LHNA Board Meeting Minutes April 3 2022
Online Meeting
Time to Call Meeting to Order after Quorum: 7:03 PM by President Charles Scheiderer
Board Members Present: Charles Scheiderer (President), Thomas Regnier (Vice-President), Toni D’Eramo (Treasurer), John Lillehei, MD (Secretary), Vickie Gilfillian-Bennett, Fran Davis, George Montague, Tyler Ecklund-Kouba, Sue Westerman, Craig Wilson, Robert Hinck, Chad Harkin, Jennifer Wirick Breitinger
Other Attendees: Council Member Lisa Goodman, Inspector Katie Blackwell, Lieutenant Michael Frye & 9 More Neighborhood Participants
Minneapolis City Council Update
7th Ward Council Member Lisa Goodman presented a neighborhood and city update.
The March 30, 2022 Lunch with Lisa was a success with 110 attendees. The next Lunch with Lisa is Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the University of St. Thomas hosting our Minneapolis Park Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer. The City of Minneapolis will start collecting yard waste Monday, April 11, 2022. One caveat is that the city recommends leaving your yard waste ‘untouched’ until temperatures are regularly above 50 F. This protects the overwintering pollinators required to grow all of our food and are unfortunately in steep decline. Bees often nest in broken stems in plants and butterflies in leaf piles and require this regular 50 F weather to emerge.
The City plans to fully reconstruct the street in Franklin Avenue W between Hennepin and Lyndale Avenue S. This will result in prolonged closure. You may search the project details on Minneapolis.mn.gov. The Minneapolis Boards & Commissions has 31 openings that you may also search on the above website if one is interested in applying.
The City has mailed your 2023 Valuation Notices that are based upon 95% of your market value. If you believe your home value is incorrect, the best bet is to first talk to a local realtor to check home recent sales in your area. The appeal process is listed on the bottom of the 2023 Valuation Notice.
Minneapolis Police Department Update
5th Precinct Inspector Katie Blackwell and 5th Precinct Lieutenant Michael Frye, with 30 years of experience and in charge of overnight, gave March 2022 crime update. The investigation on the early morning March 18th homicide on the 1900 block of Colfax Avenue South is ongoing. There is a warrant out for the arrest of the 2 suspects and they knew the victim. Eyewitness accounts by Lowry Hill neighbors provided vital information to police. There were 3 Lowry Hill home burglaries. Two of the home homes were left unlocked and a garage door opener was used to enter the 3rd home. There was one motor vehicle theft and a number of thefts from vehicles. Once again, leave nothing in your parked cars including garage door openers. Lock your home and garages. The escalation of catalytic convertor thefts continues throughout the city. As in our LHNA March Meeting, Lieutenant Frye addressed efforts to target scrap yards to prevent the buying and selling of catalytic convertors for precious metals, thereby ending the theft cycle.
Inspector Blackwell believed the Police presence in Lowry Hill from the MPD Buy Back Program has greatly diminished neighborhood violent crime, including no carjackings in March. In addition, she thought that with the recent prolonged Minneapolis Teacher Strike including all public school kids out of school might have led to an increase in carjackings, but this ultimately did not hold true.
Finally, spring has once again increased citywide hot rodding that unfortunately draws spectators. The MPD has dedicated a detail to address and abate this behavior. There is also increased MPD surveillance and ticketing for the escalation in citywide driver speeding and running through red lights and stop signs. These aberrant behaviors may be a consequence of Covid-19 induced emotional and psychological stress plus the perceived belief of less police enforcement.
Minutes of March 1, 2022 LHNA Board Meeting
Motion carried to approve the minutes
Crime and Safety Update
Chair Sue Westerman presented and update with Inspector Blackwell in attendance.
The discussion focused on Surveillance Cameras. Lowry Hill has 4 current cameras. These are monitored by the 5th Precinct. Katie Blackwell stated these cameras greatly aid in the investigation of crimes. Sue has been working with a MPD liaison Lieutenant Markstrom on the best location for an additional 4 cameras. Each camera costs $7000 or $28,000 for 4 cameras. There was a hearty discussion about the location of the cameras. As such, a two -part motion was made, seconded and carried.
