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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

January 12, 2005

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Thor Anderson, Martha Ingram, Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, David Muschenheim, Mari O’Rourke, Sean Wherley

Board Members Present:
Rosemary Dolata, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens

Others Present:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson, City Councilmember Scott Benson

Meeting Called to Order:
President Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

Community Forum:
No items

Report from City Councilmember Benson:
Benson provided updates on the I-35W/Crosstown Reconstruction Project and the creation of bus-rapid transit (BRT) in the corridor.  He said all funding is in place for the construction but that MnDOT is trying to accommodate the city’s wishes that funding be provided for BRT.  The city has discussed the possibility of suing the state if these funds are not provided in the plan.  A three-person arbitration panel will be convened to reconcile the differences between the city and MnDOT.

Lindseth asked if plans to build light-rail transit in the corridor have been abandoned.  Benson said yes, that the HOV/BRT lane concept is taking priority but that it could later be reconfigured for light-rail transit.  Wherley asked about traffic tie-ups during construction.  Benson said there will be lanes open, but it will be a tight fit, and some exits will be closed.

Benson also summarized the city budget passed 12-1 by the council in December.  He said police officer levels would be maintained under the 2005 budget.  Wherley asked if the city would seek to reform the property tax system to its pre-2001 levels (which placed a higher burden on commercial properties rather than residential ones).  Benson said it was unlikely.

Secretary’s Report:
Approved

Treasurer’s Report:
No report presented.  Linnes-Robinson said that KFNA audit will be finished in March.

Executive Committee Report:
The Executive Committee recommended that Linnes-Robinson’s title be changed to Executive Director, her pay increase from $23 per hour to $27 per hour, and that she continue receiving a $500 per quarter health insurance credit.  Wherley moved to accept the committee’s recommendation and Muschenheim seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business/New Business
Nicollet Avenue Reopening at K-mart: No – Sarah found out they pulled plans for the new store and no new plans are in the works right now.Eric – moved to rewrite letter

Sarah – recommend KFNA member attends planning meeting.

23 W. 38th Street: The KFNA Board voted to allocate $10,000 dollars from Housing/Business/Infrastructure Goal 1, Objective 2, and Strategy 2 that states: “Provide funds for the renovation, redevelopment, or demolition of condemned buildings in Kingfield.  These funds may be used to match City Inspection Department funds for 249 list properties as part of the April 22, 1996 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Minneapolis and the Neighborhoods of the City for the Hazardous/Boarded Building Program” to 23 West 38th Street.  KFNA dollars will be partnered with CPED dollars and used to alleviate the poor soil conditions at this location, which is being built be Minneapolis Public Housing as a duplex.   Lindseth presented the motion, Knowles seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

NRP Plan Modifications: The Board voted to move $10,000 to the KFNA Community Initiated Grant strategy (Neighborhood Life: Goal 1, Objective 1, Strategy 6), allocating $5,000 for Crime and Safety Grants and $5,000 for Neighborhood Clean-ups from Housing/Business/Infrastructure Goal 1, Objective 2, and Strategy 2.

Secondly, the Board voted to modify the Kingfield NRP Action Plan language so that Housing, Business, and Infrastructure: Goal, 3, Objective 1, Strategy 3 reads: “Establish a ‘property redevelopment funds’ which are supported and promoted by KFNA Staffing, for residential and commercial properties to eliminate blight, develop tax-base through replacement uses, and retain and/or create affordable housing.”

Both motions passed unanimously.

Oversight of NRP Spending: Motzenbecker suggests KFNA find the greatest impact from NRP expenditures.  He questioned funds remaining in various accounts, including the 40th Street Greenway and block club organizing.  He asked the board to develop ideas for neighborhood residents to utilize the Community Initiated/Social Service grants available through KFNA’s NRP plan.

Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction: Muschenheim is concerned about widening lanes, traffic calming and how it will affect neighborhood.

Meeting Adjorned:
The meeting was adjorned at 8:55 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Mari O’Rourke.

