Minutes

KNO Board Meeting March 7, 2022

Online Meeting

*** DRAFT - TO BE APPROVED AT APRIL MEETING ***

Present: Mark Brown (Chair), Jim Barnett (Vice Chair), Jeremy Nichols (Treasurer), Will Stensrud, Courtney Kiernat, Kyle Leier, Jack Levi, Lana Baggenstos, Jody Strakosch, MLKMAC, Kyle Leier, Mary Schwanke,
Angie, Larry Morgan
Absent: Matt Spies (Secretary), Melinda Platt.
Guest Speakers: Lisa Goodman (City of Minneapolis), David Davies (SWLRT Office)

1. Approval of January meeting minutes. Courtney Kiernat motioned to approve January meeting minutes. Motion seconded. Motion passed.
2. Comments from Councilmember Goodman. The next lunch with Lisa is on March 30, 2020 11:30 – 12mp (no lunch), touring historic house on Minneapolis Community and Technical college campus in Loring Park. Elizabeth Shaffer will speak to group in April. Minneapolis property owners can buy $30 trees this spring on March 16th (new applicants) or March 23rd (old applicants)
3. Southwest Light Rail Update by David Davies. Kenilworth LRT tunnel construction paused for investigation, which should be completed in 2-3 weeks. Long-term closure of Cedar Lake Parkway is anticipated to begin the end of March or early April. Burnham road will be two ways when closed.
4. KNO Coordinators Report by Amanda Vallone. Volunteer information night at Kenwood rec center in collaboration with Laurie Spark (Kenwood Community Center Director) Wed April 20th, 6:30 – 8pm. North High collaboration ideas shared. Fundraising ideas shared with group. Discussion re: board leading fundraisers or hiring an outside person. Amanda will send email out to group to develop sub committed of interested members for volunteering and/or fundraising.
5. ECLB Season. Will reviewed the 2022 events via word doc with group: 612sauna residency, wellness events, art rocks, hidden acoustics, new collaborations, free bike adjustments. Amanda to take lead on permit for full moon metal casting event in August. Reviewed Budget. Jim motioned to approve the funds for 10.6K if needed (original budget for 9K). Motion seconded. Motion passed.
6. Kenwood School PTA Request. Mark/ Angie. Board to replace bird feeders and food, a $430 ask. Jeremy motioned to approve the funds. Motion seconded. Motion passed.
7. Cedar Isles Master Plan Concepts/ Mtg Info. New water quality CAC work group meets March 8, 2022, and next CAC meeting March 10, 2022. Both online public meetings – time allotted for public comments. Closure to north end of Lake of the isles has become an area of concern. Will is an alternate member of the CAC, working with Craig Wilson (member) specifically with east cedar lake concepts. Courtney asking about a board member roster list with which board members involved in other initiatives– Amanda to put information on the board website.
8. Neighborhood Collaborations. CIDNA would like to help cost share events, at ECLB in future. For now would like to would host events at south beach on weekends where ECLB has no programs.
9. Financial updates. Treasurer update. Jeremy reviewed expenses/gift to North High School. Otherwise, no other expenditures. Future expenditures for the year to be discussed further in the next 1-2 months. Discussion about North High not having a foundation, and some opportunity for development, Courtney offered to help Mark if needed.

LHNA Board Meeting Minutes March 1 2022

Online Meeting

Time to Call Meeting to Order after Quorum: 7:07 PM by President Charles Scheiderer

Board Members Present:

Charles Scheiderer (President), Thomas Regnier (Vice-President), Toni D’Eramo (Treasurer), John Lillehei, MD (Secretary), Jacquelynn Brown, Vickie Gilfillian-Bennett, Fran Davis, George Montague, Tyler Ecklund-Kouba, Sue Westerman, Craig Wilson, Robert Hinck, Chad Harkin, Anne Nelson

Other Attendees: Council Member Lisa Goodman, Inspector Katie Blackwell, Lieutenant Michael Frye, MPRB Senior Planner Emma Pachuta

Minneapolis City Council Update 7th Ward Council Member Lisa Goodman presented a neighborhood and city update. Congratulations to Craig Wilson as the new editor of the Hill & Lake Press. The next Lunch with Lisa is Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at The Abbey, located in Loring Park at 47 Spruce Street, Minneapolis, 55403. The Abbey is a new apartment building that is connected to a 19th Century Mansion. The following Lunch with Lisa is Wednesday, April 23, 2022 at the University of St. Thomas with Minneapolis Park Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer in attendance. On February 24, 2022, Mayor Frey lifted the City’s mask requirement as Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to fall. The Minneapolis Office of Performance and Innovation has partnered with Canopy, a Twin- Cities based mental health and consulting organization, to provide crisis intervention, counseling, and connection to support services as an alternative to police response. The police are only dispatched if response teams request their help. The crisis intervention teams are now operating two mobile units in Minneapolis 24/7 and are dispatched by 911 that will determine their need. Canopy has been well received and appreciated by the Minneapolis Police Department.

