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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

October 13, 2004

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

Others Present:  Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Sahlberg Hallstrom, Robyn Repya (Southwest Journal)

Meeting called to order:
Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

Community Forum:
None.

Secretary’s Report:
Linnes-Robinson agreed to e-mail to board members the final amount made at the Kingfield Festival, which will be less than $600 gross profit.  “Welch Companies” should be “Welsh Companies.”  Knowles moved to adopt the Secretary’s Report; motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Linnes-Robinson reported that the present audit of KFNA is “going fine;” results are expected in April 2005.  Lindseth moved to adopt the Treasurer’s Report; motion carried unanimously with the exception of Ingram’s abstention.

Committee Reports:
With regard to funds for the 40th Street Pedestrian Bridge (minutes 9/1/04), Wherley questioned the wisdom of approaching–and the likelihood of obtaining from–MnDOT mitigation funds tentatively allocated for replacement of the 38th Street Bridge.  Motzenbecker said that such state funds are ancillary, and should not be tied to MnDOT’s approval of the “iconic” pedestrian bridge design to ensure “continuity” with the 38th Street Bridge.

Saddoris suggested that portions of the pedestrian bridge project description (rev. 9/12/04) are “too firm” (e.g., the bridge represented MnDOT’s attempt to “pacify” the neighborhoods divided by 35W.)  Motzenbecker clarified that the project description is a draft in progress; “file it away.”  Knowles posited that “pacification is the truth.”

Hallstrom reported that the Pepitos site sold.

With regard to the redevelopment committee (minutes 9/28/04), Motzenbecker made the following corrections: “Kress” is not “Krass;” and “Theisen” is not “Tyson.”

Discussion Items:

Hallstrom Introductions:
Board members introduced themselves to KFNA’s new project organizer, Johanna Sahlberg Hallstrom.

Draft Kingfield Neighborhood Design and Development Guidelines:
Motzenbecker reported that the aforementioned guidelines are intended much as KFNA’s affordable housing guidelines.  They represent the “bonuses” available to developers who build here.  Knowles found the guidelines “succinct and straightforward,” and a “positive step” in defining appropriate re/development.  Dolata described them as “proactive, not reactive.”

Wherley questioned whether the guidelines would carry the same weight as the neighborhood plan.  Motzenbecker clarified that they would serve as an addendum to any completed master plan prepared in consultation with the city.  Dolata suggested that perhaps the guidelines could be adopted as part of the city plan, an idea of which Wherley approved because they would “carry more weight.”  Motzenbecker was not sure they could be so adopted.

Lindseth raised stylistic concerns, noting that the guidelines should consistently begin with verbs and that footnotes should be abolished since no one reads them.

Saddoris questioned whether the assertion in the guidelines that Kingfield is “safe” opens KFNA up to liability.  Lindseth suggested that a neighborhood’s assertion regarding the safety of its public space–which occurs all the time in government brochures–is different than a landlord’s assertion to a tenant regarding the safety of private, rented space.  Saddoris and O’Rourke each wondered whether the average reader would understand arcane terms of art such as “life cycle,” “grow homes,” and “supportive housing.”  Dolata defined such terms.  Johnson asked how developers will get copies of the guidelines.  Dolata, Motzenbecker and Muschenheim variously suggested posting on KFNA’s website, making them available to the city, placing them in literature racks outside the KFNA office, and distributing at Redevelopment Committee meetings.

Lindseth moved to postpone consideration of the guidelines (which he will edit) until the next board meeting, which motion carried unanimously.

Farmers Market Memorandum of Understanding:
Lindseth has prepared a draft Memorandum of Understanding to memorialize the agreement between Mulroy’s Body Shop and KFNA regarding use of Mulroy’s parking lot and utilities for the Farmer’s Market.  The MOU will be taken up at a later meeting.

Old Business

Nicollet Avenue Lighting Petition:
Linnes-Robinson reported that KFNA has obtained signatures representing about 2/3 of the necessary property along Nicollet.  Signatures are due by the end of October.  The owners of Ace Hardware and Mulroy’s may sign.  The Bishop of the Mormon Church supports the project, but the CFO is pulling back.  Linnes Robinson reported that city is in talks with Sears regarding redevelopment of the K-Mart site, which might impact Nicollet lighting.  Wherley queried whether the lights could include baffles to deflect light downward to mitigate light pollution.  According to Motzenbecker, Councilmember Dan Niziolek will address this issue in a task force.

