September 20, 2004
MINUTES
Present: Sean Wherley, Arthur Knowles, Wayne Anderson, Rolf Johnson, Niki Valens, Melinda Ludwiczak, Sam Zordich, Lisa Rudy
Absent: Barb Chung, Natalie Lenz,
Also Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA NRP Coordinator; Roy Woodstrom, Hosmer Library, and John; Ruth Kildow, MPLS Senior Ombudsman, and Terry
Ruth Kildow presented a Social Service Grant request from the Skyway Senior Center for support of their newsletter “Chatterâ€. Following discussion about the Center’s programs and their services, and their impact on Kingfield seniors, the committee unanimously approved the $5000 request.
Next Roy Woodstrom presented a verbal Event Plan for Hosmer Library, with the intent to seek KFNA Social Service Grant funding. The committee expressed interest in his programming plan, but was hesitant to provide funds without a written budget and plan for the year. They also expressed concern over how these events will be publicized, noting that communication with Kingfield has not been strong in the past, despite the neighborhood associations repeated requests for meetings, joint neighborhood leadership at the library, and written information for the newsletter. The committee asked that Roy provide information on upcoming events for the next Kingfield News, and write down the event plan and anticipated budget for the year to come and resubmit his proposal to the committee in October.
Linnes-Robinson informed the committee that Theissen Vending has been put up for public sale. This means that KFNA will have little pull in exterior design or use of the facility unless the one interested developer that KFNA sought-out (Lander), ends up getting the site.
At the time of the meeting only 50% of the necessary signatures for the Nicollet Avenue lighting petition had been collected. Many of the big players had stated they would not sign, or had been difficult to reach. The committee discussed the possibility that the project will not be completed due to lack of interest of the assessed parties and said they may need to look into reallocation of the money at the annual Meeting in April. They again reaffirmed that October was the deadline for the necessary signatures to be gathered.
Linnes-Robinson informed the group that Lucky Girl has closed and it seems unlikely, although the committee expressed strong support via email that the Art Bus shelter will be built. Complications include 1) the artist for the project is Nikki Brovold’s husband and relations between him and the building owner Keith are strained right now, and 2) Nikki was going to take over liability for the bus shelter on her insurance and with her gone that is no longer an option. The committee stated they did not want KFNA to be responsible for the shelter. Linnes-Robinson said they can wait and see who moves into the space and see if they would be willing to accept responsibility, and if Karl, the artist, is willing to pass over his plans to another artist. All-in-all, it seems unlikely the project will move ahead. At some point KFNA will need to notify Metro Transit and see if they want to put a covered shelter back in place. For now, we will let it slide.
The committee discussed a tree planting program and Sean’s list of questions/guidelines.  It was decided that supplementing the Park Board’s budget and planting only boulevard trees would be much simpler than allowing trees to be planted on private property. Linnes-Robinson said she will talk with the Park Board and determine how many trees will be needed in Kingfield next year, how many they are planning on planting next year, and what the cost per tree will be. She will report on this next month.
Phase I, Phase II planning was not discussed, although it was on the agenda.
New Business:
Sean mentioned the NRP Policy board Elections are coming up and he will be running for an area seat. Rolf and Niki both thought they could attend the election but needed to check calendars. Sean will get them the information.
The meeting was adjourned.
Minutes prepared by Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA NRP Coordinator, on 9-28-04.