Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting

July 12, 2006

Board Members Present: Thor Anderson, Darrell Gerber, Peter Hallstrom, Mark Hinds, Diana Schleisman, Martha Ingram, Arthur Knowles, Joby Lynn Sassily, Niki Valens, Dave Saddoris

Board Members Absent: Shawna Gibson, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth

Others Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Elizabeth Glidden

Call to Order & Community Forum

Darrell Gerber called the meeting to order.

Elizabeth Glidden talked about the Southside Get Out the Vote, Mayor pre budget meetings, and the city attorney’s desire to pursue a test case regarding graffiti.

Dave Saddoris would like the minutes from the May meeting to reflect that a letter was sent to Steve Poor.

Martha Ingram requested that the word “have” be replaced with the word “asked” in the June minutes, page 2, under New Business.  Minutes were approved with stated changes.

Sarah Linnes-Robinson mentioned that the year end closing is still in progress.

Reports

Secretary: No report

Treasurer: No report

Redevelopment and Zoning: No report

NRP
Arthur Knowles stated that Wayne Anderson from NRP passed away.  Because of this tragic loss, Arthur hopes to recruit new members.

Green
Sarah Linnes-Robinson mentioned that the applications for the stormwater project are due Monday, July 17th.  Darrell talked about the success of the Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

King Bridge Partnership: No report

Farmer’s Market
Mark Hinds suggested looking into purchasing a generator.  Per Sarah Linnes-Robinson, the site should have electricity available.  She will follow up on this issue.  Seating for food was also brought up as a possible addition.  Thor Anderson mentioned that custom Tye Dyed T-shirts may be a nice item to have.  The IRV table is present on Second Sundays.

Crime Prevention and Safety
Westrum’s has not been as problematic lately.  There are issues with the Pump ‘N’ Munch.  They will be invited to the next meeting.

Transportation
The July meeting was cancelled.  Elizabeth Glidden said that there was no update on BRT.

Art Project TF: No report

Newsletter
There is a meeting on July 25th.

Action Items
MPHA

The issue of the $10,000 request has not been taken up yet.  Redevelopment will discuss the situation.

Policy Reviews and Recommendation (KFNA Personnel Policies)

Pete Hallstrom motioned to review, Diana Schleisman seconded.  Arthur Knowles pointed out a typo on page 2, section 5.  “Manage” should be changed to “managed”.  In addition, the language should be changed on page 1, under Employee Classification, to include leave at the discretion of the Executive Director.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson mentioned that it may be beneficial to explain unpaid leave in the letter of employment as well.  Also, Pete Hallstrom recommended the policy reflect flexibility with leave.  Mark Hinds approved with amendments, Joby Lynn Sassily seconded.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson suggested we withdraw our motions and refer the policy to the Executive Committee, and so it was done.

National Night Out
Sarah Linnes-Robinson requested board members to volunteer to travel around to the parties and scoop the Kingfield Ice Cream of Rhubarb Crisp.  There are 10 parties registered so far, and 20 are expected.

KFNA Festival
The festival is piggybacking with the Aquatennial this year, and will be held Thursday, July 20th, from 6pm-8pm.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Board minutes respectfully prepared by Diana Schleisman.

KFNA Board Secretary – Pete Hallstrom
KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting

June 2006

Present: Thor Anderson, Darrell Gerber, Shawna Gibson, Peter Hallstrom, Mark Hinds, Martha Ingram, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, JobyLynn Sassily, Diana Schleisman

Others: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Kathy McGillivray, SWJ, John Plifka.

Absent: David Saddoris, Niki Valens

Lindseth called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.; there was no business raised in the community forum.

Linnes-Robinson opened the meeting with a report on the duplex at 23 W. 38th Street.  This was originally proposed by Public Housing as an affordable duplex with one handicapped-accessible unit.  Public Housing applied to KFNA for $10,000 and received the grant, largely because of the accessible piece.  KFNA later allocated an additional $10,000 when poor soil conditions on the site were discovered.  The duplex was completed late in 2005, and does not contain an accessible unit.  Discussion followed between KFNA, the City, Public Housing, and MCDA to determine how to proceed – no retrofitting for accessibility is possible; Public Housing has offered to seek another site and build an accessible unit there, but not necessarily within Kingfield.  MCDA has recently sought signatures for payment on the $10,000 grant contract.  Downtown NRP has recommended that we sign.  Linnes-Robinson recommends that we don’t.

