East End Area Council Minutes

Call to Order – Jeff Kirschner, president The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm at the LeBlond RecPlex. There were 23 people in attendance, including 14 residents. Contact: cincyjeff6@yahoo.com Secretary’s Report – Barb Rider (in absence of Jackie Weist, secretary) The Dec 3, 2013 minutes were circulated; there were no corrections. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart We have total liabilities & equity of $22,580.43. Expenses in December were $195.26 to Riverview East Academy for an academic award breakfast, $32.02 to Wimberg Landscaping for lawnmowing, and $15 to Chase Bank for service fees. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report – Det McBeth (in absence of Off. Germaine Love) There was a District 2 town hall mtg on Jan 7 with new Chief Blackwell and district commanders. The December crime report included 6 B&Es, 13 Felony/Larceny/Thefts, 1 Burglary, and 1 Aggravated Robbery Armed (known suspect). The usual report/map was not available as the crime analysis has been away. Det. Bellamine has investigated most of these, and has signed warrants on most. Betty asked about a break-in on Sat night. Det. McBeth was unaware of it, but will report on it at the Feb. meeting. Contact: 979-4480 or germaine.love@cincinnati-oh.gov LeBlond – Alayne Kazan, director Alyne reviewed membership costs: $10/yr. adults; $2/yr. children; $70/yr fitness. Contact: cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal • The Health Center planning grant has been approved. Architectural plans will be finalized at the next meeting, which includes about 30 people (the Local School Advisory Comm). The center should be open in Aug. It will be primarily for students, but there will be community hours. Withrow HS has just opened their Health Center, and the REA committee will tour it. They have a lot of latitude on what they want to do with it. • They are encouraging volunteerism, but recognize that it can be challenging for some. Dr. Vickie McMullen, the new school resource coordinator, is developing ways to encourage and support volunteers. Volunteers are needed for office work, etc. as well as tutoring. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us NSP – Barb Rider, NSP manager Barb explained that each of Cincinnati’s 52 neighborhoods will receive $5000 in 2014. She reviewed what NSP funds can be used for (i.e. neighborhood improvement, communication, development, services, education). The next deadline to submit proposalsl is February 7; the last is April 18. At today’s meeting we will hear more about the Waterworks wall art project that was discussed in December. At the February 3rd meeting, a vote will be taken on using NSP funds for the project. Barb said that it is advisable to have one project, rather than a number of small projects (to reduce paperwork with NSP). Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Community Relations – Jane Sites, co-chair Sandy Hoover, co-chair, will produce the online newsletter while out-of-town. She met with former editor Betsy Urban to transition the work. The next Meet and Greet will be Tuesday, Feb 18 at 7:00 at Tostados. It is pay-as-you-go; Jane will have nametags & sign-up sheets. Jane will try to get a speaker on the Eastern Corridor. Jane said that the Community Relations Committee is supposed to do Outreach & Educational Programs. Patrick Ormond said that should involve reaching out to residents & businesses to tell them what EEAC does (i.e. advertising a meeting at a park and inviting East Enders to attend and get more involved). There was a discussion on neighborhood boundaries (Jane suggested inviting residents from the condos between Kemper & Eggleston, shown as the EE on the Proposed Land Development Code Use Based Zoning map). Jeff said that the planning department is going to redraw a master map of all 52 neighborhoods. Patrick Ormond said that there’s been a boundary controversy between Mt. Lookout, CT, Mt. Lookout, EE, Linwood for decades. In the 1990s, it was decided to let the boundaries overlap. An example of the confusion: Walworth residents benefitted from being in the EE and getting low-cost mortgages, but now claiming they are part of CT. Contact: jane.sites@cchmc.org shoover216@aol.com 3E – Community-wide Entertainment District (CED) - Nick Motz Nick explained that a CED is a designation on paper that provides businesses with a pool of liquor licenses. In 2012, Columbia Tusculum initiated a CED on Eastern Ave, but lost momen-tum. In 2013, the EE, CT and Linwood got a 501c4 designation for a joint district (3E). Their goal in 2014 is to restart the process with a 3 community-wide CED. They have hired Bradley Thomas, attorney at Manley-Burke. He has created CEDs for Short Vine, Clifton Heights & OTR. Brad explained the boundary map that he has created for 3E and will file with the City. The applicant will be 3E Business Association. The map follows zoning; no single family homes are in the CED. A traditional liquor license, for businesses not in a CED, costs $30,000 +/- on the open market. With a CED, the liquor license fee is $2500+/-. The liquor licenses must stay in the CED area and can never leave. Licences in CEDs are issued according to the same criteria as regular licenses. Businesses in CEDs are issued a license if/when they qualify and if there are available licenses. If the business closes, the license goes back into "escrow" and becomes available to another viable applicant in the CED area ONLY. A CED can help create new restaurant licenses (i.e. Cilantro in CH, Venue 222 in OTR). There were many questions, with the following answers: • With a CED, there can be no open containers; there must be a level 2 (minimum) food service license. Community councils, schools, churches maintain the right to challenge a license. • The proposed 3E CED doesn’t go west of Schmidt Field because it must be contiguous, and not involve single-family homes. • Existing liquor license owners, especially when they go to sell (unless they sell to someone not in district), may be at a disadvantage. • The timeline: Meetings with other 2 neighborhoods this month, vote and obtaining letters of support in February, then 60-90 days are needed for approval. • Licenses stay within district, and cannot be sold outside of district. • Wine stores would be allowed (only if serving food as well). • Existing protections