Webber-Camden Neighborhood Organization
Board Business Meeting — Zoom
January 7th, 2021 — 6:30-8:30 PM
DRAFT MINUTES
WCNO Attendees: Sherry Breedlove (Acting Chair), Eric Hoffer (Secretary), Vamsi Grussing (Treasurer), Monica Colberg, Kevin Aldwaik, Jeff Schmidt, Shannon Glenn, Maria Ahlgren, Tiara Brown, Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight (Executive Director), Em Matson (Communications Coordinator)
Community Attendees: Alexis Covey, Jane Riley Best, Jon Aga, Krystin Eldridge, Freddy, William Walsh, Rochelle Washington, Lyn Fair, Amanda Dobbs
6:32 PM Acting Chair, Sheree Breedlove, called the meeting to order
6:34 PM Approved Agenda & Time/Location of Next Meeting (2/4/21 @ 6:30pm)
6:37 PM Reviewed December 2020 Minutes. Approved unanimously.
6:40 PM Acting Chair reminded the group that we will be electing two new board members, then opened the floor up to any further nominations for those positions. No additional nominations.
WCNO Communications Coordinator, Em Matson, shared the voting procedure (including Survey Monkey Link) for anyone who had yet to vote and announced that voting would close at 7:30pm.
6:45 PM Board candidates shared 2 minutes about who they are and why they are running for a board seat.
Candidates who spoke: Alexis Covey, Jane Riley Best, Krystin Eldridge, Lyn Fair. [full video available on facebook and by request]
7:05 PM Treasurer’s Report shared by Vamsi Grussing.
Full report available upon request, but Assets are at $34,918 with $15,756 cash on hand.
COMMENT from Board Member, Kevin Aldwaik: This level of reporting and clarity is best he’s seen in years and is grateful for the work of the Treasurer.
7:20 PM Executive Director’s Report shared by Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight
Full report available upon request, but highlights include:
E.D. attended nearly every committee meeting, though such responsibilities will be divided between her and the Communications Coordinator moving forward. Lots of work around budgeting/finance and the housing committee. Several meetings with the city around Neighborhoods 2020 and its impact on WCNO’s 2021 budget (Jun-Dec, specifically). Other admin and project work, including researching and sharing information around the Blue Line, Upper Harbor Terminal, and Baldwin Square. Working with the Communications Coordinator on a Communications Plan and Newsletter template.
COMMUNITY REQUEST from Project Jamar Saving Me to rent desk space from the WCNO office for $250/month, on a month-to-month basis. BOARD DISCUSSION followed, including ensuring we have the capacity to sublease, what is a fair market value, and what is our mission.
MOTION (by Kevin A.): That WCNO lease one desk and surrounding space to Project Jamar Saving Me for $250/month on a month to month basis, with details and restrictions determined by staff and approved by the Executive Committee. APPROVED unanimously.
7:40 PM Committee Reports [Full reports available upon request]
Youth and Family Committee is hosting Bingo night, ideally monthly! REQUESTs donations and sponsorships from the community for prizes. Jane Riley Best volunteered to help find community sponsorships. Forming a youth advisory committee–please spread the word, and remind the youth there will be pizza!
Communications/Outreach Committee is leaning into block clubs and would like to help build a bridge between neighbors and law enforcement. WCNO must review its previously passed language around its relationship with police after the murder of George Floyd before engaging with that work too much.
Housing Committee is discussing ways to get emergency rental assistance to community members. Envision (https://envisioncommunitymn.org) was briefly introduced–a tiny-house style community of affordable housing birthed by people experiencing homelessness. They would like to build on the large lot just south of 42nd/Fremont. Envision will have community presentations on 1/19 at 6:30pm and 1/23 at 1pm, in addition to filling the next housing committee meeting on February 10th at 6:30pm.
Finance Committee shared procedural goals for 2021 and highlighted the updates it has made so far. Informed the board that WCNO will be moving its Quickbooks hosting over to TechSoup, saving money in the process [no approval necessary].
8:00 PM E.D. described WCNO’s existing “priorities” as it relates to our by-laws and NRP contracts.
