At the monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B meeting last night, resident Robert Maxwell, riled up the crowed about the commission’s additional closed meetings.
“I want to ask for a vote on opening these closed meeting and if you could please share with the people what the topics discussed in closed meeting are.” Maxwell, a recent graduate of law school presented a very organized and supported argument. He explained that he had been denied entrance to meetings that were supposed to be open to the public. Maxwell did his research and told the Commission that the law doesn’t allow closed meetings. After Maxwell wrote a letter to the Commission, he was denied entrance again.
Commissioner Abdhul answered to Maxwell saying closed meetings are meant to plan the agenda for the open meetings, no more, no less. “Personally I enjoy it that way. This commission is already dysfunctional in managing monthly meetings.” Commissioner Abdhul explained there are no topics discussed in closed meetings that are meant to be kept from the public, but that these meetings are closed for lack of distraction. Commission Abdhul spoke again directly to Maxwell asking, “You are a recent grad? You got nothing better to do than focus on this?” Commissioners took turns defending the reasons for closed meetings, all agreeing with each other saying that no topics in the closed meetings are secret.
Members of the community began to argue in Maxwell’s defense. Resident, Andre Carl raised the question, “If it is just an innocent agenda, who cares if someone comes? Chances are they aren’t going to come anyway.” Resident, Perry Reed agrees with Carl saying “this young man’s (Maxwell) concern shouldn’t be demeaned.”
Without being called on an elderly resident, Mr. Montague, rose up aggressively saying, “I swore I’d never talk at another one of these things…Anybody; don’t have to be in 4B, can attend!” Vice Chair, Faith Wheelers, asked him to wait to be called on and to sit down as he continued talking. Montague finished his argument with, “I’m tired of this. All you do is lie!”
Secretary, Sara Green, attempted to calm the room down saying, “The planning meetings have never been open.” She went on to say that she even supports having open meetings, but that this is how every ANC works. Vice Chair Wheelers enforced that the matter has been forwarded to a higher level and the Commission hopes for an answer soon.
Against Maxwell’s original request, a vote was never made. Vice Chair Wheelers decided it was premature for a vote.
From the beginning the meeting was unorganized. Vice Chair Wheeler, was forced to start the meeting a little late and with community concerns (which was third on the agenda) because not all commissioners were present, including the Chair, Yvonne Jefferson. Members of the Commission were walking in late while community residents were talking. Grants and funding requests including a block party, October Awards Ceremony, and the Community Beautification were not discussed because there wasn’t a quorum and there was no prepared information on these issues. They did go through with two votes. The vote was unanimous for the Walter Reed Redevelopment and it was five to one with one abstention for the Mural at the Cork ‘n Bottle Building. Vice Chair Wheelers also made note that they are to have every meeting tape recorded from now but have not yet found or bought a tape recorder. A resident donated his on the spot, and accurate minutes should be available by Thursday, September 30.
OTHER MEETING ISSUES:
· Resident, Jeff Warner, approached the table of Commissioners to ask approval on for the addition he and his wife plan on adding to their home. “I apologize for coming in like this but I’ve been having trouble getting (the plans) approved,” said Warner. He submitted his plans for review.
· Whitney Parnell and Stefanie Vestal of non-profit service group, City Year, announced the group’s Day of Service on October 23 at Mamie D. Lee School from 9:00 am to 3:30pm. Parnell asked residents to approach her with questions and suggestions for service projects to better the neighborhood. RSVP TO CYDCVolunteers@cityyear.org
· Resident, Andre Carl, questioned any news of the Pawn Shop to be built in the neighborhood. Secretary Green responded there has been no news yet but she will send a letter to the DCRA
· Presentation of Flood Insurance was made by FEMA. Residents were made aware that although they are not in a high risk flood zone where purchasing Flood Insurance is mandatory, it is possible there houses or businesses could still get flooded. Residents were given pamphlets that explained FEMA more specifically and were encouraged to look into getting flood insurance.
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