Archives for 2005

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting
June 8, 2005

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Thor Anderson, Darrell Gerber, Pete Hallstrom, Mark Hinds, Martha Ingram, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Mari O’Rourke, Ryan Raleigh, Diana Schleisman, , Sean Wherley, and JobyLyn White-Wiedow (alternate).

KFNA Executive Director Sarah Linnes-Robinson present

Board Members Absent:
Niki Valens

Meeting Called to Order:
Lindseth, the new KFNA Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Community Forum:
Audience member asked two questions: Q) Will KFNA July Festival have an art forum?  A) Wherley: No; Q) Who would be interested in organizing an art exhibit for KFNA, perhaps alongside Farmers’ Market?  A) Lindseth: suggest coordinate with Art Mural committee and/or Linnes-Robinson regarding the Farmers’ Market.  Linnes-Robinson explained that KFNA had an art show two years ago, and while attempt was made last year, lack of participation precluded art forum.

Conflict of Interest Declarations:
New Board member, Pete Hallstrom, declared that wife, Joanna Hallstrom, is an employee of KFNA.  President noted for the record declaration.

Committee Member Appointments:
Board members reviewed assignments, Linnes-Robinson explained that committee members appointed by President while working groups less formal and participation more fluid.  Gerber clarified role of Transportation Liaison and Transportation Committee and request removal from Elm Committee.  Margo Dean added to Redevelopment Committee.

Motion to adopt committee appointments moved, seconded, and voted to carry.

Secretary’s Report:
Postponed.  May 11 Minutes adopted.

Treasurer’s Report:
Everything OK.  March 31 and April 30 Balance Sheets adopted.

Committee Reports:
·        NRP Committee: Wherley explained role of NRP committee as influential in expending NRP funds and seeking members.

Farmers’ Market
·        Second Sunday Celebrations:  Flyer distributed and reviewed.  Linnes-Robinson explained value of Farmers’ Market in building community and described the marketing of event through in-kind donations from S.W. Journal & Minneapolis Observer.
·        Farmers’ Market Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tim Harwig, owner of Frame-Ups distributed and reviewed.  Lindseth explained MOU for only one year due to temporary location, utilities donated and Harwig calculates value of charitable donation for tax purposes.  Gerber asked if electricity provided sufficient, A) vendors not anticipating electricity.  O’Rourke asked if same vendors coming, A) Elsie’s Farm won’t be present this year, but everyone else will be.  Motion to adopt MOU forwarded, moved and carried.
·        Farmers’ Market Coordinator Contract: Position description provided to Board by Linnes-Robinson and reviewed.  Linnes-Robinson explained this will be 5th year of market, which had been previously coordinated by independent contractor who is no longer available.  Linnes-Robinson explained the need to approve an employee position description to finalize employment status of a neighborhood resident who is available and interested.  JobyLyn asked if direction will be provided on-site?  Linnes-Robinson answered not at all times.  Diana S asked if volunteers interested?  Linnes-Robinson answered no…this is a very serious commitment and employee needed to satisfy responsibilities.  Gerber asked about selection process and Linnes-Robinson replied that E.D. chooses employee Board approves Position.

Position description moved.  Lindseth moved to amend to add bullet to “arrange pre-market vendor organizational meeting.”  Ingram amended sentence to read “KF Market Coordinator will work under….  Anderson amended to include invitation to coordinator to visit Board mid-season and at conclusion of season for report to board.  Motion moved and amended and passed.

Nicollet Avenue Lighting Project Outreach:  Letter and Outreach Plan:
Comments sought on letter to residents, which is a heads-up prior to assessment letter from City.  Meeting hosted by City on June 28th to seek feedback and KFNA will field complaints before Public Hearing.

NRP Funds Committed to Lander by Redevelopment Committee:
Mark Hinds opened discussion with a motion to commit KFNA to provide $5000 for each affordable housing unit to be built in the redevelopment of the property located at 38th and Nicollet by the Lander Group.

