Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting October 10, 2007

Minutes
Board Members Present:  Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris,  Karen Pieper, Tom Parent, Chris Sur, David Brauer, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Ben Kristensen

Board Members Absent: Mary Hunter, JobyLynn Sassily James, Niki Stavrou, David Potosky

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Hallstrom

Others: Jake Weyer.

Meeting Called to Order:
David Brauer called the meeting to order

Community Forum:
No community forum.

Moved the agenda to the last items, Action items.

Action Items:
Future of NRP
There may be a substantial decrease in financial support for KFNA from NRP funding.  Board needs to prioritize KFNA’s involvement/spending.

Some suggestions:  Drop Farmers’ Market, Assist population in need, alternative transportation .  Keep administration, community events, housing is a required expense.

Greens need some matching funding.  Money is in green grants.

Walldogs not NRP but still takes up staff time.

Community meeting may be necessary to discuss $ decrease.  Is it wise to make decision without community involvement?

Darrell Suggested:  Any changes that result in a change of  $25,000.00 needs approval from community.

Farmers’ Market Feasibility Study Proposal
How to help market move forward?  Do we need feasibility study from MAP?  If we don’t figure out how to make the market sustainable, the FM might not make it. Maybe paying for MAP  provide  the  “seed money” for FM and then they go on their own.
Arthur MOVES  We accept MAP proposal; Karen seconds.
Tom Parent amendment:  MOVE:  Approve proposal from MAP for non-profits for an hourly-not-to-exceed sum of $2500.00 with deliverables agreed upon by the Farmers’ Market task force.  Arthur Nays, all the rest ayes.

Secretary’s Report:
No report

Treasurer’s Report:
No report

Redevelopment Committee Report:
KFNA will host a community meeting on Nov 7 @ King Park to discuss Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation’s (PCNF) proposed project at 3700 Nicollet.   The meeting will cover both the program of the facility and the design of the proposed building.  On Nov 3 PCNF will doorknock the neighborhood to notify residents of meeting. KFNA Board members are invited to participate.
There was discussion on changed language of project by the church.  Does KFNA support language change?

October meeting about the Blue Plate Restaurant is off.

NRP Committee Report:

Report of Fence Addition in King Park Community Meeting
Brian, administrator for MLK park, was present for report.   Bob Fine and Paul Hokeness from park board had also attended this community meeting.  “Meeting went well”, said David Brauer.  Some neighbors still disappointed in fence.  Communication will be improved for the future of any similar park projects between KFNA, neighborhood and park staff.
Mpls  Street Lighting:    Citizens may be charged $13.00 assessment fee for street lighting.

Green Committee Report:
Green committee and 2 bike tousr cancelled in Sept. because of rain.

Newsletter:
None

King Bridge Partnership:
None

Farmers’ Market:
None

Crime and Safety Committee:
CpaS was notified about a meth house raid earlier this month.

Concerning Mark Loesch’s death:  Crime Stoppers have not gotten in touch with us to answer questions regarding the reward fund: how money is collected and when, when is it paid out, what happens if it is never collected, etc.  so Brauer determined it was unwise of the neighborhood association to collect for the fund.

Bike Task Force:
No meeting.

Projects:
Walldogs – Over $6,000.00 was raised at Garden Party Event and during Eating For Art.t.  The Fisher Grocery (34th and Nicollet) project is complete on the south side of the building at this time. The  Deck the Walls party in December possibility for a fundraiser for the project and was approved by the board.
Transportation –Public meetings are listed on hand-out to discuss the city’s draft “Ten-Year Transportation Plan and its Streetcar Feasibility Study.”  Discussion of streetcar advantages include:
No emissions (although there still are emissions at coal burning plants.)
“cool” factor
comfort
better business.
Look for a meeting with Scott Dibble and Elizabeth Glidden in regards to transportation and the Public transit bldg along 35 W.

