Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, January 14, 2016

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Sienna, Drake University

Board Members Present (X); term expires as noted
X / Brian Dooley for Kevin Altaus (12/31/16) / X / Lori Calhoun for Emily Blobaum (12/31/16) / X / David Courard-Hauri (12/31/15)
Patty Daniels (12/31/16) / X / Michael Christl (12/31/17) / Deric Gourd (12/31/16)
X / Kristina Johnson (12/31/16) / X / Ibrahim Ali (12/31/17) / X / Sean Haire (12/31/2016)
X / Eldon McAfee (12/31/15) / X / Eddie Robinson (12/31/15) / X / Jen Sayers (12/31/15)
X / Mark Schneider (12/31/15) / X / Todd Slaymaker (12/31/16) / Krysta Thomason (Student Senate Liaison)
X / Mark McKinney (NBSD) / X / Chris Reindl (NBSD) / Renee Sedlacek (Drake)

Introductions (5 Min.)Visitors:Angela Connolly.

Consent Agenda (5 Min.)

  • Approval of MinutesSeptember, October, November and December:None.
  • Monthly Financials:None

Reports (15 Min.)

  • NBSDCrime reports indicate significant drug activity going on in the area. Big drug bust with firearms at 1503 33rd St should help the problem. Additional activity is under surveillance and should be dealt with in the very near future. Lots of political events going on in the area, so use alternative routes for transportation. Junk and debris has tapered off, but illegal rentals, due to not having rental certificates, north of University are on the rise. Chris is on it.
  • Drake University.No Report
  • Old Business. Articles for the December (yes December!) Newsletter are still needed! Send info to Kristina Johnson.

We reviewed the bylaws and determined steps needed for board election.

New Business:

  • Michael Christl, Lori Calhoun, Brian Dooley and Ibrahim Ali were elected to serve as interim board members to fill vacated positions. Their bios will be made available soon via the DNA website, Facebook, DNA Newsletter and an email to the membership. An election will be held at the next DNA quarterly membership meeting. The date, time and location of this meeting will be determined at the DNA board retreat on Saturday, January 16, 2016 and will be made public after the meeting.
  • DNA Board Retreat to be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 at St. Catherine’s. All board and interim board members are urged to attend. Please bring ideas and a copy of the City Play, if you have one.
  • Angela Connolly, Polk County Supervisor, updated the board on the following items: New hotel is in the works and coming soon. A new skywalks app is now available and pretty cool. The old JC Penney building has been converted to the Courts Building and renovation should be completed soon.
  • The Laundromat on Cottage Grove did not receive approval for rezoning. The applicant wanting to purchase the property has canceled his request.
  • The Forest Avenue property that has been vacant for many years is once again advertising a For Sale sign on the building.
  • Hungry Polk County is new program to serve those in need of food. Polk County is working with DMARC to raise funds for the program. New pantry at River Place is serving many, as the need is great. $10 million needs to be raised over the next five years to sustain and grow this program. Polk County is fund raising through private donations and corporations. NFC has a new plan and is realigning the neighborhoods in which they work. They continue to serve the Drake Neighborhood and have great programs! Rebuilding Together has been very active assisting seniors and veterans who are homeowners with properties in need of repair. Most work is done by volunteers by neighbors helping neighbors. Mental health issues continue to be of concern. Resources are abundant in the area and headquartered at River Place on Euclid.

Adjourn Business Meeting