The committee meeting was called to discuss a proposal coming from KFNA Staff to hold an informational table for school choice at the KFNA table at the Kingfield Holiday Farmers’ Market.  Some committee members felt this promotional opportunity should be used for Lyndale School only.  There was a feeling from many committee members that KFNA is not promoting Lyndale School strongly enough as the neighborhood’s guaranteed school.

Many committee members expressed their fears at neighbors not giving Lyndale School a fair look as an option by families.  According to Hoyt, “My biggest fear is people not looking beyond the front of the door.” 

KFNA Staff stated the problem she was hearing in the neighborhood was people feeling disenfranchised from the entire public school system.  She stated that she feels that encouraging families to look at all their options and not feel forced into any one would serve the larger goal of getting them reinvested no matter which school they attend.

Alexander stated that she felt that as a community our responsibility is to the local school.  If we were going to expand to promote all the educational options it should also include private. 

Staff restated the mission of the committee which was developed at the last meeting which is to   “advocate for youth and the schools they attend.”

There was debate that the support from the neighborhood association for Lyndale should be stronger than for other schools since historically the neighborhood had no neighborhood school, and now that it does it has a responsibility to support the neighborhood school.  Some committee members and Staff  disagreed with this and felt the neighborhood should support the schools that children attend, and this could be done alongside celebrating the new postion of Lyndale as a community school guarentee.

A discussion was held about information on the KFNA website.  Many wanted this to be used a promotional spot for Lyndale School.  Dankowski and Knych argued that information on all the school choices should be provided. Agreement was reached that Lyndale should be at the top with information about it as the community school choice for the neighborhood.  It should also include a link to the school.  Other information could include tour dates and a school button.  Other public schools would also be listed, however.  It was decided that high school should be included on the website too.  Please note that at the time of writing these minutes high school, information has not been put on the website yet.

Discussion was also held about the upcoming Holiday Farmers’ Market—the school committee stated that they had requested to be present at this final market.  This request was not reflected in the previous committee minutes, nor had staff recalled this request when she put forward the proposal for all schools to be present.  The committee reaffirmed they would like to be the group that staffed the table at this final market.  Although many felt that it should provide information exclusively on Lyndale since everyone in the neighborhood is aware of their school choices, the group agreed to making available information on all public school choices K-8 at the table also.

Linnes-Robinson said she had already pulled this information together for elementary school choices for Kingfield residents and it had been proofed by District staff.  She will expand it to include middle schools for the market. 

Committee members said that the Lyndale School Transition Team is working on marketing including info in newsletters, events, and open houses and tours and a school-led PR campaign for Lyndale; they asked how KFNA will support this marketing.  Staff responded that as with all groups, the school can request inclusion in email notices as events come up, but the newsletter is ready to go to print and another will not come out until March.  The current issue does contain a story on Lyndale School which announces and celebrates its new status as a community school guarantee for Kingfield.  There was strong interest from some committee members that KFNA play a stronger role in this marketing and a discussion was held on the difference of marketing for the school vs. community building at the school and the difference of promoting Lyndale School as the neighborhood school vs. promoting Lyndale School as one of the options.  No consensus was reached on the differences or the manner in which KFNA should be involved. 

There was a brief discussion about how the neighborhood association could assist with identifying and informing non-choosers about school options.  There was a discussion about marketing vs. disseminating information.  No next steps were indentified or committed to besides providing information for people to attend the choice fair held by the district DT on January 9. 

There was interest expressed by Bordon in investigating “safe routes to school” for the neighborhood.

A next meeting date was not decided on due to the impending holidays and staff’s over-committed schedule due to the project organizer hiring process.

Minutes provided by Linnes-Robinson, 12/1/09.

7:03 Meeting called to order by Chris Sur, President

Community Forum:
None present.  In absentia, Sarah Linnes-Robinson relayed the concerns of one neighbor regarding traffic at 39th &  Pleasant.  Linnes-Robinson contends that overall traffic calming measures need to be examined.  Saddoris asked if this was 35W-construction related, but Linnes-Robinson did not seem to think so. The Redevelopment Committee was determined to be the appropriate place to address some of these issues.  Scott Bordon commented that the easiest way to create safer streets is by increasing pedestrian usage, bringing up the discussion of “Safe Routes to School”, a national organization that promotes walking to school. 

Appointment of new Board Member:
Jeff Bajek & David Potosky have resigned from the board.  Alternate board member Alex Bauman appointed to the board by Sur.  Diana Schleisman, the other board alternate, has been notified about the additional vacancy.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson will follow up with her for December’s board meeting.

Secretary’s Report
November minutes:  Parent commended Bordon for the thoroughness and clarity of last month’s minutes.  Sur noticed several minor grammatical corrections which he will correct via e-mail with Linnes-Robinson.  Motion by Arthur: Approve minutes. Second: DeParde.  Unanimous (Sur abstains).
September minutes:  Motion by Arthur: Approve September minutes with notation that all votes recorded in minutes are accurate, but records of whom voted which way have been lost. Second: DeParde. Unanimous (Sur abstains).

New Business:

Approval of Direct Mail Letter:
JobyLynn moves approval.  Second: DeParde.  Unanimous (Sur abstains).

Project Organizer Hiring:
Linnes-Robinson reviewed 23 potential candidates, brought 7 to the Executive Committee for review.  Three candidates were interviewed.  The board approved an offer to the strongest candidate.  If she declines, an offer may be made to the secondary candidate.

