Sheridan Neighborhood Organization Board Meetings

June 26 2000

All board members but Melissa Davis were present.

Andy Nederveld called the meeting to order

Introductions

John Akre read the minutes. Drew Trampe moved the minutes be approved, Sally Waterman seconded. The motion carried.

Amy Ryan and Diane Hofstede presented. Hofstede said a committee of neighbors has been working on looking at sites for the Pierre Bottineau Library for a few years. Certain criteria are necessary for a library – the Grain Belt Gasthouse matches those criteria. There is also the possibility of state historic funds for development. The Library board and staff want community input and partnership. The Library has funding schedule they need to send to CLIC (the Capital Long Range Improvements Committee). The Library has submitted a five year proposal to CLIC and Pierre Bottineau is on the schedule. Phil Filas said the intersection was an inappropriate site because of traffic. Hofstede said libraries need to be in busy sections of cities. Carolyn Sloat said that other libraries on busy streets. Patrick Greffen asked about Graco’s plans to expand into Sibley St. – we need to look at how that might fit in with this and other plans. Trish Schilling asked about the park in front of the Gasthouse - would that be library property? Hofstede said that it should be public property and an amenity. She suggested that the neighborhood would be partner in redeveloping the park. Bob Sorg said the library there would be first class and would love to have it there. Patty Grell echoed that and said she doesn't want it to leave. Hofstede asked the community to step forward with enthusiasm and write letters and come down to the Library board to support it. She said a letter writing campaign should begin immediately. Ryan said they find out about funding from CLIC later this year - next month is crucial in Library Board's support or lack of support for this. Judy Cedar said SHPO asked us to act quickly on this; they will need an archaeology study to see if it can support a new building. Drew Trampe moved that SNO support the move of the Pierre Bottineau Library to the gasthouse site. Jenny Fortman seconded, no discussion, motion passed. Patrick Greffen volunteered to be the liaison with the library.

Executive Committee Reports

• Don Snyder of the MCDA brought several changes in the NRP housing programs that needed approval. An additional $100,000 to replenish owner occupied loan program, a transfer of servicing this program from Union Bank to GMMHC (originally GHMMC couldn't administer it and now they can). Nine existing loans from old program should also be moved to GHMMC as well. Union Bank has spent all the holding fees for these loans and said they have none to give back. There was also a question of who should for the $25 mortgage satisfaction document. Jenny Fortman suggested that taking it from income takes it from principal for future loans. Jenny Fortman made a motion that the borrower pays the Mortgage Satisfaction Document, that the Owner Occupied Loan program be transfer to GMMHC and that Union Bank keeps the administration funds from the first part of program, and that SNO sign the contract for the next phase of funding. Drew Trampe seconded, the motion passed.
• Interim Board actions – SNO bought software for its office computer: Microsoft Office, Quick Books and Norton Anti-Virus. Jenny Fortman moved that SNO authorize purchase of the software, Drew Trampe seconded, the motion passed.

• Treasurer's Report - Sally read the report from Melissa in her absence. The SNO bank balance last month was $1668.21. SNO was awarded $7755 in CDBG funds and received an advance of $4000. SNO was unable to spend $13.90 of last year's funds.

• MEND Update - Andy Nederveld reported. Representatives from four neighborhoods met with Cunningham Group to lay groundwork so we can be proactive and not just respond to initiatives from the city In the next couple months, MEND will get a report back from them on what we can do.

• New URL for web site is www.sheridanneighborhood.org
• Andy Nederveld asked for applause for SNO Big Deal volunteers
• Jenny Fortman has t-shirts for sale. She also said that comments about the Grain Belt Housing Objectives are due June 30th to Jerry LaPage. She made a flyer with other contacts to send letters to.

• Steve Sroka - thanked SNO and all his neighbors for all the support he has received so far, and passed around a petition.
• Judy Chose wanted to thank SNO as well for their support.
• Jenny Fortman asked people to write personal letters as well on Grain Belt Housing.

• Events

Trish Schilling reported. SNO Big Deal was successful. Walker on Wheels is gone, had movie night; Walker donated the popcorn. On T-shirts, SNO is making $1 for each sale. Sally Waterman reported on the SNO Big Deal. Bitterridge and O'Malley Bros. Played music, Dusty's and Modern helped out. Trish Schilling said that SNO will have volunteers to march as shovel brigade in the Eastside parade. Then the events committee will take rest.

• Business

Committee went through a draft of a neighborhood business plan. Drew Trampe read the introduction to the plan.

• Housing and Safety

Andy Nederveld reported. The committee is still struggling with Cops and Bikes trying to get through red tape. Patty Grell asked for a volunteer at Grand St. area for contact. The committee is also working on database of absentee owners to get them word of fix up funding programs. Project for Pride in living could bring funds to improve rental properties and take over as landlord. Let SNO know and they can pass info on to PPL if you know of a rental property that should be included in this program.

Keith Lee of 14th Ave. reported on activity on that street 133 135 137 14th Ave. NE have been major problem properties. After a drug bust the owner said the problems were cured, but drug dealing is still going on. Last Saturday the windows were shot out of the truck of a neighbor. On Sunday, a vehicle rammed into the side of another vehicle; people got out of the cars with guns. The representatives of the block were encouraged to contact CCP/SAFE. SNO would contact CCP/SAFE about these properties as well.

• Outreach

No report

John Akre read the statement that SNO had put together. Andy Nederveld asked for comments. Drew Trampe moved that we accept the letter and send it off tomorrow. Jenny Fortman seconded. The motion carried. Andy Nederveld said this statement is no substitute for personal letters and encouraged people to send statements. The Objectives will go to full council on July 28^th. Cedar had latest draft - written responses would be included. One change added is that individual proposals will be accepted for sites 1, 2 3 & 4.

Trish Schilling gave comments from Tom Taylor on sending a petition in.

Jeff Moritko was not present. Patty Grell said she was offended that he sent out letters a day before his outdoor music event and included SNO in the letter without getting SNO approval for that. She added that we need to deal with Mayslack's again because problems there are increasing.

Judy Cedar presented. On July 10th, she will report on 208 13th Ave. sale to Bob Sorg, she will also be bringing the resolution to Board of Commissioners to execute this agreement with SHPO – the Programmatic Agreement. It is a tool the state preservation office uses. SHPO prepared the document. It is inviting SNO to be a concurring party along with the MCDA, Heritage Preservation and the park board. It describes a process and procedure for every step of the project, the Ryan brewhouse project. The agreement requires a HBAS report for any building that might be taken. It says design standards will be adhered to in buildings rebuilt or restructured , construction information with each phase will be sent to Heritage Preservation, any new construction needs to complement and add to the historic image of the brewhouse . Andy Nederveld suggested that we review it over the next month, and decide in July if SNO wants to be a concurring party. Judy Cedar said construction will be starting soon on the brewhouse. A contract was awarded for mold abatement, lead paint and asbestos abatement. A permit was also approved for aparking lot on a temporary basis on 13th and Marshall. That parking will have to be replaced when housing built there.

Drew Trampe moved that we adjourn, Jenny Fortman seconded. All voted to adjourn