Currently, we have very general language around outreach, resident advocacy, communications, housing, and community participation. If we want to add to it (such as the potential Youth Education Opportunity priority), it requires a board vote OR whole membership (community) vote if the financial implications are over $25,000.
8:10 PM 2021 Budget DRAFT (January-June): V. Grussing
We do not know the Neighborhoods 2020 implications for the budget beginning in July 2021, so the budget was created through June. Both Revenue and Expenses budgeted at $46,608. Full budget available upon request.
8:15 PM E.D. and Eric shared about the request for WCNO to sign on to the initial letter of support for the proposed Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act for Minneapolis.
In short, TOPA would give tenants the first opportunity to purchase the building (at fair market value) from their landlord if the building was put up for sale.
Discussion included a lot of support. Some meaningful questions around supporting landlords as well as renters, plus the lack of concrete details around the potential bill.
MOTION (by Eric): For WCNO to sign on the TOPA letter of support with other neighborhood organizations. MOTION APPROVED (6 yes, 2 abstain, 1 no).
8:25 PM WCNO staff and Executive Committee researched mediation possibilities with the Conflict Resolution Center of Minnesota. After discussion, it was agreed that WCNO would pursue mediation that included every board and staff member, following CRC’s process including at least one full-group session. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training is present in the mediation process, but WCNO agreed to seek specific DEI training upon the conclusion of the mediation.
8:30 PM WCNO welcomed new board members, Krystin Eldridge and Kenneth Frazier.
8:31 PM Adjourn
*In a closed board meeting, immediately following this one, the WCNO elected Sheree Breedlove as Chair and Krystin Eldridge as Vice Chair. Vamsi Grussing and Eric Hoffer remained Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.
Respectfully submitted by Eric Hoffer, WCNO Secretary.
Webber-Camden Neighborhood Organization
Board Business Meeting — Zoom
December 3, 2020 — 6:30-8:30 PM
Attendees
Board: Anna Gerdeen (Chair), Eric Hoffer (Secretary), Maria Ahlgren, Sheree Breedlove (Vice Chair), Jeff Schmidt, Shannon Glenn, Tiara Brown, Vamsi Grussing (Treasurer), Kevin Aldwaik, Monica Colberg
Staff: Em Matson (Communications Coordinator), Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight (Executive Director)
Community: Amanda Dobbs, Krystin Eldridge, Robin Lewis
6:30 PM Call to Order: Anna Gerdeen, Chair
Approve Agenda (consent)
Approved.
Approve Time and Location of Next Meeting (consent)
Approved.
6:35 PM Review and Approve October and November 2020 Minutes: A. Gerdeen
(board packet)
No comments/questions. Motion to approve October 2020: Jeff S., 2nd: Eric H. Unanimous.
No comments/questions. Motion to approve November 2020: Eric H., 2nd: Shannon G. Unanimous.
6:40 PM Winter apparel giveaway event: A. Gerdeen
Anna shared details about a Free Winter Apparel coat giveaway–one happened today (December 3rd) already at Lind Bohannan and is coming tomorrow (December 4th) at Lucy Laney. Em will post details through the WCNO facebook page. Anna has shared some through facebook groups, as well. Community member Amanda Dobbs volunteered to clean or set up, if distancing is still possible.
6:45 PM Treasurer’s Report: Vamsi Grussing (board packet)
Vamsi Grussing presented on balances, but not a full report. There was not adequate time to put together details for November, so the update is through October 31. Next meeting should include both November and December full statements. Report structure will be updated as time permits and Vamsi learns the system, and we share what’s helpful to see.
Total assets are $30,378.47 (with just over $8k in the checking account and nearly $22k in expected reimbursement from the city).
6:50 PM Executive Director’s Report: Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight (board packet)
Patricia presented on her accomplishments and focus areas in November. Full report was given to the board and is available upon request. Also described the “Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act” (TOPA), shared to us by the Harrison Neighborhood Association. WCNO’s support is requested, and we will make time to discuss and vote if we support at our January meeting. Community request
7:05 PM Youth and Education Strategy-next steps: P. Deinhart-Bauknight
Update from Patricia: We approved the beginning of the establishment of a new strategy Moving Phase 1 funds (from way back) just over $36,000 with the strategy. We must give notice to the community (at least 21 days) to shift to Youth and Education Strategies. We aim to approve this at our January 7th meeting.