Review of Publicity & KFNA’s role re: School Choice:
Sur recapped that issue came up at Youth & Schools Committee (YSC) meeting last night, as the broad scope of the Committee, particularly in this time of Changing School Options, dictates a fair amount of information distribution.  There are some concerns about whether this information should be coming from the neighborhood, whether it represents a particular agenda (pro-Community School v. general information).

Knowles thinks the two different articles slated for the Kingfield Newsletter is appropriate for KFNA, as it both promotes the community school while accurately conveying options.  Onsrud likened the dichotomy to the Farmers Market: while there are many markets in the City, KFNA promotes the local one and it’s critical at this time of transition to actively promote the community school.  Sur believes that information is key and an informed neighborhood helps prevent some disenfranchisement of those that aren’t aware of the options, so full information should not be precluded in an attempt to push the community school.  JobyLynn likes both articles, but has concerns that the Lyndale school article might seem too subjective and opens up the newsletter for criticism as being biased.  DeParde states that it was important to remain neutral during the CSO process, but now that Lyndale is the neighborhood school KFNA should actively advocate for Lyndale.  Bordon says that while there was a difference of opinion at the YSC meeting, he felt that there was no confusion about direction for the newsletter articles. Linnes-Robinson was trying to clear up confusion about what the focus of the Committee is (promote community school or try to represent all options available to Kingfield residents).

Bordon shared that direction from YSC was that primary responsibility was to community school. YSC is concerned that misinformation might come from KFNA and information should be supplied by School Board.  Onsrud thinks that school information should come solely from YSC.  Knowles reiterated the importance of the Board’s guidance and the autonomy of all committees, such as the newsletter.  Sur shared that he has concerns that the credibility of the YSC and KFNA will be compromised if there is a perception of bias or of withholding information.  Bordon thinks that staff should not be spending time writing articles that should be coming from Minneapolis Public Schools and the article should only point people to district resources.

Linnes-Robinson wants clarification on why she needs to be seeking approval for an article about an issue that has written about many times in years past, as she does not do this for any other committee. What is role of the neighborhood association in sharing the changing options?  Onsrud shared his displeasure that the board did not wholly support the community school, a characterization which Sur, DeParde and SassilyJames immediately objected to.

Bordon would like to see confirmation from MPS about veracity of information contained in Linnes-Robinson’s informational newsletter article, but otherwise is fine with the direction, and inclusion, of the article.

Role of Committees in KFNA
Bordon asked for clarification of role of Committees within the structure of KFNA. He and some YSC members feel as though the Executive Director has free reign in regards to actions regarding the schools issue, sometimes at the detriment to Committee direction.  DeParde referred Bordon to bylaws for relationship of Committees to Board, Staff to Committees and Staff to Board. Sur recommends that role of Committees would be best explored at the next board meeting, as some research and reflection (and additional time) would benefit the discussion.

Email Policy Amendment
Amend item #6 “It concerns Kingfield as an Open Area for public schools;” to “It concerns public schools for Kingfield residents” Motion by Parent. Second: Alex.  Bordon asked if intent could be wrapped up in another existing item; group decision was that it could not, with the possible exception of #3, but it could not hurt to enumerate. Unanimous (Sur abstains).

NRP Electorate:
 Motion by DeParde: Arthur to be NRP electorate. Second: SassilyJames. Unanimous (Sur abstains).

Treasurer’s Report:
Linnes-Robinson ran through monthly balance sheet.  New reimburseables are due in November.  Linnes-Robinson asks for direction from board to ask for return of money repaid for housing loan program by end of year.  General direction for the organization is to contract as much money by year end.

Redevelopment
Bauman discussed BFIP grants at most recent meeting and recapped the plans for the SE corner of 38th & Grand.  Linnes-Robinson shared that the mayor announced at the Nicollet Square ground breaking that Nicollet Avenue will be re-done in 2012.  Linnes-Robinson and Mark Hinds, the Executive Director of the Lyndale Neighborhood Association, will be meeting with public works soon to discuss process.

Dog Park
The “triangle” option seems to have the most traction.  While members of the Park department were present, formal process of including the Park Board has not yet begun.

Green
Explored ways of contracting the CEE and green commercial building money at the last meeting.  Community Garden site planning begins this week. 

Newsletter
Should be at printer by the end of the week.

Youth and Schools
Committee staffed the Farmers Market twice, with 8 different volunteers, with good results.  Promoted movie nights at King Park with 60-75 people showing up.  Efforts to make movie night a monthly endeavor.  Committee to staff holiday Farmers Market.

CPAS
With Bajek’s resignation, DeParde to make a point to attend CPAS meetings.  Committee had bonfire last weekend, with about 30 attendees.

Motion to adjourn by Arthur, 8:57 p.m.

E-vote Addendum
Chris Sur presented the following:
Board members, I am making the following motion:
“Whereas the Board of KFNA is accountable and responsible for the actions of the its committees and employees;

Whereas KFNA has historically provided information to the neighborhood about school choice options and whereas the school choice process has changed dramatically this year; and

Whereas there is disagreement among the committee and the board as to the content of a Kingfield Newsletter article on school choice;

I hereby move that, if the content of the Newsletter article on school choice is approved by Jackie Turner of the Minneapolis School District, then Chris Sur, president of the board, and Sarah Linnes-Robinson have authority to edit the article to shorten it, and to submit the article to be published in the Kingfield Newsletter with a notation that the article has been approved by the Minneapolis School District.”

If there is a second for the motion, Board member please vote via e-mail, replying to all.