for schools remain in effect (i.e. 500 ft minimum from establishments that sell liquor). • The City benefits via more income tax, the county benefits through increased property taxes paid, and the state receives the license money. • Marinas have special licenses that are less expensive. • This is not a zoning overlay; rather, just a designation to liquor control. • City Council can eliminate or modify the CED at any time. • The CED application intent is published in the Enquirer, but notice is not mailed to residents adjacent or in the CED. Betty moved (seconded by Patrick – withdrawn*, then seconded by Regina Moss) that we notify residents living adjacent to this district by simple letter and invite them to the Feb 3 meeting. The motion failed. The vote on Feb 3 will be emailed to the 300+ news-letter online recipients and will be posted on the Delta sign. *Laurie Keleher had a point of order, challenging Patrick’s right to be involved with votes/motions, as he is neither an EE resident or business owner. He said he received a lifetime membership for serving as president for 10 yrs in the 1980s and 90s. Contact: nick@nickmotz.com President’s Announcements - Jeff • Flower pots – Jeff was contacted to see if we want flower pots through the Business Improvement Program (No). The other flower pot program involves the large pots we received from the World Choir Games in 2012; Laurie can contact those who maintain them on their property to see if they’d like to continue. • Clean up Sat, April 26 – before the Flying Pig Marathon. 5 dumpsters will be made available from Keep Cincinnati Beautiful. We can get rid of used tires. Michael Bolan will find locations (i.e. Hof) for dumpsters. We’ll need a packer at each dumpster. • Liability insurance is required by NSP; Jeff is getting bids and will present them to the Board. Old Business Clean & Safe Grant Project – Matthew Andrews (architect with City Dept of Transportation) Matthew provided an overview of the proposed project that will improve safety and appear-ance of the Waterworks wall east of St. Rose’s Church on Riverside. Phase 1 would go near the main entryway. He has teamed with Melisse May, Michael Bolan and others to create a design, which has been awarded $5000 by the KCB Clean & Safe Grant Project. Matthew has done many of Cinti’s gateways; he believes this will be a regional draw. Phase I includes the first 4 panels of vertical gardens (supported by steel trellises and bordered by vertical tile mosaics), security cameras, and solar lighting. The cost of Phase 1 is $20,000 and is covered by $5000 from Safe & Clean, the proposed $5000 from EEAC/NSP funds and over $10,000 of in-kind services and personal donations. Matthew is volunteering his design and architectural services. The mosaics will be created by EE artists the Kovermans and will feature historic figures from the EE. They are donating one panel and providing the other three in Phase 1 at reduced cost. Ridge Engineering from Northside will provide the steel for $4000, and a company in Oakley will do the galvanizing. Waterworks will fabricate the steel trellises ($4000 in kind contribution), and will provide ongoing maintenance of the wall and plants. The sidewalk will be cut out and soil put in for native plants. Volunteers will install the project. Once the first 4 panels are underway, other grants (i.e. NEA) and sources of funding will be pursued to complete the 22 panels needed to cover the entire wall. Melisse has worked to register the EEAC to enable the EEAC to apply for federal funding. Completion of Phase 1 will serve as the basis for grant requests to complete the project. Total cost estimates for the entire project are $40,000 (trellises) and $40,000 (22 panels), including the $20,000 cost of Phase 1. We will vote on using NSP funds for the remaining $5000 needed for the first 4 panels (Phase 1) at the next EEAC meeting, Feb 3. Announcements or New Business • Regina reported that a recent accident at St. Andrews knocked down the pole, street light & street sign. Jeff said that he will be happy to make contact with the City to correct the situation (Officer Love was suggested as a contact). • Alayne reported that LeBlond received a $50,000 grant from Interact for Health (previously the Cinti Health Foundation) that will be used to purchase outdoor exercise equipment, interactive playground equipment, and to add connectors when bike trail comes along river. She has also met with police to upgrade security cameras. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm. Next Meeting: Monday Feb 3, 2014 at 7 pm at LeBlond RecPlex. NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes or sign up to have East End news emailed to you at

Dec 2, 2013 - EEAC Agenda

EAST END AREA COUNCIL - Dec. 2, 2013 Call to Order – Jackie Weist Secretary’s Report – Barb Rider Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart Budgeted funds: $1000 for 3E’s business/ entertainment district $1500 for sign installation, landscaping, choir pots $600 for 5 GED scholarship to residents at the East End Ed Center $1000 to the Teaching Garden at REA (Sam and the CGC) $500 to LeBlond programs and/or their Foundation $200 for emergency school supplies REA. $200 for website NOT NSP-eligible: $600 for Honor Roll programs/ breakfasts at REA. $300 for Meet & Greet and Volunteer Recognition events. Police Report – Officer Love LeBlond Report – Alayne Kazin Riverview East Academy – Principal Charlene Myers NSP/DAAP Report – Melisse May City Liaison – Laurie Keleher: New Water Works wall projects Community Relations – Sandy Hoover: Volunteer Recognition Report OLD BUSINESS: • NextDoor - Did we get enough people to sign up? • Sam’s Garden at REA - Volunteers? • Public Allies project (Danny Fadeley) ideas: Connectivity, Tunnel lights, Clearing views, Substandard housing • Blighted houses reported to the City and the Port Authority: at Kellogg/Congress, 4355 & 4377 Riverside, Airport/Eastern • Fundraiser - Need volunteer to lead. A food truck/picnic has been suggested, along the river, perhaps at Schmidt. • Website report from MaryBeth Wilker and Dennis Camp. NEW BUSINESS: • Map of proposed EE boundaries. Plus surveys to fill out. • Election of Officers followed by swearing in – Jane Sites OTHER? ADJOURNMENT

