Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

November 9, 2005

Minutes

Attendance
Board Members Present: JobyLynn White-Wiedow, Dave Saddoris, Ryan Raleigh, Sean Wherley, Martha Ingram, Peter Hallstrom, Niki Valens, Erik Lindseth, Mark Hinds, Ben Kristensen, Thor Anderson
KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson
Community Members Present: Michael Vanderford, Frank Hornstein
Board Members Absent: Darrell Gerber, Diana Schleisman

Meeting Called to Order:
Wherley called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

Community Forum:

Soccer Program Report:
Michael Vanderford present to seek input regarding soccer program at MLK park.  Program began in 2002 with KFNA NRP funds in an attempt to draw parents and kids to the park.  Administration of program has since transferred to park staff.  Approximately 65 kids participate in the program with about 3/4 coming from outside the Kingfield neighborhood.  Vanderford asked if KFNA still wanted to be involved with the soccer program.  Several board members expressed a desire to maintain relationship with soccer program with support coming in the form of promotion in KFNA newsletter and email list, links from website, and highlight at annual meeting.

Transportation:
State Representative Frank Hornstein gave an update on transportation issues in and around Kingfield, specifically the 35W project.  A study of transit on 35W is currently underway.  Meetings, to be facilitated by Transit for Livable Communities and ISAIAH, are planned for early next year (2006) to seek community input regarding transit ideas and issues.  Representative Hornstein emphasized the importance of neighborhoods expressing opinions regarding transit to help direct the process.

Reports:

Secretary’s Report:
Changes to October minutes: Sean Wherley was absent.  Community members present included Eric Blake from Financial Freedom Realty.  On page four “Marsh” Ingram should be “Martha.”  On page two last paragraph should state that 121 spur will be repositioned not “will be added.”  Beth “Emily” should be Beth “Elliot.”  On page three motion to discuss fundraising letter was made by Martha Ingram.

Treasurer’s Report:
No October 2005 report available due to resigning of bookkeeper.  Procedural review will be conducted by state auditor in December 2005.

Redevelopment Report:
Discussions with Chris from Lander Group continue regarding 38 project.

Zoning Report:
Addressed in new business.

NRP Report:
Updates for matrix planning tools needed for phase II planning by December 12, 2005.

King Bridge Report:
No discussion

Farmer’s Market Report:
No discussion

Green Report:
Recently received $40,000 grant for storm water management.  Details of grant to be discussed at December board meeting.

Old Business

Fund Raising Letter:
Letters mailed November 9, 2005 in envelope with insert card.  Mailing cost approximately $670.00.  Calling of previous supporters to take place on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at the home of Ryan Raleigh.  Hinds, Lindseth, White-Wiedow, Raleigh, and Anderson volunteered to make calls.

Insurance for Mural Artists:
Cost would be approximately $600.00 if artists were brought on as KFNA employees.  Lindseth questioned why artists would need to be employees.  Lindseth and Linnes-Robinson to meet with business and property owners to discuss costs to insure artists.

New Business:

Zoning:
Jerry Powell, owner of Better Than Ever a consignment clothing store at 38th and Grand, is seeking support in application for conditional use permit.  Hearing with city to be held on November 28, 2005.  Saddoris was informed by CPED that conditional use permit remains with property for one year after vacated by business.  Permit does not carry over to pawn shop or second-hand goods store.  Saddoris motioned to draft a letter of support for Better Than Ever permit application.  Motion carried unanimously.  Saddoris to draft letter.

The owners of El Meson are seeking a letter of support for their application for a parking variance, outdoor eating license, and charter beer and wine license for Café Ena, a new restaurant they are planning to open on the southeast corner of 46th and Grand.  Motion to draft letter of support for Café Ena variance and license requests made by Valens.  Seconded by White-Wiedow.  Motion carried unanimously.  P. Hallstrom to draft letter.

