July 14, 2009 Member Meeting

Date of meeting: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)

Welcome and Introductions

Casey Gilmore, DRC Vice President, presided over this evening's meeting

Cincinnati Police Department Update:

  • Theft from autos has declined Jan.-July 2009 compared to the same period last year.
  • The liaison officer for Downtown and Mt. Adams explained the Citizen's Observer Program. Citizens can now sign up and receive alerts.
  • On July 31st August 1st, while the Macy's Music Festival is taking place, there will be no parking on CBD streets.

Guests:

Lynn Cameron, VP of Recruitment: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati (Cameron@bigsforkids.org)
Volunteers are needed one hour/day at lunch and recess times for the School-Based Mentoring program at St. Francis Seraph School on Liberty Street and Newport E.S. on 4th Street
Minority Contact Program individuals work with children from high risk areas of the city

Christopher Rose, President and CEO: Rookwood Pottery Company
Gave a fascinating overview of Rookwood Pottery's history as the first decorative tile manufacturing company in the U.S. and the contributions it's made to our nation and Cincinnati. Tile sales are currently being made all across the country and Canada.
Working with the arts community on plans to build a complex with shops and a restaurant at 19th and Race Streets.
Maintaining authenticity and seeing Rookwood tiles integrated into architecturally significant buildings (OTR) is of utmost importance.

Troy Layton, Dinner Manager: Palomino Restaurant (505 Vine Street)
Special Promotion through August 12th gift cards offering 20% off food purchases with no expiration date.
Wednesday evenings bottles of wine at half price

OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES

Treasurer' Report: Chris Smith
$250 was received from Flying Pig Marathon for our continued support

Communications Committee: Conrad Thiede
DRC Volunteers Appreciation Night free tickets available Thursday, August 13th to the Cincinnati Reds Game
Shared photos and anecdotes of the wonderful trip to Moundsville, W. Virginia that he took with Mr. Koon.

Membership Committee: Casey Gilmore and Alison Kamine
Membership renewals and new member sign-ups are ongoing.

Clean, Green and Safe Committee: David Siders and Paul Westendorf
Urban Gardening and design for urban spaces class taking place in the library

Events Committee: Linda Phillips
July 30th @ the Hilton Palm Court 6-8 pm Appetizers & drinks at Happy Hour prices
August 27th @ Black Finn 6-8 pm Appetizers provided, drinks price
Sept. 17th Cincinnati Ballet New Works sponsored by OTR and DRC. Individuals must purchase tickets for the performance. Snacks and wine following.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following announcements were noted:

  • Chris Wiedeman Explained the Anti Passenger Rail Charter Amendment and reported that the DRC Board voted unanimously to oppose the Amendment and state our support for passenger rail transportation. Representatives from COAST and Cincinnatians for Progress will be invited to attend the August DRC meeting. A table will be set up at Findlay Market to provide the public with information on the proposed charter amendment and its consequences.
  • Cold Turkey restaurant on 6th Street is now open and will maintain late hours
  • St. Xavier Church Friday, Aug. 7th, 5K Run and Funraiser festival 6:00-11:00
  • Findlay Market Tues., Sat. & Sun. local farmers sell their produce; 5 course meal fundraiser at Turner Farms in Indian Hill to benefit Findlay Market Fund.
  • Historic Midtown Merchant's Association newly formed group to promote retail shops.

Motion to adjourn by Hugh Kuhn.

Meeting was adjourned by Casey Gilmore @ 7:00 pm

Approximately 40 persons in attendance

Respectfully submitted by Alison Kamine
July 31, 2009