Nov 4, 2013 -EEAC Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, November 4, 2013 Call to Order – Jackie Weist, president The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm at the LeBlond RecPlex. There were 25 people in attendance, including 18 residents. Jackie thanked Vergie Mullis and Nick Motz for their help with the streetside flower pots. She introduced State Rep Peter Stautberg, who was visiting. Secretary’s Report – Barb Rider (absent) Copies of the Oct 7, 2013 minutes were circulated; there were no corrections. In Barb’s absence, Melisse May was appointed to take minutes. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart (absent) Financial reports for October were made available. We have $7657.06 in checking, $3210.51 in savings and $1410.02 in the flood/emergency fund. Disbursements were made to Constant Contact for the newsletter ($168) and to Wimberg ($64.04) for mowing by the Kemper sign. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report – Officer Germaine Love (absent) • Detective Kelly McBeth reported the District 2 East End monthly crime report for Officer Germaine Love. The report is typical for the East End with mostly thefts. Crime stats are down year-to-date over last year, with the exception of assaults (which doesn’t follow trends). She wishes all other neighborhoods had stats this good. • Police are improving lighting for security cameras along Schmidt Field. • Jackie asked about the use of canines to detect drugs. Det. McBeth said the CPD uses dogs, but they have to be used according to very specific guidelines. The Captain is closely monitoring the drug situation in the EE; we will be hearing more about that. • Peniel Church reported a break-in today. This information was unknown to Det. McBeth. Contact: 979-4480 or germaine.love@cincinnati-oh.gov LeBlond Recreation Center – Alayne Kazin, Director • Alayne provided an update on the RecPlex. On Oct 22, the Hometown Huddle built a new playground. The parking lot has doubled in size. The dedication for the Jack Twyman outdoor basketball courts is tomorrow at 2:00 and all are invited. • Materials on the RecPlex and membership benefits were distributed. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal • Charlene reported we are close to getting full agreement to establish a school health center. Work is underway to identify the site within the school, and then CPS will renovate the space with the grant from Interact for Health. • Patrick Ormond mentioned that the EEAC had previously assigned a share of stock to the EE Health Center (provided by Time Warner). The estimated value is $250,000. Patrick will find out the status of the building and whether we still have a stake in it. • Charlene said that the Christine Macauley Clinic on Eastern Ave is serving adults in our area. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us Guest Speakers – Lauren Campbell, Environmental Ohio Community Engagement Lauren discussed the issue of global warming and related events, including flooding. Carbon is the largest contributor to global warming. Her organization is working with the EPA to address the problem and is seeking public support for these efforts. She asked for any interested parties to contact her to get involved. There will be a rally in Columbus on Nov. 16. Contact: 765-624-8456 Danny Fadeley, Public Allies Danny represented a group of 10 from Public Allies (an AmeriCorps program) doing a year of service and has chosen the East End. They are looking to identify a project and have been talking to community members for ideas. The idea needs to be submitted by mid-December. The organization has limited funds, so would look for partners to support the project. Contact: ? City Liaison – Laurie Keleher (absent) No report. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com Community Relations Report - Sandy Hoover (absent) Jackie reported for Sandy that there is a volunteer recognition event on Nov 19th at Adenine on Riverside at 7:00. Contact: sandyhoover216@aol.com NSP Report - Melisse May • Melisse reported that we will be getting NSP funds this year and will have more information after the training on Nov. 5. • Sam Dunlap is looking for volunteers to continue the work he has started with the school garden. Please contact Sam or Melisse if you are interested. • The DAAP Community Planning School will provide a studio in conjunction with the Schools of Horticulture and Architecture to flesh out options on the vision for the East End Garden District that were shared at the Oct EEAC meeting and several other events. Contact: may.melisse@gmail.com 3East Report - Nick Motz (absent) No report. Contact: nick@motz.com President’s Report – Jackie Weist • Jackie thanked all the volunteers who helped with the Fall Clean-up on Oct 26. • The Board is still interested in creating a fundraising and neighborhood event that would be family oriented. The Board felt that it should be held along the river. One suggestion was to have a food truck available. This event needs a chair. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Nominating Comm – Jane Sites Current slate for 2014-15 is VP: Michael Bolan, Sec: Jackie Weist, Treasurer: Jeff Stewart, NSP Rep: Barb Rider. At this time, there is no one willing to accept the position for President. Without a president, the EEAC may be forced to disband or merge with Columbia Tusculum. Bob Little suggested that the President position be shared by four people with each managing the position for three months each. Jackie asked for nominations from the floor. Betty Burns nominated Patrick Ormond, and he stated that he is not willing to let the organization go down. There was no vote. Betty said that we have been in this position before; someone has always come forward by December. Anyone willing to serve should contact Jane Sites. Jackie thanked Jane for her work on the nominating committee. Contact: jane.sites@cchmc.org New Business - Jackie • Barb Rider submitted to the Board proposed guidelines for use of the EEAC message sign, allowing non-profits in the EE to use the sign when there is no need for EEAC messaging and when the message is of broad interest to East End residents. There were no objections to this proposal. • The East End now officially extends to the tennis courts just east of the Montgomery Inn Boat House. This is now represented on city maps. • The Cincinnati Planning Commission has postponed any decision on the barge noise/dust issues along Riverside just east of the Friendship park. The next meeting