Thursday, December 6, 2007
RAIN GARDEN PLANTING
On November 16th, staff from PBPRA, DDOE, and DPR worked with students from the Anacostia High School to plant the 4 bioretention cells along M Place SE. The planting went forward despite the chilly tempatures. Thanks to all who came out to help or just observe the commotion.
Monday, October 29, 2007
November 1st meeting
same place, same time. hope to see some new faces at this meeting.
6-7:30 at Penn Ave Baptist Church
6-7:30 at Penn Ave Baptist Church
Thursday, October 25, 2007
October Meeting Minutes
Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
October 4, 2007 Meeting Minutes
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church
3000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20020
Attendance
Joseph Glover, Chair jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Julie Rones jrones_2000@yahoo.com
Jesse Rounds, DPR jesse.rounds@dc.gov
Peter Hill, DPR peter.hill@dc.gov
Mike Thorstenson, DCWASA michael.thorstenson@dcwasa.com
Introductions
Approval of October Agenda – Passed
Approval of September Minutes – Passed
Stream Restoration & Sewer Rehabilitation Pope Branch Project
Design Alternative Technical Memorandum submitted by Black & Veatch
i. Distributed amongst DCWASA, DPR and DDOE on 10-3-07
ii. Currently being reviewed by DCWASA, DPR and DDOE
iii. Provides concept level designs for stream restoration and sewer rehab components – no details
iv. Outlines opinion of probable construction cost (OPCC) for both sewer and stream restoration
Schedule Update
i. Black & Veatch is on hold pending agreement from the MOU agencies as to direction / approach following DATM
ii. Assuming Black & Veatch is provided direction in 30 days, Final Designs expected April 2007
iii. DATM raised ancillary issues that may extend design time
Issues
i. Initial OPCC by Black & Veatch greater than anticipated
1. Questions regarding estimate computation
2. Cost saving options being explored
a. Expected with this submittal (DATM)
ii. Stream Restoration Details
1. DATM was vague regarding certain details and being clarified week of Oct 8th
Involvement
i. Public involvement limited to this point, anticipate greater role as design proceeds past this stage
ii. J. Glover requesting electronic copy of documents previously supplied by WASA
Rain Gardens – DDOE / DPR
Schedule proceeding in permitting stages
i. DDOE agreed to provide and pay for a water source that will be used to maintain the rain gardens on M Place
After DDOE receives signed plans from DPR, it will organize a kick-off planting event to recognize the crucial partnership established amongst the agencies and PBPRA
Branch Ave. Culvert Repair – DDOT (not present)
Copy of Final Designs provided to J. Glover
i. DCWASA & design team previously provided information to assist in design
Culvert project already advertised (not certain on bid date)
Culvert project will have completed or nearing completion when stream restoration project is starting
Public Outreach – Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club
Having trouble getting people involved, key questions to answer
i. Why is it important? How does this affect them?
ii. What’s involved? What needs to be done?
2 Options
i. Go to other agency/ ANC meetings and present / recruit?
ii. Advertise and get people to attend this meeting?
iii. Consensus for better result is to go to the other meetings.
Example of good outreach: Watershed Summit
i. Presentation by Irv Sheffey highlighting Pope Branch
Requesting any photos available from any MOU agency & Black & Veatch
i. WASA will request that photos be supplied to addresses provided (Irv Sheffey, Joseph Glover)
Next Meeting – November 1, 2007 at 6pm at same location
Minutes taken by Mr. Mike Thorstenson, DCWASA
We thank Mr. Thorstenson for a fine job.
If you have questions or concerns; please E-mail them to Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA.
