EEAC Mtg minutes 5/6/13

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, May 6, 2013 Call to Order – Jackie Weist, EEAC President Jackie called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. There were 18 in attendance (11 residents). She had brochures from the Green Umbrella Summit and the MSD. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary Report – Barb Rider The April 1, 2013 minutes were approved. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart (absent) The April report was distributed; Jackie explained that two checks were written, and changes will be made in assigning them to the correct budget lines. The report was approved. There is a total of $26,277.59 in liabilities and equity. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report – Detective Kelly McBeth (in Officer Germaine Love’s absence. Also present: Officer Tucker & Officer Miller). Crime is down in the May 2 monthly report: only 1 breaking and entering (tools from an apartment), 1 felonious assault, 8 thefts (including 2 gas drive-offs, a cell phone taken at school and 2 purses taken at bingo), and no robberies. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity – don’t leave anything in cars. Some come from Northern Kentucky, and quickly return over state lines after committing a crime. There are 3 games left to sponsor at this year’s National Night Out on August 6. We agreed to collaborate with Queen City Bike on sponsoring the duck pond - $30, plus prizes. Jackie called Officer Love this morning to report 3 piles of tires and wood (dumped by a resident). Contact: Officer Germaine Love - 979-4480. LeBlond Report - Alayne Kazin - Director Registration for summer day camp is down (17) compared to last year. LeBlond was one of the practice sites for the Intl Championship of Flags at XU; one of the local groups practices at LeBlond on Monday evenings. The request to Park National Bank to sell CRC the $800,000 school site for $100,000 was rejected. Therefore, at this time, the CRC is not pursuing a property trade: exchanging the west end of their property (50’x80’) for the east end (former school site). There will be changes to the parking lot; upgrading & moving the baseball field; Marvin Lewis Hometown Huddle will build a new playground. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr City Liaison - Laurie Keleher City Liaison Laurie will attend a meeting tomorrow with representatives from C/T about the business district expansion and getting the entertainment district moving. She is also planning to meet with Sam of the Riverview East Academy garden about the fencing and shed. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com NSP Budget – Laurie for Melisse May (absent) Laurie reviewed the proposal (as presented in April) for the first 6 months of the year: $2500 to include $1624 for final Delta sign payment; $376 for landscaping around signs; $500 for Columbia flowerpot planting & maintenance. Regina suggested adding the Hoff Ave. corridor to the NSP project - the railroad won’t take care of the area near the tracks. Laurie suggested submitting the addresses affected, as well as a proposal for what needs to be done. This could be added to the next NSP budget. She offered to help Regina with the proposal. Betty Burns moved that we accept the NSP plan as discussed at the April EEAC meeting; Ruth Coon seconded. There were 11 yes votes (residents only voting), with 0 opposed and 0 abstentions. Ruth wondered why C/T has more pots than the EE did – Laurie said it’s because they’re bigger and have a business district. She also wondered why BrewRiver got a flowerpot (Answer: Because it’s a visible location and they promised to take care of the flowers). Contacts: May.melisse@gmail.com Guests - Morgan Heilman – City Transportation Dept/Project Manager of the Ohio River Trail • Ohio River Trail (downtown to Lunken, along Ohio River): She is currently finishing Stage 3 of planning the bike trail, and will begin property purchases in the next few months. The Transportation Department is looking for construction money. In 2-4 years, construction will begin. The trail will be asphalt, with concrete in the crossings at Gotham and by Duke. 30’ permanent easements will be procured, so lots won’t be divided. Most of the property is city owned. A wall will be built to hold the trail up in some parts, piered to bedrock. The wall will extend to trail height; the railing will be open. The “ball park” cost estimate is $4-5M. LeBlond will keep aerial photo of the proposed bike trail. George Mullis asked why the CRC drives trucks on the bike trail, instead of using the nearby alley. Alayne will take this to CRC maintenance. • Bike facility (on Riverside) – One quarter of it is already built (St. Andrews to Congress). Most of the Duke work replacing gas lines on Riverside will be finished by the beginning of June, so the resurfacing/bike facility marking for the remainder of the trail (Congress to Bains) will be done late this summer. Bike lanes will not continue to downtown at this time; cyclists can pick up the trail in the Friendship Park. Ruth asked why the Friendship Park gate cannot come up for cyclists. Morgan will check with the Park Board about its rule of limiting access to prevent cars from parking on the circle. Tom Kahle asked why the Ohio River Trail dead ends ¼ mile from Wilmer, so bikes must cross Kellogg (Answer: needed property could not be procured). Kate Christoff, Councilwoman Yvette Simpson’s aide • Kate received complaints:  Regina reported that someone is dumping furniture on Hoff Ave. She has called the city (591-6000 or www.591-6000.com to track requests), and is told “that work order has been closed”. The furniture is still there. Kate suggested calling Keep Cinti Beautiful instead of city services. They work with the Hamilton County sheriff work detail – maybe they could work on Hoff?  Brian said he picked 124 tires on tire amnesty day, called Councilwoman Simpson’s office, and they were picked up.  Regina said that it’s been difficult to work with SORTA to clean-up the railroad track area. In the past, EEAC tried to work with SORTA, along with C/T and Linwood. Kate will look into it. Betty Burns said she successfully worked with SORTA PR (Nancy?) in the past to clear the area near the track with a bushhog/sickle.  Someone asked how far a ‘no trespassing’ sign covers? Widening of the Panama Canal will increase railroad traffic (to transport increased barge terminal loads).  Someone dragged metal from tracks to a vacant lot (SORTA came within an hour, but still hasn’t done anything to remove the metal). Ruth & Laurie once caught two men removing spikes from the RR tracks, and confronted them. They fled. • Kate said that the EE was the first neighborhood walk she & Councilwoman Simpson did back in August. Since then, they have decided to focus on crimes that affect the neighborhood experience and take away from quality of life. They began with Walnut Hills, working with partners and coalitions. Weeds, loitering, solicitation are examples of things that don’t get a lot of attention, but have big impact. Ruth said several young EE girls have been coming to houses asking for money and rides. We will put a warning in the next newsletter. Jackie mentioned that we need Officer Love to stay for an entire meeting to hear about this kind of problem. • Kate’s presence made a big difference on Clean-up Day. Everyone was proud of how nice the EE looked for the Flying Pig Marathon. • Brian says that Beverly, who answers the phone in Councilwoman Simpson’s office, is amazing (e.g. moving the 124 tires). He has written about this on his webpage, and thanked Kate… • Kate suggested EEAC members attend the Community Builders Institute –– 3 sessions are coming up Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal (absent) There was no report. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us Community Relations – Sandy Hoover (absent) Jackie announced there will be a Meet N Greet on May 21 at Eli’s. BYOB and buy meal. Old Business • Flying Pig Marathon Party Zone - Jackie thanked everyone who participated yesterday, especially the Mullises, who stood in the rain while others sought shelter under Laurie’s tent. • Resident Involvement Proposal – Patrick Ormond absent No report. New Business • C/T Collaborations - Matt Ackermann, C/T President, in Nick Motz’ & Laurie’s absence  3E Business Report – C/T gets funds for business district. They want to expand into Eastern Ave to Airport Rd. (There was a business district there in 2005-6, but it was removed because not enough businesses were contiguous). The area would be changed to a 3E Business district, although the name may be changed if Linwood is not involved. The city would approve the new business district. Matt is working on this with Nick Motz & Laurie. The last meeting was April 2; no real progress has been made since then. Hopefully, they will get the proposal to the city soon. There are 88 lots in the identified area; 82 are zoned commercial.  Community Entertainment District – They have met with attorney Brad Smith. The perimeters are not yet know; perhaps St. Rose to Tammy’s on Eastern Ave. Having a community entertainment district will allow businesses in the area to get liquor licenses at a cheaper rate. The Secretary of State website has liquor license information, including DBA (Doing Business As) designations. We recently received information on a liquor license request from Cajun Concepts/ Swampwater Grill & Smokehouse. Ruth asked what happened to Inner Circle. Jackie said they have 16 cameras, 8 policemen, and 42 security guards for events. Contact: nick@nickmotz.com • Plant sharing - Michael Bolan, Vice President. He gave signature sungold cherry tomato plants to encourage EE gardening to George & Virgie Mullis, and Brian Phillips. Contact: michaelbolan@yahoo.com Announcements – Jackie Weist • 8 REA students are participating in an art show at the Public Library. • Ruth mentioned that the baseball coach at REA was featured in Sunday’s Enquirer • Brian wants to collect litter along the north side of Columbia Parkway from Delta to Wm Howard Taft. He was advised not to, not only because this is not EE property, but is too dangerous with traffic and a very narrow shoulder. • Brian announced that he has pictures on his EE website. • Joe cancelled his fundraiser BBQ yesterday because of rain. • 34 employees of Keller-Williams are coming tomorrow to help continue beautifying the East End through planting, painting at the Irish Center, and picking up trash along Riverside, Kellogg and Eastern. Jackie and Joe will work with them. • Regina asked if the newsletter can post Pendleton’s rental info on a regular basis? 602-3340. The phone number is on the side of the building. Matt said C/T could run it also. • Kate said there is a city app for smartphones that will enable those reporting problems (tires, potholes) to take pictures of the problem and report the exact location. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 PM. NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Have Fun Volunteering for the East End!

