March 23, 2009 Public Meeting - Adopted on April 27, 2009

The meeting was held at the Metropolitan Police Department's 4^th District Community Room, 6001 Georgia Avenue, NW. It started at 6:48 p.m., Vice Chair Faith Wheeler (4B02) presiding. Chair Sloan (4B09) arrived later and chaired the remainder of the session. Also present were Commissioners 4B01 Sara Green, 4B03 Monique Michelle Smith, 4B04 James Sydnor, 4B05 Brenda Speaks, and 4B08 Yvonne Jefferson.

A quorum was present for all votes.

Actions

1. Following a motion from Commissioner Speaks, the agenda was unanimously adopted in a show-of-hands vote.

2. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Green, the Commission voted to support a publicly-funded art project at the Takoma Metro Station.

The adopted resolution:

"Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B supports the Takoma Mural Committee's request to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to place a mural or other piece of art at the Carroll/Cedar Street underpass at the Takoma Metro Station.

This public art project will improve the quality of life for commuters, residents, and businesses. The Takoma Metro Station is a key community gathering place and landmark and a gateway to the District of Columbia, so it is particularly appropriate that this site receive special attention."

The vote followed a discussion with members of the Takoma Mural Committee, including its Chair, Daniel Turbitt, and other residents. Those who spoke or were present included Sarah Hewitt, Alice Giancola, Andre Carley, Richard Holzsager and Marie Ringwald.

3. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote following a motion made by Commissioner Green, including friendly amendments from Commissioners Sydnor and Jefferson, the Commission adopted a resolution with respect to a pedestrian crossing signal at Georgia Avenue and Hemlock Street, NW.

The adopted resolution:

"ANC 4B calls on the DC Department of Transportation to install the Hawk Signal Light at the intersection of Hemlock Street and Georgia Avenues, NW by the end of May 2009 as promised by Department officials.

Adopted Minutes - March 23, 2009 - Page Two

We also request that DDoT evaluate pedestrian use at this device periodically to determine if a 3-way traffic light is warranted.

We request also that DDoT notify ANC 4B of their findings following their periodic evaluations.

A device to ensure that pedestrians, including charter schools, Shepherd Park Library patrons and others can safely cross Georgia Avenue between Geranium and Eastern Avenue is necessary. It has been discussed since 2007, but has been held up due to budget issues and a delay in forwarding the proposal to the federal government, among other problems."

The vote followed a discussion with several residents who supported the resolution, including Kelly Shuy and Andre Carley.

4. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote following a motion from Commissioner Speaks, the Commission adopted its budget for 2009.

The budget totals $53,207.48, including projected allotments of $27,566 and $360 interest. Currently available funds total $81,133.

Budgeted disbursements are: $17,000 for net salaries and wages; $1,000 for workers' compensation; $600 for federal wage taxes; $500 for state wage taxes; $600 for unemployment insurance; $100 for local transportation; $8.400 for office rent; $2,500 for telephone services; $3,000 for postage and delivery; $3,000 for printing and copying; $1,800 for flyer distribution; $2,000 for purchase of service; $1,000 for office supplies; $2,800 for office equipment rental; $4,000 for office equipment purchase; $18,000 for grants; and $2,500 for miscellaneous and other expenses, such as room rental for ANC and SMD meetings, light refreshments at meetings, and advertisements in local papers.

The adoption of the budget followed a lengthy discussion among Commissioners and included comments from Betty Florence, a resident.

5. In a unanimous show-of-hands vote following a motion from Commissioner Jefferson, the minutes for the public meeting of February 23, 2009 were adopted.

Presentations and Discussions

1. David Janifer, of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, reported on the on-going ballfield construction project at the Emory Recreation Center. The ballfield is still scheduled to open on May 25, he said.

Adopted Minutes - March 23, 2009 - Page Three

2. Esther Siegal and William Fesson, who work at the DC Weatherization and Asset Program and DC Wrap, described the programs their office offers, including grants to replace insulation and other energy-efficient appliances in private homes.

3. Joseph Martin, of the DC Department of Community Services, discussed the city's graffiti removal program.

4. Commissioner Wheeler discussed a loitering bill that was recently withdrawn from D.C. City Council consideration by its sponsor, Council Member Jim Graham.

5. Commissioner Green described the proposal from the Office of Planning to revise the current zoning regulations for low and moderate-density residential buildings.

The proposal is before the D.C. Zoning Commission at an April 9 public hearing.

The Commission agreed to hold a Special Public Meeting on April 2, 2009, at 7 p.m., at the Takoma Recreation Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW, to discuss the regulations and vote on a recommendation to the Zoning Commission.

6. Emerald Becker, of the Higher Achievement Program, a program for 5^th and 6^th graders, discussed the program.

A motion to adjourn was unanimously adopted at about 10:20 p.m.

--- Submitted by Sara Green, Secretary.