Budget:
See attached KFNA Budget Calendar Year 2005 printouts.  Page one reflects general operating budget, and page two reflects project budget.  Funds in the amount of $140,000 have been moved to the administrative pool.  Operating funds are available through 2009 without considering potential grants.  Additional planning for projects will take place in January 2006 setting priorities according to event calendar at which time board will need to confirm or change events in light of budget.  Committees are currently meeting to determine priorities.

Employee Compensation:
Wherley moved to increase NRP Project Organizer’s, Joanna Hallstrom, pay to $16.50/hour retroactive to her first year anniversary (September 1, 2005).  Valens seconded.  Motion carried.  P. Hallstrom recused himself from discussion and vote.

Bookkeeper:
Motion to offer vacant bookkeeping position to Diana Schleisman made by Wherley.  Seconded by White-Wiedow.  Schleisman has ten years of bookkeeping experience and is currently enrolled in Carlson School for Non-Profit Management.  Compensation would be $20/hour not to exceed four hours per month with a six month probation period.  Ingram expressed concern regarding a KFNA board member being KFNA bookkeeper.  Lindseth stated that he discussed this situation with a colleague who said that it is not illegal and happens frequently in small non-profits.  Hinds motioned for amendment stating that while bookkeeper, Schleisman cannot hold a position on the board as a signatory for KFNA accounts.  Motion to offer bookkeeper position with stated amendment carried unanimously.

COMPAS:
Hinds motioned to seek $4,000 grant for neighborhood art projects.  White-Wiedow seconded.  Motion carried.

The Current (89.3) Music Festival:
KFNA staff have initiated discussion with Thorn at The Current regarding partnering to host a music festival in the Kingfield neighborhood.  Hinds motioned to pursue music festival in collaboration with The Current.  P. Hallstrom seconded.  Anderson stated that this will be an enormous project with increased expenses and logistics.  Motion carried unanimously.

NRP Policy Board Representative:
Wherley motioned to appoint Melinda Ludwiczak to represent KFNA at NRP policy board election.  Ingram seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Southwest Journal and Minneapolis Observer Thank You:

Hinds motioned to draft letter of thanks to the Southwest Journal and the Minneapolis Observer for their support of the KFNA Farmers’ Market.  Raleigh seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned:
Meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Peter Hallstrom.

KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting
October 12, 2005
MLK Park

Minutes

Attendance
Board Members Present:  Ben Kristensen, Darrell Gerber, Dave Saddoris, Diana Schleisman, Erik Lindseth, Martha Ingram, Niki Valens, Pete Hallstrom, Thor Anderson, Mark Hinds. Ryan Raleigh, Sean Wherley, JobyLynn White-Wiedow

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Community Members Present:
Board Members Absent:  none

Meeting Called to Order:
Lindseth called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Community Forum:

Eric Blake with Financial Freedom Realty introduced himself. They are going to be doing a condo conversion off Grand and wanted to thank the neighborhood.  The development will be helping to get younger people into the neighborhood. They will be fliering community stores soon to. There are still 17 units renting in the facility. Erik assured the board that they are not kicking any renters out until the lease expires and that the renters are offered an opportunity to buy at that time.

Nick from RT Rybak’s mayoral campaign introduced himself. He wants to plug into active neighborhood groups and find out what’s going on.

Reports:

Secretary’s Report:
Minutes approved with no changes

Treasurer’s Report:
The 990 has been completed and is ready for signatures. There will be no audit this year. No bank statement this time as it was not available soon enough to reconcile. It will be available at the next meeting.

Redevelopment Committee Report:
Minutes are draft without approval of the committee. Several errors were noted including: Chris Rydrych’s name was misspelled, angle on ramp was incorrect, size of the lot was incorrect, and there were inaccuracies in reporting of Lander negotiations. There were several misspellings of KFNA and other minor errors.

