October 13, 2009 Member Meeting

Date of meeting: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)

Welcome and Introductions

Casey Gilmore, DRC Vice President, presided over the meeting this evening. Minutes from the September 2009 meeting were accepted.

Cincinnati Police Department Update: Lt. Marilee Neudigate
There is a serial burglar operating downtown who has broken into businesses overnight. Personal Safety tips - know your location and have a plan; exercise outdoors with a friend; stay in high pedestrian areas; keep head up; park under street lighting and NOT between two large vehicles; Downtown Ambassadors (Ambassador Hotline 623-3429) are available to accompany you to your car. Concerns about excess noise from numerous bars downtown were discussed. The situation has been addressed, but residents are urged to call the police to register their complaints.

Cincinnati Fire Department: Captain Mike Kirby, Engine 3 (9th & Broadway)
He reminded us to be aware of where the EXIT signs are in the buildings where we live and work.

Guests:
Ruby Rogers (Union Terminal Campaign Committee) Asked for support of the Issue 6 Levy to help finance the maintenance and upkeep of Union Terminal. Taxes will actually go down. It's the responsibility of voters to preserve this magnificent Art Deco building.

Chico Lockheart (Outreach Specialist for DCI, 513-266-7135 M-F 10-6:30) He addresses panhandler issues and works with the homeless population. He's gotten at least 100 persons off the street. Chico can be contacted with citizen concerns regarding the homeless and panhandlers. A collaborative has been formed with several agencies to provide effective services for this population by coordinating their efforts. They are also working on an initiative to decrease panhandling.

David Siders Asked for support of Issue 7, Levy for the Public Library of Cincinnati. A motion was introduced and the Downtown Residents Council voted in support of the 1 mill operating levy on Oct. 13, 2009.

Shekar Jayaraman, Regional Liaison, Office of Jennifer Brunner, Ohio Secretary of State Overview of the function of the office; website is an excellent resource for information: http://www.sos.state.oh.us He encouraged citizens to become poll workers. Shekar would like us to think of him as our personal liaison to state government.

OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES

Treasurer's Report: Chris Smith
DRC has a balance of $9,190. $100 was used to install two Mutt Mitts dispensers @ 5th & 6th Streets on Race. A $500 grant was received from 3CDC.

Budget/NSP: George Verkamp
Asked for receipts from the DRC Board.

Communications Committee: Conrad Thiede

Membership Committee: Casey Gilmore and Alison Kamine

Clean, Green and Safe Committee: David Siders, Paul Westendorf & Chris Wiedeman

Events Committee: Linda Phillips and Marty McGlinchey
Oct. 20th social at Palominos; Dec. 15th Holiday Social at McCormick & Schmicks; tentative date of Dec. 22nd to volunteer preparing/serving dinner at Christ Church Cathedral

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The following announcements were noted:

  • Drs. Marshall McHenry and Reddington, 513-251-9900 General Practitioners providing services to persons downtown. Christ Hospital is looking into having a higher profile.
  • Dr. Hoskins, dentist. He's been practicing downtown for many years. Located @ 4th & Vine 513-721-1198.
  • Father Eric - St. Xavier's Block Party/Downtown Dash was a very successful event. The church is making a $500 donation to the DRC.
  • Home for the Holidays Downtown Tour of Living December 5th, 1:00-5:00. Contact Arlene@downtowncincinnati.com or 421-4440 ext. 112 to volunteer
  • Pendleton area Council voted NOT to support the Casino Issue on the Nov. 3rd ballot.

Motion to adjourn by Hugh Koon, 2nd by Mr. Wissel

Meeting was adjourned by Casey Gilmore @ 7:06 pm
Approximately 50 persons were in attendance

Respectfully submitted by Alison Kamine