Joseph A. Glover, Chair Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA)
October 4, 2007 Meeting Minutes
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church
3000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20020
Attendance
Joseph Glover, Chair jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Julie Rones jrones_2000@yahoo.com
Jesse Rounds, DPR jesse.rounds@dc.gov
Peter Hill, DPR peter.hill@dc.gov
Mike Thorstenson, DCWASA michael.thorstenson@dcwasa.com
Introductions
Approval of October Agenda – Passed
Approval of September Minutes – Passed
Stream Restoration & Sewer Rehabilitation Pope Branch Project
Design Alternative Technical Memorandum submitted by Black & Veatch
i. Distributed amongst DCWASA, DPR and DDOE on 10-3-07
ii. Currently being reviewed by DCWASA, DPR and DDOE
iii. Provides concept level designs for stream restoration and sewer rehab components – no details
iv. Outlines opinion of probable construction cost (OPCC) for both sewer and stream restoration
Schedule Update
i. Black & Veatch is on hold pending agreement from the MOU agencies as to direction / approach following DATM
ii. Assuming Black & Veatch is provided direction in 30 days, Final Designs expected April 2007
iii. DATM raised ancillary issues that may extend design time
Issues
i. Initial OPCC by Black & Veatch greater than anticipated
1. Questions regarding estimate computation
2. Cost saving options being explored
a. Expected with this submittal (DATM)
ii. Stream Restoration Details
1. DATM was vague regarding certain details and being clarified week of Oct 8th
Involvement
i. Public involvement limited to this point, anticipate greater role as design proceeds past this stage
ii. J. Glover requesting electronic copy of documents previously supplied by WASA
Rain Gardens – DDOE / DPR
Schedule proceeding in permitting stages
i. DDOE agreed to provide and pay for a water source that will be used to maintain the rain gardens on M Place
After DDOE receives signed plans from DPR, it will organize a kick-off planting event to recognize the crucial partnership established amongst the agencies and PBPRA
Branch Ave. Culvert Repair – DDOT (not present)
Copy of Final Designs provided to J. Glover
i. DCWASA & design team previously provided information to assist in design
Culvert project already advertised (not certain on bid date)
Culvert project will have completed or nearing completion when stream restoration project is starting
Public Outreach – Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club
Having trouble getting people involved, key questions to answer
i. Why is it important? How does this affect them?
ii. What’s involved? What needs to be done?
2 Options
i. Go to other agency/ ANC meetings and present / recruit?
ii. Advertise and get people to attend this meeting?
iii. Consensus for better result is to go to the other meetings.
Example of good outreach: Watershed Summit
i. Presentation by Irv Sheffey highlighting Pope Branch
Requesting any photos available from any MOU agency & Black & Veatch
i. WASA will request that photos be supplied to addresses provided (Irv Sheffey, Joseph Glover)
Next Meeting – November 1, 2007 at 6pm at same location
Minutes taken by Mr. Mike Thorstenson, DCWASA
We thank Mr. Thorstenson for a fine job.
If you have questions or concerns; please E-mail them to Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA.
Joseph A. Glover, Chair Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA)
Monday, October 1, 2007
October 4th monthly meeting REMINDER
Hello all residents of, friends of, associates of the Pope Branch watershed. We will be meeting at our regular time - that's THURSDAY 10/4/07 AT 18:00 HRS.. OR 6:00pm in the Penn Ave. Baptist Church basement.
Agenda items will include the rain garden kickoff event, news on the stream restoration designs, and general updates from all of the stakeholders. Hope you can make it.
Agenda items will include the rain garden kickoff event, news on the stream restoration designs, and general updates from all of the stakeholders. Hope you can make it.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Sept Meeting
Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
September 6, 2007 Meeting minutes
In attendance:
Joseph Glover, chair 202-581-1214 jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Gail Benjamin, DPR gail.benjamin@dc.gov
Trinh Doan, DDOE 202-535-1653 patricia.doan@dc.gov
Tom Arrasmith, AWCAC thomas.arrasmith@verizon.net
Barry Lucas, DWASA blucas@dcwasa.com
Julie Rones, jrones_2000@yahoo.com
Dennis Chestnut, Marvin Gaye Park dchestn@msn.com
Action Items/Agenda:
(1) Agency Reports
(2) Outreach – recruitment for governance maintenance on Pope Branch Park.
(3) Watts Branch interests
Agency Status Reports
DDOE: (T. Doan)
- Contractor, Black & Vetch (B&V) is on schedule for designing alternative technical memo. There may be one or two months turn around on DATM approval of alternative.
DCWASA: (B. Lucas)
- B&V is performing the necessary background information. They have found that there are erosion along the stream bank. B&V will develop a topo map to evaluate the slope. , surveying, geological mapping, and WASA record drawing search to identify potential design alternatives for both the stream restoration and the sewer rehabilitation.
September 27, B&V is when the design alternate memorandum plan will be submitted from B&V. The MOU will have a public meeting.
- On March 2008, the design will be up for bids. It will be sent to full board of directors. Public meetings. Three agencies will view and approve or reject the project. There will be a press release by end of October on the design.
DDPR: (G. Benjamin)
- The MOU for installing a rain garden signed, and the project is ready to proceed.
No updates on the walking trail of Pope Branch. (Refer to Jesse Rounds)
DDOT: DDOT has monthly meetings with Anacostia Watershed Initiatives, with various agencies and contactrators to focus on the waterfront restorations.
