Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting
January 11, 2006

Minutes

Attendance
Board Members Present: Joby Lynn White-Wiedow, Dave Saddoris, Sean Wherley, Martha Ingram, Peter Hallstrom, Erik Lindseth, Mark Hinds, Ben Kristensen, Thor Anderson, Niki Valens, Darrell Gerber

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Kingfield Community Members Present:  Jeanne Massey, Abby Andrusco, Ken Bearman

Others Present: Britt Johnsen, SW Journal; Andy Lugar, Hennepin County Atty candidate; Becca Dagget; Jim Farsted, City of Minneapolis BIS; Elizabeth Glidden, 8th Ward; Scott Benson, 11th Ward

Board Members Absent: Diana Schleisman, Ryan Raleigh

Meeting Called to Order:

7:05 PM

Community Forum:

•     Abby Andrusco introduced herself as representative of new church, Solomon’s Porch, going in to old Hobart location.

* Ken Bearman introduced himself as a Fair Vote Minnesota founding member and was present to enthusiastically endorse IRV.
* Andy Lugar introduced himself as a Hennepin County Attorney candidate.

Becca Vargo Dagget and Jim Farsted gave presentations from opposing viewpoints about the City’s process of selecting its WiFi provider. Dagget stated that the City process was inadequate in that the City Council voted in 2004 to use a private service provider, with no public hearings or discussion beforehand.  She requested that KFNA endorse a public hearing process and demand that the City explain its actions, its lack of feasibility studies or public process.  Farsted, on behalf of the City, explained the rationale behind the City’s decision to seek a private ISP (lack of bonding capacity/capital) and stated that BIS did early analysis and made recommendation to City that either it could find private ISP or do nothing.  Public aspect of decision process rightly begins post-internal analysis, according to Farsted.

A Q & A session followed with input from Councilmembers Benson and Glidden.

Reports:
Secretary’s Report
Accepted as amended.

Treasurer’s Report
Accepted without changes.

Redevelopment
Hinds provided an update on the 38th street development, discussing where the project is and how negotiations are progressing with the developer.

Zoning
No items

NRP
No items.

Green
No items.

King Bridge Partnership
Hinds reported that the SW Journal will partner in a “coloring contest” to raise public awareness and to provide bridge design input.

Farmer’s Market
Staff is still negotiating with the kidney dialysis site.

Art Builds Community
The “Art is the Key” silent auction event is scheduled for March 25th, and a promotional mailing will go out at the end of January.

10 Year Transportation Plan
Gerber noted that he has now sent the link to the website.  The January meeting was cancelled but will be rescheduled and will take place within the month.

Old Business

IRV:
Gerber handed out a proposed resolution of support and requested Board endorsement.  After a lengthy discussion, the resolution was approved in amended form (see Amended Resolution in February board packet).

Mosaic Mural:
Linnes-Robinson provided letter rescinding mural agreement at 4325 Nicollet Avenue, and Lindseth gave background on mural negotiations with business owners.  Discussion of whether owners could have opportunity to change their minds, or whether letter was pure revocation of agreement.  Ingram moved to approve letter with a 15-day response window in case owners had change of heart.  Motion carried.

New Items

Festival & Current

Discussion of any proposal to the Current was referred to committee.

Crime Update

Lt. Marie Przynski reported on an incident at Shorty & Wags and noted that Kingfield is comparatively safe and quiet.

Annual Meeting Planning and Board Member Recruitment Task Force

Wherely, Lindseth, and White-Wiedow volunteered to take part in planning for annual meeting.  Linnes-Robinson floated the idea of having a recruitment event of some kind.  Discussion was tabled.

Insurance

Lindseth voiced dissatisfaction with KFNA’s current insurance agent.  KFNA’s policy is up for renewal on January 21.  The Board empowered Linnes-Robinson to research knowledgeable agents who deal with non-profits.

Meeting Adjourned:
Meeting adjourned at 9:16 PM.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Martha Ingram.