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

December 8, 2004

Minutes

Board Members Present:  Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Martha Ingram Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, David Muschenheim, David Saddoris, Sean Wherley

Board Members Absent:  Mari O’Rourke, Niki Valens

Others Present:  Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Hallstrom, Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman, Jim Grube with Hennepin County, Jack Yuzna with the City of Minneapolis, and several neighborhood residents

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

Community Forum:
No items

Lyndale Avenue Construction Update:
A presentation was made to the board and community members by Commissioner Dorfman about the project, which is slated to begin in 2007.  The project encompasses Lyndale Avenue South from Franklin Avenue to 56th Street. Representatives from ten neighborhoods worked with city planners on the project beginning in 1994.

Jim Grube talked about the Executive Summary handout  There will be two projects south of Lake Street, one from Lake Street to Minnehaha Creek, the other from Minnehaha Creek to 56th Street,  which will include bridge replacement over the creek.  There is federal funding in 2008 (or 2009) for the bridge replacement.  Guy Nolan is the Project Engineer from 31st to 56th.

Jack Yuzna is the liaison with Minneapolis Public Works. Grube requested to have a KFNA board member work with Guy and Jack on bridge design.

Other details of the project:
1. Lyndale Avenue will be widened approximately 2-4 feet on each side between mid-49th Street and mid-51st Street.
2. There will be approximately a 12-foot median from Lake Street to 38th Street.
3. There will be a city-wide special assessment to fund the project.
4. Properties on Lyndale Avenue will be assessed approximately 10 percent of the cost.  The county will provide 80 percent, and the city will provide the remaining 10 percent.  Residential rates are one-third that of commercial rates.  Public hearings will be held.
5. There is 33 percent to 50 percent write-down funding for special features of steetscape provided by Hennepin County.

Gary and Marilyn Klons, owners of Parents Automobile at 3610 Lyndale Avenue, asked for clarification about a flyer they had received stating that their parking lot would be eliminated due to the Lyndale Project. Motzenbecker and Dolata said that the project will eliminate parking restrictions on Lyndale and that the street will not be widened, thus there would not be an impact on the business’ parking lot.

Secretary’s Report:
The spelling of Lindseth’s name was corrected.  Knowles moved to accept the report. Kristensen seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Muschenheim moved to accept the report. Ingram seconded.  The motion passed, with Knowles abstaining.

Committee Reports:
NRP – The necessary lighting petition signatures have been collected, with Mulroy’s being the final required signature.

Linnes-Robinson reported that the 2004 Kingfield Festival had income of $790 and expenses of $1,500.

Old Business/New Business:
CHI:  Plan is completed. Motzenbecker and Dolata were at Mayor R.T. Rybak’s office recently to present the plan.  Wherley asked if there was any news about the K-mart/Sears site.  Dolata had not heard anything.  Wherley suggested writing a letter to the mayor supporting the re-opening of Nicollet Avenue at the site. Motzenbecker offered to draft a letter in the Redevolopment Committee.

35W update:  Wherley reported that a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane will run down the median but may not be a dedicated bus-only lane.  He recommended that people contact John Griffith, Project Manager for the Crosstown Project, at 651-582-1200 to recommend a bus-only lane.

Fundraising update: Linnes-Robinson reported that KFNA has raised $3,700 thus far in response to its fundraising letter mailed in November.

23 W. 38th St. update:  Dolata reported that KFNA has not been asked to contribute for the foundation of the property.

Odds and Ends:  T.J., business owner of Odds and Ends antique store, reported receiving a $200 ticket from the city for placing furniture on the sidewalk.  He asked the board for help on the issue.  Board members informally supported his desire to place furniture on the street without blocking pedestrian traffic.  Knowles recommended talking to City Councilmember Dan Niziolek.  Motzenbecker said he would follow up with the city and recommended that T.J. do the same, to see if the business could be reclassified.

Lyndale Avenue Construction Project:  Muschenheim questioned the wisdom of the project, saying it may overly limit the flow of traffic.  Board members briefly discussed the project and agreed to continue the discussion at a future board meeting.

