May 13, 2008 Member Meeting
Date of meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)
Welcome and Introductions
Conrad Thiede called to order the March meeting at exactly 6:00 PM. Self-introductions of all in attendance followed.
Cincinnati Police Department / Downtown Services Unit (DSU) Report
The CPD was represented by Lt. Neudigate (DSU) who introduced the new District 1 Commander, Captain Theresa (Teri) Theege. Cpt. Theege can be reached at 513-352-3024. Residents are welcome to call her any time. Lt Neudigate then provided the following updated information:
March crime statistics:
Part 1 crimes down 28.9% over same period last year
Part 2 crimes down 7.9% over last year
Questions/concerns raised for Lt Neudigate:
Linda Phillips: Since being brought up at the April meeting, the problem with cars gathering (nights) by Park Place @ Lytle have abated. Thank you to DSU & District 1.
No other concerns were noted.
Cincinnati Fire Department
CFD was represented by Lieutenant Kortekamp from Engine 3 at 9th & Broadway. Cincinnati Fire Department continues to welcome questions & comments from residents. In addition to their other responsibilities, they are happy to do inspections for free. Call City Hall to request a fire inspection. 513-591-6000 is the number.
Other points of note:
River rescue was completed successfully
Fire Department offering free smoke detectors and batteries for same while supplies last
There were no questions or concerns raised by the group for the CFD.
Motion to accept the minutes from prior meeting was offered by George Verkamp. Seconded by Shirley Newman. The motion was approved unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Guest Presenters:
Lynn Cameron with Big Brothers & Big Sisters came to ask for volunteers of all types to mentor & serve children ages 7 to 13. Other programs they offer include: Hispanic mentoring program, program for children with incarcerated parents, and school-day mentoring for children at their school. For more information, call Lynn at 513-421-4120.
Carolyn Janssen with the Children's Learning Center at the Main Library introduced the upcoming summer arts program. Volunteers are needed to help with Wednesday night sessions starting June 4th. For more information, contact Carolyn at 513-369-6922
Suzanne Schindler from Fountain Square Management Group/3CDC extended an invitation to all DRC'ers to attend Fountain Square events. She introduced 3CDC's mission to plan, produce, and provide quality entertainment programming for Fountain Square. A sample of this summer's events includes:
Tuesday market days with all types of vendors
Saturday Night at the movies with a family friendly movie at 7:30, and a feature film at 9:30
PNC Summer Music series 5 nights a week and 2 afternoons
Reds Hot Weekends during 3 game weekend series (7 times this season)
Fountain Square Management needs volunteers. Call Suzanne at 513-621-4400 if interested.
Sarah Meyer from 2nd Sunday on Main gave an event update. 2nd Sunday runs May through September. The event is located on Main between 13th and Liberty from Noon to 5pm. Some highlights:
Live Bands and a Samba parade from 12:40 to 1pm
Educational art series
Wine tasting
Yoga demonstration
Dog adoption from SPCA
Community Canvas art project
Something for everyone!
2nd Sunday on Main needs volunteers. For information, see the website www.secondsundayonmain.org.
OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES
Safe & Clean:
Great American Cleanup was a great success! Thanks to all who sponsored and especially all who came out and helped.
Liquor License update
NM Mini Mart DRC objection was upheld by the Vibrant Neighborhoods Committee of City Council
Court Street Deli the owner and DRC have reached an agreement to remove drug paraphernalia and try to stock more mainstream items. Call to DRCers: please patronize Court Street Deli and show your support for this agreement.
Downtown Concierge 50+ inquiries. Thanks to all who have helped.
Treasurer/NSP (Chris Smith, courtview7@yahoo.com)
$976 in expenditures, $260 in deposits, current balance is $7,402.45. Anyone is free to contact Chris Smith with questions.
Membership (Casey Gilmore, and Paul Westendorf)
DRC is looking to grow, please see Paul Westendorf with questions about joining.
Green Committee (David Siders, Travis Ard, Andy Chirch)
David Siders thanked Mayor Mallory for the City's support of DRC recycling efforts
David is working on a DRC recycling challenge possible prize of $250 if goal is met, with a $1,000 prize for the overall winner.
Upcoming series at the library: Container gardening on June 3rd, Courtyard gardening on July 8th, and rooftop gardens on August 12th. See library for details.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were noted:
Dog Recreation Area: Chris Wiedeman noted that a fund has been established at Greater Cincinnati Fund (GCF) to accept donations for the Downtown Dog Recreation Area. Donations are tax-deductible. June 28th is dog day at City Cellars to support the Dog Rec Area.
Mike with Riverspan Sculpture Group announced that the sculpture showcase will be June 20, 21, and 22 on the Purple People Bridge. 76 Sculptures from around the world will be displayed on the bridge at this noteworthy event!
Rothenberg School. August 10, 2011 is the move-in date for the newly renovated school. Thanks to DRC for its support of the school. DRC will be asked to provide a representative to the school.
Downtown Tour of Living Linda Phillips advised that the DTL will be held on September 28th this year. Applications are due by Monday, May 19th.
St Xavier Block Party & 5K will be Friday, August 1st at 6th & Sycamore. The party will be from 6pm to 11pm. Come one, come all.
Christa Criddle from Councilman Monzel's office came to remind everyone about computer recycling is available for Hamilton County residents. Details at http://www.hcdoes.org
MOTION TO ADJOURN: A motion was made to adjourn by Hugh Kuhn. It was seconded by Barb Westendorf. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Andy Chirch
July 8, 2008