Outreach and Education for Pope Branch areas: (I. Sheffey)
- As part of the publicity & outreach efforts, PBPRA would like to conduct a “virtual brainstorming” session. An e-mail will come out with a list of ideas. An individual will “reply all” with more ideas. Irv Sheffy I. Sheffey will oversee the flow of emails and will compile all the suggestions into a master list. Some suggested ideas already are: (1) go door to door to homes along the creek; ask neighbors what they would like to see happen in and around Pope Branch Park. (2) Conduct a poll. (3) Ask neighbors to adopt-a-spot with the park to keep clean and free of invasive plants. (4) Host a community cook out; celebrate the park. (5) Post signs along the edges of the park informing the community that “we all live in a watershed”; create ownership. ect…
Watts Branch interest: (D. Chestnut)
- Watts Branch has a grant from DDOE to work on bank restoration, just like Pope Branch Park, but much larger.
- The fund uses to replace to old bridge to build a new pedestrian bridge on 42nd Street and Hunt Place, NE.
- The trail on Watts Branch Park will be completed in Jan. 08. DSWASA and DDOT are building and supporting the trail project. Other restoration projects include to develop a pervious surface parking lot, rain gardens and a river crossing for alignment. Watts needs an MOU from WASA to continue. PBPRA advise Watts Branch to seek partnership with DPR in install rain gardens and LID practices.
Announcements: (all)
- Correction from last minute: Casey Trees’ “Project Slurp” is an educational service on stormwater runoff. DDOE (Trinh) provides supplies and assistance on the Storm Drain Marker installation project.
- Allison Fisher, coordinator of the Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light is seeking a part-time internship, $12/hr. Please recommend.
- Brendan Shane, formerly with Anacostia Waterfront Corporation is now working for District Dept. of the Environment as a financial advisor for the DDOE director.
- Anacostia Waterfront Citizens Advisory advises DC to increase stream stewardship by installing floating docks. In MD, National Capital of Public & Planning with AWS, installed a floating dock by the US Arboretum. DDOE approved the project with collaboration from various organizations. T. Arrasmith advises the organizations to build constituencies for budgeting competitiveness, convince congressional delegation to save the environment.
- DC License Tag initiative: ““No taxation without representation” or “Save the Anacostia”. Concilmember Jim Graham is heavy on green cars. MD has adopted CA car standards, DC should follow.
- October 22, 2007: Councilmen hearing on green business development.
- Ward 7 has a new green high school, TC William HS that is obtaining an LEED grade for underground water system. An initiative calls for all new DC buildings will be LEED building.
Next meeting: Thursday – October 4, 2007. 6:30- 7:30 P.M.
September 6, 2007 Meeting minutes
In attendance:
Joseph Glover, chair 202-581-1214 jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Gail Benjamin, DPR gail.benjamin@dc.gov
Trinh Doan, DDOE 202-535-1653 patricia.doan@dc.gov
Tom Arrasmith, AWCAC thomas.arrasmith@verizon.net
Barry Lucas, DWASA blucas@dcwasa.com
Julie Rones, jrones_2000@yahoo.com
Dennis Chestnut, Marvin Gaye Park dchestn@msn.com
Action Items/Agenda:
(1) Agency Reports
(2) Outreach – recruitment for governance maintenance on Pope Branch Park.
(3) Watts Branch interests
Agency Status Reports
DDOE: (T. Doan)
- Contractor, Black & Vetch (B&V) is on schedule for designing alternative technical memo. There may be one or two months turn around on DATM approval of alternative.
DCWASA: (B. Lucas)
- B&V is performing the necessary background information. They have found that there are erosion along the stream bank. B&V will develop a topo map to evaluate the slope. , surveying, geological mapping, and WASA record drawing search to identify potential design alternatives for both the stream restoration and the sewer rehabilitation.
September 27, B&V is when the design alternate memorandum plan will be submitted from B&V. The MOU will have a public meeting.
- On March 2008, the design will be up for bids. It will be sent to full board of directors. Public meetings. Three agencies will view and approve or reject the project. There will be a press release by end of October on the design.
DDPR: (G. Benjamin)
- The MOU for installing a rain garden signed, and the project is ready to proceed.
No updates on the walking trail of Pope Branch. (Refer to Jesse Rounds)
DDOT: DDOT has monthly meetings with Anacostia Watershed Initiatives, with various agencies and contactrators to focus on the waterfront restorations.
Outreach and Education for Pope Branch areas: (I. Sheffey)
- As part of the publicity & outreach efforts, PBPRA would like to conduct a “virtual brainstorming” session. An e-mail will come out with a list of ideas. An individual will “reply all” with more ideas. Irv Sheffy I. Sheffey will oversee the flow of emails and will compile all the suggestions into a master list. Some suggested ideas already are: (1) go door to door to homes along the creek; ask neighbors what they would like to see happen in and around Pope Branch Park. (2) Conduct a poll. (3) Ask neighbors to adopt-a-spot with the park to keep clean and free of invasive plants. (4) Host a community cook out; celebrate the park. (5) Post signs along the edges of the park informing the community that “we all live in a watershed”; create ownership. ect…
Watts Branch interest: (D. Chestnut)
- Watts Branch has a grant from DDOE to work on bank restoration, just like Pope Branch Park, but much larger.
