February 12, 2008 Member Meeting
Date of meeting: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)
Welcome and Introductions
Conrad Thiede called to order the February meeting at exactly 6:00 PM. Self-introductions of all in attendance followed.
Cincinnati Police Department / Downtown Services Unit Report
Cpt. Ken Jones from the CPD introduced several Downtown Services Unit officers. The following information was provided via their report: Part 1 crimes (serious crimes) in the CBD decreased in December by 13.3%. Year to date, the decrease was 10.5% Part 2 crimes were down 14.3% in December and 9.8% year to date. Captain Jones gave an update on requests for service by the police department at or near 30 W Court St. Police have worked aggressively to respond to citizen complaints about criminal activity near this location. They will continue to pay close attention to this area as needed.
Cincinnati Fire Department Report
Captain Mike Kirby from Cincinnati Fire Department was in attendance along with several Fire Department employees. The Fire Department continues to offer their support and extended an open invitation to call them directly if residents have questions concerning fire safety. Firehouses at 9th & Broadway (Engine 3) as well as 5th & Central (Engine 14) and Queensgate all provide coverage for CBD.
Currently, Cincinnati fire trucks provide the majority of coverage for requests for medical assistance. City has approximately 40 fire trucks and only 10 ambulances. City Council is considering adding more ambulances. Residents are encouraged to contact City Council to express support for adding more ambulances. Engine 3 firehouse phone number is 513-352-2303.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The January 2008 meeting minutes were adopted. Rick Dieringer made a motion to accept, Barb Westendorf seconded the motion. All in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Guest Presenters:
SPECIAL GUEST: Thayne Maynard, Director of the Cincinnati Zoo asks that residents support issue 17 at the upcoming election. This issue provides operating funding for the zoo and does not provide capital for new projects. Thayne also provided updates on new projects at the zoo designed to increase accessibility such as acquisition and development of a new parking area across Vine Street and an elevated footbridge leading from the new area to safely cross Vine.
SPECIAL BUSINESS: NSP Budget proposal Chris Smith offered a motion that non-downtown residents be allowed to vote on the budget. Seconded by Susan. The motion passed by unanimous vote of downtown residents. Paul Westendorf then moved that all 2008 budget items proposed to remain at same levels as 2007 with the following exception: Events budget will be increased from $1,000 to $1,500, and this will be offset by a decrease in communications budget by $500. Motion was seconded by Katherine Durack. The motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENT: DRC was recognized by Cincinnati Master Gardners and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful for contributions of over 2,000 hours last year devoted to cleanup and beautification of the neighborhood.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The following slate of officers has been recommended by the board for upcoming election in April 2008: George Verkamp will stand for reelection, and Linda Phillips will be running to fill the slot vacated by Dacia Snider.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Chris Wiedeman informed the Council of an issue with the way property taxes are being allocated to residents of multi-family buildings downtown. Chris has invited feedback and will be happy to offer further explanation to anyone who is interested.
OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES
Events (Chairs: Tamia Stinson and Chris Wiedeman)
BuddhaKan restaurant Tuesday February 19th 6pm to 8pm. Sung restaurant in March, date TBD.
Treasurer/NSP (Chris Smith, courtview7@yahoo.com)
Finished 2007 in the black, current balance: $5,395. $585 in deposits, $625 in checks in the past month. See Chris with any specific questions.
Communication (Contact info@ILiveDowntown.com)
Weekly emails and updates will continue.
Membership (Chairs: Casey Gilmore and Paul Westendorf)
Reminder: dues are just $15/individual, $20/household, and $50/corporate.
Clean & Safe (Chairs: conradfoster@yahoo.com and ktdurack@fuse.net)
Liquor License renewals: DRC is objecting via a letter to renewal of the Court St Deli's liquor license. 28 & 30 W Court St have been continuing sources of problems and requests for police service. The establishment continues to sell alcohol exclusively packaged in large single serving containers. Also objecting to renewal of NM Mini Mart at 823 Elm St because of owner's use of firearms outside in public.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Great American Clean Up will start at Purple People Bridge on April 26th.
WANTED: Chair of the 2008 Great American Clean Up - Downtown Event! Panhandling laws and alternatives, Eyes/Ears of Downtown, Clean/Safe Action Plan, Junk in the Trunk, Mutt Mitt, etc. updates (info fliers are available at all monthly meetings or via info@ILiveDowntown.com)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW PARTNER: Molly Malone's in Covington joins the DRC - Offers 10% Discount to DRCers!
LIVE JAZZ AT THE LIBRARY - Select Saturdays in 2007-2008
JAZZ @ JACKSON ST UNDERGROUND: Tuesdays are Jazz Nights at the Know Theater
NOW OPEN: Park + Vine a green general store at 1109 Vine St.
SPECIAL OFFER: Downtown Jazzercise at Christ Church Cathedral offers residential/business classes; currently offering free trial week and $20 off registration
ANNOUNCEMENT: Ken Jones thanked DRC for its support for saving Rothenberg school and invited all to Bockfest parade and festivities.
Robin VanCroft with Jazzercise is looking for an additional downtown space in which to host jazzercise sessions. If interested, please contact her at an upcoming meeting.
Chris Wiedeman will be looking into the City's proposed dog park near the Pet Athletic Club and will report back at a future meeting.
Shirley Newman offered motion to adjourn, Barb Westendorf seconded. Meeting adjourned promptly at 7PM. Gathering at CafĂ Martin to follow.
Respectfully submitted by Andy Chirch
February 12, 2008