Executive Committee Recommendations:
The Executive Committee recommended increasing the salary of bookkeeper, Nancy Hansen, to $26.50 per hour and include a $50 annual gift certificate to a neighborhood restaurant (beginning with Corner Table), effective January 1, 2005.  Knowles moved to accept the recommendation. Ingram seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

The committee also recommended: 1) changing the title of NRP Coordinator to Executive Director of KFNA.  The position is currently held by Linnes-Robinson; 2) requesting Linnes-Robinson to write Executive Director job description with appropriate and comparable salary; 3) requesting Linnes-Robinson to prepare KFNA’s 2005 budget for review at March board meeting; and 4) reviewing draft Executive Director job description and contract and bring a recommendation to the January 2005 board meeting. Lindseth moved to accept the recommendation. Knowles seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Meeting Adjorned:
The meeting was adjorned at 8:55 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Rolf Johnson.

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

November 11, 2004

Minutes

Board Members Present: Rosemary Dolata, David Sadoris, Art Knowles, Rolf Johnson, Mari O’Rourke, David Muschenheim, Sean Wherley, Ben Kristensen, Niki Valens, Thor Anderson

Others Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Robyn Repya (Southwest Journal), David Keller, Chris Kennelly, Theresa Dolata, Mark Hinds

Meeting Called to Order:
Dolata, acting as president in Motzenbecker’s absence, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

Community Forum:
3757 Harriet Avenue: David Keller addressed the board requesting support of changes he wants to make to his property at 3757 Harriet Ave. S.  The KFNA Zoning Subcommittee did not have time to assemble and review the request prior to the board meeting, so Dolata and Knowles requested that Keller directly make his request to the board.

Keller wants to provide more livable space to the third floor apartment, which would require modifying the dormers on the south side of the structure. The city had approved a shed-style design proposal, stipulating that the roof line’s pitch match the existing design. Keller asserts that these requirements were unreasonable since it would require raising the roof to an “absurd” height, 10-15 feet above the current roof.

Dolata said she didn’t like the proposed exterior changes, while Knowles felt that the proposal was consistent with the organization’s mission of maintaining/increasing population density in Kingfield.

Keller asserted that he wanted to make sure the changes adhered to the character of the existing structure by using stucco siding instead of vinyl. He also mentioned that he would try to limit inconveniences for existing tenants during the alterations. Keller has owned the property for approximately one year and owns several investment properties in the Uptown area.

Knowles moved that the KFNA Board write a letter asking the city zoning board to reconsider the restrictions it had put on the property at 3757 Harriet Ave. S.  Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed. Wherley opposed and Valens abstained.

Theisen Building Project: Chris Kennelly of the Lander Group addressed the board to discuss the firm’s plans to redevelop the former Theisen Vending building at 3800 Nicollet Ave. S. The Lander Group has been developing properties in the city for 10 years, and signed a purchase agreement on the Theisen property.  Kennelly said the current timeline calls for construction to be completed in summer 2005.

Currently, Lander Group envisions keeping the historic structure on the corner of Nicollet Avenue and 38th Street and eliminating the annex on the south side of the parcel.  The location is zoned C2 which mandates a 56-foot or 4-story maximum height. Kennelly mentioned that most likely they will need a zoning variance to complete the project. Kennelly said that they have a good track record of working with neighborhoods, and that the Lander Group is looking for feedback from the community on how to best develop the property.

Kennelly outlined plans for the property. The corner structure would be commercial/retail on the first floor and rental units on the upper floor. The new annex would become condos/lofts, with underground parking for residential units. The annex would have stepped floors so there would not be four stories going straight up from the sidewalk to the roof.  The firm will try to keep the units affordable.

Dolata stated that she thought KFNA would probably support assistance in removal of the billboards atop the existing building. Valens asked that the Lander Group find tenants that are complimentary to, but not competitive with, the existing businesses.  Kennelly stated that the Lander Group did not have any tenants in mind, but they were committed to making the development work.