Background by Hinds provided:
·        the Redevelopment Committee has a good working relationship with Lander Group who has attended committee meetings and provided a great deal of information regarding their proposed development.
·        the committee recently received a formal request for assistance from Lander Group to ensure that the project meets the affordable and sustainable priorities of the neighborhood.  The amount requested exceeded $200,000 alongside an itemized cost list of these priorities in the project.
·        the redevelopment committee has identified long-term affordable housing as a priority and has discussed the level of commitment available from phase I and II NRP funds.
·        the project, known as “38” will include 41 units and preserve the historic structure on-site while rise to 5 stories in the rear and step down to street in front.  Indoor parking will be available and the billboards will be incorporated into current design due to prior contractual arrangements.
·        With the current commitment proposed of $5,000 per affordable unit, it is certain that Lander will pursue more sources of funds.  In particular, Lander is preparing to apply for a June 28 deadline for CPED and MHFA funding.

White-Wiedow questioned the status of the billboards and encouraged efforts to tie future funding streams for KFNA to billboard contract.  Wherley expressed disappointment if theatre group blacked out windows on corner, as a proposed potential tenant.  Lindseth proposed following amendments to motion that $5,000 per affordable unit as tied to community land trust subject to following conditions:

1)      the commitment of funds subject to sale of property to Lander,
2)      that KFNA should be listed as partner in development marketing materials, and
3)      payment of funds due upon completion of project.
Wherley proposed a further amendment to include a condition
4)      that funds be made available to the affordable housing units of “38” only if a minimum threshold of 6 up to a maximum of 10 affordable units be included in development.  All four of the above amendments went to vote and passed.

Goff Development: Draft letter to City citing KFNA’s concerns with the project and anticipated extension for site plan:

Motion forwarded that KFNA oppose any request from Goff for permit extension as outlined in letter to Steve Poor, City of Minneapolis Zoning Administrator.

Background by Lindseth provided:
·        Goff has been disingenuous with redevelopment committee regarding site at 36th and Nicollet, and the committee does not support current project as proposed;
·        Letter to City of Minneapolis as a preemptive strike to discourage approval of extension to Goff, if requested;
·        Potential conflict of interest on part of David Motzenbacher regarding Goff and site;
·        Linnes-Robinson explained that KFNA has a proposal with the city to buy the site

Move to amend to strike last sentence of letter, which encourages City to only approve a three month extension if they are to act at all.  Vote results:  3 Yays, 8 Nays.  Technical amendment forwarded to add strong support for denying extension.  Motion moved, seconded and carried.

Fund Raising Letter for Event Support to Business:
Acknowledged

Questions from Board Training:
Primer on parliamentary procedure
Adjourned at 9pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Thor Anderson as prepared by Ryan Raleigh.

KFNA Board Secretary – Thor Anderson
KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

May 11, 2005

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Thor Anderson, Darrell Gerber, Pete Hallstrom, Mark Hinds, Martha Ingram, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Ryan Raleigh, Diana Schleisman, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley, and JobyLyn White-Weidow (alternate).

Board Members Absent:
Mari O’Rourke, Dave Saddoris

Others Present:
Arthur Knowles; Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA; and Robyn Repya, Southwest Journal.

Meeting called to order:
Kristensen, acting in the absence of outgoing President David Motzenbecker, called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

Community Forum:
Outgoing board member Knowles reminded the board that the Zoning Subcommittee meets May 18 at 7 p.m.

Officer Elections:
Rolf Johnson resigned from the board.  Wherley moved that Raleigh assume the remainder of Johnson’s term.  Ingram seconded and the motion passed unanimously.  Linnes-Robinson discussed the bylaws and the roles and expectations of officers.

