The meeting started at about
Also present were Commissioners 4B01 Sara Green, 4B02 Faith Wheeler, 4B03 Fred Grant, 4B06 Gloria Palmer, 4B07 Judi Jones, 4B08 Yvonne Jefferson, and 4B09 Muriel Bowser. Commissioner Bowser arrived after the first roll-call vote. A quorum was present for all votes.
1. In a unanimous
roll-call vote, the Commission accepted Commissioner Grant's motion to add to
the agenda an emergency resolution to support Safeway's application for a
license to sell beer and wine at its
Commissioner Green objected, explaining that the issue was not an "emergency." She said that the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board is keeping the record open until June 1, 2007, several days past ANC 4B's scheduled May 24 public meeting, and that ABC Chair Charles Burger told Chair Hughes that ANC 4B had until June 1 to submit a resolution.
Also, the Safeway issue is not on this evening's advertised agenda, and should be properly noticed to the public due to its significance, Commissioner Green said. She noted that the existing ANC 4B resolution opposing the Safeway license was decided during a 2-hour public hearing in 2003 which was attended by more than 100 residents.
2. In a
Voting "yes" to the amendment were Commissioners Green, Wheeler, and Bowser. Commissioners Grant, Hughes, Palmer, and Jefferson voted "no." Commissioner Jones abstained.
3. In a
4. In a 7-0-1
show-of-hands vote, the Commission agreed to Commissioner Green's motion not to
read the draft
5. In a 6-1
show-of-hands vote, the Commission adopted Commissioner Wheeler's motion to
adopt the
6. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote, the Commission agreed to Commissioner Grant's motion to accept the Treasurer's report.
(continued)
Adopted ANC 4B Minutes -
Treasurer Gloria Palmer reported that ANC 4B officially
joined the City's Security Fund Program as of
Treasurer Palmer also reported that after paying bills the new check book balance is $46,529.58. The Commission paid $25 to the City's Security Fund Program, $1,800 for office rent for February, March, and April, $375 for telephone service for those three months, $698.01 to lease the photocopy machine and $330 for copy machine maintenance, also for that three-month period, and $67.18 for photocopy paper.
The Quarterly Report was sent to the D.C. Auditor on
7. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote, the Commission agreed to Commissioner Wheeler's motion that ANC 4B write a letter to the Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) 4th District asking that special attention be paid in patrols to ANC 4B-area schools and recreation centers at closing time so that students and staff can be protected.
Commissioner Wheeler said that earlier this month a staff
member from the
8. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote, the Commission agreed to Commissioner Wheeler's motion to write a letter to MPD 4th District Commander Hilton Burton in thanks for Officer Heather Straker's service to the community.
9. In a 7-0 show-of-hands vote, the Commission agreed to Commissioner Grant's motion to award Citizens Aware a $1,000 grant to distribute "Club" anti-car theft devices to the community.
10. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote, the Commission agreed to Commissioner Wheeler's motion, pending approval from the D.C. Auditor, to grant $448 to Eduseed to help pay for a Memorial Day Weekend program to teach etiquette and social skills to D.C. high school students.
Commissioner Wheeler said that the $448 grant was based on
the $1,600 total cost of the program and the percentage (7 girls, or 28 percent
of those slated to participate) who attend
Commissioner Wheeler said that she spoke to Lynard Barnum, of the D.C. Auditor's Office, about some Commissioners' questions about the grant, including a concern about whether the Commission could award a grant to a group with offices outside the ANC 4B boundaries. Mr. Barnum said the grant could be approved conditionally, and that he would discuss the issue with city attorneys. (continued)
Adopted ANC 4B Minutes -
10. In a
Voting "yes" to the motion were Commissioners Grant, Hughes, Palmer, and Jefferson. Commissioners Green and Wheeler voted "no." Commissioners Jones and Bowser abstained.
Commissioner Grant said that earlier opposition to the license has changed, that 80 percent of his constituents want Safeway to have the license.
Commissioner Bowser asked Commissioner Grant what community outreach he had done and if he held a public meeting on the issue. Commissioner Grant said he spent about 100 hours going door to door, but did not hold a meeting because he had not been told this was needed.
Commissioner Green repeated a request that the vote be properly noticed and considered at the May 24 public meeting. Bowser said she agreed with Commissioner Green.
Commissioner Wheeler asked for a written survey to determine community views.
11. Following Commissioner Hughes' motion, there was a unanimous show-of-hands vote to adjourn.
1. Police Officer Heather Straker gave her monthly report, noting that thefts from autos continue to be a problem. She also said that a recent job fair for area teens was successful.
2. Whittier Elementary School Principal Natasha Warsaw spoke about parent and teacher concerns at the school, and recent improvements, including a monthly union meeting with teachers, new weekly and daily bulletin and partnerships with senior citizen tutors. She also noted that there is a task force now working to resolve issues.
In response to questions from Commissioners Jefferson and Palmer, Principal Warsaw also said that the majority of parents have not been heard from, that she seeks participation from everyone, including the LSRT and the PTA, and that those teachers who have complained will not be penalized.
Recent suggestion box items include air freshener in the bathrooms, more sports teams, and more frequent school cleanings.
3. Whittier Teacher Tenia Pritchard said the LSRT is not now functioning, that teachers unanimously voted "no confidence" in Principal Warsaw, and that a school task force is not representative. (Continued)
Adopted ANC 4B Minutes -
Commissioner Grant asked to meet with Ms. Pritchard and the LSRT.
4. A
Ms. Warsaw responded, noting that she is investigating and that the parent's request for immediate action would have created anxiety for another child taking a test.
1. Carolivia Herron, of
2. D.C. Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Batallion Fire Chief Maxim A. Saunders said he wants to make a presentation at ANC 4B's May meeting. He discussed the question of separating the fire and emergency medical services functions of his department.
3. Paul Montague said the March minutes did not reflect that he delivered ANC 4B's check book to the Inspector General during the time he served as ANC 4B's treasurer. He also noted that the Auditor has not yet "accepted" ANC 4B's recently submitted quarterly report.
The meeting adjourned at about