Lisa stated that there is word that the change in the Minneapolis no-knock warrant policy will be the strictest in the country.

Minneapolis Police Department Update 5th Precinct Inspector Katie Blackwell introduced 5th Precinct Lieutenant Mike Frye, whom introduced himself as a committed police officer who has been in the MPD since 1991. Inspector Blackwell touched on the status on new Police recruits and that the City was working on a contract to increase pay to incentivize application and retention but not at the expense of professional quality. Katie then reiterated that Canopy has a great relationship with the MPD, has helped immensely in mental health crisis intervention and regularly attends 5th Precinct Roll Call. It allows the MPD to focus officers on more serious crimes.

Regarding recent Lowry Hill Crime, there only one attempted but unsuccessful carjacking on February 28th that provided the MPD with a good description of the assailant. There were a number of thefts from vehicles, 2 automobile thefts that were remotely started in the cold snap, and left unattended by the owners, and an upswing in thefts of catalytic converter and license plates. Once again, these are often crimes of opportunity. Never leave anything of value in your car or leave a running car unattended, park in your garage or in illumination such as under a street or exterior home light. Remain vigilant of yourself and neighbors for suspicious activity. Lieutenant Frye addressed the catalytic converter thefts for precious metals. In addition to mitigation efforts like vin etching and painting, garage or well lighted parking, he stated the MPD is partnering with salvage yards and the like to never accept catalytic converters so as to hopefully end this vicious market and cycle of theft.

Minutes of February 8, 2022 LHNA Board Meeting
Motion carried to approve the minutes

Crime and Safety Update
Chair Sue Westerman presented a brief update. The trend of dropping crime in Lowry Hill continued with only 14 incidents that included one thwarted carjacking as previously addressed. It is possible that the bitter cold weather played a role as well as the MPD police presence in our neighborhood Buy Back Program that started in early February. It is hopeful that this downward trend prevails.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Toni D’Eramo gave the report.
The 2022 Budget is under formulation by the new Budget Committee with membership addressed in the February 8, 2022 LHNA Board Minutes.

As of February 28, 2022:
Assets
Total Bank Accounts:
$35,227.30
1201 City Contracts Receivable
$1, 225.99
1205 Prepaid Expense
$8, 863.50
Total Other Current Assets
$10,089.49
Total Current Assets
$45, 316.79
(1205 Prepaid expenses includes $8,863.59 in prepaid 2022 expenses for accounting, web and ad production services January December 2022)

Liabilities & Equity
2101 Advances on City Contracts:
$8,863.50
Total Liabilities
$8, 863.50
Equity:
$36,453.29
Total Liabilities & Equity:
$45,316.79

Neighborhood Priorities

Chair Craig Wilson reported that the North High Booster Club has current donations of $53,000, eclipsing the initial fundraising goal of $43,000 for Track Equipment. Information on donation to the North High booster club is in the LHNA website: https://lowryhillneighborhood.org. There was hearty brainstorming on the best use of the returning $94,000 in Propel Funds (NRP Funds) in 2022, the possibility of creating a North High Foundation, academic enrichment, and that Craig and Vickie will soon join a Zoom Call with North High Principal Mauri Friestleben to address such issues.

Homeowner Navigation Grant Fund
Motion carried to extend the Homeowner
Navigation Grant Fund for another year

Communications Update

Communications Chair Toni D’Eramo and committee member Tyler Ecklund-Kouba discussed updates. The new gateway Lowry Hill Neighborhood signs with our new logo have finished production and will soon be posted. A LHNA branding update is in progress for website, print ads and email. There was a brief discussion on methods to increase the number of resident email subscribers.

Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association Procedures & Policies Update

There are 6 policies and procedures that are salient for the Lowry Hill Board to adopt to usher our Volunteer Organization into City compliance and transparency. They are the following:

1. LHNA Board Training & Development Policy
2. LHNA Language Access Policy & Procedure
3. LHNA Equal Opportunity Policy & Affirmative Action Plan
4. LHNA Whistle Blower Policy
5. LHNA ADA Policy
6. LHNA Accounting Procedures & Practices

Motion carried to adopt all 6 policies.

