The guest speaker and other guests were introduced and the 2009 RMCC Officers were announced.

There were no previous meeting minutes since the last meeting was “National Night Out.”

Michelle Wolpert was recognized for her service to the neighborhood as Treasurer and organizer of Wine Tasting and Book Club groups.

Phyllis discussed having a membership drive to get more residents within Rice Military signed up as a part of the civic club.

Tree Planting on Westcott:  Phyllis indicated that we were working with Crestwood Subdivision to provide trees along Westcott through donations received as a part of National Night Out.  She mentioned that the area along Westcott south of Feagan is not available to RMCC for planting and that there is discussion about utilizing a triangular piece of right-of-way near Westcott and Cohn Street.

There was discussion regarding the Washington Avenue quiet zone.  Phyllis indicated that there will be a meeting at the City of Houston to determine where the next quiet zones will be and requested that those available attend a “pop-off” on January 27, 2009 at City Hall to show their support for having a quiet zone along Washington Avenue.

Proliferation of Bars on Washington Avenue:  Phyllis indicated that one bar has received approval for their liquor license (5102 Washington), one has applied (5110 Washington), the remaining ones have not submitted applications yet (5120, 5317 Washington).

Phyllis relayed information regarding crime statistics within the Rice Military boundaries that she received from Office Carol Trautwein of the City of Houston Police Department.  Once again, crime was generally down from the same time period last year.

Guest Speakers: Jane Cahill West (OSW) and Tom Dornbusch (SN22/Woodcrest) presented information regarding making Washington Avenue a “World Class Corridor.”

RMCC will have a “Hoopla Station” on Memorial on Sunday January 18, 2009 during the marathon.  All were invited to attend.

The next RMCC social will be on February 2, 2009 at Zushi.

Wendy indicated that the next newsletter will publish in March and that a request for articles will go out the first week of February.

The Roundabout Native Grasses and Environmental Cleanup activity will be on March 7, 2009 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

“Catch the WAve!” will be on March 7, 2009 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm in places along Washington Avenue and in Spotts Park.  More information will be added to the website as it becomes available.

Some attendees at the meeting expressed interest in creating a TIRZ to provide for sidewalks and curb and gutters along certain streets within the Rice Military boundaries.