Reviewed by KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
Approved by KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth

Minneapolis Better Ballot Campaign
A charter amendment initiative for the adoption of
Instant Runoff Voting
Resolution of Support by Kingfield Neighborhood Association

WHEREAS: Poor voter turnout is typical in Minneapolis municipal primary elections; for example, just 15% of registered voters in 2005 and 18% in 1997;

WHEREAS: Primary elections are an additional cost to the City and to campaigns;

WHEREAS, Instant Runoff Voting is a better voting method than the current two-round runoff method in that it seeks to:

·         Eliminate low turnout local primaries and ensure a majority winner in just one election
·         Allow voters to rank fallback choices of candidates to receive their votes in case their first choice can’t win
·         Increase voter turnout and maximize voter participation in the outcome of the election – the decisive election takes place when turnout is highest
·         Reduce cost and increase ease and convenience compared to the current two rounds of voting
·         Assure that low-turnout primary elections won’t eliminate candidates who could win in a high-turnout general election
·         End the “spoiler” problem – when voting for the candidate you like best may split the majority and help elect the candidate you like least
·         Allow all parties to run on their issues and get an accurate tally of their support
·         Empower voters to vote sincerely without the need to worry about “wasting” their vote
·         Ensure winners have a mandate from the voters
·         Reduce negative campaigning
·         Invigorate campaign discourse by bringing multiple viewpoints into the debate

WHEREAS: Instant Runoff Voting is an internationally proven voting method used in Cambridge (MA), San Francisco (CA), and Louisiana (for military and overseas voters), and has been approved or is being considered for municipal and statewide elections across the country;

WHEREAS: There is an energetic charter amendment campaign underway for the adoption of Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) in Minneapolis that seeks broad support from both political leaders and voters;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: At a cost of no more than $1000, Kingfield Neighborhood Association:

·         Endorse instant runoff voting in the City of Minneapolis as reflected in the Instant Runoff Voting Charter Amendment proposal
·         Plan and coordinate an educational event to promote the Minneapolis Better Ballot Campaign for KFNA members and constituents
·         Promote the IRV charter amendment campaign on the organization’s web site and in other public communication

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

December 14, 2005

Minutes

Attendance
Board Members Present: Joby Lynn White-Wiedow, Dave Saddoris, Ryan Raleigh, Sean Wherley, Martha Ingram, Peter Hallstrom, Erik Lindseth, Mark Hinds, Ben Kristensen, Thor Anderson, Niki Valens, Diana Schleisman, Darrel Gerber

KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Kingfield Community Members Present:  Jeanne Massey, Anne K. Hanson, Joseph Swartz, Elizabeth Glidden

Others Present: Britt Johnsen, SW Journal, and Bill Dooley, interested in IRV

No Board Members Absent.

Meeting Called to Order:
7:05 PM

Community Forum:
•     A Kingfield neighbor from the 3900 block on Nicollet Avenue reported that he was recently the victim of a mugging. The assault was reported to the police. Through conversations with other Kingfield residents, this individual is aware that there have been other recent assaults in the same area, possibly by the same perpetrators.

* Sarah mentioned that you can get on the CCCP Safe list via the Kingfield Website

Elizabeth Glidden – Council Member Elect – Introduced herself and said that she wanted to come back after she starts in January and talk more with the neighborhood and to introduce her aide.

Kingfield Resident – Jean Massey presented information about Instant Run-Off Voting

More information can be found at www.fairvotemn.org/Minneapolis

Questions can be emailed to

Reports:
Secretary’s Report
No issues

Treasure Report
Diane Schleisman, KFNA board member and new bookkeeper said that one thing she noticed is that a lot of the reimbursements have been including a sales tax charge, even though KFNA is a tax exempt organization.  Linnes-Robinson passed out copies of the sales exempt so people can use them when purchasing things for the neighborhood.  This must be done at the time of purchase.

KFNA will also start including a notice that checks are void after 120 days, starting with the next run of checks.

Direct Mail Report
As of the December board meeting, KFNA has raised around $3,500 from its year end direct mail appeal.  The contributions are up this year, but the total amount is down because some of the large contributions in the past came from business that are now contributing as part of KFNA’s business solicitation.

Redevelopment
Hinds provided an update on the 38th street development, discussing where the project is and how negotiations are progressing with the developer.

Hinds also discussed the planned development of 3601 Lyndale Avenue.

