July 22, 2002
John Akre called the meeting to order.
Introductions were made. All board members were present. Dawn Rae Davis read the minutes from the June 24th meeting. John Akre and Melissa Davis each suggested a correction. The minutes were accepted as corrected.
Seaen MacKay gave the treasurer's report.
4th of July Fireworks. Seaen MacKay commented on what seemed excessive noise from fireworks this July 4th and asked whether longer-standing residents felt there was excessive fireworks noise this year. After some discussion John Akre suggested that if it is a general concern we might want to speak to our SAFE team prior to next year's holiday. Tom Taylor suggested also contacting neighbors prior to the holidays. Trish suggested we have SAFE come in at the June meeting next year and educate us about what fireworks are legal and illegal. Red Landen suggested the hours for legal setting off of fireworks also be part of the information SAFE provides.
Announcements:
Vivian inquired about measurements she saw being taken by surveyors behind the P&A and close to the Ritz Theater. Tom Taylor said he didn't know of any plan on the part of the Ritz to expand their parking to include any other areas besides the Sheridan school playground.
Tom Taylor announced that Eastside Co-op is looking for Board members. If interested contact: 612-788-0950 and ask for Kim Gerome Stern.
Melissa Davis announced that the 503(c) application has been received and we should soon hear back.
Tom Taylor also announced that he applied to the University of MN for an intern to poll /survey renter residents.
Dawn Rae Davis announced a working-group to focus on diversity within Sheridan and sent around a sign-up sheet for those interested in participating.
Eeris Fritz read a thank you from Margo Ashmore regarding SNO's help in making Art a Whirl a success, and she read other announcements received by SNO at the business office.
Tani Ashnower, with the Minnesota State Health Dept. described the asbestos EPA clean- up project. She said they'd had 800 requests for new inspections. Her agency has interviewed over 1600 people with regard to the study for tracking the health effects of asbestos in the area which includes some blocks of Sheridan. At the conclusion of the study in NE Minneapolis, the analysts will evaluate the studies and compare results with the Libby studies and send out recommendations when there has been determined a high risk factor for individuals who participated in the study. She announced a health provider education course pertaining to a form of cancer which is showing up in women who have been exposed to asbestos, a form of cancer in the outer lining of the lungs. John Akre asked for an update regarding vermiculite insulation. She said that particular aspect of the Libby study had been interrupted, but that Minnesota was keeping an eye on it. Sonia Vega at the EPA may be contacted regarding clean-up activities.
John Akre announced the MCDA has a $10,000 rehabilitation support loan.
Seaen MacKay announced that the Sample Room is now open for business.
John Akre also announced the date of the open house hosted by RSP Architects.
Mike Rainvill announced a fundraiser for the Ritz Theatre: August 29 from 5-10 PM. Ticket prices vary. Contact the Ritz for more information. They'll also have a silent auction in case any SNO members would like to donate something.
Regarding Marshall Street Planning, Mike Rainvill gave an update and brought copies of plans and drawings from the study done in connection with the Marshall St. planning group. He emphasized the vision of the Marshall Planning Group as bicycles and bike trails, pedestrians, people walking babies, and not highrise development. He recommended that now is the time for residents and businesses to attempt a similar study for 13th Ave, saying that this kind of professional study is not only pro-active but makes it easier for residents to have a concrete influence on development projects where big money is in charge. He announced a Sept. 28 meeting of MEND (10am-1pm) to talk about 13th Ave. and Marshall developing a roadway.
Open Microphone:
Adam Peterson said he had an issue with the Public Housing next door to his house. One of his tenants was assaulted by a resident at the Public Housing residence. He said that an earlier family in that housing was selling drugs. The current family residing next door at 1507 Second St. has been evicted.
John Akre announced Neighbor Night Out and encouraged us all to get to know people on our blocks as it's helpful when there is a particular issue on any block.
Seaen MacKay asked if we had extra flyers regarding monthly SNO meetings to give to Adam Peterson to distribute to his block.
Committee Reports:
Events: Trish Schilling said there was no new report. $1,100.50 was the total spent for SNO Big Deal and she described a recent event meeting where members strategized about next year's events.
Outreach: Tom Taylor said the phone tree is operative and reminded folks to sign up when they attend SNO meetings to make sure they are on the phone tree. He encouraged people to consider writing for the SNO News.
Business Committee: Patrick Greffin said the kiosk is coming along fine and that the artwork for the new Bottineau Library will be an approximately 30 ft. long mural and the artists have been narrowed down to three. Tom Taylor asked regarding the public budget pertaining to setting aside 1% for arts, saying that a local artist had said he thought only $15,000 was being spent on this art project for the library even though Bottineau is a public project with a 3 million dollar budget. Chuck Sullivan clarified that on a federal project it is 1% of the construction costs not including other costs such as demolition, construction site costs, etc.
NRP Committee: John Akre reported that about $100,000 of our SNO funds is going into the Bottineau revitalization project and he was at the ground-breaking ceremony for it. He announced the time and date of next NRP meeting in August.
MEND Committee: the update was basically already given by Mike Rainvill. John Akre, as president of SNO, is SNO's representative on that committee.
AFCAC: Chuck Sullivan said the city is very genuine about wanting the community's involvement in developing a plan linking all areas along the river. The goal is to build something for the long-term. The city bought a building just north of Sheridan to house the Park Board and Chuck sees this possibility of the Park Board taking over this building as an opportunity for the Park Board to demonstrate the kinds of rehabilitation and green goals many hope will be more broadly incorporated through out the neighborhood. He gave the date of the next AFCAC meeting.
There was no new business.
Tom Taylor moved that we adjourn. Mike Romans seconded. The meeting was adjourned.
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