Advisory Neighborhood
Commission 6B
Minutes
of Regular ANC Meeting
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioners Absent:
Chairperson
There was a quorum for conducting business.
Adoption of Agenda
The Chair stated that there were a couple of additions to
the agenda. Under Planning and Zoning
Committee BZA case
The Chair made the motion to adopt the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Olson. The Chair asked if there was any opposition. Hearing no opposition, the Chair stated the agenda will be adopted as amended.
Special Election –
Candidate Introduction
The Chair stated that there are three (3) candidates for
Commissioner of ANC 6B-01. There are
Martin Waugh, Dyanne Branand, and
The first was Mr. Waugh and he gave a brief description of his background and stated that he was running because he thought no one else would be running. However, now that he sees that others are running he is prepared to support Dyanne Branand and asked those who were planning to vote for him to instead cast their votes for her. He stated he wanted to make sure the Commission would consider the main request from the people who signed his petition. That request was because of being so close to the Capitol they wanted to receive, in the case of an emergency, a clear evacuation route in their mailboxes.
Ms. Branand was next on address the Commissioners and community. She stated she has lived in the same neighborhood on the same block for over 30 years and has raised her children here. She talked about the growth in her neighborhood and the city and she has a good background on these types of issues and wants to help continue that growth. She went on to say that she has extensive governmental experience and has spent most of her life advocating for others and wants to continue that effort. She stated that she is a real estate agent and that position allows her to deal with most of the issues the Commission is concerned with and being an agent would allow her flexibility with her time to deal with to do follow-up on issues effecting the Commission.
He went on to explain his extensive background working on
urban issues with various city, state and federal organizations. He currently is a Senior Fellow at the
Brookings Institution and has worked on a variety of
The Chair invited the candidates to view the closing of the ballot box and the voting process will begin. He then stated that the election was opened to registered votes in 6B01 only, and their names will be checked off the registered voters list. The poll was opened.
Community Speakout
Mr. Bryan Cassidy rose and stated that he has attended
several meetings to discuss illegal construction activities at 724, 740, and
The Chair responded that at this time it is an enforcement action by DCRA and that the Commission is here to monitor that and to make sure they proceed with enforcement action as appropriate. The Chair stated that Mr. Cassidy had the name and contact number for the inspector at DCRA who is dealing with this issue.
Mr. Cassidy wanted to know at what point the issue will come before the ANC. The Chair responded that it will come before the Commission if the property owners need any type of zoning approval in order to do their work or if it is part of the Historic District. If this is a as of right and they do not require any type of zoning approval and since it is outside of the Historic District, then they would be applying simply for building permits and those sorts of things through DCRA and that would not come before the Commission.
Mr. Cassidy then asked for a contact number of inspector Solberg.
At that point the MPD Officers in attendance announced that inspector Solberg is not long the 1D1 inspector. Inspector Kevin Kegan introduced himself as the officer who will be taking the place of inspector Solberg and he could be reached at 202.698.0068. Inspector Kegan went on to say that Officer Solberg has been promoted to the acting commander position in the Second District, therefore any questions and issues should now be directed to him at 1D1. Officer Kegan stated that he is a native Washingtonian and has been on the force for almost 25 years and he was last in charge of traffic, alcohol, and he ran high crime units in hot spots. He stated he is been an inspector for over a year, but they asked him to take over officer Solberg’s position in 1D1 when he left.
Lt. Kenneth Parker introduced himself as being in charge of
PSA 106, which is from
Commissioner Olson stated that she will write a letter to Parks and Recreation to express the Commission’s concerns.
A constituent rose and stated that she was working with
Susan Drake and the Mothers on The Hill and they are seeking a letter of
support to hold a picnic at
Commissioner Jarboe asked her to provide the Commission with
a brief overview of what they were planning to do at the picnic. She responded that they are expecting
approximately 100 MoTHs and their families.
Including setup and cleanup time and the actual picnic, they are
anticipating using the park from
Commissioner Olson made the motion that the Commission supports the permit application for the June 17th picnic. Commissioner Jarboe made a friendly-amendment that they make sure proper cleanup is done after the event, which was accepted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cernich.
