Adopted Minutes - Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B
November 23, 2009
Adopted on January 25, 2010

The meeting started at about 7:10 p.m. at the Metropolitan Police Department's 4th District Community Room, 6001 Georgia Avenue, NW, Vice Chair Faith Wheeler (4B02) presiding.

Also present were Commissioners 4B01 Sara Green, 4B03 Monique Michelle Smith, 4B04 James Sydnor, 4B05 Brenda Speaks, 4B06 Idriys Abdullah, 4B07 Judi Jones, and 4B08 Yvonne Jefferson. A quorum was present for all votes.

Actions
1. The agenda, as amended, was adopted in a unanimous show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Green. A discussion about including fees related to the July 27, 2009 Curtis Chevrolet Resolution was added and it was agreed that the Grant Reports will be heard after Community Concerns. The Commission also agreed to limit the Grant Reports to 12 minutes.

2. In a 6-0-1 show-of-hands vote following a motion from Commissioner Abdullah, the Commission adopted the 4th Quarterly Report for FY 2009 (July- September).

The checking account balance forward is $44,601.44; receipts are $19.08, and the total available funds are $44.620.52. Disbursements total $20.471.38. The ending balance is $24,149.14.

The savings account balance forward is $42,860.17 and receipts are $54.02. There were no disbursements. The ending balance is $42,914.19.

The vote followed a discussion about late fees for the office rent, which due to the poor timing of the landlord's invoices, Treasurer Jefferson explained. She said Chair Sloan is negotiating to fix the problem. Also, in response to a question from Commissioner Sydnor, Treasurer Jefferson explained that the final payout of the leased copier was required in the contract the Commission signed about five years ago.

3. In a 6-0-1 show-of-hands vote following a motion from Commissioner Green, the Commission agreed to move $1,000 from its checking account to its savings account. The vote followed a discussion about the bank's request for activity in the savings account, which has been inactive for several years.

4. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote following a motion from Commissioner Green, the Commission adopted its FY 2010 Budget with the understanding that allotments for all ANCs will be reduced by 7 percent. The ANC 4B allotment will be $25,445.51 instead of the earlier anticipated $27,566.

The vote followed a discussion about the budget, including Item No. 23 ("Other"). This Commission agreed this item is to include meeting room rentals, advertising in newspapers, and the costs associated with the Curtis Chevrolet Resolution of July 27, 2009.

The adopted budget:

Balance Forward Total Receipts Total Funds Available          Total Disbursements

$55,643.11 $25,805.51 $81,448.62 $74,000.00

Disbursements: (Note that not all categories are funded.)

1. Net Salary and Wages         2. Workers Compensation 4. Total Federal Wage Taxes 5. State Wage Taxes 6. Unemployment Taxes 7. Tax Penalties 8. Local Transportation 9. Office Rent 10. Telephone Services 11. Postage and Delivery 13. Printing and Copying 14. Flyer Distribution 15. Purchase of Service 16. Office Supplies 17. Office Equipment          Rental          Purchase 18. Grants 19. Training 21. Transfers To Savings 22. Bank Charges 23. Other Total Disbursements

$20,000   2,000     600     500     600     500     100   8,400   2,500   3,000   3,000   1,800   2,000   1,500     800   4,000  18,000   1,000   1,000     200   2,500

5. In a unanimous show-of-hands following a motion from Commissioner Abdullah, the Commission voted to support an agreement between Renal Advantage, Inc. (RAI) and the community near its business, to be located at 6411 Chillum Place, NW. The agreement details ways the business will mitigate potential problems with nearby residents based on issues raised at community meetings. It is to be signed by ANC 4B07 Commissioner Judi Jones and a RAI representative.

The Agreement:

"GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made this ____________________, 2009 by and between, the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Single Member District 4B07 ("SMD 4B07") and Renal Advantage, Inc.

Whereas, the residents in SMD 4B07 understand the need to open a dialysis facility in Ward 4

Whereas, SMD 4B07 supports the establishment of the dialysis facility at 6411 Chillum Pl., NW which relocates from 37 & 39 Missouri Ave., NW in Ward 4.

Whereas, Renal Advantage and SMD 4B07 want to memorialize the way in which Renal Advantage can support the community of SMD 4B07 and be a good neighbor.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and subject to Renal Advantage receiving approval from SHPDA to operate its dialysis center at 6411 Chillum Place, NW the parties mutually covenant and agree as follows:

Renal Advantage will carefully monitor any and all medical waste, including hazardous waste, if any, generated by the dialysis center and will manage and dispose of such waste consistent with Federal and District of Columbia regulation, a description of which is attached as Attachment 1.

Renal Advantage will have all office support deliveries and Metro Access drop-off and pick-up made to the Chillum Street, N.W. entrance.

