Michigan Park Citizens Association

Michigan Park Citizens Association
2 April 2019
Turkey Thicket Recreational Center

The meeting began at 6:30 with the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Ralph Bucksell received an email this afternoon from the Mayor’s office asking that her representative from Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) be given time to address the group.  President Bucksell handed out the minutes from March for review. Accepted.

Treasurer Beulah Sutherland read the treasurer’s report into the minutes.

Representative from Councilmember McDuffie, Ogo, addressed the group. She related various events and a flyer was handed out on proposed racial equity legislation.  The legislation is intended to encourage district agencies to create tools to evaluate race equity among the District workforce. The city’s budget process has begun for the coming fiscal year (1 October through 30 September).

Mr. Bucksell noted that use of marijuana is adversely impacting hiring among district residents. Although legal to use under District of Columbia law, some employers, including some DC government agencies, prohibit their employees from using marijuana.  Likewise, most stores and construction businesses note that they require job applicants to be tested for marijuana use.

Mr. Ely S. Ross, Chief of Staff, DPR, arrived and addressed the group.  DPR budget hearing is this Friday, 10 am at the Wilson Building. DPR is visiting all neighborhood associations to address neighbors.  DPR’s budget is increasing by 2-3% to address parks in grants. A new cultural arts department is to be established within DPR.

Mr. Ross offered himself as the new city contact for installation of a water facet in one of our local parks, a long-standing goal of the Association.  Mr. Ross also addressed the new Roving Leader program to assist leaders.  He noted the Mayor’s new initiative and office called, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).

Mr. Bucksell noted the positive changes in the behavior of students at the Brookland Middle School under new Principal, Mr. Kerry Richardson, Jr.

New deputy chief of staff, Tomas Talamante, for the Mayor’s key investments introduced himself.  The Mayor’s priority is foremost to enable families to stay in the City through affordable housing.  Thirty-five million has been provided to a housing trust fund. An additional 20 million to the workforce housing fund for those public servants looking for affordable housing.

Mr. Bucksell raised the issue of increased business taxes negatively impacting the success of local businesses. These businesses are just as valuable fixtures in our neighborhood as long term residents (retirees, and minorities).  The huge jump in taxes on businesses is causing them to consider going out of business.  The city must also be concerned about retaining these business as they are with our residents.  Members noted their concern about the danger of loosing these local businesses.  We want the heavy businesses taxes to stop. Mr. Bucksell also asked whether the city’s budget is balanced, without dipping into our rainy day accounts.  Like all of us, the city must live within its means but also must not run out people and businesses who have made this city what it is today.

Ms. Joan Thiel agreed to head the election committee for the Association. Mr. Bucksell noted that Providence Hospital will officially close 30 April.  He offered members until that time to submit suggestions for the Associations letter for what has been termed a health care village.

The annual Spring cleanup of the triangle park (12^th/Michigan/Shepherd) is Saturday, 13 April 2019, 9am-12noon. The city will deliver a pick-up truck filled with compost.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
5 February 2019
Turkey Thicket Recreational Center

President Ralph Bucksell opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance at 6:31 pm.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
October 2, 2018
Turkey Thicket Recreational Center

President Ralph Bucksell opened the meeting at 6:36 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer Beulah Sutherland reported no income or disbursements.

Mr. Brian McClure, representative to Councilmember McDuffie, handed out leaflet advertising the council members meeting next week to discuss the pending closing of Providence Hospital.  Brian also noted that the proposed budget item for the Shepherd Street park is now with the Mayor’s office.

Ms. Elizabeth McGowan, MPCA representative to the Federation of D.C. Citizens Associations, reported on two items.

1. The Federation’s board approved a two-page letter with recommendations laying out how the DC Council can strengthen the Comprehensive Plan framework.
2. The city is looking to upgrade hardware for the 5G, the next generation of internet capability.  There are four competitors and various internet providers. The business models vary between building multiple small towers throughout the city and consolidating cell towers atop of established hotels.

Mr. Lorenz Wheatley attended a September 13th meeting involving the National Association of Nurses.  The association favored keeping the hospital open.

Mr. Bucksell provided additional background about the hospital’s financing and services. He noted MPCA’s priority is to provide recommendations and referenced the list provided in the agenda. Members also discussed asking the city, which receives a block grant for medicare and medicaid, how the needy will be served. Mr. Paul Wood moved that the recommendations be included in a letter addressed to Providence Hospital, Ascension, and appropriate city officials.  The motion passed.

Mr. Mahlik Miller introduced himself as the new representative to the mayor, a duty previously held by Lionell Gaines.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
September 3, 2018
Turkey Thicket Recreational Center

President Ralph Bucksell opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the last meeting in June, 2018 were read and approved. Treasurer Beulah Sutherland submitted the treasurer’s report.

Upcoming Dates.

1. Fall Shepard Park Cleanup scheduled November 3, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
2. Annual Holiday/Christmas Party, exact date and location pending.
3. January Meeting scheduling for a Saturday Morning to accommodate members who cannot attend weekday meetings.  Date to be announced after a location is confirmed for the meeting.

