Serving Residents of Lower Downtown & The Central Platte Valley

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION HELD 

September 12, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on September 12, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m.   In attendance were:  Mel Cruger, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Terry Hershey, Diane Huntress, Joyce Lozow, Jim McCotter, Paul Rothman, Christine Santucci, Chuck Shifflett, Jack Tone, and Byron Watson.

Absent were David Cole, Kirstan Marks, Eric Nakata, San Ong, and Mike West.  Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of August Minutes:

The August Minutes could not be approved due to an error sending them out to the board before the board meeting. August minutes will be approved with the September minutes in October.

Committee Report Review and Additions:

GNC Update

The Spill GNA was ready to be voted on by the board. The GNA provides for a modification of premise for Spill to increase the size of their rooftop patio with the agreed to conditions found in the GNA. It also included succession language in which any new owner would have to have their own GNA approved by LoDoNA. Jim McCotter motioned that the LoDoNA board approve the Spill GNA and Chuck seconded this. All board members were in favor and the motion passed.

The Fluff GNA was ready to be voted on by the board. The GNA provides for a tavern license at Fluff with the agreed to conditions found in the GNA. This GNA also included the new succession language. Byron motioned that the LoDoNA board approve the Fluff GNA and Jack seconded this. All board members were in favor and the motion passed.

Jim updated the board on the fact that beer and wine licenses are issued by the state and transfers are almost automatic. Cabaret licenses are issued by the city. The city code provides that there needs to be a new application if there is a new owner unless it is in the same family. Jim will keep an eye on this as it relates to Dixon’s. They have a cabaret license for special events.

Jim also updated the group on the entertainment district ordinance that recently passed for Larimer Square. There was a meeting with Tom Downey the week after our board meeting to discuss this ordinance. This ordinance allows Larimer Square to be closed off a few times a year to traffic and for patrons to carry drinks on the sidewalk from one establishment. However, they cannot bring the drink into another establishment.

LoDo Cares Update

It has been about 18 months now that LoDo Cares has been operating as a Philanthropic arm for both LoDo District and LoDoNA. We have made headway with LoDo Cares on collaboration with LoDo District and LoDoNA in terms of kids day, the children’s park clean ups, and Christmas in July. These are/were all successful events. We were able to grow all these activities and also have been able to do new ones such as LoDo Angels. The next area where LoDo Cares needs to focus on now is partnering with LoDo Businesses. Terry discussed a new idea to organize LoDo Cares into four possible strategic opportunities. The four opportunities could be Barth Hotel, LoDo Angels, Community Cares and Shares (food drives, Holiday project, DRM, Third Way Center, etc.), and Parks and Environment (playground, beautification, recycling). If these are the four opportunities then we need to also set priorities.

Joyce made a motion for LoDoNA in partnership with LoDo Cares and LoDo District to give $500 as start up seed money to LoDo Angels. The money would be used for creation of brochure, a freezer (to be kept in the Celtic basement) to store food in and stationary. Paul seconded this motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

The group discussed the idea of having the money for the Holiday Project be sent to LoDo Cares and for LoDo Cares to designate which groups we contribute to this year. Paul made the point that some in the neighborhood may not know what LoDo Cares is or are used to giving to LoDoNA and may not contribute. Others discussed the possibility of making it clear that LoDo Cares is a partnership between LoDoNA and LoDo District. Terry and Joyce will meet to discuss these ideas and come back with some recommendations.

President’s Update:

LoDoNA Loft Reps List

Josh cleaned up the LoDo Lofts Rep list so we can use them more actively to help promote our events. LoDo Angels will also be using this list for their purposes.

Membership

Josh has also been cleaning up our membership roster and we have about 130 members now which is great. The peak of 2010 was 136. The membership committee headed by Kirstan is meeting once a month and making good progress.

WeeBOT

The next WeeBOT is 9/22 at the Oxford from 5:30-7:30 pm. There will be free food, drink, mini-treatments and one raffle for a free membership at the gym.

Restaurant Preview

There will be a restaurant preview at Margs on 9/27 from 5:30-7:30 pm. They will have free food and discounted drinks.

Next Meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm and the next meeting will be October 17 at 6:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Lara Davies

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION HELD AUGUST 8, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on August 8, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m.   In attendance were:  Mel Cruger, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Diane Huntress, Joyce Lozow, Kirstan Marks, Eric Nakata, San Ong, Paul Rothman, Chuck Shifflett, Jack Tone, Byron Watson, and, Mike West.

Absent were David Cole, Terry Hershey, Jim McCotter, and Christine Santucci.  Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of July Minutes:

Mel motioned to approve the July minutes as amended. Jack seconded. Erik abstained from voting and the remaining board members were all in favor. The motion passed.

