Takoma DC Neighborhood Association - Minutes of Board Meeting 3/13/07

The meeting convened at 7:45 pm at the Takoma Library.

Attended by: Paul Schwartz, Luke Turner, Nancy Smith, Carolivia Herron, Pam
Ellison, Jackie Parham, Rich Holzsager, Mark Headings & Eleanor Allen.


No minutes from the 2/13/07 meeting. Carolivia stated that she would write
up her notes.

I. The board approved tonight's agenda.

II. Discussed the 3/27 meeting which will feature presentations from the
Ward 4 Core Team. Dodie is the contact.

III. Discussed 4/24 meeting which is a Ward 4 candidate forum co-sponsored
with Shepherd Park and Neighbors, Inc., which will take place at Takoma Park
Baptist Church
.  Volunteers may be needed for publicity and set up. Nancy is
the contact.

a. Rich mentioned that he attended the forum at Emory UMC attended by
several Ward 4 candidates. Further information on the race can be found at:
ward4specialelection.org.

IV. The May meeting will be a new residents welcome picnic with the UDC
literacy van and storytelling. Carolivia is the contact.

V. Treasurer's Report

a. Thanks to Jackie who drafted the first ever TDCNA budget.
b. We discussed each line item and the need for revenue.
c. We added an additional expense: $250 for communications/printing.
d. Also, TDCNA assets include a chafing dish.

VI. Old/Continuing business

a. Membership - Eleanor gave Pam the sign up sheets from past meetings so we
can follow up with attendees who are not members.
b. Web - Rich reported that the site has gotten 250 hits so far in March.
c. Whittier house fire - Discussed the recent house fire and caring network
funds with a need for clarification on how funds are disbursed.  Carolivia
stated that she would follow up with Dodie. We considered a $200 donation to
the family.

VII. New Business/Announcements

a. Police harassment concerns. Carolivia stated her concern that a resident
has been picked up by the police three times and has been harassed.
Carolivia agreed to write a letter from TDCNA to the police with these
concerns.
b. Safe Takoma partnership. ANC Commissioner Sara Green and Gayle Fisher
Stewart (a retired DC police captain) asked that TDCNA sign an agreement
with TDCNA so that TDCNA - a 501c3 - can receive the government funds to be
disbursed to Safe Takoma.  Safe Takoma has applied for 501c3 status, but has
not yet received it, necessitating a partner who can receive these funds.
Paul stated that this is an appropriate role for TDCNA.  Nancy made a motion
to move forward and Carolivia seconded. The board agreed to be the fiscal
agent for Safe Takoma. Safe Takoma will provide a draft agreement. Gayle
mentioned the possibility that some funds could be used to expand the
newsletter. Mark, who is on the Safe Takoma advisory board, agreed to be the
contact.

c. Takoma Theater.  The owner of the theater made an application to the city
to raze the building, an historic landmark. A hearing will be held in April.
  The ANC will vote in opposition to the application at its meeting of 3/22.
  Note that under DC law, the ANC has great weight in the process, while
TDCNA, a citizens' organization, has no influence. However, TDCNA can write
a letter to the city and can express its opinions to the ANC.  Nancy made a
motion that TDCNA reaffirm the Takoma Theater's historic designation and
support enforcement of city zoning laws which supports preservation of the
theater. Paul seconded. This motion passed 6-2 (Paul & Jackie), with one
abstention (Luke). Paul expressed a concern about the short debate and
wanted more information about the situation as well as a sense of what the
neighborhood consensus is. Luke stated that he would like to hear from the
owner, Mr. McGinty.
d. Calendar. Carolivia volunteered to take charge of the TDCNA calendar, and
to reserve space for our next meeting.

VIII. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.