Monthly Community Meeting - Minutes February 1, 2011

Chairperson Grant called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM, at St. Anthony’s Grade School Cafeteria. Our host was Commissioner Feeley. A quorum as established by call of the roll. All were present.

Roll Call by Commissioner

Commissioner Sandi Washington Commissioner Patricia Roberts

Commissioner Angel Alston Commissioner Corey Griffin

Commissioner Herman Preston Commissioner Nicola Shaw

Commissioner Carolyn Steptoe Commissioner Shirley Rivens Smith

Commissioner Janae Grant Commissioner John J. Feeley, Jr.

Commissioner Robert King Commissioner Timothy Thomas

Agenda

· Chair Grant asked for a moment of silence to commemorate the passing of Dr. George Byrd.

· It was moved by Commissioner Preston and seconded by Commissioner Steptoe to accept the October minutes with any necessary corrections. The motion passed by voice vote.

· It was moved by Commissioner Feeley and seconded by Commissioner King to accept the November minutes with any necessary corrections. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer’s report –.

The Treasurer, Cmr. Rivens Smith, passed out written copies of the quarterly report. She moved for approval for the Commission Security Fund and Cmr. Steptoe seconded this. This motion was approved in a unanimous voice vote.

The Treasurer stated that new commissioner place signs had been made at the Association for Retarded Citizens print shop and that $54.00was needed to pay them. She moved that this payment be approved by the commission. This was seconded by Cmr. Feeley and approved, 10-1-1.

The Treasurer stated that plastic ties be purchased for the Pooper Scooper signs. She so moved and was seconded by Chair Grant. This was approved, 11-1-0.

Corresponding Secretary –. No report.

Police Report:

Police Reports: Sgt. DePasquale of 4D (405) reported crime was down in all categories. Sgt. Purnell of 5D (502) reported on crime statistics and police efforts. Robberies are currently the primary concern in the PSA. The arrest of a suspect, 1/18/11, has resulted in no further robberies in the PSA. Two officers are assigned to 12^th Street throughout the evening hours. Report was made on the murder on North Capitol Street (victim shot in the back after robbery). All were cautioned to be alert to their surroundings especially late at night. Commissioner Griffin asked what could be done to address prostitution concerns at 1814 Hamlin. It was reported by the councilman that the license for that hotel has been pulled in response to vice concerns. Concerns about a pit-bull at 22^nd and Otis were raised and an officer from 4D reported that the dog in that vicinity had been confiscated two hours before.

Commission Business:

Janice Booker was called forward to conduct Commission elections.

Commission Steptoe nominated Chair Grant for chair. Commissioner King nominated commissioner Preston for chair. Commissioner Preston was elected chair, 7 – 5.

Commission Preston nominated Thomas for vice chair. Commissioner King nominated Commissioner Steptoe. Commissioner Rivens Smith nominated Commissioner Grant. Cmr. Thomas was elected vice chair, 5 – 3 – 3.

Commission King nominated Commissioner Feeley to be recording secretary. He was elected by acclamation.

Commission King nominated Cmr. Alston to corresponding secretary. She was elected as corresponding secretary by acclamation.

Commission King nominated Cmr. Rivens Smith to be treasurer. Cmr. Rivens Smith declined. Commissioner King nominated Commissioner Griffin. He declined. Ms. Booker asked one of the commissioners to serve in this capacity and Cmr. Shaw volunteered. She was elected as treasurer by acclamation.

Commission Feeley nominated Cmr. King to be parliamentarian. He was elected parliamentarian by acclamation.

Councilman Thomas swore in the officers and congratulated them.

Chair Preston moved that $300. be allocated for plumbing repairs at the ANC office. This was seconded by Commissioner Washington. It was approved unanimously.

Invited Guest:

Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. was present and invited to speak. He noted that One City First Respondent Training is being offered to ANC Commissioners. He commented on the following matters:

Approval of the Rhode Island Avenue Small Area Plan.

Smart Meter Training

SMD Reports

§ 5A01, Commissioner Washington talked about Fort Totten Apartments and snow removal issues.

§ 5A02, Cmr. Roberts talked about snow removal. Her next meeting will focus on welcoming and getting to know new neighbors on 317.

§ 5A-03, Cmr. Alston is monitoring Capitol Area Food Bank construction

§ 5A-04, Commissioner Herman Preston announced that his next smd meeting would be in March.

§ 5A-06, Commissioner John J. Feeley, Jr. announced that his next smd meeting would be 2/14/11. On Saturday, he is hosting a special meeting on historic preservation.

§ 5A-07, Commissioner Steptoe is continuing to monitor the progress of the Col. Brooks PUD. The Brookland Civic Assoc. kiosk is moving forward.

§ 5A08, Commissioner Thomas reported that park improvements for the park at Michigan and Varnum are stalled due to weather but will proceed.

§ 5A09, Friends of the Park have obtained azaleas to be planted at the Michigan and Varnum Park. Had a joint meeting with 503.

§ 5A-10, Commissioner Griffin announced the following items: opening of Taste International, restaurant; opening of Art Enables (art therapy center); National Liquors is organizing a business Association on Rhode Island Ave.; next smd meeting will be on 2/22/11 in Lace Lounge – ABRA and NAACP will present; Facebook site for the smd (5A10)

The commissioner then requested that the commission support the application of American Quality Home Care Services. He presented a draft letter for the commission’s approval. Commissioner Feeley seconded this motion. Discussion ensued. Commissioner King asked commissioner Griffin to discuss this matter further with his constituents and get their approval of the letter of support. Mr. Komolafe, the business owner, spoke of the nature of his business (home nursing care and of his qualifications. Chair Preston called for a vote on Commissioner Feeley’s motion. The motion failed, 3 for and 9 opposed. Commissioner Griffin was asked to call a special meeting of his smd for 2/3/11 at the commission office. He agreed to do so and Mr. Komolafe agreed to present at that meeting.

§ 5A-11, Commissioner Janae Grant stated that the January smd meeting was cancelled due to snow. New parking placards will be issued to all commissioners in March. ID cards are out. The new director of DCRA is Jed Ross. Contact at jed.ross@dc.gov.

§ 5A12, Commissioner King had no report.

The chair offered to all new officers and thanks to those outgoing. He asked the vice chair to convene the joint commission 5A10 smd meeting on 2/3/11. An executive committee meeting is called for 2/7/11 at 6:30 in the demountable.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting will be Wednesday, 2/23/11, host and place to be announced.

Respectfully submitted,

John Feeley,

Recording Secretary