February 23, 2004
MINUTES
Present: Sean Wherley, Lisa Rudy, Melinda Ludwiczak, Niki Valence
Absent: Wayne Anderson, Paige Fitzgerald, Natalie Lenz, Arthur Knowles, Barb Chung
Resigned from committee: Heather Martens
Also Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA NRP Coordinator
Wherley called the meeting to order and December’s meeting minutes were approved without discussion.  Linnes-Robinson reviewed the minutes of the initial organizing meeting of the 2004 KFNA Mural Project. Significant discussions from the meeting were reported to the Steering Committee including: the group still hoped to implement 10 pieces this summer, felt the youth mentorship angle was important and that more teens should be involved at each site and that teens would be willing to volunteer, and the group was proceeding with developing applications for program participants. The mural group will meet again the first Tuesday in March. Following this meeting, Linnes-Robinson will have a written draft of the project that will be used to a) advertise the program, b) submit for grant requests, and c) turn into CPED as a Scope of Services to secure an NRP contract for funding.
The next agenda item was the research findings by Gibson-Gasset concerning the KFNA Welcome Program (see attached report). The group discussed at length the merits and issues of continuing the Welcome Program, as well as the broader project of recruiting block contacts on each block. Although the committee still struggles with purpose of this work (whether it is to build community on the block, ties to KFNA, knowledge of KFNA, or senseless busy-work), Linnes-Robinson again stressed that person-to-person outreach is important. She hopes that with three people on staff this summer, time can be dedicated to door-knocking to meet new people and renew acquaintances on the block level.
The group then discussed the entwinement of this issue with the NRP Community Orientated Policing funding issue. Linnes-Robinson explained that this $1 million of grant money that the police department “acquired†from NRP funds could only be used for strategies that are currently in NRP Plans, unless the neighborhood wanted to quickly hold a community meeting or vote or could partner with another neighborhood. These last two options seem unfeasible at this point, so the committee encouraged Linnes-Robinson to research if the money could be used for developing block groups by the neighborhood association (a current strategy), or if it needs to be done in partnership with CCP/Safe and, if thus, it would water-down our purpose. Wherley stated grants are due March 1. Linnes-Robinson said she would look into it.
The following items were placed on the agenda in a “Holding†status, since we are waiting for information or action on them from others. Ward 10 is looking into the issue of the Nicollet Avenue sidewalk repairs. Ward 10 is also stated by other council offices to be the reason for the hold-up on a passing of the Street lighting policy, although Dan’s office disputes this. Although Gibson-Gasset has been regularly checking into this issue, Wherley felt he should also make a call as Chair of the committee to see what the hold-up is. He will do so. Lastly, we are still waiting for bids for improvements at King Park to the computer room. Linnes-Robinson recommended that she turn this piece over to Brian Cornell at the park, stating that if they really want changes in the building it seems he could hound the Park Board to get bids as well as she can. The committee agreed. Linnes-Robinson will discuss the matter with Cornell.
Next, Wherley reminded the committee about the upcoming KFNA Annual Meeting, and encouraged committee members to consider running for the board, or to think of others that may serve. The committee briefly discussed the possible format of the meeting, which Linnes-Robinson acknowledged she has not yet discussed with Motzenbecker, President. She expects there to be a piece of the meeting for NRP accomplishments from the past year, and upcoming future projects. Wherley was nominated to speak on behalf of the committee, and he graciously accepted.
Wherley also updated the group on the current steps of the Redevelopment Committee to allocate funding towards the implementation of a development project on Nicollet Avenue; the committee recently received a “Community Housing Initiative Grantâ€, which will be used for planning. The committee agreed they should be able to pursue this option, although many expressed interest in the Redevelopment Committee’s previous program ideas that included lead and asbestos abatement.
Lastly, submittal of a Social Service Grant report from St. Stephans was reviewed. Since it was submitted over 6 months late, Linnes-Robinson asked the committee authorize payment. Rudy moved to approve the grant request. Ludwiczak seconded. All committee members agreed.
The committee briefly outlined dates for upcoming meetings. Those decided upon were: March 15, no meeting in April due to the Annul Meeting on the 19th, and May 17. Linnes-Robinson stated she would not be viable to meet the third Monday in June, the regular meeting date. An alternative date was not scheduled.
Knowles moved to adjourn. All agreed.
Minutes prepared by Sarah Linnes-Robinson, 2/25/04.