7:10 PM January Board Member Election Update: A. Gerdeen
Many dates! Next meeting: January 7th on Zoom, 6:30pm. We must give notice by December 14th (but the sooner the better!). Board applications due by January 2nd. Voting begins as early as January 4th (method TBD). Conversation around heightening security of the voting process, without sacrificing widespread participation.
If you are interested in helping determine the voting process, please contact Vamsi Grussing (vamsi.grussing@wcno.org) by Saturday, December 5th or as soon as you are able.
7:25 PM Review and Create Committees, Appoint Chairs
Reviewed standing committees vs. ad hoc committees. Standing committees are usually set by an organization’s by-laws, help operate specific areas of the organization, and are regularly supported by staff. Ad-hoc committees are usually time-sensitive (events, etc…) or potentially short-term. They carry out a task and then frequently disband, though they can be reformed.
It is expected that all WCNO board members serve on a standing or ad hoc committee, doing most of the leg work to prepare for board decisions.
WCNO is mandated to have a finance committee, and has various other committees (see below), which will require some consolidation and clarifying. There is a desire for additional committees in the future, when membership and capacity allow for it.
Discussion to decide who is in which committee, and who will serve as chair.
Committee Members As of Now…
Finance
Vamsi (Chair), Kevin, Shannon
Outreach and Community Engagement
Maria, Monica (Chair), Amanda Dobbs, Sheree
Housing
Sheree (Chair), Tiara, Krystin, Eric
Youth and Family Committee
Krystin, Maria (Chair), Amanda Dobbs
Operations Committee
Jeff (Chair), Vamsi, Anna, Sheree
Land Use and Business
Kevin (Chair), Jeff
[Eventually…safety]
Eric will send out information about meetings, report submission, and info for board decisions. (Include staff in planning). Patricia will send a document to guide committee functioning.
7:55 PM 1206 37th Ave. Office Discussion and Questions
Anna shared further information on the possibility of moving the WCNO office out of the 1206 37th Ave. office building, as well as a response to the questions and push back from board training conversation (Powerpoint available upon request).
Kevin: Affirmed how things were told by Anna. Worried we are in a similar situation now as when WCNO/FNA split before.
Sheree: Office dollars coming from CPP. Wants to work with Patricia and review documents.
Patricia: Need to clarify that CPP budget is for administration–staff and space, almost completely. Projects come out of NRP funds, generally. We are not in the same situation as before, and are being very frugal. Worried we’re letting our history impact our future, but we’re not the same people or under the same leadership. In interim, yes, we’re working from home, but to step into growth and vitalization, we need to have a center of operation. Also, risk assessment is important, including around financial internal controls. Yes, the office is not the best solution and we need to move. But finding the right space is important and not moving too quickly is important. What we put out into the community is very important, including how we welcome people.
Robin: The space has a lot of history, negative history. It is not ideal. But we’ve looked elsewhere and WCNO needs the space for now.
Em: COVID concerns. Also, small administrative concerns.
Eric: Concerned about internal Controls. If we can’t use CPP dollars for programming, let’s use it for building organizational capacity.
Tiara: “Question is beyond whether we move office or stay– what will the office look like in the future? Without answering the second piece, at least tentatively, doesn’t make sense to decide on the first IMO”
Sheree: Please help filter through and shred documents!
8:35 PM Adjourn
Respectfully submitted by Eric Hoffer, WCNO Secretary, on 12/15/20.
Board Business Meeting – Zoom
November 12, 2020 – 6:30 PM
(DRAFT)
WCNO Board/Staff Present: Robin Lewis (Board Chair), Monica Colberg, Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight (Executive Director), Sheree Breedlove, Jeff Schmidt, Anna Gerdeen, Brock Schumacher (Board Treasurer), Eric Hoffer (Board Secretary), Richard Schmalz, Emily Matson (Communications & Outreach Coordinator), Kevin Aldwaik
Community Members Present: Many, namely new board candidates.
