Takoma DC Neighborhood Association – Minutes of Board Meeting 11/13/07

The meeting convened at 8:00 pm at Promised Land Baptist Church.

Attended by board members Paul Schwartz, Rich Holzsager, Julie Schor, Nancy Smith, Mark Headings, Pam Ellison & Eleanor Allen. Also attended by Faith Wheeler and Stacy Mills.

I. Those present approved minutes from 10/9 and agreed on tonight’s agenda.

II. November 27 general meeting/board elections.

a. Elections: Jackie Parham and Luke Turner are stepping down.  In addition to Stacy Mills, Ann Beman has agreed to run for the board. Paul states that he plans to stay on as President for 2008.  Mark agreed to serve as treasurer.  Rich agreed to serve as vice-president if Carolivia Herron does not step up.  Julie plans to update the letter previously sent adding info about the candidates and election. We discussed procedures, such as sign-in and identifying members. Jackie will provide the membership list and Julie and Pam will run the election. 

b. “The Mayor & Our Neighborhood: Sharing Priorities for 2008.” Need to draft list of priorities and send a letter to the mayor. Priorities include safety, economic development, education, resolving neighborhood problems, and the Rec Center.  Paul will draft a letter.

III. December Holiday Party. The party will take place on December 8 at the home of Alice & Tony Giancola. Alice has conveyed the message that TDCNA members need to help out. Nancy will be coordinating this.

IV. Treasurer’s Report

a. Jackie distributed the treasurer’s report. 

b. Unfortunately, Sara Green held the Safe Takoma $30,000 grant check for over 60 days, so it was deposited late after the close of the fiscal year (ended 9/30), causing TDCNA to have to file an amendment to IRS form 990. 

c. Jackie summarized dues received, including renewals and lifetime members.

V. Old/Continuing business

a. Rec Center follow-up. Stacy Mills gave an update on the 11/3 strategy session. Julie stated that 12 people attended including Rec Center and aquatics staff.  (No-one from the Friends Committee attended.) Former Parks & Rec director Bob Newman was the facilitator.  Those present identified three objectives, to define 1) what we do; 2) for whom; and 3) how to do it better.  Stakeholders, such as MPD, local users, nonprofits, ANCs, and agencies, were identified.  Pam discussed the vision statement and core values, and added that any objectives should be measurable. The strategic plan is a living document.  Those present then discussed the by-laws, roles of the Advisory Council and Friends, and discussed process.  It was described as an “excellent meeting,” and plans were made for a follow-up session, possibly in early December.  Stacy plans to meet with Council member Bowser and Mayor Fenty.  Paul apologized for emails regarding the cancellation of the 11/3 meeting which were not sent to the entire board and explained the mix-up regarding the meeting space.  Paul expressed the need for TDCNA to be supportive of this effort and to define the role of TDCNA.  TDCNA supports getting people to the table while acknowledging tension among some of the interested parties. Stacy said that she initially sought impartiality and objectivity from TDCNA and that she wants to create an equitable process.  Someone needs to take the lead and Stacy did extend an olive branch to the Friends Committee. She explained that the by-laws provide structure, and dictate that the Friends are for fundraising, not running programs.  Jackie stated that through this process, roles will be defined.  Paul mentioned that there is a new DPR director.  Stacy praised Miss G and Jackie added that the staff is loyal and devoted. As far as the TDCNA role, TDCNA is sponsoring the strategy meetings and our board members are involved. Paul stated that he had a long talk with Gina Douglass of the Friends committee. Stacy stated that the Rec Center staff are not in the loop about what neighbors are doing, such as the rain garden, although Paul stated that staff have been informed.  All agreed that TDCNA is part of the dynamic and an impartial sponsor of this effort.  Pam and Julie will continue their involvement, and those involved will keep TDCNA advised of future meetings. 

b. Website/Newslatter. Rich plans to do a meeting on communications. We still need to talk about ads for the newsletter and possible format changes.  Still need follow up with Dodie.  Rich stated that the TakomaDC site has 1,200 hits last month. 

VI. New Business/Announcements

a. Agenda items for 2008 include getting multi-unit buildings involved, economic development, expansion of the historic district, water/sewer issues, a business expo, and a June picnic.   

b. Paul stressed the need to come up with ideas to raise more money for TDCNA, and address the process for the Caring Network. 

c. Mark mentioned that we need to pick a date for a board retreat, possible in January. 

d. ANC Commissioner Wheeler mentioned her contact with Cedar Crossing and noted that an ANC meeting is planned for 11/20 on safety.  She also mentioned the meeting on recent crimes to take place on 11/29 at Takoma Village Co-housing with Council member Bowser. 

VII. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.