will be in February. • The Board has recommended that we have a website. Mary Beth Wilker will manage it with Jackie’s help in creating content. Dennis Camp volunteered to host the website for free and requested suggestions for domain names. He is willing to work with Mary Beth to create the website. There was a discussion on inclusion of ads; Dennis said that is usually to cover the cost of the website, and he is willing to do that for no cost. Jackie will have Mary Beth contact Dennis. The website will be in addition to the newsletter, which is mandated by the City. Meeting attendees were supportive of the establish-ment of a website. Proposed Budget – Jackie • $600 Riverview East Academy – Honors Breakfasts and Emergency School Supplies • $600 *East End Education Center – 5 scholarships for EE residents to take the GED • $1000 *3-E Business/Entertainment District • $1000 *Installation/landscaping for the EE sign at Salem. Landscaping for sign at Delta. • $800 *Teaching Garden at Riverview East Academy • $500 *LeBlond support and/or its Foundation • $200 *Newsletter and website set-up • $300 Meet & Greets, including Volunteer Recognition *Possible funding through NSP There were no other suggestions for budget items. Some monies will come from NSP which are expected to be $5000. Questions were raised on the status of the Business Association. Jackie will request a represen-tative come to the next EEAC meeting to report, along with Mike Wagner or a rep from NSBDU. Announcements Vergie Mullis mentioned that we need one more person to sign up for Nextdoor (online neighborhood discussion board). Melisse will send invitations to those with emails on the sign-in sheet. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 pm. Next Meeting: Monday Dec 2, 2013 at 7 pm at LeBlond RecPlex NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Oct 7 2013 EEAC Mtg Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, October 7, 2013 Call to Order Jackie Weist called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. There were 26 people in attendance (only 16 signed), including 11 residents. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary’s Report – Barb Rider Copies of the Sept 9, 2013 minutes were circulated. No edits were suggested, so the minutes were filed as written. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart (absent) Financial reports for September were made available. Total liabilities & equity are $23,054.16. Three disbursements were made: 2$63.90 to Wimberg Landscaping for mowing; $639 for the East End sign at Delta (NSP funds) and $75.51 to reimburse Jackie for paying for 3 Riverview East Academy students’ school supplies. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report - Officer Germaine Love • Captain Butler was intending to come to the meeting, but could not make it. • There were 11 reported offenses in the East End from Sept 7-Oct 3, including 2 thefts from auto, 1 theft of a motorcycle on Setchell St, 1 theft of a license plate, 2 thefts from Inner Circle – diamond rings & a bicycle, 1 theft from Riverview East Academy (teacher’s cell phone), shoplifting from UDF, a UPS package taken from a Walworth porch (worth several $K – an arrest was made for trespassing). Officer Love suggested that packages NOT be delivered to your home, if you’re not going to be there to receive delivery. • Jackie asked what we can do to get rid of crack houses. Officer Love said the BCS group deals with 14 neighborhoods, and they are aware of problems here and probably know who the players are. She is not aware when arrests will come to fruition. This is a problem in every neighborhood, and resources are spread thin. Jackie asked to go with her to show her the suspected sites. • Barbara Grace asked if there was any new information on 2 young women panhandling (i.e. during St. Rose’s mass and at LeBlonde). If anyone sees them, call the police for a trespassing charge. Contact: Officer Germaine Love 979-4480 or germaine.love@cincinnati-oh.gov LeBlond Recreation Center – Katie Lear • The multisports court surface was poured today. LeBlonde will be closed Oct 21-22 for work by the Hometown Huddle with about 30 Bengal players building a new playground. The expanded parking lot is being finished now. • There are updated fall schedules (fitness & activities). Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal Dr. Pat White and her daughter, Dr. Suzie White, spoke about the “Leadership Scholars” program. Jrs and Srs teach non-cognitive skills (i.e. meditation, gratitude, college planning) to students in Gr. 7-8. Dr. White is also leading an 8-week program for 300 REA families, that will include childcare, dinner, and a graduation ceremony to be held at Xavier University. Charlene said that students and parents are excited about the programs. Brochures were distributed. Charlene showed the new planner given to students and parents to keep them organized. myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us Guest Speaker – Paul Burch, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Paul, the library circulation services manager, spoke in support of Issue 1 on the November 5 ballot (10 yr renewal…revenues will account for 1/3 of the library budget). Library patrons can stream movies, download books on Kindle, get resume help, download music, etc. Our library has the #3 geneology dept, and is the 7th busiest library (based on circulation) in the US. 88% of Hamilton County households have a library card. Monfort Hghts, Sharonville and North Central branches are now open on Sundays, along with the downtown branch. If the renewal fails, there will be a $17million shortfall, causing staff layoffs, branch closings, and cutback on hours. Sally O’Callaghan, CPS School Bd. candidate Sally taught for 10 years in CPS; previously in Cleveland, before staying home with her 4 children. She is running for election because of concern for neighborhood schools. She supports universal pre-school, adding transitional classrooms to address mobility (“churn”), expanding community learning centers in schools, ending camping out to sign-up for popular alternative schools, and raising expectations. Cameron Ross, City Planning Commission, absent Was to bring maps defining the borders of East End, CT, and Linwood NSP Report - Melisse May Expenses using last year’s NSP funds have been submitted: the Delta/Kellogg EE sign and support, and