6:35pm — Call to Order & Welcome (Robin Lewis)
6:36pm — Approval of October 2020 Meeting Minutes and October 2020 Financial Report (Robin L.)
Suggested that we table, due to a full agenda. Moved by Jeff Schmidt. Seconded. Approved unanimously.
6:39pm — Zoom/Tech Review (Eric Hoffer)
Reviewed the process and procedures for the meeting.
6:40pm — Agenda Review (Robin L.)
6:43pm — Organization Update (Robin L.)
Robin shared an update on how WCNO has functioned throughout 2020, as well as hopes for the organization going forward.
7:00pm — Final Words From The Board Candidates
Every candidate for the 2020 WCNO Board Election was given 2 minutes to speak, if present. [Full candidate list is available in the WCNO Office]
7:35pm — Voting Instructions and Process Review (Emily Matson)
Em shared the link to vote on board candidates (through SurveyMonkey) one last time and helped those having technical difficulties. Voting was then closed. Final tabulation would happen during the by-laws conversation.
7:40pm — By-Laws Review & Vote (Eric H.)
Revised By-Laws (which had been announced and shared with the community 25 days in advance) were reviewed one final time. Statement was made that by-laws can continue to be updated in the future, as long as WCNO follows the proper process. Moved to adopt the by-laws. Seconded. Unanimously approved.
7:55pm — Election Results (Emily M.)
Em reiterated that candidates must receive 50% +1 of the total votes cast in order to be elected. If there are candidates who did not meet that threshold, WCNO can host a special election in the future, giving the community and candidates at least 25 days notice. Note: newly approved by-laws allow for a plurality of votes to win (as in, whoever has the most votes).
Elected Candidates: Vamsi Grussing, Shannon Glenn, Tiara Brown, Monica Colberg, Maria Ahlgren.
8:00pm — Brief Community Listening Session (Robin L., Eric H.)
Community members shared (and were given an email to continue sharing) what they hope to see as the direction and priority for the WCNO board in 2021. The full listening results are available elsewhere, but results included masks/COVID safety, youth, and block clubs.
8:20pm — Adjourn (Robin L.)
Robin thanked everyone for attending, and offered special thanks to WCNO staff and Executive Committee. Robin was then thanked for her hard work and leadership.
WCNO Board gathered immediately following, electing Anna Gerdeen as Chair, Sheree Breedlove as Vice Chair, Vamsi Grussing as Treasurer, and Eri Hoffer as Secretary.
Respectfully submitted by Eric Hoffer, WCNO Secretary.
Board Business Meeting – Zoom October 8, 2020 – 6:30 PM (DRAFT)
WCNO Board/Staff Present: Robin Lewis (Board Chair), Monica Colberg, Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight (Executive Director), Sheree Breedlove, Jeff Schmidt, Anna Gerdeen, Brock Schumacher (Board Treasurer), Eric Hoffer (Board Secretary), Richard Schmalz Community Members Present: Amanda Dobbs, Ini, Krystin, Maria Ahlgren, Shannon Glenn, Tommy Valerio
6:30pm — Call to Order & Welcome Robin Lewis called the meeting to order. 6:32pm — Zoom Procedure Review Eric Hoffer informed everyone that they’d be muted the whole meeting, until designated times or until they raised their hand (via video or Zoom button) and were called upon. Meeting would be recorded for minutes.
6:35pm — Review and Approve September Minutes No questions. Moved to approve by Richard Schmalz. Seconded. Approved unanimously. 6:45pm — Treasurer’s Report Some reports presented (visit office or request through ED to review). Currently solid & stable on spending. Spending, “should” be about $12k based on available funds but we have been typically spending less. Question around potential spending for programming by Anna Gerdeen, particularly around Project Nandi. Tabled until later in the meeting.
6:55pm — Executive Director’s Report Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight reviewed her ED report, including clarifying the discussion around the upcoming Communications & Outreach Coordinator. She summarized other activities, including conversations with the city, searching for other potential office space, and a grant submission. 7:05pm — Upcoming WCNO Board Elections Discussion around timeline and urgency. Monica Colberg moved to push back Annual meeting & elections to November 12th for proper planning and communication. Jeff Schmidt seconded. Approved unanimously.
Open Seats
There will be six open board seats, and then the new board will elect officers for the upcoming year. Process Discussion around need for accessible voting, sharing board candidate bios, and broadly communicating meeting information. Anna G. will coordinate flyering. Jeff S. will research online voting systems. Outreach and Communication Task force formed to flesh out other information and coordinate needs with staff.
7:45pm — By-Law Check-In and Planning By-Laws need to finish being reformatted, though content is ready for review/vote at annual meeting. November election will function under current by-laws, with new by-laws being approved immediately thereafter. Eric H. will annotate the draft by-laws so community members can see the changes suggested clearly. WCNO will field questions over the next month, but will attempt to keep the conversation limited to potential major concerns at the annual meeting.
7:55pm — Potential New Neighborhood Priority Review With the rescheduling of this October meeting, the community was not able to vote on approving the additional Youth Education Opportunity neighborhood priority. Given the size of the November Annual meeting agenda and the board transitions, this priority review will be tabled and picked up right away by the new board. For clarity, this would mean the WCNO would add “Additional Youth Education Opportunities” to its list of priorities and seek to contract $30,000 of NRP dollars to provide funding for such programs in the neighborhood (e.g. supporting learning pod tutoring programs). Once approved, a fair and open process with a clearly-communicated Request For Proposals would follow.
COMMUNITY QUESTION RE: PROJECT NANDI: If the youth education funding is being delayed, is there a way to support Project Nandi (a local organization providing technological resources and supplies to students with the highest need) with some support right away, even if smaller? Patricia and Brock agreed to follow up with Ini from Project Nandi. 8:20pm — Committee Reports & Updates Housing Committee noted the need for mortgage and rental support in the neighborhood and reached out to the Salvation Army about providing rental & mortgage assistance to the community. Motion to donate $5,000 to the Salvation Army, with the stated purpose of providing rental and mortgage assistance to residents of the 55412 area code.
Discussion. The deep need for this support was lifted up. The problematic reputation of the Salvation Army (especially in the LGBTQIA+ community) was highlighted. Agreed to do further research and return to this issue soon. 8:30pm — Mediation Possibilities Tabled until after a new board is elected.
8:30pm — Adjourn
Board Business Meeting – Zoom
October 8, 2020 – 6:30 PM
(DRAFT)
WCNO Board/Staff Present: Robin Lewis (Board Chair), Monica Colberg, Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight (Executive Director), Sheree Breedlove, Jeff Schmidt, Anna Gerdeen, Brock Schumacher (Board Treasurer), Eric Hoffer (Board Secretary), Richard Schmalz
Community Members Present: Amanda Dobbs, Ini, Krystin, Maria Ahlgren, Shannon Glenn, Tommy Valerio
6:30pm — Call to Order & Welcome
Robin Lewis called the meeting to order.
6:32pm — Zoom Procedure Review
Eric Hoffer informed everyone that they’d be muted the whole meeting, until designated times or until they raised their hand (via video or Zoom button) and were called upon. Meeting would be recorded for minutes.
6:35pm — Review and Approve September Minutes
No questions. Moved to approve by Richard Schmalz. Seconded. Approved unanimously.
6:45pm — Treasurer’s Report
Some reports presented (visit office or request through ED to review). Currently solid & stable on spending. Spending, “should” be about $12k based on available funds but we have been typically spending less.
Question around potential spending for programming by Anna Gerdeen, particularly around Project Nandi. Tabled until later in the meeting.
6:55pm — Executive Director’s Report
Patricia Deinhart-Bauknight reviewed her ED report, including clarifying the discussion around the upcoming Communications & Outreach Coordinator. She summarized other activities, including conversations with the city, searching for other potential office space, and a grant submission.
7:05pm — Upcoming WCNO Board Elections
Discussion around timeline and urgency. Monica Colberg moved to push back Annual meeting & elections to November 12th for proper planning and communication. Jeff Schmidt seconded. Approved unanimously.
