SNG Board Packet April 21, 2011

Draft Minutes - Seward Neighborhood Group

Board of Directors Meeting
March 23, 2011 - Seward Tower East

SNG Board Minutes

3-23-2011

Meeting called to order at 7:06 pm by Mike T.

Board Members in Attendance:

Adrienne, Peter, Adam, Tariku, Marne, Bruce, Mike T, Charles, Diann, Angie

Board Members Not in Attendance: Annie, Anne, Sheldon, Nasteeho, Pat, Ken
Introduction of Board Members & Guests: Doug Wise, SNG Housing Coordinator
Also in Attendance: Cam Gordon

Move to accept agenda – Charlie moves, Marne 2nds - All - Aye

Move to approve the FEBRUARY meeting Board minutes w/changes.

Charlie moves. Bruce 2nds. All - Aye

Staff Reports - none

Financial Report – Diann

Diann presented the February financials.

Line of credit continues to go down. All in all, things are moving in the right direction.
Accounts Receivable Summary: the CDBG has been received as well as the NRP dollars.
Mike asked if any surprises and Diann said – none at the moment.

Robin, SNG’s volunteer bookkeeper, will go over how to read financial statements at the
next board meeting.

Community Development Committee

The principal issue on the agenda had to do with the modification to the critieria for the
housing loan program. What came out of the discussions was the suggestion that the
requirement for the interest buy-down program was quite different from the Minnesota
Housing program. No one is using our $$. Charlie explained the three motions with
regards to the interest subsidy portion.

3. Motion:
#1) MOTION: The maximum loan approved under the Interest Subsidy Program be
raised from the current $12,000 to $20,000 and that the term of the loan be extended
from the current ten years to fifteen years.

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These changes brings SNG's program much more in-line with MN Housing Finance
Agency programs. Discussion occurred for explanation of details (Peter asked for
clarification; Charles & Doug elaborate). A far amount of people will need more money
to get their projects completed per Charles. With these changes, our program would
coordinate with the state one and be more attractive to homeowners.

The motion passed with all in favor.

#2) MOTION: Eligible improvements in the Interest Subsidy Program be expanded

to include all improvements including additions, allowed under the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency Fixup Fund (the state-administered pool of money which is
leveraged by the Interest Subsidy Program).

Eligible improvements allowed under the Interest Subsidy Program currently include
code required repairs, exterior, energy and mechanical and electrical improvements. The
revision would make the programs consistent
Discussion on what projects are eligible under the MN Housing Program. Peter talked
about not needed to vet the project. (Not loaning $$ for “luxury” items)

The motion passed with all in favor.

#3) MOTION: As a house-keeping measure, the amount of $54,000 which has been
released to the neighborhood from the City should be placed in the Seward NRP Home
Improvement Revolving Loan Fund.
Approx. $54,000 of NRP 2 money that was part of the NRP Housing Program stategy has
been released to the neighborhood from the city. This motion ensures that these funds are
allocated to the loan fund. This would make it more difficult for the city to take these
funds back. It is “under contract” now but not allocated. Discussion about assigning $$
to NRP Loan Program, where you would go to borrow money to make improvements to
your home in Seward.

The motion passed with all in favor.

On another note – a great deal of neighborhood concern about a building on 25th and 35th
Avenue, the northeast corner. It turns out that the gentlemen who owns that building has
moved his Cadillacs to another street (a steel industrial bldg). Most of that building is
being used for legitimate purposes. Discussion about the large amount of cars there,
many people meandering and hanging out by them. Has asked the City to keep an eye on
area … No one believes that he will fix the building up. Lots of talk and no action. It is a
4-5 year problem. Peter talked about the city inspectors (about $16-18,000 in inspection
fines). Mike T asked what should we do? Charles said nothing – just reporting on what
is happening.
Discussion about being “grandfathered” in per Cam. The city has been trying to do
something for quite some time! Cam feels that it helps having pressured applied by the
neighborhood. So keep the heat on! Diann asked has there ever been an offer of help for
a clean-up day?

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See complete CDC minutes & notes from meeting provided.