John Plifka from Public Housing attended the meeting and responded to the report.  Plifka was in charge of construction and remodeling, but not policy.  He reported that MPHA ran into problems with accessibility immediately because of the problematic terrain (steep slope) and the fact that the street is a snow emergency route.  Therefore, building an accessible unit in this location was impossible.

Several board members questioned how the design got as far as it did without noticing the grading issues, and why there was no communication with the Redevelopment Committee when the design was changed.  Plifka was unable to address the lack of communication.  He did report that MCDA is actively looking for other sites and would welcome recommendations.  Stated that a signed agreement to build an affordable unit in exchange for the $10,000 is reasonable.

Motion to refer the contract to the Redevelopment Committee carried unanimously.

Hallstrom reported that board members should sign up to take minutes on the circulating sign-up sheet.

Reports:
Secretary’s report.  Approved with following changes: “motioned” changed to “moved;” “She suspects drug related” should be changed to a complete sentence.

Treasurer’s report.  Approved.  Staff is now printing standard reports instead of custom, which seems to have fixed discrepancies in the numbers.

Redevelopment committee.  Hinds reported that the “38” development is undergoing extensive redesign.  The residential market has slowed, and no residential units are now being planned.  Instead, office/commercial spaces will be built.  This will entail a redesign of the housing component of NRP Phase II and accompanying plan modification.

NRP: no report.

Green: Gerber reported success in finding compact fluorescent bulbs to be given away for hazardous waste drop-off event.

King Bridge Partnership: no report.

Farmers’ Market:  Sassily reported that the farmers’ market opening went well.  The committee is still seeking a CSA.

Crime Prevention and Safety: no report.

Transportation: Gerber reported that the streetcar study is moving forward.

Art: the committee has determined to separate the youth show from benefit events in the future.

Newsletter: Anderson reported that the latest issue is out.

Old business:
Linnes-Robinson reported that a new bookkeeper has been hired – Lois Epstein.  She is working on updating reports.

New Business:
Stormwater contract: Gerber reported that Saddoris and Linnes-Robinson have EOR to submit a new contract.  This resulted in an increase of $2500 over Kestrel, but EOR seems more responsive and innovative to work with.  The contract total is $32,353.  Gerber recommended approval.  Because of the switch in service providers, the contract stretches into next year – design to take place over the winter, with implementation in spring 2007.  Motion to approve contract carried unanimously.

Committees: Linnes-Robinson described committees as per the bylaws.  Lindseth named chairs (see committee list).

Gerber moved to accept the committee list and chairs – motion carried unanimously.

MNIS membership: Minneapolis Neighborhood Information Systems has certain specified membership requirements.  The Redevelopment Committee looked at these and recommended membership.  Linnes-Robinson is slated to be KFNA’s representative, with Hinds as alternate.  A motion to accept these appointments carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Martha Ingram.

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting
May 10, 2006

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Thor Anderson, Dave Saddoris, Pete Hallstrom, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Shawna Gibson, JobyLyn Sassily, Diana Schleisman, Niki Valens, Darrell Gerber, Mark Hinds, Martha Ingram, Arthur Knowles

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Meeting Called to Order:
Lindseth called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Community Forum:
Carol O’Connor, a Kingfield neighbor from 4351 1st Ave. S., shared with the board her concern over activity around the Pump & Munch. She suspects drug related. She also notices people leaving Westrum’s between 2 and 3 AM and she wonders what they are up to. The board recommended that she call 911 to report any suspicious activity. The board also highlighted the existence of the Crime Prevention & Safety Committee, which meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at MLK.

Karen Haleman, a resident at 4315 Nic. Ave, spoke to the suspicious activity at Westrum’s. Again, the board recommended that she call 911 to report any suspicious activity. Sarah suggested that she will follow up to see if Westrum’s has followed through with several promises they previously made to improve and enforce the safety aspects of their property.

Chris Austin, also a Kingfield resident, complained about the fence by the BP Amoco on Nicollet Ave. It is badly deteriorating. The board suggested that they would try to find out who is responsible for the fence.

Secretary’s Report:
March minutes were adopted with the following changes: correct spelling JobyLyn Sassily.

Treasurer’s Report:
Dave Saddoris noticed a slight discrepancy between the February “Net Income” as reported on the Balance Sheet and as it appears on the same month’s Income Expense Statement. Sarah invited the board to consider how detailed of a report they want every month. Hinds suggested that there must be a way we can generate a report that is clearer. Sarah asked Hinds to provide examples of such reports from other organizations.