Votes in favor came from:

Tom Parent, Marie Wolf, Chris DeParde, Dean Muldoon, Scott Bordon, Alex Bauman, JobyLynn Sassily, James, Arthur Knowles

Comments:
(And just want to add that, although I wasn’t at the meeting last night, I believe that KFNA has been consistent throughout this process that our role is to provide Kingfield residents with the best and most accurate information.  That was our goal before the current attendance plans were settled on, and should be our goal now.  I have heard many positive things about Lyndale, and believe that it can readily stand on its own merits).
Marie Wolf

I believe had this article been distributed to the Youth & Schools Committee at our Monday Night meeting we could have resolved the issue at the committee meeting. Knowing Jackie Turner/MPS approved the article I believe addresses the committees’ concern about providing such information (I apologize to committee members if this is not accurate reading). I said at Board Meeting if Jackie Tuner approved it was okay with me.
 
Scott Bordon

      Further, I believe that we are “dusting up” over a relatively minor difference of perceived emphasis. I believe that we are all in essential agreement. We want to support our new community school and view it as a great asset for the Neighborhood. We also have many students from the Neighborhood attending some other schools and while promoting Lyndale school we should not ignore these other schools. The Board created (with the help of volunteers) a “Youth and Schools” committee, not a “Youth and Lyndale School” committee. The larger question of the relationship between the Board, its committees, and staff needs further elucidation, but again, I do not believe that we have basic disagreement.
      Lastly, I would like to again apologize for my extended outburst at the last Board meeting. It was sincere, to the point, and, I believe, justified. But it was not in “good form”.
              Arthur H. Knowles

KFNA Board Minutes            5/13/09

Board members present: Scott, Marshall, Marie Wolf, Chris Sur, Mark B, Tom Parent, JobyLynn S, Jeff, Dean M, David S, Arthur Knowles, Chris DeParde.

Community Forum

Matt Perry introduced himself do the new board as President of the EHNA and business association.

Elizabeth Glidden gave an update on Instant Run-Off Elections. Law suit is holding up the project. An election board committee meeting will be held to discuss the issue. 35W construction is in the urban partnership phase. Neighbors are experience serious problems with vibrations from construction work. They cannot sleep. Elizabeth is attempting to see what options are available to fix the problem. Graffiti on MNDOT sound walls is a problem as MNDOT does not respond fast enough to clean ups.

Secretaries Report

Dean moved to accept minutes of last board meeting. DeParde seconded and was adopted unanimously.

Treasurers Report

A $9,000 grant for “HourCar” was given by the city. 38^th and Nicollet will be the sight of the business. HourCar will also give a grant from a McKnight grant. KFNA commitment is $1,000. The car is valued at $24,000 and HourCar has a 2 year guarantee. Arthur Knowles moved to except this grant and the motioned passed unanimously.

KFNA received a $1,500 micro grant from the city for community gardening projects. KFNA will identify 4 sites and approve these sites based on social networking, agricultural sustainability, and neighborhood beautification.

I move to accept the $9350 Graffiti Prevention Grant from the City of Minneapolis Department of Solid Waste and Recycling

Marie Wolf moved to accept the $9350 Graffiti Prevention Grant from the City of Minneapolis Department of Solid Waste and Recycling: Supporting votes by – DeParde, Parent, Bordon, Onsrud, Sassily-James, Sur, Muldoon.

KFNA budget states that we have $26,000 according to the bank statement. Treasurers report states we have $8,000. Sarah will need to study for next month.

Review of Board Manual Materials

Sarah Linnes Robinson would like conflict of interest statements submitted by tonight. Tom P occasionally does architectural work in the neighborhood. Chris S does pro-bono basis work law work in the neighborhood. He is also chair of Harriet Tubman. Dean M is precinct captain for RT Rybak. Jeff does commercial real estate work in the neighborhood.

Election of Officers

Tom Parent reviewed officer roles.

Chris Sur was elected unanimously as the new board president. Chris DeParde was nominated by Scott and Dean was nominated by JobyLynn for VP. Dean declined and Chris D was voted unanimously as VP. Chris D nominated Dean for Treasurer but Dean declined. Jobylyn nominated by Arthur as Treasurer and voted in unanimously. Dean nominated as secretary by Chris D and was elected unanimously as Secretary.

Committee sign up sheet was passed through the board.

Farmers Market

KFNA has access for use of assets at the FM for one month in the shed at the FM. David S made a motion to grant ample time to use assets while Part II of FM negotiation continues. Chris S, Tom P, David S, and Scott are charged with reporting back to the board. JobyLyn seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Schools Next Step

Sarah Linnes Robinson reported that there is no board action required at this time. Tom P mentioned that the board’s role could be bringing differing ideas together. Chris S and Chris D echoed this idea. Jeff suggested that KFNA establish and School Committee. Chris D suggested that instead of a committee, a task force is more appropriate for the schools issue. Sarah LR will possible get group of 15 together for a discussion.

Green Committee

Green committee announced that it will match 50/50 donation to CPaS for the Cop Bike project.

Redevelopment Committee

3912 and 3916 Blaisdell identified as problem properties owned by Bremmer Bank.

CNE Commission

Dean M was elected as the “elector” to the commission and Arthur K was elected as the alternate.

Adjourned at 9:02pm

KFNA Board Minutes

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Board Members Present:   Mark Brandow, David Brauer, Arthur Knowles, Tom Parent, Dave Saddoris, JobyLynn Sassily-James, Chris Sur, Marie Wolf.

Board Members Absent:  Robyn Bipes, Chris DeParde, Karen Pieper, David Potosky, Diana Schleisman.

KFNA Staff:  Sarah Linnes-Robinson.

Community Members:  Jeff Bajek, Mike Cronin, Becky Dankowski, Karla Hill-Donisch, Meg Hoyt, Barry Markus, Jeanne Massey, Mike McAneny, Jane Onsrud, Marshall Onsrud, Allison Valencia.