Lindseth nominated Kristensen to be treasurer.  Motion passed unanimously.  Wherley nominated Anderson to be secretary.  Motion passed unanimously.  Anderson nominated Wherley to be vice president.  Motion passed unanimously.  Hinds nominated Lindseth to be president.  Motion passed unanimously. Lindseth then assumed the duties of president and ran the remainder of the meeting.

Secretary’s Report
The April 13 minutes had one correction; the representative from the Southwest Journal in attendance was Joe Widmer, an intern.  Wherley moved to accept the April 13 board minutes; Hinds seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Bank statements from March and April were not available for review; they will be approved at the June board meeting.  Kristensen brought the certificate of authority form and asked new officers to provide their signature for authorizing checks.  Linnes-Robinson explained that the checking account had an estimated $60,000 and that most expenses run on a reimbursement system, whereby the Neighborhood Revitalization Program pays KFNA for all expenses borne.

Committee Reports:
Linnes-Robinson explained that each board member should serve on two committees and that each panel’s membership is approved by the board.  She reviewed the committees and their roles or areas of oversight.  Committee members must be 18 or older, and or live or work in Kingfield.  Each committee should elect chairs at their next meeting.  A staff person is assigned to each committee but the chair should be responsible for communicating business with committee members.

Wherley discussed NRP Steering; Hinds Redevelopment; Anderson the Newsletter; Wherley fundraising, and transportation; and Valens the block organizing.

Mural Project:
Linnes-Robinson said KFNA selected five businesses for murals or other artwork this summer.  The businesses include Young’s Flowers, Nicollet Auto, Leonardo’s Basement, Frame Ups, and Colonial Cleaners.  Young’s Flowers will be adorned with a mosaic while the others will receive murals.

Lighting Petition:
The City Council’s Transportation and Public Works Committee approved KFNA’s Nicollet Avenue lighting petition between 36th and 40th Streets.  A public hearing is set for June 28 at 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Park.  Board members are encouraged to attend.  Linnes-Robinson expects no problems at the hearing and said the installation could still happen in 2005.

Board Orientation:
A board member orientation is scheduled for June 7 at Ingram’s home, 4134 Wentworth Ave. S.  Board members are asked to bring a side dish.

Meeting Adjourned:
Hallstrom moved to adjourn; Schleisman seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Sean Wherley.

KFNA Board Secretary – Sean Wherley
KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

April 13, 2005

Minutes

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

Board Members Absent:
None

Others Present:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA; Jeremy Stratton, Southwest Journal; Marie Perzynski, Minneapolis Police Lieutenant; Tim, owner of Frame Ups.

Meeting called to order:
Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

Community Forum:
Lieutenant Perzynski provided a crime update for the neighborhood and precinct.  She urged people to take precautions as there have been several reported burglaries and car break-ins recently.  She said that the precinct will have two officers and one sergeant reassigned to the north side following a new crime prevention initiative launched by Chief William McManus.

Secretary’s Report
Linnes-Robinson requested that the minutes reflect the findings of KFNA’s recent audit, conducted by the State Auditor.  A double billing of $150 was reported and corrected.  The second item recommended stronger segregation of financial duties, which is difficult in such a small organization.  Wherley moved to accept the March Board minutes; Knowles seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Motzenbecker inquired about the $2,500 item listed under “events.”  Linnes-Robinson said it was a social service grant issued to the Underground Youth Center.  Knowles moved to accept the treasurer’s report; Ingram seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports:
Wherley inquired about requesting funds for the King Bridge Partnership through the Capital Long-range Investment Committee.  Motzenbecker said that KFNA should send a letter expressing interest in such funding to the committee next year, indicating it is premature to do so in 2005.

MLK Multi-Purpose Room:
Linnes-Robinson said that the Minneapolis Park Board will issue $11,600 to KFNA to reimburse the organization for repairs completed in 2002 on the multi-purpose room at King Park.

