Overland Park

April Minutes

May 05, 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 2008

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