Charles Village Community Benefits District Management Authority

Board Meeting

September 16, 2008

2434 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21218

 

Present:

 

Ron Griffin                             Steve Gewirtz

Rob Books                               Dawna Cobb                   

Robin Truiett-Theodorson     Jay Orr

Jeff Millard                             Derek Demaree

Delora Sanchez

 

Also Present: David Hill, Major Buzzuro, Northern District Commander, Dennis Smith, Dept. District Commander

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm without a quorum present.

 

Commander Buzzuro and Deputy Smith were invited to the meeting to share their thoughts on what the CVCBD might do to reduce crime. 

Crime update: Major Buzzuro-reported that crime is down in the district 43% ; robberies remain the biggest challenge; there is also a burgeoning prostitution issue in the lower part of the Village that the police are working to address. He noted that the only foot officer in district is dedicated to Charles Village.   

How the CVCBD and Village residents can help the police:

·            Additional “eyes” “would help them immensely” in the alleys below 27th, lower to 21st street down to 20th, not so much Howard, but Charles, St. Paul and Calvert. 

·            Education of residents to take items of value out of their cars; to put driver’s license numbers on electronics; keep serial numbers so that recovered stolen property may be reclaimed; Deputy District Commander Smith suggested small seminars with engraving, crime prevention tips, etc.

·            Focus CVCBD security on the area below 25th Street because that’s where the stubborn crime problems exist. The crimes tend to be “crimes of opportunity.” Focusing on a grid of 4 or 5 blocks can make an impact. 

·            Break district into posts; look at crime stats from police department and target efforts in those areas.  The CVCBD is one of the few neighborhoods that receives a complete police report of crimes committed in the area.

·            Don’t attempt to deal with loitering or drug dealing in Harwood. 

JHU security information

JHU is adding acoustical gunshot equipment will be installed in portions of the district and will detect gunshots; JHU will notify the police. 

Baltimore City Police Department wish list

A wish list would be for upgraded cameras on Greenmount and have them tied into what the police monitor.

Executive Director’s report-Mr. Hill reported:

·            field work on the audit conducted; the desk work in process; the audit will be presented at the November meeting;

·            the CVCBD has reached an agreement to maintain the property line from Loch Raven to Howard  Street .  CSX will pay the CVCBD $1250 for the initial clean-up and $500 for four other clean ups throughout the year.

·            a request for $20,000 has been submitted to the Goldseker Foundation

Finance Committee –Jeff Millard reported that July financial statements were sent in board packet.  Finance committee looked at the last year’s profit and loss statement.  We spent what we took in; used bank loc because of financial shortfalls in the past.  How to avoid this in the future were CVCBD not to be reauthorized; the committee seeks thoughts from the board.  Mr. Hill has transferred 30K into the reserve fund.  We will see how we can do with 30K less.  Last year’s reserve was spent on previous year’s debt.  Coming into this year we have 30K to make up.  Do we want to impact the services we are providing by the full amount or spread pain out over two years.  Jay asked whether the potential savings have been investigated.  David explained how he has not filled positions and we have saved. He’s not sure we are at the point at how to solve it.  The safety and sanitation committee needs to look at the issue and bring a recommendation to the full board along with information about the various impacts that different scenarios would have.  

Executive Committee-

No report.

Governance Committee-Jeff Millard reported that committee received the recommendations of the parliamentarian consultant who reviewed the by-laws.  These will be discussed at the next governance committee meeting.  

Safety, Sanitation and Revitalization- Rob Books reported that the base line agreement was sent to the City and the committee is waiting a reply.  The community base line agreement has been sent to the communications committee for its feedback.

Communications and outreach-

No report.  Rob Books suggested that the Q & A contained in the quad election procedures be placed on the website.   Mr. Hill stated that he would take care of that.

The board welcomed Joseph Church, a member of the public and resident of Greenmount Avenue, who attended the meeting.-a visitor joined the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.