Motion: 1. Sue will determine with the Crime and Safety Committee the best Lowry Hill Neighborhood locations for the 4 additional cameras and 2.
President Scheiderer will request the $28,000 in funds from the City
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Toni D’Eramo gave the financial for
March 2022.
As of March 31, 2022:
Assets
Total Bank Accounts: $35, 328.06
1201 City Contracts Receivable: $1,323.99
1205 Prepaid Expense: $8, 863.50
Total Other Current Assets: $10,187.49
Total Current Assets: $45, 515.55
(1205 Prepaid expenses includes $8,863.50 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: $36,652.05
Total Liabilities & Equity: $45,515.55
President Scheiderer addressed that the City of
Minneapolis requires a 2022 budget for the LHNA.
In essence, how our organizations plans to spend our funds in 2022.
Jakie Brown Baylor, Sue Westerman and Toni D’Eramo will work together to prepare a preliminary LHNA Budget for 2022.
Zoning
Chair Fran Davis presented the Zoning Report. Carla Godwin of Peris Hill shared equal concern in the March 18, 2022 homicide on Colfax and for the safety of all neighborhood residents. Neigbors have complained about overflowing Peris Hill dumpsters. In response, Peris will increase trash pickup from once to twice weekly. Peris Hill is a finalist for affordable housing in the Minnesota Real Estate Awards. Concerning the existing cluster development homes at 1301-1307 Mount Curve Avenue, there is a public hearing on April 25, 2022 for a variance to correct a technical problem when the homes were built and will most likely be approved.
The Nor-Son Construction meeting for the approved development at 35 Groveland Terrace occurred on April 6, 2022. If one has questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact: Nor-son Construction, LLC. 700 East Lake Street, Suite 213, Wayzata, MN 55391. 612-216-1800.
Communications
Communications & Outreach team Toni D’Eramo and Tyler Ecklund-Kouba provided an update. The LHNA website will be updated to reflect the new branding and logo. The new Lowry Hill signs will be posted soon. Tyler will bring a new sign for all to see at the LHNA Annual Meeting at the Walker Art on May 25, 2022 at 6 PM.
Craig Wilson and Chad Harkin will tackle the bulk mailing to the Lowry Hill neighborhood residents announcing the May 25th LHNA Annual meeting. President Charles Scheiderer will write the cover letter.
Neighborhood Priorities
Craig Wilson, Chair of Neighborhood Priorities since September 2017, tendered his resignation from the LHNA Board. He is the new Editor of the Hill and Lake Press and believes his efforts are best focused on the monumental task of publishing the monthly paper and he will strive to represent all neighborhood organizations fairly. He is also exploring improved distribution of the Hill and Lake Press to neighborhood residents.
Chad Harkin has nicely volunteered to assume the LHNA Chair of Neighborhood Priorities under Craig’s mentorship.
In addition, Craig Wilson presented a draft update of the Thomas Lowry Park/Seven Pools Plaques that are under final approval by the Minneapolis Park Board.
Events
Events Chair Jackie Brown Baylor shared a draft of 2022 LHNA Events for 2022.
It should be noted that the permit for each event starts at $500 and this includes dumpster and trash pickup. This is the draft that Jackie Brown Baylor, Toni D’Eramo, and Sue Westerman will utilize to construct the 2022 LHNA Budget.
Compliance
- The Amended and Restated By-Laws of The Lowry Hill Community Corporation, were last updated in December 2017. Article 4,Section 11 titled: Quorum, does not address video conferencing that has been a necessity during the Covid-19 Pandemic.Motion carried to add the following to Article 4, Section 11 of the By-Laws: “ Any director attending by video conferencing will be recognized as being in attendance at the meeting and will be able to participate in voting.”President Charles Scheiderer will contact our LHNA attorney at Birken Law Office to update the By-Laws with this addition.
