Sheridan Neighborhood Organization Board Meetings

23 October 2000

All Board Members present

Andy Nederveld called the meeting to order

Introductions

• Shared Parking arrangement between Sheridan School and Ritz Theatre - Andy Nederveld reported – There were two meetings about the possibility of Sheridan School opening the back of their playground for parking for the Ritz Theatre. Both meetings showed a favorable response toe the idea from representatives from Sheridan School. George Sutton, a consultant working for BOD said parking was essential for success of the project. He showed on map: there would be an open fence at back of NEST parking lot and a sliding fence only open in evening would connect their parking lot with Sheridan playground. The lot would be accessed on 13th Ave. and would serve the business district in the evening. The next steps are meeting with Zoning and Planning, then back to Sheridan site council with a plan. Fencing, lighting would be the limit of costs. 104 parking spaces would be provided, approximately. There will be expense for moving snow. Lines would be marked for parking spaces. Jenny Fortman moved that SNO investigate further this solution and give conceptual approval, Sally Waterman seconded. Motion passed.
• Rich Rose - Citizens for Minneapolis Public Libraries - asking for support of Better Libraries referendum vote to fund new central library building and to shore up community libraries. Amy Ryan explained that if the referendum passes the central library could move into the old federal building while new one is built, so it could continue operation.

• Amy Ryan said she is still working with the MCDA to relocate the Bottinueau library to Grain Belt site.
• Catherine Shreves, School Board member, spoke about Better Schools referendum for small class size. She said if the referendum wouldn't pass, they would have to close 600 classrooms. She handed out lawn bags.

John Akre read the minutes. Sally Waterman moved that they be accepted as read, Melissa Davis seconded, motion passed.

• Treasurer's report. Melissa Davis reported. The SNO bank balance is $4682, with $3598 in unrestricted funds. Eve Bornstein's office still has bylaws at her office under review, once that's resolved we can apply for 501c3. No word yet back from the audit.
• Neighborhood Planters - Andy reported Nederveld reported. STAY asked us last week if we would take custody of the planters they own and that are placed in front of some neighborhood businesses. They want us to cover them on our insurance. Mellissa Davis said the city is willing to give us time; they want a certificate of insurance to show that we are insured. Melissa drafted a letter asking for more time; STAY wanted a response by Wednesday or they would remove the planters. Davis is working to get information from. The Business Committee could investigate whether the planters are wanted or not. Sally Waterman volunteered to help plant them. Trish Schilling said there is a file in the STAY office with map of where the planters are.

• Marchant/Sherman development has new site plans. The final city site approval will not be until March. SNO will have a presentation later by Bartlett and the MCDA and flyer the neighbors around that area to get their feedback. Will address it at November meeting.
• Grain Belt Development Objectives RFP. Request For Proposals was released in August; proposals are due in early in November. Then we'll have a chance to look at those ideas. SNO had been contacted by the Cunningham Group. Four board members met with them to find out more about what neighborhood wanted to see/ not see there. Early in Dec. SNO will organize a meeting to hear from all the developers. Set date as Dec. 2^nd, Saturday in the atrium of Catholic Eldercare - date is tentative.

Melissa Davis announced Nygard Open house.

Becky from Biernat's office spoke about commuter rail - 2 possible station sites, Nov. 8^th meeting at Webster school.

No takers

Events

Trish Schilling reported. The committee is working on the SNO Ball It will be on a Saturday in February. The committee had a table at the International Festival and saw many neighbors.

Business

Drew Trampe reported. He discussed specifics of an application for a CURA intern.

He also made a proposal to take $75,000 from the existing business plan in the NRP plan, and add $25,000 to add a revolving loan fund for businesses. GHMMC would administer program. SNO needs to give neighborhood notice and show broad-based support to make NRP plan modification. SNO would have to take it up in January meeting. The maximum loan amount in the program would be perhaps $10,000. Andy Nederveld asked would we have control over what kind of businesses would be eligible? Drew Trampe said it would be for code compliance and exterior improvement, to make businesses look better. Jenny Fortman made a motion that we give the business committee go ahead to work on the Business Loan program, John Akre seconded, the motion passed.

Chuck Sullivan reported on the CURA intern proposal, summarizing it. It would involve a study of business development, putting together existing data. The intern would be paid by NPCR, this research would be used to help build community planning. Chuck welcomes comments on it before he sends it in. Chuck said it is important with all the developments coming in that we have a community planning effort.

Andy Nederveld reported. 1504 4th St. - no new information.

On the two vacant lots for new home construction, the committee will get together with nearby neighbors and begin process to select design and come back in November with recommendations for what new houses might look like.

John Akre said that Kristine Harley said that the deadline for next SNO news would be mid November. Melissa Davis said that Tom Taylor would report at the next meeting in verse.

• Principal Jim Lemert of the school spoke with Kevin Arnold, Technology teacher who maintains computers. They are trying to upgrade classroom computers, which date from 1992. They want Imacs at a cost of $800 per classroom. They are asking for help from SNO for the computer purchase. Arnold said donations, NRP funds would be helpful. Andy Nederveld asked - which neighborhoods are represented at Sheridan School. 100 students come from the immediate zip code. Nederveld suggested that we can partner with other neighborhoods that students come from. Trish Schilling asked for a dollar figure. They are looking for 50 computers at about $900 per. Lynn asked about availability of community use. They would be open to discussion. Andy Nederveld talked about the library requesting money possibly for a technology center there. He asked if there is a way we can serve the library, Sheridan School and Holland School.

• In 1998 they participated in matching fund home fix-up grant. Then they refinanced their house in July and had to pay off the lien then and couldn't get that money reimbused and put back in their new loan. Andy Nederveld talked to Don Snyder at MCDA. He said there is a city imposed position that if you refinance and get cash for a purchase, they will not subordinate that loan. Dick and Terry said they would never made aware of this restriction. Now MCDA has instituted a new policy where they disclose this policy before closing loan. The Halls are asking for SNO to recoup these costs. Trish Schilling suggested that notification should be made to others who have received funds so they know about this restriction. Melissa Davis moved that SNO recommend to MCDA that the Halls be reimbursed for their loan, Jenny Fortman seconded, motion passed.

• Judy Cedar reported. Three reports were released in October, including one addressing Parking Construction is ongoing, and abatement should be done by end of November in the brewhouse. Library site RFP for archaeological work went out recently.
• Chuck asked about the cost of the brewhouse project. The cost went up recently $1.2 million.

John Akre moved that we adjourn, Melissa Davis seconded. The motion carried.