The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
A constituent who lives at
Commissioner Glick asked a couple of questions seeking to make sure he understood exactly where the speaker was making reference. He then asked Chris Delfs, who is the Ward 6 Transportation Planner for DDOT, if he would look into this situation and report back to the Commission.
Commissioner Jarboe stated that the reason the signs went up was because the Commission had received calls from people who lived in the area who were concerned with parking based upon the new baseball stadium traffic, so they must have thought that adding the no parking signs would help.
Chris Delfs asked if there were ever signs in the area before and the constituent responded by saying no.
The speaker stated that his problem is the no parking signs because they are eliminating parking for the churches in the area and there does not appear to be a good valid reason for doing so. He went on to tell the Commissioners of his extensive background in traffic planning in various cities and he is currently in business a traffic consultant and understands full well traffic issues. He stated that the reasoning he was given for placing the signage up was because of a safety problem, but based upon the amount of traffic passing through the area during the day it can not be a safety issue because it has not been one for 37 years.
The Chair informed the speaker that Chris Delfs should be his primary contact on the issue and he asked him to please keep the Commission informed of his discussions with Chris. He then asked Mr. Delfs if he would get back to the Commission with his findings.
Community and
Commission Announcements
None
Presentations
Center For Science In The Public Interest – DC Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act – Claudia Malloy, Director of Grassroots Lobbying
Ms. Malloy spoke about a bill that has been introduced in the DC City Council, which is called the DC Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act of 2005 (B16-0495), that would require fast-food and chain restaurants in DC and with 10 or more locations nationwide to list the calorie, saturated and trans fat, carbohydrates, and sodium contents of their menus and calories on menu boards, where space is limited. No locally-owned mom and pop restaurants would be affected. She is seeking the support of ANC6B in getting this bill passed.
The bill has the support of a majority of Council members. She went on to explain that the District is facing a health crisis with over half of its residents overweight or obese. As a consequence the residents also have extremely high rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. She provided the group with several examples of a tuna fish sandwich has more than 50% more calories than a roast beef sandwich or a McDonald’s small chocolate milk shake has more calories than a big Mac. Many were surprised to hear of the calorie difference associated with these products. She mentioned a few of the local organizations and individuals who are supporting the bill. She also provided everyone with additional information on the Act and list of other supports. She then circulated a petition seeking signatures from the community in support of the passage of the bill.
Commissioner Olson asked if this was something they were planning to do nationwide. Ms. Malloy responded that was correct in that there is a Federal bill and there is also legislation in 17 states and cities on this issue. Commissioner Olson then asked if she was getting support from the Department of Agriculture and her response was no.
Commissioner Jarboe asked how they were defining fast-food restaurant. She stated they were National Restaurant Association’s definition. There definition is for one or more restaurants with the same name and ownership, but they have expanded it to ten (10) because they think one or two is too strong. It does not apply to the individual franchise if it is a chain.
Commissioner Jarboe made the motion that the Commission sends a letter of support for the bill. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Olson. The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was 5-0-1.
Planning and
Zoning Committee
The Chair turned the meeting over to the Committee Chair, Commissioner Campbell. Commissioner Campbell read the Committee Report:
HPA #
The presenters showed their traffic plan for the
construction site located at
One concern voiced by the Committee is the potential impact the construction may have on the businesses located across the street from the project, but Mr. Hatchett gave assurances that they will meet with these businesses to mitigate any potential adverse effects their construction may have on them. As no other concerns were voiced by members of the Committee, it recommends the approval by the full ANC of this project’s traffic plan and any necessary Public Space applications.
Commissioner Campbell asked if Mr. Hatchett or anyone from Maggin Construction was present, they were not. He then asked if there were any comments from the community regarding this project and there were none.
The Chair stated that this recommendation from the Committee comes before the Commission as a motion requiring no second. He then asked all those in favor of adopting the Committee’s report to raise their hands. The vote was 5-0-1.
Note: The representative for this case did appear just as the vote was being taken.
