Minutes – July 2020

Regular Public Meeting

Monday, July 27, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

Minutes

1) Call to Order & Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Commissioner Brenda Parks, Chair (ANC 4B04 Commissioner), presiding. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom and broadcast on YouTube. Also present were Commissioners Evan Yeats (4B01), Erin Palmer (4B02), Scot Knickerbocker (4B03) (who joined after the start of the meeting), Perry Redd (4B05), Geoff Bromaghim (4B07), Alison Brooks (4B08), and LaRoya Huff (4B09).

2) Administrative Items

Consideration and Approval of July Agenda

Commissioner Bromaghim proposed amending the July Agenda to include votes on an amended Quarterly Financial Report for the Second Quarter of FY2020 (originally approved by the Commission in April) and a Quarterly Financial Report for the Third Quarter of FY2020 to the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

Commissioner Palmer moved to approve the agenda, as amended. The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

Instructions regarding Participation in Virtual Meeting

Gordon Chaffin, Street Justice, provided technical assistance for the virtual meeting. Commissioner Parks provided instructions for public participation in the meeting.

Approval of June Regular Public Meeting Minutes

Commissioner Redd moved to approve the June Regular Public Meeting minutes. The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

Treasurer’s Report

Commissioner Bromaghim presented the Treasurer’s Report. The Commission has a balance of $23,983.59. Commission Bromaghim moved to approve an amended Quarterly Financial Report for the Second Quarter of FY2020 (originally approved by the Commission in April). The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions. Commissioner Bromaghim also moved to approve a Quarterly Financial Report for the Third Quarter of FY2020. The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

Commissioner Updates

Commissioner Palmer provided an update on the Commission’s August recess and the next Commission meeting on September 28, 2020. Commissioner Brooks discussed joint efforts with the District Department of Transportation regarding upcoming installation of a stoplight at 1st Street, NE, and Riggs Road, NE. Commissioner Redd provided details regarding discussions with the District Department of Energy and the Environment, Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd, and neighbors regarding Lot 69 and the alley around the lot. Commissioner Yeats detailed temporary safety measures to be implemented by the District Department of Transportation on Piney Branch Road, NW, as well as longer-term safety measures. Commissioner Huff discussed plans for a new playground at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.

3) Presentation: Area Main Streets on Supports During COVID-19 and Re-Opening

Edwin Washington, Executive Director, The Parks Main Street; Laura Barclay, Executive Director, Old Takoma Business Association; Paul Ruppert, Executive Director, Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street; and Gabriela Mossi, Executive Director, Uptown Main Street presented on the work of area Main Streets and support and services offered to businesses during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and the District’s re-opening, as well as answered questions from Commissioners and community members.

4) Reports

Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District

Captain Sean Connors, 4th District, reported on crime statistics and police action in Ward Four and answered questions from Commissioners and community members.

Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd

Dolly Turner, representing the office of Councilmember Brandon T. Todd, reported on developments in the Ward and other items of interest to residents of Ward 4, as well as answered questions from Commissioners and community members.

Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services

KeShawn Harris, representing the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, reported on Mayoral actions and events of interest to residents of Ward 4, including information regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the District’s phased re-opening, the 2020 Census, and government services, as well as answered questions from Commissioners and community members.

Ward 4 Representative to the State Board of Education

Representative Frazier O’Leary reported on issues related to the State Board of Education of interest to residents of Ward 4, including school re-opening and technology needs, as well as answered questions from Commissioners and community members.

5) Consent Calendar:

• Resolution 4B-20-0701: ANC 4B Request for Mandatory Use of Masks during COVID-19 Pandemic (Commissioner Johnson)
• Resolution 4B-20-0702: ANC 4B Additional Recommendations on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (Commissioner Johnson & Commissioner Brooks)

Commissioner Redd moved to approve the consent calendar. The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

6) Resolution 4B-20-0703: Opposing Expansion of Renaissance Center for Culture Home Day Care at 240 Quackenbos Street, NE (BZA 20186)

Commissioner Brooks presented a draft Resolution opposing expansion of the Renaissance Center for Culture home day care at 240 Quackenbos Street, NE (BZA 20186).

Commissioner Brooks moved to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Parks called for a roll call vote.

Commissioner Yeats – abstain

Commissioner Palmer – yes

Commissioner Knickerbocker – yes

Commissioner Parks – yes

Commissioner Redd – yes

Commissioner Bromaghim – yes

Commissioner Brooks – yes

Commissioner Huff – yes

The motion was adopted, 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention.

7) Community Concerns

Members of the community were allowed the opportunity to present questions or statements.

8) Adjournment

Commissioner Knickerbocker moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was adopted, 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 p.m.