NRP Committee Report:
No discussion

King Bridge Committee Report:
No discussion

Farmer’s Market Committee Report:
No discussion

Green Committee Report:
No discussion

Jurisdictional Partners Presentations

Only two emails received by from jurisdictional partners: Public works and NRP. Sarah will contact Beth Emily, Planner for Southside, to try to get feedback again.

Public Works: The lighting project is the only capital works projects next year. They also mentioned something about construction on Stevens due to Crosstown construction. Sarah will clarify with her and report back next month.

Library: They want some money to support the local libraries.

NRP: Peg, our NRP liaison, introduced herself and presented a number of items.  She got a call today about Limited Equity Coop on Nicollet. They have 8 affordable units with some equity position that are empty they want filled. Warren Cramer passed it on to Melody. Suggested that she speak with Sarah and present something to the KFNA board at a later date.

The Lyndale Ave S plan presented last night. The 121 spur will be added. They will also be opening up some more open space.  There will be two new commercial node developments. Lyndale will be opened to two-way traffic the whole way. There will be some reconnecting of the grid, too. Streetscaping will be added. It is a viable project but will be purely market driven. No plans to use eminent domain or use of redevelopment money from city. People have had their eye on 121 area for some time due to all the undeveloped land. There has been a good amount of public input taken. A question about street lighting and commitments from the neighborhoods to contribute toward new installations was asked. Peg answered that there no money planned from neighborhoods so most will come from county. KFNA will need to consider about street lighting along Lyndale. The neighborhoods will need to do a lot of work to help residents petition to get help funding. KFNA will put in our plan and keep in mind coordinating with the other neighborhoods.

Old Business

Mural Contracts:
Have been working since June to get a contract everyone agrees to. Artists have approved a version but the business owner sent back some points they were not happy with. Main point is they don’t want to carry liability insurance for people on their property. They would need an additional rider to cover the extra people doing the work. Other businesses doing murals in the past haven’t had these concerns. This is a different project, though, with the tiles instead of painting. Independent contractors are typically bonded and insured so the business owner is expecting this of the artists.

The artists warrant work for 6 mo. after which time the business owner is responsible for repair. Artists wanted to be consulted for non-minor repairs, however, the business owner added they would do it for free. The copyright issues ironed out adequately where KFNA will be able to use images of the mural for our own purposes as long as we don’t make a profit of more than $100,000.

There was considerable discussion about resolving the liability issue. Opinions were that we should try to not force the artists to get the insurance. Sarah will investigate the cost of getting a rider through KFNA and report at next Board Meeting. She will also investigate more what it will cost the building owner to get a rider. If business doesn’t want to move on insurance we can consider going somewhere else.

The other contract was briefly reviewed. There was a question on how artists are paid. Sarah answered that a grant is made to the business for work and the artists are paid by the business. KFNA pays artists for the supplies. The business owner will pay for fixing the wall in preparation for the mural.

New Business

Fundraising Letter:
Motion by Pete:” Change to start with ‘you know Kingfield is a great place to live’ and Move #1 to #12.” Motion was amended with the following:  move #5 to #1, add a ‘PS. Many businesses will match your donations‘, Erik will fix second sentence ending with a preposition, change to ‘City funding…..is scheduled to end….’, bold the sections ‘tax deductible…’ to the end, change #3 to ‘pedestrian lighting’, correctly state that three murals were done this year. Motion carries unanimously.

Mark Hinds moves that “KFNA will have a telemarketing/fundraising party where board makes calls using a Hinds soft-sell script. Calls will be made to prior volunteers and prior donators. Sarah will investigate places to make calls in the meantime. Sarah will determine how many people are on the proposed call list and present at the next Board meeting.” Hinds argued that follow-up calls significantly improve response rate to fundraising mailings. Several board members stated they were squeamish about doing telemarketing calls. Hinds brought us that it is also a chance for the board member to make another connection to the people within the neighborhood. We should not only ask for money bust also find out if there are any concerns they feel need to be addressed. Motion passes unanimously with Martha Ingram abstaining. It was also suggested that the mailing not go out until after the November 8th election.

