Takoma DC Neighborhood AssociationMinutes of Board Meeting 6/12/07

 

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

 

Attended by board members Paul Schwartz, Jackie Parham, Rich Holzsager, Julie Schor, Mark Headings, Carolivia Herron, & Eleanor Allen. Also attended by ANC Commissioners Sara Green and Faith Wheeler, and Ronnie ___ from the Recreation Center.

 

Approved minutes from the 3/13/07 and 5/8/07 meetings.

 

I.                    Those present agreed on tonight’s agenda.

 

II.                 Carolivia discussed details of the 6/23 Arts & Sports Community Picnic.  She distributed a handout. She got the permit. Set-up is 10 am and clean-up is 4 pm.  Luke is helping to set up – Paul and Eleanor also agreed to help.  Carolivia stated that indoor space is also available.  Paul made a motion to approve $200 for this event. Eleanor seconded. The motion passed by acclimation.  

 

III.               Julie spoke about the nominating committee and October board elections. We need three TDCNA members (not board members).  Dodie is on the committee. Julie did most of the work last year.  We need to identify possible board members to fill open seats.  Jackie will be rotating off and Kathleen is off the board. 

 

IV.              Treasurer’s Report

 

a.       Jackie stated that several documents with respect to the Safe Takoma transaction are missing, such as the agreement, contract with grant, and the insurance application.

b.       Jackie also noted that the last two newsletters have had sponsorship information, but no sponsorship checks have been received.  It is not clear what the rate was for the sponsorship but may have been $300.  Paul stated that we should set the rate at $300, and that Dodie should be collecting money from sponsors. Jackie will follow up with Dodie

c.       Jackie distributed the treasurer’s report.  Our balance is $1,000.  Bottom line – we need money.

 

V.                 Old/Continuing business

 

a.       Safe Takoma partnership.

                                                               i.      We then discussed the insurance application.  We have no employees, so worker’s comp should not be an issue.  The Alliance of Non-Profits can provide an insurance policy which would be $900.  Paul stated that the insurance expense will be paid out of the Safe Takoma grant.  This is a one year relationship – not ongoing.  However, we may need to continue insurance if we continue to pass through other grants, such as rain garden grants.  Paul and Jackie will fill out the application and agreed to follow up with the insurer. 

                                                             ii.      Sara has the grant check which is made out to TDCNA.  Once the MOU is signed, she will give the check to Jackie for deposit.

                                                            iii.      Safe Takoma then needs to request the money from TDCNA and state a purpose.  Sara stated that the issue is how to allocate the money. She distributed a handout.  Paul stated that we need to read the handout and consider it. 

                                                           iv.      Sara stated that Seth Grimes will be back in DC on Thursday and will be available to sign the agreement. 

b.       Takoma TheaterCarolivia stated that the request to raze the theater was denied.  (We are still not clear if Nancy Smith wrote a letter on behalf of TDCNA to the HPRB regarding McGinty’s application to raze the theater.) The theater community group would like to buy the theater and turn it into an arts, theater and recreation center.  Faye Williams of Sisterspace is interested in using the performance space. 

                                                               i.      Carolivia requested that TDCNA give $100 to the Takoma Theater Conservancy.  Eleanor stated that we do not have sufficient budget funds.  Paul stated that its not just about the funds, but that we as a community have not had a broader discussion of what we want to see in the neighborhood, and not specifically what the best use of the theater building might be.  He stated that we should wait until the Conservancy presents a business plan, and until we have had a chance to take the pulse of the community.  Rich suggested that we might appeal to members to give to the Conservancy via TDCNA.  Ronnie added that for the integrity of the board, we should get input from the membership.  Jackie suggested that at the picnic, we might informally ask neighbors if the theater should be saved.

                                                             ii.      Paul summed up by stating that: 1) the Conservancy should have a table at the picnic to provide info and seek input; 2) we need to get a survey out to members; 3) we should set a date for canvassing to pursue this further; and 4) TDCNA should consider a broader survey regarding a vision for the business and other properties along 4th Street.

 

VI.              Announcements

 

a.       Sara will be discussing three alcohol licenses on Georgia Avenue at her upcoming ANC meeting.

b.       No TDCNA meetings for July & August.

 

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