- Funding Sustainability Statement for City Budget Compliance:“Lowry Hill Neighborhood will prepare a base budget and an extended reach budget supplement each year. The base budget will be funded by the routine funding which covers basic expenses and donations. The fund currently called the Neighborhood Network Fund will fund much of the basic operational expenses of the organization. In addition, we will continue to solicit our members for donations through direct mail, annual meeting and requests for donations at neighborhood events. Also, in an effort to extend our reach, we will attempt to take advantage of special funds as they become available. We recognize we have to apply for these funds and describe special projects along with how the funds will be spent and the benefits. Current funds in this category include Collaboration and Shared Resources Fund, Partnership Engagement Fund, Equitable Engagement Fund, and Community Preparation Fund.”Governance & Nominations for Annual Meeting Nominations Chair Fran Davis and President Charles Scheiderer led the discussion. Toni D’ Eramo’s and Robert Hinck ‘s six -year terms are complete and will rotate off of the LHNA Board. Craig Wilson has resigned leaving 3 LHNA Board positions open for the Annual Meeting in May. Six LHNA Board members are up for re-election in 2022 as they have 2-year expiring terms. All have agreed to serve another 2- year term: Vicki Gillfillian-Bennett, Sue Westerman, and John Lillehei, MD, Fran Davis, Charles Schiederer, Jennnifer Wirick Breitinger and Sue Westerman.Annual Meeting DiscussionThe LHNA Annual Meeting is on May 25, 2022 at the Walker Art Center at 6PM. Jennifer Wirick Bretinger will extend a speaking invitation to 7th Ward Council Member Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis Park Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer and Minneapolis Public Works Director Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Robert Hinck will sign a contract with D’Amico for the food and cash bar beverages. Thomas Regnier will design a PowerPoint presentation that includes photographs of Lowry Neighborhood events.There will be a cash bar with catering provided by D’Amico at the Walker Art Center. In addition, Motion carried to approve $3,500 in funds for hearty hors d’oeuvres.May LHNA Zoom Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 3, 2022, 7 PMAs there was no further business,Meeting adjourned by President Charles Scheiderer at 8:58 PMMinutes by John Lillehei, MD Secretary, LHNA Board
- Update Leaf Blowers from Jack Levi. The City of Minneapolis is offering grants up to $100,000 or 45% to yard management service providers if they switch to electric leaf blowers. Gas powered blowers must be decommissioned. Some, but not all, service providers in Kenwood have signed up for this program. Residents are asked to inform service providers and encourage them to utilize this program to reduce the noise and air pollution associated with gas powered blowers.
- Southwest Light Rail. Planners will be reaching out to KNO and the neighborhood for input on landscaping around the 21ststation this spring.
- KNO Coordinators Report. Amanda Vallone continues to work on various ways to engage the neighborhood via social media. Facebook and email newsletter subscriber numbers continue to increase. Please reach out to Amanda for ideas and ways to volunteer. She is planning a May beach clean-up and May Day basket making as well.
- 2022 Annual Meeting. KNO’s annual meeting will be held on May 2 outside the Kenwood Recreation Center. Matt Spies motioned to approve up to $1500 for food, beverages, and supplies for the meeting to be coordinated by Amanda Vallone. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
- Hidden Beach update from Will Stensrud. 612 Sauana will be at the beach during weekends in May. Please reach out to Will if you’d like to be involved in volunteer and planning efforts for the beach this season.
KNO Board Meeting April 4, 2022
Online Meeting
*** DRAFT - TO BE APPROVED AT MAY MEETING ***
Board Members Present: Mark Brown (Chair), Jeremy Nichols (Treasurer), Jim Barnett (Vice Chair), Matt Spies (Secretary), Jack Levi, Lana Baggenstos, Kyle Leier, Courtney Kiernat, Will Stensrud
Board Members Absent: Melinda Pratt, Angie Erdrich
- Approval of Meeting Minutes. Minutes from the March 2022 board meeting were approved unanimously.
- Update from Lisa Goodman. Lisa noted Yard Waste and street sweeping will begin on April 11. Lisa also advised neighbors to call 311 for potholes that need to be filled in.