Soccer report:
Michael couldn’t be here so Sarah forwarded letter. Marsh Ingram stated that she things the problem of so many more kids from outside the neighborhood using the program than from inside is with open enrollment at the schools. Kids are scattered around the city and they tend to do sports where their friends go. Erik asked if this is a marketing problem? Sarah answered that it probably is. Since the park took over they have not done much advertising of the program.  KFNA is not putting any money into the program but is providing a volunteer to train the coaches and run the program. We also printed t-shirts for them and got a little money back. Hinds moves to “postpone indefinitely until a park representative and Michael can be there to discuss” Motion passes unanimously. Thor suggests we should consider value of the program and to reflect our appreciation in his work and the program. His service is important to Kingfield and we must consider how to help him and support him.

Employee Review:
Six month evaluation of Joanna Hallstrom. Evaluation was forwarded to the Executive Committee. Joanna returned good feedback. A new computer is to be purchased a new computer. There was considerable chaos in the office when she started due to employees coming and going that made it tough to begin. She knew that going in, though. She has done thorough and careful work. Honest caring for people in the community she works with. She’s a great asset to the neighborhood. Sarah, Executive Director, recommends rewarding her with a significant raise of 10% ($16.50/hour from $15/hr) retroactive to September 1. She would stay in the same position where she manages and provides support for 4 committees. Previous person in job was at $18.20/hr when she left. Pay raise would put her at the high end of what other Project Organizers make in other neighborhoods. Hinds asks what is the budget like and how does the board deal with raises? Ad hoc or part of budgeting process. Sarah answered that this is late happening since she was on a probationary period. Reviews will fall to year end after this (Sarah’s and others). The raise comes out to $140-150/mo. extra. We’re over-budget due to staff working extra hours this year and there is concern about making that even worse by giving one of them a large wage increase. Diane moves that we “Post-pone the decision to next month when budget discussion takes place. Make the salary increase stay retroactive to September 1.” Motion passed unanimously. Pete abstained consistent with conflict of interest as husband of Project Organizer. Sarah will meet with the Executive Committee prior to the next Board meeting to make sure the information they and the board will want is available by the meeting.

Meeting Adjourned:
Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 pm

Minutes respectfully submitted by Darrell Gerber

KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

Sept. 14, 2005

Minutes
Attendance
Board Members Present:  Ben Kristensen, Darrell Gerber, Dave Saddoris, Diana Schleisman, Erik Lindseth, Martha Ingram, Niki Valens, Pete Hallstrom, Thor Anderson, JobyLynn White-Wiedow

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson and Joanna Hallstrom

Community Members Present: Lisa Godon (Assistant City Attorney), Laura Mogelson (Farmer’s Market Coordinator), Hector Ruiz (El Meson), Marie Hauser

Board Members Absent:  Mark Hinds, Ryan Raleigh, Sean Wherley

Meeting Called to Order:
Lindseth called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.

Community Forum:
Lisa Gordon, Minneapolis Attorney’s Office introduced herself.  She works in the police precinct office, and is trying to bridge the gap between the community, the police, and the prosecutor’s office.  She prosecutes non-felony crimes.  Her number at the precinct is 612-673-5402, and her email is:

Hector Ruiz introduced himself.  He is owner of El Meson.  He will be opening a new restaurant at 46th and Grand, and is in the process of applying for a restaurant license.  He will be applying for a wine and beer license, and will likely need to apply for a parking variance.  The property used to be a grocery store.  He has signed a four-year lease on the property.

Reports:
Secretary’s Report:
The August Meeting Minutes were adopted with the following changes:
-         Wherley called the meeting to order
-         “availability of and office coordinator position” should be “availability of an office coordinator position”
-         “Blaisedale” should be “Blaisdell”
-         CPED contract update: “New contracts were drafted with zero administration fees.”
-         Darryl Gerber should be Darrell Gerber
-         Environmental Task Force:  The board authorized establishment of a green committee.
-         An ‘if’ should be changed to an ‘an’.
-         The Art Crawl will be held on Oct. 2nd.

