May 2015 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Present:

Marge Maceda, Chair, ANC 6E05

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01

Antonio D. Barnes, Secretary, ANC 6E06

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Rachelle P. Nigro, ANC 6E04

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03

Absent:

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Chair Maceda called the meeting to order 6:36 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as amended. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of April 7, 2015 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, Maceda, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  
  

1. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 1D AND 3D

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Sgt. Peter M. Sheldon of 1D (PSA 103) reported the following:  overall violent crime is up 9%; robberies are down 21%, ADW up 18%; property crimes down 19%; theft 18%; theft from auto up 30%; stolen autos 19% reduction from 2014.

Officer Berlin 3D (PSA 308) reported the following:  one robbery at 900 R Street, NW; no burglaries; thefts from autos on Marion Street and 400 block of Q Street; two shootings, one on April 20th – 1300 block of 8^th Street, victim survived, investigation pending; the other was on April 26^th in the 600 block of P Street, NW; the individual was a gang member who was shot in the leg and survived;  Commissioner Padro asked if “Shot Spotter” is working.  Officer Berlin responded three incidents were picked up by Shot Spotter.  Commissioner Wiggins asked about a sound of gunshots incident.

1. ART PROJECT – MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE community improvement district (MVTCID) – FENCE ALONG 5^TH STREET

   Todd Dengel, Executive Vice President of MarcParc, Inc., spoke regarding their efforts to do a temporary art exhibit along the chain link fence at 5^th & K  Streets, NW.  They collaborated with Deirdre MacWilliams, a public art project manager and curator focused on temporary public art, to find an artist.  MacWilliams found artist Rachel Schmidt who will take images from different cities around the world and collaging them with an integration of wildlife and will be composed of a see-through mesh.  They hope to hold an event where the public will be able to meet the artist.  Funds for the project were raised privately.

   Commissioner Maceda asked whether the commission will be able to see the art before it is installed and whether a public meeting will be held.  It was her understanding that the history of Mount Vernon Square would be featured.  Mr. Dengel responded there will be a forum to get feedback from people and that Mount Vernon Triangle will be featured.  Commissioner Padro stated that the project missed an opportunity in terms of outreach, but that future iterations should have more outreach.

2. ABRA LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS

   Commissioner Padro stated ANC 6E’s ABC Licensing Committee met, considered liquor license renewals, and recommended approval for the following establishments:

   Guilford Liquors
   Ta Tunnel Fine Wine & Spirits
   Logan Circle Liquors
   Log Cabin Liquors
   Eye Street Cellars
   Capital City Wine and Spirits
   Kiflu’s Wine and Spirits

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the liquor license renewals of: Guilford Liquors, Ta Tunnel Fine Wine & Spirts, Logan Circle Liquors, Log Cabin Liquors, Eye Street Cellars, Capital City Wine and Spirits, and Kiflu’s Wine and Spirits, and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.   The Motion passed, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda) – 1 nay (Commissioner Wiggins) – 0 abstentions.

• BICYCLE SPACE – ERIK KuglER

  Co-founder Erik Kugler of BicycleSPACE provided a brief history of the store’s previous locations at 459 I Street, NW and 1019 7^th Street, NW. They are presently at a temporary location at 5^th & G Streets, NW, but are moving to 440 K Street, NW where they just signed a ten-year lease.    The new space will have wood floors and will be the biggest bike store in DC.  There will be free yoga, free events, movie screenings, and space for the community. Some of their mechanics have over 40 years of experience.  Six (6) group rides will be offered per week.  The store will open in mid to late May and there will be a grand opening.

• CASEY TREES

  Suraj Sazawai, Advocacy Associate for Casey Trees, spoke briefly regarding the tree planting program of Casey Trees and its goal of restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy in the nation’s capital. He invited those present to  attend a Tree Advocates Meeting with Councilmember Charles Allen on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street, NW, Washington, DC.  Ward 6 has the lowest tree canopy coverage in the city at 17%.

