Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
Minutes from Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Hennepin Center for the Arts
528 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 310, Minneapolis, Minnesota
I. Call to Order and Introductions
Board Chair Kim Motes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Other board members in attendance included Andy Hauer; Cynthia Newsom, Treasurer; Scott Parkin, Secretary; and Carletta Sweet, Vice Chair. Board members Tom Hoch, Gene Nessly, and Jodi Pfarr were unable to attend.
Guests in attendance included Michael Buelow, Omni Investment; Michelle Bruch, Downtown Journal; Karl Greeman and Katie Millburn from Spill the Wine; Lt. Mike Kjos, Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct; George Rosenquist; and Rick Solum.
Staff member Christie Rock also attended the meeting.
II. Consideration of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.
III. Land Use Committee Update
Land Use Committee Chair Andy Hauer reported on the following projects:
The Wave. Hauer noted that the DMNA LUC held a public hearing on Omni Investment’s “The Wave” (proposed project for the former Fuji Ya site) at Open Book on September 27, 2006. Hauer considered it a good turnout since approximately 65 to 70 people were in attendance. Hauer advised that following the developer’s presentation, a question and answer period was held. Notable issues raised from the audience were destruction of historic and archeological resources, incompatibility with applicable Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) plans and land use regulations, and what is perceived as “bait and switch” tactics. Chair Hauer further noted that the developer intends to adjust the project’s design based on issues raised in the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and comments received from the public hearing. At the conclusion of the public hearing, in order to allow time to digest all the information received thus far, the LUC referred the matter to the entire DMNA board with no recommendation. And in the instant meeting, since the developers recently requested a “time out” in the City’s development process, the DMNA board decided to take no action but will anticipate holding a special DMNA meeting if Omni Investment presents applications to the City prior to the next monthly board meeting.
IV. Consideration of September 5, 2006 Board Meeting Minutes
Andy Hauer moved and Secretary Scott Parkin seconded the motion to approve the minutes as amended from the September 5, 2006 board meeting. The motion passed.
V. Consideration of October 2006 Financial Statements
Staff person Christie Rock distributed and explained the F2006 Budget vs. Actual as of October 2006, the Payee Report 9/1/2006 through 10/10/2006, and the Income/Expense 5/1/2006 through 10/31/2006 documents.
Andy Hauer moved and Carletta Sweet seconded the motion to receive and file the October 2006 financial documents. The motion passed.
VI. Crime and Safety Update
First Precinct Report. Lt. Michael Kjos from the Minneapolis Police Department gave an update on First Precinct activities. He noted that crime is down in the SafeZone area, but up in other parts of the precinct. Officers are focusing on livability crime, particularly panhandling. He commented on the DMNA’s Code of Conduct, stating that it is a useful tool for officers. Lt. Kjos talked about the littering problem due to flyers. He discussed the idea of putting up no trespassing signs in parking lots preventing organizations and businesses from posting flyers on vehicles. Lt. Kjos mentioned that Interim Chief Dolan is trying to extend the extra funding for officers that was available during the summer at least through October. There will also be an increased presence of law enforcement during the Holidazzle Parade.
Restorative Justice Community Action, Inc. Consideration was given to a request for funding to support the efforts of RJCA in the amount of $10,000 (see Request and Scope of Services for DMNA Fiscal Year 2007: 7/1/06 – 6/30/07).
Scott Parkin made a motion to support the funding allocation. Carletta Sweet seconded the motion. The motion passed.
VII. NRP Implementation Update
No update was give since the NRP Implementation Committee did not meet in October.
VIII. Old Business / New Business / Other Business
Website redesign. Scott Parkin gave an update on the research he has done regarding updating the DMNA website. He noted that at this point he has not talked with Webmaster Paul Barber, but intends to discuss the possible changes with him to obtain his feedback. Parkin suggested the goal should be to increase the professionalism of the site without losing the user friendliness of it. He has met with a website design firm that is interested in the project, but hasn’t gotten a formal bid or estimate for the project costs. He indicated that it might be possible to find sponsors or sell advertising to help cover the costs. Staff person Christie Rock suggested that Parkin put together a scope of service outlining the goals and objectives of the project, along with strategies, and a budget. This will enable the DMNA board to make a better decision with regards to using NRP funds to pay for the project.
Political debate. A downtown resident sent an email requesting the DMNA board to consider hosting or co-hosting a political debate for local candidates prior to the November election. The DMNA has hosted political debates in the past, however, after some discussion, the DMNA board decided not to host a political debate this year due to timing, but will consider doing something in upcoming election years.
Annual membership meeting. The DMNA’s annual membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at the Mill City Museum. The Museum will provide refreshments free of charge. In turn, the DMNA is required to assist with setting up and taking down chairs.
Staff member Christie Rock indicated that she has secured Interim Police Chief Tim Dolan, as well as other members of the First Precinct to speak. Additional speakers include Lee Sheehy from CPED, Dan Kenney from the Minnesota Ball Park Authority, and Charleen Zimmer from Access Minneapolis.
The League of Women voters will monitor the board elections which will be held at the beginning of the annual meeting. The results will be announced following the “State of the Neighborhood Address” given by Chair Motes. The 2-year terms of Kim Motes, Gene Nessly, Jodi Pfarr, and Carletta Sweet are expiring. Of the four expiring terms, only Jodi Pfarr has indicated that she will not be seeking re-election.
IX. Adjournment
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Signed this ________ day of ________________________, 2006.
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Chair
Secretary