Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) board meeting
May 9, 2007
Presiding: Erik Lindseth, outgoing President
Attending: David Brauer, JobyLynn SassilyJames, Darrell Gerber, Karen Pieper, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Mary Hunter, Ben Kristensen, Tom Parent, David Saddoris, Chris Sur
Absent: Shawna Gibson, Niki Stavrou, Arthur Knowles
Neighborhood forum
Steve Brandt expressed concerns about a chain-link baseball fence erected over the soccer field at King Park. Brandt was unhappy there was little Park Board consultation with the neighborhood. Matt Perry, president of the East Harriet Neighborhood Assn., introduced himself to new board members.
Issue Updates
Park fence: KFNA Exec. Dir. Sarah Linnes-Robinson said there were two issues – the fence layout itself and the parks’ decision-making process. There is no comprehensive plan for the park. Park area Supt. Paul Hokeness and Park Board Director Bob Fine have offered to attend a future meeting. The KFNA board will discuss what type of neighborhood meeting will be held regarding these issues.
38th & Pleasant: A meeting about parking problems on the corner was organized, but the meeting grew beyond its planned scope and representatives from various organizations including Sagrado de Corazon congregation felt that if they attended they might be beat up. Mediation may be possible.
Westrum’s Bar: The board has received a letter from Heidi Fields & Bryce Anderson, 4303 Harriet Ave., the potential new owners of the now-closed bar. Their inquiry was referred to the Redevelopment Committee, which will invite Heidi to meet with them.
Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports:
Approved without objection
Committee Reports
Redevelopment: Plymouth Neighborhood housing is considering buying the Werness Funeral Home at 37th & Nicollet as a home for at-risk youth. The plan is three years out at best, and Tom Parent said it was a good sign they’re huddling with the neighborhood so soon. The board will meet with a representative to be backgrounded on the issue in June.
NRP: no report
Green: The stormwater demonstration project will be implemented this summer – four residences and one business have been selected to participate.
Newsletter: May need a new editor and layout person this year.
King Bridge Partnership: no report.
Farmer’s Market: First market is two weeks out. The next two years will determine its fate. Augmenting early markets with crafts because food is in short supply. Pursuing a grant for weekly live entertainment. Will feature only local food at market. New vendors include Rustica, free-range chicken seller, and berries. A second, non-KFNA market may open at 36th & Nicollet, selling more clothes and other non-food items. As far as we know, they have no licences.
Crime Prevention: no report.
Bike: Five-six people are interested in forming a group to raise area ridership. Transit for Livable Communities is also interested in something. Interested groups will be brought to Green Committee.
Art to Di For: Produced $3,533 profit, not including staff time. KFNA now owns the portable walls that show the artwork and perhaps they can be rented out.
Walldogs: The September 2007 mural-painting event has been postponed to September 2008. Some of the Walldog volunteer painters, who are from all over the area and country, have safety concerns about urban areas. We may need to find urban painters. This year, we’ll do one wall as a teaser, continue fundraising, and try to tie into a big Hudson, Wi. event in 2008.
Transportation: Meetings continue about 40th & Lyndale Task Force.
New Business
New member: Shawna Gibson resigned because she is moving. David Potosky offered to serve; Darrell moved that David be appointed second alternate board member, behind Karl Narvesen, who was elected first alternate at the April annual meeting. (The other alternate elected in April declined to move up to a full board post). David Brauer seconded the motion, which noted that if Narvesen declines to assume a board post by May 16, David Potosky will become a board member. Adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
Officers elected: On voice votes with no opposition, David Brauer was elected President, JobyLynn vice-president, Karen Pieper treasurer and Darrell Gerber secretary. All were unopposed. Minute-taking at meetings will rotate among board members. Erik Lindseth handed over the meeting to David Brauer.
Berry selling: Sarah said board members need to volunteer to pick berries at a Hugo, Mn. farm to sell at the Farmer’s Market; proceeds will go to KFNA. The board deferred commitment until an email vote between meetings or the June board meeting.
Farmer’s Market electricity: Sarah said $1,600 is needed for exterior electric outlets on the dialysis center’s building at the Farmer’s Market site, on the 4200 block of Nicollet. The outlets will allow vendors who need electricity to offer products at the market, and replace generators. Some concern that the lease at the site has only two more years to run, and will the money be well-spent? It’s unclear whether we have a vendor nailed down who will need electricity. Will the dialysis center extend the lease? Darrell moves to approve a $1,600 expenditure for electrical outlets at the Farmer’s Market site; David Saddoris seconds. David Saddoris make a friendly amendment that Sarah will handle the details, and she and staff will be a good-faith effort and there will be a reasonable expectation that we will have a vendor or vendors that use the power. JobyLynn seconds. Motion approved on a voice vote without objection. Chris moves that the board also direct Sarah to work on getting a lease extension. Ben seconds. Approved on a voice vote without objection.
David Saddoris moves adjournment; Bens seconds. Approved on a unanimous voice vote.

Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
March 14, 2007

Minutes

Board Members Present: Mark Hinds, Dave Saddoris, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Shawna Gibson, JobyLynn Sassily, Dianna Schleisman, Arthur Knowles, Thor Anderson, Tom Parent (alternate)
KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson
Board Members Absent: Peter Hallstrom, Niki Valens, Martha Ingram
Meeting Called to Order: Lindseth called meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
Community Forum: No discussion for community forum.
Secretary’s Report: Jan. & Feb. board meeting minutes approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s report approved.
Redevelopment Committee Report: Parent reported that there is no new business to discuss
NRP Committee Report: Knowles reported that there is no new business to discuss.
Green Committee Report: Saddoris reported that his committee is forming a dodgeball team.
Newsletter Committee Report: Anderson reported that the spring edition has been published.
King Bridge Partnership: Minor changes to meeting notes were indicated.
Farmers’ Market: Knowles asked if new members are able join. Linnes-Robinson indicated that the committee is nearly done with its assignment.
Crime and Safety Committee: Gibson clarified minutes for board members.

Projects
Art to Di for: Linnes-Robinson clarified budget issues for board members, indicated that the final budget numbers are still being tabulated. Saddoris asked about exits at the event location. Linnes-Robinson indicated that there are sufficient exits. Lindseth wondered whether or not the budget needed to be approved. Hinds replied that it has already been allocated.
Walldogs: 3 sites have been assigned. 6 sites have not yet been assigned. Further discussion postponed until New Business.

Old Business:
Budget: Linnes-Robinson described the budget as reflected in Fiscal 07.xls document. Schleisman asked why T-shirts are not in budget. Linnes-Robinson explained that old stock will be used, in addition to new Walldogs T-shirts. Lindseth reminded board that the exec. com. has reviewed and approved the document. Budget approved.
Saving Account Recommendation: Kristensen explained the benefits of an “eTrade” savings account. Linnes-Robinson explained preference for putting $30,000 into account. Saddoris stated that he is not in favor, as he had a back (bad?) transaction with eTrade in the past. Motion carried with Saddoris voting “no”.
HR Policy Amendment: Board discussion led to amendment to HR policy with the following statement: “Regular employees will get a regular stipend at the end of the year based on the number of hours worked”. It was further amended as follows: “If employee terminates employment during the calender year the stipend will be prorated and paid upon termination. Neither temporary employees or independent contractors are eligible for an annual stipend”.
Regarding the issue of posting open positions, it was amended that: “only employee positions need be posted, not temporary employees or independent contractors”.

New Business:
Farmer’s Market Temporary Employee Coordinator Job Description: Linnes-Robinson explained that this job will be similar to last year, with increased hours. Hourly rate is $15. Linnes-Robinson indicated that the position would need to be posted ASAP. Terms were adopted.
Stormwater Site Participant’s Contract: Saddoris explained contract (see document). Linnes-Robinson indicated that there will be another agreement for commercial properties. It was agreed that the contract be amended with the addition of an “initial” line next to Statement 10 in the contract. In addition Lindseth agreed to rework the waiver clause in this and the commercial contracts.
Walldog Site Organizer Independent Contractor Contract: The contract was approved with the stipulation that the project cost will be split 50/50 between the neighborhoods (KFNA & LNA)
Property Variance: Board approved a variance seeking permission to split Sassily property. Sassily abstained.
Annual Meeting Plans: Annual meeting is Monday, April 16th. Board discussed how to use allocate time during the meeting. Linnes-Robinson and board committee chairs agreed to take responsibility for various aspects of the event.

Meeting adjourned at 9 PM.