Treasurer’s Report:
Lindseth asked for clarification of the consultant fees.

Farmer’s Market Update:
Laura Mogelson, Farmer’s Market Coordinator, gave a report on the market.
-         The 2nd Sunday’s have been successful
-         If Mulroy’s becomes an option for the Market next year, there are differing opinions among the vendors as to whether the market should move
-         It is a current goal to get a CSA at the market
o       A CSA would not fit at the current location
-         There are currently seven market members
-         The Market newsletter will be available electronically next year

There was discussion as to whether the market should start later in the year.  As this is a producer’s market, produce is not available until late in the summer.  This may confuse some shoppers, as people who come early in the summer see only crafts.  Gerber suggested that an email be sent out each week ahead of the market to list what will be at the market.  Schleisman suggested that an email sign up list be put out at the market.  It was also suggested that more ready to eat foods at the market may increase attendance.

Redevelopment Committee:
The Redevelopment committee did not meet last month.

The funeral home at 37th and Nicollet is for sale.

Pete Hallstrom attended a meeting on September 16th relating to condo conversions.

The site at 36th and Nicollet owned by Brian Goff is for sale.

Zoning:
KFNA did not take a position on the sign request by the Minneapolis Meditation Center.  The issue was referred back to zoning.

Redevelopment is proposed for 19 West 38th St.  The developer will likely be requesting an up-zoning and several variances.

King Bridge Partnership:
The group is currently working on timelines for a RFQ.  The group is reviewing the community designs from the festival.  They are considering asking for contributions from several individuals.

Kingfield Festival:
To improve the success of the festival, the following suggestions were offered:
-         Organize earlier
-         Try something new
-         There was no post card this year.  The committee feels that the lack of a post card may have hurt attendance

Marie Hauser commented that she has attended many festivals, and that the KFNA festival is one of the best.

Green Committee:
The first Green Committee meeting was held on August 22nd.  Regular meetings will be held on the first Mondays of the month at MLK Park.

Mural Crawl:
The mural crawl will be held on October 2nd.  There will be a scavenger hunt, and the forms will be turned in for potential prizes.

New Business

Computer Update:
Linnes-Robinson requested replacement of the KFNA staff computer.  Based on the current use of the computer by both Linnes-Robinson and Joanna Hallstrom, a laptop is not feasible.  Valens moved to “Approve to use up to $1500 to purchase a new computer system as outlined in the proposal.  An additional buffer of $500 is approved to purchase additional software as necessary.”  Ingram seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Fundraising Letter:
Lynn-Wiedow moved to “Refer to committee to have Wherley draft an annual fundraising letter and recommend that Kingfield stickers be included in the letters.”  The letter is to be reviewed at the October KFNA board meeting.  Schleisman seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Mural Contracts:
The proposed mural contracts for Frame-Ups were discussed.  KFNA wants to be able to use mural images for promotion.  Gerber moved to “refer to committee to have the contracts reviewed by an IP attorney.”  Linnes-Robinson will investigate if MAP has attorney resources available.  Schleisman and Lindseth may have access to IP attorney resources also.  The motion carried unanimously.

NRP Phase II Kick-Off Community Meeting:
Agenda for the community meeting on September 27th:
-         Overview of Phase I accomplishments
-         Kick-off Phase II planning
-         Community vote to accept the phase II Participation Agreement

NRP Phase II Participation Agreement:
Lindseth questioned who will be conducting the legal and jurisdictional review.  Answer: the city will assign an attorney.

Five organizations will review the plan: School Board, Park Board, Library Board, CPED, and NRP.

The board must have the opportunity to review and approve the plan prior to public vote in April.

Lindseth stressed that the board must have final approval authority to prevent the NRP steering committee from having the power to stop projects.

