Tangletown Neighborhood Association
BOARD MEETING MINUTES – Monday, November 16, 2015 (Annual Meeting) – 7:00 p.m., Fuller Park
Board members present: Ryan Fisher, Eric David, Lauren Anderson, Joy Gottschalk, Dick Fiala, Laura Silver,
Karen Costello, Dylan Sirney, Mary Jane Mitchell, Andrew Buss
Board members absent: Steve Bieringer, Sandra Bartsias, Dan Williams, Andrea Siegel, Virgil Petrie
Also present: Abby Rowan (TNA Coordinator), Councilmember John Quincy, Jennifer Waisanen (Minneapolis
Police Department – 5 th Precinct)
Called to order: 7:08pm
Jennifer Waisenen – 5 th Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist
Jennifer attended the meeting at the request of TNA in response to concerns about neighborhood crime raised on
Nextdoor. She distributed maps to board members detailing crime activity in the Tangletown neighborhood in both
2014 and 2015 (through November 16 th ). Jennifer stressed that residents should call 911 to report any suspicious
behavior, including individuals who stop by homes looking for people who don’t reside at the residence. Having
details of individuals’ physical descriptions, what they said, and which direction they’re moving and how (on foot,
via car, etc.) is particularly helpful for the police department. Because of the number of burglaries at Washburn and
Ramsey schools, Jennifer gave an overview of how the School Resource Officers (SROs) at both schools interface
with the Minneapolis Police Department. In instances of specific recurring burglaries or trespassing (e.g. on building
roofs), the 5 th precinct can send additional squad cars past suspected locations. Crime alerts are sent via email to
block club leaders. Due to MPD’s e-alert system, crime report details are cut short so block club leaders can email
Jennifer to get the full report. Several Tangletown blocks lack a block leader including:
4600 1st Ave
4600 Nicollet Ave
4700 1st Ave
4700 Grand Ave
4700 Nicollet Ave
4800 Pleasant Ave
4900 Stevens Ave
5000 Harriet Ave
5100 Garfield Ave
5300 Harriet Ave
5300 Pleasant Ave
Overall, Tangletown’s level of crime is low in
comparison to other Minneapolis neighborhoods.
There may be an increase in theft during the holiday
season – neighbors are encouraged to specify other
locations for package deliveries (e.g. back door,
within a fence, etc.) to discourage potential thieves.
UPS allows residents to do this on their website.
Community Solar Workshop Wrap-up
Joy gave an overview of last week’s Neighborhood
Community Solar workshop, which had 135
attendees. Lissa Pawlish from Metro CERTS gave a
“Community Solar 101” talk and Jamie Long
presented on the Linden Hills Community Solar
project, which will be installed on the Linden Hills
Co-op. Attendees filled out a survey to give direction
on local vs. rural projects and pre-pay vs. pay-as- you-
go options – results will be available soon. Despite
parking and kitchen challenges, it was a hugely
brought to the board in January 2016. The board is
interested in using submissions for the new TNA
website and will discuss the evaluation process at a
future meeting.
NRP Fund balance/relocation update
Lauren gave a brief overview of the board’s July
2015 conversation with Neighborhood and
Community Relations (NCR) staff member Jack
Whitehurst on the approximately $91,000 remaining
NRP Phase II funds not currently under contract.
The board’s six Neighborhood Priorities projects
have mostly not touched these funds. The board
would like to have Jack Whitehurst attend the
January 2016 meeting and offer a neighborhood
survey to identify priorities for using these funds
soon after.
TNA Holiday party date/ location/ menu
Laura offered to check on hosting on December 21 st .
The board would like to have a potluck preferably at
a board member’s home. Lauren volunteered to set
up an event on perfectpotluck.com
Officer Reports:
Secretary – A motion to approve the October 2015
minutes was made, seconded and approved.
Treasurer – No report this month. Sustainability
committee members will submit receipts to Sandra.
Neighborhood Priorities Status
Board Development (Karen, Andrew, Dick) –
Andrew will re-email the member profile
questionnaire so board members can fill it out. The
group would like to build more board resources
(how-tos, photos, background on interfacing with the
City) to help members share information with one
another.
Fuller Park (Steve, Virgil) – no update
School Relationships (Sandra, Mary Jane) – A parent
liaison from Washburn High School emailed TNA
this morning.
Sustainability/Green Team (Lauren, Joy) – The
Sustainability Team’s update was covered under
Community Solar Workshop. Joy and Lauren will
bring an organics project budget request to the
December gathering.
Utility Box Wraps (Dan, Andrea) – no update
Website/Communications (Eric, Dylan, Ryan, Laura)
– The Communication Team’s update was covered
under the TNA Website Review section.
Community Spaces – no update
Coordinator Update – no update
Other Business – None