> Drake Neighborhood Association : Board Meeting minutes from August 9, 2006
>
> Members present: Marty Schmitt, Trisha Davis, Dean Blum, Bonnie Hall, Bill 
> LaHay, Eldon McAfee, Dolph Pulliam, Heidi Wessels, Bruce Wilson.
> Members absent: David Courard-Hauri, Joachim Jonassen, Jennifer Sayers, Carl 
> McPherson.
> Others in attendance: Ed Leedom,  Mohammed Khan, Ward Lutzi,  JoAnn Muldoon, 
> Larry James Jr.
>
> Call to order: 7:02 p.m.  As arranged previously, Marty Schmitt presided over 
> the meeting because David was unable to attend.
>
> July meeting minutes were approved,  although it was noted that little of the 
> after-presentation discussion of the Drake University proposed construction 
> project on the west campus was included.  Motion to approve: Dolph P.  Second: 
> Bonnie.  Ayes carried.
>
> Trish issued the Treasurer’s report with current balances, which did not 
> reflect the $2,500 the DNA will contribute toward the design fee for the Drake 
> area streetscaping project.  Trish also provided a categorized YTD outline of 
> budget tallies and expenditures.
>
> NBSD report:  (Deb Richardson on duty with DMPD at state fair.)
> Ed Leedom reported that a citywide  meeting for NBSD managers was held on 
> August 6; some preliminary figures were available  re: enforcement, citations, 
> etc.   Ed will provide an end-of-year assessment similar to one he compiled 
> for us in 2005.  Many numbers were up, but Ed noted that some of these 
> statistics reflected improvement in the neighborhood.  For example, more 
> enforcement was done via proactive patrolling and drive-by evaluations rather 
> than in response to neighbor complaints.  Also, reported violations tended to 
> be minor in nature, indicating that severe or major code violations were less 
> of a problem.
>
> New business
> o Mohammed Khan from the Muslim Community Organization appeared to request DNA 
> letter in support for a request for variance at the MCO property at 1163 25th 
> Street.  At issue is a requirement for a 35-foot property setback for 
> buildings used in a public capacity, as their center is.  Ed agreed to track 
> down specific info on the variance and how it might affect immediate and 
> long-term use of the property.  Heidi reminded the board that DNA bylaws 
> require 7-days notice before taking action or a vote on such issues; we will 
> revisit this request at the September board meeting.
>
> o Ward Lutzi and JoAnn Muldoon from the King Irving Neighborhood Association 
> presented their request for DNA support of early development work on bike 
> trail improvements in the KI neighborhood.  There were some discrepancies 
> regarding local residents’ support for the request, where  apparently no 
> official vote had been taken. Also, Marty noted that it is our policy not to 
> take action on matters outside DNA boundaries, even though this bike trail 
> might eventually connect to the Drake Neighborhood. Bill made an initial 
> motion to send only a letter of general support expressing our support for 
> bike trails in the city, but after the aforementioned discussion the motion 
> was voted down.
>
> o Heidi presented an explanation of a grant program for home weatherization 
> and how it might be implemented in the neighborhood.  The program provides 
> matching funds up to $100 per residence for making improvements in 
> weatherstripping, insulation, and other energy-saving upgrades.  If we 
> participate, DNA members/volunteers would have to identify eligible households 
> and help install the materials.   Discussion raised concerns of too little 
> time to meet a September 16 application deadline and not enough DNA volunteers 
> to participate.  This is the second year of a 5-year program, so we may be 
> able to plan ahead and participate in the future.
>
> o  Dolph announced that Aug 26 was scheduled as a Drake student work day, and 
> mentioned that students would be working on four projects: distributing DNA 
> membership flyers, cleaning up weeds etc in the Michael Thomas Memorial 
> Garden, helping with a cleanup in Drake Park, and a litter patrol near ML King 
> Blvd and Cottage Grove Ave.   He mentioned that each of the four projects 
> required one adult coordinator, and asked that anyone interested in 
> volunteering contact him.
>
> o Dog Town Fest will be held on Saturday, Sept 30.  Larry James Jr. is the 
> event chairman and will be assisted by Dolph and others.  Eldon moved that we 
> repeat our DNA support ($750 in 2005) for this year.  Bruce seconded. Motion 
> passed with 1 nay, 8 ayes.
>
> o  Trish has continued to explore the options for DNA to get official 
> nonprofit status as a 501c3 entity, and has talked with local attorney Bob 
> Oberbilling about the possibility of his acting as a consultant for us in this 
> process.  Bonnie offered a motion to authorize further meetings with 
> Oberbilling to explore the pros/cons of this step; Dolph seconded; motion 
> carried with unanimous aye vote.
>
> o DNA real estate lots near Cottage Grove Ave & freeway: We own 3 of 4 lots, 
> the other is owned by Larry James (Sr.?), who has expressed interest in 
> purchasing the DNA lots in order to move several houses from 30th Street that 
> have to be relocated or demolished for the planned Drake University "west 
> village" (not its official name) project.  Trish moved that we obtain a free 
> market assessment from a local realtor, then discuss/vote later on whether to 
> pay for a full appraisal.  Bruce seconded.  Motion passed with unanimous aye vote.
>
> Drake University report (Dolph)
> o Dolph announced that he is to be inducted into the Iowa African-American 
> Hall of Fame on Friday, August 11.  Congratulations were offered. There was 
> much rejoicing.
> o Dolph announced that the Drake University Event Pass cards formerly mailed 
> to only DNA members will now be sent to all neighborhood residents in order to 
> promote greater community involvement and attendance at Drake events.
>
> DABA report (Dolph)
> o The DABA hosted a Business After Hours event on July 27
> o The Greater Des Moines Junior League has decided to relocate from its 
> downtown  location and has selected the Drake area for its new site, though a 
> specific property has not been determined.
>
> Special Events
> o Marty asked about interest in a Kingman Island Cruise this year.  Discussion 
> raised concerns of too many events in Sept to be able to manage another.  
> Trish moved that no KIC be held this year; Bill seconded; motion carried.
>
> o Review of National Night Out at Drake Park: low attendance due to not enough 
> planning and promotion.  Witmer Park was mentioned as an alternate site in the 
> future, if the event location rotates.  Heidi volunteered to help with early 
> planning for next year’s event.
>
> o A DNA sale of architectural salvage items (mostly doors and wood trim) is 
> Scheduled for Saturday Aug 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Joachim will be 
> coordinating; Bill and Dean volunteered to help take shifts on Friday evening 
> (prep) or Saturday.
>
> Membership
> o Heidi mentioned the need for more membership brochures.  The last order of 
> 500 cost $420 to print; she will get info on costs for ordering another , 
> possibly larger, batch this year.
> o With recent departure of Jon Krieg from board, and unresolved status of 
> Donya Harvey, we will be nominating new board members.  Marty will contact 
> David re: candidates.