Board approval of the revised Participation Agreement will be by email vote prior to the community meeting on September 27th.

Meeting Adjourned:
Meeting Adjourned at 9:20 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Dave Saddoris

KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting
Aug 10, 2005

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Darryl Gerber, Thor Anderson, Dave Saddoris, Pete Hallstrom, Martha Ingram, Ben Kristensen, Ryan Raleigh and Sean Wherley, Diana Schleisman

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson and Joanna Sahlberg Hallstrom,

Board Members Absent:
Niki Valens, Mari O’Rourke, and JobyLyn White-Wiedow (alternate), Erik Lindseth, Mark Hinds

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

Community Forum:
Mark & Tammy  Mulvehill, owners of Caffe Tempo, want to get opinions from the neighborhood regarding changes they can make to their coffee shop. In particular they want to be more “kid friendly”. The board agreed that the email list and the newsletter would be acceptable venues for getting the opinions of neighbors.

Sala Gilner, board member at Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group, announced the availability of and office coordinator position.

Joanna H. commented on the ongoing concerns in some parts of the neighborhood with increased violence and prostitution. Joanna assured the board that she is keeping in contact with our SAFE officer to monitor developments. Also, there are efforts underway to hold community meetings to address the issues.

Secretary’s Report:
The July 13 minutes were adopted with the following change. Darryl Gerber was absent from that meeting. He should have been listed accordingly.

Treasurer’s Report:
No treasurer’s report

Redevelopment Committee Report:
The KFNA board has been asked to not discuss the Lander Plan while there are ongoing negotiations. A proposal will come before the board at a future date. One board member expressed concern that our financial offering towards the project is so substantial in light of reduced Phase II NRP funding. A) The negotiating team is being aggressive to leverage our contribution to get maximum benefits for the neighborhood.

Minneapolis Meditation Center
It was brought to the board’s attention that the Minneapolis Meditation Center is purchasing the property at 43rd & Blaisedale. They want to place a sign on the property and may need a variance.

Festival Recap
Sean W. reported that, despite increased food, entertainment and extended hours, there was perhaps a disappointing turnout at this year’s festival. Nonetheless, many board members felt that the festival was a success in many areas.

Art  Chairs
It was reported that the art chair silent auction brought in over $1,000 to the neighborhood association. There is already discussion about a future artistic collaboration with Leorardo’s Basement and Anodyne coffee shop.

Farmer’s Market Update
There are reports that some vendors are unhappy with the current site. The board agreed

this has been a challenging year to date, especially with the absence of a major vegetable vendor.

Transportation Report
Darryl Gerber reported that he has been appointed to the Project Steering Committee for “Mobility Minneapolis”. He explained that the long term (10 year) planning project is transit focused with an emphasis on downtown Mpls. The committee will host an open house in the end of September.

Goff Site Update
Sarah reported that Steve Poor has confirmed that there will not be an extension granted to Goff for work at the 3601 site. Sarah has drafted a letter to Mr. Dockry of CPED. The letter presents KFNA’s wishes that the property be acquired by the city and developed in accordance with the Higher Density Corridor Housing Initiative Project.

The letter was approved with minor changes, namely that it be pointed out that our suggestions for development are consistent with the goals that the city has already stated.

23 West 38th Street Update
Sarah reported that city authorities are not concerned whether or not the development has handicap accessibility – they are satisfied that at least it meets affordable housing goals. If we want to continue to pursue the matter we have been advised to take it up with our city council representatives.

CPED Contract Update
Sarah reported that she has drafted new contracts with CPED which address the concern the board previously had over administrative fees. If was moved and carried that the board approve the new contracts.

Returned 4% Loans
Sarah shared information regarding the proposal to move funds from Kingfield’s 4% Home Loan program (loans that have been repaid), into the KFNA Affordable Housing and Property Redevelopment Program. (See supporting document) A community vote will be necessary to reallocate those funds.