Numbers 2-5 are signed by the Secretary of the LHNA Board on behalf of all the LHNA Board Members. Number one is signed by the LHNA Secretary and all of the fifteen LHNA Board Members. All documents are securely stored and accessible by all Board Members.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting is set for Wednesday May 25, 2022 at the Walker At Center pending availability of that venue. Tuesday, May 24, 2022 is the backup date. Thomas Regnier and Bob Hinck will plan the event including communication and mailings. Sue Westerman and Toni D’Eramo will provide them execution details and recommendations for the mailing.

Carried motion for a $3000 budget for venue, food and beverage.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Cedar / Isles Design Plan Update Senior Planner for the MPRB Emma Pachuta narrated a slide presentation of the initial draft of the Cedar Lake and Lake of Isles MPRB plan. The six guiding principles are Protect, Invite, Connect, Tell Stories, Celebrate and Respect. Initial feedback is due by Friday March 4, 2022. Our District 4 Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer is happy to entertain questions and feedback. Important information can be found at: www.minneapolisparks.org/cedar-isles.

April LHNA Zoom Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 7:00 PM

As there was no further business,
Meeting adjourned by President Charles
Scheiderer at 8:54 PM by motion carried

Minutes by John Lillehei, MD Secretary, LHNA Board

CIDNA Board Meeting March 9 2022

Online Meeting

PARTICIPANTS:

Board Members Present: Laura Cederberg (Chair), Tim Sheridan (Vice-Chair), Mike Siebenaler (Treasurer), Rosanne Halloran, Dean Kephart, Mary Pattock, Claire Ruebeck, Amanda Vallone, Laura DeMarais, Stephen Goltry

Others Present: Michael Jon Olson (CIDNA Coordinator), Lisa Goodman (City CouncilWard 7), David Davis (SWLRT Project Office), Amy Rowland (Lake Residences)

The meeting was called to order at 6:02pm. The agenda was approved with the addition of a discussion on financial policies. The minutes of the February 9 board meeting were approved.

REPORTS:

WARD 7 Office. Councilmember Goodman reported:

• March 30 Lunch with Lisa, 11:30am: A tour of the renovated historic Alden Smith House, now known as the Abbey Apartments. Will include a briefing from project participants.
• April 27 Lunch with Lisa, 12-1: Guest Elizabeth Schaffer to discuss first couple of months as new parks commissioner. University of St. Thomas
• 34 Park Lane neighborhood variances for fencing and parking were denied unanimously by the City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee.
• Behavioral Crisis Response Team success by Canopy Roots. They are now operating 24/7. The 911 operators have been trained when to send this type of response to critical incidents – police report it is going well. Two units are operating with behavioral responders and responding to mental health calls.
• City redistricting is complete. Changes to the 7th Ward include: 2 blocks of Downtown removed from 7th Ward, including Grant Park. 2 blocks of Warehouse District added and West Bde Mka Ska neighborhood, including West Lake LRT station, added to Ward 7.
• City has launched national search for police chief search. Karen Berglund, a 7th Ward resident, is one of 10 members of Mayor Frey’s citizen panel to assist with search.
• Tree Trust’s spring tree purchase period begins in March. 1500 trees, 30 varieties, only $30. Order at: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2022/february/minneapolis-property-owners-can-buy-30-trees-this-spring/
• Lisa said in her view the Hillard Heintze report on the City’s response to civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder is accurate.
• The City is already operating on the basis of the organizational reforms mandated by passage of the Government Structure Amendment passed last fall.

SWLRT. David Davies reported: 

• SWLRT Minneapolis Town Hall Meeting will be held March 16, 6-7pm. Meeting details available at Met Council’s SWLRT public involvement page; meeting will be recorded.
• Excavation and tunnel construction to resume north of Depot Street. Additional sheet driving expected on March 11.
• Cedar Lake Parkway closure is now expected to occur in April.
• Cedar Isles Condo Association – Met Council has been on site investigating the cause of the water pipe break and resultant flooding of the CICA garage. No findings or known causes to date. Investigation is expected to take several more weeks. The contractor will need to make grade adjustments to keep stormwater at bay.
• Mary Pattock inquired if the 2018 Itasca Consulting Group report on CICA building vibration has been made available to Socotec and the Office of the Legislative Auditor. David did not know.

