November 13v, 2007 Member Meeting
Date of meeting: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Time/Location: 6:00 PM, Cincinnati Public Library (800 Vine St.)
Welcome and Introductions
Conrad Thiede called to order the November meeting at exactly 6:00 PM.† Self-introductions of all in attendance followed.
Cincinnati Police Department / Downtown Services Unit Report
The CPD was represented by Lt. Mike Neville (DSU). The following information was provided via his report:
Dog Park update, several options still being considered
Panhandling ordinance has been updated following a legal settlement
Registration is no longer being done
An allowance is in place for escalating penalty structure for repeat offenders (2 or more times in a 12 month period would be grounds for increased penalty)
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The September 2007 meeting minutes were adopted. Paul Westendorf made a motion to accept the minutes, Mr. Koon seconded the motion. All in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Guest Presenters:
Myra Greenberg and Ken Jones from Over The Rhine Foundation presented a request for DRC support in preserving the Rothenberg elementary school building. Gave background information stating that OTR Foundation purpose is to preserve the OTR neighborhood through education, planning, and public policy. Rothenberg is the only elementary school in CBD, OTR and Banks area.
Dr McHenry asked for DRC member input on what health services are needed and useful to have downtown. Conrad to act as conduit to Dr McHenry for member suggestions and feedback
Mary Ellen Mitchell for Health Resource Center. Located inside Freestore Foodbank. Wants to ensure downtown residents have a way to help deal with homelessness in a positive way. Services are primarily around mental health care. HRC also can provide prescription drug coverage regardless of ability to pay. This is the only free health clinic in the city. Targeting homeless and at-risk of becoming homeless individuals. www.hrcci.org
OLD/REGULAR BUSINESS: COMMITTEE UPDATES
Events (Chairs: Tamia Stinson and Chris Wiedeman)
NEXT SOCIAL EVENT: Social on Thursday, November 15th at Bankers Club; Friday November 16th at 5th Street Gallery
Treasurer/NSP (Chris Smith, courtview7@yahoo.com)
Balance additions: $5,429.70 in city reimbursements in November
Communication (Contact info@ILiveDowntown.com)
Conrad seeking input on NSP Budget, please feel free to contact him
Call for input for April election
Weekly emails and updates will continue.
Membership (Chairs: Casey Gilmore and Paul Westendorf)
Reminder: dues are just $15/individual, $20/household, and $50/corporate.
Green Committee (David Siders, Travis Ard, Andy Chirch)
City announces Green Cincinnati plan. Goal is to increase recycling by 50% in 4 years. Community bins available. There is now a request process for curbside bins
Clean & Safe (Chairs: conradfoster@yahoo.com and ktdurack@fuse.net)
SPECIAL FORUM requesting RESIDENT feedback Wednesday, August 29, 2007, 5:00 6:30 PM
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 member meetings or via info@ILiveDowntown.com)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements were noted:~ Piatt Park decorating to happen at 10am on Saturday, November 17th. Help is welcome
~ City manager focusing on importance of sidewalk repairs. Say goodbye to asphalt patches!
~ Question was raised about sponsoring Downtown Tour of Living since it extends beyond limits of the CBD
~ LIGHT UP THE SQUARE: Friday, November 23 @ 6 pm.
~ SPECIAL OFFER: New Stage Collective offers 2-for-1 admission to DRCers (SEE REVERSE!)
~ SPECIAL EVENT: Downtowner Greg Harper performs at Nicholson's November 30, every 4th Friday
~ SPECIAL EVENT: November 16 - MAKE IT MATTER - GIVE ART - 5th Street Gallery
~ LIVE JAZZ A THE LIBRARY November 17 and select Saturdays in 2007-2008~
~ SPECIAL EVENT: Covenant-First Presbyterian hosts Vienna Boys Choir on November 27
~ QUESDAY IN THE QUARTER December 4 - http://www.myspace.com/quesday
~ NOW OPEN with SPECIAL EVENTS: Park + Vine, a green general store at 1109 Vine St http://www.parkandvine.com
~ COMING SOON: Nada Restaurant @ Sixth/Walnut and Graeter's @ Fountain Square
~ COMING SOON: February 2008: Neighborhood Summit (Offer Your Thoughts on Topics to be Addressed!)
~ http://www.myfountainsquare.com New Events for the Fall including Tailgating, Fan Zones and special events.
~ EXTRA, EXTRA: The Downtowner weekly newspaper has expanded, also on the web at http://www.pulsedt.com
~ SPECIAL OFFERS from The Gym At Carew Tower Contact craig@thegymatcarewtower.com
~ City Talk Radio Sundays @ 7 PM 96.5 FM - WFTK (New Station Same great URBAN Chatter!)
ADJOURN: A motion was made to adjourn it was seconded by Diane Byerly. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM. Gathering at CafÈ Martin to follow.
Respectfully submitted by Andrew Chirch
December 11, 2007