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Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
February 13, 2008

Minutes

Attendance
Board Members Present:  Ben Kristensen, David Potosky, David Brauer, Tom Parent, Arthur Knowles, JobyLynn Sassily-James, Dave Saddoris

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Community Members Present: David Nicholson, Heidi Fields

Board Members Absent:  Darrell Gerber, Karen Pieper, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Mary Hunter, Niki Stavrou, Chris Sur

Meeting Called to Order:
Brauer called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM

Community Forum:
None

Reports:
Secretary’s Report
Sassily-James offered to send a list of the meetings for which she was in attendance.  She has arrived late at Board meetings on occasion, for which the minutes have declared her absent.  Sassily-James moved to adopt the minutes.  Knowles seconded.  The minutes were adopted unanimously.

Audit Findings
Linnes-Robinson introduced the four audit findings.  Knowles moved to “Approve responses” as prepared by Linnes-Robinson.  Sassily-James seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Financial Policy Revision
Knowles moved to “Approve changes as drafted.”  Sassily-James seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

New Business:
Business Façade Improvement Program (BFIP)
Parent introduced the item.  The City has a new BFIP grant program.  The KFNA and the Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) both have considered applying for this grant.  There have been discussions between the two organizations on a co-application for this grant, but an agreement on terms has not been reached.  Knowles moved for the KFNA to apply separately for the grant.  Sassily-James seconded.  Parent offered an amendment to empower Brauer to talk to Matt Perry to make one more attempt to come to terms, there being two required conditions: 1) 50% of the funds for the first year would be targeted for the three Kingfield nodes, and 2) The KFNA requires approval of grants for the three Kingfield nodes.  Knowles accepted the amendment.  The motion passed unanimously.

Bike Rack Rebate Program
A bike rack rebate program was developed by the Green Committee.  As this program complies with an already budgeted and funded strategy, it does not require further Board approval.

Old Business:
NRP Plan Modifications
Potosky moved that “$30,295.41 be moved to administration” through two reallocations as outlined by Sarah Linnes-Robinson.  Kristensen seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Parent moved to “Close contract #18111” and return to funds to the NRP Phase I pool as outlined by Sarah Linnes-Robinson.  Knowles seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mosaic Mural
Sassily-James moved to “Decline payment to Deborah and Nphry”.  Knowles seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Annual Meeting Planning
The event will include a ‘Taste of Kingfield’ with neighborhood restaurants participating.  Information on the Lyndale Avenue reconstruction project will be housed at a table.

Committees and Task Forces:
Redevelopment and Zoning
Parent provided an update on the 3700 Nicollet project.  The Redevelopment Committee will review a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) at its February meeting.  It is anticipated that the Committee will bring the CBA to the Board in March.  The Redevelopment Committee with vote on support of variances for the project during its March meeting.  It is anticipated that the Committee will bring a recommendation on support of variances for the project to the Board in April.  The Green Committee will be meeting with the project Architect and a member from the PCNF development team on Friday, February 15th to review current design and discuss how the project addresses sustainability.  Potosky recommended consideration of a KFNA member serving on the PCNF Board.

Projects:
Website Redesign
Potosky showed the new website and discussed some of its features.

Walldogs
Linnes-Robinson provided an update.  There are three sites selected for murals in Kingfield: 1) MLK Park building (2 murals), 2) Ungerman Construction, and 3) the building on the southeast corner of 38th and Nicollet.  Linnes-Robinson will proceed to contracting with the owners of these sites.  Linnes-Robinson will also solicit interest from the owner of the building on the northeast corner of 38th and Nicollet for a possible mural on the north wall of this building.

Meeting Adjourned:
Parent moved to adjourn at 9:12 PM.  There were no objections.

Email votes after adjournment of the February Board meeting:
Bylaw changes:
The bylaw changes as drafted were approved for presention to the community for approval at the Annual Meeting by the following Board members via email vote:  Chris Sur, JobyLynn Sassily-James, Darrell Gerber, Karen Pieper, David Potosky, Niki Stavrou, Tom Parent, Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris

BFIP Application:
The BFIP grant co-application with NEHBA was approved by the following Board members via email vote: Niki Stavrou, Tom Parent, Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris, David Potosky, Karen Pieper, JobyLynn Sassily-James

Minutes of Kingfield Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Attending: David Brauer, Ben Kristensen, Chris Sur, Amy Joe Gracyalny,
Dave Saddoris, Tom Parent, Niki Stavrou, David Potosky, and Arthur Knowles.
Absent: Darrell Gerber, Mary Hunter, JobyLynn Sassily, and Karen Pieper.
KFNA Staff present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Meeting was called to order at 7pm.  There were no comments from the community forum.

REDEVLOPMENT
David Saddoris clarified his motion (previously made by email) for an amendment to the letter regarding 4307 Wentworth.  The sentence should read “letter approving county’s concept for the property contingent…..” that will be created and executed.”  All voted yes.