Open Seats
There will be six open board seats, and then the new board will elect officers for the upcoming year.
Process
Discussion around need for accessible voting, sharing board candidate bios, and broadly communicating meeting information. Anna G. will coordinate flyering. Jeff S. will research online voting systems.
Outreach and Communication
Task force formed to flesh out other information and coordinate needs with staff.
7:45pm — By-Law Check-In and Planning
By-Laws need to finish being reformatted, though content is ready for review/vote at annual meeting. November election will function under current by-laws, with new by-laws being approved immediately thereafter. Eric H. will annotate the draft by-laws so community members can see the changes suggested clearly. WCNO will field questions over the next month, but will attempt to keep the conversation limited to potential major concerns at the annual meeting.
7:55pm — Potential New Neighborhood Priority Review
With the rescheduling of this October meeting, the community was not able to vote on approving the additional Youth Education Opportunity neighborhood priority. Given the size of the November Annual meeting agenda and the board transitions, this priority review will be tabled and picked up right away by the new board.
For clarity, this would mean the WCNO would add “Additional Youth Education Opportunities” to its list of priorities and seek to contract $30,000 of NRP dollars to provide funding for such programs in the neighborhood (e.g. supporting learning pod tutoring programs). Once approved, a fair and open process with a clearly-communicated Request For Proposals would follow.
COMMUNITY QUESTION RE: PROJECT NANDI: If the youth education funding is being delayed, is there a way to support Project Nandi (a local organization providing technological resources and supplies to students with the highest need) with some support right away, even if smaller? Patricia and Brock agreed to follow up with Ini from Project Nandi.
8:20pm — Committee Reports & Updates
Housing Committee noted the need for mortgage and rental support in the neighborhood and reached out to the Salvation Army about providing rental & mortgage assistance to the community.
Motion to donate $5,000 to the Salvation Army, with the stated purpose of providing rental and mortgage assistance to residents of the 55412 area code. Discussion. The deep need for this support was lifted up. The problematic reputation of the Salvation Army (especially in the LGBTQIA+ community) was highlighted. Agreed to do further research and return to this issue soon.
8:30pm — Mediation Possibilities
Tabled until after a new board is elected.
8:30pm — Adjourn
**Update 10/4/19** These minutes were approved at the Oct. 3rd Board Meeting!
Webber-Camden Neighborhood Organization
Board Business Meeting Webber Community Center, Webber Park
September 5, 2019 – 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Board Attendees: Sheree Breedlove, Monica Colberg, Jewel Gilbert, Robin Lewis, Richard Schmatz, Brock Schumacher
Other Attendees: Amy Arcand, Kevin Aldwait, Anna Gerdeen, Markella Smith
Call to Order at 6:40 PM by Robin Lewis, Chair
Motion to approve the August 1, 2019 board minutes. Motion made by Sheree Breedlove, second by Jewel Gilbert. Unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report (Schumacher) August 2019 statement of activity in meeting packet. January-July financial report (financial position, activity, budget vs. actuals, cash flows, and cash transactions) in meeting packet. Nine block clubs were funded NNO stipends of $50 each. WCNO Financial Policies and Procedures document in meeting packet includes proposed guidelines for handling its finances. Motion made by Brock Schumacher to approve the policies and procedures document, second by Sheree Breedlove. Unanimously approved.
Probation Update (Lewis) WCNO has been placed on a one-year probation by the City of Minneapolis due to findings from a financial audit of 2015-2017 WCNO reports and records. All funds have been accounted. Poor financial reporting did occur. No current board members or staff were involved with the organization at that time. The Chair thanked Anna Gerdeen, former WCNO Treasurer in 2019 who responded to the City’s requests for information during the audit. The current board is committed to resolving all issues to meet the terms of probation.
Board members met with city staff in August to discuss probation process and tasks required of WCNO. The Board is preparing documents to create policies that will strengthen board fiduciary responsibility. Kevin Aldwaik suggested that WCNO file a theft report with Minneapolis Police for any loss from the previous Board. Robin and Kevin will discuss further.