Review of Assignments

1. MPCA Sponsors. Joan Theil requests help with putting ads on MPCA webpage for received business donations.
2. On-Line Payments. Asked for someone to take responsibility to oversee the payment of dues online.
3. MPCA Web Page.  Looking for someone to lead the webpage redesign (non-members speaking & emails).
4. Bunker Hill Elementary School. Reconfirm continuation of Christmas program.  Dropped Civic Awards program.
5. Water Feature Shepherd Park. Paul Wood contacted Councilmember McDuffie’s office for an update.
6. Howard University Development near Shepherd and 14^th Per contact with ANC 5B05 John Feeley, Howard has not finalized any proposals.
7. Meeting Attendance on-line.  Attendees voted against having MPCA meeting online using Facebook at $350/year.
8. Family events. No determination

Traffic issues

Concerns that members would like to raise this year to DDOT/the police/the mayor/Ward 5 & At-large council members.  Plan a combined meeting with Mayor, Police, DDOT, McDuffie & other local civic associations.

1. Use of side streets & alleys by cars and trucks as major though-fares;
2. Blocking of intersections during rush hours;
3. Brookland Middle School blocking school driveway forcing parents to use Shepherd Street mornings & afternoons.
4. Trucks in excess of 11/4 tons driving on streets where they are prohibited;
5. Various Metro Bus Issues.

Providence Hospital Proposed Health Village

Providence Hospital has been asking neighbors to provide suggestions to help them develop a “health care village”.  Some of the suggestions that have been provided are noted below.  Members are asked to send any additional suggestions to Ralph Bucksell at:  Bucksell@verizon.net

1)  Invite Planet Fitness to install a gym on the PH campus.  They charge $10/month.  Good addition for a wellness center.
2)  Keep open and advertise the hospital cafeteria to provide quality, healthy meals for neighborhood residents.
3)  Have yoga, and other exercise classes (dancing, spinning, fitness, weight watchers) for neighborhood residents.
4)  Provide classes on planning healthy meals.
5)  Have in-wellness center and in-home hospice care.
6)  Provide AA and Addicts Anonymous programs.
7)  Urgent care and non emergency care programs for walk-ins.
8)  Ask Yes or some other grocery chain to establish a presence on the hospital campus.
9)  Have classes on medical issue (advance care directive, trusts, meditation, mental health counseling, sleep classes, shots, etc…)
10) Provide shots for shingle, measles, hepatitis A & B, overseas travel, etc…
11) Provide tutoring programs for elementary, middle, and high school students using students from local high schools, colleges, and retirees.
12) Establish day care programs for children, seniors, and Alzheimer patients.
13) Establish clinics where patients can come in for minor in-and-out surgery (e.g. cataract).
13) Massage & physical therapy programs.
14) Pharmacy services.
15) Training for clergy and families on caring for the sick, death and dying.
16) Set up a volunteer program to provide help for single outpatients who need help with groceries, meds, etc…

Lionell Gaines, the former Mayor Ward 5 representative, announced that he is working for another DC office.  He then introduced the two people who will serve as his replacements (Dominique Chestnut, and Malik Miller).  Both were welcomed to the meeting.

Ogo Aqwai, CM McDuffie’s representative for MPCA, announced that the MPCA request for funding for the Shepherd and 12th Street park water faucet was put in the 2018-2019 fiscal year budget.  The funds would probably be available sometime after November 2018.

President Bucksell brought the meeting to a close.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
May 1, 2018
Turkey Thicket Recreational Center

Ms. Elizabeth McGowan opened the meeting at 6:50 PM. Paul Wood led members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PARK CLEANUP.   The triangle park cleanup at Michgan/12^th/Shepherd is scheduled for Saturday, 5 May.  DPW will drop off compost early in the morning and pick up clippings around 5p.m.  Efforts will be focused on wedding of the two flower beds, raking out of the leaves around the evergreens and spreading of the compost.

Ms. Ogo Aqoai of Councilmember McDuffie’s Office noted that a budget meeting was planned for Thursday during which a one-time payment may be obtained for the installation of the water spigot and backflow preventer.  Secretary Paul Wood will forward to Ms. Aqoia information about the request.

TREASURER’S REPORT. Ms. Beulah Sutherland read the treasurer’s report into the minutes.

ELECTIONS.  The following members were nominated as candidates.

President. Ralph Bucksell
First Vice President. Roxanne Carter
Second Vice President. Joan Theil
Secretary. Paul Wood
Treasurer. Beulah Sutherland
Sergeant-at-arms. Katherine Sutherland
Member-at-Large. Lavina Wohlfarth
Member-at-Large. Anne Gribbin
Member-at-Large. Don Looney
Member-at-Large. Karen Bernola

Roxanne Carter made a motion to accept. It was seconded and passed.

Ms. Ogo Aqoai and Mr. Lionell Gaines made various announcements.

The meeting ended just at 8:30p.m.