Executive Committee
We can report on the efforts for firing a new Community Coordinator to date. There
were 87 applications. According to the hiring procedures adopted by the Executive
Committee, Mike & Diann screened the applications and forwarded the applications of
the top 11 candidates to the hiring committee (Sheldon, Mike and Charles). The hiring
committee selected 4 candidates for interviews. An offer is being negotiated.

Mike is thinking that outstanding issues with the offer will be resolved Monday and we
will announce to the Board who has accepted the offer. We will then finalize the offer.
Charles made mention that Anne could not make the interviews due to personal issues.
Mike asked if any questions about the process. Angie thanked him. Charles made
mention that we have found out that having the right person in this position is “life &
death” for the organization. We do not want to make a mistake, so to speak.

Cam Gordon, City Council Member

Passed out his written report … Please read! All details are there or one can e-mail for
additional update.

Discussed the Minneapolis 2-sort pilot program system; passed out card to mail back.

The biggest – Urban Homegrown program so that city residents can grow their own.
Talked about working on regulation and design standards for urban farms, market
gardens.

Spoke about the trucks barreling down 29th street! Looking into this. Laughed about the
snow restrictions being lifted … and now, SNOW.

Diann asked about the redevelopment of 29th & Franklin (Riverside) and safety issue with
the stoplight there. The light does not allow enough time for people to cross Franklin
safely. This is complicated by the right turn arrow for drivers heading west on Franklin.
Many make right turns to Riverside on red, endangering pedestrians. Cam will work on;
asked that Diann send along an e-mail with more details. (she has asked residents to send
e-mails)

Mike T. asked about commentary on legislative actions impacting the city. The city is
very concerned; one of the proposals would eliminate all local government aid for
Minneapolis. Other efforts are aimed at prohibiting communities from increasing
property taxes. Cam mentioned that we have a very large budget that goes to the main
deals (streets, water, housing inspections, etc) … the general fund supports the police &
fire so all are worried … hoping the governor will veto. Dreading the next budget go
around. The goal is not to raise property taxes. Local government aid (the pot) is $56
Million getting cut from the budget; the entire total per Cam is only about $80 M.

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Discussion about the cutting of dollars to the light rail. Marne’s comment – someone
voted “those cats” in!

Mike showed the flyers about where the 2-sort is going to happen! Diann mentioned that
a few received their carts today. The pick up will be a bit different. Mike explained the
details of pick up – one truck for paper, one truck for metals, plastic and glass.

Discussion Items
Distribution of a printed Profile – a big issue.

Mike (SNG coordinator) gathered information as to what would work and not. A great
piece of research as to which neighborhoods are doing successfully (Peter).

Discussion about printing costs. Peter mentioned it may be useful with respect to layout.
Mike T. talked about the Profile in print way back. It is a great deal of work, and much
expense. Peter talked about the Bridge ending in Spring-Summer 2009.

Diann mentioned that we have committed ourselves to produce one print version of the
Profile; it was written into our citizen participation plan! With King’s Fair, and other
events coming up, this would be a good way to get out the word. Per Mike T, we actually
have money to do this project. We have the purpose & goal; to that end, we should look
at moving forward.

Lots to look at (per Marne). M is willing to meet with Mike to discuss more details as to
how to distribute, advertising, design, etc. Diann said that the business community
should be involved. Tariku talked about translating into Somali.

Diann mentioned what are people thinking would be the best way to approach this.
Hand deliver? Drop at businesses? Charlie thinks that direct mail poses some inherent
problems (Diann said there is a business that will collect the mailing list. Mail prep fee is
reasonable. Postage is included.) Pursue direct mail only if cost effective per Mike.

Charles’ gut reaction is that it may be expensive. Suggests a drop at all the local
businesses and major apartment buildings rather than mailing to them. Make some effort
to see if that method results in the community getting the news.

Diann suggest direct mailing to members only? Talked about doing a quarterly
publication that only once would be mailed to all, then going forward it would be mailed
only to Seward Neighborhood members. Marne will talk to Katherine at The Circle.

The logo for the Seward Profile (Charles’ believes) is the property of SNG.

Adrienne talked about that she feels that it is important that we form a group to get this
rolling. Mike T feels we need to move quickly. Diann feels that this committee should

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report to the group in May. Loose group: Marne, Diann, Bruce, Mike (? whoever comes
into this position). Mike asked that a meeting with committee happen by April 1st

Bruce suggests using student volunteers to distribute.

