September 8, 2009 Member Meeting

Date of meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)

Welcome and Introductions

Andy Chirch, DRC President, presided over the meeting this evening; minutes from the August 11, 2009 meeting were accepted.

Cincinnati Police Department Update:
Theft from autos is still a major concern; CBD is the area hit most; reminder not to leave valuables in your car; GPS and laptops are items that are stolen most often.

Octoberfest is taking place next weekend and street closures will be in effect; a a crowd of 500,000 participants is expected.

Neighborhood Police Officer report 8 security cameras will be installed downtown and will be monitored 24/7; cameras were paid for by federal grant.

Guests:
Sue Magness, Recyling Coordinator for the City of Cincinnati, Office of Environmental Quality (513-352-5332); Cinti has the largest urban program in the state of Ohio; 40,000/100,000 households participate; 250,000 tons of material have been recycled, but the program has not been steadily growing; Fact Sheet and proposal that was submitted to Council was handed out; explained proposal to switch from18 gallon bin to 24 gallon rolling cart; wants to offer incentive program to encourage citizens to participate in recycling; residents can call 591-6000 to obtain a free recycling bin.

Michael Flannery, Goodwill Industries; Spoke on behalf of the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD; asked us to support Issue # 5 in Nov.; cost to homeowners would be $1.26/month/$100,000; 600 persons are served by MR/DD in the downtown area alone.

Greg Goloborodko, Regional Director for the Casino Initiative; Yes for Issue 3 Campaign encompasses Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati; Dan Gilbert is backing this proposal; revenues will come from a guaranteed 33% casino tax; job growth and significant economic opportunity for Cincinnati was emphasized; a $300-$350 million dollar investment will be made by the backers; Todd Portune addressed the gaming controversy; believes that gambling is a form of entertainment and the dollars are not staying in the city or Hamilton County; we're losing the opportunity to create jobs; he believes that the operators are responsible businesspersons.

Chris Grayson, Branch Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Division; asked for feedback as to whether or not there was interest from downtowners in daily or hourly rental rates; located in Millennium Hotel; weekend special Friday through Monday; DRC Discount.

OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES

Treasurer's Report: Chris Smith

Budget/NSP: George Verkamp
Worked on obtaining $500 3CDC grant

Communications Committee: Conrad Thiede
Thanked DRC members and fellow downtowners for attending the Reds baseball game.

Membership Committee: Casey Gilmore and Alison Kamine
$500 grant was received from 3CDC.

Clean, Green and Safe Committee: David Siders
Arranged for Ms. Magness' presentation.

Events Committee: Linda Phillips and Marty McGlinchey
Sept. 17th Cincinnati Ballet New Works, sponsored by OTR & DRC ; Oct. 20th social at Palomino's; Nov. 19th Rookwood Pottery Tour and opportunity to purchase pottery.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following announcements were noted:

  • Community Councils are sponsoring a Sept. 30th program from 7-9 pm to learn who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues.
  • Attendees were asked to support local musicians and artists.

Motion to adjourn by Hugh Koon, 2nd by Diane Byerly

Meeting was adjourned by Andy Chirch @ 7:00
Approximately 42 persons were in attendance

Respectfully submitted by Alison Kamine