Overnight Parking:

The board was updated on the new overnight parking rules by Public Works. They reported that not many neighbors have had feedback. The feedback from the board was positive. Some board members did not know about the overnight parking changes so we agreed to put this in the next newsletter. Public Works will be changing the signage on the meters to make the process more clear. More information can be found at www.denvermeter.com. Josh reminded the board that with the new rules, enforcement of the rule about parking in the same spot for more than two hours will be stricter.

Membership Update:

The group discussed if LoDoNA should offer businesses memberships. Mel brought up the point that it might conflict with what the GNC was doing and with getting GNAs signed. He also brought up that the GNC was doing an Ambassadors Program and that we should check with them before agreeing on a business membership. The LoDo District charges $80 for a membership. Eric raised the point that businesses might get confused between sponsoring the annual meeting and being a business member. The board discussed putting business members names on the website or in the newsletter but this made some members concerned that this might be seen as endorsing them.

Josh said he had been in discussions with some businesses that wanted to be members in order increase their name recognition among LoDo residents and to offer our members discounts. Many board members were concerned about bars and restaurants wanting to become members and then not being good LoDo citizens or not living up to their GNAs. Others noted that we needed them for a new source of revenue.

The group discussed a membership level for businesses at the $50 rate which would include having their name on the website and linking to their site. These members would not need to be in LoDo. In the end the board decided to table this conversation and concentrate on more timely membership issues.

Kirstan reported that we had 25 new and renewing members since May 31 and that she had the committee reports for each committee head to contact members that were interested in their committee. Kirstan also noted that we would do customized emails that would forward to committee heads for each committee – an example is philanthropy@lodona.org would go to Terry Hershey.

Committee Report Review and Additions:

GNC Update

The Pure and Lavish GNAs were approved and are done. Chloe is now open. The Spill GNA is close to being approved with language regarding their rooftop patio modification and new succession language.

Fluff has filed for a tavern license at 1516 Wazee St.  The concept is a place for women to make a social event out of getting their hair done. Byron and David have met with owner Brittainy and reviewed our logistical and succession concerns. The GNA language is strict and requests that they act mainly as a beatify establishment not as a tavern. The owner, Brittany, has seen the contract and Jim thinks this will be a 50/50. The hearing is the 24^th of August at 9 am.

Union Station Event for New Light Rail Station:

Mike showed the board the flyer for the Light Rail Station Opening on 8/15 and we agreed to get out an announcement to members about it.

President’s Update:

Fireworks

According to Judy Montero’s office Elitch only needs approval to do fireworks from the fire department. Since we met there has been noise testing done on the fireworks at Elitch and the noise has decreased considerably. Josh has a meeting with the interested parties on Wednesday the 10^th.

Elitch did let us know that there will be two occasions this summer where the fireworks will be noisy – August 11^th and September 4^th. We communicated this to LoDoNA members. Josh said it is likely that Elitch will not be doing the fireworks in 2012. We are still working an agreement to notify residents of fireworks displays.

WeeBOT

The next WeeBOT is 8/11 at Wynkoop from 5:30-7:30 pm. We will do one more email to members and others in the neighborhood reminding them.

Next Meeting

Josh will try and get Frank Cannon to come to the next board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm and the next meeting will be September 12 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Lara Davies

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

HELD JULY 11, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on July 11, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m.   In attendance were:  Mel Cruger, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Terry Hershey, Diane Huntress, Kirstan Marks, Jim McCotter, Eric Nakata, Paul Rothman, Chuck Shifflett, Jack Tone, Byron Watson, and Christine Santucci.

Absent were David Cole, Joyce Lozow, San Ong, and Mike West.  Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of June Minutes:

Jim motioned to approve the June minutes as amended. Diane seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

New Era Colorado:

Shannon McNamara gave an update on their Renter Policy and the endorsements they are working on. New Era Colorado is working to enforce housing code standards and improve landlord-tenant relationships around the Denver metro area.  She will reach back out to us when they are ready for further talks on endorsements.

No Garage Garage Sale:

The board agreed to postpone the no garage garage sale until 2012.

President’s Update:

Noise Issues – Elitch’s

Linda Sheer and Sid Logaman came to the LoDoNA meetings to voice their concerns about the Elitch’s fireworks show that occurs each night in the summer. They are residents of Creekside Lofts and members of LoDoNA. They are ok with regular city noise such as fire trucks, Broncos games, trains, etc. However, the fireworks are becoming a major disruption in their lives each evening because they have a dog who is very sensitive to the fireworks noise.

