand asked how Between Friends ever managed to get regulatory approval for an occupancy permit for 600 people.  Commissioner Skinner responded to Lt. Durand’s description of the 7-11’s problem, the fact that people steal from the 7-11 and the fact that people are leaving a club does not indicate that this is a club issue.  Someone robbed my business a few weeks ago and it didn’t have anything to do with clubs.  Kenny Barnes stated that he and Craig MacIvor had recently returned from a conference dealing with these issues in San Diego, and that they are working to incorporate the ideas that they had studied at the conference in a plan that should be available in another month.  A new Sergeant was introduced and Sgt. Maradiaga gave out his history and contact information. 

 

Warren Flint, the Executive Director of the Shaw Main Streets Program, gave an overview of the first year of their existence and their plans for the upcoming year.  Their ultimate goal is to revitalize the 7th and 9th Street commercial corridors to the point where it will become a true village setting in the urban environment.  They are planning on working very closely with the previously established 14th & U Main Streets Initiative.  They have put on a celebration for Black History Month including honoring Congresswoman Norton.  They have instituted a small business development course in conjunction with the Georgetown University Law Center, and have thirty people registered and expect it to be an incubator for small business entrepreneurs.  They are also working closely with the development plans for both the top of their district at the Howard Theatre and redevelopment plans for the O Street Market.  Commissioner Guyot expressed his desire to work with the program, and stated that he’s particularly concerned with the Radio One proposal for redeveloping the area around the Howard Theatre.  Commissioner Skinner asked Mr. Flint what previous experience he had of the Shaw community, how long he planned on staying with the Shaw Main Sts. Program, and what are the programs immediate goals.  Mr. Flint stated that he has lived near the focus area for the past three years, and that he has worked his entire life in revitalizing urban communities.  He is planning on being with the Shaw Program as long as they’ll have him.  In the next year their top priority is building a complete inventory of the existing businesses in order to preserve them and to develop marketing to attract the missing pieces of a full service commercial corridor.  Clyde Howard suggested that they develop a relationship with the Shaw CDC in order to facilitate redevelopment of the O Street Market. 

 

Commissioner Skinner addressed the issues involved in the Georgia Avenue façade improvement program.  Mr. Robert Mulderig from DHCD was unable to attend, but had emailed Commissioner Skinner additional details.  A meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss the block grants, and the business owners who have been participating are disappointed with the results to date.  The facades chosen in the first round are yet to be completed, and now they are introducing a new round of projects.  Commissioner Skinner requested permission of the Commission to speak on its behalf at the meeting planned for next week, and it was so moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).

 

BZA application No. 17138 for variance under 401.3 to allow conversion of an existing flat to a four unit apartment building in R4 district at 1325 Fairmont Street was considered.  Commissioner Glover knows this project in his single member district, and he has spoken to both neighbors and Gus Ventura of the South Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association, and that there are currently no objections to this application.  Commissioner Spalding asked for details on the conversion, and Mr. Edmonds explained that it is currently zoned for two units and they want to develop it as four units.  Mr. Edmonds stated that the square footage of the lot allows them to develop three units.  Commissioner Spalding asked Commissioner Glover to describe the neighboring properties, and Commissioner Glover indicated that it abuts an apartment building, but that the block is a mixture of single family, flats and apartment buildings.  Commissioner Glover added that the property had been vacant and a nuisance for some time, and those community members were excited to see that it would be redeveloped.  SOCO had been concerned with the increase in density and the amount of parking provided, but that they now had no problem with the application as currently designed.  Motion to support the application was made, seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding spoke to the separate issues of a raze permit and TCP for redevelopment by DPO Developers at 2126, 2128 and 2130 11th Street.  These are three abutting two story vernacular row houses that the developer wants to raze and replace with a contemporary building including six market rate condominiums.  Commissioner Spalding stated that he was disappointed in losing the facades, but since the project is not in the historic district ANC1B control is limited.  Eddie Otero and David Pfifferling described the design (three storey contemporary) and explained that they were building matter of right.  Commissioner Spalding asked how long the sidewalk on 11th would be blocked, and developer stated that they were expecting six months.  Commissioner Guyot asked for assurance that this was not in the historic district, and Commissioner Spalding indicated that it was in the missing wedge of the Greater U Street Historic District.  Commissioner Spalding asked whether the new building’s façade would be in line with the residences on either side of the project, and developer stated that they would be in line with the two adjacent properties.  Commissioner Skinner asked if there would be any affordable units included, and developer stated that they would all be market rate and they were planning on moving into units themselves.  Commissioner Esters asked whether the new building would be in line with the adjacent properties in both the front a rear, and developer responded that the rear section would be approximately five feet deeper than the adjacent buildings.  Commissioner Glover asked about the pricing of the units, and developer said that they are projecting $420 per square foot.  Commissioner Spalding ‘regretfully’ made a motion to support the raze permit for 2126, 2128, and 2130 11th Street, and it was seconded and adopted on a vote of (6-0-1).  In regard to the TCP Commissioner Spalding asked whether they would be accessing the worksite through the rear alley, and developer stated that they had originally planned on using the alley, however, in discussions with DDOT they have moved the access to the front and will chain link fence the rear.  Commissioner Spalding also questioned their fencing in the front which appears to also take a portion of 10th Street, and developer stated that they would be using part of the street, but that sufficient room for two way traffic would remain.  Commissioner Spalding asked how long the incursion into 10th Street would last, and developer said that the projection was for about four months.  Commissioner Spalding moved support of the TCP for the project, and it was seconded and adopted on a vote of (5-0-1).

 

TCP for Triangle II Euclid “The Verona” at 1348 Euclid Street was considered.  Spokesman for Jair Lynch Companies reminded the Commission that they had been to ANC1B twice previously to describe the project, and that they were almost ready to begin construction and were seeking approval of the traffic control plan.  Commissioner Skinner asked if there was an affordable unit component, and developer indicated that there was.  Renderings were presented, and description of the TCP was explained.  Commissioner Hammonds asked about parking during construction, and developer stated that the south side of Euclid would lose approximately six parking spots during the construction.  Commissioner Hammonds reiterated her support for this new building in a long abandoned lot.  Commissioner Spalding asked for the location of the queuing of trucks, and developer indicated that it would be along the south side of Euclid towards 14th Street.  Commissioner Skinner asked about the schedule, and developer stated that they hoped to start this April and hoped to conclude early in the spring of 2005.  Commissioner Hammonds moved support of the TCP for “The Verona”, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding spoke to a revision to the TCP for Garnet Patterson School’s Gymnasium project.  No one was present to present the amendment to the previously approved TCP, and Commissioner Spalding indicated that the builder was requesting to temporarily close the portion of the sidewalk on U Street to work on the south facing façade.  We have not been shown any specific plans for this revision, but the request seems amenable and needed.  Commissioner Guyot spoke to the long history of ANC1B’s support for the gymnasium addition and indicated support for whatever it would take to finish the project.  Motion was made to authorize Commissioner Spalding to review and support the amendment to the TCP for Garnet Patterson School, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).

 

Public Service Commission application for pay telephone service at 2633 Sherman Avenue was considered, and Commissioner Skinner stated that the area was still having problems with young black men being killed on the corners, and he and his constituents were opposed to any additional pay phone installations in the neighborhood.  Motion to oppose was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced reconsideration of BZA application 17099 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge for surface parking on their property at the corner of Vermont Avenue and T Street.  Commissioner Spalding indicated that this issue has been before ANC1B for the past two years, and that in our last meeting we voted nine to nothing to oppose the application, however, at our February meeting the attorneys representing the Mason’s indicated that they would continue to negotiate with the Westminster Neighborhood Association and ANC1B towards the drafting of a document that might satisfy all the parties.  In the past month negotiations have progressed, and as of late this afternoon a further iteration of the document was emailed and is in the Commissioner’s packages.  Commissioner Spalding asked the parties to represent the current standing of the negotiations and the document.  Commissioner Guyot stated that under normal circumstances an ANC Commission does not turn so much responsibility over to a community association, however, in this case the WNA has been exemplary advocates with us and their commitment to the process is unprecedented.  This does not mean that ANC1B is abrogating our responsibility to WNA; we have simply joined into partnership with them on this issue.  Lynn Johnson from WNA, Ken Collins from the Lodge, and Whayne Quin introduced themselves.  Lynn Johnson stated that there has indeed been a lot of work done on both sides, but that they have not reached agreement on a working document at this point.  Mr. Johnson stated that he is not sure whether the two sides will make it to an agreement in a timely fashion.  Mr. Johnson indicated that there was some chance that an agreement could be reached by Monday next, and that if that did indeed occur then the WNA would hope for ANC1B support for the agreement and a reversal of the vote on the BZA application.  If an agreement is not reached, however, WNA expects ANC1B to hold to its vote in opposition to BZA 17099.  WNA is prepared to litigate the case when it comes before the BZA on March 16th.  Whayne Quin (attorney for Holland and Knight representing the Lodge) agreed with Mr. Johnson’s appraisal of the status of the negotiations, and indicated that there were four or five issues on which there was ongoing difficulty.  Mr. Quin thanked ANC1B for allowing reconsideration at this time, and stated his belief that there is a lot to be gained by still striving for an agreement before the BZA hearing begins.  Mr. Quin asked the Commission to consider reversing its vote or delegating someone to participate in ongoing negotiations with the hope of reaching an accord.  Commissioner Spalding said that he has seen Holland and Knight’s written presentation for Case 17099, and it is a reasonably strong presentation.  The Mason’s have also covered a long distance in the process of the negotiations, and that the distance left to go is short in comparison with the distance already encompassed in the drafts.  Commissioner Spalding asked for guidance from the Commission in proceeding due to the strictures limiting timely submissions.  We already have a vote in opposition and that vote can be the basis of our submission to the BZA, which can he is ready to write.  We are required to submit our position to the BZA by Tuesday, March 9th, and if there’s a way to continue participating in the negotiations with the possibility of an accord and a consequent letter of support for the application Commissioner Spalding hoped that this could be done.  Commissioner Guyot asked representatives of WNA what the odds were of coming to agreement by next Tuesday, and WNA member Tania Shand responded that it was her understanding that ANC1B would be opposing the application.  Commissioner Guyot suggested that ANC1B should forward our opposition to the BZA, that we should allow the ongoing negotiations between the applicant and WNA, that we should ask Commissioner Spalding to be a party to those negotiations, and if there’s a reason for us to change our position after Tuesday, then we can do that.  We should have learned from Mr. Quin’s lesson; we have a position in opposition and if the fact’s change then we have every right to withdraw our position.  Commissioner Skinner stated that he agreed with Commissioner Spalding that we’ve come a long way from the disrespectful start of this discussion.  We should be prepared to change our position if an agreement is reached.  Commissioner Guyot reiterated that ANC1B is currently unanimous in opposition to the application, and I think that is the best bargaining position for the Commission to be in.  Should the negotiations provide a result that we want to support, and then we should follow the lead of Mr. Quin and withdraw strategically?  Commissioner Spalding raised the issue of the document currently being negotiated which includes ANC1B as a participant in the process, which leaves us in a difficult position if we leave this meeting with only our opposition to the application voted on.  Should an accord be reached by next Monday, what do we have as a resort for assuring the full weight of the ANC in our letter to the BZA?  Commissioner Guyot again explained that we have a right to withdraw our position.  Mr. Quin added that he thought the Commissioner’s were very close in thought if not in words, and that he hoped the Commission would find a way to keep their options open.  Commissioner Skinner asked that if an accord was not reached that ANC1B continue our opposition, but that if an accord supported by WNA is reached then we should vote to support the new position in support of the application.  We should be using our ‘great weight’ to advocate for WNA’s position, not abdicating our influence by withdrawing.  Commissioner Guyot said that we should continue our opposition, and when and if there’s an agreement then we can both withdraw our opposition and consequently support the agreement and application.  Commissioner Spalding asked how he could get authorization on Monday afternoon from the Commission in order to write a very different letter.  Commissioner Guyot stated that the document submitted on Tuesday should reflect our unanimous opposition to the application.  We also state that we are aware of and are participating in ongoing negotiations, and that we reserve the right to alter our position should a workable agreement be reached.  Secretary Spalding again asked what he should do if on Monday an agreement appears that is acceptable by all three parties.  Commissioner Guyot responded that we could convene an emergency meeting, and Commissioner Spalding interrupted stating that it was already difficult to gather a quorum for our regularly scheduled meetings.  Commissioner Guyot stated that he can see no clear way to reconsider this application or modify our current opposition to the application.  Commissioner Glover pleaded with the Commission to come to some resolution on this issue, and Commissioner Hammonds stated that we need to vote on this right now.  Commissioner Esters asked whether the Commission could empower Commissioner Spalding on behalf of ANC1B to consult with the WNA, and whatever they come up with, and then to either approve or disapprove this issue based on the continued negotiations by next Tuesday.  Commissioner Spalding said that he was willing to support Commissioner Esters suggestion, and Commissioner Esters made motion that ANC1B empower Commissioner Spalding to determine our support or opposition to this agreement based upon what WNA arrives at.  A discussion of limiting the motion to a specific time was held.  The motion was seconded.  Commissioner Guyot spoke in opposition to the motion, stating that the Commission would be better served by continuing to maintain our position in opposition with the right to withdraw retained. 