FINANCIALS
Lois Epstein, KFNA Bookkeeper, walked us through balance sheet and income statement for 7 months through 12-31-07, explaining how to read and understand the financial reports.  David Brauer asked if there was a way to indicate more about the timing of our cash flow, like a “cash flow projection”.  Sarah explained that she will bring forth a proposed budget to the February meeting.  Projections for future funding will be explained in more detail then.  David Potosky asked for clarification of NRP Funds.  Sarah stated that as we proceed with budgeting for this year we need to evaluate if we can keep running at the same capacity as before.

Epstein said she can modify the reporting for the next fiscal year to include a budget column on the monthly report—Linnes-Robinson will modify our budget report this year to align more closely with the General Ledger so this is possible.

Discussion ensued about cash flow, including NRP, loan repayments and in the end it was agreed that we want to be able to see if we are “on budget” or not.  Find “the happy place” between too little info and too much detail.  Budget tracking through the year and where our cash flow stands was felt to be important.

FUTURE OF NRP and future funding for KFNA.  We originally received a plea to write a letter in support of NRP funding.  After looking at other neighborhoods “form” letters, it seems uncertain if the letter is still necessary.  Do we want to plug for 2009?  Do we think that 2 million is enough to keep us going?  Will probably be less than 25K per neighborhood.  Big question is we still don’t really know if the money is going to be there.

There are concerns about the programs the city is going to be offering in lieu of NRP and that those programs will be less accessible to neighborhoods. We can choose whether to respond or remain silent.  Arthur Knowles expressed strong concern that we should speak out.  The questions remain: What can we do so that we can all make an informed opinion about NRP and our position?  Can we send the letter asking the city to clarify certain points in their most recent decisions re: NRP?

The Board decided that they needed more education on the subject and that they needed to get some links for board members, and residents alike, where they can inform themselves better about NRP the history and current activity.  David Brauer will tweak the letter and send it.  Sarah & David will meet w/ Bob Miller of NRP and talk to Elizabeth Glidden and Scott Dibble to see if a meeting can be arranged to discuss NRP in an informative way for board members.  JobyLynn suggested that residents should be invited to such a meeting too – in advance of the Annual Meeting.  That inviting residents will help educate them about NRP too, and will give us an opportunity to then remind them about the Annual Meeting and perhaps even encourage them to run for the Board.

4307 Wentworth
Unanimously voted to send the letter with the amendment as noted earlier.

ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING AND BOARD RECRUITMENT
David Brauer asked every board member to try to recruit at least one new person to run for the board.

Newsletter announcing the meeting comes out 1 month prior to the meeting.  Discussion ensued regarding how to rev up interest to get a better turnout than at last year’s meeting.  David Brauer mentioned that the potluck might not be as big of a draw as in previous years.  Tom Parent suggested we call on our neighborhood restaurants for food donations and publicize the pre-meeting time as “A Taste of Kingfield”.  Niki Stavrou agreed to talk with some of the other restaurateurs in the neighborhood to get a feeling for the interest level about participation in such an event.  She will report back at the February meeting.

In discussing potential speakers who might draw an audience, Niki Stavrou suggested that at previous Annual meetings the speakers are often politicians and often sound like they’re just campaigning.  What about something different like Julie Ristau to facilitate something to gather ideas from the residents about what they want to see in Kingfield (i.e. an interactive time rather than just listening to someone speak); or what about Jay Walljasper to talk about community and neighborhoods etc…as an alternative to inviting only politicians.

JobyLynn suggested it’s important to have someone educating people about NRP – refer back to “invite the public to any meeting we might have for board members to learn about NRP” – then use the opportunity to tell them about at the annual meeting.

Bruce, resident of Kingfield, asked about next summer tearing up of Lyndale Avenue and what kind of draw that might have for getting people to come to the meeting.

Everyone is to think more about ideas before February meeting so we can invite speakers with plenty of notice.  Another suggestion from Arthur was to invite the green party candidate ??name??.  Or, Keith Ellison suggested by Tom Parent.

No decisions were made.

REDEVELOPMENT
Things are progressing regarding the development plans of 3700 Nicollet.  Intermittent meetings are planned to educate community on programming, building design, and safety.   People who have voiced opposition to the idea are attending meetings and are engaging in the process.  Sarah announced there is now a separate email list for the 3700 Nicollet project.  This week FAQ sheet will start answering those questions and will be sent to the email list and posted on the website.

Arthur asked if King Bridge Partnership is dead for now.  Answer was yes, but not forever.  The money for King Bridge that is being held is fine sitting in our account.  Website to be incorporated into KFNA’s.  The discussion is the project will be reactivated next summer and funding will be sought makes more sense to let it lie now and use the completion of the RvierLake Greenway as an organizing point to connect the two segments.

Website: Roll out is delayed.  Website timeline is over the next two to four weeks.  Feb 12-26 migrating old content.  Finalizing migration and launch by March 2nd.  Big savings by using Dream Host.

Kingfield Wiki will be phase 2 of the website. New email addresses for everyone and more.  2 laptops have been donated to KFNA by David Potosky.