CIDNA Board Meeting April 13 2022
Online Meeting
Board Members Present: Laura Cederberg (Chair), Tim Sheridan (Vice-Chair), Mike Siebenaler (Treasurer), Laura DeMarais, Stephen Goltry, Rosanne Halloran, Dean Kephart, Mary Pattock, Claire Ruebeck, Amanda Vallone. Others Present: Lisa Goodman (City Council-Ward 7), David Davies (SWLRT Project Office), Meg Forney (MPRB), Annette Greely (Jones-Harrison Residences) and Rachel Svihel (CIDNA Coordinator candidate).
The meeting was called to order at 6:08 pm. The meeting agenda was approved. The minutes of the March 9 board meeting were also approved.
REPORTS
WARD 7 Office. Councilmember Goodman reported:
April 27 Lunch with Lisa, 12-1 pm MPRB Park Commissioner Elizabeth Schaffer will discuss the various Master Plan documents at the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis campus. Variances requested for 34 Park Lane were denied by the City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee.
City street sweeping will begin April 18. Signs will be posted to move cars as streets are done. The city website (Minneapolismn.gov) will also list by address when each street will be swept. Road closures-- Franklin Ave. between Hennepin and Lyndale will be closed this summer for repairs.
Homeowners have received valuation notices as well as tax statements with two payments due. Lakes area residents will see 2023 average increases of 3-5%; other areas of the city with a large percentage of starter homes had increases of 5-25%. If a valuation seems too high, it can be appealed to the city Assessors Office. There is an opening on the city Advisory Committee on Aging. Go to the city website to apply. (You must be 50 years “young.”) This is a council appointment.
SWLRT. David Davies reported:
Cedar Isles Condo Association (CICA) –The engineering firm, Socotec, hired by the Met Council completed their evaluation of the building and damage. Findings were reported to residents and in a Power Point presentation were given to elected officials on April 12. The findings will be disseminated to the public at a later date.
There has been resumption of excavation of the Kenilworth tunnel. Amanda and Laura C. reported excess vibration. David said there would be better notification of work in the future.
The Cedar Lake Parkway closure has been pushed back to mid-May. The Met Council will publicize closures and detours as they occur. Laura C. requested that striping for pedestrian and bicycle safety be added in the temporary crossings. David said he would bring it to the city and Park Board but that it is dependent on facility owners.
MPRB Meg Forney reported:
Meg complimented CIDNA for our involvement in Park Board issues.
Some MPRB initiatives are expanding services and engaging youth at North Commons, and a continuous trail on the Mississippi.
Four thousand trees will be planted as part of restoring the tree canopy.
Claire said that better communication and engagement with the public is important. Could an interim report on the progress of the Cedar Isles Master Plan be disseminated?
Laura C. and Mary agreed that protecting water quality of Cedar and Isles Lakes should be a priority, rather than adding infrastructure. Jones-Harrison Residence Annette Greely reported:
Annette is the new CEO/President of Jones-Harrison. She invited us to attend their June 4 fundraiser; funds raised will be used to create an inner courtyard garden for residents. Annette expects voting to resume at the facility if COVID restrictions are eased in November. Beginning this summer, in-person CIDNA board meetings are also a possibility.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Governance Committee. Laura C. reported:
The governance committee would like to convert to hybrid (In person and Zoom) or in person board meetings in June. An appropriate meeting location will need to be identified. Nomination forms for board members are available on the website. Nominations will also be taken from the floor at the annual meeting.
Communications Committee. Mary reported:
Development of the new CIDNA website continues. Mike will work on a “button” to donate, we already pay for access to Square. The design for CIDNA mugs will emphasize the four seasons and is being finalized by Tim. Some should be available for purchase on Volunteer Night.
The newsletter was sent out and postcards will be designed and sent prior to the annual meeting.
Social Committee. Amanda reported the following 2022 events. Additional details at cidna.org
Volunteer Information Night – Wednesday, April 27
CIDNA committee chairs will be available to discuss volunteer opportunities. Meet neighbors and find out ways to get involved. Location:
Kenwood Rec Center
May Day Basket Making – April 29 (6:30-
8:30pm) & April 30 (2-5pm)
A family-fun activity. Help decorate and assemble May Day baskets for residents of Jones-Harrison Residence. Location: ARTrageous Adventures (2121 W. 21st St) Summer Solstice Celebration – June 21 (6-8pm) Celebrate the longest day of the year with music, activities and refreshments. Location: Cedar Lake South Beach Summer Music Series @ Cedar Lake South Beach (June, July, August)
Environment Committee. Claire reported:
Public mural installation--The muralist is working with the committee to develop three design options. Information related to the antigraffiti treatment has been requested by the MPRB.
