ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3-C

government of the district of columbia

Cathedral Heights=Cleveland Park=Massachusetts Ave. Heights=McLean Gardens=Woodley Park

2737 DEVONSHIRE PLACE, NW

WASHINGTON, DC 20008

(202) 232-2232    FAX: 232-2232

Minutes

Regular Monthly Meeting

July 22, 2002

 

I.                  CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Richard Bartel called to order Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 3C’s regular monthly meeting for July 22, 2002 at 7:45 p.m. The meeting was held at the Community Room, Second District Police Station, 3320 Idaho Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Other commissioners present were Cheryl Opacinch, Kurt Vorndran, Bob Martin, Lars Hydle, and Rosalyn Doggett.

 

II.               VERIFICATION OF NOTICE: Acting Chair Bartel verified that the proper notice was published in The Northwest Current and posted on the Cleveland Park email list.

 

III.           establishment of quorum: Acting Chair Bartel acknowledged that a quorum (at least 5 members of the commission) was present.

 

IV.            approval of agenda: With minor adjustments, the agenda was approved.

 

V.               ANNOUncements:  Acting Chair Bartel expressed the commissioner's sympathy to Chair Nancy MacWood, whose father passed away in July. Acting Chair Bartel noted that the commission would send a letter of condolence to the MacWood family. Acting Chair Bartel announced that two city council candidates for Ward 3, Erik Gaull and Kathy Patterson, would debate at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Cleveland Park Library. Other candidates would have the opportunity to leave literature at the location of the debate.

 

VI.            commissioners Business:

A.     Commissioner Doggett introduced a resolution, with Commissioner Opacinch seconding, to vote in favor of an application to install a fountain in the front yard of the residence of 2740 32nd St., N.W. Commissioner Doggett noted that she had visited the site and saw no objection to the fountain installation. The plans for the fountain appeared to show that a small part of the fountain might intrude on public space, which necessitated the permit application. After some discussion regarding exact language, Commissioner Opacinch called the question. Resolution 2002-27 was approved by a unanimous vote.

B.     Acting Chair  Bartel introduced Amy Mauro, a representative of Councilmember Kathy Patterson. Ms. Mauro discussed a July 10 public hearing of the council judiciary committee dealing with public safety issues. Ms. Mauro noted that a review of the District of Columbia Public Service Agency program (PSA) shows that there are some successes and some problems with the community policing program, and that the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is in the process of evaluating the PSA program. Commissioner Hydle introduced a resolution, with Commissioner Opacinch seconding, requesting that PSA 204 boundaries be realigned with those of ANC 3C in order for both entities to more effectively serve the community. Resolution 2002-28 passed by a vote of 5-0 with Acting Chair Bartel abstaining. Note: Ms. Mauro informed the commissioners she would submit the resolution as part of the public record from the July 10 hearing.

C.     Acting Chair Bartel introduced Lt. Winter and Reserve Officer Frank of the MPD reserve officers force. Lt. Winter discussed the reserve program, noting that information and application forms are available on the MPD Web site. A discussion of the merits of arming the reserve officer corps ensued, with Ms. Mauro stating that Councilmember Patterson is aware of the issue and committed to expanding the program but has no position on whether reserve officers should be armed.

 

VII.   COMMUNITY FORUM:

 

A. Acting Chair Bartel discussed a complaint from Cleveland Park resident Judy Shapiro regarding parked cars being ticketed, when those cars were actually stolen. Acting Chair Bartel requested that Chair MacWood be authorized to write a letter to Second District Police Headquarters on the matter.

 

B. Resident Barbara Beelar, 3505 Tilden St., informed the commissioners of a growing number of dead birds being observed around Cleveland Park. Ms. Bueller stated that the D.C. hotline for possible cases of West Nile Virus was being overwhelmed, and stated that public education about how to dispose of these birds was needed. Acting Chair Bartel stated that commissioners should be aware of this issue within their individual single-member districts.

           

VII.        committee reports: 

A. Members of the Cleveland Park Community Association updated commissioners on a proposed text amendment the Cleveland Park commercial overlay plan. The amendment addresses the issue of grandfathering space now occupied by restaurants above the existing 25 percent limit and sharpening the definition of restricted-use establishments. Commissioners noted that the record is being kept open on this matter until Aug. 23, which was before the next regularly scheduled meeting. Commissioner Vorndran moved to reschedule the meeting to Aug. 19, and Commissioner Doggett seconded. The motion passed 6-0. In addition, commissioners agreed to hold a planning and zoning committee meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12 at 2702 36th St., N.W.

B. Acting Chair Bartel introduced Peter Craig, who discussed a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of D.C. homeowners regarding the tax assessment increases for tax years 2002 and 2003. The commissioners thanked Mr. Craig for his work on this matter.

 

C. SECRETARY'S REPORT: Commissioner Martin moved that the minutes of the June 24, 2002 meeting be accepted. Commissioner Vorndran seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

 

D. TREASURER'S REPORT: Commissioner Hydle presented the fiscal year 2002 third-quarter report. Commissioner Doggett moved to accept the report as presented, and Commissioner Vorndran seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Hydle introduced a resolution to authorize the treasurer to contract an Internet Service Provider for the ANC 3C office. Commissioner Doggett seconded, and Commissioner Martin called the question. Resolution 2002-29 was approved by a unanimous vote.

 

E. Acting Chair Bartel introduced Investigator Clifton Chambers of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), who discussed a fact-finding hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 regarding the Park Bench Pub on Connecticut Avenue. At issue is the status of an enclosed sidewalk café for which there is no government approval. Mr. Chambers stated that ABRA would welcome community input, and Acting Chair Bartel stated that he would speak with him before the Aug. 6 meeting.

 

F. Commissioner Doggett informed commissioners that St. Luke's Church, Calvert Street and Wisconsin Avenue, is planning to sign a contract with a developer and does not intend to consult with the community prior to the contract.

 

G. Commissioner Martin updated commissioners on the Hearst Playground, which is a public property but is used extensively by Stoddert soccer club in agreement with the city. Commissioner Martin stated that he spoke with representatives of D.C. Parks and Recreation regarding the fencing on the property, installed by Stoddert, and the use of herbicide on the lawn. He encouraged neighbors to continue trying to resolve the issue and said he would continue informing the commission on the issue.

 

VIII.     single member district reports: Commissioner Hydle stated that the National Cathedral has withdrawn its efforts to block purchase of apartments across Wisconsin Avenue from the Cathedral.

 

IX. adjournment: A motion to adjourn was offered by Commissioner Vorndran, seconded by Commissioner Martin. Without objection, the July 2002 meeting of ANC 3C adjourned at 10:15 p.m.