Membership Meeting Minutes-May 17, 2023

Posted onAuthordelraycitizens

May 17, 2023 Membership Meeting Notes

Agenda:

7:00 p.m. Business meeting begins promptly — board introductions and welcome

7:05 p.m. Crime and traffic report by Captain Dennis Andreas

  • Increase in crime city-wide. Reassigning officers to go to the hot spots in the city.
  • Del Ray had 9 larcenies over the past month. Four bikes stolen off from front porches of homes. 
  • 2 robberies, first robbery victim was uncooperative, second robbery victim was intoxicated
  • Last month burglary at Shell station on Mt. Vernon
  • Burglary at 2300 block of Mt. Vernon, known suspect
  • Less traffic enforcement as officers transition to higher crime areas
  • Click-it or ticket month – it is seat belt awareness month
  • Next Thursday, May 25 at 6pm there will be a city community cook-out at the Mt. Vernon field behind the school 
  • Bank robbery suspect apprehended

7:10 p.m. Sheriff’s office report by Sheriff Sean Casey (Officer Robyn Nichols)

  • No covid cases in the jail in over a month
  • Cannot have public visitors right now because the elevator is broken
  • Staff busy at community events, hosting 2 cookouts a week
  • Sheriff’s office offers away from home checks while you’re on vacation – link on their website. 

7:15 p.m. Presentation on Simpson Park Renovation

7:35 p.m. Presentation on Power of Produce

  • Encouraging kids to attend the farmer’s market and learn about where their food comes from. There will be an enrichment activity and once they participate, they will receive a $5 voucher to purchase something at the market. 

7:45 p.m.  Presentation on Scholarship fund of Alexandria

  • They give scholarships and offer college advising – they have two full-time college advisors. 
  • Many of the kids they work with don’t speak English as a first language or live on their own.
  • They will help kids fill out the FAFSA form.
  • This year they will give out 209 scholarships, 75% are needs-based applications. Usually have about 400 kids who apply. 
  • Email address for Michele, Director for The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. Email her and she can get your name added to the scholarship application read list: [email protected]

7:55 p.m. LUC presentation on Hops N Shine SUP and vote

  • Requesting additional seating and firepit areas
  • The LUC talked to neighbors and businesses
  • Extending dining hours on weekends
  • Increase music from speakers and amplified live entertainment on patio (trivia, paint night, etc.)

MOTION FOR HOPS N SHINE

DRCA SUPPORTS MAINTAINING THE CONDITIONS OF THE CURRENT 2020-00045 SUP 

DRCA RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:

  • Work with the Mt. Vernon Court Community Association (MVCCA) to improve the sound barrier between the two properties.
  • Provide plastic mulch or Astroturf on pavement to help absorb sound
  • Eliminate outside Cigar Night event
  • The Applicant demonstrate compliance for 18 months with the conditions of the 2020-0045 SUP
  • Appointment of a community liaison with MVCCA
  • Consider reorienting the patio speakers to mitigate sound traveling
  • Limit speaker use to background music (no live music or entertainment)

8:15 p.m. DRCA election process for 2023-2024

Please email Annie Ebbers at [email protected] or [email protected] if you are interested in any position. 

  • President:  Katie Waynick
  • Vice President: James Miceli
  • Secretary:
  • Treasurer: Jim Wallace
  • Membership Director: Elizabeth Reyna
  • Activities Director: Rachel Lazarus

Chief Information Officer: Elena Hutchison

8:25 p.m. Announcements – Home and Garden Tour 2024

  • If you are interested in chairing or volunteering for the Home & Garden tour committee, please email [email protected]
  • Thursday May 25 at 6pm Simpson Field – 5th annual Del Ray vs. Old Town softball game. Del Ray supporters wears red!
  • Music in the Garden featuring Alexandria High School Orchestra: Saturday, May 20 from 4-5pm at 65 Dale Street (near Cora Kelly School), 4-5pm
  • First Thursday tomorrow May 17 supporting the Alexandria Aces and a dunk tank. Their first game is on June 5 at Frank Mann Field
  • Taste of Del Ray is June 4 near Mt. Vernon Field. It may sell out and they recommend buying tickets in advance. 
  • August 19 Del Ray Bands & Brews
  • Historic Preservation meeting tomorrow, Thursday, May 17 at 6pm at the Town of Potomac Hall (old fire station)

Adjourn