Sheridan Neighborhood Organization
27 August 2001
All board members present but Andy Nederveld.
Jenny Fortman called the meeting to order.
Introductions.
John Akre read the minutes. Melissa Davis moved that we accept the minutes. Trish Schilling 2nded. Motion carried.
Executive Committee Reports
Interim Board Action
Approve $184 for advertising August Meeting. John Akre moved that approve $184 for ad for Northeaster, Sally Waterman 2nded, motion carried.
Treasurer's report - Melissa Davis presented. $11,000 in bank balance
MEND Update - Jenny Fortman presented. Saint Anthony West is working with the planning department and Cunningham Group to develop a streetscape plan for Marshall St. - the cost of the plan is $30,000 - they are asking SNO to provide $5,000 to help develop that plan - the planning area runs from Hennepin to 17th. There were questions about the timeline, how publicity for public meetings would be done. Jenny Fortman proposed that the matter be tabled until somebody can address the questions.
6' X 165' sale by MCDA to neighbor of 311 12th Avenue NE. John Akre moved that SNO not oppose the transfer of that 6 feet of the Catholic Charities lot at 311 12th Ave. NE to its neighbors at 313 12th Ave. NE. Sally Waterman 2nded, motion carried.
Announcements
Jenny Fortman announced NRP training.
John Akre Announced Central Ave. celebration and block party
Trish Schilling announced compost bins from Hennepin County, volunteering opportunity, and other events and services.
Open Microphone
Red Landon - said that garbage is a problem in alleys.
Kristin - said that she heard sounds like gunfire around Bottineau school at night - others encouraged her to call 911
Committee Updates
Outreach - Tom Taylor still looking for people to assist with the phone tree - Trish Schilling said the newsletter is on its way - she is aiming to do it 4 times a year now - we will start direct mailing copies to businesses
Events - no report
Business - Drew Trampe reported - they have completed the Business Loan program - he seeks official approval of the loan program - timeline: if adopted tonight the program would begin accepting applications in September - Tom Taylor asked about improvements for people with home owned business - Drew said anything questionable will be referred to board - Jennifer Bergman of GMMHC reported - she said it was a good question and the board will have to look at it. Discussion: language in the program calls for "commercial property" - the word "aesthetic" should be added to allowable improvements - and add language about zoning - to not allow homestead status. John Akre moved that SNO accept the business loan program with two changes - the addition of the word "aesthetic" to the list of allowable improvements, and language to disallow homesteaded properties. Trish Schilling 2nded, motion passed.
Pierre Bottineau Library Update
Amy Ryan presented - Brian Getzlaff and Anne Christensen from community libraries were present - after May 12th community meeting, they talked with architects and now have schematic design for the new Bottineau library. That design was approved by the library board. They want to make the most of the 12K sq feet - and want to make libraries reach out to people. There is parking for 23 cars – courtyard with opportunities for performance - Getzlaff showed plans, exterior and interior. Ryan said they tried to give kids their own identifiable spaces - space for teens. One change has been made since earlier proposals - they are allocating a smaller space for the meeting room. Now it's for small meetings. Schedule is to start construction early next year for occupancy in winter 2002-3.
Discussion included concerns about parking lot exit on Broadway. An idea was proposed to make Marshall and Broadway a no right turn on red intersection. Tom Taylor encouraged them to build more bicycle racks. He also asked for bigger meeting room - meeting room in the new design wouldn't allow SNO to have its monthly meetings there - but John Akre pointed out that the meeting room would be the right size for committee meetings.
Amy Ryan spoke about funding opportunities through Sheridan's NRP funds. A proposal was handed out. This will be discussed in detail at the next meeting.
SNO Membership
Melissa Davis presented - she wants people to look at the SNO Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation so we can approve them at the next meeting. Basic changes include, in the bylaws, a change under membership - SNO needs to have a procedure to maintain membership list - that procedure does not have to be in bylaws but we need to mention that we have it. SNO needs to approve this because it is all that is holding up 501c3 process. Dwayne Bell asked if the board can vote on it at a monthly meeting - perhaps SNO should make these changes at its annual meeting - Jenny Fortman recommended these points be looked into before the next meeting.
1131 4th St. Vacant Lot
Bill Koncak of MCDA presented - in May SNO picked plan for a house for this lot. Williams construction wishes to change their plan. They presented their new plans - one has full porch, one has partial porch - they are working with several buyers - he is asking if we have a preference - selling price will be $190K, will be sold to owner occupant - 1623 sq. feet total space. Jenny Fortman asked if the immediate neighbors present had a recommendation - a straw poll was conducted. There were 16 votes for either proposal; 0 votes for the partial porch, 3 votes for the full porch. John Akre moved that SNO recommend that either plan is acceptable - Sally Waterman 2nded. The motion carried
Grain Belt Parking Lot
Judy Cedar presented - Cedar showed end result for landscape plan for parking lot on 13th and Marshall - landscaping all around lot - Trish Schilling read from landscape architect's description of landscaping plants - Cedar said this is temporary parking lot - permit expires in 5 years - Trish Schilling moved that SNO accepts the parking lot plan as presented - Sally Waterman 2nded. Motion carried.
John Akre moved that SNO adjourn, Sally Waterman 2nded, motion carried.