Sheridan Neighborhood Organization Board Meetings

Sheridan Neighborhood Organization Board Meeting

• Drew Trampe stated that SNO had $144.98 in account. SNO made $27 in donations at the picnic.
• 501c3 discussion: benefits and drawbacks. All the paperwork for SNO's 501c3 is virtually filled out. Pros and cons were discussed: a benefit is that anyone giving you money can write it off on taxes. A con is that it limits the organization's ability to be a lobbying agent. There are scales of grey about what levels of lobbying we can do with 501c3 status. The City wants us to be one and have to be one to get funding from outside the city. DaveVoit said many nonprofits around town do not "lobby," but that they "advocate policy," in order to fit that work into their 501c3 mission. Other neighborhood organizations take stands and advocate with 501c3 status. Maureen Rath suggested we table issue to next meeting.
• Recap of Aug. 2nd Meeting with MCDA Executive Committee.
• Maureen Rath thanked all for attending, for contributing to the overwhelming turnout. SNO has received recognition as the official MCDA neighborhood organization. Maureen Rath recognized Tom Taylor and Andy Nederveld for their organizing work.
• A Revised Budget needs to be submitted for MCDA funding. The original budget drawn up for the application was too ambitious, and had to be reduced. We had budgeted $3,000 for office, but Andy Nederveld reported that Frank and Lynn from Frank Stone Gallery want to offer SNO their space for office for free. It is handicapped accessible, so we would only need to pay for a phone. Fees and training will also be reduced in the budget, because many SNO members have benefited from free training from Jay Clark. John Akre made a motion to approve the budget with amendments. Melissa Davis seconded, all voted and approved. Maureen Rath will send it to Bob Cooper of the MCDA. Funding won't be received until the end of September.
• Next step for the NRP - SNO sent a letter to Bob Miller of the NRP that SNO would like to administer the Sheridan plan. The contract is renewed in October - Melissa Davis has contacted Bob Miller - he would like to see 6 to 10 SNO members at the NRP Policy Board meeting Sept. 27 or in Oct., and be prepared to answer questions such as, why did we want to start new organization, where has our money come from so far; how many people have been involved with us so far - Miller will get back to us with a firm date. Charles Krenz made a statement that if we get the NRP contract we need to all work together to make it all go smoothly. Melissa Davis suggested that if we take over the existing plan, we would need to hold a town meeting if we were to make changes.
• New meeting space. Members applauded the for Grells for offering us the Modern Cafe for our meetings. Patty Grell said she was fine with having meetings here. NEST would not be able to commit to the 4th Monday of the month for a year. There would be a staff charge for meeting time there. Dora Harris made a statement that we should look for consistent space. Dave Voit suggested we contact schools and churches.
• Committee Goals - The board realized that specific goals have not been defined in committees - A list was drafted of committees, reorganizing, changing names, and coming up with goals. Each committee should identify a chair to insure that goals are met. The SNO Board wants to use those goals to show SNO accomplishments. If we have easily identifiable goals, we will get things done. A Board member will work with each committee to solidify and work on the goals. We will revisit these goals at the next board meeting.

• SNO was recognized as official neighborhood group by the MCDA.
• We need 6 people to attend an NRP phase II mtg at NE YMCA. at 6:30. Four people said that would be able to attend that meeting.
• In depth training. Jay Clark holding more training - this is a four week commitment, once a week - one thing stressed is that we need to continue the education. Want to keep it fun and be effective. Starts Sept. 13th.
• Beltrami is looking for NRP coordinator (job notice).
• Mpls River Forum, Thurs Oct. 14th, Crown Roller Mill,
• Walking tour of Marshall St. Sept 25 Sat. 1-2 - great way to learn about neighborhood
• MCDA Road Show, NE Lib. Mon Sept 22nd

• Dominick Bouza - Congratulated SNO for our recognition by MCDA. He submitted a statement calling for collaboration between STAY and SNO and apologizing for the way he came across at the last SNO meeting.
• Patty Grell announced the opening of their new restaurant at Cedar and Riverside. Invited all to attend.
• Dave Voit - spoke of bike trails; he wants letters of recommendation, support from areas where trails are going that neighbors want bike paths, from Marshall to Monroe.
• Maureen Rath - SNO members were invited by STAWNO and BNA to form organization to be 501c3 together, to discuss projects where we can work together. There will be a meeting next Saturday

• Jim Boyle from Ballet of the Dolls spoke. The paperwork has been signed by MCDA to do a feasibility study; they are expecting the money in a couple weeks, and plan to complete the study within 90 days. Then they would put together a time frame for rehabbing the theatre. They hopeto do it on a fast track to open fall season 2000.

• Picnic - Events - Rita Faye and her band played, minor rainfall did not deter them. Modern Cafe donated things, Dusty's, Mill City Coffee donated - we need to send out thank you letters, also Steve Kimmel showed up to play - new people, seniors showed up - the porta potty did not show up. The Park Board apologized for that. Follow up meeting will be held to send out thank yous - and debrief. Maureen proposing that committee change to Events committee - next event might be the "SNO Ball." Trish is the temporary chair.
• Business and Environment - should be split into two committees. Drew reported on the August Business meeting. Joe Biernat discussed 13th Ave. businesses. A report is attached.
• Fundraising - Jenny Fortman reported that the committee is trying to find out where to go. They have to communicate with other committees - how to target foundation dollars. Under Outreach - St. Cyrils church did survey of their parishioners - they want more community things - a dance would be one move toward this; they also offered to place meeting announcements in their Sunday bulletins.
• Unformed Committee - Outreach and Recognition committee - Jenny Fortman and Tom Taylor will work together on these issues - phone tree, etc. We will soon have funding for a newsletter and other outreach.
• Arts and Education - Brian reported - He will talk to PNA about use of their space. But their space is not accessible - no elevator.
• Housing and Safety - Andy Nederveld reported. This committee met for first time last week. They discussed a number of issues including ways to streamline the application process for fix and paint, a need to reevaluate volunteer service requirements in the NRP plan, a need to turn demolition emphasis of the plan into an emphasis on rehabilitation, to remove racist and classist language in the current plan, and signs for program properties. Relationships with realtors and banks need to be developed, as well as a host of other ideas (report is attached). Kirsten will develop a summary of the NRP plan. The committee will meet the third Monday of the month at Andy's house. Next time - talk about block clubs, select chair, refine focus.
• NRP Implementation Committee is needed - made up of representatives from all committees and others who are interested - Board will try to recruit volunteers & work on it.
• Committee mtgs.
• Business meets on 2nd Mon of the month at 339 13th, studio in back.
• Arts & Education will be set up, as will Events.
• Maureen asked committee chairs to pick up the document about committees and give feedback at next board meeting.

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