Staffing Proposal (Arcand, Smith) Amy Arcand is reducing weekly hours to extend contract work time to May 31, 2020. No additional funding will be paid to Amy beyond the negotiated contract with WCNO. Markella Smith has been hired as a part-time staff employee. Essential responsibilities for both employees is in the meeting packet. Markella would be hired to serve as Executive Director at 20 hours per week. A motion to approve the staffing proposal was moved by Brock Schumacher, second by Jewel Gilbert.
Discussion: Sheree asked about orientation for new Board members. Amy could do a mini-session for the new Interim Board members. After general Board elections, training of all Board members will take place. Sheree asked if alternates on the Board could vote in place of missing Board members. Robin replied that after the five required members are elected, a call for alternates could be announced. Robin called for a vote on the staffing proposal. Proposal unanimously approved.
4146 Fremont Ave N, Jamil Ford (Lewis) Executive Committee recommends that WCNO send letter of support to continue the project which is in its 4th year. City requires that Jimal reach a certain amount of funds in order to proceed. The previous Board supported the project. Motion to approve moved by Monica Colberg, second by Richard Schmatz. Unanimously approved.
Interim Secretary (Lewis) Board needs a new Secretary. Executive Committee nominated Monica Colberg, At Large member, who accepted the position short term until the November election. Monica and Amy will propose essential responsibilities and task timelines for the position. In advance of the November Board election, all Board openings will be posted and described, including the Secretary position.
Letter from NNC in Support of MPHA Residents (Lewis) Robin reported that Northside Neighborhood Council (NNC) is working to prevent privatization of scattered Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) sites in Minneapolis. Single family homes managed by MPHA are in critical short supply. These homes are being sought by developers to demolish, build new structures and increase rents. Robin wants to establish a WCNO housing committee and develop programs that assist renters. Half of the housing units in WCNO are rental units. Members will explore programs for renters offered by other orgs, such as those that develop financial literacy for renters in North Minneapolis. One or more may be useful for WCNO residents. Motion to have WCNO sign letter in support of NNC preventing demolition of MPHA scattered sites moved by Brock Schumacher, second by Jewell Gilbert. Unanimously approved. Robin was encouraged to form a housing committee.
Annual Meeting and Elections: Monday vs. Thursday Two volunteers are needed to work with staff to plan for November election. Five Board openings will be posted no later than 25 days prior to election. Application forms will be available online. Hard copy forms will be available in the WCNO office. Kevin Aldwaik offered to distribute the application at his store. He will also accept WCNO applications faxed to his store since the fax at WCNO is not working. Markella will lead the planning group. Sheree Breedlove, Robin Lewis and Kevin Aldwaik will help. Members will recruit candidates with a face to face ask. Descriptions of each position open will be described in the website. Number of volunteer hours required for the positions will be included.
Members discussed moving election from Monday as stated in the files, to Thursday, as stated on the WCNO website. Amy reminded members that a number of Bylaws changes are pending. All changes will be presented for community input at the February 2020 Board meeting. Richard Schmatz motioned to move Board election day to first Thursday in November. Brock Schumacher second. Unanimously approved.
Hamilton Manor Bus Stop (Breedlove) Sheree Breedlove stated that due to the 44th Ave North street reconstruction project, the current bus stop going South by Hamilton Manor was moved one block to 44th and Humboldt, across from North Market. The change creates an accessibility challenge for half of Hamilton Manor residents with mobility issues. Brock Schumacher and others have been unable to find an explanation for the change. Three entities are engaged in the street rehab (Metro Transit, City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County). WCNO supports Hamilton Manor residents who want the bus stop returned to its earlier site, closer to their home. They also want D Line stop at the bus stop. Organizational staff of the three entities will be approached for an explanation of the move and for its return to Girard.
Office Space Update (Totuschek) Monica described a site visit that Lisa had arranged with Joe Reid, new owner of commercial property at 1206 42nd Ave N. Office has 1350 square feet. Cost is $2250 per month in WCNO area. Rent is twice as much as current space. Members felt it was too costly for WCNO. Robin thanked Lisa for looking into potential office space for WCNO.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Submitted by Monica Colberg, Interim Secretary