- The fund uses to replace to old bridge to build a new pedestrian bridge on 42nd Street and Hunt Place, NE.
- The trail on Watts Branch Park will be completed in Jan. 08. DSWASA and DDOT are building and supporting the trail project. Other restoration projects include to develop a pervious surface parking lot, rain gardens and a river crossing for alignment. Watts needs an MOU from WASA to continue. PBPRA advise Watts Branch to seek partnership with DPR in install rain gardens and LID practices.
Announcements: (all)
- Correction from last minute: Casey Trees’ “Project Slurp” is an educational service on stormwater runoff. DDOE (Trinh) provides supplies and assistance on the Storm Drain Marker installation project.
- Allison Fisher, coordinator of the Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light is seeking a part-time internship, $12/hr. Please recommend.
- Brendan Shane, formerly with Anacostia Waterfront Corporation is now working for District Dept. of the Environment as a financial advisor for the DDOE director.
- Anacostia Waterfront Citizens Advisory advises DC to increase stream stewardship by installing floating docks. In MD, National Capital of Public & Planning with AWS, installed a floating dock by the US Arboretum. DDOE approved the project with collaboration from various organizations. T. Arrasmith advises the organizations to build constituencies for budgeting competitiveness, convince congressional delegation to save the environment.
- DC License Tag initiative: ““No taxation without representation” or “Save the Anacostia”. Concilmember Jim Graham is heavy on green cars. MD has adopted CA car standards, DC should follow.
- October 22, 2007: Councilmen hearing on green business development.
- Ward 7 has a new green high school, TC William HS that is obtaining an LEED grade for underground water system. An initiative calls for all new DC buildings will be LEED building.
Next meeting: Thursday – October 4, 2007. 6:30- 7:30 P.M.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
A Friendly Reminder
THIS IS A FRIENDLY REMINDER!!!!
Our Scheduled September Meeting of the Alliance is Thursday September 06, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at our usual location "The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church located at 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020".
The Design Team of Black and Veatch (B&V) continue to be present in and around Pope Branch Park in pursuit of designing the project.
PBPRA request September reports from the following agency representatives:
- Mr. Berry Lucas and or Mr. Michael Thorstenson, DCWASA – Please provide your written monthly report on the status of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project for September.
- Ms. Gale Benjamin, DDPR – Please provide a written update on the Status of the Draft agreement between DDPR and the PBPRA to maintain rain gardens in Pope Branch Park
- Mr. Jesse Rounds, DDPR - please provide a written update on the Trails Project in the Pope Branch Park.
- Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT - Please provide a written report on the culvert repair project in Pope Branch Park. Also, provide a copy of the MOU, Task Order and Project Design.
- Mr. Peter Hill and or Trinh Doan, DDOE – Please provide a written report on the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project from your prospective.
Thanks to each of you in advance for your assistance. We look forward to receiving your reports and to seeing you on Thursday evening (9/6/07).
If you have questions or would like to communicate on issues regarding this project, please contact Joseph Glover at the following email address jagbfree@comcast.net.
Blessings to all,
Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA
Our Scheduled September Meeting of the Alliance is Thursday September 06, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at our usual location "The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church located at 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020".
The Design Team of Black and Veatch (B&V) continue to be present in and around Pope Branch Park in pursuit of designing the project.
PBPRA request September reports from the following agency representatives:
- Mr. Berry Lucas and or Mr. Michael Thorstenson, DCWASA – Please provide your written monthly report on the status of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project for September.
- Ms. Gale Benjamin, DDPR – Please provide a written update on the Status of the Draft agreement between DDPR and the PBPRA to maintain rain gardens in Pope Branch Park
- Mr. Jesse Rounds, DDPR - please provide a written update on the Trails Project in the Pope Branch Park.
- Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT - Please provide a written report on the culvert repair project in Pope Branch Park. Also, provide a copy of the MOU, Task Order and Project Design.
- Mr. Peter Hill and or Trinh Doan, DDOE – Please provide a written report on the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project from your prospective.
Thanks to each of you in advance for your assistance. We look forward to receiving your reports and to seeing you on Thursday evening (9/6/07).
If you have questions or would like to communicate on issues regarding this project, please contact Joseph Glover at the following email address jagbfree@comcast.net.
Blessings to all,
Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA
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