Oread Neighborhood Association
Thursday, November 20, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church – Ground Floor Meeting Room
Minutes

Approved with Changes:  December 28, 2008

Board Members Attending:  Candy Davis, James Dunn, Marci Francisco, Jerry Stubbs, Kyle Thompson, and Carol von Tersch

Absent Board Members:  Ann Blackhurst, Rene Diaz, Charity Grace, Christy Kennedy, Ellie Lecompte and Beth Reiber

Over Occupancy Violation
On November 19th, there was an article in the University Daily Kansan about code violations found at an Oread residence.  One of the violations was over occupancy; six renters were living in the home when only four are allowed by code.  In addition to the over occupancy violation, there were multiple structural violations identified as well; plumbing, electrical, and renter safety (i.e.:  toilet about to fall through floor, windows screwed shut, etc.).  The property owner, Thomas Knutzen, claimed that he was not aware of occupancy limitations within the Oread Neighborhood.      

Treasurer’s Report

Register Reports:  Register reports from the ONA accounts were reviewed.  The balances were as follows:
•	Treasurer Account:  $7,390.05
•	Coordinator Account:  $3.47

ONA Membership Income:  Membership income received since August 01, 2008, is $115.00.

Coordinator’s Report

Review October 2008 Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
Review of the minutes was deferred because there was not a quorum present at the meeting.

Demolition Permit Applications
None received since the October neighborhood meeting.

Blight Follow-Up

1043 Indiana (KU Property)  
According to Barry Swanson, KU Associate Comptroller, the University is not ready to move forward with the sale of this property.  There were no questions or concerns about this from neighbors.  The KU Facilities Operations Housekeeping Department has moved out of the home and it is now vacant.  The neighborhood will continue to request updates prior to each monthly meeting.   

Board of Zoning Appeals – December 4th Agenda
The December 4th agenda was not available at the time of the November neighborhood meeting.  The following information had been provided by Planning and Development Services:

903 Alabama  
Two variances will be considered for this property; to exceed the maximum 12 dwelling units per acre standard in the RM12D district and reduce the side yard setback.  The plan is to move the existing structure so it is located on its own lot.  This will free up the second lot for a duplex dwelling.
•	The neighborhood finalized a letter that will be submitted to the Board of Zoning Appeals prior to the December 4th meeting.  Concerns about increased density, fire safety and the availability of parking will be highlighted.  The neighborhood will ask that the requests be denied because this is based on the action of the owner and is not in response to existing conditions.

The following variances were approved by the BZA at the November 6th meeting.  This is in keeping with the Oread Neighborhood plan which states that existing housing stock should be retained.  The alternative to tear it down would go against the neighborhood’s plan.  

1005 Indiana (Destroyed by fire on 07/31/08)
Two variances were considered for this property; to reduce the building setbacks for a principal structure in an RM32 District and to not provide any off-street parking spaces for an 8-bedroom congregate residence.
•	The current proposal is to rebuild the existing structure instead of building an entirely new structure on the existing foundation.  This is what is being required by the insurance company.

Historic Resources Commission – November 20th Agenda 
There were no questions or comments in reference to the following item listed on the November HRC agenda:

1232 Louisiana
Rezoning the property from University District (U) to Multi-Dwelling Residential District (RM-32) was initiated by the City Commission when demolition was approved with conditions in August 2008.  Rezoning is being handled as an Administrative Review.  
•	Mr. Price Banks, representing the property owners, has indicated that he will not be providing the information requested by the city to approve the demolition request.  Specifically, he finds the documentation of the structure to be excessive and plans to ask the City Commission for relief from this requirement.  City staff is gathering informal bids from individuals on the cost of the documentation needed.   
o	Resolution No. 6791, adopted 08/12/08, states that documentation of the structure to be demolished shall be conducted by a professional that meets the National Park Service Professional Qualification Standards.  If documentation is not submitted to the Historic Resources Administrator within 30 days from the adoption of this resolution, the City may produce the documentation with any cost associated with the documentation assessed to the property.

