Kingfield Neighborhood Association Board Meeting, July 14, 7 PM, MLK Park!
Crime Prevention and Safety Committee, Summer Meeting Potluck Date To Be Announced!
Youth & Schools Committee, Co-hosting a Minneapolis School Board At-Large Candidate Forum, July 21, 6:30 PM, Ramsey School. See Blog Roll for More Info!
Redevelopment Committee, July Meeting moved to August 4, 7 PM, MLK Park
Please consider donating.
Feb
4
Wednesday Feb 10, 7-9 PM, MLK Park
The Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) Board is the elected body that works to build community, address issues, and create solutions within the Kingfield neighborhood on many levels. The board has ongoing committees and projects focused on property redevelopment, housing, business stability and renovation, crime and safety, the environment, youth, art, as well as a number of social endeavors.
For more information on the KFNA Board attend the meeting, or call and talk to KFNA Staff mornings at 612.823.5980 or sarah@kingfield.org .
Nov
30
KFNA Board Minutes 11-09
Filed Under board, meeting notes | Leave a Comment
Board members present: Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris, JobyLynn SassilyJames, Chris DeParde, Chris Sur, Alex Bauman (new member), Marshal Onsrud, Scott Bordon, Tom Parent
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
Nov
25
KFNA’s Summary of 2009 Accomplishments/Call for Financial Support
Filed Under board, fundraising | Leave a Comment
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for helping make Kingfield the great neighborhood that it is—a fantastic place to live, play, and work! We know you are the key to being a successful thriving urban neighborhood and our job, as your neighborhood association, is to support you getting involved, creating change, and building connections in your neighborhood. As I mentioned in a recent column in the Kingfield Newsletter, there is a lot going on in the neighborhood about which we can be excited. The Kingfield art show is an ever-growing event, the newly-independent Kingfield Farmers Market had a fantastic season, and we are reminded of the beautiful result of the recent Walldogs on Nicollet event every time we drive down that avenue.
As we look to the future, the neighborhood faces challenges, including a continuing struggle to reduce crime and fill vacant storefronts, and ongoing efforts to transition the neighborhood to its new community school, the Lyndale School. The Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) is a non-profit community-building organization committed to help the neighborhood face community challenges, and I ask that you consider supporting your neighborhood association with a financial contribution. We use your donations, in conjunction with countless hours of volunteer time by you and your neighbors, to help Kingfield define issues and create solutions that impact our neighborhood.
With your support in 2009, KFNA did the following work:
• Initiated the community process to establish two community gardens in Kingfield;
• Received approval by the MPLS Arts Commission in October to pilot a new graffiti prevention technique wrapping utility boxes with local artists’ photographic images of our community;
• Organized 3 blocks in the northeast section of the neighborhood to address graffiti issues in their alleys. The results of this mural painting project are block-long art galleries that are working to prevent graffiti, plus the process helped neighbors build connections with each other;
• Facilitated and funded home energy assessments for over 200 neighbors;
• Hosted 400 neighbors and highlighted neighborhood artists in our annual spring community art show;
• Created a new Youth and Schools Committee to advocate on behalf of the youth of Kingfield and address challenges such as the transition to Kingfield’s new community school;
• Established an HOURCAR car-sharing hub at 3800 Nicollet;
• Began the work and provided support for the establishment of a Dog Park at MLK Park;
• Informed you of local issues and events through a quarterly newsletter and a weekly e-mail notice, and maintained our website at www.kingfield.org to keep everyone current about Kingfield news and events;
• …and much, much more!
The majority of KFNA’s past funding, NRP, is winding down and there is a great deal of uncertainty as to what support the successor program will provide. Consequently, the need for private contributions by residents is greater than ever. If every Kingfield household donates just $20 to KFNA, we can pay for our general operating costs for the entire year. And if you are able to donate $30, $50 or $200, you can make a huge difference in helping KFNA serve the neighborhood and you.
Anything you can afford is appreciated! Donations to KFNA are tax deductible and can be mailed or made online at www.kingfield.org. Every dime is spent on working to make Kingfield an even better place to call home. Remember, KFNA is you – and with your help, we can continue building a better Kingfield.
Chris Sur, KFNA President
Nov
11
KFNA Board Meeting Postponed!