HPA #06-283 1353 East Capitol St SE. – Construction of a
two-story rear addition to a SF Semi-detached Row House
Robert & Mary Beth Gosselink, owners, propose to build a
two-story rear addition to their home at
Commissioner Campbell asked if Mr. Gosselink was present. He was not. He then asked if anyone in the community had any comments regarding the project, and there were none.
The Chair stated that this recommendation from the Committee comes before the Commission as a motion requiring no second. He then asked all those in favor of adopting the Committee’s report to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
The Chair then announced that if anyone has not voted yet,
there was 3 minutes remaining. He then
stated that if anyone was in line at
ABC Committee
The Chair then turned the meeting over to Commissioner Glick the Vice Chair of the ABC Committee.
Commissioner Glick read the Committee Report:
Commissioner Glick requested that if there were representative from the various businesses present to please stand when their business name is called.
Gandel’s Liquors
Gandel’s sent a representative to the meeting. There were no questions or issues. The Committee suggests no opposition to their renewal.
There was a representative from Gandel’s present.
Commissioner Glick asked if there were any comments from the audience regarding the renewal of Gandel’s license. There was none.
The Chair stated that the Committee recommends not opposing the renewal, so he asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s report to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Hayden’s Inc.
No representative was present at meeting. The Committee suggests no action on their renewal.
Commissioner Glick asked if there was anyone present to represent Hayden’s and there was none. He then asked if there were any comments from the community regarding the renewal of the license. There was none.
Commissioner Jarboe stated that Hayden’s boarders on his SMD and in Commissioner Wright’s SMD and he has received no complaints.
The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to take no action to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Chat’s Liquors
No representative was present at meeting. The Committee suggests no action on their renewal.
Commissioner Glick asked if there was anyone present to represent Chat’s and there was none. He then asked if there were any comments from the community regarding the renewal of the license. There was none.
Commissioner Olson stated that they are in here SMD and that they were no problems associated with them that she was aware of, although they still sell singles but it is not a bad as it us to be.
The Chair asked all in favor of supporting the Committee’s recommendation to take no action to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Albert’s Liquors
Mr. Avtar Singh was in attendance representing Albert’s. There were numerous complaints about the
loitering and the lack of peace, order and quiet that occurs at the back of the
store (along
The Committee suggests no opposition to the renewal of the
license if the Cooperative Agreement is signed by Albert’s Liquors.
Commissioner Glick asked Mr. Singh if he had reviewed the Cooperative Agreement and if he was will to agree to it. Mr. Singh responded that he had seen it, but had not signed it yet, but is will to do so now. A copy was presented to Mr. Singh and he did sign it.
Commissioner Glick asked if there were any neighbors that
had any opposition to the renewal. He
then offered that the Committee received a lot of complaints and felt that they
were situations were the police should be involved in resolving them. Therefore, he encouraged people who have
issues with the activities around Albert’s Liquor to contact the police and
make them aware of the situation. He
also stated that loitering is not illegal under the laws of the
Commissioner Glick stated that Mr. Singh has been very willing to listen and work with his neighbors to resolve problems with his establishment.
The Chair asked all in favor of supporting the Committee’s recommendation to not oppose the renewal of the license, providing a Cooperative Agreement is signed, to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
World Liquors
Mr. Richard Lee came to represent the store. Mr. Lee explained he is about to remodel the store to make it more customer friendly. The Committee suggests no opposition to their renewal
Commissioner Glick asked if anyone in the community has any questions or comments about World Liquors’ renewal of their license. There were none.
The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to no oppose the renewal to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
S&J Liquors
The S&J Liquors was represented by Mr. Do Ko. Mr. Ko was asked why S&J uses white paper bags to sell singles even though their liquor license specifically states that they are ordered by ABRA to use ‘clear or translucent bags’ for all sales of singles. Mr. Ko stated he will stop using the white paper bags. The Committee suggests no opposition to their renewal.
Commissioner Glick asked Mr. Ko if he had stopped using the white paper bags. He responded that he had. He then asked if there were any questions or comments from the community regarding the renewal of the license, there were none.