Mural Update
There was discussion about the situation with the mosaic project at 4325 Nicollet. As the artists underestimated the cost of materials, Sarah wrote a memo, which indicates several possible responses to the situation. The board motioned to pursue option #5 (see document). In addition it was recommended that we pursue collaboration with MLK Park to create a mosaic over the entrance to their facility. It was further moved to pay the artists $1,500 now with the requirement that they give us the design now, as it stands, and complete the project in 2006. The board will fundraise for the extra money, as well as the money needed for a mosaic at MLK Park. The motion carried.

Art Crawl
Sarah reminded the board that we need a celebration at several locations for the Art Crawl on oct.2.

Hosmer Library Contracts
Sarah reported that Kingfield’s contracts with Hosmer Library need an extension. (see sheet) A motion to extend the contract was carried.

Environmental Task Force
Sarah pointed out to the board that there is an apparent need to set up an Environmental Task Force in light of the numerous ideas that have surfaced in recent months in that arena. The committee would perhaps overlap with the Redevelopment Committee in some areas but would otherwise field issues specifically related to the environment in Kingfield neighborhood. The board will consider this further at a later date.

Meeting Adjourned at 9pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Thor Anderson.

KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting
June 8, 2005

Minutes

Board Members Present:
Thor Anderson, Darrell Gerber, Pete Hallstrom, Mark Hinds, Martha Ingram, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Mari O’Rourke, Ryan Raleigh, Diana Schleisman, , Sean Wherley, and JobyLyn White-Wiedow (alternate).

KFNA Executive Director Sarah Linnes-Robinson present

Board Members Absent:
Niki Valens

Meeting Called to Order:
Lindseth, the new KFNA Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Community Forum:
Audience member asked two questions: Q) Will KFNA July Festival have an art forum?  A) Wherley: No; Q) Who would be interested in organizing an art exhibit for KFNA, perhaps alongside Farmers’ Market?  A) Lindseth: suggest coordinate with Art Mural committee and/or Linnes-Robinson regarding the Farmers’ Market.  Linnes-Robinson explained that KFNA had an art show two years ago, and while attempt was made last year, lack of participation precluded art forum.

Conflict of Interest Declarations:
New Board member, Pete Hallstrom, declared that wife, Joanna Hallstrom, is an employee of KFNA.  President noted for the record declaration.

Committee Member Appointments:
Board members reviewed assignments, Linnes-Robinson explained that committee members appointed by President while working groups less formal and participation more fluid.  Gerber clarified role of Transportation Liaison and Transportation Committee and request removal from Elm Committee.  Margo Dean added to Redevelopment Committee.

Motion to adopt committee appointments moved, seconded, and voted to carry.

Secretary’s Report:
Postponed.  May 11 Minutes adopted.

Treasurer’s Report:
Everything OK.  March 31 and April 30 Balance Sheets adopted.

Committee Reports:
·        NRP Committee: Wherley explained role of NRP committee as influential in expending NRP funds and seeking members.

Farmers’ Market
·        Second Sunday Celebrations:  Flyer distributed and reviewed.  Linnes-Robinson explained value of Farmers’ Market in building community and described the marketing of event through in-kind donations from S.W. Journal & Minneapolis Observer.
·        Farmers’ Market Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tim Harwig, owner of Frame-Ups distributed and reviewed.  Lindseth explained MOU for only one year due to temporary location, utilities donated and Harwig calculates value of charitable donation for tax purposes.  Gerber asked if electricity provided sufficient, A) vendors not anticipating electricity.  O’Rourke asked if same vendors coming, A) Elsie’s Farm won’t be present this year, but everyone else will be.  Motion to adopt MOU forwarded, moved and carried.
·        Farmers’ Market Coordinator Contract: Position description provided to Board by Linnes-Robinson and reviewed.  Linnes-Robinson explained this will be 5th year of market, which had been previously coordinated by independent contractor who is no longer available.  Linnes-Robinson explained the need to approve an employee position description to finalize employment status of a neighborhood resident who is available and interested.  JobyLyn asked if direction will be provided on-site?  Linnes-Robinson answered not at all times.  Diana S asked if volunteers interested?  Linnes-Robinson answered no…this is a very serious commitment and employee needed to satisfy responsibilities.  Gerber asked about selection process and Linnes-Robinson replied that E.D. chooses employee Board approves Position.

