Federation of Citizens Associations of the District of Columbia

Neighborhood-based planning? The Mayor outlines his thinking

"I envision a city, energized and enthusiastic, with its citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government working together toward a common vision for the District. Please join me on November 18 and 20 in launching a unified action plan for the District. I believe we can and will meet the challenges of the next millennium if' we rely on our greatest strength — each other." — Anthony A. Williams, Mayor

Many District leaders have decried the absence of integrated planning in the governance of the District.

Last winter, the Federation joined with the Committee of 100 and many other citizen groups and criticized the process by which the Comprehensive Plan was adopted: with inadequate and untimely citizen input, with contrary recommendations from various parts of the government, with dates and unwise priorities — and with special-interest "goodies" tucked away in secret corners.

Mayor Williams has promised a new approach to integrated, grass-roots planning, and his proposals are being formulated in a plan that will be presented to the Federation delegates at our September meeting.

Called Neighborhood@action, the Williams initiative is intended to overcome the painful, historic shortcomings in centrally planned, "hide-the-ball," planning for District priorities.

The Williams process anticipates using the months of September and October to integrate all previous planning initiatives, in preparation for a Citizen Summit in November, with a celebration, an announcement of Mayoral priorities, for and an opportunity for hands-on workshop involvement.

The time between this summit and the Mayor's budget proposals in March of next year will include many neighborhood based forums and other events geared to assuring that a broad range of residents' concerns are reflected in the final, consolidated, District wide plan — and budget.

The November events, at the Convention Center, will include a Thursday evening celebration on November 18 and a day-long summit on November 20, with break-out sessions and workshops.

How will citizens benefit from this process? The Mayor's goals are to improve communication between all sectors of the community and create a partnership between government, business, civic organizations, and citizens ... to develop a unified plan for the District ... to provide better, more responsive service from the government ... and to transform how we work together as a community.

Federation delegates will be asked to support this initiative and participate in the efforts to assure the greatest support for residents' concerns.

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Nominations for Federation officers and board

This year's nominating committee is chaired by Dick Wolfe of Capitol Hill Restoration Society (543 4353); Harold Gray of the Oldest Inhabitants has served with him, but as is noted elsewhere, Harold has made a brief detour for surgery. Gary Smithwick of Hillandale also served with Dick and Harold. The slate of officers they have recommended is:

President: Alice Stewart of Palisades
First Vice President: Miles E. Steele III of Hillcrest
Second Vice President: Peggy Snyder of Hillandale
Secretary: Barbara Zartman of Cloisters
Treasurer: Marc Weiss of Southwest Neighborhood Assembly

For the non-officer members of the Board:

Patrick Allen of Citizens Association of Georgetown
Gracie Baten of Shepherd Park
Rhoma Battle of Penn Branch
Allen Beach of Chevy Chase
Larry Chatman of 16th Street Heights
Buck Clark of Cardozo Shaw
Dino Drudi of Michigan Park
Kay Eckles of Residential Action Coalition
Lois Forster of Cleveland Park
Guy Gwynne of Burleith
Al Wheeler of Oldest Inhabitants

Constitutional requirements: Voting — Each paid member organization is entitled to a maximum of three votes from its designated delegates; designated alternates may cast votes if one or more of the designated delegates is unable to attend.

Representation: If two persons who are delegates from the same organization both accept nomination, the highest vote-getter will be elected (regardless of the relative standing of the other delegate from that same organization against other persons on the slate) since each organization may have only one member on the Executive Board.

Qualification: Officers must be designated delegates from associations whose membership is in good standing. Non-officer board members may be either delegates or alternates. No officer may serve in the same off ice for more than three one-year terms.

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SAFER STREETS FOR D.C.: Getting a handle on threats to public safety

No, not drug markets. Not drive-by shootings. But drive-bye of a different sort.

District streets can be made dangerous when heavily laden construction vehicles are operated unsafely. The tragic events of a summer day two years ago when young Ben Cooper was killed by an overloaded truck with defective brakes and a driver in a hurry.

In a sad irony, the area ANC had written to the construction contractor about heavy truck traffic and overloaded dump trucks; the firm's rejection of the requests arrived one week before the accident. The network of subcontractors and lack of articulated legal standards made blame-shifting all too easy. And besides, it would cost $75,000 to change routes from residential streets, said the contractor.

In light of the volume of construction that has been triggered by the rapidly improving local economy — and the public expenditures funding large-scale projects — there are more reasons than ever to work for safer streets, and safer projects.

The price that was paid in Ben Cooper's case was more than a promising young life ended. The insurance company settled the wrongful death lawsuit for $4.6 million, making the cost of safety as relevant as the cost of "efficiency."

Ben Cooper's parents have done two things to honor their son - and to try to keep other parents from experiencing their grief. They have donated the proceeds from the settlement of the lawsuit to charities — and they have formulated a code for construction and excavation companies which, if followed, would reduce the dangers to drivers and pedestrians.

The recommendations are repeated in the box below, in the form used by the Washington Post.

Community organizations and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions can seek to have the developers making proposals for their neighborhoods adopt the Cooper Code.

They can also learn about the records of individual trucking firms through a website: www.safersys.org, created in cooperation with the FHWA.

SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES

1. Before a trucking company starts a project, the excavation company must require documentation of:
   • All necessary licenses and permits
   • Any accidents or citations involving true trucks or on-duty drivers for the prior year
   • The last required federal inspection
   • Adequate liability insurance
   • Current federal safety report
   • A pledge not to pay speeding tickets for drivers.
2. If any of the above information changes or expires during the project. the trucking firm must update its records.
3. Before work starts, the excavation company shall certify that the true trucking company has complied. The certification shall be placed on the truck's windshield, with a list of each driver authorized to drive the truck.
4. Before any driver starts work on a project, the excavation c company must inspect the driver's commercial license to make sure it is current and appropriate for the job.
5. The excavation company must identify routes for drivers that minimize the use of streets through residential areas.
6. The excavation company must not require or recommend that drivers take any other routes.
7. If the excavation company uses how long a trip takes to measure a trucker's performance, the standard shall be the "reasonable" time it takes to drive the recommended route.
8. The excavation company must not load any truck with more weight than the maximum allowed in any jurisdiction in which the truck is driven.

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Federation news “nuggets”: Association activities and celebrations

Hillcrest anniversary

This month saw a wonderful celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Hillcrest Community Civic Association, complete with festive commemorative dinner — and a Washington Post column by Colby King (Federation award recipient in 1998) extolling the virtues of this grass-roots, citizen-led movement. Colby's words could not have been more correct — or more welcome.

Frank Senger's four decades of leadership

Pastor Frank Senger, leader of the Hillcrest CCA (and another 1998 Federation awardee) had an anniversary celebration of his own last week. A special mass celebrated by the Lutheran Bishop of Washington marked the fortieth year of Pastor Senger's ministry. His many contributions include his support for both Federations, for the Greater Southeast Community Hospital, and of course for the Hillcrest Community Civic Association.

DCWatch: The power couple strikes again

DCWatch, the online "place to be" created by Federation members Dorothy Brizill and Gary Imhoff (1999 Federation awardees!) has been cited as one of the best political websites. The Washington Post District weekly carried the story of their remarkable accomplishment — and the unique contribution made by this "backyard fence" in the ether world. News, columns, information resources, links to other websites, and so much more are part of the world of DCWatch.

Harold Gray again sets new standards

On a more cautionary note, Oldest Inhabitant delegate Harold Gray has just undergone surgery at the Sibley Hospital. Normally a run-of-the-mill procedure, this surgery was a little more eyebrow-raising when Harold's technical age of 92 is factored in, but that's all put in perspective by Harold's remarkable constitution, his joie d'vivre, his marvelously energetic engagement in all things. No doubt, Harold will be back in the front row at Assembly meetings before we know it.

Burleith celebrates anniversary

The Burleith Citizens Association, representing the "village in the city" recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. BCA President Patricia Scolaro presided over the special diamond anniversary celebration on June 12, noting the continuing commitment to fostering civic responsibility and pride in Washington. BCA was one of the earliest civic associations in the District of Columbia.

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Officers and Board

Patrick Allen, Citizens Association of Georgetown, 337-8760
Gracie Baten, Shepherd Park Citizens Association, 882-6162
John Batham, West End Citizens Association, 628-3527
Allen Beach, Chevy Chase Citizens Association, 362-2239
Larry Chatman, 16th Street Heights, 291-7381
Dino Joseph Drudi, Michigan Park Citizens Association, 526-0891
Kay Eckles, Residential Action Coalition, 265-5961
Guy Gwynne, Burleith Citizens Association, 338-5164
M. R. Peggy Snyder, Chancery Court, 338-1972
Miles Steele III, Hillcrest Community Citizens Association, 582-7832
Kathy Sternberg, Kalorama Citizens Association, 328-4806
Alice Stewart, Palisades Citizens Association, 364-1505
Marc Weiss, Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, 535-1970
Al Wheeler, Oldest Inhabitants of DC, 337-00340
Barbara Zartman, Cloisters in Georgetown, 337-6505

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President’s Message

Somehow I get to say a second "good-bye" as your Federation President. That may not be a bad thing, inasmuch as these three years have been such a rich mixture of experiences for me.

This moment in the District's life seems well matched for this moment in the Federation's experience. The need to marshal residents' concerns -- and their many talents -- for a better future for this city will test the next team of Federation leaders.

I have agreed to help the slate of nominees proposed by the Nominating Committee in whatever way they most need me. I believe this slate represents the best effort at balancing the historic and geographic concerns of our member organizations. They also represent a commitment to working in closer partnership with our sister Federation of Civic Associations, in furtherance of the goals we share.

Because I believe in that process, I will not agree to support -- or be part of -- any competing slate of candidates. This election, with competition for many offices offers a chance to set the future direction of the Federation.

I welcome all those whose energies are much needed to join us in the arena. I It promises to be a most interesting meeting.

Key to neighborhood stability are viable public schools. On page 7 there is a description of a process for public debate on the future of our schools. It is not a process designed to undermine the elected school board or to replace it. It is a process intended to sort out the responsibilities for improved public schools for all the District's children. With a recent report indicating that as many as a third of the District's high school students drop out, there is no time to waste. Federation association members who want to be part of that process should let me know of their interest so they can be included in the forum participants.

My warmest regards -- and gratitude for what we've been able to do together.

Barbara Zartman

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ANC legislation aimed at reforms: Catania bill addresses many criticisms

Many voices have called for ANC reform in recent years, with Congress threatening to cut off all funds completely. The Federation joined those voices that sought reforms, strengthening, and support for accountable ANC operations.

In the past year, Councilman Councilmember David Catania, Chair of the Committee on Local and Regional Affairs, has assumed responsibility on Council for ANC operations and has provided initial rounds of training and support for ANCs.

Just released is Catania's draft legislation for further ANC reform, sure to be the topic of extensive discussion in neighborhoods and among Councilmembers.

The sources for many early criticisms misuse of grant funds, improper gifts to ANC members, and unaccountable ANC members have been addressed in the draft legislation.

Specifically, changes included in the bill cover the following ANC restraints:

• ANCs will not be able to receive outside funds without specific authorization by City Council.
• ANCs will no longer be able to make grants to community organizations and charities.
• ANCs will have to address Audit recommendations within 90 days of issuance.
• City Council will have the authority to suspend the activities of a nonfunctioning ANC.
• Citizens also get further powers to compel performance from their ANCs:

Citizens (or the Commission) may petition for a seat to be declared vacant after a commissioner fails to attend at least 4 regularly scheduled meetings in a calendar year.

Yet, the bill balances this greater accountability for ANCs with greater ANC authority. With passage of this measure:

• ANCs recommendations will be strengthened through new definitions of "great weight" — and new rules that agencies must follow in considering those ANC recommendations.
• Both the ANC and the individual single-member district commissioner will be entitled to 45 days' notice of all government actions.

Further, ANCs will be freed of some administrative demands, such as filing annual reports and living with a miniscule limit on petty cash funds.

Prohibitions on use of ANC funds for minimal commissioner training have been removed, along with the prohibition against using ANC funds to purchase property liability insurance for ANC equipment.

Moreover, there will be an Office of ANCs to provide support for the unpaid, voluntary commissions.

The Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions is intended to provide technical, administrative, and financial reporting assistance to ANCs.

It would be headed by an Executive Director nominated by the Mayor and approved by the Council. Two thirds of the ANCs by resolution could create a "no confidence" majority to recommend replacement of the Executive Director.

Council will be considering this legislation during the fall session. Much discussion is likely to accompany consideration of this legislation.

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New group to focus on schools' future: Governance for Effective Public Education forums set

Transitions in leadership of the District's public schools will occur shortly:

• the Control Board is due to turn control back to the elected school board in June of the year 2000,
• a new Council Education (Chair, Kevin Chavous, will hold eight public hearings about the future of District schools
• the next Mayoral budget proposal, and Council's response, are expected to focus considerable attention on public schools, and
• the next cycle of school board elections are expected to be very competitive, with a large field of candidates.

In order to seize the moment, and make this time of change the most productive it can be, a broad based group of interested organizations has been called together by D.C. Agenda.

D.C. Agenda is the group that sponsored a series of forums on governance two years ago widely believed to have formed the framework for the Clinton Administration bail-out program for D.C.

The Task Force will sponsor a series of forums outlined below, geared to participation by parents, community leaders, the education community, and business leadership.

Steering Committee members have been drawn from both Federations, from the Appleseed Center, from Parents United and the Washington Teachers' Union and the PTAs, as well as from the Chamber of Commerce and the Federal City Council.

The Federation will be asked to endorse the series of forums and to participate in the events.

Governance for Effective Public Education Forum Series

I. Setting the Stage: An Overview of Governance Effects on Public Education and a Review of the DC Reform Agenda (October): National and local perspectives ... the Charter's treatment of the Board of Education ... the views of current leadership

II. Governance Options: The Appleseed Center Report (November): A review of the findings of this important: report

III. Experience of Other Cities: What Works? What Doesn't? (November): Representatives of cities where school governance reforms have been tried

IV. Views of Public Officials: What have we learned? (December): The Mayor, Council Chair, Control Board Chair, Congressional Delegate

V. Findings, Conclusions, Recommendations (January): What the community sees as a the best future options for the District's public schools.

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Future Federation Assembly Meeting Dates

The Sumner School has reserved the following dates for the Federation's Assembly meetings. Each will begin at 7 p.m. at the School and Museum, which is at 1201 Seventeenth Street, at the corner of M Street, N.W.

Tuesday, October 26
Tuesday, November 23
Tuesday, January 25
Tuesday, February 22
Tuesday, March 28
Tuesday, April 25
Tuesday, May 23
Tuesday, June 27.

There will be a holiday luncheon in December, and either the April or May date will be replaced with our annual banquet at Fort McNair.