Volunteers Needed! East End Clean Up The East End will have a general clean-up on Saturday, April 27 from 8:30am until 12:00 noon. This clean-up is under the auspices of Keep Cincinnati Beautiful. Volunteers should come to LeBlond Rec Center to pick up gloves, trash bags, water. and snacks. If you want to sign up early to claim a block or three, send an email to Jackie Weist. Teens from the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative will be helping us along the Ohio River Trail. In addition, Spring in Our Steps will be cleaning up along the bike lane from Delta to Fuel. They try to preserve our rock walls, steps, and tunnels. Glad to have them on board! Flying Pig Cheer Zone The East End is hosting the Flying Pig Marathon Cheer Zone at the corner of Stanley and Eastern Avenues on Sunday, May 5. Volunteers are needed to staff the booth, hand out snacks to the runners and walkers, and cheer them on. There will be live music and every volunteer gets a free tee shirt. And the EEAC gets $1,000! Here's how to sign up as a volunteer. Sign ups due by Wed, Apr 24 1) Go to the Flying Pig website: www.cincinnatiflyingpigmarathon.com 2) Click on the "Volunteers" tab, then the "Volunteer Registration" tab, then the "Sign-up with a Registered Group". 3) Find and select "East End Area Council" from the group list. 4) Complete the volunteer information. 5) Use "eastend" as the group password when asked near the end of the form.

April 1 EEAC Mtg Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, April 1, 2013 Call to Order – Jackie Weist, EEAC President Jackie called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. There were 16 in attendance (15 residents or business owners). Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary Report – Barb Rider (absent) In Barb Rider’s absence, Ed Rider was appointed to take minutes at the meeting. The March 4, 2013 minutes were made available and approved later in the meeting (after the LeBlond report), giving all a chance to read them. Jackie made 2 changes: the EE bumper sticker says “Steamin’ (not ‘Steaming’) to Greatness”, and the $1800 checking deposit was $1050 from 2012 Flying Pig volunteering revenue and $750 from AIG. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart (absent) The March report was distributed and approved. Past treasurer, Sandy Hoover, said that 2012 NSP funds have been received. Melisse reported that the EEAC received a grant of $1500 from LISC. There is a total of $26,520.64 in liabilities and equity. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Proposed Regular and NSP Budget – Melisse May , NSP and Sandy Hoover (outgoing treasurer) Sandy reviewed the various line items in the proposed budget. Michael Bolan described the historical metal signs that are proposed for funding. Melisse reviewed the proposed expenditures for the 2013 NSP, if the City funds the program in the coming year. This included $1624 for final sign payment, $76 for landscaping the area around the sign, and $800 for a shed and fencing for the Riverview East Academy teaching gardens. The new budget and NSP funding proposals will be voted on at the next meeting. Patrick Ormond raised a concern about getting more residents interested in the EEAC and suggested that a line item be created in the budget for this work. Sandy said that changing the budget at this point would be difficult given the vote required at the next meeting. She proposed that support for this work could be taken from the Miscellaneous or the Community Relations line items in the budget. Laurie Keleher suggested money could also come from the second half of the year’s NSP funds. Patrick Ormond agreed to develop a plan to publicize the EEAC and encourage participation; he will bring the plan and any associated costs for consideration at the next meeting. Contacts: shoover216@aol.com and May.melisse@gmail.com Police Report – Officer Germaine Love, accompanied by a CPD colleague gave the March EE crime report: 1 breaking and entering, 5 thefts and 1 aggravated robbery. Officer Love strongly encouraged the Council to fund a booth at this year’s National Night Out on August 6. The Police Department would like each community council in District 2 to run a booth. Cost is $40-$60 per booth. Office Love pointed out that the EEAC could use the opportunity to pass out literature and promote the Council at this event. Officer Love also handed out a flyer regarding the Medication Disposal Day on April 27 10am – 2pm. Closest drop off point for the East End is the Walgreen’s at 2203 Beechmont Ave. Jackie Weist and others raised continuing concerns about: • Unleashed dogs and owners not cleaning up after the dogs - problem at LeBlond, Schmidt and along the Ohio River Trail. Question was raised about how to get bags/posts available for cleanup similar to those in the Friendship Park. The ORT is a Cinti Recreation Comm. property. Alayne will look into this with the CRC. • Tires and other trash dumping in the EE, particularly on Hoff Ave. and by the city-owned building at Kemper & Riverside. Sandy will contact the city again about this problem. • Increasing amount of graffiti on abandoned buildings. • Trucks engine-breaking on Riverside. Additional signs will be looked into for Riverside Drive. Officer Love asked for a list of the areas with continuing trash dumping problems and encouraged everyone to alert the police whenever seeing a roaming dog or graffiti activity Contact: Officer Germaine Love - 979-4480. LeBlond Report Alayne Kazin - Director Alayne reported that there is a buyer for the adjacent razed school property, so the CRC will not have access to the site. The Marvin Lewis Foundation will sponsor a re-do of the playground in October. In August the baseball field will be moved and expanded, thanks to the Cinti Reds Community Fund & PNC Bank. The parking lot will be expanded, with a separate entrance and exit. Registration for summer day camp will begin soon. Overall membership is increasing. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal and Amber Stewart-Brown, resource manager (absent) There was no report. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us Guests - Kate Christoff, Councilwoman Yvette Simpson’s aide (absent) There was no report. City Liaison - Laurie Keleher City Liaison Laurie attended a meeting with representatives from CT about the business district expansion and getting the entertainment district moving. She also met with Sam of REA garden about the fencing and shed. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com MSD – Michael Bolan, Vice President Michael Bolan reported that the Metropolitan Sewer District - as a part of the massive reworking of the sewer system to prevent sewage from being dumped into the river - has created an app called RecR8 that will be available in May. This app will inform boaters, fishermen, etc. about current water quality readings at various points along the river. Contact: michaelbolan@yahoo.com 3 E Report – Nick Motz (absent) Jackie gave an update • Arrangements for the planting of flower pots and watering have been taken care of. Joe Corcoran will be hired by 3E Business District to water the plants. • The EEAC will again be staffing the East End Party Zone for Flying Pig. Contact: nick@nickmotz.com Old Business– Jackie Volunteers are needed for: • The East End clean-up (previously known as the Great American Cleanup Day) on Saturday morning, April 27. Reflective vests are needed for volunteers to wear. • Flying Pig Party Zone at Stanley and Eastern, Sunday morning, May 5th. Announcements – Jackie Weist • There is a Green Umbrella meeting on Friday, May 3rd 8am-1pm at Crossroads Church in Oakley, as Brewster Rhodes reported to Jackie. • A fundraiser for the August EE BBQ will be held on Sunday, May 5th 1-6pm. Joe Corcoran reported to Jackie that there will be food, music and an auction. Gift donations are needed. New Business – Rev. John Henson , Pastor of Cornerstone Pentecostal Church at 2106 Riverside, asked for an update on the timing of completion of the bike facility on Riverside. Laurie said that the work is expected to be completed between June and August this year. Rev. Henson then expressed a number of strong concerns about the effect of this change on his congregation and on the value of his property and the lack of response from the City, including: • Location of the bus stop in front of his building • Lack of parking spaces, particularly during funerals • Overall safety of people getting in and out of cars • Brew River employees parking in front of his church and using all the available spaces. Laurie offered to talk to the Brew River management about employee parking. Signs to reserve parking during funerals was another suggestion. Several others suggested he continue to contact the City Transportation Department with his concerns. It was pointed out, however, that while many residents had similar concerns, the EEAC has approved the plan and would not be reconsidering this decision. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM. NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

March 4, 2013 EEAC Mtg Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, March 4, 2013 Call to Order EEAC President Jackie Weist called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm at the LeBlond Rec Center. There were 21 in attendance (12 residents). She thanked Laurie & Melisse for arranging for the new EEAC sign at the corner of Kellogg and Riverside; Barb, as secretary, will update the message. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary Report – Barb Rider The February 11, 2013 minutes were distributed and approved with 2 changes: LeBlond memberships are $2 for children and $10 for adults. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart (absent) The report was prepared by outgoing treasurer, Sandy Hoover (absent), distributed and approved. There is a total of $20,831.07 in liabilities and equity. The books were audited by Matt Ackermann, and “found to be current and in order.” Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report – Officer Germaine Love and 2 colleagues (Offices Miller and McBeth) gave the February EE crime report: no thefts from auto, but other B&Es and thefts: at the Shell station (2 from safes), Jeff’s Auto, Tostados, LeBlond (soccer posts). There was also a gas drive off, a shoplifting complaint, and a gun taken from a resident on Strader. Arrests were made for 2 offenses. Officer Love will check on the broken chain and graffiti at the Site station, as reported by Ruth Coon. Ruth also said mail was taken out of mailboxes at 2400 Riverside. There will be 2 hearings to comment on re-licensing for the Inner Circle on Kellogg: April 2nd (2pm) and 16th (6pm). Officer Love advised that we attend in a big group: attending a hearing is the only way to officially comment. Contact: 979-4480. LeBlond Report – Alayne Kazin Usage of the rec center continues to increase; there were 60 people today. She handed out the March schedule. Alayne is hopeful about funding for renovation; they are looking for support from the Cinti Reds & PNC Bank to move the baseball field. She said they are trying to purchase the adjacent razed school property ($790,000 sale price). Betty Burns commented that St. Rose is also interested in buying the site for parking, and urged us to seek corporate help with the purchase. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal (Amber Stewart-Brown, resource manager absent) Charlene said metal detectors were recently installed; they will be used periodically to check students and visitors. They can now activate alarms on doors during events. Next year there will be an extra security officer. Gr. 7-9 students were taken to the Romeo & Juliet at the Aronoff ($5 tickets); Charlene was a walk-on in the ballet! The goal next year is to have every grade level attend a cultural event (e.g. Lollipop Concert, Art Museum, Symphony, Ensemble Theatre). Student participation in Toastmasters is sponsored by their business partner, Great American. They are working on a Health Information Management curriculum for next yr; students will have dual enrollment/credits w. Cinti State. Volunteers are needed to cull library and text books now at REA that have come from McKinley and other closed CPS and reorganize their set-up. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us City Liaison - Laurie Keleher Neighborhood Summit at Xavier U. was very successful – the best ever – with attendance over 470. All sessions were filled, and there were stellar presenters on great topics. The organizers received positive feedback on having 2 levels for the sessions. They are focusing now on getting more students engaged in community work (Avondale has done a great job). At lunch, participants discussed what citizen engagement is. A goal is to have the city set policy and be more transparent. Laurie will bring summit data to the next meeting. Bike Facility – Duke is on schedule to be done with Riverside gas line installations in April. Microsurfacing will be scheduled for warmer weather. Some tie-ins to properties will be done next year. Betty and Ruth said they are having trouble with Duke gas tie-ins and sidewalk repairs. We’ll have a ribbon cutting/parade/fundraiser convening at Schmidt in August. Unleashed Dogs - Charlene said there are problems at REA with dogs running loose. CPS is installing a sign on the school sidewalk reminding dog owners of the leash law. This is a recurring problem at LeBlond & Schmidt, also. Maybe we need to have doggie bags/signage. City Budget – Kevin Perkins reported that the new city parking plan vote passed committee tonight after a 4 hr discussion. NSP funds are probably not in danger; this is a very community-friendly council. This is the ‘stub year’ (Jan-June before the new fiscal year begins). Eastern Corridor (rail commuter line) - There is a meeting on Mar 20 6-8pm at the Anderson Community Center on 5 Mile Rd. Laurie will meet with Lew Seiler & Betty to prepare a presentation to the EEAC board. Entertainment/Business District – CT has requested expansion of their business district (EE needs to be named – no problem), with the southern side of Eastern Ave. as part of CT. We need to piggy-back on CT’s business district – they’re giving us a chance to develop our borders. Laurie will meet with Columbia Tusculum and an attorney about how to set up an entertain-ment district. Ruth discussed historical EE borders. Laurie said we need to collaborate w. CT. Flying Pig – volunteer to work in the Party Zone (link in last newsletter); EEAC makes $1050. Paddle Fest – June 21-22 Keep Cincinnati Beautiful – Jackie Clean Up Day – Saturday morning, April 27. REA students are helping (even though it’s prom day) Bumper Stickers – available for $2. “Steamin' to Greatness” NSP report – Melisse May (absent) No report. Contact: May.melisse@gmail.com 3 E Report – Nick Motz (absent) No report. Contact: nick@nickmotz.com Community Relations – Sandy Hoover (absent) The next Meet and Greet will be at BrewRiver on Tuesday, Mar 19 at 6:30 for EE, CT and Linwood. Contact: shoover216@aol.com New Business Discussions - Jackie • There is a plan for a $1.2M residential/commercial project at the site of the East End Café on Eastern Ave. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com • Budget will be discussed at the next meeting. Melisse suggested that we add $200 to pay for our own URL and website; the current blogspot is not user-friendly. • Hoff Ave - Regine Moss, lifelong Hoff resident and a board member at Pendleton (meetings on 2nd Tuesdays), spoke. As the “Mayor of Hoff Ave”, she discussed beautifi-cation issues there. The area needs attention – complaints to the city haven’t done any good. There are tires, brush, and garbage bags left for months on the side of Hoff. Jackie said that Kate Cristoff (aide to Yvette Simpson) will be at the EEAC meeting next month; she made arrangements for a couch on Kemper to be picked up in 48 hrs. • Clean up – An offshoot of KCB will work in Strader area with Joe Corcoran on March 23. • Inner Circle - Pete Georgeton, owner (who previously owned Bogarts on Short Vine, Clifton for 15 years), spoke. The complex on Kellogg includes 15 acres – motel, flea market (240 vendors – 150,000 people/year), pub, and dance hall. It has been around since 1981. The license is up for renewal. There is capacity for 2900 people outside and 1054 inside. The last criminal incident was in 2009 (maybe 5 police runs since then). There are 8 off-duty police (5 cruisers) & 42 security people inside, as well as 15-45 employees each night. Everyone who comes in is ‘wanded’ for security reasons. There are 16 security cameras. The music is country western (no more hip hop). Patrick Ormond commented that Inner Circle is a regional draw to this community; should a community council have power to revoke the liquor license on a regional draw? Laurie said the record has not been bad, and she doesn’t want revocation of license. Pete said the captain of District 2 wants them to stay; he calls the police before a big event, and wants the opportunity to work with police. His former long-time secretary attended EEAC meetings for years. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM. NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Feb 10, 2013 EEAC Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, Feb. 10 2013 (make-up meeting for Feb 3 meeting that was canceled due to snow) Call to Order EEAC President Jackie Weist called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm at the LeBlond Center. There were 15 in attendance (9 residents). jweist@fuse.net Secretary Report – The December 3, 2012 EEAC minutes were made available and approved. In secretary Barb Rider’s absence, Jackie appointed vice-president Michael Bolan to take notes. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com or michaelbolan@yahoo.com Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Stewart The books were audited by Matt Ackermann, and all is in order. Contact: jstewart@gfrlease.com Police Report – Detective Kelly Macbeth reported 3 breaking & enterings of vacant buildings, 5 thefts (2 UDF drive offs and thefts from autos) for the month of January. There will be a free Personal Safety Awareness class presented by the Cinti Police Dept at Oakley Recreation Center on Wednesday, Feb 27 7-9pm. Contact: 979-4480 LeBlond Report – Alayne Kazin LeBlond memberships can be renewed at $2 children and $10 adults. Eight new spinning bikes have been added to the exercise room. Private funds are being sought to implement the long term plan for LeBlond that includes riverfront amenities. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr President’s report Proceeds of $1000 were reported from the efforts of the Flying Pig volunteers last May. NSP report – Melisse May NSP funds have not been set for 2013, but the EEAC is hopeful that $5000 will be made available for community projects. Residents were urged to make recommendations should the funds be made available. The new roadside sign (purchased with 2012 NSP funds) has been installed at Delta and Riverside to publicize East End events. Contact: May.melisse@gmail.com Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers Principal Charlene thanked the EEAC for sponsoring an honor roll breakfast for 165 students and parents. A career path curriculum was outlined for students interested in the health care field. To better understand the image of the school, a questionnaire was developed on why a prospective student would be drawn to the school. The school’s volunteer of the year award was given to Coach Carter. Contact: myersch@cpsboe.k12.oh.us 3 E Report – Nick Motz An application for a 501c status for the East End/Columbia Tusculum/Linwood business collaborative is in process. Volunteers for the Flying Pig were requested. Contact: nick@nickmotz.com Community Relations – Sandy Hoover The next Meet and Greet will be at Brew River on Tuesday, Mar 19 at 6:30. Contact: shoover216@aol.com Gardens • Lois Armstrong, of the Freedom Gardener group, distributed a brochure about classes and food swaps at the CT Carnegie Center on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 2PM. They hope to encourage raised bed gardening for the handicapped and to use gardening as a therapeutic tool. Contact: freedomgardeners@gmail.com • Joe Corcoran, of the East End Garden District, said that a few more personal plots in the community garden area are still available for the 2013 growing season. Contact Joe for more information. The district will be supplying greens for Eli’s Barbecue. The Veterans Memorial EE BBQ in the garden district will be held August 10, 2013. Contact: capt_lu@yahoo.com New Business Discussions • The EEAC 2013 budget awaits clarity from the city about funding – Laurie Keleher. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com • Fence decoration and banners • Tire amnesty for up to 10 tires if brought to Queen City Avenue on March 23 • Liquor license renewal for the Inner Circle discussion in the midst of complaints about the behavior of patrons. The hearings are April 2, 2pm and April 16, 6pm - we must attend one or the other to comment. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. NOTE: You can read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Dec 3, 2012 East End Council Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 Call to Order Jackie Weist, president, called the meeting to order at 7:08pm at the LeBlond Recreation Center. There were 19 in attendance (15 residents/business owners). Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary’s Report – Barb Rider The November minutes were distributed and approved. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report – Sandy Hoover The November treasurer’s report was made available. Checks were written for the Riverview East Academy academic breakfast, annual PO Box fee, drinks & supplies for LeBlond movie night, and EEAC volunteer recognition at Wyatts. Books will be audited by Matt Ackerman of Columbia Tusculum. Total liabilities and equity are $23,494.29. Shoover216@aol.com Police Report –Officer Germaine Love and Sgt. Tucker Officer Love discussed the 16 reported offenses for the East End in November (fewer than in October): 4 thefts from auto (one from LeBlond Rec Center), 4 B&Es (including 3 at marinas & Botanics), 1 robbery (at Inner Circle; suspects were known to the victim), and 1 aggravated burglary (on McCullough St; suspects were known to the victim). Officer Love also provided holiday shopping tips: don’t take packages to the car and then return to shopping, watch people, be suspicious. Questions from meeting participants: Difference between theft and robbery? (robbery uses force). Aggravated robbery? (weapon involved). Burglary? (in home). Can we request paperwork be done at crime scene? (probably not). Contact: 979-4480 Election of Officers – Mary Dyer, Nominating & Elections Committee Ballots were distributed to those who had attended at least one meeting in the past 12 months. 