a stipend for the DAAP intern who put together options for the future of the Garden District. The options were available on large boards for all to review. Melisse pointed out that having a vision and options for the future helps the community. Councilmember Quinlivan’s aide said that there will be an announcement tomorrow that all 52 neighborhoods will get $5000 in NSP funds this year. Contacts: may.melisse@gmail.com Community Relations Report - Sandy Hoover, chair There will be another Meet & Greet at Swampwater Grill (3742 Kellogg Ave) on Tuesday, Oct 15, beginning at 6:00PM, this time hosted by Linwood. Contact: sandyhoover216@aol.com 3East Report - Nick Motz (absent, no report) Budget – Jackie called for ideas; there were none. Nominating Comm If interested in running for an EEAC office for 2014-15, contact Barbara Grace. She is working with Jane Sites and Ruth Coon to create a slate of nominees to be announced at the November meeting. Contact: Barbara Grace 321-2099 Old Business - Jackie • Gail Silver reported that the gathering last week to highlight Michael’s ‘green’ house and support mayoral candidate Roxanne Qualls was very successful. She provided historical information on the house and Capt Strader (this will also go in the EEAC newsletter). • Pendleton is available for rent. • Don’t forget to use the Ohio River app: Recr8OhioRiver for info on river conditions, weather, etc. New Business - Jackie • Michelle & Kevin Perkins are moving to KY. They have been active members of the EEAC, and we wish them well. • There will be an East End clean up on “Make a Difference Day” – Saturday, Oct 26. Volunteers should meet at 9AM at REA; Charlene will provide student volunteers. • Patrick Ormond spoke in support of David Mann, candidate for City Council. David spoke – he was previously on City Council for 18 yrs, served as mayor for 3 terms, and in Congress for 2 years. He has practiced law with his son for the past 19 years; all 9 children and grandchildren live in City. David is concerned about drug use; infant mortality rates; poverty, bond rating (because of pension funding), streetcars, and sale of the parking system. • Councilmember Quinlivan’s aide reported that she is working on UC fire safety. A website is now available with landlords’ and fire inspection status. It will be expanded into other neighborhoods and for all renters. • Bob Little suggested that the EE sign should have the message: “Shop & dine locally” • Gail suggested that people attend the City Council and mayoral debates. • Carol Grasha spoke about mercury-contaminated equipment removed in June from the MSD facility at Wilmer & Kellogg and taken to Rumpke via Riverside Dr, as reported in a Sept 28 Enquirer article. Her concern is if the mercury spilled onto EE streets. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm. Next Meeting: Monday Nov 5, 2013 at 7 pm NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Sept 7, 2013 EEAC Mtg Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, September 9, 2013 Call to Order Jackie Weist called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. There were 19 people in attendance, including 11 residents. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary’s Report – Barb Rider Copies of the Aug 5, 2013 minutes were circulated. No edits were suggested, so the minutes were filed as written. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart Three disbursements were made: $63.90 to Wimberg Landscaping for mowing; $700 (last year’s NSP funds) to Joe Sandman, DAAP for consulting on neighborhood planning; and $804.56 to Riverview East Academy for their garden. Jackie will be reimbursed for school supplies she purchased for a REA family, at the request of the principal. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report - Detectives McBeth & Stephanie Belleman • We have the same problems as other places in the city (e.g. the year-to-date larceny rate is up 14%). Det. McBeth is impressed that our year-to-date burglarly and B&Es are down 66%; this is rare, and a statistic other neighborhoods would love to have. • During the last 28 days there have been 13 total crimes, including 6 thefts from auto. • A family conflict at a Strader home during the BBQ resulted in a felonious assault arrest. • Alayne reported that batteries & radiators have been taken from construction vehicles parked at LeBlond. Det. McBeth said she has seen children playing on vehicles, and wishes the construction company would do more to secure their property. There has been vandalism, where many outside areas (including rose bushes) were sprayed with pink paint. Alayne asked for increased police patrol at LeBlond. • Sandy said there were police officers in her back yard in the 1800 block of Riverside with guns drawn on a recent Tuesday night. Det. McBeth will check it out. • Gail Silver requested extra police patrols during an Oct 2 fundraiser on Strader. • Tad Schroeder thanked Det. McBeth for the new “no engine brake” signs. • Jane Sites called about water spouts coming from the sewers during heavy rain in the lot at Collins & Riverside. Det. McBeth will ask why the lot is not blocked off to traffic. Call the city hotline at 591-6000 with complaints of any kind. Contact: Officer Germaine Love 979-4480 or germaine.love@cincinnati-oh.gov Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal Charlene Meyers reported that the enrollment of the school has increased from 456 to 596. She turned over money from selling EEAC bumper stickers. Graduation will be at Inner Circle. CPS schools will be open on Saturday, Sept 28 for the community to use. The REA resource coordinator hasn’t been replaced yet; the YWCA will be hiring. myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us Guest Speaker – Clarence Taylor, Walnut Hills Community Council president Speaking on behalf of Neighborhood Health Care (which provides services in several different communities), Clarence said that the East End Health Center at 4020 Eastern is now open on Tues (8:30-noon) & Thurs (1-5:30pm) for OB/GYN services only. Possibly there could be an urgent care in the future. There is a need to advertise more & work through schools; REA is working to get health services (they recently added an RN). NHC is talking to an organization in KY to fully staff the centers here; they are challenged by a lack of available doctors. Michael asked about the impact of ObamaCare (the Affordable Care Act); Clarence said that is unknown at this point. There is a sliding fee scale based on income; they take insurance and cash. Patients can live anywhere. Contact: 559-5549 (NHC call center) LeBlond Recreation Center – Alayne Kazin • Alayne showed a plan for the outside renovation now in progress. 