Renal Advantage agrees to support SMD 4B07's efforts to close the alley that is adjacent to the dialysis facility building and agrees to help maintain the devices utilized by the District of Columbia to block the alley.

Renal Advantage will manage the patient entrance to the dialysis facility so that it promotes a quiet environment in the neighborhood before 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. Renal Advantage will provide a contact person who will facilitate any violations and concerns brought by residents.

Renal Advantage agrees to participate in community meetings and events sponsored by SMD 4B07 designed to bring all stakeholders together in the community.

INTENDING TO BE BOUND, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of this _____ day of _____________ 2009."

6. In a 4-1-2 show-of-hands vote following a motion from Commissioner Jones, the Commission agreed to ask the D.C. Department of Transportation (DoT) to build a cut-through road for commercial traffic from Sandy Spring Road to Chillum Place in the Lamond community.

The adopted resolution was presented and adopted in the form of a letter to DC DoT Director Gabe Klein and is to be signed by ANC 4B's Chair and Secretary.

"Dear Director Klein

At a properly noticed public ANC 4B meeting held on ________________________________, with a quorum of commissioners present at the meeting, the following motions were offered, discussed and passed by the commission with a vote of ____________________________.

1. WHEREAS, a traffic and zoning buffer should be in place between Chillum Place, NW and the residents directly adjacent to the Chillum Place, NW commercial strip

2. WHEREAS, the residents on from the unit block to 200 block of Van Buren Street, Underwood Place, NW Underwood Street, NW and Tuckerman Street, NW submitted numerous petitions trying other commercial traffic diversion methods such as one way streets, traffic islands, signage, and enforcement of zoning regulations

3. WHEREAS the Kansas Avenue strip increases in school and senior center traffic

4. WHEREAS a cut through would reduce the potential for tragic accidents along Kansas Avenue, NE

5. WHEREAS, ANC SMD 4B07 residents continually meet with DC agencies to discuss various ways to reduce the number of commercial traffic violations in residential areas just off the Chillum Place, NW commercial strip

6. WHEREAS, a cut through would reduce commercial traffic's need to come into the residential areas and give easier access to the Chillum Place, NW commercial strip

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED ANC 4B requests on behalf of the residents in 4B07 that a street cut through from Sandy Spring Road and the 200 block of Van Buren Street, NW going south to the 6500 block of Chillum Place, NW be created giving commercial traffic easier access from major thoroughfares like Blair Road without having to come through the residential areas directly adjacent to the Chillum Place, NW commercial strip. ANC 4B07 Commissioner represents the commission in these matters. Please see the attached illustration."

The vote followed a discussion about the need for the road and the community's support. Commissioner Jones said that Ward 4 Transportation Coordinator Anna Chamberlin supports the cut-through and asked that ANC 4B do the same. Commissioner Green said she is concerned about adopting the resolution because there are no petitions or letters of support from residents, including those who live on Van Buren Street who will be particularly affected by the increased commercial traffic.

7. In an 8-0-0 show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Sydnor, the Commission agreed to table a vote on a recommendation to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) on a request from Cleotilde Kimmell, of Mana Bilinqual Center, 6524 8th St., NW, to increase the number of children in her care from five to 12 (Case No. 17975). The delay in ANC 4B's vote is to give Ms. Kimmell time to gather letters of support from neighbors.

The vote followed a presentation from Ms. Kimmell's attorneys, Meti Zegeye and Emily Sala, detailing the success and quality of their client's business. They said the business has not and will not negatively affect neighbors. They also said that there are only two or three letters of opposition on file with BZA from nearby neighbors.

Commissioner Smith said she visited the center and found it clean and attractive. She said she is concerned because the daycare license Ms. Kimmell provided expired on September 14, 2009. Several Commissioners said they needed more information, including letters of support and documentation that Ms. Kimmell has the appropriate license(s).

8. In a 7-0-1 show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Green, the Commission agreed to hold a Special Public Meeting on Monday, December 7, at 7 pm, at a place to be announced, to consider a recommendation to BZA on a request from Cleotilde Kimmell, of Mana Bilinqual Center, 6524 8th St., NW, to increase the number of children in her care from five to 12 (Case No. 17975).

9. In a 5-0-0 show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Jefferson, the Commission adopted the minutes for the public meeting of October 26, 2009, as amended. On the last page of the minutes Regina Page will be identified as a "4B01 resident" and the second paragraph on page two will read: "Commissioner Wheeler said that several beautification programs noted by OP staff, which fund beautification programs (including the Neighborhood Investment Fund and Great Streets), only cover small portions of the city."

10. In a 5-0-0 show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Jefferson, the Commission adopted a resolution in support of the Community Health Partnership's efforts to install health information kiosks at Ward 4 recreation centers.