Redevelopment Committee Report:
Regarding the now closed SA on the EHF side, Hinds and Matt Perry, from EHFNA are forming a task force to create a vision for the redevelopment of the corner where the SA is located. In particular, they are looking for Kingfield residents to participate on the task force. There will be a 4-6 month planning process. Hinds feels that the SA is trying to be a good neighbor and that they are open to ideas as to how to proceed with the redevelopment of the sites.

The “Local Commons” Project (see committee minute) will meet next Wednesday at 7 at MLK Park.

Zoning Committee Report:
None

NRP Committee Report:
None

Green Committee Report:
A discussion regarding Nikki Valens’ property was tabled until new business.

King Bridge Partnership:
It was reported that the “draw bridge” contest was successful, with over 150 applicants. Hinds reported that $25,000 of reallocated Phase I NRP money has been approved towards the bridge project.

Farmers’ Market:
Ingram asked if there is a shortage of vendor application. Sarah indicated that there are a sufficient number of applicants at this time.

Crime & Safety Committee Report:
Gibson wondered if it is better to call the committee the Crime Prevention & Safety Committee. She also wondered about upgrading its status to “formal” committee. Lindseth and Hallstrom suggested that it is best to leave the status as it is for now as the interest in that topic ebbs and flows according to current crime activity.

Transportation Action Plan:
Gerber reported that there was a community meeting held a couple weeks ago. The turnout was not great but those who were there were engaged in the discussion.

ACTION ITEMS – Board Elections

Lindseth read a description of the duties for the elected offices (from the KFNA by-laws).
Lindseth was elected President without opposition.
Gerber was elected Vice-President without opposition
Hallstrom was elected Secretary without opposition
Kristensen was elected Treasurer without opposition

Sarah stated for the minutes that all KFNA staff and elected officials are recognized signers on our bank account with Wells Fargo. Hallstrom requested that his name be removed as a recognized signer.

Valens’ Property (Victor’s):
Valens explained that she is seeking an extension on a landscaping variance (from Steve Poor’s office) because she wants to do more extensive re-landscaping than initially envisioned. Plus, in light of the fire next to her business site, she may need to rethink her landscaping based on how Petersen’s rebuilds. In addition to a letter she wrote to Steve Poor, she requested that the Green committee draft a letter for Steve Poor that indicates that her sight is being considered as a Stormwater BMP Program site. The board suggested that we wait to see if she is granted an extension. If the request is denied, the board will seek ways to further her request.

It was moved and carried that the subject be sent back to the Green committee. The motion carried, Valens abstained.

Committee Chairs:
Lindseth suggested we table the selection of Committee Chairs until next meeting. Meanwhile a list was distributed so that people could log their specific committee interests.

Bookkeeper Position:
Sarah reported that our 6-month contract with our current bookkeeper ended April 30th. She posted the position and received four applications. Two of the four applicants appear to have the sufficient qualifications for the position. Sarah would like to receive board authorization to hire one of the two candidates. Lindseth suggested that the board should have a few minutes to review the job position (memo circulated to the board) the topic will be revisited later in the meeting.

Kestrel:
Saddoris gave a brief history of the contract negotiations with Kestrel and indicated that now those discussions have deteriorated, as the parties are not able to come to an agreement of terms. It was motioned that KFNA rescind the original contract offer to Kestrel and begin discussions with an alternate firm (one of the original bidders). The motion carried.

Yemaya:
Sarah informed the board that Glenn, the owner of the burned Petersens’ Flowers, now knows that he needs to tear down the old building. This means the mural needs to be relocated. Nikki Valens has indicated that she would be happy to have the mural on her business property (Victor’s). It is unclear whether or not it is permissible to use a 10×30 piece of tin as a fence. It is also unclear who will pay the roughly $1,500 for the move.

The board is supportive of moving the mural to the adjacent property (Victor’s) and will arrange a meeting with Glenn to see if we will be able to secure the moving costs through his insurance policy – per the original loan agreement. If this strategy is not successful, the board will consider the possibility of a fund-raiser for the move. Alternatively, “Art Is The Key” money may be considered. We also need to find out if the mural will be allowed on the Valens site, per zoning regulations.

Bookkeeper Position (continued):

Having reviewed the letter stating the position requirements the board requested it be approved with the following clarifications:

1) Use generally accepted accounting procedures
2) Rate of pay between $25-31 per hour
3) Hired as either an employee or independent contractor
4) Up to 5 hours per month

The motion carried and Sarah has authorization to hire a new bookkeeper.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM

Board minutes respectfully prepared by Thor Anderson

KFNA Board Secretary – Pete Hallstrom
KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
April 12, 2006

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Thor Anderson, Dave Saddoris, Pete Hallstrom, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Ryan Raleigh, JobyLyn White-Weidow, Diana Schleisman, Niki Valens, Darrell Gerber

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Board Members Absent:
Mark Hinds, Martha Ingram

Meeting Called to Order:
Lindseth called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Lindseth welcomed Sarah Kirchner, a freelance journalist who will cover board meetings for the SWJ newspaper.

