Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association

April Board Meeting Minutes

June 1st, 2011

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
HELD MARCH 29, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on March 29, 2011 beginning at 4:30 p.m. In attendance were: David Cole, Mel Cruger, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Diane Huntress, Kirstan Marks, Jim McCotter, Paul Rothman, Chuck Shifflett, Byron Watson, and Mike West.

Absent were Terry Hershey, Joyce Lozow, Eric Nakata, Christine Santucci and Jack Tone. Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Also in attendance from the GNC Committee Meeting were Joanne and Manny Salzman, Paula Grey, Zee Ferrifino, Arleen Parker, Charles Nadler and an owner and GM from Lavish.

Approval of March Minutes:

Chuck motioned to approve the March minutes. Mel seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

GNC – Lavish GNA:

The GNA between LoDoNA and Lavish Restaurant & Lounge was put together in response to Lavish’s wishes to apply for a modification of premises and Denver Dance Cabaret License. It represents the GNC’s best efforts to appease the residents and Lavish stakeholders. Jim highlighted section 2.3 regarding the patio as their attempt to reduce the noise for Market Square and Larimer Place residents. And in regard to the Dance Cabaret license Lavish will confine dancing to a small part of the establishment. In addition, Jim highlighted sections 4.2 and 5.3 as further efforts by the GNC to protect the residents.

According to Zee, the Larimer Place residents feel this is a strong agreement and a lot of the neighbors there are happy. Several GNC members including Paula Grey and Arleen Parker said that this agreement showed that Lavish was willing to go above and beyond to look out for the interests of the residents.

There was a discussion regarding what are verifiable noise complaints. Byron thought that not having a clear meaning for verifiable noise complaints made the contract not enforceable – especially section 2.3. The group agreed a clear, definable meaning for verifiable noise complaint was not necessary because the noise complaints will only come after hours and in this case it is really a violation of the hours and not a noise complaint issue.

The group discussed and asked the Lavish representatives how they will ensure that people exit onto Market Street and not 15^th street. The representatives said they could not guarantee it but they are strongly encouraging their guests to exit this way and will work to make exit traffic flow to those doors. Per fire code violation they cannot force guests to only exit one door.

Several GNC members were not in favor of the dance cabaret section of this GNA and wanted to separate out that from the patio issue. Josh declared that the group would vote on the GNA as submitted and not discuss separating it. The GNC voted first. Charles motioned to approve the GNA and Paula seconded. 7 members were in favor, 2 opposed, and one abstained. The LoDoNA board voted on the GNA. Mel motioned to approve the GNA and Chuck seconded. 6 members were in favor, 2 opposed, and one abstained. The GNA was accepted.

Bryon wanted to step down from his role as a director but the group noted that many times individual board members disagree with positions a board may take and that we would really like him to stay.

GNC – Rio Grande GNA:

Rio Grande has started construction on their patio without a license for modification of their premise. The construction is to make it larger. Rio Grande also wants to stay open later. They currently can stay open later ten times a year right now with the “special event” exception. The Sugar Cube and Market Street residents are concerned. They have said they won’t sit people past ten on weeknights and 11 on weekends but no indication of how long they have to finish. Jim made a motion that if the GNC and Rio Grande can’t reach an agreement then the board would file an objection for a hearing. (This puts the ball in the excise and license lap and gives more time for us to file concerns to be heard at a hearing.) Byron seconded this. All were in favor.

President’s Update

Mayoral Forum
- LoDoNA is partnering with other groups such as Ballpark, RiNo, Highlands, Golden Triangle, Downtown Denver Residents Organization, League of Women Voters, etc. to host a mayoral forum on April 21 at 5:30 pm at Coors Field. That room holds over 200 people and there are plans in case of overflow to simulcast it at Fado’s. This forum will be taped for Channel 8. There will also be a mayoral social time after the forum.
- Coors Field has also agreed to open up their parking lots for this event. There will be food and cocktails at the event as well.
June Retreat
- The June Retreat will be June 13^th from 5:30-8:00 pm and there will be food brought in. It will be held at another location – possibly the Oxford Hotel.