Lakes District Council Meetings concerning Park Plans-  This group meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday of a month to discuss parks and policy.Linnes-Robinson asked for a Board rep to sit on this committee.  No board members expressed interest.  She was told to seek outside of the board for a representative.

Arthur and Derrell Move to adjourn the meeting.  All are in favor.

Minutes prepared by Karen Pieper

VIA EMAIL SINCE MEETING:
Discussion via email on web design decides to go forward with David Potosky’s plan. Some KFNA Board members responded that they were comfortable with Potosky going ahead with the web upgrades.
Sarah sends request NOT to us MAP Project Redesign, but acknowledge that KFNA staff is working to gather and compile the necessary information for the Task Force about the workings, and funding, and governance of other local markets.   KFNA board approves via email voting.

KFNA Board Meeting Minutes
9.12.2007

Those in attendance:  Arthur Knowles, Mary Hunter, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Tom Parent, JobyLynn Sassily James, Chris Sur, David Brauer, Ben Kristensen, David Potosky, David Saddoris

Those not in attendance: Niki Stavrou, Darrell Gerber

Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

7:30 David B. calls meeting to order.

Contract amendment to MMWO:
In response to budget discrepancies between forecasted and actual budget on the stormwater management project, KFNA has been in negotiations with MMWO to resolve any potential issues.  In the original project budgets, design was a low cost item and construction was a high cost item, but proved the opposite in actuality.  In order to resolve this and also address potential deadline conflicts, a revised contract between KFNA and MMWO created.  The new budget makes KFNA liable for $111 more than original and extends the deadline for completion of the projects to November 30.
David Saddoris made a motion to approve the contract as revised.  Arthur seconded.  Passed unanimously.

Update from Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden:
Urban Partnership Agreement:  Bus Rapid Transit on I-35W south of Kingfield an important step, but large gaps remain that Kingfield could help resolve.  Elizabeth to arrange a date for a community meeting at King Park to involve neighborhood and also arrange a breakfast for “transportation leaders” to provide greater detail to those actively involved in this transportation issue.
Crosstown Construction: With Diamond Lake Road and 50th Street bridges over I-35W out, 46th Street is main access remaining.  So far there have been few complaints about heavy traffic on 46th to Elizabeth, but they are proactively working on addressing traffic issues through the adjustment of lights, signals, etc.
Possible new liquor licenses in Kingfield:  Elizabeth suggested arranging to have a liquor inspector attend the next Redevelopment Committee meeting in order to assist KFNA is establishing its own process for evaluating new requests for liquor licenses.  Elizabeth also offered to personally assist in whatever way possible in this endeavor.

Update on KFNA’s Website:
David P:  Discussions progress on the evolution of the website.  A Requst for Proposals (RFP) for web designers is forthcoming, but David would like to be able to approve $1000 more than the current $1000 ($2000 total) for responses.  Once completed, the website would cost $50-$100 annually.  The goal is to have the website operational by the end of the year.
Arthur moved to authorize up to $200 for creation for the website as laid out in the discussion.  Amy seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Update on 38th & Nicollet:
Michael Lander and Ben Kerl updated the board on recent developments at their property at 38th & Nicollet (previously the Thiessen Vending Co).  The development model has been revised to be a office / retail building with a marquis restaurant tenant on the corner space.  Blue Plate Group, owners of Longfellow Grill, Edina Grill and Groveland Tap among others, wants to open a restaurant in 6000 square feet of the total 22000 square feet (above ground) of the existing building.  They would recreate the business model of Longfellow Grill, which would require a full liquor license.  Lander is currently figuring out the process to obtain a license, but wants to remain in close contact with KFNA and Councilmember Glidden.  Given market forces, Lander would like to open the restaurant as soon as possible, which would require neighborhood support prior to full project parameters being established.  He recognizes the issues this may create but is optimistic that a solution agreeable by all parties can be reached.
Restaurant may open as soon as February.
This issue will be addressed by the Redevelopment Committee.  Redevelopment will inform the board of progress.