150 PNC volunteers renovated the ballfield recently; Jeff represented EEAC in a ribbon cutting. The multiple sports court has been asphalted. On Oct 22nd, the Hometown Huddle with 300 volun-teers will build a new playground, pathways & landscaping. Next year, the Dept. of Transportation will provide a bike trail; a .6 mile walking trail will join up to it. • Fall programming includes senior stretch, strength training, and spinning. Membership is $10 for those over 50; $25 for younger adults. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr NSP + DAAP + KCB Report - Melisse May (absent); Michael Bolan, VP • Jackie reported that we do not yet know if we’ll get NSP funds in the future. • Michael Bolan said that $700 from a LISC grant was used to get concepts of a study area (REA to river to the RR to ball fields). The plans proposed by a team from UC’s DAAP program were revealed on Aug 22; 15 people attended to provide comments. The DAAP team is now refining those comments, and will present revised plans in the future. Michael suggests that 4 areas should be targeted first: parking (signage, etc), Babb Alley improvements, lighting, and river amenities (seating, vegetative clearing). Jackie added that we all know there is lots of potential in the East End. • KCB - Michael will help apply for an EPA grant for pickup and disposal of old tires – that will be main thrust of spring cleanup. George Mullis reported that a daybed needs to be picked up at Redmond & Strader. There will be no official fall cleanup, but it would be appreciated if everyone could clean up the area near where they live. Contacts: may.melisse@gmail.com and michaelbolan@yahoo.com Community Relations Report - Sandy Hoover, chair There will be a Meet & Greet at Swampwater Grill (3742 Kellogg Ave) on Sept 17, beginning at 6:30PM. Pay as you go for the food & drink you want (there was a Groupon offering for Swampwater Grill today). Contact: sandyhoover216@aol.com 3East Report - Nick Motz (absent, no report) Old Business • Patrick Ormond was asked to give an update on a fundraiser for the EEAC. He talked about very preliminary plans for a possible East End reunion in the spring (400-500 people with 2-3 bands). Bryan Phillips said there’s a reunion every year (“East End Day”) the day before Father’s Day at Schmidt Field. Another reunion in Newtown (used to be at Lunken) is held annually and is well attended. • Nominating Committee – Jane Sites, Barbara Grace, Ruth Coon - provided a box for comments on how to pull the neighborhood together or to give nominations for EEAC bd. members. The slate will be announced Nov. 4; they are focusing on diversity, adding long-time residents and Pendleton Bd. members. Ruth also hopes to have a historian. • Jackie announced that the Walworth home remodeling request was approved. New Business • Gail Silver discussed a fundraiser for Roxanne Qualls on Wed, Oct 2 5:30-7:00 at Michael Bolan’s “green” home on Strader. It is being hosted by Jackie, Melisse & Gail (as individuals, not as EEAC members). Reservations and to help: Gail, 475-0002. • Ruth Coon said the traffic was “the worst she’s ever seen” on Riverfest Night; traffic was backed up until 2:30AM, the center lane near the Rookwood overpass was used as a high speed lane, and drivers parked in the bike lane. • Jackie said budget suggestions are needed next month. EEAC, city and KCB priorities include safe communities. • Jackie reported on a recent KCB meeting she attended Thursday, Sept 5. • The web-based communication device, Nextdoor.com, is supported by police. Clarence said the first 10 people in a neighborhood to sign up are the administrators. • Diedre Bullock is representing the garden area, on behalf of Joe Corcoran, who will not be attending meetings. The temporary orange fence and no trespassing signs were put up to address drinking, litter from Eli’s, in addition to any liability issues. Better fencing will be installed. The fence will be taken down for special events. Eli has not responded to email from Joe or Diedre, who want to bridge differences. Turkeys will be sold again this year. • Brochures on Hamilton County Property Improvement Program are available. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 pm. Next Meeting: Monday Oct 7, 2013 at 7 pm NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Aug 5, 2013 EEAC Mtg Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, August 5, 2013 Call to Order Jackie Weist called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary’s Report Copies of the July 2013 minutes were circulated. No edits were suggested, so the minutes were filed as written. Barb was unable to attend the meeting; Jackie appointed Michael Bolan to take the August meeting minutes in Barb’s absence. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Police Report - Officer Love • 21 incidences of crime were reported in the East End in July. The offenses included 7 property crimes from autos, 3 from UDF (2 gas pump drive-offs), and 3 breaking and entry. • The EEAC bank account was compromised and funds were fraudulently transferred from the EEAC account. A fraud investigation is under way; however, the bank is in the process of returning the illegally transferred funds to a new EEAC bank account. Just before the occurrence of the bank fraud, an uncashed check drawn on the EEAC account, along with cash, was stolen from the home of Joe Corcoran on Strader Ave. Officer Love recommended that a crime report be filed on this matter. • Another breach to the vacant Site Gas Station was reported, as well as its overgrown vegetation. Contact: Officer Germaine Love 979-4480 President’s report – Jackie Weist • An additional $250 was received for the efforts of the Flying Pig volunteers. • Jackie noted the EE participation in this year’s National Night Out at the Owl’s Nest Park in O’Bryonville. • A request to organize a Nominating Committee for the 2014 EEAC Board was made. Both Ruth Coon and Barbara Grace indicated their interest. (Update: Jane Sites later agreed to serve) Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart Jeff reported on disbursements totaling $1650 to Wimberg for grass cutting, to Rumpke for port-o-lets, and to ABC for the sign at Delta. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Leblond Recreation Center – Alayne Kazin Alayne noted the progress of the renovation which will double the parking spaces, add a new swing, provide raised beds for gardening, and improve views of the river. Eighty volunteers from PNC bank are expected to lend their hand to renovate the ball field. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal Charlene Meyers reported that the enrollment of the school will increase from 456 last year to 556 this coming year. Math scores remain weak but adjustments have been made to improve student skills. There is an effort underway for a health care clinic at the school to foster a health care curriculum for students interested in pursuing a career in the field of health. The school is looking for a larger place in the East End area to house 750+ attendees for its 2014 graduation exercises and is open to suggestions. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us City Liaison Report – Laurie Keleher, chair • Laurie took comments and questions regarding the bike facility along Riverside Drive. She asked for volunteers to count bicycle riders along Riverside for an ongoing study of Cincinnati bicycle ridership. • Attention was drawn to the broken sidewalk at the Pendleton that experienced heavy truck traffic during the Duke gas line project and the Riverside Drive resurfacing. • At this point of the meeting, a report was received that the noted American Queen riverboat was passing by the East End! • It was again reported that the abandoned Site gas station on Riverside Drive continues to be non-compliant with the city’s weed ordinance. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com Community Relations Report – Melisse May, chair. The University of Cincinnati DAAP students have prepared a vision for a study area bounded by the school, the river, the RR tracks and the Schmidt ball fields. Their study was partially funded by LISP, but mainly from the generosity of UC and its students. Consideration by neighborhood residents is sought prior to developing a plan. Concept drawings will be posted for public viewing along with an explanation of their ideas. This community feedback is scheduled for Wednesday August 21 at Riverview East Academy at 7PM, within easy walking distance of the study area. The concept to be presented includes parking options, a river view amenity, lighting/walkway improvements, and a rehab of Babb Ally. Contact: may.melisse@gmail.com Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 pm. Next Meeting: Monday Sept 9, 2013 7 pm NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

July 1, 2013 EEAC Mtg Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday July 1, 2013 Call to Order – Jackie Weist, EEAC President Jackie called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. There were 24 in attendance (including 15 residents). Contact: jweist@fuse.net “Special Bow” to Joe Corcoran – Joe has received an award from the Garden Club of America for his work over the last 13-20 years on the Veteran Gardens on Strader. He received thanks and a round of applause, and showed the award. He introduced Deidre Bullock as a “new face in the garden”, and explained that she would be coordinating activities (in the past, she has helped with turkey frying during holidays, etc). There will be a focus on family-friendliness (e.g. movies on Friday nites). The BBQ is Sat., Aug 10, with some new vendors. Jackie reminded Deidra that July 15 is the deadline for the next EEAC newsletter. Contact: capt_lu@yahoo.com Secretary Report – Barb Rider The June 3, 2013 minutes were distributed. Betty Burns pointed out 2 mistakes regarding the bike facility/parking concerns, which were corrected for the record. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart (absent) There was no treasurer’s report. Jackie said that she was reimbursed for granola bars, water, plants, and dirt used on Keep Cincinnati Beautiful day. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report –Officer Germaine Love • There are 14 reported offenses for June. Included were 6 thefts from autos (jewelry, purses, etc), 3 petty thefts from UDF, theft from Stone Brothers ($4000), theft on 4340 Kellogg, and a B&E at DeeJay’s (formerly Adonis; they are applying for a liquor and dance hall license, and have held some events without permission; police are objecting to their requests). • National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug 6 6-9pm at Owl’s Nest Park in O’Bryonville. Ruth Coon & Vergie Mullis brought prizes; Ruth has another 1000 at home. Jackie reported that Jeff also has donations. Officer Love will provide the approximate number of expected participants. • Jane Sites asked about the progress on “No Engine Braking” signs to be installed on Riverside near Collins. Officer Love has contacted John Childress of the city, who will provide the signs despite the fact that the pilot program is over. • Jackie reported that KCB has installed a camera on Hoff to prevent dumping/littering. • Jane asked about reported development on Hoff. • Ruth reported that someone may be staying in the abandoned building at 1542 Riverside by Kemper. Officer Love will check on it. The City owns the building. Contact: germaine.love@cincinnati.oh.gov 979-4480. Guest: Ann Herzner, Councilwoman Laure Quinlivan’s aide – Ann has deep in-law roots with the East End. She has been on Councilwoman Quinlivan’s staff for 4 months. She reviewed Quinlivan’s main initiatives: • A mobile food vendor ordinance has been passed, and there was a media event in the EE Garden District about this a few weeks ago. It is not difficult for a neighborhood to get a dedicated zone for food trucks. They can be used to sell locally grown produce. • City council election in November is the first to elect council members to four (not two) year terms. • After a Jan 1 fire killed 2 UC students, Quinlivan worked to get tougher fire laws. Landlords now can volunteer to have a fire inspection, and then get a certificate/ stamp/sticker if passed. Unsafe housing can be reported to the city; an inspector will come out for $35. There will be a press conference tomorrow about this. • Pat Ormond asked about the streetcar. Ann said that a recent city council vote to