Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
February 8, 2006
Minutes
Attendance
Board Members Present: Joby Lynn White-Wiedow, Dave Saddoris, Ryan Raleigh, Sean Wherley, Martha Ingram, Peter Hallstrom, Erik Lindseth, Mark Hinds, , Thor Anderson, Niki Valens, Diana Schleisman, Darrel Gerber
KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson
Board Members Absent: Ben Kristensen
Meeting Called to Order:
7:05 PM
Community Forum:
- Elizabeth Glidden: 8th Ward Council Member – Introduced herself and announced upcoming “Transit Options for 35W) meeting taking place on Feb 27, 7pm. She encouraged KFNA Board to participate and distribute on email list.
- Niki Valens: Reported on recent burglary and arson at
- Mary and Dan Hunter:Â Introduced selves as new expectant owners of Bakery on Grand, and they are thrilled to be part of community and look for neighborhood support down the line.
- Minneapolis Police present information and answer questions regarding the January 23 murder at 4325 Pillsbury:
- 5th Precinct Commander Arneson introduced other police officers present and explained efforts to communicate crime issues to community members.
- Detective Edwards (Homicide) explained that this homicide was not a random crime, and that the victim was targeted. While, he can’t explain what was found, the victim had certain items that may have been what was wanted. Lots of physical evidence, and ongoing investigations have turned up leads. The detective assured those present that while event occurred in Kingfield, this is not an act that suggests the neighborhood is any more dangerous.
- A discussion on crime in the neighborhood in general ensued:
- A neighbor explained that a recent burglary in her house coupled with this event suggest to her that crime is up. Commander Arneson responded that statistics may or may not support this assertion, but the perception as such is as important as statistics.
- Commander Arneson confirmed that there is an uptick in burglary in the neighborhood and she encouraged basic crime prevention tactics: close windows, lock doors, report suspicious activity. She also confirmed evidence of rise in graffiti and provided information regarding a neighborhood meeting on Wednesday 15th.
- When asked about the root causes of crime in the neighborhood, she reported that drugs and non-neighborhood residents contribute greatly to the problem
- Update on personal robberies that occurred in Nov and Dec 05 is that there hasn’t been a recurrence from “band of youths†mugging since December 15.
- Reported on robbery task force with plainclothes cops and “spycars†established to fight incidence of robbery.
- Joby-Lynn asked about panhandlers in middle of night, and she was encouraged to call 911 to report any suspicious activity.
Reports:
Secretary’s Report
January minutes not available, so moved to carry over approval to March Board meeting.
Treasure Report
Balance sheets reviewed. Hinds requested that future balance sheets include a breakdown of sources of program income.
Redevelopment and Zoning: No items
NRP
Sarah Linnes-Robinson responded to inquiry from Lindseth about why KFNA doesn’t need to respond to recent NRP Policy Board changes…which is because KFNA will have no impact on steps being taken.
Green
No Items
No items
Farmer’s Market
Linnes-Robinson reported that discussions continue with the leasee of the kidney dialysis office at
Art is the Key
Linnes-Robinson explained that 6 submissions have been submitted for the March 25 event/fund raiser.Â
10 Year Transportation Plan
Gerber discussed a gaps analysis in bike pathways throughout MPLS, and explained that there is a lack of commuter bikeways running N-S into down town. He also reported that the same contractor undertaking bikeways gaps analysis will also be looking into streetcars in MPLS
Old Business
Mural:
Mosaic Mural Update:Â Property owner has not responded to recent inquiries, and thus KFNA and artist will begin looking for another site.
New Items
·               Chris Kennely from Lander spoke on Additional Variance Requests and Loan Agreement for 38.
o                  He reported a June construction start with occupancy expected in fall of 2007
o                  Explained how Neighborhood Charette and KFNA Development Guidelines were utilized in the design of the 38
o                  $11 million total budget, about 2 million in public finance
o                  To date, about 13 sales reservations (6 converted to purchase agreement)
o                  Billboards will remain, Clear Channel may provide improvements
o                  Kennely explained the variances requested (see attached Lander letter) and asked for Board approval.
o                  Also explained the low interest loan agreement for 160k and the affordable housing componentÂ
Wherley moved to approve variance request. Joby-Lyn 2nd, passed unanimously
Hinds explained the low-interest loan. Discussion of loan details and contract suggested that legalese needs to be ironed out, but the Board is only approving the agreement conceptually. Contract details will come back to Board for approval. Wherley moved to accept, Gerber 2nd, passed unanimously.  Hinds proceeded to explain TIF program and financing in 38, and encouraged the Board to be on record supporting TIF investment. Hinds moved to support TIF funding for 38,
Â
NRP Phase II Plan Report and Presentation
Wherley introduced outline of funding allocation for NRP Phase II. Hinds moved to approve, Ingram 2nd. Linnes-Robinson explained that approved draft plan will be distributed to jurisdictional partners for finalization. The Board will revisit at March meeting if any substantial changes are necessary. Passed unanimously.
Bylaws change
Hinds moved to pass proposed bylaw change regarding approval of new Board members and alternates. Passed anonymously.
Executive Director Review and 2006 Budget postponed until March meeting.
Meeting Adjourned:
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Ryan Raleigh.
Reviewed by KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
Approved by KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth