Archives for October 2004

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

October 13, 2004

Board Members Present:  Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Martha Ingram, Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Erik Lindseth, Ben Kristensen, David Motzenbecker, Dave Muschenheim, Mari O’ Rourke, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley

Others Present:  Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Sahlberg Hallstrom, Robyn Repya (Southwest Journal)

Meeting called to order:
Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

Community Forum:
None.

Secretary’s Report:
Linnes-Robinson agreed to e-mail to board members the final amount made at the Kingfield Festival, which will be less than $600 gross profit.  “Welch Companies” should be “Welsh Companies.”  Knowles moved to adopt the Secretary’s Report; motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Linnes-Robinson reported that the present audit of KFNA is “going fine;” results are expected in April 2005.  Lindseth moved to adopt the Treasurer’s Report; motion carried unanimously with the exception of Ingram’s abstention.

Committee Reports:
With regard to funds for the 40th Street Pedestrian Bridge (minutes 9/1/04), Wherley questioned the wisdom of approaching–and the likelihood of obtaining from–MnDOT mitigation funds tentatively allocated for replacement of the 38th Street Bridge.  Motzenbecker said that such state funds are ancillary, and should not be tied to MnDOT’s approval of the “iconic” pedestrian bridge design to ensure “continuity” with the 38th Street Bridge.

Saddoris suggested that portions of the pedestrian bridge project description (rev. 9/12/04) are “too firm” (e.g., the bridge represented MnDOT’s attempt to “pacify” the neighborhoods divided by 35W.)  Motzenbecker clarified that the project description is a draft in progress; “file it away.”  Knowles posited that “pacification is the truth.”

Hallstrom reported that the Pepitos site sold.

With regard to the redevelopment committee (minutes 9/28/04), Motzenbecker made the following corrections: “Kress” is not “Krass;” and “Theisen” is not “Tyson.”

Discussion Items:

Hallstrom Introductions:
Board members introduced themselves to KFNA’s new project organizer, Johanna Sahlberg Hallstrom.

Draft Kingfield Neighborhood Design and Development Guidelines:
Motzenbecker reported that the aforementioned guidelines are intended much as KFNA’s affordable housing guidelines.  They represent the “bonuses” available to developers who build here.  Knowles found the guidelines “succinct and straightforward,” and a “positive step” in defining appropriate re/development.  Dolata described them as “proactive, not reactive.”

Wherley questioned whether the guidelines would carry the same weight as the neighborhood plan.  Motzenbecker clarified that they would serve as an addendum to any completed master plan prepared in consultation with the city.  Dolata suggested that perhaps the guidelines could be adopted as part of the city plan, an idea of which Wherley approved because they would “carry more weight.”  Motzenbecker was not sure they could be so adopted.

Lindseth raised stylistic concerns, noting that the guidelines should consistently begin with verbs and that footnotes should be abolished since no one reads them.

Saddoris questioned whether the assertion in the guidelines that Kingfield is “safe” opens KFNA up to liability.  Lindseth suggested that a neighborhood’s assertion regarding the safety of its public space–which occurs all the time in government brochures–is different than a landlord’s assertion to a tenant regarding the safety of private, rented space.  Saddoris and O’Rourke each wondered whether the average reader would understand arcane terms of art such as “life cycle,” “grow homes,” and “supportive housing.”  Dolata defined such terms.  Johnson asked how developers will get copies of the guidelines.  Dolata, Motzenbecker and Muschenheim variously suggested posting on KFNA’s website, making them available to the city, placing them in literature racks outside the KFNA office, and distributing at Redevelopment Committee meetings.

Lindseth moved to postpone consideration of the guidelines (which he will edit) until the next board meeting, which motion carried unanimously.

Farmers Market Memorandum of Understanding:
Lindseth has prepared a draft Memorandum of Understanding to memorialize the agreement between Mulroy’s Body Shop and KFNA regarding use of Mulroy’s parking lot and utilities for the Farmer’s Market.  The MOU will be taken up at a later meeting.

Old Business

Nicollet Avenue Lighting Petition:
Linnes-Robinson reported that KFNA has obtained signatures representing about 2/3 of the necessary property along Nicollet.  Signatures are due by the end of October.  The owners of Ace Hardware and Mulroy’s may sign.  The Bishop of the Mormon Church supports the project, but the CFO is pulling back.  Linnes Robinson reported that city is in talks with Sears regarding redevelopment of the K-Mart site, which might impact Nicollet lighting.  Wherley queried whether the lights could include baffles to deflect light downward to mitigate light pollution.  According to Motzenbecker, Councilmember Dan Niziolek will address this issue in a task force.

Corridor Housing Initiative:
Motzenbecker reported that the Sept. 23 community forum was a “success,” with some 50 people in attendance.  CHI will schedule a wrap-up session in mid-November.

K-Mart Site:
Wherley reported that a consortium of city and neighborhood groups is examining the K-Mart site, now owned by Sears.  KFNA needs a representative, particularly because redevelopment of that site will impact corridor housing efforts.

New Business
Wherley reported that KFNA’s annual fundraiser letter will reach homes Nov. 1, and encouraged all board members to give.  Wherley also reported that the state is formally unveiling its plan for 35W bus-rapid transit (“BRT”) in December.  Wherley also reported that the city may file suit against the state for pushing ahead with the 35W-Crosstown Reconstruction Project if the city’s demands are not met.  Accordingly, KFNA’s efforts to find counsel for a potential suit are on hold.

Linnes-Robinson noted that Lyndale Avenue will be repaired in 2006 according to a citizen plan developed 4 years ago.  Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman will discuss the project at KFNA’s Dec. 8 meeting.

Linnes-Robinson and Wherley also noted that the Park Board is swamped with tree removal, and will continue to cut throughout the winter and inventory holes for new trees.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Erik Lindseth

KFNA Board Secretary–Sean Wherley
KFNA Board President–David Motzenbecker