Annual Meeting:
Motzenbecker reviewed the proposed agenda for the April 18 annual meeting.  It was agreed that Councilmember Scott Benson will discuss 35W and Crosstown.  Knowles will discuss the NRP plan modifications, Valens and O’Rourke will discuss the block club organizing, Wherley will discuss fundraising, and Motzenbecker will discuss the farmer’s market, mural project, hazardous waste collection, and Kingfield Festival.

Because David Muschenheim announced his resignation from the board earlier this week, it was agreed that the board candidate receiving the seventh-highest vote total at the annual meeting would complete the remaining one year of Muschenheim’s term.  The top six candidates will each serve two-year terms.  Linnes-Robinson reminded the board that alternates may attend and speak at board meetings but cannot vote.

Theisen Building:
Motzenbecker said that the Lander Group, developer of the former Theisen building, may ask KFNA for financial assistance for the site.  Lander has not purchased the property as the company is awaiting environmental clean-up of the site.

23 W. 38th Street:
Linnes-Robinson reported that the duplex at 23 W. 38th Street is nearly complete; the site is owned by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority.  Motzenbecker suggested holding a party or celebration to mark the completion of construction.

23 W. 38th Street:
Linnes-Robinson said that the Nicollet Avenue lighting project proposed for 36th Street to 40th Street has received approval from city councilmembers Dan Niziolek and Robert Lilligren.  An assessment hearing will be held in June.

Farmer’s Market:
Motzenbecker said that Time-Warner, the owner of the lot that hosts the Kingfield Farmer’s Market, has refused to sign a contract allowing the market to continue at the site in 2005.  Instead, Tim ?, the owner of Frame Ups on Nicollet Avenue will allow KFNA to host the market in the lot at his business.  The property is zoned commercial but a conditional use permit will likely be granted for the market to operate on the new site.

Meeting Adjourned:
Knowles moved to adjourn; Ingram seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sean Wherley.

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

March 9, 2005

Minutes

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

Board Members Asent:
None

Others Present:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA; Robyn Repya, Southwest Journal; Jennifer Sprague, Kingfield resident; Tracy Eberly, Kingfield resident; TJ Gunther, Kingfield business owner.

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

Community Forum:
TJ from Kingfield business, Odds and Ends, informed the board of a public hearing allowing him to display items on the sidewalk in front of his business at 42nd and Nicollet.  He asked for KFNA to write a letter of support to the city.  Wherley moved that the board approve such a letter; the motion was seconded by Johnson.  Motzenbecker suggested that the letter mention how the sidewalk width is adequate for both display items and pedestrian traffic.  Motion passed unanimously.

Jennifer Sprague, from 44th Street & 1st Avenue, came to discuss the bus traffic on 44th Street.  Motzenbecker had spoken to John Dillery at Metro Transit regarding this issue and shared neighborhood concerns.  Dillery said that in order to test a route on 42nd Street and up Stevens Avenue, Metro Transit would need petitions signed by residents on Stevens Avenue between 42nd and 44th Streets.  Sprague had concerns about being able to get the required signatures.  The board suggested that she call Annette Meeks, Metropolitan Council representative for Kingfield, for a higher level of support than KFNA can provide.

Valens advised the board of public hearing to be held at MLK Park on March 17 for a wine and beer license at Victor’s 1959 Café.

Secretary’s Report
Wherley moved to accept the February Board minutes; Ingram seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Valens moved to accept the treasurer’s report, Knowles seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

No questions or comments on any other committee minutes.

MLK Multi-Purpose Room:
Linnes-Robinson explained the bill KFNA recently received from the Minneapolis Park Board for work done in 2002 on the multi-purpose room at King Park.  Discussion ensued about whether to pay the bill or not.  The bill was received late due to a clerical error by the Park Board, and according to KFNA records the Park Board actually owes KFNA money.  Dolata moved that we send both a letter and spreadsheet to NRP Director Bob Miller asking that he act on it.  Seconded by Muschenheim.  Motion passed unanimously.

