Minutes – August 2023

Regular Public Meeting Minutes

Monday, August 28, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order & Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Commissioner Alison Brooks, Chair (ANC 4B08), presiding. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom. Also present were Commissioner T. Michelle Colson (4B01), Commissioner Erin Palmer (4B02), Commissioner Zurick T. Smith (4B03), Commissioner Kevin Gilligan (4B05), Commissioner Michael Cohen (4B07), and Commissioner Derrick Thompson (4B09). Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson (4B06) joined during the discussion of Agenda Item No. 2(B) (Consideration and Approval of Agenda).

2. Administrative Items:

A. Instructions for Participation in Virtual Meeting

Commissioner Brooks provided instructions for public participation in the meeting. 

B. Consideration and Approval of Agenda

Commissioner Brooks presented the August 2023 Regular Public Meeting Agenda. The Agenda was approved by acclamation.

C. Approval of June 2023 Regular Public Meeting Minutes

Commissioner Gilligan presented and moved to approve the June 2023 Regular Public Meeting Minutes. The motion was adopted 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

D. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Quarterly Financial Report for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023

Commissioner Brooks moved to approve the Quarterly Financial Report for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023. The motion was adopted 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

3. Commissioner Updates

Commissioners provided updates regarding their Single Member Districts.

4. Community Concerns

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

5. Reports:

A. Sophia Tekola, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services

Sophia Tekola, representing the Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services, recognized Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B efforts in support of students returning to school and provided updates on back-to-school guides, 311 requests, and requested Metropolitan Police Department meetings. The new police chief is prioritizing weekly community walks. Commissioners and members of the community asked questions.

B. Barbara Rogers, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Jim Lewis joined the meeting to represent the Ward 4 Councilmember. Jim provided updates on Ward 4 CARE Days, new legislation on conflict resolution education, an improved system to sign up to provide testimony before the DC Council, and a reminder regarding the Councilmember’s weekly newsletter. Commissioners and members of the community asked questions.

C. Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education

Not present.

D. Housing Justice Committee

Commissioner Palmer provided an update on Housing Justice Committee activities, including the Tenant Resource Fair held over the summer. 

E. Vision Zero Committee

Commissioner Brooks provided an update on Vision Zero Committee activities. 

6. Presentation: Colin Thomas, Principal, Thomas Development, 6634 & 6640 Georgia Ave, NW, Proposed Map Amendment to Rezone Property from RA-2 to RA-3 (Case No. 22-37)

Colin Thomas provided an overview of the proposed map amendment to rezone 6634 & 6640 Georgia Avenue, NW from RA-2 to RA-3. Commissioners and members of the community asked questions.

7. Presentation: Rodd Monts, Director of State Policy, SchoolHouse Connection, Student Homelessness and Opportunities for Support

Rodd Monts provided an overview of student homelessness and opportunities for support offered by SchoolHouse Connection. Commissioners and members of the community asked questions.

8. Presentation: Julio Valdez, JVS Project Space, “Takoma Taking Flight” Mural Proposal at Takoma Elementary School

Julio Valdez provided an overview of the “Takoma Taking Flight” mural proposal at Takoma Elementary School. Commissioners and members of the community asked questions.

• Letter: Supporting “Takoma Taking Flight” Proposal for the Public Art Building Communities Grant Program (Commissioner Palmer)

Commissioner Palmer presented a draft Letter supporting the “Takoma Taking Flight” proposal for the Public Art Building Communities Grant Program and moved to approve the Letter. The motion was adopted 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

9. Consent Calendar:

• Resolution 4B–23–0801: Calling for Additional Hardening of Protected Bike Lanes on Piney Branch Road, NW, Due to Repeated Damage (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats & Commissioner Brooks)
• Resolution 4B-23-0802: Calling or the District Department of Public Works to Conduct More Regular Collection of Public Trash and Recycling Cans and for Greater Transparency Regarding Location of Cans and Frequency of Collection (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Gilligan)
• Resolution 4B-23-0803: Requesting Applicant Engagement with Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B and Highlighting Stormwater Mitigation Needs for 6817 5th Street, NW (HPA 23-364) and 6819 5th Street, NW (HPA-23-365)(Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Yeats)

Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was adopted 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions.

10. Adjournment

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.