Minutes for November 24th, 2003
Introductions made
Open Microphone
Carol Oosterhuis the crime prevention specialist gave info on what crimes are occurring. There were four incidents this month's 2 burglaries, 1 auto theft and 1 theft from auto.
Carol brought info cards for neighborhood and gave helpful hints regarding keeping your car safe. See the SNO table for more information.
John Akre respectfully announced the passing of Emmy Rasmussen on Nov 2 due to cancer. Emmy was a NRP community leader.
Patrick Greffin passed the petition for the support of Artspace's acquisition of the Grain Belt bottling house and warehouse bldgs. Pat said that the City Council appeared to support housing at their last meeting. Charles Lutz added that the city is looking at highest and best use' presently they feel that condo's would be best with regards to the appraisal' said the city is continuing to work on this and will meet again.
Eeris Fritz brings up the need to look at the long term impact vs. short term and that keeping the artists in place would economically benefit the draw to the area in the long term and additional housing would not.
Dawn Rae Davis acknowledges the beautiful improvements by local business in the area complementing Old Science, Frank Stone Gallery, and 212 pottery's renovation to there buildings. Dawn Rae says that this brings true value to the neighborhood.
Ritz Theatre
Craig Harris brings Sheridan up to date and explains the process for fundraising for non-profits. This includes the quiet phase which is 50 to 70% of the campaign - feasibility studies needed - building relationships in the community - major corporate sponsors needed etc.
When there is approximately 60% of the funding in place then its time to go public to continue the needed fundraising. Presently there is a $1.8 million campaign with near half of this met. Now asking Target Corp for support - many times these are matching grants
Dolls are also submitting to the Creske foundation. This process takes a long period of time. Craig mentions examples of other similar art projects:
Jungle Theatre took 7 years and $2.8 million - they had substantial support
Franklin Artworks in 1997 which is functioning as a gallery presently still needs $700K and has been in this process for 8 years.
Both had a much stronger support from public sources. Craig reminded us that this is not taking as long as it seems. That this is a relatively speedy process in comparison.
To summarize the process for the Dolls acquisition of the Ritz:
Request to the city for $100K
From the community $80K for stabilization of bldg for "Brick and Mortar"
Is working with Holland with hopes of a $20K grant
Of the $500K from McKnight - $125K goes towards the admin process
$25K from SNO went towards admin process and project management etc.
$50K from SNO went towards Sutton consultants, architectural fees etc.
Seaen asked "How much is now left to be used towards stabilization?"
Presently 100K from city
80K from SNO
15K from Dolls
this will change by the end of the year when more funds are raised.
Jenny asks "Does the timeline seem to be realistic?"
Craig thinks that the time line is tight in this market and asks - if they get 80% to 85% of the way there - do we lose the development rights? - He would hope that we can work out language that would deal with this - and said that Bench marks and goals assist with moving things forward.
Dawn Rae asks questions regarding the matching grants. $1.8 million is needed to open the door.
John Akre asks "what is the status of the parking for the Ritz?"
Dolls need to figure out the cost and meet again with the city and public
Chris Kofegen commented on his dislike of the color choice for the building.
Mike Romens said CPED has asked that we consider the pledges as part of the achievements of the bench marks for the Dolls
Chuck Lutz stated we need to separate assets from stabilization funds that $80K from SNO go towards stabilization of the building.
Jenny - how often does somebody pledge? Craig replied that it happens but is a small amount approximately $20K or so.
Dawn Rae doesn't want to see $80K go towards stabilization if the Dolls are not able to house the Ritz.
Bob Miller said putting $80K in now will allow immediate stabilization so that saves money later that can be better used for other needs
Jenny states that the Dolls have development rights and asks if its possible that CPED could take away development rights against the communities support? Chuck Lutz said this could happen but is unlikely.
Dawn Rae suggests additional language to support SNO's desire to have Dolls in the Ritz before SNO gives the $80K for stabilization.
Bob Miller would like to see the commitment from the communities
Eeris summarizes - $100K from SNO and Holland - $100K from CPED
Craig said that there is a Ritz foundation that has been established outside of the Dolls to promote the rehab of the Ritz - and the foundation is looking at the Ritz as a long term asset to the community.
Mike Romens continues discussion of SNO's support for stabilization and invites input towards the use of the $80K
Patricia Fitzgerald of Keg House developers' purchased the Old Electric Motors bldg 13th Ave NE- 80% will be leased space. They want to rezone the building from light industrial to industrial living overlay. This would allow uses for retail,cafés , bookstores and antiques shops. She would like SNO's support.
Chuck Sullivan is concerned with other housing that is coming in and will this add to additional housing? Too this is an area of transition and how is this going to effect the other properties in the area?
Patricia says Jim Voll is the planner and Jan 12th is the meeting for this.
Eeris asks what are the lease rates? Patricia stated - $3 to $10 per square foot.
Tom Taylor motions to write a letter of support for rezoning the property for industrial living overlay.
Jenny amends to drop extra language - amendment accepted and Bob Sorg seconds the motion discussion ensues
Dawn Rae "are there dangers in the future that could cause problems for areas zoned industrial?
Chuck Sullivan - we have no objections for this but in the future we should have an additional study done on this.
Mike R. wrote a letter regarding getting on the same page
Jenny will amend the letter of support to read : no objection for zoning to industrial living overlay with the understanding that the developer intends no housing on this property.
Eeris seconds the amended amendment and the motion carries
The Polish White Eagle Building
Michael Pink
Needs a conditional use permit - presently zoned C1 for tenant Art House a screen printing company with nine employees. They have signed a seven year lease.
There are 30 grandfathered parking spaces for the Polish eagle - this company has needs for four of the spaces.
Eeris would like to motion to support the needed CUP for Art House
Seaen seconds the motion
Bob Sorg is against the motion - his concern is the lack of development for the bank side of the building - we discussed and Bob and Board unanimously voted yes and the
Motion passes
Treasury report from Seaen
Presently approximately $16k in bank with a warp speed run down of misc expenditures
NRP committee mtg 1/19/04
AFCAC mtg 11/25/03
Business Committee - draws Frank Stone Gallery for a story in SNO news
Events Committee - Dawn Rae expects 450 to 500 people for SNOball event - needs volunteers ..presently has 7 - needs additional funds - budget needed is approximately $7400
Tom Taylor motions to provide the additional funds - Seaen seconds and motion carries
Community Health Program
Susan Kohlstad gives us info - there is a 6 to 8 week process for funding
Survey sent to gain base line from SNO community its in Spanish as well get the word out for the Sheridan Outreach worker - $600/month for 12hrs/week
There are two issues to run by board…
first Sheridan Outreach worker needs to be accountable to board and report to board but SNO is not their employer
second Do we need SNO as part of the hiring process? We say no Susan is good enough
Library worker stopped by and talked about the $12 campaign
Jenny motioned to adjourn the meeting Tom Taylor enthusiastically seconded the motion and the motion carries
Back to SNO Info!