12 ballots were returned, and counted by Mary and Barbara Grace. Officers elected unani-mously (and without competition): Jackie Weist, president; Michael Bolan, vice-president; Barb Rider, secretary; Jeff Stewart, treasurer; and Melisse May, NSP manager (absent). Mary led the oath of office. Jackie appointed to the 2013 Executive Board: Sandy Hoover, Community Relations; Laurie Keleher, City Liaison; Nick Motz, Community Development; and Bob Little, Advisor Emeritus. STRIVE Initiative – Greg Landsman The initiative includes superintendents, college presidents and social service agency heads from Cincinnati Public, Newport & Covington. STRIVE has 5 big goals, including kindergarten readiness, 4th grade reading success, increased graduation rates. Knowing that students with weekly tutors do 2 ½ to 3 ½ better than others, they are recruiting 1000 volunteer tutors who will work 40 min/week on primary grade reading, and maybe some math. Tutoring opportunities are available at Riverview East Academy. Background checks costing $5 (school day tutors) or $60 (after school tutors) are required. Laurie Keleher moved that we support & publicize this “Be the Change” program. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. Contact: 513-646-0186 www.strivetogether.org. landsmang@strivetogether.org Eastern Corridor – Laurie Keleher, city liaison Laurie would like the EEAC to take a position on the Oasis Railway Project, one of 4 core Eastern Corridor Projects of OKI Hamilton & Clermont County: a light rail//Little Miami bridge/Rt. 32 rerouting project to move people between Milford and downtown. Please study the issue (www.easterncorridor.org) and email Laurie with your opinion. A committee can be formed, and a vote taken at an upcoming EEAC meeting, once more people review the plans (the project has been 30 years in the planning; there have recently been open houses and information in our newsletters). Laurie has worked on the issue with resident/attorney Lew Seiler, who is against the project. Negatives include expense, a bridge across the Little Miami, and prioritizing the moving of cars vs. people. Newtown is concerned about the impact on its downtown. Part of the project has recently been funded, and is moving forward (rail link from the Montgomery Inn Boathouse to the Transportation hub on 3rd St.). The Oasis Line (just north of Riverside, and then crossing south along Friendship Park) is being used, even though the Wasson Line (in Oakley/Hyde Park) is in a more populous area. However, it is not shovel ready, not for sale, and ends at Xavier University. The number, timing, and speed of trains have not been speci-fied. There will be 10 stations on the 17 mile line: at the Boathouse, near Torrence, Delta, Lunken, etc. Betty Burns said changes in the original plan have been made without public input, and that there would be a $17.63 subsidy per passenger per ride. Laurie cited flawed data (her house on Collins is not listed). Bob Little clarified that the Oasis project is not the 275 to 71 transportation corridor plan. Contact: keleher.eastend@gmail.com LeBlond Recreation Center – Katie Lear A Movie Night is planned for Dec 14 at 6pm with $1 Skyline, popcorn & Tusculum pizza; pro-ceeds go to the EE Garden District. There are more activities; a monthly calendar is available. New expanded hours are 9am-9pm Mon-Thurs, and 9am-6pm Friday. Gift certificates are available; membership fees vary from $10 for srs & youth, $20 for 3 ma. use of the weight room, to $75 annual memberships. 53 bike lights were given out last Thursday; even Santa appeared on a bike. Katie warned against putting purses in trunks when parking at LeBlond (one was taken just minutes after the driver entered LeBlond at 6:30pm). Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Duke Overlook – Bob Little Bob has developed a proposal for Duke Energy to build an overlook with gazebo and limited parking at their site across from Fuel (“best view in the city”) when they replace contaminated soil (recent EPA order). Contact: uep@earthlink.net Thank Yous! – Jackie Weist Jackie thanked Melisse May for a wonderful volunteer recognition at Wyatt’s on November 20, and Betsy Urban for great newsletters and community announcements. C/T Liaison – Nick Motz 3East, with 30 business members from Linwood, CT and EE, will become its own 501c3 organ-ization on January 1 (and not part of the CT neighborhood council). The only city-identified business district is Columbia Square. 3E is working to have an entertainment district. There is a CT social event at the Carnegie Center this Friday. Contact: nick@nickmotz.com Announcements The Community Service Day with Withrow HS, led by Joe Corcoran, has been re-scheduled. Nick will take him the gloves & bags that Jackie procured. Deidre Bullock continues to deep fry and smoke turkeys & ham through the holidays for sale benefit the Garden District - Jackie There is no Meet & Greet in December, and possibly not in January. An announcement will be sent to the newsletter mailing list – Sandy There will be no EEAC meeting in January. Email the city department of transportation (352-2366; michael.moore@cincinnati-oh.gov) to encourage finishing the bike facility. Duke is working its way west on Riverside Dr with under-the-road surface work; when they are finished and the pavement is re-done, the new car and bike lanes will be painted. There were questions about the bus stop area just east of BrewRiver GastroPub (jack hammering), and about parking and future development on Vance near the Dr. Scott building. – Laurie, Sandy, Betty Adjournment Next meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 8:17pm Monday, Feb 4 at 7pm - LeBlond Rec Center Read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at: http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com

Nov 5, 2012 EEAC Minutes