KFNA Website:
Wherley suggested that the board entrust the website modifications to Linnes-Robinson and Joanna Hallstrom.  Some ideas and suggestions were discussed, including keeping board and committee meeting minutes posted for a year; preserving neighborhood business links/sponsorship; and creating a block leader sign-up area and community forum.

Annual Meeting Agenda:
Wherley suggested that 35W be removed from the April 18 agenda since nothing much is happening on the issue.  Knowles agreed to talk about NRP Phase II planning.  O’Rourke and Valens agreed to try and recruit block leaders w/booth and/or explanation of community initiated grants.  Ingram agreed to talk about the Farmer’s Market.  Other topics to be discussed include development options at 38th & Nicollet Avenue and 36th & Nicollet Avenue; lighting petition update; solicitation of volunteers for the mural program; and fundraising.  KFNA will invite State Rep. Frank Hornstein, City Councilmember Scott Benson, State Sen. Scott Dibble and Mayor R.T. Rybak to speak for two minutes each.  Johnson suggested that vote totals from the board election be posted after being tallied.

Motzenbecker will work further on the agenda and get back to us.

Social Service Grant Report:
Linnes-Robinson said that KFNA has issued 14 grants, 12 of which have been completed.  The only two outstanding are with Mental Health Collaborative and Skyway Senior Center.  Most successful thus far has been the Southwest Senior Center, which did a lot of outreach by doorknocking.  Motzenbecker asked that a synopsis of each grant be submitted to the board.

Audit Finding:
Linnes-Robinson requested that we approve the two findings.  Wherley moved to accept the auditor’s findings; Anderson seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mural Task Force:
Valens agreed to serve as the board representative on the task force.

Farmers Market:
To hold the Farmer’s Market at Mulroy’s would require the site to be re-zoned.  The board opted not to pursue a re-zoning and to hold the market at its current location through 2006.  KFNA did receive a grant for creating the Farmer’s Market logo.  Designs will be submitted in two weeks.  In April, KFNA will form a group interested in marketing the Farmer’s Market.

Kingfield Festival:
First planning meeting is March 29 at 7 p.m. at Café Tempo.  Wherley would like to see another board member be involved in the planning.  Valens suggested that O’Rourke would be a good candidate.

Lighting:
The Nicollet Avenue lighting petition has not gone to City Council yet, but KFNA should know more by the board’s next meeting.

Everyone please bring a snack to April meeting as a send off to outgoing board members!

Meeting Adjourned:
Knowles moved to adjourn; Wherley seconded.  The meeting adjourned at about 9 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Niki Valens.

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

February 9, 2005

Minutes

Board Members Present:

Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Martha Ingram, Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley

Board Members Absent:
David Muschenheim, Mari O’Rourke

Others Present:
Beth Elliot – CPED, Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Hallstrom, Pete Hallstrom, Robyn Repya – Southwest Journal, Jennifer Sprague – Kingfield resident, John Awsumb – Kingfield resident

Meeting Called to Order:
Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Community Forum:
Jennifer Sprague and John Awsumb presented their concern about bus traffic on 44th Street.  In November 2004, Metro Transit created the 11C bus route, which ends at 46th Street and Nicollet.  It then turns around on 44th Street to return onto 35W at 46th Street.  This route goes down 44th Street 52 times a day.  Sprague and Awsumb are concerned with the noise that the buses bring to the residential street.  They collected eleven signatures and filed a complaint with Metro Transit.  John Dillery, Metro Transit Senior Transit Planner, responded with a letter that the bus turnaround would not be rerouted.  Wherley suggested contacting the Metropolitan Council, as Metro Transit reports to the Metropolitan Council.  Frank Hornstein was also suggested as a good contact.  Motzenbecker said he would investigate further.

Valens said that Victor’s 1959 Café will be applying for a wine and beer license, and may ask for neighborhood support.