Committee Report Review and Additions

Membership: The board discussed business memberships and if they were appropriate for LoDoNA or if that would cause conflicts of interest especially with the GNC. The group decided a better term for these memberships would be affiliates. David Cole did not see that LoDoNA business affiliate memberships would cause any confusion with companies also being members of the LoDo District. Diane said it actually would help with our communication efforts too. Jim also noted that the bylaws do not prohibit companies from being members. Overall the group decided that it was fine for LoDoNA to have non-voting sponsorship/affiliate roles for companies in LoDo. This will be discussed more at the June retreat.

Byron gave an update about the website and that Lara needs Dreamweaver to manage the website and that we can get a discount purchasing it through someone in school. Kirstan and Chuck both have contacts that we can use and will get a copy before the next board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm and the next meeting will be May 9 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Davies

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Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association Held March 14, 2011

April 22nd, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on March 14, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m. In attendance were: Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Diane Huntress, Joyce Lozow, Kirstan Marks, Jim McCotter, Paul Rothman, Christine Santucci, Chuck Shifflett, Jack Tone, Byron Watson, and Mike West.

Absent were David Cole, Mel Cruger, Terry Hershey, and Eric Nakata. Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of February Minutes:

Byron noted there needed to be a correction under the “Kiddo” section – changing word “fiduciary” to “agent”. Joyce motioned to approve the January minutes with this change. Chuck seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Denver Transit Partners

Ed Romero gave the board an update on FasTracks including the Eagle P3 Project/Transportation Project to DIA. The Eagle P3 project is a 22.8 mile commuter rail transit corridor between Denver Union Station and DIA.

GNC Update

7-11 and City Spirits GNA

Jim gave an update on the GNAs for the Writer Square Wine store (City Spirits) and the 7-Eleven at 1755 Blake St. Both needed board approval. The City Spirits GNA is pretty routine. The 7-Eleven one reflects not selling beer after 8:30 and selling only cans – designed to lessen the impact by outsiders who might be thinking of buying a couple beers to get revved up for the LoDo scene. The same conditions apply if another new 7-Eleven at 18^th and Lawrence decides to apply for a license. Jim made a motion to approve the GNAs and Jack approved. All were in favor and the motions passed.

Lavish Rooftop

Jim gave us an update on the Lavish Rooftop situation. Other LoDo bars with rooftop restaurants near Lavish are Spill and Oak Tavern – however these two bars are not near residents. Neighbors are invited to a meeting on March 24^th to give their input. By our April board meeting Jim and the Good Neighbor Committee will have a recommendation for the board to vote on.

LoDo Cares

Josh reminded the group to “Like” the LoDo Cares Facebook page. In addition, the committee notes contained a calendar of LoDo Cares events and Terry is asking each board member to volunteer with LoDo Cares quarterly. Josh also asked us to send one item LoDo Cares should focus on in an email to Terry as our homework.

Playground Update

The weekend volunteer clean-ups continue to go well and this weekend will be a special clean-up with the city horticulturist. We are embarking on a major fundraising effort for the playground. We need $110K for the next phase and we currently have $60K. That means we need to raise $25K as the other $25K will be matched.

Paul made a motion that the LoDoNA board give $2K to the Greenway Foundation and Jim seconded the motion. Josh made a friendly amendment that the board would give $1K now and then would match up to $1K what LoDoNA neighbors give. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Jim also recommended that all LoDoNA board members give to this effort. Paul will find out what naming opportunities there might be available for major funders.

President’s Update

Mayoral Forum
- LoDoNA is partnering with other groups such as Ballpark, RiNo, Highlands, Golden Triangle, Downtown Denver Residents Organization, League of Women Voters, etc. to host a mayoral forum on April 21 at 5:30 pm at Coors Field. That room holds over 200 people and there are plans in case of overflow to simulcast it at Fado’s. This forum will be taped for Channel 8. There will also be a mayoral social time after the forum.
- Coors Field has also agreed to open up their parking lots for this event. There will be food and cocktails at the event as well.

