Overland Park

Minutes of April 24, 2008 Meeting

May 04, 2008

Jim's prequel: For one hour (before the meeting) Kevin
Dixon ran his DVD on Transit Oriented Development.

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Minutes of April 24, 2008 Meeting

President Catherine Sandy called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM.
In attendance were Vice President Jennifer Pollock, Treasurer Michelle Roof, Members Belin Fieldson, Arlene Lipman, Kevin Dickson, Jack Unruh, Sherie Gallespie, Dominique Cook, Mary Ann McCann, Dawn Spelke, Ray Ehrenstein and Jennifer Redies from Councilman Chris Nevitt's office. Taking these minutes
instead of the missing Secretary Charley Samson (at Mistair Samson's request)...James Sample.

The Treasurer's Report disclosed $1,544.60 in ONA's coffers. (Although Treasurer Emeritus Lois Stromeyer was still searching for the checkbook at her home.) These figures were still considered reliable by the Officers and the Treasure's Report was voted as Accepted by the members. We had two bills due. One for $25 and one for $16.92 both to Kinko's. We also voted unanimously to pay $200
for our rental to John Collins United Methodist
Church...our long time and valued ONA hosts.

President Sandy told us of ONA's need to host a future INC meeting. Ray Ehrenstein spoke glowingly of the Inter Neighborhood Cooperation and it's role in bringing together the myriad and far flung
neighborhoods which together constitute Denver. He
pointed out that any residents are welcome to attend these meetings on the second Saturday of each month at revolving locations.

Ray also talked about his attendance of Denver's
"Urban Green Conference" on April 18 (courtesy of the INC incidentally) and he had a brochure on RiverClay which was passed around for all to see. RiverClay in Jefferson Park near Invesco Field is a LEED certified, partially Solar-Powered new building with Green applications which could be one appropriate model for our emerging TOD affected neighborhood. www.riverclay.com

Brad Jupp from DPS then spoke on "Education and School Partners". Denver Public Schools has 74,000 students. 61% Latino and 21% Anglo students are the largest populations and there are 124 languages spoken! According to Mr Jupp, Superintendent Michael Bennett and Teresa Pena and the School Board managed to balance the budget for the first time in years. (Spontaneous applause!) He continued in response to various members' questions: He confirmed than from
8,000 to 12,000 students do not matriculate with their classes and that many students are therfore considered "Overaged" and "Undercredited". But he continued that although the "State determined" graduation rate is 78%, Mr. Jupp maintained "that a more accurate barometer" is the issuance of "actual diplomas" of which 2100 were issued this last year. Rosedale School was mentioned as a possible "re-opening" school and asset for the neighborhood. Mr. Jupp did not rule out the re-opening of already built schools, but he pointed out that the population density must "lead" in any such plans by DPS. Asked about Uniforms in the schools, Mr. Jupp responded that "--uniforms are now used in about half
of Denver's Middle Schools".

Then Ms Gillespie spoke on the needs for recyling and composting. "Mash, Mix, Moisten and Move" is the formula. She had available brochures on this art and was joined by Legislative Aide Jennifer Redies in the promotion of this very "Green" issue. Ms Redies had more brochures available including the 2008 Class Schedule for "Worm Composting Workshops."
DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles

Belin Fielson meets with 1/2 dozen kids to clean up all day at Grant Frontier Park...9 to 5 on May 3rd. Input is welcomed.

Jack Unruh reaffirmed his and Kevin's push for the
Iliff Bridge connection. He positioned this proposal (which is off and on and off and...you get it...with the City) as an important "all-season access" both for us Westsiders' ability to reach the light rail as well as folks east of Santa Fe to access the splendid bike
and pedestrian trails bordering the South Platte
river. Mr. Unruh also had a nifty brochure illustrating this bridge as completed with a public service bulletin board, a "green roof of virginia creeper to shade in summer, lets sun in for winter". this handout was replete with satellite image and design drawings. Jack
touted the positive impact on property values. Very detailed brochure and in living color. We voted to place Overland's name on the proposed bridge...should it ever come to fruition.

Items also mentioned: On May 7th large item pickups will begin in Overland. Get rid of those old Couches!

The 2nd Annual Overland Neighborhood garage Sale!!! shall be held on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Flyers were printed and available courtesy of
Dawn. Many thanks, Dawn. But as the flyer reminds us,"Be sure to let us know what address is having the sale!"

Jennifer Pllock is asking $5.00 for "supplies to cover costs of advertising and support of the neighborhood organization." (Make checks out to Overland Neighborhood Association). Contact Jennifer or "Mail or Drop off to:"
Jennifer Pollock
2260 S. Bannock St
Denver, Colorado 80223

Police Officer Bouhana joined us during the meeting and while the press of time left him no time to speak, he stayed after the meeting to speak to neighbors with questions or problems.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM

James Sample