They have complained to Elitch’s management, the Westword, LoDoNA and Councilwoman Judy Montero but haven’t gotten very far. They brought two resolutions to the meeting for LoDoNA to consider. The first was that LoDoNA request that Elitch’s stop the fireworks, use noiseless fireworks or move the fireworks to the south of the Elitch’s property. The second was that in future years neighbors be contacted for input and public hearings be held when there are more than two shows in a six months period.

According to the zoning code you have to get an outside permit with support from the neighborhood for the nightly fireworks. However, since they are an amusement park they are excluded from this zoning restriction. Elitch’s corporate office has said that they are toning down the noise of the fireworks in a press release.

The board agreed that some in the neighborhood like the fireworks but if it is causing some neighbors to get upset and affecting their lives each night that we should look into it especially since there is no indication that this only happening for one year. In regard to the two resolutions on the table the board agreed we should first get the noise level reports before moving further. Byron made a resolution that “The board of LoDoNA supports the right for home owners’ peaceful enjoyment of their property and this fireworks display is preventing homeowners from doing this. As a result, we need to find an amicable resolution.” Josh agreed to send this resolution to the necessary parties (zoning, city, Judy Montero, Elitch’s) after the noise test results came back. Byron motioned to approve this resolution and action by the board and Josh. Mel seconded and the motion was passed with one abstention. Erik abstained.

Advocacy:

Josh asked us to think about the LoDoNA board’s role with regard to advocacy. Obviously we are very strong on GNC issues but what should our role be in regard to issues such as transportation, Union Station, noise issues, National Western Stock Show, etc. If we want to have a stronger role here we need a chair.

Frank Cannon from USNA will be invited come to give the board an update on Union Station in August and Holly Barrett will come to give the board an update on LoDo District in September.

A group is looking at what to do with the Triangle Park area where 22^nd Street, Broadway and Larimer meet. Jim McCotter agreed to represent us on that committee based on the time commitment needed.

Membership Update:

Josh reported that the Lara, Kirstan and Josh met to discuss the membership cycle of a LoDoNA member. He has a flow chart with the new process that he will hand out at the next meeting.

Some highlights of the plan are that each month Kirstan will report on new members, Josh will welcome then via a form letter, committee members will call members interested in their committee, and their will be a formal process put in place for renewing members, etc. Kirstan is the chair of membership, Terry is the chair of Philanthropy, Jim is the defacto chair of advocacy as head of GNC, and we need to find a chair of social activities.

Committee Report Review and Additions:

GNC Report:

Spill wants to remove the railing that keeps patrons from getting closer than 9 feet to the rooftop edge. This is a big deal for us as it is in the original agreement for their rooftop. The GNC will report to the board on developments related to the railing. The GNC is also looking at adding stronger succession language to the GNCs. The bar owners in the 14^th to 16^th block around Market are meeting to work on plans for making their area safer.

LoDo Cares:

On July 27, LoDo Cares will partner with the Denver Cruisers for Christmas in July. Participants will bring canned food items. There will also be drop off locations in the neighborhood for residents to donate canned food items if they cannot make the ride on the 27^th.

July 28^th will be LoDo Cares night at the Barth.

August 28^th will be Kids Day at the Playground from 9-12.

WeeBOT:

Josh will be working with Eric on future WeeBOTs. The next one will be at Wynkoop Brewing Company on August 11th.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm and the next meeting will be August 8 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Lara Davies

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION HELD JUNE 6, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on June 6, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m.   In attendance were: Mel Cruger, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Terry Hershey, Diane Huntress, Joyce Lozow, Kirstan Marks, Jim McCotter, San Ong, Jack Tone, Byron Watson, and Mike West.

Absent were David Cole, Eric Nakata, Paul Rothman, Chuck Shifflett and Christine Santucci.  Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of May Minutes:

Jack motioned to approve the May minutes as amended. Mel seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

LoDo Lights Update:

There was a discussion related to continuing the insurance for LoDo Lights (which is currently combined with the LoDoNA general insurance) and additional funding for maintenance work that may need to be done and a sign for LoDo Lights. It was also noted that the city still needs to sign the annual extension with us and Diane is working on this. We need to have insurance on the project in order for the city to approve. We have an obligation to do a sign and this funding is not currently in the LoDoNA budget. The sign would be between $150-$300 if Diane used the Auraria student option.

Byron motioned that we set aside $400 in the LoDoNA budget for funding of a sign. Jack seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Our insurance is $1440 for LoDoNA which includes coverage for LoDo Lights, assets of organization, etc. We have paid a portion of this already and need to pay $862 for the remaining balance. Jim motioned that we pay the remainder ($862). Kirstan seconded this motion and all were in favor. The motion passed. The group also agreed that any additional expansion on LoDo Lights would need to be paid for by fundraising.

Committee Report Review and Additions:

GNC Report:

Per Byron there is a hair salon at 17^th and Market that operates Café Pure. They want to have a beer and wine license and have seating for six individuals. They have agreed to sign a GNA. Byron motioned that we approve the GNA for Café Pure and Jim seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Website:

Lara has the Dreamweaver software on her computer and can make edits to the website if committee heads have edits to their sections on the LoDoNA site.

Philanthropy:

Terry reported that there will be a kids’ day on August 28^th. This event will showcase LoDo’s family friendly neighborhood. Also there will be a Christmas in July food drive on July 27^th in conjunction with the Denver Cruisers.

Annual Retreat:

During the Annual Retreat held after the monthly meeting Joyce made a motion for Byron to look into legally changing the name of St. Charles Neighborhood Association to LoDoNA so that we could use the name LoDoNA on receipts, etc. San seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

During the retreat ideas were discussed to increase membership in LoDoNA. Kirstan, Lara and Josh agreed to serve on a membership committee and each LoDoNA board member agreed to send a name to Josh that might like to serve on the committee.

During the rest of the year we are going to continue to talk about membership (and the work of the membership committee) and then will also spend time at each meeting on the other major LoDoNA work initiatives — philanthropy, community-building, advocacy, and partnership.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm to start the retreat and the next meeting will be July 11 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Lara Davies

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

HELD MAY 9, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on May 9, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m.   In attendance were: Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Terry Hershey, Diane Huntress, Joyce Lozow, Kirstan Marks, Jim McCotter, Eric Nakata, San Ong, Paul Rothman, Chuck Shifflett, Jack Tone, Byron Watson, and Mike West.

Absent were David Cole, Mel Cruger, and Christine Santucci.  Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of April Minutes:

Byron motioned to approve the April minutes as amended. Kirstan seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Gilpin Montessori Public School:

The group received an update on the Gilpin Montessori Public School at 29^th and California from Frank Vincent. He discussed how the Montessori schools are founded on the individualized model rather than the industrial age model (traditional schools). The school has grades 3^rd-5^th and eventually will have 6^th grade. The school has done a lot of remodeling and is also one of the most “green” schools in the city – they do their own composting, recycling and gardening.

Playground Update:

Paul reported that in the last two months we have raised $9750 and need $15,000 because of matching gifts and grants. Paul reminded the board that we have been asked to contribute. In addition, if board members have business contacts please let Paul know. The group decided not to approach bars and restaurants but if certain bars are part of the street festival and a percent of the funds go to charities – perhaps the Playground can receive some of the funds. The group also discussed putting in a collection box for donations or a parking meter like what is being done for the homeless.

GNC – Rio Grande GNA:

Jim reported that meetings with Rio went well and that they will go ahead with expanding the patio and shut down at 11 on weeknights and 12 on Fridays and Saturdays. If neighbors are having an issue with noise then they can go to Rio and meet with them to discuss concerns. If the concerns are not met then the parties agree to participate in arbitration. Jim motioned to approve the Rio Grande GNA and Jack seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Margs GNA:

This is a new restaurant at 1519 Wynkoop Street. The GNA was straight forward and the committee had no issues with it. Jim motioned to approve the Margs GNA and Jack seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

The 1-UP GNA:

This GNA involves a transfer of a Colorado Hotel and Restaurant liquor license and an application for a Denver Standard Cabaret License for a portion of the premises located at 1925 Blake Street. The company’s lawyers are currently reviewing.

LoDo Lights:

Our agreement with the city renews yearly and its time is coming up. We are figuring out an insurance issue. Basically the insurance we have now is expensive because it included general liability because we were serving wine and beer at certain functions. Byron is going to find out if the new policy can just cover the cost of equipment and save us a lot of money. Diane doesn’t feel there will be any issues with getting the contract approved with a new administration in place.

WeeBOT:

Eric reported there would be a WeeBOT on 5/19 at Row 14. He also asked for help from the group with planning the rest of this year’s events.

President’s Update:

We will be doing our retreat on June 6 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at a location TBD. Please bring three ideas about membership to the meeting. They can be ideas about membership value, new members or communicating membership.

The group noted that we need to discuss membership renewal policies at the June retreat. Lara also agreed to meet with Kirstan to show her how to enter in new members into MyEmma.

Committee Reports:

Joyce reported that there will be a LoDoNA Women’s Series Event – “Going Green in LoDo” on June 8, 2011.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm and the next meeting will be June 6 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Davies