Minutes prepared by Thor Anderson.
KFNA Board Secretary – Peter Hallstrom

KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meting
February 14, 2007

Minutes

Board Members Present:, Peter Hallstrom, Joby Lynn Sassily, Erik Lindseth, Dave Saddoris, Darrell Gerber, Ben Kristensen, Shawna Gibson, Martha Ingram, Thor Anderson, Mark Hinds

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson,

Other Attendees: Tom Parent, Jake Weir

Board Members Absent: Arthur Knowles, Diana Schleisman, Niki Valens,

Meeting Called to Order: Erik Lindseth, 7:10PM

Community Forum:

Secretary’s Report:
Minutes unanimously accepted.

Treasurer’s Report:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson noted that KFNA should consider opening a higher interest bearing account.  Linnes-Robinson informed the board that she and the KFNA Treasurer would research options for a savings account and present it to the executive committee and the board.

Redevelopment Committee Report:
No questions for committee chair, Tom Parent

NRP Committee Report:
No questions regarding the NRP minutes

Green Committee Report:
No questions regarding Green Committee minutes

Newsletter:
Martha Ingram informed the board that the newsletter deadline is Friday, February 16.

King Bridge Partnership:
No meeting
Mark Hinds is developing a memorandum of understanding with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County.

Farmer’s Market:
No minutes. Linnes-Robinson informed the board that the first meeting of the task force was in January and the task force discussed proposing a monthly theme for the Market.  Linnes-Robinson also informed the board that boardmember Thor Anderson decided to resign from the task force and a replacement may be considered.

Crime Prevention and Safety (CPaS) Committee:
Shawna Gibson informed the board that there were no updates on the issues with Westrum’s.  Gibson also noted that Westrum’s is for sale.

Bike Taskforce:
Linnes-Robinson noted that the taskforce met in January and will be working on increasing bicycle ridership in the neighborhood with the aim of applying for the TLC grant program.  Linness-Robinson informed the board that the bike taskforce might merge with the Farmers Market taskforce.

Projects:
Art to DI for
Linnes-Robinson informed the board that Artist registration would continue through March 5, 2007, with the event being held March 24, 2007 at Leonardo’s Basement from 7-9 pm and an after party 9-Midnight.

Walldogs
Linnes-Robinson provided an update and informed the board that a budget will be provided next month.

Transportation
Darrell Gerber provided an update on the BRT stop at 46th and 35W and noted that he was appointed as a representative for the project.

Old Business:
Financial Policy review–Erik Lindseth provided an overview of the Policy and the changes to the board.  Gerber moved and Joby Lynn seconded the motion to adopt the new Financial Policy.  Mark Hinds stated that the Executive Director should be allowed to sign all contracts.  Hinds moved and Joby Lynn seconded that all contracts shall be approved by the Board of Directors directly or through its approval of a project based budget and signed by a member of the KFNA Executive Committee or Executive Director.  The Amendment to the Financial Policy passed unanimously.  Hinds also noted that under the Fundraising and Grant writing section, the Executive Director should be able to sign any grant agreement.  Hinds moved and Martha Ingram seconded the motion that the Board of Directors shall approve the acceptance of all grants; a member of the Executive Committee or Executive Director shall sign any grant agreement.  The amendment passed unanimously.  Hinds also moved that the words  “…unless expenditure is consistent with the approved contract from the board…” be added to the end of the first sentence under part IV Accounting, part D paragraph three.  Joby Lynn seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.  Hinds moved that the KFNA Financial Policy be adopted as amended and it passed unanimously.

40th and Lyndale Taskforce—Tom Parent informed the board that Matt Perry from the Taskforce asked that the KFNA representative not be a KFNA boardmember.  Ingram moved and Hinds seconded that Joby Lynn be appointed to the Lyndale Taskforce as a KFNA boardmember representative with Joby Lynn complying with the KFNA Liaison Policy.  The motion passed unanimously.

New Business:

NRP Plan Modifications—Linnes-Robinson provided an overview for the board and noted that the second Plan Modification should be eliminated and that in the new third Modification should be $21,000 instead of $20,000.  Hinds moved and Ingram seconded the motion to accept the three NRP Plan Modifications as amended.  The motion passed unanimously.

Board Recruitment Parties—Erik Lindseth informed the board that there would be two recruitment parties hosted by boardmembers who are leaving the board once their terms end in April 2007.  Martha Ingram will be hosting with Erik Lindseth and Thor Anderson on March 9 and Mark Hinds will host a party with Diana Schleisman and Tom Parent on March 31.

9:00 pm – Meeting adjourned and moved to social time with community members.

Minutes prepared by Ben Kristensen, KFNA Board Member.