continue the project passed 5-4. Pat suggested that property owners adjacent to the streetcar route, not all city residents, support streetcar maintenance. He made a motion (seconded) that the EEAC supports having property owners along the streetcar route pay a fee, and that a letter to this effect be sent to all 9 council members and the mayor. A hand vote was taken: 7 yes. 0 no. 7 abstain. Jackie will write the letter. LeBlond Report - Alayne Kazin, Director • It’s busy at LeBlond - there are 40 campers & 40 staff members in & out on a daily basis. • Aug 23 is PNC Volunteer Day, and 65 to 75 employees will be landscaping LeBlond, painting interior spaces, and renovating the ballfield (which will not be moved, as originally hoped, because the former school property could not be procured by the city) • On Mon, Aug 26, work on expanding the parking lot will begin. • A Park Board arborist inspected the large sycamore tree on the LeBlond property, and concluded it is rotten inside and needs to come down for safety reasons. Jane and Michael Bolan objected (“an icon”…”children play near it”, etc). A suggestion was made to procure another opinion. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal (absent) No report. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us NSP Budget and DAAP East End Study – Melisse May We have received approval for our funding ($2500), and are spending it: letters & lighting for neighborhood sign; DAAP students’ project; sign landscaping. Contacts: May.melisse@gmail.com City Liaison - Laurie Keleher Paving of Riverside, following installation of the new gaslines, will begin within a month. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com Community Relations – Sandy Hoover (absent) Jackie reported that the next Meet N Greet is at the Sandbar (4 Seasons Marina) on Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30; Linwood and Columbia Tusculum will join us. Contact: shoover216@aol.com 3E Business Committee– Nick Motz (absent) No report. Old Business - Jackie • There was a great letter to the Enquirer written by Barbara Lichtenstein, EEAC business owner, reacting to a letter from a Blue Ash resident recommending the closure of Alms Park to save money for the city of Cincinnati. • Barbara also sent a letter to the EEAC objecting to the new development on Brown St. Jackie reported that we don’t have a coordinated report yet; there was discussion on when/how a coordinated report is received. Laurie will check the status of all the coordinated reports that we have not received. • Patrick, 10 yr former EEAC president “with a lifetime membership” (per Jackie), reported on his history with the East End in the 1970s and 80s (including dealing with benzene railcars on Wilmer Ave; recruiting over 300 people to protest at City Hall, and having 100 people at the next EEAC meeting). Jack Feistel (?) gave him advice. Pat said it worked well to have fun events at which problems and the EEAC could be introduced (e.g. Monte Carlo Nights at Carnegie Center, a festival at Schmidt Field with hot air balloons). This invigorated the organization, which welcomed new residents (e.g. Betty Burns) to become involved. There was a focus on youth involvement; racial incidents were addressed. EEAC = representing businesses and residents. Pat suggested having a written mission statement (note: the EEAC has one); not taking on problems alone (involve the whole board and community); if handing out brochures, include an EE business coupon. Other ideas were to have a Riverfest party, and to go door-to-door to every house (pay a college student) with a questionnaire, saying: “Hello neighbor, we’d like to re-introduce ourselves.” Time spent on the EEAC were the best and worst years of his life. He served on the city-sponsored Community Business Development Council for years and helped create Community-Oriented Policing (350 students went to a Reds game with police officers). Pat recommended getting a reporter on our side. Ruth said that we need absentee landlords to take responsibility; Patrick said that council presidents have lots of power, and could change situations like this. New Business - Jackie • KCB - Jackie attended a meeting for District 2 neighborhoods. She reported issues with overgrown properties to the litter patrol; since then, the old school property has been mowed. She also reported the uncut grass along the new bike facility. Betty said that the west sidewalk of Collins is so overgrown that pedestrians must use the street; Jackie will call about this. Bryan asked about dumping on the far eastern area of Hoff. Jackie asked him to call her about where a 2nd camera could go. Vergie reported tall grass on Kellogg just past Delta near the ballfields. Barbara Grace reported that when a large tree fell near Brown St, all the little pieces were left behind. She also would like bus stops cleaned up. Jackie reported that Alicia Kravitz of KCB suggested that we identify 3-5 spots for clean-up this fall. KCB will supply heavy equipment. Jackie would like input on the worst areas. • Christian Babani (BrewRiver GastroPub) and Jason Gipson (Fuel) have written the EEAC about loss of parking due to the upcoming bike facility. The EEAC Board supports them getting them parking, while maintaining support for the bike facility. Betty reiterated that the small EE group of property & business owners that met with Vice-Mayor Roxanne Qualls is not against the bike facility. Michael Moore of the city transportation department didn’t respond to requests from Betty, so she, Christian, a Verdin Bell rep, and Rev. Henson (Cornerstone Pentecostal Church) met with Qualls to present possible parking solutions. Ruth said businesses should not come into the EE and change pre-existing neighborhood plans. Christian explained his business plan and importance to the neighborhood. Betty said that despite the city adding some pocket parking, there are still 49 parking places not recovered near BrewRiver. Laurie explained that her letter to Qualls said the EEAC remains in support of the bike facility. Christian explained that the group would like any city-owned property in the EE to be designated for parking. Barbara Grace said she’s made adjustments whenever EE parking regulations changed in the more than 60 years she’s lived here. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM. NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com