Pedestrian Bridge Partnership: Mark Hinds, chair of the King Bridge Partnership, addressed the board to discuss the memorandum provided to the board for consideration. Hinds said the bridge is the cap stone of the 40th Street Greenway project and the hope was to create an iconic gateway to south Minneapolis. Currently the partnership is looking for firms to design the estimated $3 million project. There has been strong support from several government entities, including Hennepin County and Mayor R.T. Rybak. The memorandum addresses the partnership between Bryant Neighborhood Association and KFNA, and the utilization of resources from both organizations. Wherley moved to approve the memorandum as provided. Knowles seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Secretary’s Report:
Knowles moved to accept the secretary’s report. Motion carried unanimously.

Committee Reports:
Dolata asked that the Redevelopment Committee meeting minutes remove the word “draft” and that the minutes be provided at the next board meeting.

Architectural Design Studio- Nicollet Ave.:  Dolata informed the board that architecture students were using the Theisen Vending location as a hypothetical redesign project for their class. The students created many design ideas which were interesting but largely impractical. The students were to present their work at the University of Minnesota on November 12. Dolata mentioned that the university and students have developed a connection with Kingfield since the design charrette.

Old Business:
KFNA Fundraising: The fundraising letter went out in early November and has so far netted $1,475. Last year KFNA received roughly $4,000 with expenses of $2,000. This year the expenses were lower because less staff time was required and KFNA is using the same vendor for printing. Dolata urged that all board members give. The newsletter will be mailed the first week of December and includes an appeal of all Kingfield residents.

Nicollet Lighting Update: Linnes-Robinson delivered the news that the petition was one signature away from the required amount and that she felt it should be completed soon. The owners of Mulroy’s body shop want the actual cost they will bear before signing. The city’s estimate is lower than KFNA’s and Mulroy owners are wary of the differing figures. If Mulroy’s does not sign, it will take many smaller property owners to sign to complete the process. Currently, there is no deadline for the acquisition of signatures for the petition.

MPHA Update: The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is having problems with the property at 23 W. 38th Street. Demolition of the structure has been completed, but the contractor reports bad soil conditions and estimates it will cost an additional $50,000 to make the site viable for construction. MPHA is looking for funding to alleviate the problem. Anderson said that $50,000 is excessive for the work involved and questioned if bids were solicited for the work. The board discussed use of NRP funds, but apparently the money would not be available this year. Wherley expressed concern about committing money to the project from KFNA before other money is secured.

Design and Development Guidelines: Eric Lindseth edited the Design and Development guidelines for KFNA and submitted them for Board approval. Saddoris requested that the new topics listed after “Kingfield’s Advantages” be modified to include a new number for the topics, instead of a continuation of numbering from the previous section “Kingfield’s Goals and Priorities.” Linnes-Robinson expressed concern about listing the goals in order of preference. Wherley moved to accept the guidelines as amended. Knowles seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business:
Fixed Asset Policy: Linnes-Robinson discussed the old fixed asset policy and the new proposal for depreciating KFNA assets. The current policy depreciates assets with an initial value of greater than $500 on a 5-year schedule. The new proposal would move to a four-year depreciation of 25 percent per year. She requested that the Board formally approve the change this month rather than tabling the issue until December. Knowles moved to change the KFNA fixed asset policy to a four-year schedule depreciating at 25 percent per year. Valens seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Nicollet Avenue K-Mart Site:  The board discussed the group that is lobbying for changes in the K-Mart site at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. The hope is that with the Sears purchase of the site that the company would demolish/redesign the location to allow for the re-opening of Nicollet Avenue. The formal group that is addressing the issue is looking at redevelopment of Lake Street from Grand Avenue to 11th Avenue, and areas between 28th and 31st Streets. Although the site is not in Kingfield, it will have a major impact on the neighborhood redevelopment efforts. Dolata proposed that the KFNA board provide a statement of support to the group investigating the issue and lobbying for the re-opening. Wherley moved that KFNA support re-opening Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street. Muschenheim seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

After the conclusion of Old and New business, O’Rourke and Valens expressed concerns about the 3757 Harriet Ave. S. property. Both thought that the building is not well maintained and they had reservations about the board’s endorsement of Keller’s appeal to city zoning. Several board members asked that such concerns be raised during discussion of a business item.

The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by David Muschenheim.

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