KIDDO Partnership
- As voted on at the last meeting LoDoNA has agreed to act as an agent and hold funds for KIDDO’s fundraising efforts for a charter school in our bank account with a signed agreement by both parties. We are still working out the agreement and will have an update at the next meeting.
- June Retreat
  - The June Retreat will be June 13^th from 5:30-8:00 pm and there will be food brought in. It will be held at another location – possibly the Oxford Hotel.

Committee Report Review and Additions

Membership: Kirstan had several ideas about membership such as emails reminding members about renewing, including LoDo businesses in the newsletter and encouraging them to join, doing welcome baskets from realtors about LoDoNA and the neighborhood, and putting the membership list on the website. Kirstan said she would work on a potential marketing plan and contact others who would be interested in serving on a LoDoNA membership committee. Josh said she should budget about $600 a year for membership.

Joyce also brought up that we need to send out membership renewal notices. Lara will work with Josh on this. Lara will also work to get the board members updated on the LoDoNA site.

Nominations: Jim nominated Josh to serve as President of LoDoNA and Joyce seconded. Jim recommended nominations be closed and Joyce seconded. A vote was held to close nominations and all were in favor. A vote was held on Josh’s nomination as President of LoDoNA and all members were in favor and the nomination passed.

Jim nominated Mike to serve as Vice President of LoDoNA and Diane seconded. Jim recommended nominations be closed and Jack seconded. A vote was held to close nominations and all were in favor. A vote was held on Mike’s nomination as Vice President of LoDoNA and all members were in favor and the nomination passed.

Jim nominated Byron to serve as Treasurer of LoDoNA and Jack seconded. Jim recommended nominations be closed and Jack seconded. A vote was held to close nominations and all were in favor. A vote was held on Byron’s nomination as

Treasurer of LoDoNA and all members were in favor and the nomination passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 pm and the next meeting will be March 29 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Davies

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LoDoNA February 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

March 15th, 2011

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

Held February 14, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on February 14, 2011 beginning at 5:30 p.m. In attendance were: Mel Cruger, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Terry Hershey, Diane Huntress, Kirstan Marks, Chuck Shifflett, Byron Watson, and Mike West.

Absent were David Cole, Joyce Lozow, Jim McCotter, Eric Nakata, San Ong, Paul Rothman, Christine Santucci, and Jack Tone. Josh Davies chaired the meeting and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Approval of January Minutes:

Chuck motioned to approve the January minutes. Kirstan seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Annual Meeting Review:

The only feedback we received from participants at the board meeting was favorable. Because the meeting was so successful there has been discussion to do quarterly forums with other neighborhood groups in this same format. We had 197 attendees – a 20% increase. We had the largest attendance at this meeting but our expenses were also high so we did not really make any money. The group discussed possibly charging $25 for the next year.

DUSPA Update:

The DUSPA board formed a stake holders group put in place to help RTD with recommendations on what to do with Union Station. Mike West is a member of this stake holders group and they have been tasked with putting together some recommendations to RTD and signing it. Mike West represents LoDoNA so he did not want to sign unless we were okay with the recommendations. There are currently three scenarios for redevelopment at Union Station: 1. Turn Union Station into a retail center with office space on the upper floors, 2. Turn Union Station into a hotel, 3. Turn Union Station into a civic and cultural destination with office space on the upper floors. The task force recommends to RTD that they do a RFP as part of the process of choosing what to do with the station.

Mel was concerned about if RTD would keep LoDoNA’s vision statement in mind when thinking of what to do with the station. The group recommended that we send out vision statement to the RTD Board.

Byron motioned that the board agree to Mike signing the task force recommendations that RTD do an RFP as part of the process of choosing what to do with the station. Mel seconded this motion. Josh recused himself and the remaining board members were all in favor. The motion passed.

KIDDO- Grant Funding:

Terry reported that Kiddo is working to get a charter school in downtown Denver. Cyndi Kahn is forming a steering group of parents who live and work in LoDo. They are currently looking for grant money – about $2500 to $5000 and need someone to “handle the money at arm’s length” so they are asking LoDoNA if we would be a “bank of sorts” for Kiddo. Byron said he is okay with this because we would only be acting as an agent.

Bryon made a motion that he would be Kiddo’s bookkeeper of funds and that we would put together a formal agreement with Kiddo, signed by both parties, with a clause to review the agreement at the end of the year. Diane seconded this motion and all were in favor. The motion passed.

GNC Membership and GNA Ratifications:

Bryon moved that we approve the GNA for BackCountry Provisions per Jim’s discretion. Mike seconded the motion and all were in favor. The motion passed.

Chuck moved that we approve the GNA for Marakesh if signed by TD and if they did not object to a modification and transfer of the license. The Marrakesh deal is contingent on the agreement to not have speakers outside. Bryon seconded the motion an all were in favor. The motion passed.

The board ratified all the GNC members that Josh appointed. The current members will stay on and Jim will be the chair with Charles Nadler and David serving as vice chairs. Existing members are David, Charles, Byron, Eric, Mel, Chuck, Gary Gottesfeld, Arleen Parker, Paula Grey, Salzmans, Housers, Zee Ferrufino, Bill Rittner, Robert Blankenship (COO of Chamber and Chloe’s new landlord) and Jim.

President’s Update:

The board retreat will be in the June time frame and most likely after our regular monthly meeting. Board members should plan on that meeting being three hours so we do not interfere with the weekend.

We need a board member to be in charge of membership. Some of the duties might be to send emails to lapsed members, try to sign up members from the Women’s Series and WeeBOT events and perhaps do a membership drive. This person would be more a marketing person than a database person. Kirstan said she was perhaps interested in this and would put together some ideas and bring them back to the board.

Committee Reports:

Jim Theye is no longer serving as the President of LoDo Cares and Terry Hershey is now serving in that role. The group had a great February meeting and she is currently putting together a calendar of events.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm and the next meeting will be March 14 at 5:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Davies

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LoDoNA January 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

March 6th, 2011

MINUTES OF A TELECONFERENCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION HELD JANUARY 28, 2011

Pursuant to proper notice, a teleconference of the Board of Directors of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association was held on January 28, 2011 beginning at 4:00 p.m. In attendance was: David Cole, Josh Davies, Lara Davies, Diane Huntress, Jim McCotter, Kirstan Marks, Eric Nakata, Paul Rothman, Jack Tone and Chuck Shifflett. Absent were Mel Cruger, Joyce Lozow, Terry Hershey, San Ong, Christine Santucci, Byron Watson, and Mike West. Josh Davies chaired the teleconference and Lara Davies recorded the minutes as secretary.

Election of Officers:

Lara Davies was elected Secretary.

Committee Reports:

GNC Report: The meeting was called to approve two Good Neighbor Committee agreements – one with Focus Entertainment Group LLC and one with Lotus Concepts Ventures Corporation, dba Chloe. The Focus Entertainment Group agreement states that Focus will be the transferee of a Colorado Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License and a Denver Dance Cabaret License relating to the existing operations of Wild Ivories Dueling Piano Club and Juke at 1400 Market Street. The Chloe agreement is a good neighbor agreement between Chloe and LoDoNA for the space at 1445 Market Street. Jim gave an update on the work the GNC did regarding the agreements and motioned that we approve the agreements. Diane Huntress seconded the motion. There was no discussion on the motion and no one opposed the motion. All board members ratified the agreements.

President’s Remarks:

There will be a neighborhood mayoral forum on April 21. It is being organized by LoDo District and LoDoNA is a co-host along with Ball Park neighborhood, Golden Triangle, the Highlands Neighborhood Association, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association. The event will be held at Coors Field. Eric Nakata will be our representative from LoDoNA and will attend the meetings regarding the event.

The 2011 LoDoNA board meetings will be held the second Monday of each month at Northern Trust from 5:30-7:00pm. The next meeting is February 14.

We will hold a retreat for the board in June. Details TBD.

The teleconference was adjourned at 4:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lara Davies

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