New Business

CDBG Grant Application – Due:  December 1st
A question on the grant application reads, “Describe the agency philosophy and practices regarding recycling and other ‘green’ practices.”
•	Beginning in January 2009, city offices will receive electronic PDFs of the neighborhood’s newsletter instead of printed copies.  This will result in a reduction in printing and postage costs.  This will also result in a reduction in waste.  
•	Printed copies will continue to be sent city board members; NRAC, HRC, BZA, and Planning Commission.

Family Promise
Plymouth Congregational Church will serve as a host facility for the Family Promise program.  A neighborhood meeting will be held at the church on Monday, November 24th, beginning at 7 p.m.  Use-specific standards and the management plan for the program will be discussed.  Host congregations will house and feed families in their facilities.  These are not chronically homeless individuals.  These are families that have experienced job loss, an unexpected high-cost medical event, etc.  

District 1 Historic Designation
A letter was sent to the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review on behalf of the Oread Neighborhood.  A survey of the area in District 1 has been requested in order to proceed with efforts for historic designation.  A grant is needed in order to do this.  It is anticipated that in February there will be a public hearing in Topeka about this.  Anyone who is interested in going and speaking on behalf of this is encouraged to participate.  Virgil Dean, an Oread neighbor who lives in this area, has also sent a letter to the State Historic Preservation Office.  

Old Business

Identify Nominating Committee
Three members need to be identified to serve on the nominating committee.  This committee will recommend candidates for board member positions that will be elected at the annual meeting.  After the November monthly meeting has been adjourned, everyone present will participate in a short nominating committee meeting.  

December Neighborhood Meeting
The following dates were proposed:  Friday, December 12th, and Sunday, December 28th.  A short meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. to be followed by a holiday gathering.  An e-mail will be sent out to poll board members about which date will work best for everyone.  At a minimum, meeting minutes will be reviewed / approved if a quorum is present.  

February Neighborhood Meeting
Westar Energy plans to come to ONA’s February 26th meeting.  This will serve as the neighborhood’s annual meeting; board member elections will be held.  The tentative location for the meeting is the Castle Tea Room.  A Certificate of Occupancy is needed from the city before the Castle can be used for public events.  

ONA Website / E-mail
Jerry Stubbs, ONA President, has been receiving e-mails via the website e-mail address and this seems to be working fine.  Messages sent to the website are automatically re-routed to his personal e-mail account.  Similar addresses have been set up for all of the board members.  The coordinator can send messages to the “pres” e-mail account and these would then be forwarded to board members.  Jodi will provide Jerry with the board member and interested parties distribution lists and he will get everything set up.  

FYI and Reminders

Lawrence ½ Marathon ’09
The 2009 marathon has been cancelled due to economic reasons.

Multi-Family Rental Registration Program
It is anticipated that the program will be considered by the City Commission before the end of the year.  A proposal has been completed and is being considered by Planning and Development Services at this time.  

Campus Heritage Plan:  http://www.dcm.ku.edu/planning/heritage.shtml

1232 Louisiana:  Demolition approved by the City Commission on 08/12/08 with conditions that include: 
•	Neighborhood Plan:  This will need to be updated prior to building a replacement structure.
•	Parking:  Following demolition, the property cannot be used as a parking lot.
•	Salvage:  A letter will be sent to Price Banks requesting permission to salvage items from the structure prior to demolition.  

Over-Occupancy Violations (RM District – Code Amendment):  Currently on hold because the city is considering expanding the rental registration program to include structures that are 50+ years old.

Graffiti Removal:  Check out http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief38.htm

Oread Neighborhood Association Nominating Committee
Thursday, November 20, 2008 @ 8:30 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church – Ground Floor Meeting Room
Meeting Minutes

Everyone present at the November neighborhood meeting agreed to act as the board member nominating committee.  After the monthly meeting was adjourned, the following items were discussed:

Neighbors would like for there to be student representation on the board.  It would be nice to recruit someone from one of the co-op living groups in the neighborhood (i.e.:  Ad Astra, Olive House or Sunflower House).  

Neighbors present at the meeting were encouraged to come up with a few names of potential new board members from each of their districts.  Every effort should be made to bring names to the December meeting.  

Perhaps the newest members on the board would be willing to serve as officers for a one-year term.

Elections will be held at the February neighborhood meeting.