Corridor Housing Initiative:
Motzenbecker reported that the Sept. 23 community forum was a “success,” with some 50 people in attendance.  CHI will schedule a wrap-up session in mid-November.

K-Mart Site:
Wherley reported that a consortium of city and neighborhood groups is examining the K-Mart site, now owned by Sears.  KFNA needs a representative, particularly because redevelopment of that site will impact corridor housing efforts.

New Business
Wherley reported that KFNA’s annual fundraiser letter will reach homes Nov. 1, and encouraged all board members to give.  Wherley also reported that the state is formally unveiling its plan for 35W bus-rapid transit (“BRT”) in December.  Wherley also reported that the city may file suit against the state for pushing ahead with the 35W-Crosstown Reconstruction Project if the city’s demands are not met.  Accordingly, KFNA’s efforts to find counsel for a potential suit are on hold.

Linnes-Robinson noted that Lyndale Avenue will be repaired in 2006 according to a citizen plan developed 4 years ago.  Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman will discuss the project at KFNA’s Dec. 8 meeting.

Linnes-Robinson and Wherley also noted that the Park Board is swamped with tree removal, and will continue to cut throughout the winter and inventory holes for new trees.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Erik Lindseth

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

September 8, 2004

Board members present: Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Martha Ingram, Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, Dave Muschenheim, Mari O’Rourke, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley

Others present:  Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Liz Gibson-Gasset, Robyn Repya (Southwest Journal)

Meeting called to order:
David Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Community Forum:
No Action.

Secretary’s Report:
Ben Kristensen moved to accept the secretary’s report from August without changes. Sean Wherley seconded, and the motion was approved with two abstentions (Arthur Knowles and Rolf Johnson).

Treasurer’s Report:
Kristensen reported that the current checking account would remain at Wells Fargo, as noted at in his letter submitted to the board at last month’s meeting.  Kristensen also noted that an ING savings account could be pursued in the future if the board decides this would be beneficial for KFNA.

Wherley asked what the $1,000 given to Heather Martens was used for.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson explained that the amount was a community initiated grant for elm tree care for Kingfield residents.

Wherley also asked if there was a final dollar amount (i.e. loss/profit) from the KFNA Festival.  Linnes-Robinson informed the board that she did not have the exact numbers, but would e-mail the final amount to board members.

Linnes-Robinson provided an update on the mural projects.  She noted that the total cost for the murals was $8,757.95 and KFNA received nearly $3,000.00 in donations.  She stated that if the board would like to continue with more mural projects, that KFNA should apply for a grant and also could use NRP funds to support future projects.  Wherley moved that KFNA should apply for an America Beautiful grant for $2,000.00 and Niki Valens seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Knowles moved to accept the treasurer’s report from July and August 2004.  Valens seconded the motion.  The motion passed with two abstentions (Rosemary Dolata and Martha Ingram).

Committee Reports:
Knowles reported that the Zoning Committee approved three variances: increasing the garage from a four- to a six-car stall at 3900 Harriet Ave.; a remodeled basement also at 3900 Harriet Ave.; and to allow an 8-foot driveway instead of a 10-foot one at 3648 Nicollet Ave.

Knowles moved that the board approve the two variances for 3900 Harriet Ave.  Dave Muschenheim seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.

Knowles then moved to approve the variance for 3648 Nicollet Ave.  Muschenheim seconded the motion.  The motion was approved with one abstention (David Saddoris).

Discussion Items:
Joanna Hallstrom – Project Organizer Hiring: Motzenbecker informed the board that Joanna Hallstrom was interviewed for the Project Organizer position prior to the board meeting tonight.  The Human Resource Committee recommended the board approve her hiring.  Knowles moved to accept the Human Resource Committee’s recommendation to hire Joanna Hallstrom as Project Organizer for KFNA.  Wherley seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

35W: Wherley reported that there has been no response to KFNA’s request for legal representation for the 35W Access Project.  However, he noted that the Minneapolis City Council voted no to the 35W-Crosstown Reconstruction Project because it did not have BRT (bus rapid transit) and that vote could have significant impact on the Access Project because the two are connected.  He also noted that the State has not allocated any money for the Access Project for at least the next ten years, thus putting the project on hold.  There will also be a public BRT meeting held Sept. 29 at King Park at 7 p.m.

Forecast contract (Pedestrian Bridge):  Motzenbecker noted that no action needed to be taken at this time regarding this topic.  However, he noted that Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis expressed support for the project and that a new pedestrian bridge at 42nd Street should be pursued.

