Webber-Camden Neighborhood Organization
Board Business Meeting — Zoom
June 4, 2020 — 6:30-8:30 PM
DRAFT MINUTES
Attendees: Robin Lewis, Anna Gerdeen, Brock Schumacher, Eric Hoffer, Monica Colberg, Kevin Aldwaik, Sheree Breedlove, Jeff Schmidt, Richard Schmalz
6:37 PM Call to Order: Robin Lewis, Chair
6:38 PM Introduction of New Executive Director, Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight
Patricia is spending 8-10 hours each week training with Amy. She is getting to know WCNO’s internal processes, and looking to establish new ones as needed. She has also reached out to Ariah Fine and other neighborhood association directors for learning and strategizing. She is worried that the city might look for money to cut after budget shortfalls–potentially cutting neighborhood association dollars. It might make sense for us to spend what we have available.
Some additional training is needed, and a little troubleshooting will be necessary going forward.
MOVED (by Richard S.) to extend Amy’s contract through the end of June in order to finish training (with hopefully fewer hours and careful documentation). Seconded. Approved unanimously.
6:40 PM Review and Approval of May 2020 Minutes: R. Lewis (see board packet)
MOVED (by Richard S.) to approve May minutes. Seconded. Approved unanimously.
6:45 PM Treasurer’s Report: Brock Schumacher
Financial updates were sent, but we’re waiting on most recent bank statements–they usually arrive toward the end of the first week of the month. Discussion around approving Treasurer’s Report with a month lag time, so we have necessary reports and have properly reviewed them before voting.
MOVED (by Eric H.) to table approval until July. Seconded. Approved unanimously.
6:50 PM Review and Approval of Form 990: P. Deinhard-Bauknight (see board packet)
Necessary for a board vote to submit. Michael Wilson (from the city) will refer to the 990s for future granting opportunities.
MOVED (by Kevin A.) to approve 990. Seconded. Approved unanimously.
7:00 PM Checking-In After the Killing of George Floyd + WCNO Response: R. Lewis
Each board member checked in on their overall well-being and status.
Anna G. suggested WCNO form a task force to address small business needs after the killing of George Floyd (and surrounding events). MOVED by Richard S. to form the task force, meet and report back. Seconded. Approved unanimously. Anna G., Richard S., Brock S., and Eric H. all agreed to be on the task force.
Proposed Open Letter from WCNO: B. Schumacher
Reviewed letter (see website) to stop WCNO engagement with the Minneapolis Police Department until meaningful reform is made and Bob Kroll (head of the police federation union) is removed. Each board member shared their perspective, with a range of input. Due to the difficult discussion, a person-by-person vote was taken. 6 Yays. 1 Abstain (counted as Nay).
MOVED (by Kevin A.) to share the letter with MPD 4th Precinct, WCNO Website, Facebook, and Councilmember Cunningham. Seconded. Approved.
7:25 PM COVID-19 Response Task Force
Have yet to meet with a fully-formed task force, but individuals have been coming up with and implementing ideas.
COVID Programming Ideas: P. Deinhard-Bauknight
No time tonight, but we will ideate possible socially-distanced programs.
Proposal for Funding: WCNO Mask Program: Monica Colberg (see board packet)
Requested $188 to off-set COVID-19 mask production and distribution, organized by Monica C. and led by several community seamstresses. MOVED (by Anna G.) to approve expense request, with a total budget of up to $500, if needed. Seconded. Approved unanimously.
Emergency Loan Program Update
Anna G. spoke with Jim (from the city) about the emergency home repair loan/grant program. We have up to $180k available. We disbursed $5k in May to assist with someone’s roof replacement. We have updated the contacts Jim has to Brock S., Anna G., and Eric H. While the program is helpful, we will explore moving NRP $ to a program for small businesses.
7:40 PM By-Law Review: R. Lewis, P. Deinhard-Bauknight (see board packet)
Due to time, and a desire to review By-Laws more fully, this was tabled until July.
8:00 PM Proposal for Funding: Hamilton Manor Garden Project: M. Colberg (see board packet)
Monica C. and Sheree B. have been working on Hamilton Manor’s garden for two years now. They have provided labor, instruction, and planting materials. They request $363.71 to offset expenses.
MOVED (by Eric H.) to approve requested funds, with a budget up to $500 total.
8:10 PM Camdentown Business District Relations Update: Kevin Aldwaik
Tabled, as the Upper North Minneapolis Businesses are meeting to discuss strategy.
8:30 PM Adjourn
Items Tabled From Prior Meetings:
— 4146 Fremont Update
— Reviewing March 2020 Community Discussion Items
Respectfully submitted by Eric Hoffer, WCNO Secretary.