Community Forum:

The community forum was a lively discussion of responses to the Minneapolis Public School Board’s (MPS) proposed changes to public school options.   (MPS intends to have a recommendation by April 28; its stated focus is to have quality equity in all schools, increase diversity, and promote cost-effectiveness.  Some magnets would probably be eliminated, and all districts would have a community school.  These changes would be implemented in 2010).

Jeff Bajek reported that he and several neighbors had formed a group to address the school situation and recommended several options:  a dual campus K-8 plan using the Lyndale and Barton buildings, combining the Lyndale and F2 areas, or combining F2 with the open area east of 35W in a K-8 community school in the Barton building.

Karla Hill-Donisch noted her process concerns:  that there had not been enough meetings to understand what MPS is planning.  She would ask MPS to postpone a final recommendation in order to allow more community input to the process.  She was also concerned that people were breaking up into special interest groups rather than coming together.

Jeanne Massey also embraced the idea of process, stating that the MPS timetable should be pushed back to allow the Kingfield neighborhood to come together as a community.  She also would like to see options based on data.

Becky Dankowski said that it appeared that many people in Minneapolis were unaware that major changes were being planned by MPS and that all neighborhoods needed to be consulted and have opportunities to weigh in.

Bajek added that he did not believe that MPS had settled on a final recommendation, but that MPS board members were clearly bothered that the southwest area was not diversified enough.  He said that Kingfield residents also wanted diversity, and expressed optimism that there were solutions that would be win-win.

Mike McAnerny questioned what role KFNA could have in the school option process.  He did not think that KFNA should advocate for one option over another.

Allison Valencia said that she believed KFNA should advocate for a solution that was best for the community.  She was concerned that children would be uprooted from their schools and their teachers for insufficient reasons, and noted that many families choose Barton because it is a neighborhood school, not necessarily because it’s an Open magnet.

Corey Lahm pointed out that the Barton school is actually in the East Harriet neighborhood and there is no community school in the Kingfield neighborhood.  But he questioned if there was a good reason to disrupt a school that has been doing well for 27 years.

JobyLynn Sassily-James observed that when she first moved to Kingfield, there were few children in her neighborhood; now there are many families with children and all want to go to Barton.  She thought that the schools were going to be changed and children disrupted no matter what; the important thing, in her view, was to make sure everyone is heard.

Jane Onsrud believed that if KFNA did not back a specific solution, it should at least support the idea that KFNA should not be split up.  She concluded that the most important outcome was a neighborhood school that we can support.

Chris Sur thought that KFNA should be wary of advocating for any one viewpoint.

Meg Hoyt recalled that when she first moved to Kingfield, no family in her  block had children enrolled in public school; with MPS’s three-choice guarantee, more people are selecting the public schools.

Barry Markus agreed that more time was needed, but worried that if people put their energy into asking for more time, MPS will just make its decision, and those people will lose their voice.  He also thought that people need to be aware that anger exists over the perceived “exclusivity” of Barton, and that anger will grow if it remains an Open magnet school.

Board Discussion:

Sarah Linnes-Robinson handed out a three-page synopsis of how KFNA has been involved in facilitating neighborhood discussion and information gathering regarding the schools.  She summarized the stated concerns of MPS, as articulated by Board member Pam Costain.  Costain said that changes were necessary because MPS faced shortfalls of $28 and $35 million in the next two years, and transportation costs, as well as under-used school buildings, have been a drain on the budget.  Schools have become more segregated every year.  For elementary schools, change is likely to mean closing five schools (and possible building of two new ones); rezoning magnet choices to three zones; reducing the number of magnet programs offered; and giving every district a community school.

Tom Parent explained that KFNA’s goal at this meeting should be to set up a process for KFNA.

David Brauer believed that the scheduled April 13 neighborhood meeting was not workable, and proposed moving the meeting to Wednesday, April 22.

Parent introduced a proposed resolution to facilitate discussion.  (The motion, as amended and passed, is included on pp. 4-5 of the minutes).

Brauer summarized what he believed to be the gist of neighborhood concerns: 

•                A school that the Kingfield neighborhood can support
•                MPS needs to hear us saying that
•                Kingfield should not be split up
•                MPS must give us enough time to digest various proposals and get data

Arthur Knowles said that we should remember that MPS is trying to increase diversity and that an area consisting only of Kingfield and East Harriet would probably not be acceptable to it.

Brauer responded that everyone agrees diversity is an important goal, but having involved parents is also important.  If, for example, Kingfield, Bryant, and Lyndale neighborhoods are joined, diversity is not a problem.

There was some discussion about whether KFNA should advocate for F2 staying together.  Bajek hoped that KFNA would recommend that F2 not be split up.  Brauer thought it was more realistic to talk in terms of keeping Kingfield together.  Sur pointed out that KFNA could only speak for Kingfield, not for all of F2.

Knowles said that KFNA should do outreach to Bryant, Central, and other nearby neighborhoods.  McAneny said that pairing with G3 (Bryant) would promote diversity, which should appeal to MPS.  Massey said that outreach should include parent representatives.

Linnes-Robinson volunteered to organize a workshop, asking for representation from other schools and neighborhoods, as well as for Kingfield parents and stakeholders, stressing that representatives should come to the workshop with open minds.

Brauer moved to adopt Parent’s proposal, as modified after discussion.  Sur seconded:

Whereas the Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) represents the residents and businesses between 36^th Street and 46^th Street, 35W to Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis; and

Whereas KFNA strives to promote and protect the unique character and strong identity of the neighborhood; and

Whereas Kingfield has a large youth population and one of the fastest growing segments of children five years old and  younger in the city of Minneapolis; and

Whereas KFNA believes that a well-supported, safe and livable atmosphere for youths is a valuable asset for the community at large; and

Whereas KFNA spent 5 years researching and evaluating the issues that most affect the neighborhood in the formulation of Kingfield’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program’s First Steps and Actions Plan and identified the lack of a community school as one of the three greatest factors of neighborhood livability entirely outside the reach of NRP funding and activities; and

Whereas KFNA has been observers of, facilitators, and organizers for several meetings in response to proposed changes to Minneapolis Public School’s school section process for Kingfield students-meetings attended by as many as 200 residents-and moderated a brisk and lively online discussion group on the topic; and

Therefore, the Kingfield Neighborhood Association asks the Minneapolis Public School Board to consider the following during deliberations of any changes to the current school selection process:

1.  Consider Kingfield as an indivisible entity.

1.  Community cohesion, connectedness and neighborhood pride are paramount facets of common bonds, and few bonds are as strong as the joint work of raising and educating young learners.

2.  As an exhibit of the strong sense of community, there exists broad neighborhood sentiment that as a community we have the energy, drive, and support to create vibrant, diverse, and successful schools.

2.  We ask that the process of changing Open Area F2 be re-imagined      to include an open and productive public process.

1.  Decisions of such great impact on the livability of our neighborhood and the success of the public school system should be given their due consideration.  As such, KFNA, in conjunction with surrounding neighborhoods, including nearby open areas, would like to offer to facilitate a fast-track process that strives to meet Minneapolis Public School objectives in an atmosphere responsive to neighborhood concerns and goals.

2.  By creating an empowering and positive process regarding potential changes, we believe broad neighborhood consensus is attainable and will focus the efforts of many dedicated parents and community members on making Minneapolis Public Schools as successful as possible.

The motion passed unanimously.

            There was also a brief discussion about the annual meeting, to be held on April 20, 2009, and, given the neighborhood’s intense interest, how to integrate discussion of the schools issue with the rest of the agenda, without giving over the entire annual meeting to that issue.

            Consensus emerged that KFNA would invite MSP Board members to attend the annual meeting for the last part of the meeting and  to invite them to bring any information they might want to make available to the neighborhood.  KFNA will present its resolution and invite participants to attend the April 22 for further and more detailed discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes prepared by Marie Wolf.

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting Minutes

March 11, 2009

7 PM– MLK Park

Present – Arthur Knowles, Diana Schleisman, Marie Wolf, Chris Sur, Tom Parent, JobyLynn SassilyJames, Mark, David Saddoris, Robyn Bipes, David Brandow, Chris DeParde, David Potosky

Community Forum

Elizabeth Glidden – Spoke about budget cuts and LGA (local gov’t aid) formula.  The Governor unallotted $13 million from the City.  There have been cuts to ongoing state aid payments.  The closed pension systems are paid by Minneapolis taxpayers.  The shortfall has mushroomed.  2009 is being addressed with one time fixes.  2010 will pose serious problems.  The City wants to merge city pensions into a state pension program.  Glidden urges the board to contact local politicians about getting state tax funds to assists neighborhoods.

Mike McEnaney – Talks about proposed changes to neighborhood school choice system.  There is a potential for division in the neighborhood about how this should be handled.  Parent attended a community meeting last night and there is a lot of anxiety about how this will affect the neighborhood.  Not a lot of concrete proposals as yet.  There are concerns about division over what would be the community school, and whether and how the neighborhood would be divided.  Some of this is driven about busing costs.  Bipes asks about role of KFNA in this process.  Tom suggests that this is an open question.  KFNA is an organized neighborhood body and it is up to us to decide how to best use that on behalf of the neighborhood.  Meeting information is on the web site.  Brauer suggests devoting part of annual meeting to this topic.  Potosky suggests getting flyers out to residents.  Glidden suggests getting information/concerns to the school district early and push the district to explain why they are presenting the options that they are.  Bipes suggests that we might be able to put together a primer for people who do not have children and understand the issues.

Elizabeth Glidden reported on 35W.  This summer will be worse than last summer.  More projects will be occurring.  Possibility of a temporary 46^th street ramp, but there are a number of problems with this as well.  Glidden is an advocate for neighborhood to MnDOT.  Also, there may be information coming out in the next month about the access project, which relates to reconfiguring freeway and ramps in area.  The city, county, and MnDOT took another look at the area around Lake Street.  Consultants have just finished work and will be public soon.  The consultants will not be making recommendations, but instead will give options with dollar figures,

Experience Southwest.com – Mark B. introduced Matt Perry, president of NEHBA to address issue.  KFNA was one of two organizations to help the organization exist.  ExperienceSouthwest.com is one of many projects of the Association.  The organization wants to the neighborhood to have a “Top of Mind” brand for the neighborhood.  That was the thinking behind the web site.  Idea is a “Yellow Pages” with a geographic filter.  Populated with over 2200 businesses.  The Association will continue to market the site.  There is a partnership with the SW Journal.  Chris, the IT person for the association, works with feedback from residents and others to improve the web site and make it more user friendly.  Wolf asked about the mechanism for updating and getting rid of obsolete entries.  Questions are raised about the motion for granting the money.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson looked this up and the original funding request was linked to the web site and questions were originally raised about missing entries.  Brauer moves that KFNA reconsider earlier motion and simply appropriate $750 to the Association based on the presentation by the Association.  Chris Surnds.  All in favor except Tom Parent, who abstains.  