KFNA Board Secretary – Peter Hallstrom

KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
January 10, 2007

Minutes

Board Members Present: Martha Ingram, Erik Lindseth, Ben Kristensen, Peter Hallstrom, Dave Saddoris, Mark Hinds, JobyLynn Sassily, Tom Parent (alternate)
KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson
Board Members Absent: Thor Anderson, Shawna Gibson, Arthur Knowles, Dianna Schleisman, Niki Valens
Meeting Called to Order: Lindseth called meeting to order at 7:11 PM.
Community Forum: No discussion for community forum.
Secretary’s Report: December board meeting minutes to be approved at February meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: No report this month due to holiday break.  December and January reports to be discussed at February meeting.
Redevelopment Committee Report: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) will conduct a design charrette looking at options for the funeral home property at 37th Street and Nicollet Avenue the weekend of February 9-11.
Negotiations regarding the future of the Lander property at 38th Street and Nicollet are ongoing between Lander and interested parties.
NRP Committee Report: No December meeting to discuss.
Green Committee Report: Saddoris stated that upcoming meeting dates will need to be rescheduled due to a conflict with classes.  Dates of meetings to be determined by committee members.
King Bridge Partnership: Meeting to be scheduled for early February.
Farmers’ Market: The Farmers’ Market task force had an initial meeting.  The task force is currently looking for a KFNA board representative to replace Anderson who cannot participate in the task force.
Crime and Safety Committee: No discussion.

Projects
Art to Di for: The web site is up and running.  Post cards to artists are to be mailed out this week with a notice to the neighborhood to be mailed in March.  Ways to notify additional artists inside and outside of Kingfield are being sought.
Walldogs: A steering committee has been formed and is currently reviewing potential sites.  Negotiations with site owners will begin as sites are chosen.  Organizers of the project are working with Steve Poor to coordinate with the city.  The event will take place in mid-September.
Transportation: The “Access Minneapolis Report: 10 Year Plan” was distributed via email.

Old Business:
Financial Policy: The executive committee was unable to meet prior to KFNA board meeting but will meet on January 15th and submit policy to board at February meeting.
HR Policy Amendment: Postponed to board in February.

New Business:
Bus Rapid Transit Discussion: Jill Hentges from Metro Transit was present to discuss the public input committee for the 46th Street BRT station.  The role of the committee continues to be clarified.  Hentges stated that the group would have input into bus routes and schedules but would have limited input into the station design as the design is mostly complete.  Sassily and Gerber expressed an interest in participating on the committee as KFNA board representatives.  Rosie Dolata was suggested as a neighborhood representative.  Motion by Hinds (Seconded by Ingram): Gerber to be KFNA board representative and Sassily and Dolata to be possible neighborhood representatives.  Motion carried unanimously.
City Coordinator’s Community Engagement Report: A meeting is scheduled for January 29th for community input on the report.  Lyndale Neighborhood Association and other neighborhoods have drafted a response to direct the city in its community engagement efforts.  These groups would like to present a unified response from multiple neighborhoods with the goal of establishing a continuation of NRP or formation of a similar program.  A meeting for community leaders is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th at 7:00 PM at Harrison  School/Park.
Gerber motioned (Seconded by Sassily): KFNA to offer preliminary support of the response with discussion continued via email for approval of a final draft.
Discussion:
Gerber: Community involvement needs to begin in the early stages of planning processes.  Accountability of neighborhood organizations is key and should be specified.
Linnes-Robinson: Community engagement needs to be facilitated by meetings  scheduled when community members can attend.
Motion carried unanimously.  NRP committee to review letter highlighting NRP’s influence and support for KFNA.
40th Street and Lyndale Board Representative: Doug Kress has expressed interest in representing the neighborhood in this group.  This group will work with AIA process to help design the node at this intersection.
Ingram motioned (Seconded by Sassily): KFNA to contribute staff support provided the 40th and Lyndale group recognize KFNA representatives Sassily and Kress who will provide periodic reports to the redevelopment committee.
Discussion:
Gerber stated that it is important to consider commuters who use the Lyndale corridor in the planning process.
The redevelopment committee will plan on inviting the AIA to present at future meeting regarding this project.
Electronic Billboards: A brief discussion was held regarding the new electronic billboard along 35W near 27th Street.  Saddoris will follow up on this subject.
Meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Minutes prepared by Peter Hallstrom.
KFNA Board Secretary – Peter Hallstrom

KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth