Tangletown Neighborhood

Tangletown Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting, Monday, June 21, 2010

7:00 P.M.

Fuller Park

Minutes  (DRAFT)

Board members present: Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary, Mary Davidson — Treasurer; Tjody DeVaal – editor; Carolyn Dungan, Jane Elias;  Jeff Gears; Mary Jane Mitchell – President; Tony Proell, Tom Steichen, and Lynell Voigt.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:03.

2. One item was added to the agenda and the agenda was approved.

3. The May meeting minutes were approved without change.

4. John Dillery, Senior Transportation Planner,  and Jill Hentges, Community Outreach, for the Metropolitan Transit Commission presented on the bus rapid transit system and the new 46th St. transit station.  Dillery noted the reduced service for Diamond Lake Road and 35W because buses could not move safely from the center transitway to the Diamond Lake exit.  Other issues discussed were the basic philosophy over the north-south arteries (35W) and the crosstown (east-west) routes, the demands of Washburn High School, and the reduced service for certain areas from the adjustment to the new scheme.  The last public meeting for comments was scheduled for June 29 at noon, but both representatives urged comments from the public (35W-BRT station@metc.state.mn.us).  Service changes and the opening of the 46th St. Bus Rapid Transit station are scheduled for December 4.

5. Mary Jane welcomed Jeff and Carolyn to the Board.

6. Charley Dean presented on the Kingfield Dog Park proposed for the northwest corner of King Park.  Information is available at the Kingfield Neighborhood site (http://kingfield.org/dog-park/).  The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will hold a public meeting on July 22, 7 pm, MLK Park after a 6 pm MLK Park Ice Cream Social.  Charley asked TNA for a letter of support.  The group is hosting “Yappy Hours” and hopes to see the dog park open next spring.  The dog park would be one of the few serving south Minneapolis.

7. Mike Cronin from Michael Cronin & Associates present on behalf of the Holiday station at Diamond Lake and Nicollet.  Holiday was upgrading signs at certain locations in order to attract more sales within their stores because of the decreasing profit margins over the sales of gasoline and tobacco.  They would need to apply for a variance to erect an electronic sign within the existing sign in front of the station.  He emphasized that Holiday would not be adding “motion to this electronic sign<” and at present the ideas would be to change sign content every eight seconds.  He was soliciting input from neighborhood groups.  The Board had concerns about the effect on nearby traffic at stoplights, and one member suggested the new sign be used to help advertise fund raisers (like car washes) so participants weren’t standing near Nicollet traffic to solicit business.  Cronin welcomed questions about the signage at 612 554 1184.

8. The entire board worked out plans for the TNA 4th of July party, including food, awnings, aprons for ticket sellers, ticket prices, prizes for the raffle, hand washing stations, etc.

9. Tony Proell reported on the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) energy conservation workshop and the group discussed various promotions. Mary Jane moved to use the use of certain designated funds (around $1600) to help promote the workshop.  Mary Davidson seconded.  The motion passed.

10.  Mary Davidson gave the Treasurer’s report.  The ending balance for the NRP account as of May 31, 2010, was $13,295.42. Mary moved that Carolyn be authorized to purchase up to $200 of prizes for the 4th of July event. Motion was seconded and passed.

11. Tom Balcom updated the Board on improvements to the Water Tower (railing and water).

12.  Tjody DeVaal reported on the Tangletown brochure and will send a out a PDF of the brochure for final approval.  She mentioned that the discount coupons that the group wanted to include was problematic because the businesses were hard pressed to finalize their offer.

13.  Because of time, other items were laid over until the next meeting, The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.

Tangletown Neighborhood Association

Annual Board Meeting, Monday, May 17, 2010

7:00 P.M.

Fuller Park

Minutes

Board members present: Steve Bieringer, Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary, Chris Burns, Sarah Cortright, Tjody DeVaal – editor; Jane Elias; Ryan Fisher – President; Mary Jane Mitchell – Vice President; Tony Proell, Tom Steichen, and Lynell Voigt.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:11.

2. One item was added to the agenda and the agenda was approved.

3. The April meeting minutes were approved without change.

4. State Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Frank Hornstein reviewed the recently concluded legislative session.  Among the items mentioned were successful actions on composting projects, licenses for food carts, transportation, Minneapolis’ pensions, and tobacco products ban.  Both exhorted constituents to call or write with concerns.  Their web sites are at http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/ and http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.asp.

5. Brian Elliot from U.S. Congressman Ellison’s office followed with an update of Federal legislation relating to health care, the environment, credit card reform and a jobs bill.  He welcomed any input from constituents and said the best way to contact his office is through the phone at 612-522-1212.

6. City Councilmember John Quincy gave an update of city issues relating to public safety, schools, transportation, and road construction in his ward. He reminded the Board that he has a newsletter available at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ward11/Ward_11_Speeches-Publications.asp and can be contacted at 612-673-2211.

7. Amy Lavender, Minneapolis Police Dept., gave a crime and safety update of the neighborhood and noted an uptick in theft at Washburn High School, largely attributed to students bringing expensive items to school (phones, mp3 players, etc.).  One member asked about reporting of small crimes, and Amy asked that people report thefts and such at 311 or at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/e-report/ .  If a squad car is needed, always call 911.

8. Marylynn Boone and Linda Conley gave an update of Washburn High School neighborhood issues.  They have focused on trash, talked to neighborhood merchants, and are bridging with others schools.  They were interested in hearing from the neighborhood how the school is doing.  Urged people to call the main number (612-668-3400) and ask for Marylynn.

9.      Ryan read an update to the Creekside Commons project, which is expected to be completed in August.

10.      Tony Proell reported on the CEE Home Energy Audit Program and Ryan and Tony will work on a proposal for an energy workshop in August.  Other neighborhoods have seen participation of about 100-200 so TNA will be expected to generate interest in the energy program.  There is a fee for participation (~$30), but the value of the program is estimated at about $400.

11.     Ryan reviewed NRP projects undertaken by TNA for the benefit of people attending the annual meeting for the first time.

12.     Ryan noted that there were five position open on the board; ten Board members were returning.  April Heers, Jeff Gears, and Carolyn Dungan were nominated and the entire slate unanimously elected.

13.     Mary Jane Mitchell was nominated for president with Ryan stepping down.  Her election was passed unanimously.  With Mary Jane now president, Tony Proell was nominated for vice president.  His election was passed unanimously.  Mary Davidson continues as Treasurer and Bruce Bruemmer as Secretary; both were elected unanimously.

14.     Steve reported on a successful Tangletown garage sale.  There was discussion about moving the date next year and Ryan suggested that discussion be tabled until the event was closer to planning.

15.     The subcommittee for the Tangletown 4th of July event had not yet met although there was a call for volunteers and a follow up email would be sent out before the next TNA meeting.

16.      Tjody reported on a new item, the BLEND award (see http://www.blendaward.org/), a southwest Minneapolis beautification project.  Steve and Tjody are judges fro the event, and the group requested funds from the neighborhoods for mailing expenses.  Ryan moved that TNA support the award up to $100.  The motion passed unanimously.

17.     The Tangletown staffing update was tabled to the June meeting because of time.

18.     Tjody, Jane, and Mary Jane reported on progress over the Tangletown brochure/Welcome packet.  There was a discussion about whether to include home businesses and businesses across the street from Tangletown boundaries.  The general feeling was to include business bordering the TNA, but go no further; this discussion will be continued a the next meeting when Tjody has a mock-up of the brochure.  Tjody asked about quantity and Ryan suggested that we double the quantity produced for the newsletter.

19.     There was no Treasurer’s update.

20.     Carole Anderson updated the board on Fuller Park activities, include the June 10 ice cream social and July 10 blood drive.

21.     Announcements: Ryan thanked Sarah Cortright, Chris Burns and Dick Fiala for their past service on the board. Matt Perry updated the board on a new grant received by the Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (http://www.nehba.org/). Scott Brooks introduced himself; he is running for State representative for district 60B.

21.     The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.