5. GRANT APPLICATION

   Rachel Dickerson of New Community Church at 614 F Street, NW, stated the Church is seeking a $1,500 grant from ANC 6E for a community-based art program for adults and children.  The money will be used for staff salaries, supplies and publicity.  They currently have four (4) children’s classes, an after- school program in the church space, and adult classes.  A $5.00 per person fee is charged for those classes requiring registration.

   MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the grant application in the amount of $1,500.00 submitted by New Community Church at 614 F Street, NW, be approved, subject to final approval by the DC Auditor.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

6. TREASURER’S REPORT

   Commissioner Chapple stated he did not have the Quarterly Report because of software glitches in the new computer system.  He will have the Quarterly Report at the June 2, 2015 Public Meeting.

   He reported that the balance in the checking account is $61,395.90.

7. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES
   5. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Jehle in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E May 5, 2015 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Maceda, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
   6. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $521.35 for printing costs of the May 2015 Newsletter.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
   7. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Maceda be reimbursed in the amount of $21.00 for paying the late fee for ANC 6E’s post office box, pending receipt of the completed reimbursement form.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• OLD BUSINESS

• NEW BUSINESS
  1. By-Laws Adoption: Chair Maceda stated that the by-laws need to be updated on a regular basis.  She requested input from the commissioners on the draft by-laws she emailed them previously.

     Due to time constraints and the number of comments and revisions, the Commissioners will provide their comments to Chair Maceda via email and the Commission will consider the final draft at its June 2, 2015 Public Meeting.  

  2. 440 K Street, NW: Request for Support for Public Space Permit (Outdoor Patio):  Tony Velazquez, co-owner of Baked & Wired located in Georgetown, spoke regarding his request for support for a Public Space Permit for an Outdoor Patio for a second bakery/coffee shop to be located at 440 K Street, NW.   The new space will have an open concept layout, including an open kitchen, and a lot of lounging space.

     Chair Maceda provided a copy of the proposed patio floor plan and noted there was no interior walkway which the other restaurants on K Street have provided.

     MOTION:  Commissioner Maceda moved that ANC 6E oppose the current configuration for the outdoor patio at 440 K Street, NW.

     Friendly Amendment:  Commissioner Padro seconded, but offered a friendly amendment that ANC 6E recommends that an area eight feet wide stretching from the east to the west boundaries of the proposed patio area and immediately at the southern end of the existing planters at the ground level be kept clear as a walkway, the planter at the east end be removed, and that said recommendation be communicated to DDOT and the Public Space Committee.  The Motion passed 4 yeas (Commissioners Maceda, Padro, Chapple, Wiggins) – 2 nays (Commissioners Barnes and Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

• next meeting

  Tuesday, June 2, 2015, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, NW, 6:30 p.m.

• ANNOUNCEMENTS
  1. Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember Charles Allen’s office stated that there will be a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the DCRA building, 1100 4^th Street, SW, to hear resident input on Ward 6 budget priorities.
  2. The African American Civil War Museum will be hosting its sesquicentennial event on the grounds of the Garrison Elementary School from May 15-17, 2015 where a living history camp will be set up with re-enactment tents depicting what the actual camp was like during the Civil War. Various events will be held during this period culminating with the Grand Review and Parade on May 17, 2015.
  3. The Mount Vernon Triangle Farm stand will be open on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  4. Frank Maduro of the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services, introduced himself and asked residents to contact him if they have any issues; maduro@dc.gov, telephone: 202-538-0313.

     Commissioner Wiggins asked when more “Scoop Your Dog’s Poop” signs were going to be provided.  Mr. Maduro stated they can be obtained from the DDOE.

  5. Commissioner Padro stated that the official unveiling and celebration of Symphony in DC Major, a sculptural artwork created by Artist Zachary Oxman honoring Duke Ellington’s unforgettable musical talent, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at City Market at O.
  6. Ray Williams, Permitting Manager of the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, introduced himself. His office provides permission to occupy public space for filming in the District of Columbia and related activities.   Commissioner Padro stated there is inconsistent communication between the ANC and Mr. Williams’ office and that residents need more notice when filming is going to be done.

• ADJOURNMENT

  MOTION:   There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.   The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.