Farmer’s Market Zoning Update:
Beth Elliot from CPED presented an update on the status of zoning for the Farmer’s Market for both the current site and for the proposed new site.

Appropriate zoning for the farmer’s market was first questioned by the Environmental Health Department.  The current site is zoned C1, and is appropriately licensed.  The proposed new site, in Mulroy’s parking lot, is zoned R2B.  Current zoning laws do not adequately address farmer’s markets, and there is no definition for farmer’s markets in the zoning code now.  Farmer’s markets are only mentioned in zoning codes I1 and I2, and they are mentioned as conditional uses.  The Environmental Health Department primarily regulates farmer’s markets under Title 10 ‘Food Code’, Chapter 201 ‘Public Markets’.  Other farmer’s markets in South Minneapolis, such as the Midtown Farmer’s Market at Hiawatha and Lake, are likely in the same situation.

Secretary’s Report:
The second heading should be changed from ‘Board Members Present’ to ‘Board Members Absent’.  Knowles moved to accept the report.  Johnson seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Logo item spending of $933.60 was questioned.  Linnes-Robinson stated that the logo items were likely T-shirt printing for the garage sale last year.  Approximately 90 homes participated in the garage sale last year.  Knowles moved to accept the report.  Wherley seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports:
King Bridge public meetings are planned for March 19 and March 21.

Brainstorming of NRP Steering Committee’s Community Initiated Grants:

1. Saddoris suggested trashcans in strategic areas around the neighborhood to reduce trash on the streets.  Knowles suggested community initiated grants to empty cans.  A contract could be issued to empty cans as opposed to having property owners be responsible for the waste.  A high level of trash has been noticed after the recent snow melt on the ground in front of Incarnation Church.
2. Motzenbecker called for NRP projects to be long lasting and tangible.
3. Valens suggested community initiated grants be used for changing impervious surfaces to pervious surfaces in Kingfield.

Motzenbecker suggested the board review reports on the NRP Steering Committee’s Social Service Grants, which are approved by the committee.  The current system requires prospective grantees to file a request.  Grantees must submit a midway report, and a final report; the grant is divided and paid upon receiving each report.  No grants are renewed year-to-year and there is a $5,000 maximum. Wherley said that the existing safeguards are adequate.  Lindseth suggested that the NRP Steering Committee minutes should better document discussion on the grants.

Lindseth noted that some brainstorming projects included in the NRP minutes are not in Kingfield.  Wherley responded that all projects must support Kingfield residents, but do not have to be conducted within Kingfield.

Farmer’s Market:  Motzenbecker suggested that the market must have a stronger attraction to draw people to the new location.  The current location benefits from traffic walking from Anodyne Cafe.  Linnes-Robinson informed the board that the current plan is to have a community event every week at the market.  Hallstrom noted that there are already utility connections on the exterior of Mulroy’s, and there is a large population on Sunday mornings at the Mormon church across the street.  Elsie’s Farm went bankrupt, and will not be at the market this year.

2005 Budget/Event Discussion:
Linnes-Robinson presented the 2005 budget.  The fundraising amount of $4,000 was an average of the last two years proceeds.  The ‘Other Grants’ category included $20,000 carryover from a McKnight Foundation grant, and a possible $5,000 grant from the Metropolitan Council related to stormwater management.

Lindseth questioned the ‘Housing Development Program’.  Linnes-Robinson will be setting up the Housing Development Program.  This program will allow administration time to be charged for redevelopment programs.  The whole fund will not be designated for administration.

Wherley questioned whether KFNA would be applying for other grants.  Linnes-Robinson responded that only grants likely to be awarded were included in the budget.  Other grant applications will be submitted.  Grants not related to housing are likely to be small and several years out.

Linnes-Robinson said that there is a $132,000 loan available to KFNA.  The funds were repaid from a homeowner loan program.  KFNA can ask for the money at any time a project is identified.  The funds are gaining interest now.  The money could be used for another loan program.