Reports

•        Secretary

o   December minutes – David Saddoris suggests changes from paragraph at bottom of page two – change “FM employee” to “KFNA employee.”  Strike “and allow all parties to walk away gracefully.”  Also strike item 1 of David Saddoris motion “Paragraph 3 – determine table dimensions.”   

o   February Minutes – Minutes approved with David Saddoris changes

•        Treasurer

o   Update on Unemployment Claim – KFNA did not file an appeal.  There is no information yet from the unemployment office as to what the KFNA exposure might be.

•        Executive Committee

o   Staff Review & Recommendations

o   Exec Committee recommends increase of Sarah Gleason’s pay to $19.  Brauer moved and Potosky seconded.  DeParde explained the basis for recommendation.  She is performing well and is proactive in the neighborhood.  Sarah L-R recommended the increase and sys that Sarah G. is very efficient.  All in favor except JobyLynn SassilyJames, who abstained.

Budgets -

The City is three months behind in their payments.  We have sufficient money in the bank for this month but we are watching this issue.

Annual budget – No major changes from last month.  Only changes are bringing in housing loan repayment portion, estimated at $1K per month.  Sarah L-R recommends that we request this money.  Other change is the graphic web design change recommended by David Potosky last month.  No major changes from last year.  Arthur Knowles moves to except proposed budget.  Robyn Bipes seconds.  Unanimous votes in favor.

Walldogs Summary – Sarah L-R put together a summary of he project including money spent, money that came in, and volunteer hours committed.  Over 3400 hours of volunteer time.  The reason for providing P/L statement is to show diversity or projects that supported Walldogs. Final budget – everything got paid for except staff time.  KFNA agreed to a 65/35 split with Lyndale based on administration time put into the project.  The slit came down to a $6,500 expenditure of general administrative time by KFNA.  There will be a movie coming out and a release party.  These will not affect this budget.  There is nothing in the general budget to address issue of anti-graffiti coatings.  Arthur Knowles moves to accept Walldogs budget.  Brauer seconds.  All in favor except Diana Schleisman, who abstains.

Committees and Task Forces:

•        Redevelopment and Zoning-approval of co-chair – Robin Bipes moved, Brauer seconded.  All in favor.
•        Green submitted report.
•        Newsletter came out this week
•        Crime Prevention and Safety (CPaS): Door knocking sign-up – discussion of this project and bringing in restorative justice person for agenda at annual meeting
•        King Bridge Partnership – $15K allocated to this.  Sarah L-R discussed with Steve Jevne moving these funds to 35W related bridge issues and 46^th Street transit project.

Projects

•        Tom recommends attending 4^th Annual Community Art Show-aRt: ReDefine, ReCreate, ReInvent.  There are volunteer opportunities.

Annual Meeting – We have a meeting scheduled for before this.  Suggestion to move this April 1.  Tom Parent asks board to confirm attendance.

Taste of Kingfield.  Three restaurants on board.  Anodyne, Victor’s, Butter.  Last year we had six signed up and five that showed up.

Discussion of which members are rotating off the board. 

Sarah L-R suggests that new local businesses be invited to attend and have information.

Question of who can speak at the meeting.  Tom P. will try to confirm who will be present and wanting to speak.

Discussion of possibly staggering he meeting to have annual meeting first and then address school issues.  Sarah L-R asks who we should ask from the school board.  There is a suggestion that Tom Madden of the school board be asked to come and speak, which Sarah L-R will do.

Tom Parent suggests tentative agenda for meeting:

6-7:15 – Restorative Justice and Taste

7:15-8 – KFNA

8-9 – Politicians and schools

KFNA will address additional agenda items at next meeting.

Adjourn at 9:00

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

February 11, 2009

Board Members Present: 

Marie Wolf, David Saddoris, David Potosky, Tom Parent, Chris Sur, Mark Brandow, Arthur Knowles, Chris DeParde, JobyLynn Sassily James (7:12 PM)

Board Members Absent:

Karen Pieper, Diana Schleisman, Robyn Bipes, David Brauer

Board Alternates Present:

Dean Muldoon

KFNA Staff Present:

Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Others Present:

Marek Reiter, Julie Sivula Reiter, Maeve Sheridan, Melissa Sheridan, Brian Cornell (MLK Park)

Meeting Called to Order:

Parent called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

Community Forum:

1)    The group of visitors suggested that there is a need for an off-lease dog park in the area of Kingfield and asked the KFNA Board if anyone had previously proposed a dog park to the Board.  The Board was not aware of a previous request.  The Board discussed possible sites for a dog park including MLK Park as well as vacant properties.  Brian Cornell stated that it would be a long process with the Park Board to gain approval on Park property.  Knowles suggested the group to contact Council Member Glidden.  Linnes-Robinson mentioned that a dog park may be a good safety strategy for the park, and suggested the group prepare an estimate.  The Board discussed having a poll on the KFNA website to gauge interest.  The group was referred to Redevelopment for future discussions.

2)    Brian Cornell provided a few updates on park activities.  Cameras are now operational in the park building, and outside cameras should be operational this spring.  Painting and a new front desk have been completed.  Washburn Community Education was considering MLK Park for a disc golf program.  Field 1 is dedicated for baseball, and Fields 2 and 3 are designated multi-use.

Secretary’s Report:

1)    December 2008 Minutes: Tabled to March 2009 Board meeting at the request of Parent.

2)    January 2009 Minutes: Sur moved to adopt.  DeParde seconded.  Passed unanimously (Brandow and Saddoris abstained).