Nicollet Lighting Petition/Lighting Pollution: Linnes-Robinson reported that 40 percent of the needed signatures have been collected for the project between 40th and 36th Streets on Nicollet Avenue; however, 65 percent is needed to proceed.  She noted that some significant businesses along Nicollet are against the project and unless some of the businesses sign, the project would not go forward.

Motzenbecker noted that some Kingfield residents voiced concern regarding the potential for light pollution from the new light fixtures.  He noted that there are new designs that limit light exposure to lessen the light pollution and the board should encourage the City to consider this if the Nicollet Avenue light project proceeds.

Old Business:
Theisen Vending/Goff Update:  Motzenbecker informed the board that Theisen Vending moved last month from 3800 Nicollet Ave. to their new building in Golden Valley.  Mr. Theisen has retained Welch Companies to sell his property, which is listed at $895,000.00.  Motzenbecker noted that KFNA and Lander Development group would provide a proposal to Mr. Theisen for the property.

Motzenbecker noted that the redevelopment of the Goff property at 3601 Nicollet Ave. has not progressed.  He informed the board that KFNA could assist Mr. Goff with redevelopment uses and designs.

CHI:  Motzenbecker informed the Board that CHI will present their work on Sept. 23 at King Park at 7 p.m.  He noted that Mayor R.T. Rybak and Council Member Dan Niziolek will be present and urged all board members to attend.

MPHA:  Motzenbecker noted that MPHA would begin construction on the new house at 23 W. 38th St. at the end of September.

New Business:
Farmers Market:  Liz Gibson-Gasset informed the board that the farmer’s market will move to Mulroy’s parking lot at 39th Street and Nicollet Avenue next year.  She noted that the new site would offer more space for current and future venders and allow the market to grow and possibly become self-sufficient and/or profitable. She also noted that KFNA should consider having a contract with Mulroy’s stating time and use of their parking lot.

Erik Lindseth moved to draft a contract regarding the use of Mulroy’s parking lot for KFNA’s farmers’ market.  Valens seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

University of Minnesota Landscape Architecture Conference:  Motzenbecker informed the board that the University is having a conference Oct. 15-16 and encouraged board members to consider attending one or both sessions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Ben Kristensen

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

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

August 11, 2004

Board members present: Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Martha Ingram, Arthur Knowles, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, Dave Muschenheim, Mari O’Rourke, Dave Saddoris, Sean Wherley, Rolf Johnson

Others present: Marie Hauser, Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Scott Marshall, Robyn Repya

Meeting called to order:
David Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Community Forum:
Scott Marshall of the PEACE Foundation presented information about the organization, which works to encourage Minneapolis residents to counter violence in their neighborhoods.  Marshall mentioned the foundation’s effort to create a common communication network and that it would like to take advantage of our e-mail list.  Marshall also presented invitations to the inaugural PEACE Ball.

Secretary’s Report:
Martha Ingram moved to accept the secretary’s report from July without changes.  Arthur Knowles seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s report:
There was no treasurer’s report for July.  Ben Kristensen was unable to attend but sent a letter to the Board recommending that it keep its bank accounts at Wells Fargo rather than transfer them to a smaller bank and incur higher fees.  Knowles noted that since the problem with account signatories had been solved, there was no reason to leave Wells Fargo.

Dave Saddoris asked what type of monitoring would be needed if an ING savings account were established.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson explained that this merely entailed the need to maintain a minimum balance.  Knowles asked if there was any information available about the legality of earning interest.  Linnes-Robinson said the current NRP policy is basically “Don’t ask, don’t tell” about small interest-bearing accounts –investing NRP funds in place of using them for improvements is allowed, but small savings accounts are not acceptable.  Dave Muschenheim pointed out that the 2.3 percent interest rate for an ING account is significant when KFNA carries balances of $20,000 to $30,000.  Sean Wherley requested that Linnes-Robinson look into the official rules for interest-bearing accounts, and discussion was tabled until September.

Committee Reports:
Knowles mentioned that the Schwie garage zoning problem had been solved, and that there is a meeting next week to discuss a property at 39th and Harriet as well as another garage variance.

Discussion Items:
35W: Wherley reported that MAP for Nonprofits in St. Paul had been contacted and that no attorney had come forward to represent KFNA.  MAP has forwarded the KFNA request to the Minnesota Bar Association; Wherley will follow up in two weeks.  There are also national organizations that may be willing to take up the matter.