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Normally the KFNA Board would meet tonight, the 2nd Wednesday of the month. But due to Veteran’s Day and the park being closed we have moved the meeting to Tuesday November 17, 7 PM, at MLK Park.
Oct
25
Board members present: Chris Sur, Chris DeParde, JobyLynn SassilyJames, Dean Muldoon, Tom Parent, Arthur Knowles, Marshall Onsrud, Jeff Bajek, David Saddoris, Marie Wolf and Scott Bordon
Chris Sur, President, seeing quorum, called meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Community Forum:
Meg Forney, candidate for District 6 Park Board spoke about her candidacy and Board of Estimation and Taxation referendum.
Dan Swenson-Klatt , Proprietor of Butter Bakery Cafe and Kingfield resident spoke. He would like to move Butter from Lyndale Neighborhood and into Kingfield. Wants larger space and would like to be in Kingfield. Is trying to make move to former Fairy Godmother/Saigon restaurant spot.
Joe Larson, Executive Director and Randy Hornstein, Board President for The Aliveness Project spoke about their organization and upcoming move to Kingfield. Organization purchased 3808 Nicollet and are in process of $2 million capital campaign. Hope to move in 12 months. They will be renovating building. The nonprofit serves people living with HIV/AIDS and it one of the largest organizations of its kind and been at 38th & Chicago for 20+ years. There will be community volunteer opportunities. They do holiday basket program. School children paint baskets. Also are involved in Red Ribbon Ride. Members also are presented with opportunities to serve the surrounding community. Center will not just be for serving people living with HIV/AIDS. There will be potential to provide community meeting space.
Tom Parent, indicated Redevelopment Committee would like to work with both Butter and the Aliveness Project. Chris Sur said KFNA welcomes both.
7:20 p.m. Prior meeting (9/9/09) minutes amended to indicate Arthur Knowles was present. For 9/09/09 meeting minutes did not provide details of who made motions, seconds and voting record. At this time we cannot recall details. After brief discussion on how to handle. Jeff Bajek made motion to provisionally approve 9/09/09 minutes Arthur Knowles seconded. All members in attendance voted in favor. Chris Sur as President abstained.
Chris Sur postponed Treasurer’s report. Since Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Executive Director was not in attendance (absence was known ahead of time and excused) Sur indicated we would revisit during November meeting.
New Business
Project Organizer
Chris Sur commented that Sarah Gleason did a great job. Sarah Gleason is leaving KFNA in pursuit of another opportunity.
Review of selection and hiring process followed including whether Executive Committee or Executive Director should be involved in process. Tom Parent (past president) believed at least two Executive Committee members should be involved in process. JobyLynn said Executive Committee previously decided. President and Executive Director discussed. Arthur Knowles suggested two Executive Committee members be involved. Dean Muldoon (Secretary) said he is willing and JobyLynn (Treasurer) is available.
Chris Sur said he and Sarah Linnes-Robinson and any Executive Committee member that wants to be involved will conduct interview. Sarah Linnes-Robinson will narrow applicant list to ten. After Executive Committee input list with be down to three. Then interviews will be conducted. There was sentiment was that prior selection process resulted in diverse candidate pool.
Youth and School Committee Report:
Chris Sur gave brief overview of first meeting meeting. Committee crafted mission statement. Lyndale Principal Ms. Ossie Brooks-James attended first meeting. Chris Sur within his duties as President then presented Co-chairs Becky Alexander and Scott Bordon and Committee Members Jeff Bajek, Becky Dankowski, Meg Hoyt-Niemiec, Sara Kleckner, Lianne Knych and Jane Onsrud to the KFNA Board. Sur then approved seating of Co-chairs and members. Board expressed excitement about number of people at first committee meeting. Committee staffed KFNA Table at Farmers Market and promoted Kingfield’s new (2010) Community School—Lyndale Community School.
Redevelopment Committee Report
Tom Parent gave report.
Groundbreaking for Nicollet Square will likely be November-2nd week.
Parcel on Blaisdell (3900 block) was discussed. Meeting with City departments. City holding lot. Zoning Department okay. There are hurdles. Not the deal we initially thought $5000. Need to pay fair market value. Tom Parent thinks $25k-45k. There is formal process—involves City Assessor. Once Redevelopment has dollar figure will consider best course of action.
Lander Building. Neighborhood vision—busy intersection. There will be a cheer leading session/happy hour promotion with restaurant industry.