Community Forum:
Mike Flowers, from the Carag Community, shared information on a crime patrol program that is being organized in his neighborhood. Kingfield board members shared information about our neighborhood’s current efforts in this area.

Secretary’s Report:
March Minutes were adopted with the following changes: correct spelling of Darrell Gerber and JobyLyn White-Weidow.

Treasurer’s Report:
Certain items of the budget report appear to be inaccurate and need to be reconciled. The report will be visited again at the next meeting.

Redevelopment Committee Report:
Hallsrom shared that KFNA has received information from the Great Minneapolis Real Estate Company regarding their remodeling contest. Discussion was tabled.

Zoning Committee Report:
None

NRP Committee Report:
None

Green Committee Report:
None

King Bridge Partnership:
It was reported that he “draw bridge” contest has appeared in the SWJ.

Farmers’ Market:
Regarding the notes from the task force meeting of April 5, it was clarified that Maura Bosch, our new market coordinator, was hired by Sarah and approved by the board.

Crime & Safety Committee Report:
It was noted that, as this is a new and timely response to what has been taking place in the neighborhood, we should make sure to highlight the ongoing efforts of this committee at the annual meeting.

Art is the Key:
Many individuals spoke to the unqualified success of this event. There is strong support for repeating the event next year with an eye towards “community focus”.

Lyndale Streetscape Committee:
Sarah summarized the results of a recent survey (see committee notes) that was developed and circulated to the effected neighbors by the committee. The survey results indicate that the neighborhood should pursue pedestrian level lighting.

Sarah explained that while the inclusion of a “tree and turf median” is also indicated by the survey, the funding mechanism for that portion of the project is still in question.

Transportation Action Plan:
Gerber reported that there would be a series of workshops (see news release) hosted by the City of Minneapolis. The purpose of the workshops will be to give the public an opportunity to share their ideas on how the City can improve its transportation system, and give an overview of the City’s 10-year Transportation Action Plan.

Farmers’ Market Update:
Sarah described how the recent hiring of a “market coordinator” had played out. There had been technical issues which hampered efforts to post the position on the website. Nonetheless 10 individuals had requested information, 4 had sent résumés and 1 individual was interested in the job of being coordinator every Sunday. Maura Bosch was hired.

Cathy Raleigh was selected as the new “market administrator”. Sarah indicated that she was selected because of her experience and background.

The board reviewed a draft contract for the lease of the parking lot at 4310 Nicollet Ave. –the intended site of the 2006 Farmer’s Market. There was ranging discussion regarding the degree to which the various involved parties will be indemnified against claims by the contract. Lindseth, who drafted the contract language, assured board members that the language of the contract protects KFNA’s interests, while satisfying the requirements of the property owner. Saddoris moved to approve the contract. The motion was seconded and carried.

Hallstrom and others expressed concern over the issue of pedestrian safety during market hours. The board agreed to continue seeking solutions to this potential problem.

Kestrel Contract:
Saddoris reported that Kestrel had rejected the contract that KFNA had drafted. Subsequently Kestrel provided a contract to KFNA and it was not acceptable to the latter. Saddoris believes that an acceptable contract will be achieved but the project will be moved into the future, perhaps as far as next spring.

Sarah reminded the board that it is not a problem to extend the project by up to 6 months. The downside could be that if construction costs go up we will get less for our dollar.
It was moved and carried that the parties continue to hash out the terms of the contract and bring it back before the board.

Graffiti Task Force Resolution:
Scott Moore, from the Lyndale Neighborhood, is seeking KFNA support for a resolution he wants the Minneapolis City Council to consider. The resolution invokes the new 617.90 statute, which instructs the City Attorney to retain private counsel to prosecute graffiti crimes against City property. Board members questioned Moore regarding the reliability of methods for identifying and prosecuting graffiti suspects. After a ranging discussion the board moved and carried a motion to support the resolution.

Moore invited participation in the Lyndale Graffiti Task Force, which meets every Saturday at 4 o’clock at Lula’s Café on Nicollet Ave.

