November 10, 2009 Member Meeting

Date of meeting: Tuesday, November 10, 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 October 13, 2009 meeting were accepted.

Cincinnati Police Department Update: Captain Theetge, Lt. M. Neudigate, Captain R. Neville

  • Robbery prevention and auto theft is the primary focus of the task force this holiday season. A serial burglar has been identified and arrested.
  • Police visibility overtime (PVO) will be initiated.
  • Citizens can request that an officer stop in and say ‚Äúhello‚Äù at holiday gatherings and business events.
  • Information Technology Management (Captain Neville): 65-70 Public Safety Cameras will be installed throughout Cincinnati. 8 cameras are currently being installed downtown in time for the busy holiday season. Locations: 8th & Vine, 5th & Vine, 5th and Main, 7th & Main, 4th & Race, 6th & Race, 6th & Walnut, 9th & Walnut.
  • The cameras store recorded information for 15 days and spans an area of 360 degrees. They are installed at a height of 23 feet from the ground. The clarity is excellent and they have a ‚Äúpoint, tilt, zoom‚Äù capability. Cost is $19,000 each. Grants and donated funds finance the project. The police chief determines where the cameras are located. Ten television monitors, 52 inches each, are being used to monitor activity. It‚Äôs anticipated that part time staff will be monitoring the system 16 hours a day.

Cincinnati Fire Department:
Engine 14 purchased a new fire truck. Reminder to change the batteries in home fire detectors and use caution when decorating with holiday lights.

Guests:
Brandon Wiers: Cincinnatus Association (www.cincinnatusassoc.org) – Downtown has been awarded the distinction of being designated as a Gold Medal Community. Downtown is exemplary of a stable, integrated community. People are encouraged to attend Hidden Treasures: A Human Relations Summit on Sat. Nov. 21, 2009.

Public Library Children’s Learning Center was presented with a check for $1,250.00 by the DRC to finance art projects for children in the community. The upcoming season will be the DRC's 7th year of financial and volunteer support.

Arlene Koth - DCI is featuring 5 properties that will be available to tour on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Downtown Tour Volunteers are encouraged to contact Ms. Koth at Arlene@downtowncincinnati.com or 513-421-4440 x 112.

OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES

Treasurer's Report: Chris Smith
$1,392 was distributed this month and the balance is $7,898.

Communications Committee: Conrad Thiede
Coats are being collected to distribute to the homeless population. Contact Conrad to arrange for pickup and/or donate winter coats.

Membership Committee: Casey Gilmore and Alison Kamine
Membership renewals are being mailed via e-mail.

Clean, Green and Safe Committee: David Siders, Paul Westendorf & Chris Wiedeman
The Dog Park project is still alive and donations are being collected through a fund set up at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Two new mutt mitts have been installed downtown.

Events Committee: Linda Phillips and Marty McGlinchey
November 19th: Rookwood Pottery Tour, Drinks & Appetizers -1920 Race Street, 6:00-8:00 pm
December 15th: Social @ McCormick & Schmicks, 2nd floor, 6:00-8:00 pm
December 22nd: Volunteer opportunity @ Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. 4th Street

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following announcements were noted:

  • St. Xavier Church made a generous donation to the DRC.
  • Huntington Bank ‚Äì 4th and Walnut Center ‚Äì presented an overview of their services and current competitive interest and loan rates
  • Holiday Lights ‚Äì volunteers are needed to install holiday decorations at Piatt Park
  • Betts House is open Thanksgiving weekend with seasonal refreshments, craft activities
  • On November 25, 2009 there will be a hearing on the Righteous Room noise ordinance before Judge Brad Greenberg .

Motion to adjourn by Hugh Koon, 2nd by Chris Wiedeman

Meeting was adjourned @ 7:05 pm
Approximately 40 persons were in attendance

Respectfully submitted by Alison Kamine