Direct mailer has brought in approx $4000.  Business sponsorship is down.  Will send another letter to businesses.

40th and Lyndale unveiling is coming out sometime soon.

KFNA office lease went up to $870 per quarter vs. $765.  It’s a 4-year contract for deed to own.  Niki offered to make some inquiries about the co-op and how exactly it works.  Will report at the next month’s meeting.

Tennis Center has applied for a grant that would require them to get involved in community organizing.

Walldogs is in the black at this time.

Arthur moved to adjourn at 8:50pm.  David Potosky seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.

Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board Meeting
Dec. 12, 2007
MLK Park

Board Members Present: David Brauer, Ben Kristensen, Chris Sur, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Darrell Gerber, Dave Saddoris, Tom Parent, and Arthur Knowles.
Absent: David Potosky, Mary Hunter, Niki Stavrou, JobyLynn Sassily, and Karen Pieper.
KFNA Staff present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson
Also present: Approximately 10 persons, in various capacities.

Meeting called to order at 7:08 P.M.

I. Community Forum – No issues were brought up at this time. Anything to be commented on was already listed on the agenda.

II. Park Report – Brian, from the park staff, reported that the month had been quiet. Also that the Park athletic programs were going well, and that there would be a MLK Day Celebration at the park in January.

III. Reports –
Secretary: Minutes approved with the two changes. First, that “was not what was needed.” Be inserted to finish the unfinished sentence. Second, that “Second ?” be replaced by “Second – Arthur”.

Treasurer: Sarah reported that there are still problems with the last three reports due to a problem with carrying funds forward between months. It was agreed that as soon as the problem could be fixed, reports would be forwarded via e-mail to the Board for an e-mail vote of approval.

IV. Committees and Task Forces
Redevelopment and Zoning – Harold Troup, a property manger for Henn. Cty. Tax Forfeit & Property Section, came to discuss the property at 4307 Wentworth, which has been forfeited to the County. He presented the three options open to the county, and asked the Board for a letter of support for the proposed plan: Replace the present unallowably small house with a four-bedroom home to be sold in partnership with the Lakes Country Land Trust. The county hopes to build the new structure up to LEED standards, as a pilot project of the County.   David Brauer asked about the support (or lack thereof) of the neighbors. Tom Parent suggested flyering the neighbors within 300 feet of the property to solicit input. Dave Saddoris moved (and Arthur seconded) “That a letter approving the County’s concept for the property, contingent on the support of the neighbors.” The motion passed without objection. Tom Parent volunteered to write the letter, the final form of which would be approved by an e-mail vote of the Board as soon as possible.

There were more questions from neighbors about the Board’s letter of support for Plymouth’s 3700 Nicollet Project. David Brauer explained that the letter was only a “support in concept”, and apologized (again) for any misunderstanding. The letter was not in anyway meant as neighborhood support for the particulars of the project as it has so far developed. The letter was sought to help the Foundation seek funding to explore the possibilities of developing a project. When neighbors’ misunderstanding became apparent, David Brauer called Council Woman Glidden and asked her to discount Kingfield’s letter of support of concept. She immediately agreed, but noted that it would not have affected the end result. Such applications are scored on a point basis, requiring 80 points to pass. The Plymouth Foundation scored 122 points, while Kingfield’s letter was only worth 5 points.

NRP – Duane Townsend, of Neighbors4NRP, requested a letter of support from the Board, to the City Council representative, supporting Neighbors4NRP three demands: Full Funding of NRP Phase 2 through 2009; the continuing funding of NRP beyond 2009; and the creation of an independent board to oversee the continuing NRP.   After discussion Arthur moved that the Board authorize a letter in support of neighbors4NRP. There was no second so the motion was withdrawn. Further discussion ensued and no action was taken.

Farmer’s Market – David Nicholson was recognized as the new Chair of the Farmer’s Market Committee. It was noted that certain Committee volunteers, whose experience was important, were not members of KFNA. After discussion, Arthur moved, and Tom seconded, “That up to 40% of the Farmer’s Market Committee may be drawn from non-members of KFNA, at the discretion of the Chair of the Committee.” The motion passed without objection.  Sarah told the Board that the Farmer’s Market had a $1,500 shortfall for 2007 out of total expenditures of $14,500. She requested the Board to authorize drawing funds from the KFNA Business Sponsorship revenue (approx. $4000) to cover the shortfall.  Darrell so moved, and Chris seconded. It passed without objection. Sarah suggested that the allocation of a certain percentage of business sponsorship funds to the Market might be desirable, although this dedication of funds might require a change in KFNA’s solicitation letter. After discussion, the Board declined to act upon the suggestion.

Transportation – Darrell distributed copies of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit Taskforce) recommendations. It was also announced that the 46th street freeway ramps will be closed this or next month.

Wall Dogs – The Deck the Walls event raised approximately $850.00.

Lakes District Park Council – Our representative, Diana, cannot attend the meeting on 1/24/08.  Dave Brauer volunteered to attend unless someone else was available.

Arthur moved to adjourn. Tom seconded.