Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A

 

Monthly Community Meeting -                  Minutes                           September 28, 2011

 

Chairperson Preston called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM, at. Our hosts were the Chair and Commissioner Shaw. The meeting was held at Providence Hospital. A quorum as established by call of the roll.

 

Roll Call by Commissioner

Commissioner Sandi Washington                                  Commissioner Patricia Roberts

Commissioner Angel Alston                                          Commissioner Corey Griffin

Commissioner Herman Preston                                      Commissioner Necola Shaw

Commissioner Carolyn Steptoe                                     Commissioner Shirley Rivens Smith, excused

Commissioner Janae Grant                                           Commissioner John J. Feeley, Jr.

Commissioner Robert King                                           Commissioner Timothy Thomas

 

Agenda

·    It was moved and seconded that the agenda be accepted.

The motion passed by voice vote.

·    It was moved and seconded that the minutes be accepted with any necessary corrections. The motion passed by voice vote.

 

Treasurer's report - Commissioner Shaw gave the report. She provided a three month overview and reported that monthly expenses were noted but not cleared. The current balance is $61,430.43. The third quarter report was accepted. Treasurer's report was moved accepted by the Chair and seconded by Commissioner King. Unanimous approval.

 

Police Report: Chief of Police, Cathy Lanier, spoke. The Chief was pleased to speak in commission 5A, because of her years on a beat in 4D. She expressed appreciation for the civic mindedness of 5A citizens. She spoke on crime trends in the District. Homicides are down to 1963 levels. There were 132 homicides last year. She wants to see the level drop to 100 and it seems possible as the year comes to a close. The department has identified the highest repeat gun offenders and they are under close observation. A gang conflict between Rosedale and Langston Carver seems to be in operation and there were 16 gang related homicides last year. PCP is making a comeback in drug arrests and confiscations. The 4h District is poised to get the greatest reduction in crime. Chief Lanier finished by advising all to be on the alert for any suspicious activity because the 9/11 threat has not disappeared.

 

Community concerns: The Chief was asked to put 1500 Taylor Street under surveillance as a source of suspicious activity. A warrant has been put out for the three letter tag, "KGB" Commissioner King spoke commending the dedicated service of Commander Solberg in 5D.

 

Invited Guest: Councilman Thomas spoke on the following matters: 1. September is Domestic Violence

Month.

2. offered thanks to Providence for their community involvement and offered support for the new MRI

suite.

3. encouraged more ward 5 job sourcing.

4. Redistricting is coming. Ward 5 has the largest task force in the city. 5. Wal Mart development is progressing.

6. Police jobs need to be protected. 1,100 officers are eligible to retire in the next three years.

7. The councilman is working to protect the job benefits of city workers.

 

The Young Masters Program was recognized for their years of service to the community.

Council member -at- large Vincent Orange spoke. He introduced his community liaison person,  Mark Long.

 

John J Feeley, JR5A                                                              Page 1                                                                                                 

 

 

 

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A

 

The Council member is introducing three bills: 1. term limits for elected officials.

 2. the position of Job Czar to address the growing problem of unemployment in the city.

 3. a moratorium on strip clubs in the city.

 

A constituent commented that she wanted to see the central library at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library open on Sunday.

 

Janice Booker asked what the relationship would be between a job czar and the Department of Employment services. Councilman said that with 30,000 new development jobs coming to the city this would require interagency cooperation.

 

Mr. Thompson of Providence Hospital gave an overview of the Providence Hospital MRI Suite Project.

The hospital is looking for a certificate of need by November. New larger, more open MRI units are needed to increase patient satisfaction.

 

Commissioner Shaw moved for letter of support for MRI unit construction, Thomas seconded. Passed unanimously.

 

Discussion of service at Providence's Emergency Room led to remarks from Dr. William Sturdwick, head of Emergency Services.

Commissioner King offered to work with Providence to get the necessary city funds to assist with renovations for the hospital Emergency room.

 

Chair proposed a motion in support of funding to improve Providence's Emergency Room facilities. This motion was approved unanimously.

 

SMD Reports and Commission Business:

 

5A03: 116 units are proposed at South Dakota and Decatur and plans are underway.

5A06: brought liquor license substantial change before constituents on two occasions. Divided opinion and small turn out so no vote taken. Will attempt to negotiate a community agreement, prior to October hearing.

5A08: Residential parking is proposed for the 1500 block of Taylor Street. Commissioner asked for Commission approval. Thomas moved, Alston seconded. Unanimous approval.

5A10: Next smd meeting will be at 6:30 on the 29`h at Art and Mabel's, 2204 Rhode Island Avenue. Commissioner is sponsoring a grant for the Young Masters. Seeking Commission approval. Grant committee has not met. He also seeks traffic assistance at the Perry Street Academy, where 1,000 people come and go each day.

5A11: September meeting looked at earthquake damage claims and insurance coverage. Assisted Seabury with canned food drive. October meeting will be the last of the year.

Moved that the Commission support re-nomination of Anthony Hood to the Zoning Commission. Commissioner King ruled out of order.

 

5A12: Commissioner King will host the October 26 Community meeting at Fort Lincoln. There will be an update on Costco.

 

Commission Business: Commissioner Griffin asked for resolution of grant application for the Young Masters. The matter was referred to the Grants Committee.

Commissioner King moved for Adjournment, Commissioner Feeley seconded. Unanimous approval and the Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:40 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted by John J. Feeley, Jr., Recording Secretary

 

 

 

John J Feeley, JR5A                                                              Page 2