KFNA Budget 2006:
Sarah highlighted aspects of the 2006 KFNA budget. She pointed out that income is down because there are fewer projects. Expenses are up, in part, because there are extra hours worked by staff. Among various budget adjustments, relative to last year’s budget, it is noteworthy that KFNA’s monetary investment in the “festival” will be scaled back in favor of a partnership with MLK Park.

Adoption of the 2006 budget was moved by Gerber and seconded by Raleigh. The motion carried.

Gerber suggested that in the future is would be helpful to represent the percentage of our annual budget that goes towards fundraising. Board members agreed.

Variance Request at 3616 1st Ave.:
Saddoris reported that owners want to change their duplex back to a “single” residence. They would like board approval to raise the roof. It was moved and carried that the board support the variance request.

Executive Director Review:
Anderson reported that the Executive Committee is seeking input and approval on its annual review of our Executive Director. Board members approved the content of the letter (see letter), with the addition of several points, as follows. 1) The salary increase will be retroactive to the last approved contract. 2) We would like Sarah to help seek participation from more diverse groups – this would apply to all KFNA functions.
3) The board invites Sarah to comment on our assessment and share her sense of where the neighborhood (and thus KFNA) is going or should go in the next several years. How does she feel her position can best be leveraged to get positive things done for the neighborhood?

Board minutes respectfully prepared by Thor Anderson

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Annual Meeting

April 17, 2006

Minutes

 

Board Members Present:

Thor Anderson, JobyLynn, Mark Hinds, Darrell Gerber, Martha Ingram, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Dave Saddoris, Pete Hallstrom, Diana Schleisman, Ryan Raleigh, and Niki Valens.

Board Members Absent:

None

Others Present:

60 neighborhood residents, various elected officials, neighborhood staff.

Meeting called to order:

Lindseth called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., welcomed the community, and introduced board members who provided a summary of KFNA committees and activities.

Lindseth presented a KFNA By-Law change as detailed below.  It was voted on by the community with a show of hands.  All members voted to approve the change. 

Kingfield Neighborhood Association Proposed Bylaw Changes 4/17/06

(Underlined phrases are proposed to be added to the Bylaws.)

Article 4 (Board of Directors), subsection D (Vacancies) is proposed to be amended as follows:

                1.             Vacancies Among Directors.  Vacancies occurring on the Board other than those cause by the expiration of a term of office shall be filled by the appointment of a Director by the remaining Directors, from among the alternates elected at the last annual meeting in order of the highest number of votes received.  If no alternates remain to be appointed, the Board of Directors by a two-thirds (2/3) vote may appoint a Member of the Association to serve as a Director.  A Director appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term of his or her predecessor and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified.  A vacancy may be created by the resignation in writing of a Director upon delivery to the President, the automatic removal of a Director through excessive absence as defined in section G of this Article, or by removal of a Director as provided for in section G of this Article.  A vacancy shall be declared by the President at the first meeting after it occurs and may be filled immediately.

                2.             Vacancies Among Alternates.  If at any time fewer than three (3) alternates remain from among those elected at the annual meeting as provide in Article 4, section C, the Board of Directors by a two-thirds (2/3) vote may appoint a Member of the Association to serve as an alternate for the balance of the one (1) year term.

Kingfield NRP Phase II Plan Presentation and Community Vote

Knowles and Valens, NRP Steering Committee Members, presented a summary of the NRP Phase I Wrap-up and the NRP Phase II Planning process.  The briefly summarized the structure of the plan and KFNA Executive Director, Linnes-Robinson, explained restrictions upon the neighborhood in the allocation of the Phase II dollars and answered questions concerning the Phase II spreadsheet summary. 

The only question coming from the community was why some strategies had $0 allocated to them.  It was explained that these items were raised by the community as priorities but were not eligible for funding with in the NRP funds.  They were noted so that they are remembered and still focused on in the future. 

A vote was taken of the community with a show of hands.  All members in attendance voted in favor of the plan, none voted against it, or abstained from voting.  

Board Elections:

Twelve candidates vied for seven open board positions.  Those elected for two year terms which will expire in April 2008 include: Darrell Gerber; Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, JobyLynn, and Shawna Gibson.  Kathy McGillvray, Ryan Raleigh, Tom Parent, Ann Becher-Ingwalson, and Ed Racky will serve as alternates. 

Public Officials:

Hennepin county Commissioner Gail Dorfman, State Rep. Frank Hornstein, and City Councilmembers Elizabeth Glidden and Scott Benson addressed the meeting. 

Meeting Adjourned:

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Sarah Linnes-Robinson.

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