The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Neighborhood Association took place at Harwood Arts Center, 1114 7th St. NW, Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM pursuant to prior approval.
Board members in attendance: Lindi Anderson, Robert Bello, Lee Blaugrund, Laura Bruzzese, Gabe Campos, Jim Clark, Jennifer DeGarmo, Dick Deichsel, Reba Eagles, David Keleher, David McCain, Jacque Wright, and Bob Yuhas,. (13) Board Members not in attendance: (2)
Other Neighbors present: Marilyn Bowman, Susan Deichsel, Steve Littlejohn, and Anna Muller.
Co-Chair Laura Bruzzese, called the meeting to order. A quorum was present, the meeting duly convened, and ready to proceed with business. After introductions, the Board approved the agenda and minutes from the May Board of Directors Meeting as presented.
Treasurer’s Report
Jim Clark submitted the treasurer’s report for May 2009. The account balance as of May 31st was $11,914.62. $60.00 was deposited for membership dues, and a check for $2000.00 was written for the 2009 Farmer’s Market Sponsorship.
Police and Safety Report
Lee Blaugrund talked to the area commander since the May meeting, about increasing police activity level. He also asked the city to come up with ideas, i.e. alterations on Central for calming traffic. He was advised that 2 officers wrote over 300 traffic citations in May with increased activity from Thursday on through the weekends.
Lt. Tim Gonterman, and Sgt. Matt Thompson arrived. Lt. Gonterman said that APD has increased the car and bicycle patrols. They will focus more energy in the problem areas, and then expand out into the neighborhoods from there. The officers are trying to patrol the alleys on a regular basis. Also, there is more focus on Central. They are doing a lot of radar traffic stops on Central, west of Lomas. Concerns were voiced about the loitering and illegal activities around the bus stops and Lt. Gonterman said that an attack plan is being implemented to address that problem as well as on the buses.
Board Vacancy
George Kraehe’s house sold and he moved to his new home outside the DNA area. He resigned from the board, opening the Chair position. Jennifer DeGarmo was nominated and approved to be Chair. She agreed to assume the position, but only for a three month period. Laura Bruzzese advised she was willing to continue as Co-Chair. The Board is now at 15 members.
Sector Development Plan Committee Report
Only 5 members of the committee attended the May meeting – no quorum. Andy Garcia from Council Services did not show. The next meeting is on Wednesday, June 10th @ 6:30PM. The Sunshine Café is no longer open in the evening, so this meeting will be at the Hotel Blue. Anna Muller said she would talk to their management to get a good rate for these meetings.
Zoning Report
Robert Bello reported there will be a Zoning Hearing on Tues. June 16th @ 9:00 am for the continued building of the carport at 610 Luna. The owner is asking for a variance for the roof to hang over property line.
Jim Clark presented drawings for a proposed renovation to Terry Dunbar’s house at 510 11th St., between Fruit & Lomas. The plans included moving a visible swamp cooler to the north side of the house where it can’t be seen from the street. Also, installing a deck, a sliding door and larger windows on the south side of the house for improved solar affect, plus build a 6’ fence to minimize visual impact. A motion was given and approved for DNA support. Jim C. will write letter of support to the Planning Department.
Pending Matters
The DNA Alley Clean-up day is Saturday, June 13th beginning at 8:30am. The board agreed to meet at the south end of the alley at Slate/Orchard between 11th and Forrester. Bring your rakes and shovels. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
Wade Patterson wants to ask the DNA to donate unspecified dollar amount to renovate windows in the Harwood Arts Center building. It was agreed a written request should be submitted. He will be invited to the July meeting to present.
Tree Report
Trees will begin being planted next week. Gabe Campos will send emails to recipients to take before and after pictures.
Growers Market begins Saturday June 6th. A table should be set up to provide info about the DNA. Bob Yuhas said he has posters and fliers. Marilyn Bowman offered to work the table.
New Business
Robert Bello said that Mayor Chavez announced the city is hosting a Neighborhood Association Conference from 9:30 to Noon on Saturday June 6th at the ABQ City Convention Center, West Bldg. All ABQ Neighborhood Associations are invited.
The next potluck will be hosted by Jim and Leda Clark on Saturday June 20th between 6-9 pm. Their address is 516 11th St. NW, between Fruit & Roma.
Reba Eagles asked what the owner at 601 11th St. needs for approval to build an arbor over their walkway. Jim C. advised to apply for a certificate of appropriateness.
Also, Reba E. asked for advice about dealing with a pigeon problem beyond poisoning them. One suggestion was birth control bird food.
David Keleher presented six versions of new DNA logo designs created by Viviette Hunt. The Board voted approval of the #1 and #2 designs. It was agreed to put these two designs in the newsletter on the website so that DNA neighbors could
e-mail their opinions.
Anna Muller will pick up a $100.00 gift certificate to present to George Kraehe, at the June potluck, in appreciation for his service as a DNA board member, and his excellent job as it’s Chair.
With no remaining business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
