DSNA Meeting Minutes: April 2025

CALL TO ORDER: 7:08 PM

ATTENDANCE/INTRODUCTION QUESTION (KITTENS OR PUPPIES): Thomas Stellini, Sky Jacobs, Jacob Hardy, Kiana Necoechea, Dustin Daley, Police Officers Kirsten.Hinthorn@tucsonaz.gov and Jack.Julsing@tucsonaz.gov, Jazlin Ladriere ( jazlin.ladriere@pima.gov Ward 5), Glenn Liddeke, Natasha Winnik, Karen Greene

CHANGES/APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH’S MINUTES: March minutes approved (9-0).

TREASURER’S REPORT: $469.28 (no change).

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (external and internal)

• April 29 Community swear-in of Pima County District 5 Andres Canoat historic courthouse 5:30-6:30 music and food
• Originate Art Opening Friday, April 25th 5:30-7pm Elana Bloom mixed media landscape
• Library: Desert Streams is accepting music exhibitions until April 30 ($250 + page), Swap Stories with Strangers Sunday, April 27 1:30-2:30, Coalition Space
• Karen is hosting a fundraiser Tucson Loves AltaDena for musicians who lost their instruments in the LA fire – Miss Olivia and the Interlopers, May, 3rd from 5-10 pm at the MSA Annex. $10 suggested donation.
   

OLD BUSINESS

a. Liquor license for Shell Station at the corner of Speedway and Main was denied by City, but now the request moves to State Board; Shell replaced lawyer and requested for an OAH hearing to be decided by a judge, who will make a recommendation to the Liquor Board. Eight people showed up from the neighborhood to present reasons for denying the license (everyone impressed by so much active support), and the hearing was continued to June 5th. Officer Julsing is willing to contact the Salvation Army for their support. Community Food Bank (Caridad Kitchen) does not want to submit a letter.

b. Moved, seconded and voted to write a letter requesting the Tucson Police Department to write a letter stating that they are against a liquor license for the Shell Station at Main & Speedway.

c. Moved, seconded, and voted that Sky Jacobs be reimbursed $48.51 for three years of the domain website. (9-0)

VISITING POLICE OFFICERS

Natasha brought up the issue concerning a dog at large from a homeless person (unleashed) who has bitten a neighbor's dog at the corner of 10th Avenue & 1st Street. Then the homeless person punched the neighbor in the mouth as he tried to get the dog off his dog. Officer suggested having PACC get involved and take pictures. PACC can support homeless owners with resources.

Officer Julsing said that we should report property crimes and suspicious activity online (or go into the station) because of understaffing and added workload. It will add to the data and help address circumstances,s although it might take some time to address it.  Trespassing is a more serious crime.

There was a question of whether closing Santa Rita Park would affect the houseless population in our neighborhood. The law is that no one can camp overnight at parks. The City is trying to provide more housing for those over 65 and those with mental needs. Community Safety and Wellness tries to do three weeks of outreach before parks get closed.

Officer Julsing runs the downtown district, so he will get involved in issues in Sector 8. They are doing a lot of good work, such as trying to close Congress Street at night for pedestrians only; they have cameras in play to address crime concerns. Captain Lauren Petty is very hard-working, and this sector has the highest ratio of officers in the City. We have gotten a lot of people into housing, and we are working hard on more.

The next Division Advisory Committee meeting for the Operation Division West Command staff is May 21st at 6:00pm located at the police substation 1310 W Miracle Mile. Please RSVP with Kirsten.Hinthorn@tucsonaz.gov. This is a great opportunity to meet with our division's leadership and ask any questions, or just sit and listen to some great information.

NEW BUSINESS

Elections Nomination Slate (all approved 9-0)

• President: Thomas Stellini (Writes letters, contacts Ward and other government Offices, sets up sub-committees)
• Vice President: Kiana Necoechea
• Secretary: Dustin Daley (takes and distributes notes, newsletter)
• Treasurer: Natasha Winnik
• Parliamentarian: Christy Stewart (runs meetings)
   

REPORT FROM THE FIELD

a. Downtown Links: we requested a quarterly report; they agreed
b. DNARC (Downtown Neighborhoods and Residents Committee):
c. Dunbar Coalition: We need to get in touch with them and suggest the need for a representative
d. HFAC (Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition): presentation two weeks ago
about improvement plan for North 4th Avenue, been in planning since 2021; looking for more board members
e. Stone/Speedway: HUD funds have disappeared for affordable housing
f. Splinter Collective:
g. WAMO (Warehouse Arts Management Organization): we need a rep

FOR THE GOOD OF THE CAUSE

a. discussed fund-raising, for instance, for Google Meet yearly fee, beyond donations
b. Let’s try to contact Ward 1 to attend a meeting; Participatory Budgeting voting! Speak up!
c. We should take advantage of two rollaways per year from City; always get filled up
d. Suggested “Dunbar Market” that could involve everyone to sell crafts, yard sale, plants, music, and baked goods. GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!!

ADJOURN 8:21 PM