Mr. Quin offered to waive objection to the normal submission time, and in the spirit of aiding ongoing negotiations he will do so.  Commissioner Guyot continued to support submitting a letter in opposition, which grants us status in the case, and does not prevent us from changing our position once the hearing has begun.  Commissioner Guyot asked that it be clear that Commissioner Spalding will in his role as Secretary represent the vote of the ANC to the BZA in whichever direction emerges.  Commissioner Spalding assured the Commission that there would be a letter at the BZA on Tuesday next.  Mr. Johnson explained to the Commission that Mr. Quinn’s waiving the deadline would allow the letter to be submitted later than the normal 3:30 Tuesday afternoon deadline, and the letter would be stronger coming after an agreement rather than an opposition letter followed by a withdrawal.  Mr. Quin suggested that in the resolution the offer of counsel for the Mason’s has waived the normal submission deadline.  Motion as amended was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).

 

ABC license application No. 50273, Red Bean System t/a Sala Thai for a new CR license located at 1301 U Street NW.  Commissioner Spalding introduced Larry Klein, Chris Donatelli and the owner of Sala Thai.  Mr. Donatelli said that this will be Mr. Oi’s fifth Sala Thai restaurant in the greater DC area, and has been operating these restaurants since 1987.  The restaurant will occupy approximately a three thousand square foot space in the new Ellington building at the corner of 13th and U Streets, and will be just west of the new Alero Restaurant.  Commissioner Spalding indicated no opposition to the license, had eaten at other Sala Thai locations, and expected that they would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.  Commissioner Spalding did ask about outdoor seating, and Mr. Clark responded that it would be very limited and on private space.  Other tenants like Mocha Hut and Maggie Moos will also have similar limited outdoor areas in private space.  Commissioner Spalding moved support of the application, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-1-0).

 