The Chair asked all in favor of supporting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Congressional
Liquors
No representative was present at meeting. The Committee suggests no action on their renewal.
Commissioner Glick asked if there were any representatives from Congressional Liquors present and there were none. He then asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the renewal of the license and there were none.
The Chair asked all in favor of supporting the Committee’s recommendation to take no action to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Finn MacCool’s
Commissioner Glick presented the Committee report. Finn MacCool’s seeks an entertainment
endorsement for Disc Jockey, Irish Music, Cover Charge and Live Entertainment
Sunday through Thursday
It was explained that the DJ would be for private events upstairs. MacCool’s is required to seek this new endorsement as part of the new regulations and that they are not seeking to change their operations other than the DJ.
The Committee requests clarification on meaning of DJ and live music, and the Committee recommends that these endorsements are limited to two nights per month and no dancing.
There was no representative from Finn MacCool’s present. Commissioner Glick then asked if anyone from the community had any questions or comments regarding the requested changes. There were none.
Commissioner Olson stated that Finn MacCool’s is in her SMD and she had some concerns.
The Chair asked Commissioner Glick about the Cover Charge issue and what where their comments regarding this.
Commissioner Jarboe stated that it was it understanding that
other than the DJ, it is everything they are allowed to do presently, and ABC
now required them to get a separate Entertainment Endorsement, but is
essentially what they had before, including cover charges in their original
license. The thing that is new is the expansion
of the DJ. He went on to say that what worries
him the most is that the notice the Commission received said that the notice
from ABC includes dancing and but the representative from Finn MacCools said
they were not asking for dancing.
Commissioner Jarboe stated that he would not have any problem supporting
it as long as the DJ is limited to two (2) days per month. He further stated that the representative
from Finn MacCool’s stated that that would be acceptable to them because they
were talking about special events and that there is no dancing. He reminded everyone that this was the site
where
Commissioner Glick stated that he had some concerns because people are always complaining about 8th Street becoming a nightclub zone and they do not want it to become another Adams Morgan and the fact they Finn MacCool’s does not have a representative present at the meeting tonight is troubling to him. Commissioner Olson agreed with his concerns.
Commissioner Wright asked if they were notified of the meeting. Commissioner Glick responded that they were notified because their representative was at the Committee meeting and was instructed to return to the full ANC meeting tonight.
Commissioner Campbell asked for a clarification in that they were requesting two (2) weekends per month and the Committee recommended two (2) days per month and he wanted to make sure the Commission indicated two (2) days per month only.
Commissioner Jarboe asked when was the hearing date and
Commissioner Glick responded that it was
The Chair agreed and suggested that the wording could be that Commission would support an endorsement that does not differ at all from their prior license. Commission Jarboe suggested that the Commission oppose it unless it is limited to exactly what they do now and there is no dancing allowed and the DJ is limited to two (2) nights per month.
The Chair voiced his concerns for having a cover charge was and the potential for problems in the future.
Commissioner Campbell stated that the Committee’s request was that the DJ would be restricted to 2-night per month and it be for private parties only.
Commissioner Jarboe also requested that the Commission seek clarification on the issue of cover charge, stating the concern is that by being able to have a cover charge they have to potential of becoming a nightclub. The Chair stated that he did not have a big problem with the cover charge, but he wanted to make sure everyone had an understanding of the potentials and his biggest problem was that they did not come and explain exactly what their plans were.
Commissioner Olson made the motion that the Commission
oppose the Entertainment Endorsement until the Commission get clarification and
that it included the recommendation that the endorsement is limited to 2 nights
per month and there be no dancing and an explanation of the cover charge
situation. Commission
Commissioner Jarboe stated that once the Commission opposes this endorsement, it would be in the contested hearing process and as part of that phase the Commission would be working out an agreement. He went on to say that one of the things the Commission might do in the agreement is to limit the number of days they can have cover charges.