Saddoris questioned whether KFNA would manage the budget.  Motzenbecker responded that bylaws require KFNA to pass a budget.

Linnes-Robinson explained the ‘Chair Project’.  This program will engage artists in the community to create art chairs.  The chairs will be auctioned off at the Kingfield Festival.  O’Rourke will chair the project.

Boulevard trees:  There are currently approximately 200 empty spaces in the neighborhood for boulevard trees.  There is funding available through the city to plant trees in 20 percent of the spaces.  The cost to the neighborhood for the balance of the trees is $90/tree.  The city gets to pick the trees for this program.  Knowles suggested a cost of $500 to $600 per tree if the neighborhood planted trees independent of the city project.  Motzenbecker noted that the trees the city currently is planting are not of high quality.  Linnes-Robinson noted that the Park Board is spending its entire tree budget this year to take down trees.  Thirty-eight trees will be planted by the city this year in Kingfield.  These plantings are filled at a resident’s request.  These trees are funded from the mayor’s budget from two years ago.  Ingram asked about the use of preventative treatments.  Linnes-Robinson responded that the treatments are not proven.  The head of the Park Board’s forestry division will attend the NRP Steering Committee’s February 21 meeting to discuss the issue.

Lindseth asked what the ‘Art Bus Stop’ funding would cover.  Linnes-Robinson responded that these funds are her best guess for building 3-4 bus stop shelters.

Johnson asked what the ‘Pedestrian Bridge’ budget was for.  The funds are from a McKnight Foundation grant for use as art on the greenway.  Motzenbecker suggested that the budget would cover marketing expense, administration, etc.

Knowles moved to pass the 2005 KFNA budget.  Dolata seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items:
WiFi:  Pete Hallstrom presented his research on WiFi networks.  WiFi is wireless internet access.  The City of Chaska recently installed equipment to provide low cost wireless internet access to all of its residents.  The cost is approximately $17/month.  Minneapolis and St. Paul are beginning to consider WiFi systems.  In Minneapolis, John Erwin on the Park Board originally initiated the project.  Jim Farstat is the project leader for the city.  The city has requested comments and suggestions from the community.  Pilot sites may be available down the road.  A WiFi system was installed in Philadelphia recently.  The selling point for the Philadelphia installation was providing internet access for a broader population.  Hallstrom will be the official WiFi representative for KFNA.

Annual Meeting Planning:  The annual meeting is April 18.  Six board members will be ending their terms this year.  NRP Phase II planning will not be presented at the meeting.  NRP will be moved to a fall meeting.  Valens suggested asking for block organizers at the meeting. She also suggested informing the public about the tree-planting program.  Motzenbecker suggested a piece on projects in progress and successes in the last year.  Wherley suggested promoting upcoming events, such as the Festival, Market, Garage Sale, etc.  Wherley suggested asking committee members to become board members.  Linnes-Robinson asked what skills are needed on the board.  Grant writing and web skills were suggested.  Motzenbecker and Linnes-Robinson will draft an agenda for the meeting.  Motzenbecker will host a chat with the public to answer questions for citizens interested in the board.

Old Business/New Business:
K-Mart Letter:  Ingram suggested changing “but six blocks south” to “only six blocks south.”  Wherley suggested adding a date to the letter and copying the entire city council.  Ingram suggested changing “for the site were Nicollet Avenue” to “for the site if Nicollet Avenue” in paragraph four, line one.  Johnson suggested changing “will turn, in many ways” to “will depend, in many ways” in paragraph five, line six.

Nicollet Lighting Petition:  Per Linnes-Robinson, the city is currently reviewing the Nicollet Avenue lighting petition.

2005 Garage Sale T-Shirts:  Linnes-Robinson will try to incorporate a number of the murals on the t-shirts, if possible.

Meeting Adjourned:
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Dave Saddoris.

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