Position description moved.  Lindseth moved to amend to add bullet to “arrange pre-market vendor organizational meeting.”  Ingram amended sentence to read “KF Market Coordinator will work under….  Anderson amended to include invitation to coordinator to visit Board mid-season and at conclusion of season for report to board.  Motion moved and amended and passed.

Nicollet Avenue Lighting Project Outreach:  Letter and Outreach Plan:
Comments sought on letter to residents, which is a heads-up prior to assessment letter from City.  Meeting hosted by City on June 28th to seek feedback and KFNA will field complaints before Public Hearing.

NRP Funds Committed to Lander by Redevelopment Committee:
Mark Hinds opened discussion with a motion to commit KFNA to provide $5000 for each affordable housing unit to be built in the redevelopment of the property located at 38th and Nicollet by the Lander Group.

Background by Hinds provided:
·        the Redevelopment Committee has a good working relationship with Lander Group who has attended committee meetings and provided a great deal of information regarding their proposed development.
·        the committee recently received a formal request for assistance from Lander Group to ensure that the project meets the affordable and sustainable priorities of the neighborhood.  The amount requested exceeded $200,000 alongside an itemized cost list of these priorities in the project.
·        the redevelopment committee has identified long-term affordable housing as a priority and has discussed the level of commitment available from phase I and II NRP funds.
·        the project, known as “38” will include 41 units and preserve the historic structure on-site while rise to 5 stories in the rear and step down to street in front.  Indoor parking will be available and the billboards will be incorporated into current design due to prior contractual arrangements.
·        With the current commitment proposed of $5,000 per affordable unit, it is certain that Lander will pursue more sources of funds.  In particular, Lander is preparing to apply for a June 28 deadline for CPED and MHFA funding.

White-Wiedow questioned the status of the billboards and encouraged efforts to tie future funding streams for KFNA to billboard contract.  Wherley expressed disappointment if theatre group blacked out windows on corner, as a proposed potential tenant.  Lindseth proposed following amendments to motion that $5,000 per affordable unit as tied to community land trust subject to following conditions:

1)      the commitment of funds subject to sale of property to Lander,
2)      that KFNA should be listed as partner in development marketing materials, and
3)      payment of funds due upon completion of project.
Wherley proposed a further amendment to include a condition
4)      that funds be made available to the affordable housing units of “38” only if a minimum threshold of 6 up to a maximum of 10 affordable units be included in development.  All four of the above amendments went to vote and passed.

Goff Development: Draft letter to City citing KFNA’s concerns with the project and anticipated extension for site plan:

Motion forwarded that KFNA oppose any request from Goff for permit extension as outlined in letter to Steve Poor, City of Minneapolis Zoning Administrator.

Background by Lindseth provided:
·        Goff has been disingenuous with redevelopment committee regarding site at 36th and Nicollet, and the committee does not support current project as proposed;
·        Letter to City of Minneapolis as a preemptive strike to discourage approval of extension to Goff, if requested;
·        Potential conflict of interest on part of David Motzenbacher regarding Goff and site;
·        Linnes-Robinson explained that KFNA has a proposal with the city to buy the site

Move to amend to strike last sentence of letter, which encourages City to only approve a three month extension if they are to act at all.  Vote results:  3 Yays, 8 Nays.  Technical amendment forwarded to add strong support for denying extension.  Motion moved, seconded and carried.

Fund Raising Letter for Event Support to Business:
Acknowledged

Questions from Board Training:
Primer on parliamentary procedure
Adjourned at 9pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Thor Anderson as prepared by Ryan Raleigh.

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