Ingersoll Park Neighborhood Association

Meeting Minutes - September 2007

Oct 08, 2007

IPNA Meeting Minutes for September 2007

First Order of Business: Energy Audits
Speaker: Ron Bugenhagen ?– Mid American Energy

The IPNA Housewarming Project is a project to improve energy efficiency in our homes. Mid American Energy consultant Ron Bugenhagen came to speak to us about Mid American?’s free energy audit and what it encompasses.
Last year Mid American Energy performed 1,400 home visits in Iowa with approximately 300-500 commercial visits. To set up an appointment for your free energy audit jus set up an appointment. When an auditor comes to your house, he will bring the last 12 months of your energy usage and compare it to an energy efficient house. Your house must be at least 10 years old to receive an audit. The Auditor will look at the age of your furnace (you should replace your filter once a month) and your water heater (should replace it every 20 years and make sure the top 6ft of water is insulated). Your water heater only needs be set to 120 degrees. The Auditor will also check your dishwasher and other appliances (dryer ?– check the venting). They will check your rim-joist insulation and all of your windows starting with your basement windows. It does take approximately 25 years if energy savings to pay for new windows. They will check your fireplace if you have one, a wood-burning fireplace is 10% efficient while a gas fireplace is about 70% efficient. They will also check the amount of insulation you have in your house. The grade of insulation you have should be at least R40. If you do not have this grade, Mid American Energy has a program that will give you a rebate of 70% of cost or up to $600 to replace your insulation. This rebate applies to your homes basement, walls and attic.


Second Order of Business: Roosevelt Cultural District
Speakers: Rob McCullough, Tim Schott and Bob Gernes

The Roosevelt Cultural District is bordered by the streets of Polk Blvd, Crocker, the east side of 41st street and I235. A Cultural District is an area that includes art and culture in the area and provides tax credits for businesses in the area. They also get a sign on I235. This is a state level designation.
The Roosevelt Cultural District Vision Committee has developed some ideas on how to improve the area. Mike Simenson has also been helping with the project. The Vision Committee is taking their ideas out to all of the neighborhoods to get input from them. Some of their ideas include: Adding traffic lights at the corner of 42nd and Crocker with a turning lane. They would like to create a new curve on Crocker and with back-angle parking spaces on Chamberlain. They would like to take 42nd street down to 3 lanes and add a right-turn on Rollins (one way) with back-angle parking spots there as well. They would like to add some new trees and possibly some public art if possible. They will need to have fund raisers for the trees and public art. The committee is taking public comment until the end of October and then will go back to the city council thru community planning. This may be part of a 5 year plan. (Capital Improvement) Would like approval and a written endorsement from the IPNA Board.



Third Order of Business: Des Moines Marathon
Speaker: Chris Birch

The Des Moines Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 21st. It will begin at Nolan Plaza at 8am. Mile 7 of the race will be through the IPNA neighborhood at the ?“Harwood Loop?”. They are expecting approximately 1,100 runners and 200 walkers to pass through the IPNA neighborhood between 9 ?– 11am. Emergency no parking signs will begin to be put up the Thursday before the Marathon. We will need to work with our Neighbors on Bradway who park in the street to be sure their cars aren?’t towed. If you are located on the path of the race and you need to leave during the race you will need to work with the DSM PD traffic direction. They would like to set up water stations in the neighborhood and are looking for volunteers to help. If you would like to volunteer to work at a water station or to be a course marshal, please contact David Deforest-Colvig. You can find more information about the marathon at: desmoinesmarathon.com.


Fourth Order of Business: Miscellaneous Items
Speaker: David De Forest Colvig

Freeway Clean-up:
Freeway Clean-up is this Saturday, September 15th, from 8 to 10 am. All volunteers will need to meet at the Roosevelt South Parking lot or go directly down to the green-space. Everyone will be provided and orange vest, no one under the age of 14 is allowed to help. You can bring your own equipment.

Pumpkin Carving Party:
Pumpkin Carving party is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th (rain-date is October 27th, same time, same place) from 1 to 3 pm on the Harwood/Bradway traffic triangle. Children must be 11 years old or younger and must be accompanied by a parent. Each child will be provided with 1 pumpkin to be carved or painted as they wish. Refreshments will also be provided. Both pumpkins and refreshments will be first-come, first-served, and will be available only as supplies last. Remainder pumpkins will be decorated and placed on the neighborhood islands on Beggar?’s night.

Beautification Committee:
This year?’s Beautification Committee members are Kevin Edwards, Dixie Hoekman, Britgne Lucas and Mark Kane. The committee does have a budget to start with that includes the budget left from the last beautification project which is in the possession of Mike Brown and Chris Donaldson. One of the focuses of this year?’s committee will be the traffic circle at the corner of Harwood and 44th street.

Holiday Walk:
The Annual Holiday Walk will take place this year on Sunday December 9th. One or two host homes are desperately needed. Please contact Dave DeForest Colvig at 255-9058 if you would be interested in holding your home open. More details will follow.