The adopted resolution:

"Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B calls on the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation to honor the agreement reached in preliminary discussions and memorialized in written form with the Community Health Partnership (CHP) with respect the placement of health information kiosks in Ward 4 recreation centers.

The Department should recognize that the kiosks are part of the Department's core mission to educate residents about ways to improve their health. The Department should also recognize that the kiosks are being provided to the public at no cost to the Department. We note also that CHP is a nonprofit, volunteer organization composed of citizens who want to improve the health of their community. Instead, with Department staff changes, CHP is now being charged exorbitant fees, contrary to earlier commitments.

It should also be noted that the very minor cost of electricity and a little staff time are a tiny fraction of the cost the Department would incur if it offered classes to provide similar information to the public.

ANC 4B is supporting the Partnership with a grant and we call on the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation to cooperate. No fees should be charged, now or in the future, to provide residents with the information these kiosks will offer.

We ask that the kiosks be installed at the following recreation centers: Fort Stevens, Emery, Lamond, Takoma, and Riggs-LaSalle. It is our hope that the kiosk program will expand to other recreation centers and public sites."

The vote followed a discussion with Community Health Partnership (CHP) President Elaine Ellis. She explained that she is working with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DCPR) to resolve the problems CHP has with installing the health information kiosks in Ward 4 recreation centers. DCPR is asking CHP to pay about $400 per kiosk to cover electricity and related staff time for oversight and training, money that CHP does not have, Ms. Ellis said. She asked for a letter of support.

Community Concerns
1. Michael Sindram, of 4B02, said he has not received a response to his letter requesting that Curtis Chevrolet officials respond to a letter he wrote to them. He also said that Walter Reed has not responded to his letters contesting his permanent ban from the grounds. He also noted an event at Emery United Methodist Church, the Marriage Initiative currently before the D.C. City Council, and the Council's procedure for the appointment of the head of the City's Office of the People's Counsel. Commissioner Wheeler asked that the People's Counsel issue be discussed at the next ANC 4B planning meeting.

2. Wanda Oates, of 4B05, asked the Commission to provide water at its public meetings. Commissioner Jones said that the DC Auditor has approved ANC expenditures for light refreshments at public meetings.

3. Regina Page, of ANC 4B01, asked that her address not be used in minutes. She also asked that the Commission reconsider a grant to the "Digital Dynamo." Commissioner Jones said she will contact Denise Rhodes, the head of a group helping people convert their televisions to the digital format, to the January meeting to discuss a grant.

4. Shavell Becton, of 4B02, said her home was burglarized recently and that crime is increasing in her area. She also said trash cans are needed between the triangle park at Blair and 4th Street up to the Takoma Recreation Center.

Reports & Discussions
1. Elaine Ellis, of the Community Health Partnership reported on $952.94 grant ANC 4B awarded the group on May 18, 2009. She noted that the group had been paying $1 each to print color brochures, but is now using the color printer purchased with the grant, and distributed the brochures. She noted the problems that are delaying the installation of the kiosks at Ward 4 recreation centers.

2. Janet McCormick, of Citizens Aware, reported on the $1,000 grant ANC 4B awarded the group on July 27, 2009. The group purchased "Club" anti-theft devices with the money and distributed them to residents. She said people continue to ask for the devices.

3. Nkosi Ayize, of Arts for Children, reported on the $3,000 grant ANC 4B awarded the group on July 27, 2009. The program, which will teach ballet and etiquette to 24 youngsters (12 were committed in the original grant) will run from October 14, 2009 through June 9, 2010. The teacher has agreed to teach the additional students without charge. A list of students and their addresses will be provided. The group will provide a monthly written report on the salary expenditures. Treasurer Jefferson said Lynard Barnum, of the Auditor's Office, has approved spreading the expenditures over more than 60 days. The next written report is due on December 23, 2009.

4. There were no representatives from the LaSalle P.T.A./Lamond Riggs Athletic Association to report on the $1,000 grant ANC 4B awarded on July 27, 2009. Commissioner Abdullah asked that ANC 4B Office Assistant Eugene Quick write to the group to ask that a representative come to the Commission's January 2010 public meeting. Treasurer Jefferson said that the group has submitted everything in written reports.

5. Commissioner Smith said that she was unable to contact Meng Zeng, the operator of a business at 7215 Georgia Avenue, NW, to invite Ms. Zeng to the November 23 public meeting. Ms. Zeng's Board of Zoning Adjustment request (Case No. 18019) for a special exception for a fast food restaurant was on the Commission's November 23 agenda.

The meeting adjourned at about 9:45 p.m.

-- Submitted by Sara Green, Secretary