Update on Walldogs:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson provided a sheet entitled “Walldogs on Nicollet” which outlined the Walldogs project. The joint project between KFNA and the Lyndale Neighborhood Association (LNA) will, in short, consist of 6-10 murals along Nicollet Avenue created by artist and volunteers.  The purpose of the project is to use the creation of public art to build community, create a new aesthetic, to spur economic development and to create a safer environment along Nicollet Avenue from Lake Street to 46th Street.
There will not be an equal number of murals in each neighborhood, as Lyndale has greater need and opportunity for the murals.
The Walldogs project will tie into other art projects of KFNA’s, but not replace any of them.
LNA receipts all expenses and keeps the books for the projects.  It was suggested KFNA should ask for a monthly ledger from LNA.
Sarah asked that KFNA’s Board be involved in the project in order to raise awareness, involvement and revenue.
David Potosky moved the Board approve the Project Details from sheet provided by Sarah Linnes-Robinson (listed below) and that Sarah provide the Board with a monthly budget.  Arthur seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.
Project Details:
(insert from S L-R)

Farmers Market:
Budget:  It appears as though the market will generate roughly the same amount of revenue as expenses it has incurred.
Farmers Market Task Force would like to split from KFNA in order to pursue greater resources it feels it needs to survive coming years.

Pledge to Unplug:
Project began last Sunday at the Farmers Market.  The project asks volunteers to enroll in the Minnesota Energy Challenge and provides participants with a Kill-A-Watt device which measures energy consumed by specific appliances.  Participants are asked to record and report on 10 devices in their homes, with the results posted on the website.  Twenty-five Kill-A-Watts were obtained through a micro-grant.

Stormwater Bike Tours:
Bike tours to each of the stormwater management project sites led by a member of the Green Committee are being offered to Kingfield at large.  A sign-up sheet for Board members was passed around.

Driftwood (formerly Westrums):
No update.

3601 Advisory Letter:
Arthur moves that KFNA send the letter written by Tom Parent as the chair of the Redevelopment Committee to the developers of the site at 3601 Nicollet Avenue advising them of neighborhood concerns about the project meeting stated Redevelopment Guidelines for the neighborhood.  Mary seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

October 2, 2007 MLK Park Planning Meeting:
There will be a meeting on October 2, 2007 to address park planning strategies for MLK Park.  While everyone recognizes the possibility that this may be an opportunity to rehash the miscommunication regarding the erection of the baseball field fence earlier this summer, it is hoped that the meeting can be focused on positive steps moving forward.
Chris Sur and Dianna will attend as the KFNA reps / planners.

Arthur moved to adjourn meeting, Chris seconded.  The motion passed unanimously at 9 p.m.

No meeting.

Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting July 11, 2007

Minutes
Board Members Present:
Niki Stavrou, Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris, David Potosky, Karen Pieper, Tom Parent, Chris Sur, David Brauer, Amy Joe Gracyalny, JobyLynn Sassily James, Ben Kristensen

Board Members Absent:
Mary Hunter

KFNA Staff Present:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Hallstrom

Others: Jake Weyer.

Meeting Called to Order:
David Brauer called the meeting to order at 7:05PM

Community Forum:
Joanna Hallstrom introduced herself to the new board members.

Secretary’s Report:
Arthur moved to accept the minutes. Joby Lynn seconded. Passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
No report

Redevelopment Committee Report:
Additional news is July 18 liquor license hearing for The Driftwood (old Westrums) in King Park. They don’t need to apply for a new license but the city council is asking that they hold a public hearing anyway. The committee has started planning for rollout of the Plymouth Church Foundation project to the neighborhood. No updates on La Chaya.

NRP Committee Report:
No meeting.

Green Committee Report:
KFNA got a Grassroots Climate Change Microgrant from the city of $1000. We will distribute Kill-a-Watts to neighbors and get reports back. A grant for $10,000 was recently submitted to the city for an extension on this work into extensive outreach through houseparties, bike tours and other events.