3)    September 2008 Minutes: Potosky moved to adopt.  Brandow seconded.  Passed unanimously (Knowles abstained)

Treasurer’s Report:

1)    Update on Business Sponsorship Fundraising

-       There are currently twelve business sponsors pledging $300 each.  Included is one restaurant pledging in-kind contributions.

-       There is a need for numerous restaurants at the ‘Taste of Kingfield’ event at the Annual Meeting.  Linnes-Robinson was directed to recruit restaurants for only this event (the initial request asked restaurants to participate in three events).

2)    Update on Unemployment Claim

-       There was a hearing by phone last week in which Linnes-Robinson participated with a judge.  Sam (former employee requesting benefits) did not participate.

-       The judge concluded that Sam is entitled to benefits, as she was dismissed without cause.

-       It is believed that entitlement to benefits is regardless of employment status or hours worked.

-       An estimate of benefits is not yet available.  Sur will review hours worked and pay rate to get a sense of the KNFA’s exposure level.

-       Any appeal must be filed by February 24^th, 2009.

-       Potosky moved to empower Linnes-Robinson to work with Sur and make a decision regarding the filing of an appeal.  Brandow seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

3)    Draft Budget Presentation

-        Linnes-Robinson introduced the draft KFNA budget for Fiscal Year 2009

-       Proposed budget includes a ½ time project organizer and ¾ time executive director

-       Potosky requested the ‘Graphic Design – Web’ line be changed to include all web-related activities

-       Discussion on in-kind donations: In-kind donations are valued by the provider.  The KFNA asks for an invoice, and then issues a letter thanking the contributor.

-       Linnes-Robinson to update draft budget per Board recommendations and bring to March Board meeting for approval

4)     General

-       Discussion on funds held at Center for Energy and Environment (CEE):  Money repaid from loan programs can be returned to the KFNA for unrestricted use.  These assets should be shown on the KFNA’s balance sheet.  Linnes-Robinson to investigate getting these assets on the KFNA’s balance sheet.

Committees and Task Forces:

1)     Redevelopment and Zoning

-       Saddoris requested clarification on the CEE administration fee for the final emergency grant: Parent stated that the $1,000 estimated final administration fee was for past grants in addition to the final grant

-       The total amount of the business façade improvement grant to Tarik Propes will come in at or under the original award amount

2)    Crime Prevention and Safety

-       The SAFE program has been eliminated by the Minneapolis Police Department.  Tom Thompson will still be the civilian contact.

3)     King Bridge Partnership

-       $15k has been allocated by the City for planning.  Sent to Redevelopment to see if someone wants to attend an as-yet unscheduled meeting.

4)     Community Art Show

-    There are currently 60 artists registered.

New Business:

1)    ‘Clean Sweep’ event

-       DeParde mentioned that several Members have requested another ‘Clean Sweep’ event.  Linnes-Robinson stated that the City no longer pays for the program.  Discussion on recycling/disposal programs was referred to the Green Committee.

2)    Bylaw Review/Policy Changes

-       Linnes-Robinson to review if any changes are needed to be brought to the Members at the Annual Meeting.  Any proposed changes will be discussed at the Executive Committee meeting.       

3)     Annual Meeting           

-       The ‘Taste of Kingfield’ was popular last year.  Linnes-Robinson will recruit restaurants for this year.  Invited guests for the Annual Meeting will include Inspector Arneson from the Minneapolis Police Department and elected officials.  Campaigning candidates not currently holding office will not be asked to speak.  New businesses will be invited to set up tables.

4)    Employee Reviews

-       Linnes-Robinson will meet with Sarah Gleason to conduct a review.  Linnes-Robinson will document the review.  Linnes-Robinson and DeParde mentioned that they have been impressed with Gleason’s work to date.

Old Business:

1)     Experience Southwest Website

-       Brandow is taking feedback on the site to the Nicollet East Harriet Business Association

-       Members are included as featured businesses on the site

-       Linnes-Robinson asked the Board whether objectives have been met for the grant award by the KFNA, and if payment should be made.  She will review the minutes from the Board meeting where the grant was originally discussed and will provide communication to the Board.

2)     Scheduling of Executive Committee Meeting

-       Executive committee meeting to be scheduled immediately after adjournment of the Board Meeting     

Meeting Adjourned:

Meeting adjourned at 8:59 PM.

Minutes prepared by Dave Saddoris.

KFNA Board Secretary – Chris DeParde

KFNA Board President – Tom Parent

 [S1]

 [S2]

Tuesday , November 18^th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ,  MLK Park

Announcements made:

Project Organizer for KFNA, Sarah Gleason,  has been hired.

Beth Larson and Chris deParde met with Sarah.

Court Watch Program meets at 5:30 p.m. on 3^rd Monday of month at 5^th Precinct; 31^st and Nicollet.

Open Forum:

Park – Surveillence cameras are being installed inside and outside the park building.  Footage will be digitally recorded.   Park will be able to simultaneously view all cameras on a single screen.

Impact statements are still needed for the Mars/Thornbury shots fired incident.  So far, only one has been received by Court Watch.  Instructions for completing the form are at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/attorney/impact-statements.asp

CPS Tom Thompson reported that overall crime is down 18%, however, theft and auto theft are both up.  With holidays coming up, it is a good idea to review Crime Prevention Resources at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/

The MPD 2008 Neighborhood Policing Plan for King Field Neighborhood is available online at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/Pct5NeighborhoodPolicingPlans.asp .  CPS Thompson and Lt. Jack Kelly would like input to the plan.

Lt. Kelly reported that he attended Working with Somali Community training.  Topics discussed were culture; gang activity; clan feuds; and transient behaviors.

