Downtown Residents' Council Meetings & Activities

April 13, 2010 Member Meeting

Date of meeting: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)

Welcome and Introductions

Chris Wiedeman presided over the meeting this evening; Sign in for a chance to win 2 tickets to the next Aronoff production, "Curtains".

Cincinnati Police Department Update: DSU Monthly Report Sergeant Damico

  • Upcoming Events: MS Walk April 24th Sawyer Point, March for Babies April 25th Sawyer Point, Flying Pig May 2nd (and Piglet May 1st), Great American Clean Up April 24th.
  • Crime down in all categories particularly theft from autos.
  • Shots fired near Garfield tower brought up ‚Äì CPD explained the City Beat case has now been solved. Crime notices are emailed out to membership via the Communications Committee when information is available.
  • Incident on attack on downtowner brought up ‚Äì CPD explained that there must be a victim/witness available for an arrest (not photos, etc...) due to an individual‚Äôs 4th amendment rights.
  • Piatt Park after hours use brought up ‚Äì CPD explained systematically, unsystematic policing of the park and will notify 3rd shift of the concern.

Cincinnati Fire Department:
There were no major issues to report.
The CFD is launching its "Safe Summer Nights" initiative where it will give out smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and batteries.

Adoption of March 2010 Meeting Minutes
Motion to adopt the minutes by Hugh Koon and seconded by Barb Westendorf. Membership voted to accept the minutes as written.

Guests:

  • Jeffrey Brewster with Interfaith Arts - Spoke about their national non-profit centered in Cincinnati including their efforts to raise money for Haiti (Hoodies for Haiti produced in Sharonville with goal to raise $1M). They are partnering with American Red Cross and other groups.
  • Mark Hawkins 513-257-3704 of the Velvet Room (formerly Bang) will have regular presence at the meetings to address issues. Feel free to call Mark or the club 513-621-2582 with any issues/concerns.
  • Nancy Dolley - Ohioans for Humane Farms (working on petition on drive for animal rights laws). Petitions, volunteer forms and info were available after the meeting.
  • Rick Dieringer - The City of Cincinnati is on a two year budget cycle. The next budget starts this summer with a $50M budget deficit likely. Open meetings: April 26th 6:00pm-8:45pm - Madisonville Rec Center; April 28th 6:00pm-8:45pm - Avondale Pride Center; May 5th 6:00pm-8:45pm - Midway School; June 5th 9:00am-12:00pm - Cintas Center. See http://www.citizenscivicrenewal.org/ for details.
NEW BUSINESS:
  • Outgoing members (Andy Chirch, Linda Phillips, Paul Westendorf and Casy Gimore) were thanked for their service.
  • Andy made outgoing comments and was presented with a thank you plaque
  • Membership Vote on new board members - Voting for 3-year terms
  • Restriction to votes to graphical area
  • Motion to vote: 31 in favor, 0 no, 0 abstaining (see nominating report at end)
  • Report on Community Priority Requests by Craig Hudson presenting the three projects the DRC proposed (Path to Taft, Northern Recycling Bin and Increased Pedestrian Wayfinding).
  • Great American Clean Up: Chris Wiedeman chris.wiedeman@gmail.com
  • April 24th - Downtown Clean Up - Path to Taft area (sign up sheet passed around)
OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES

Treasurer's Report: Chris Smith
The month began with a beginning balance of $3986.10. No checks were written and there were deposits of $3927.46 including $3832.46 from NSP/City. The month ended with $7913.56.

Budget/NSP: George Verkamp
Up until this point depending on we've been depending on grants. We will have $5K (last time was $7K) to be reimbursed once we vote on a budget at the next meeting. We are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status.

Membership Committee: Alison Kamine
25-renewal, 8-new, 2 businesses
Allison Kamine will be working on updating discount list

Clean, Green and Safe Committee: David Siders
All recycling bins are totally full, so we are requesting a northern bin. We still need location and recommendations are welcome.

Events Committee: Marty McGlinchey
TONIGHT: Join us at Arnolds after the meeting!
April 29th - Social at Washington Platform from 6pm to 8pm+.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(All non-political items are welcome)

  • Julie Carpenter announced that the Betts House "From Tenements to Townhouses: Mutli-Family Housing in Cincinnati" exhibit opening this weekend running until September 30th.
  • Jenn Carr from Downtown Cincinnati Jazzercise mentioned special offer and flyers in back
  • Chris Wiedeman announced that the Cincinnati Park Board's "Nature Next Door" Program at the Lincoln Recreation Center in the West End will be starting in June and run through August.
  • Drawing by Hugh Koon for the door prize went to Barb who gave her tickets to Marty McGlinchey

Motion to adjourn by Conrad Thiede seconded by Rick Dieringer
Approximately 50 people were in attendance

Respectfully submitted by Ben Wissel

2010 Nominating Report

The Members of the 2010 Nominating Committee are:
Andy Chirch, DRC President
Ben Wissel, DRC Member
Chris Wiedeman, DRC Board Member
Lynne Smith, DRC Member
David Siders, DRC Board Member
Conrad Thiede, Committee Chair

Operating in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution of the Downtown Residents Council, the 2010 Nominating Committee has met, considered the needs of the organization, reviewed more than a dozen potential nominees, and is submitting this report and motion. Recommendations for nominees were received from more than 2 dozen people.

Current Board Members Departing Board At The April 2010 Annual Meeting are:
• Andy Chirch
• Linda Phillips
• Paul Westendorf
• Casey Gilmore
The Nominating Committee thanks these members for their service to the community.
The remaining 6 current board members are either up for re-election or continuing their current term.

FOR THE APRIL 2010 ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Nominating Committee recommends the following slate be considered at the April 13, 2010 Annual Meeting of the Downtown Residents Council:

The following current board member is recommended by the Nominating Committee for the 2010 slate of officers:
• Chris Wiedeman

The following DRC Members are recommended by the Nominating Committee for the 2010 slate of officers:
• Lynne Smith
• Ben Wissel
• Susan Lennard
• Craig Hudson
• Julie Carpenter

Each nominee received unanimous support from the committee, and Mr. Wissel and Ms. Smith abstained from the vote in which their names were being considered.

This completes the report of the 2010 Nominating Committee. Please move to accept this report and place the six-person slate into consideration for a vote of membership at the April 2010 Annual Meeting of the Downtown Residents Council.