The 2022 Park Stewardships have been approved for Cedar Lake South Beach and Park Siding Park. Volunteers are needed from May through October, all are welcome.
Cedar Isles Master Plan Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings are being held, and a water quality advisory committee has been formed. CIDNA board members agree that water quality should be the major priority. Among its environmental concerns are a trail and boardwalk on Cedar Lake frontage. CIDNA will collaborate with MPRB to host a public meeting in April to highlight resident input on the master planning priorities.
Joint Safety Committee. Stephen reported:
Ongoing concerns about ADA curb/sidewalk accessibility and traffic speeds.
Committee considering Watch for Pedestrians yard signs at key intersections
Committee is looking at sponsoring a joint rail safety meeting with West Maka Ska
Laura D. has resigned as co-chair and a member of the committee.
ACTIONS
Moved: “To allocate $250 for the purchase of CIDNA-designed mugs to be sold as a CIDNA fundraiser.”
Seconded. Passed Unanimously.
Moved: “To donate $500 to the Jones-Harrison Residence for their courtyard garden fundraiser.”
Seconded. Passed Unanimously.
Moved: “To authorize the social committee to spend $500 to secure the performance of Open Eye Theatre at the summer solstice event on June 21st.“ Seconded. Passed unanimously.
The CIDNA annual meeting will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2022 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom. All community members are welcome.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Submitted by Laura DeMarais
EINA Annual Meeting Update April 12 2022
East Isles Neighborhood Association Update by Mike Erlandson
East Isles held their Annual Meeting on April 12th with over 90 participants between the in-person and online options. Speakers at the event included Minneapolis Council Member Lisa Goodman, State Senator Scott Dibble, State Representative Frank Hornstein, Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene, and Park Board Commissioners Elizabeth Shaffer and Meg Forney.
The meeting included the election of new board members. East Isles will see significant leadership change with eight of the eleven members being new to the board. The board adopted two-year terms going forward to allow for staggered terms. A random process determined who would serve one and two-year terms during this transition year.
Three members are returning to the board and were elected to serve two-year terms: Mike Erlandson, Brian Milavitz, and Larry Lamb. New members elected to a two-year term include Richard Stadtherr, Debra Altschuler, and Mark Green. Elected to a one-year term were Shanti Mittra, Sandra Nelson, Quinton Courts, Jason Spaeth, and Julia Edelman.
A huge thank you to outgoing board members Peter Mason, Erik Anderson, Rodrigue Lauture, Rebecca Accettura, Natasha Dockter, Andrew Degerstrom, and Emma Erdahl! Major accomplishments this past year included strategic planning, the adoption of new bylaws to conform with city rules, a new annual Halloween Party, a new logo, and successful annual events including the Farmers Market, the Ice Cream Social, skating party, community garage sale, Earth Day cleanup, and a name change. Formally known as the “East Isles Residents Association” the board voted to change the name to the East Isles Neighborhood Association to better reflect the fact business owners in the neighborhood are now eligible to be board members even if they do not live in the neighborhood.
East Isles has several active committees including Build Environment and Transportation, Green Team, Outreach and Engagement, NRP, and the East Isles Farmers Market. Visit eastisles.org for more information. To become a member or ask a question email info@eastisles.org.
Please join fellow neighbors for the East Isles Earth Day Cleanup on Sat. April 23 from 9:30 AM - 12 PM. Meet at W. 27th St and E. Lake of the Isles Pkwy. Bags and gloves will be provided and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Light refreshments will be provided. No registration is needed. Bring your neighbors, kids, and friends!
Mike Erlandson is a long-time East Isles resident and member of the neighborhood association. He can be reached at — mikeerlandson@gmail.com