Newsletter:
None

King Bridge Partnership:
None

Farmers’ Market:
None

Crime and Safety Committee:
Several problem houses had been identified during the meeting. Niki reported about the graffiti on Fairy Godmother’s. There is speculation it was retaliation for an article she wrote in the last Southwest Journal about cleaning up graffiti. It was all cleaned up today. They didn’t touch the mural at all.

Bike Task Force:
Some events have been pulled into Green Committee. There is some possible money for next year.

Projects:
Walldogs – Doing a September Walldog event. 34th and Nicollet and logo on Lyndale Neighborhood office building. These will be a taste of the other 8 murals that will come in July. Neighborhood restaurants in Lyndale and Kingfield are being asked to donate a portion of profits from a day to the project. Other fundraising projects.
Transportation – The Downtown Action Plan has been accepted by the City Council with some modifications. The city has released an air quality study that indicates some problems at 46th and Nicollet. Gerber suggested that the Redevelopment Committee take a look at it. The Comprehensive Plan for the city is also moving along and Gerber suggested that the Redevelopment Committee be active in developing recommendations for the board to submit to the city.
40th and Lyndale – Steve Brandt has resigned from the committee due to his new job. Barbara Crosby has offered to serve on the committee representing KFNA. Despite the design challenge wrapping up there is still a lot to do with the committee.

Updates on Current Issues:
Berry Selling – Berry picking is very time consuming. Two hours of picking made about $80. The berries are very good and sell quickly. Have been very popular at the market but have been a logistic problem. Sales of some of the products at the market are selling incredibly well. David B recommends getting there early and leave yourself a lot of time. You should try to have 4 or 5 people with you. Sarah needs to fill out the next several weeks of picking.

Mosaic Mural – The action for the artists to submit a proposal is in their court.

New Business:
Appointment of Barbara Crosby to the 40th and Lyndale – Tom Parent moved that KFNA “support the involvement of Barbara Crosby as a Kingfield resident on the 40th and Lyndale Committee.” Seconded by Dave Saddoris. Passed unanimously.

Housing Loan Program Contract Preparation – Chris Sur moved to approve the contract revisions. Joby Lynn seconded. Passed unanimously.

Land Trust letter of support – The letter has previously been approved. It just needs to be signed.

Web site proposal – David P. outlined a proposal he has recently submitted for maintenance and upkeep of the website. He proposes decreasing the cost of operation and redirecting the savings into paying for design/development work on the website. The new design would be much more open and interactive allowing for greater input from the community via Wiki and blog technology. This should lower the maintenance and would require less technical expertise to use. It would also allow the community to take more ownership of the site. Tom likes the idea and that it would serve the neighborhood well. Suggests putting this into a committee. David would like to put the design work out to a contractor.  He and Sarah have several people in mind. Several ideas and explanations of blog and Wiki were passed around. David B asked that David P put together a formal proposal to bring to the board for a vote.

August Meeting – Last year we didn’t do a meeting in August. David B asked if we want to plan on having one or not. Joby Lynn moved that “we don’t meet in August unless necessary and try to work votes out via email.” David P seconded. Passed by majority. Arthur abstained. Sarah would like to still send out a board packet to keep everyone up to date on events and get volunteers for Walldogs.

NNO – Last year we biked around giving out ice cream. It went over well but some felt that it was excessive with everyone already having food. Sarah proposed that we do it again just handing out information. Tom thought that the ice cream was a valuable good will gesture. We will buy ice cream and do it again. Several board members volunteered to bike that weekend to help.

Kingfield festival next Thursday 6 to 8PM – The Park will put out a couple tables for KFNA. Committee’s should put out materials and volunteer to serve at the tables. All board members should try to show up wearing their board t-shirt.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM

Minutes prepared by Darrell Gerber