Wherley also reported that the Minneapolis City Council is due to vote soon on the environmental assessment for the Crosstown/35W Reconstruction Project.  The Minneapolis City Attorney is on record as saying that the environmental assessment is inadequate and that the cumulative impact of the Crosstown Project and 35W Access Project are not being considered together as they should.  Wherley recommended that Board members call the city to weigh in if they have not already done so, but did not recommend a KFNA letter at this time.

Old Business:
Festival: Wherley reported that around 300 people attended the Festival, raising $575 for KFNA.  This did not quite cover expenses, but was better than last year.  Vendors were happy and would return next year if asked.  Concerns include the lag in getting the Festival underway, hassles with band changeover and the stage, and the early departure of all the art tables.  Rosie Dolata mentioned receiving an inquiry about the art show.  Linnes-Robinson said that it had been dropped this year for lack of volunteers.  Wherley praised the park staff for their great assistance.  Motzenbecker suggested the possibility of a “Taste of Kingfield” next summer, offering samples from neighborhood eating establishments for a set price.  Linnes-Robinson brought up tying the festival in with a run.  Saddoris said such a run would be labor intensive.

CHI: Motzenbecker said there was good participation at the Festival.  There was a meeting last Thursday at which Karen Doerr acted as a consultant (helping groups to implement development).  The next big push will be the Sept. 23 unveiling of the CHI plan, with Council Member Dan Niziolek and Mayor R.T. Rybak attending.  Motzenbecker noted that Brian Goff, owner of 3601 Nicollet Ave., has agreed to participate in the process.  Goff has no plans to sell and does not want to partner with anyone, but wants to expand the site to include garage and adjoining houses.  Wherley queried the purpose of CHI public comments.  Motzenbecker explained that they enable the CHI committee to get a sense of what the neighborhood wants and provide reinforcement that CHI is on the right track.  Dolata added that public comments solidify the idea that the community is involved in the process.

National Night Out:  Lindseth, Dolata, Keith Hallstrom, and Diana [?] visited all NNO block parties on bicycles, and were favorably received.  They distributed Community Initiated Grant information and CHI bookmarks.  Lindseth noted that people wanted to know where they could get Kingfield t-shirts and suggested KFNA sell them on its website.

Newsletter: Thor Anderson reported that the August newsletter has gone to press, and that KFNA has a new photographer at large, Joshua Boucher.

New Business:
Theisen is selling its property and will be out by Aug. 13.  Mr. Theisen is excited about CHI and is willing to work with Redevelopment Committee to try to sell property in spirit of what neighborhood wants.  He has agreed not to list the property until KFNA-partner developers have toured the site and presented bids.  Wherley inquired about Theisen’s timeline.  Motzenbecker said he does not seem to be in a hurry; developers will have bids to him by Aug. 25.  Wherley asked if KFNA could buy the property.  Dolata noted that if the developers passed on the project, KFNA might not want it – it’s a challenging space.  Muschenheim asked what the goal for the property is.  Motzenbecker replied that mixed use would be ideal – retail and housing, consistent with CHI.  Knowles noted that KFNA should also encourage any business that likes the site, to facilitate job development in the neighborhood.

Mulroy is definitely moving to Super Shuttle site and wants to lease both of his current locations.

Fundraising letter: Wherley reported that last year’s effort raised $3,000, so it was successful.  He recommended continuing this and is willing to write a letter to go out in November.

Replacement staff: The executive committee reported that Margo Dean has interviewed for Rachel Foran’s position.  The committee is excited about Dean, who currently does organizing work with a north side neighborhood group.  Dean also speaks Spanish and knows website development.  Dean would like to phase in as of Sept. 1.  Lindseth asked if the Board committed to paying Foran through September.  Linnes-Robinson said Foran committed to finishing projects, not a set time frame, so no problem.  Wherley moved to offer Margo Dean the KFNA staff position starting Sept.1, up to 80 hours per month at $16/hour plus the existing insurance stipend of $500/quarter, on a 6-month probationary basis, as a replacement for Foran and Liz Gibson-Gasset.  Muschenheim seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Westrum’s proposal: Linnes-Robinson reported that all murals are going up except one (whose owner is in the hospital).  Painter is currently working on a cityscape mural at Westrum’s and would like to raise money for charity by selling “dots” on the cityscape for $10 with proceeds going to Emergency Home Repair grants through KFNA.  Lindseth moved that Linnes-Robinson take necessary time to research this idea.  Mari O’Rourke seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Tree replacement:  Marie Hauser reported that currently the city is overwhelmed with elm removal, but will be doing GPS survey of Kingfield soon.  To get on tree replacement list, residents should call the Park Board at (612) 370-4900.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Martha Ingram