EEAC MINUTES – Monday, Nov 5, 2012 Call to Order Jackie Weist, president, called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm at the LeBlond Recreation Center. Contact: jweist@fuse.net Secretary’s Report The October minutes were distributed and approved. In Barb Rider’s absence, Michael Bolan was appointed to take minutes. Contact: barb1rider@aol.com Treasurer’s Report There were no new items to report. Shoover216@aol.com Riverview East Academy – Charlene Myers, principal Charlene outlined the “wiz kids” tutoring program and described the application process for much needed volunteers. Tutors will supplement classroom learning when students fall behind in their studies. She emphasized the peril students get into once they fall behind and how not keeping up increases the probability of dropping out. The school held its first annual college night which attracted 12 institutions of higher learning. A leadership program has also been launched to teach proper meeting etiquette using the principles of Toastmasters International. Police Report –Officer Germaine Love reported that there were 22 reported incidents of crime in the East End during October. She highlighted 15 property crimes that included 5 thefts from UDF. Two arrests were made in connection with the UDF thefts. A total of 16 arrests were made for the month. The upswing in burglaries and breaking/entry was noted along with how vacant buildings attract crime. Contact: 979-4480 Cincinnati Council Laure Quinlivan advocated that Issue 2 be passed, citing that council members need a longer time in office to be effective in the jobs. If Issue 2 passes, the term would increase from 2 to 4 years and thereby lessen the time each council member has to spend on the election process. OKI Florence Parker of OKI spoke about the Cincinnati Port Authority operating a range of over 200 miles of the Ohio River. She also discussed the Eastern Corridor Project planning process, with a goal of improving the transportation corridor between Milford and downtown Cincinnati. Road improvements as well as light rail and bicycle transportation are being studied. She passed out a questionnaire survey entitled “ A Strategic Plan for the Tri State Region” and encouraged East Enders to fill it out. It was noted that Cincinnati has 52 designated neighborhoods; 46 have active councils (the East End being one). Contact: fparker@oki.org or 513-621-6200. LeBlond Recreation Center Director Alayne Kazin outlined a plan to improve the Center using private financing. She distributed a brochure that highlighted proposed amenities including a bike trail along the river, increased parking area, shelter with a river view as well as improvements to those with disabilities. The proposal emphasizes a community park plus programs to enrich the lives of Cincinnati residents. Contact: www.cincyrec.org/dr Flying Pig Marathon Christian Huelsman spoke about the Flying Pig Marathon in the context of social and environ-mental sustainability. This race passes through the East End every year and includes a Party Zone which East End volunteers help staff. Christian also mentioned his efforts to cleaning up Cincinnati hillside steps. The East End has a number of steps overgrown especially those connecting Gladstone Street and the Hoff Street area that are in need of clean up. Contact Christian about clean up of East End steps: www.SpringInOurSteps.wordpress.com Community Relations Report – Melisse May, chair. Contact: may.melisse@gmail.com • Melisse thanked those who attended the October 23 Meet & Greet with C/T that was hosted by Chris Rose and Verdin artisans at the old Verdin plant in the 1900 block of Riverside. Chris gave a tour of the facilities and attendees got to see first hand the impressive craftsmanship on their work. • Wyatt’s Bar and Grill will host the Nov 20 Meet and Greet at 6:30 PM • December – no M&G University of Cincinnati DAAP Project – Michael Bolan Lila will continue to research the East End during her Christmas break that includes gathering information about the current state of the neighborhood. Michael and Melisse met with her and her UC coordinator, and are applying for a grant to support the effort of university students. Contact: michaelbolan@yahoo.com C/T Liaison – Nick Motz was not present, so there was no report. Work continues on the boundaries of the proposed entertainment district within the East End Garden Area. Garden District Report Joe Corcoran introduced Michael Dixon and Dethra Bullock, both volunteers in the EEGD. Michael is preparing beds for an intensive spring planting and Dethra is busy with a fund raising effort to cook turkeys for Thanksgiving. Joe has arranged for 40 Withrow HS students to visit the gardens on November 19 and asked for help directing the clean-up activities on that day. There was also a discussion about how to maintain the sidewalk pots donated by the city this summer. Joe has trimmed back some vegetation in some pots, and may have a winter planting in others. New Business • Ruth Coons reported that the city violated the property rights of adjacent lot owners as they attempted to repair the river bank erosion on a lot near Vance. • Mary Dyer, chair of the Nominating Committee (other members: Barbara Grace, Connie Greene, and Barb Rider, ex officio) gave a list of nominees: President-Jackie Weist, Vice President-Michael Bolan, Secretary-Barb Rider, Treasurer-Sandy Hoover, or possibly another yet-to-be-confirmed nominee, and NSP manager-Melisse May. There were no nominations from the floor. Elections will take place at the next meeting (December 3). The newly elected president will appoint chairs to the following committees: city liaison, Columbia Tusculum liaison, community development, and community relations chair. Contact: 2260 Riverside #407 (Mary), 3011 Riverside (Barbara G), 1927 Riverside (Connie), 2141 Riverside (Barb R). Adjournment Next meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM. Monday, Dec 3 at 7pm - LeBlond Rec Center Read EEAC minutes and sign up to have monthly newsletters emailed to you at: http://cincyeastender.blogspot.com