Governance Committee. Laura C. reported: That with COVID-19 declining and city protocols lifting, the governance committee would like to explore resuming in-person board meetings for April and will look for a meeting location. Meetings will continue to be streamed via Zoom.

Communications Committee. Mary reported:

• Committee has identified locations here new signs with the new CIDNA logo may be installed. Up to seven may be ordered. Next step is to send design and locations to Minneapolis Public Works. Mary will prepare a cost estimate for the board’s consideration.
• There is a new page on the CIDNA website on the Cedar Lake Master Plan, offering a wealth of information on the water quality of Cedar Lake and the rest of the Chain of Lakes.
• Development of the new CIDNA website continues.
• An anonymous donor has contributed 300 to CIDNA, in appreciation for CIDNA’s work to improve water quality of the Chain of Lakes, especially its participation in the Cedar-Isles Master Plan Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
• Tim is working to find a manufacturer of CIDNA-branded coffee mugs for sale and fundraising.
• Amanda is developing a Facebook editorial calendar.
• Hill and Lakes Press – Craig Wilson is the new editor. Mary is secretary of its new board. Win Rockwell is the other HLP board member representing CIDNA neighborhood.

Social Committee. Amanda reported: that CIDNA will host the following 2022 events. Additional event details will be posted at cidna.org

• Volunteer Information Night – Wednesday, April 27Meet neighbors and find out ways to get involved with CIDNA’s upcoming events
• May Day Basket Making – April 29 (6:30-8:30pm) & April 30 (2-5pm)Each year, CIDNA brings families together to decorate and assemble May Day baskets for residents of Jones Harrison. Location: ARTrageous Adventures (2121 West 21st Street)
• Summer Solstice Celebration – June 21 (6:00-8:00pm)Celebrate the longest day of the year at Cedar Lake South Beach with refreshments, music and family fun activities
• Monthly Hidden Acoustic Music Series @ Cedar Lake South Beach (June, July, August)
• Monthly Storytelling Sessions @ Park Siding Park (June, July, August)
• Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 6
• Holiday Art Mart, Saturday, Nov. 26

Environment Committee. Claire reported:

• Park Board Redistricting – CIDNA will move to District 6, effective after next park board election, even though Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles (CIDNA’s namesakes) will stay in District 4. The City rationale for this incongruity is that its modeling software cannot account for the lakes. All park board commissioners are aware of issue. Claire has requested software update to resolve the issue.
• Committee recommends renewing Park Siding Park and Cedar Lake South Beach Stewardship agreements. Dates to be finalized, typically second Saturdays.
• Mark Schmidt is putting forth a stewardship agreement for Cedar South Point natural area; CIDNA will continue to provide communication support for effort.
• Cedar Isles Master Plan is moving forward. Claire is working on CIDNA comments. James Reid as an alternate to the CAC, which is working to make the water quality of the lakes its primary criterion. Cedar Lake, which feeds Isles and Harriet, is now eutrophic.
• Public Mural Installation: Preliminary discovery meeting to be scheduled for end of March.

Joint Safety Committee. Stephen reported:

• Ongoing concerns about sidewalk snow removal at bus stops and curb areas.
• Committee considering Watch for Pedestrians yard signs at key intersections
• Committee looking at ways to strengthen neighborhood/apartment building watch processes ahead of spring/summer.

ACTIONS:

Moved: A resolution regarding the Cedar Isles Master Plan:

“Be it resolved that environmental preservation, especially water quality, be designated the highest priority of the MPRB’s Cedar-Isles Master Plan, and that the restoration of a high and healthy degree of water quality be the primary criterion by which all other aspects of the plan are evaluated and implemented. Be it further resolved that maintenance of park system infrastructure be prioritized over creating new facilities that the MPRB may not be able to maintain.”

Seconded. Passed unanimously.

Moved: “To contribute $5,000 to assist in the establishment of a North High School Foundation.” Seconded.
Passed Unanimously.

The Board requested additional review of proposed modifications to the organization’s financial policies based on feedback from the City.

The next CIDNA meeting will be held Wednesday, April 13, 6-8pm via Zoom with an in-person option at a location to be announced. CIDNA’s Annual Member Meeting is planned for Wednesday, May 11, 6:00-8:00pm.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.

CIDNA HIRING COORDINATOR, SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR SUMMER EVENTS

CIDNA is seeking a new part-time coordinator. A full job description is available at cidna.org.

CIDNA is actively seeking volunteer community members to assist with many exciting summer activities. For more information and to get involved, please email info@cidna.org.

Submitted by Laura Cederberg