Participant that attended a West of King block club leader meeting reported that door-to-door begging was discussed.  Lt. Kelly and CPS Thomson advised:

- Don’t give money

- Offer telephone numbers for assistance agencies: 612-338-0113 for Salvation Army or 211 for United Way

- person(s) asking for money may be trying to gain information about your property and/or schedule

Upcoming meetings/events:

December 11, 2008, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Appreciation Dinner at MLK Park (info on KFNA website http://kingfield.org/)

December 15, 2008 5:30 p.m. Court Watch Program meeting 5^th Precinct

December 16, 2008 7:00 p.m. Crime Prevention and Safety meeting MLK Park

Board members attending: Jobylynn Sassily,Tom Parrent,Jeff Shaw,Chris Sur,Chris DeParde,Karen Pieper,David Buchanan, David Saddoris, Marie Wolf

Elizabeth Glidden

Discuss urban partnership:

- Topic was congestion relief for 35W

- MNDOT will be beefing up shoulders, installing HOV lanes, bus lanes, re-striping from 42^nd St to Lake St.

- New info: Sound walls will be installed from 32^nd St to 42^nd St. This is a major issue for residences close to the project and noise complaints may be received.

- The time frame for these projects has been compressed and they are projected to be complete by 9/09. This has become a fast moving project.

- Neighbors may be given opportunity in choosing type of sound walls installed

- Does the KFNA board have any thoughts on these projects?

- The door is open to hear KFNA concerns.

NRP Update:

- Elizabeth has a lot of questions

- TIF districts may be re-starting going forward for 10 years.

- City of Minneapolis is only participant. School districts, Parks, and Hennepin Co. will not participate.

- Elizabeth’s question is the amount of money that will be generated by the city portion. This amount will be known by June or July this year. The City of Minneapolis has to O.K. spending and has to be given local consent.

- Frame Work for the Future-Life After NRP – Present plan is for more comment and purpose definition. Citizens need to vote on different components. Chris Sur commented that we need to re-craft frame work. Tom Parrent will look for updates.

Officer Arneson

- Gave crime update: Increase in burglaries by career burglars of unsecured property. Kingfield is a target rich, high value environment

- Across 5^th Precinct crime is down 12% except for theft.

- Arneson discussed the Automated Pawn System which tracks your items by serial number. This is pat of “Target in Blue” program. She also described that DNA pick-up has resulted in several arrests and leads to slam dunk convictions of criminals.

- Felony is down by a great deal in Kingfield. She did not site percentages.

- One board member mention that shots were fired on the 37/3800 Block of 1^st Ave. Arneson did not have information on this event.

- “Shot Spotter” has picked up shot fired in 3^rd Precinct. 3^rd/4^th Precincts are most active areas for shots fired.

- Chris DeParde asked about the cost of “Shot Spotter” – $30K and are installed in areas where a high number of shots are fired.

- Arneson could not comment on the shots fired by MPD officers on 4200 Block of Wentworth pending on going investigation. She directed us to the report by the MPD Public Information Officers press release. Community comments of the event can be sent to Arneson and she will forward to the appropriate party.

- Sarah Linnes Robinson mentioned that she has notice some graffiti.

- Arneson asked if the board had any comment on crime activity at 38^th St and Nicollet.

Heidi Eschenbacher

- Heidi is U of M Graduate student and will work on Farmers market as part of a grant received from CURA. She will provide vendor assessment, patron assessment, and market study.

Secretary Report

- Approved secretary report with exceptions. Will get final approval via e-mail.

4307 Wentworth Presidents Letter

- Tom Parrent will e-mail final draft of letter for board approval via e-mail

Block Club Task Force

- Tom Parrent suggested Block Club Task Force meet after June 9^th board meeting. Karen Pieper volunteered to hold meeting at her home. Michael Vanderford will be asked to attend and present Block Club initiatives to the Task Force for their consideration.

Treasurers Report

- Sarah Linnes Robinson will review Quick Books with KFNA Board next month.

News Letter

- Sarah Linnes Robinson reported that the news letter is in production for the next issue. Thor and Martha are resigning but will stay on to train replacements. Sarah informed the board that Joanna Halstrom is asking the board how we should handle this situation. Sarah asked whether we should cut the news letter. We need to review the goals of the news letter. Sarah said the quarterly pattern works and volunteers are available. The format could change and the next meeting of the news letter committee is 6/26. Jobylynn felt that Martha and Thor did not feel appreciated and that board members needed to have more input. Jeff said he could fill the gap when Martha and Thor resign.

CPaS

- Tom Parrent attended last CPaS and explained its new committee status. The meeting was not well attended by neighbors. One Van Nest neighbor attended. Chris D also attended. Both Tom and Chris reported that the committee is still looking for a chair.

- NNO: $350 to $500 cost for ice cream provided to block events. We need more board participation and six board members volunteered to deliver ice cream on Aug. 5^th.

Compostable Serviceable Products

- David Saddoris presented Recycle-aholics that will offer a grant to KFNA if we partner with this group. Dave Buchanan offered his concern regarding working with “for profit” organizations. He said this could be a problem in the future. Where is the line for dealing with partnerships with “for profit” organizations? This issue will be discussed at the next executive committee meeting.

Farmers Market

- Jobylynn said the FM was rockin’. It is well attended.

Walls Dogs

- Sarah reported that out of town artists will be here soon.

- Site managers are available.

- This is a major organizing effort

- Tom Parrent will read Wall Dogs minutes again

40^th and Lyndale Status

- Dave Buchanan asked for up date and Tom Parrent will give update at next board meeting.

Adjourn

- Jobylynn moved to adjourn and Chrisd seconds

- Approved to adjourn