Zoning
No items

NRP
Wherley reported that Redevelopment funding and Green funding was approved as submitted by the NRP steering committee.  The remainder of the NRP phase II funds will go to staffing and other administrative over four years.

Green
No Items

King Bridge Partnership
Hinds briefly discussed the intended process and timeline.

Farmer’s Market
Linnes-Robinson reported that Johanna Halstrom, KFNA staff, has approached the kidney dialysis office, 4310 Nicollet Avenue South, about moving the market to that location.  They are open to the idea, but have to check with their higher ups…

The committee has not heard back yet on the grant for a Spanish Language outreach coordinator.

There is a holiday market this weekend, which is mostly for preorders.

Art Builds Community

Linnes-Robinson discussed the upcoming event being put on by the Art Builds Community committee.

10 Year Transportation Plan

Gerber discussed the 10 year transportation plan and passed out a summary document.  He said that the initial focus will be on downtown.  The transportation committee is focused on two things downtown (1) Handling the rush of people coming in from the suburbs on commuter buses.  (2) They are also looking at rearranging traffic patterns to better distribute traffic.  The plan is to start downtown and to move out from there.

Old Business

Stormwater management grant

Saddoris reported that Kingfield received a grant from the Minneapolis Middle Watershed District for demonstration projects that will lead to a publication on stormwater management.  The Watershed is putting in $40,000, KFNA has committed to $13,500, homeowners will be expected to contribute 25 percent

Wherley motioned to approve the grant application subject to Linnes-Robinson talking to the watershed about the Board’s concerns over point 4.4 which would make all KFNA work product the property of the Watershed.

Mural:
The artists have asked Kingfield to find another site for the tile mural.  Linnes-Robinson will look for additional sites.

Thank You

Thank you letter to the Southwest Journal thanking them for supporting the Farmer’s Market.

Raliegh M/S/P

Artist is the Key

Show is planned for March at Anodyne – Show will be open to Kingfield Artists and regular folk.  Everyone will be given a key that will need to be incorporated into the final piece.  The event will end in a party and silent auction.

A motion was made to approve expenditures up to $6,500 to support the event. Wherly M/S/P

Festival & Current
A sense of the board was taken after discussion, about Kingfield partnering with the Current for this year’s festival.  The sense of the board is to pursue this opportunity.

Center for Performing Arts Lease
A motion was make to approve an increase in KFNA’s lease with the Center for Performing Arts by $10 a month.  Wherly M/S/P

New Items
Requested Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and Variances for 38

Hinds made a motion approved by the Redevelopment Committee that KFNA recommend approval by the City for the following variance and CUPs for the 38 development.

1)  Variance – Front Yard Setback at Nicollet Ave – South end of property along Nicollet highlighted as Area 1.  Required is a 20’ set back for the first 40 feet.  We are supplying a 0’ setback.

2)  VARIANCE – Front Yard Setback at 38th Street – West end of property along 38th highlighted as Area 2.  Required is a 20’ setback for the first 40 feet.  We are supplying a 0’ setback

3)  Variance – Rear Yard Setback at alleyway – length of building in alley.  Required is 13’ or 15’(the city will determine), we are supplying 12’ setback for the building with only 6’ setback at deck and 8.3’ setback at exit ramp.  The City is reviewing the obstruction policy which would affect whether or not the exit ramp and deck would be considered part of the setback or not.  For now, I have included it to error on the safe side, so we would request a variance of 3’ at the building, 6’8” at the exit ramp, and 9’ at the deck.

4)  Conditional Use Permit – Building Height.  4 stories or 56 feet is allowed.  We are requesting 5 stories and 58’9” which is 2’9” above allowable.  The fifth story will be setback from the edge of the building to lessen the effect of the height.

Instant Run-Off Voting
Anderson presented a resolution to have KFNA support a potential charter amendment for Instant Run-Off voting.

Hallstrom motioned to postpone discussion until January.  M/S/P

Appointments
Gerber moved to appoint Hinds as the chair of the Redevelopment Committee M/S/P

Zoning Committee
Hinds made a motion to move the Zoning Committee back into redevelopment M/S/P

Meeting Adjourned:
Meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Mark Hinds.
Reviewed by KFNA Board Secretary Thor Anderson
Approved by KFNA Board President Erik Lindseth

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