Grant application of DC Taekwondo was reviewed.  Commissioner Wilson was not present, however, Commissioner Spalding indicated that in a phone conversation on Monday Commissioner Wilson stated that they send her flyers; she thinks they’re a good group, and she supported whatever they were asking for.  Commissioner Glover stated that the Commission is very familiar with the organization, and that the Commission has supported DC Taekwondo since 2001 and have granted them $14,000 in that period.  Commissioner Glover indicated that he has difficulty with the amount of money given and requested, and that a maximum of $3,000 would be a more appropriate request of ANC1B.  We only get about $7,000 in our quarterly allotment and to ask for this large a portion of our funding is hard to justify.  Commissioner Guyot stated that this is a group who has brought us national champions, it’s a group that involves a lot of parents, but given the economic strain I will suggest a diminution of the request to $3,500, and Commissioner Guyot moved the grant application at that level, and the motion was seconded.  Commissioner Spalding spoke in opposition to the motion, and indicated support for the Treasurer’s discomfort with the level of the request.  Commissioner Spalding stated that over the past eight years the average Commission gives out $1,500 in grants per year in total.  The $6,000 grant awarded last year was the single largest grant awarded by an ANC Commission in the entire city for any purpose.  Commissioner Spalding continued by asking Ms. DuBissette about the scholarships for the two dozen students, and how they are publicized and awarded, and Ms. DuBissette responded that the majority of the students come from the immediate neighborhood.  Ms. DuBissette said that their work in the local schools and their location in the Columbia Heights Youth Club meant that most of the participants were drawn from Ward 1.  Commissioner Spalding stated that it is incumbent on the Commission to assure that when monies are given to a small number of constituents, we are legally required to know that the availability of the scholarships is well publicized and open to participation by all constituents who would like to participate.  Commissioner Spalding raised questions about the use of the grant, if diminished, and what it would be covering, and then moved to table the request.  Commissioner Guyot spoke against the motion to table, and stated that this is a credible organization, and I’ve seen how the money is spent, and I’ve seen the broad based parent participation, and my concern is should they adhere to rules, yes.  I think the money is spent responsibly, this is an excellent program, we’ve negotiated a reduction in the request, and we have every reason to believe that she’ll bring forth the needed documentation, so please let’s not table this.  Commissioner Skinner said that this Commission has the money, and this is a program helping youngsters in our community, and if we’re going to err on the side of discretion we need to be fiscally responsible with the people’s money, and at the same time we have a history with this group, it’s not the first time they’ve been before us, but we should give them the support to continue their program.  It’s a lot to ask, they’re trying to run the program, and by tabling this we’re asking them to do even more to get their grant, and I think we should be as helpful with nonprofit organizations in our Commission that are doing good work, and tabling this will make their job more difficult.  Commissioner Spalding asked about repeated requests for uniforms, and Ms. DuBissette indicated that the uniforms and protective equipment were given to the students.  Commissioner Spalding responded that the grantee could not give the uniforms to the students that the uniforms had to be retained by the organization for reuse.  Commissioners Guyot and Skinner agreed that this was not an allowable action, and Ms. DuBissette stated that she was not aware of the restrictions on the uniforms.  Commissioner Guyot asked that the Commission vote against the motion to table, and then vote on the amended motion to grant $3,500, and that a friendly amendment be added asking Ms. DuBissette to restructure the request to apply to allowable expenditures.  Commissioner Spalding agreed to hold the votes, but questioned what the Commission would be voting on since we have no delineation of the specific expenses to be covered by the $3,500 grant.  Commissioner Guyot responded that we would vote on the $3,500 with the understanding that she will follow the rules.  Commissioner Glover asked when they would need the money, and Ms. DuBissette said that it was not time sensitive, and Treasurer Glover suggested that she work to better define the application and return in April with a cleaner document for the Commission to vote on.  Commissioner Skinner asked Ms. DuBissette to work with the Treasurer and be better prepared for the April meeting.  Commissioner Spalding asked for a vote on the motions, and Commissioner Guyot withdrew his motion, and motion to table the grant request of DC Taekwondo till the April meeting was adopted in a vote (5-1-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding requested that the Commission discuss amendments to 18 DCMR incorporating new sections 2420.3 through 2420.9, which will authorize parking placards for ANC Commissioners.  After reading the proposed language Commissioner Spalding asked for comments and suggestions.  Question was raised on the license plates, and Commissioner Spalding responded that OANC’s Gottlieb Simon had indicated that DPW preferred the placards and that they would be the most likely result of the passage of the legislation.  Commissioner Esters suggested that they consider decals, since it would be hard to abuse them once attached.  Chairperson Thomas indicated that she preferred the license plate or the decal to the placard.  Commissioner Guyot moved ANC1B’s support of the legislation, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).

 

Commissioner Guyot asked the Commission to consider a resolution not submitted in a timely manner for inclusion on the agenda.  The motion (copies handed out to the Commissioners) supports the SEA coalition in advocating for local hiring from ANC1B and surrounding jurisdictions at the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel of the Marriott Corporation.  Motion was seconded and adopted on a vote of (5-0-1).

 

Commissioner Guyot asked the Commission to consider a resolution not submitted in a timely manner for inclusion on the agenda.  The motion (copies handed out to the Commissioners) asks ANC1B to request that NCRC adopt the community benefits and RFP language proposed by SEDI and maintain a productive relationship with SEDI to insure the inclusion of these benefits in the actual development projects completed on Parcels 33 and 40 & 42.  Commissioner Esters asked where the parcels were located, and a representative of Manna responded that the parcel located in ANC1B was at 7th and S Streets, and Commissioner Guyot responded that that put it in his SMD and urged the Commission to support the resolution.  Motion was seconded and adopted in a vote (4-1-1).

 

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:40PM