The Chair then asked all in favor of the motion to oppose the endorsement until the Commission obtains clarification including 2-night per month private party, no dancing and an explanation of the cover charge status, to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Pour House
The Pour House requested a temporary extension of hours for World
Cup Telecasting from June 9th through July 9th for
The Pour House did not send a representative to the meeting. The Committee suggests no action on this.
Commissioner Glick asked if there was a representative of the Pour House present. Mr. Mark Menard rose and addressed the Commission.
Mr. Menard stated that they are seeking the option to open up and serve food, alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages for all of the World Cup Activities, which starts on June 9th and ends July 9th, there is not a match everyday and it is being broadcasted live from Germany, thus the need for the early morning opening hours. He went on to say that this request for the change in opening hours is not something they want permanently because it games will not be held until 4 years from now. He also stated that his location would be only one on Capitol Hill that will be broadcasting the live feed.
Commissioner Jarboe asked Mr. Menard if this would be
similar to what Capitol Lounge did four years.
His response was yes. Commissioner
Jarboe asked if he was not seeking to extend his evening hours. His response was that he was not. He was then asked what his normal opening
hours were. He responded that they do
not normally open until
Commissioner Wright made the motion that the Commission supports the request to extend their hours. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Olson.
The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Transportation
Traffic Claming Study –
Commissioner Glick stated that the Commission has been
having a lot of issues with
The Chair then asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (5-0).
A discussion continued with Chris Delfs regarding the need
for additional focus on traffic situations involving various hot spots
throughout the area. Commissioner Jarboe
stated that he has had several discussions with Mr. Delfs about the corner of
Commissioner Olson commented that the Capitol Hill
Transportation Study does not include most of her SMD. To which Mr. Delfs responded that the
boundaries had been expanded to cover down to the freeway and to
The Chair stated that since the Commission has already voted on the other traffic study, a new letter should be written to DDOT regarding the various hot spots.
Commissioner Jarboe made the motion that the Commission submit a letter to DDOT requesting traffic calming studies for specific hot spots within each Commissioner’s SMD. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cernich.
The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Special Election
Results
The Chair announced that the voting had been completed and that there was a tie between Ms. Branand and Mr. Garrison. He further stated that the winner was decided by lots and Mr. Garrison is the new ANC 6B01 Commissioner.
Commissioner Olson asked what the vote count was for each. The Chair stated that both candidates received 42 votes.
Commissioner Russell wanted to know how the lots were determined. The Chair stated it was by the drawing if a name, which was Mr. Garrison. He went on to say that all the candidates are aware of the winner because they were present at the time of the drawing.
The Chair stated that the Commission has a resolution it now needs to submit to the Board of Elections and Ethics regarding the outcome of the Special Election. He read the following resolution:
A Resolution
Concerning the Filling of a Vacancy in 6B01
The Board of Elections and Ethics informed ANC 6B that the
only three candidates who qualified to fill the vacancy in SMD 6B01 were Dyanne
M. Branand,
The Commission therefore conducted an election on
The winner of the election was
Resolved,
therefore, that ANC 6B requests that Board of Elections and Ethics declare the
vacancy filled by
Resolved further,
that copies of this resolution also be sent to the Council, the Mayor, and
The Chair made the motion that the Commission adopts the resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Olson. The Chair asked all in favor of motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (5-0).
Commissioner Jarboe asked
Committee reports
and announcements
Treasurer – IRS Tax
Payment
Commissioner Jarboe announced that there remains one outstanding issue with the IRS dealing with the tax period ending June 2002, where the Commission had paid the principal but they were assessing the Commission about $700.00 worth of penalties and interest. He had appeal the assessment twice, once to the IRS and then to the IRS Appeal Board. The Commission did get a notice dated April 14th from the appeal officers stating that they are removing the penalty. However, they can not remove the interest, which is $146.37. The principal already paid back in October was $1,100.00. He then made the motion that the Commission pay the IRS the $146.37. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Glick.
The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
Adjournment
There was not further business and Commissioner Cernich made
the motion that the meeting be adjourned until its next meeting date of
Meeting Adjourned.
Prepared by Bert Randolph
Attested: