All present at meeting introduced themselves. Kim Mosley, Interim President, introduced herself, as well as interim Vice President Brooke Edgecombe and interim Treasurer Charlene McCullers.
OUC representatives Wanda Gattison and Edward Washington shared how 911 and 311 calls are fielded. Ms. Gattison and Mr. Washington stated that agents must follow a script which meets national standards. The script they read is relevant to the type of phone call, and requires agents to ask specific questions once they confirm baseline information (who, what, when, where). This basic information is sent to dispatchers automatically, while agents may continue to ask follow-up questions. Mr. Washington indicated that DC receives 1.4 million 911 calls per year, with a 97% rate on calls being answered within three to five seconds. She indicated that 311 and 911 calls are answered at a state-of-the-art Unified Communications Center (UCC) located on the East Campus of the St. Elizabeth's Hospital site. The center, which opened in 2006, receives and processes calls to 911, 311, and the District's customer service line, 311. During major emergencies, the center becomes the District's Emergency Operations Center (Mayor's Command Center) and provides a central location for multiple agencies to address any variety of situations.
Charlene McCullers expressed a concern that she had after calling 911 to report that her car had been broken into (days before); 911 turned away the call, because the crime had already occurred. Ms. Gattison indicated that it is possible to ask to speak with a supervisor and file complaints. She indicated that to report a crime that has already occurred days before, you may call 311 instead of 911. Katrina asked if a caller to 911 needs to report an exact address to which Ms. Gattison explained that it is okay to identify a block, instead of an exact address. Ms. Gattison also recommended that citizens may learn more about weather-related emergencies, trash pick-up, traffic signals and other government updates by following the agency on Twitter @311DCGOV or 311.dc.gov.
Commissioner Pinkney updated the community on various topics. She discussed the current status of the Engine Company 12 (potential restaurant at 1626 North Capitol St., NW). Engine Company 12 was denied a liquor license by ABRA (DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration). The owner is appealing the ABRA decision. Pinkney stated that iGaming (The term iGaming is short for interactive or internet gaming. It typically refers to websites where players may wager money on games of skill or chance) has been approved in DC, and a portion of profits will go to DC wards that need it the most: wards five, seven, and eight. The amount of funds which each of these wards will receive will be approved by the DC Council. Pinkney stated that the bike lanes along the 200 block of R were not approved by DDOT (DC Department of Transportation) as of November 15. Pinkney shared that DC will be enacting a new redistricting plan containing six commissions, with six or seven single member districts in each.
Commissioner Clark updated the community on various topics. He discussed the NOMA West development, and announced that units at 329 Rhode Island Avenue will go on sale at the end of December, with retail going on sale in January 2012. Retail space at this location is only open to established business (not for first time business owners). DDOT will be repairing sidewalks in this area. In addition, bars and metal gates on Fourth St. NE storefronts will be removed to improve appearance. Tim Clark proposed that ECA work with him to provide seniors new trash cans using the funds designated to it from the NOMA West development (no decision by ECA membership or board has been made regarding this suggestion). Katrina recommended that residents demand to know from DC the life expectancy of these trash cans.
Officers Love and Henry shared information about crimes and police work in Eckington. They stated that there are five to seven cars which circulate in Eckington each day, each with two police officers. There are also three to four mountain bikes on the street at a time, every day. There haven't been any incident reports on the Metropolitan Branch Trail recently largely due to increased patrol work and the colder weather.
Eckington residents, veteran, new, and “in-between” [to the neighborhood], enjoyed a holiday celebration. ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti joined. [A few photos are available, thanks to Brooke.]
THANK YOU to BACIO PIZZERIA for DONATING TWELVE PIZZAS AND TWELVE SALADS to the meeting/holiday celebration! We greatly appreciate Atilla's (the owner of Bacio Pizzeria) generosity. Thank you to Edgewood resident and Maestro, Michael Henderson for joining us and performing holiday music on his keyboard! This musical contribution helped create a festive mood.
Election of officers for 2012 will take place at the Eckington Civic Association meeting on January 9, 2012 (location of meeting to be announced). To run for office or to vote for officers, one must be a paid member of the Eckington Civic Association. Annual dues are $9 per household, and $7 for senior citizens.
Caroline Platt, Recording Secretary
(The executive board of the Eckington Civic Association approved these minutes.)