NRP: No report
Green Committee Report:
JobyLynn commented Greens supported Eating for Art
Newsletter Report:
Joby Lynn said starting to brainstorm.
CPAS Committee Report:
Jeff Bajek presented. Citizen inspection program tabled. May be a reincarrnation to come up with something more positive versus sending violations. Prefer outreach/helping neighbors rather than writing violations.
JobyLynn reported on utility box program. Doesn’t think project will be finished this fall. Likely wait until spring. Suggested idea of Art Crawl.
40th & Lyndale Task Force: No activity
Transportation Committee: No update
Dog Park
Upcoming meeting October 22. Chris Sur encouraged someone from board attend. JobyLynn said she would.
Celebrate 38 brief recap:
38th and Nicollet was hub of activity thanks. Dave Saddoris’s band drew a crowd at Quality Coaches.
Arthur Knowles moved to adjourn meeting. Dean Muldoon seconded. All approved.
Chris Sur adjorned meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Minutes recorded October 14, 2009 and respectively submitted to Secretary Dean Muldoon, and Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Executive Director, by Scott Bordon November 4, 2009.
Sep
28
New KFNA Youth & Schools Committee Formed
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At their September meeting the KFNA Board established a Youth and Schools Committee of the Kingfield Neighborhood Association in the interest of having a group to work with our newly assigned community school following the MPS Changing School Options vote on Sept 22, as well as on other youth projects. This committee will meet for the first time on Tuesday September 29, 7 PM, at MLK Park. All interested community members are welcome to attend. Please direct any questions to Sarah Linnes-Robinson at sarah@kingfield.org or 612.823.5980.
Sep
25
KFNA Board Minutes 09/09/09
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Board members present: Chris Sur, Chris DeParde, Dean Muldoon, Jeff Bajek, Marie Wolf, Tom Parent, Scott Bordon, Marshall Onsrud, David Saddoris, Jeff Bajek, David Potosky, Mark Brandow,
Move to approve June/July minutes. (Approved)
Treasurers Report
Review 09 end of year statement. Motion to accept end of year statement 09 (Approved) Review June/July 09 Statement. Motion to accept June/July 09 statement (Approved)
Board Member Participation Report
Show up!
Old Business
Farmer’s Market Assets :
Motion that assets that formerly belonged to KFNA that now become part of the farmers market. This includes : on site storage, tables, chairs, canopies, folding tables, storage bins, etc.
Discussion of policy regarding how the KFNA table is used at the farmer’s market. Motion that outside organizations that use KFNA’s table adhere to the same community table guidelines to which outside organizations using other farmer’s market tables adhere to today.
New Business:
Moving of NRP Funds. Motion to migrate $20k of funds formerly allocated to to provide grants supporting under-served populations to administration. This funding will primarily be used to fund block club organizing efforts. (Approved)
CPAS Citizen Inspector Program. Not popular in its current form among board member. May face difficulty meeting board approval.
Side yard variance Request for Vanderford’s (Approved) Creation of a school committee or task force that will assist Kingfield’s new community school and Minneapolis Public Schools with the Changing School Options transition. Please review proposal by board at http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/Changing_School_Options.html
–documents to review on right sidebar.
Motion to start a youth and schools committee. (Approved) Motion to start a youth and schools task force. (Declined)
Interested board members will meet ahead of time to establish a game plan. Email notice will go out next Tuesday. Initial meeting Tuesday the 29th. Regular meeting dates/times will be established at this meeting.
Other Committees, Task Force and Project Reports:
3912/3916 Blaisdell Update : the city will not sell the 3916 lot until they have heard from KFNA regarding possible options for the property NRP : did not meet Green : Graffiti Grant Update is happening fast. Will be gathering content from local artists to decorate utility boxes throughout the neighborhood.
Newsletter : just out
Crime Prevention and Safety (CpaS)
40th & Lyndale TF
Transportation
1.BRT Project
2.Lyndale Reconstruction
3.King Bridge Partnership –not active
4.UPA (including Sound Walls) : meeting coming soon regarding grafiti prevention … monday, 09/14/2009
Upcoming events
Community Garden tour : Thursday, September 10th Will tour 11 gardens in a two hour time period
Minutes were approved 11/09 by the KFNA Board despite a lack of names for who made or approved motions. This is the most complete set of minutes available.