Neighborhood Organizations for Selection of NCEC

Mike spoke about receiving an e-mail from Waite Park & Marcy-Holmes community
asking for a representative for meeting on the April 16, 9-12 noon, re: determining the
process of how it will work.

Process they have come up with looks like the old NRP process per Diann. Is anyone
burning with interest on this process? Is there anyone willing to attend? NOTE: Diann is
NOT interested. Mike T. willing to be the alternate. Adam suggests sending a notice to
see who can attend. Mike T. feels he does not know enough about this NCEC
organization to give much input when there, but he is curious.

Angie asked what do they do? Figure out the formula as to what $$ the neighborhood
organizations receive and how they use. Figure out how they survive. Half are
appointed, half are elected. Part of the overall charge – the City of Minneapolis wants to
engage the neighborhoods to be part of the action. This is a new group in place per Cam.
Angie asked who represents our area; Cam mentioned her name is Marcia Mariani (sp?).
She lives in Longfellow. Cam said she would be happy to talk about what goes on;
Angie thought it would be good for her to come talk to SNG. (Her contact information
on website).

Crime & Safety

Did approve a policing plan. Diann does not have a copy. Will present next month.
Did approve the spending of $6,000 for Seward-Longfellow Restorative Justice

Environment Committee
Mike was late to the meeting. Angie was there as well. Mixed Seward Green will be
targeting neighbors and educating them on reducing pesticides in yards. Have an intern
who will be giving out handouts about the issue.

Community Energy Services & Environment has assistance for weatherization for
windows; $$ are available. $2,000 for energy audits. There is $1,000 left. Was
originally included in our plan; sitting there to be used!!

Sponsorship of Enhanced Recycling Program – it is NOW UNDER WAY!

Gave $50 to sponsor a movie (Angie did not have all of her notes for details). Diann
mentioned that there needs to be a receipt and a request submitted. Longfellow group
was assisting with this as well. 700 homes received a letter from Susan Young. The city
will offer 22 Gallon Cart, etc. A nifty brochure and a postcard has been handed out with
all details. . Mike T. felt that the postcard was a bit confusing (went over it). Ideal
situation – 98% return the card. Not sure if the cards went to the rental units. Cam

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mentioned that it went to duplexes, four-plexes. Shows where this will be in the
neighborhood. The immediate concern is that people respond and send in the card!
(Discussion led Diann about how to leave her recycling; Mike said one will no longer see
the recycling trucks – the trucks look like the garbage truck). Hoping that we will get
block coordinators to help the program get off the ground and moving in the right
direction. We would then get a better idea of the success of the program. We need about
a $1,000. Diann asked what we need to submit to document what is happening.

Mike did get 5-6 people to come to the MERC facililty. It is really a slick operation.
They spent $6-7 M dollars on new equipment.

Seward On-Line – Peter

Lots of participation – a good group with lots of great ideas. It’s not my blog (Peter) …
as a community, how does one support this blog to make it work, get all the material up.
Hoping to talk to the new person handling it all soon. All submissions get held in a que
before it is posted. Mike has been posting directly.
With the group he’s meeting with, spent 1-2 hours with all. It’s Not My Blog is “in the
works” and little things come out of the blue … Need to share the editing burden!
The idea is to make it as easy as possible for those who want to contribute.
Microsoft creates issues!!

Restorative Justice
Held a successful fund raiser last month. There was a lot of publicity with their display
by City Center. Michelle is doing a lot!

Fundraising
Has a goal of trying to have three fundraising parties in May, subsidized by Seward
Coop.

History & Archive

Nothing.

Future Plans
Towers Garage Sale? Is this happening?
King’s Fair? This was mentioned to the potential candidates for Community Organizer.
More to come once selection is made. Time is Sat, September 17.
Peter discussed a metalworking group at 31ave and 26th – The Hack Factory.
They could do something at the fair. Have classes and discounts for students,
unemployed. Could have a table at King’s Fair to promote themselves. Peter will
contact them to geo cache.

Meeting Adjourned - 9:00 pm Charles moved to adjourn. Bruce 2nded.