General Membership Meeting Minutes 04-14

April 14th, 2011, 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center 
2307 17th Ave S.

EPIC web address: eastphillips-epic.com

Office: 2536 18th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Our Second EPIC Membership Meeting in the 
new East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center

Directors Present: Mary Gonsior, Carol Pass, Jenny Bjorgo, Earl Simms, Linda Leonard, Rosie Cruz, Steve Struthers

Residents: Brad Pass, Chiffon Williams, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Pat Fleetham, Karen Clark, Hannah Lieder, Kevin Lieder, Bill Kingsbury, Kim Hadaway, Jason Rodney, Troy, Linnea, Kara   
Guests: Loren Brueggemann, Kathy Wetzel, Mike Buelow, John Gold, Shirley Heyer

6:30    Introduction:

·         Greetings and Introductions

·         Approval of Agenda (JB, CW) approved.

·         Minutes from EPIC General Membership Meeting 3/10 /2011 (JB, CW) approved.

6:40    Announcements:

·         NRP Task Force – If you want to be a part of this committee, Contact Carol Pass, 612- 280-8418

·         Meeting times will be announced, and will be arranged to match schedules of committee members.

·         EPIC’s 12th Annual Meeting April 30th, 9:30 Saturday morning, Treats, Talk and Progress

7:00    New Classes in the Park and Partnerships:  Linda’s ‘Tea and Talk’, Family night, Partner meeting next week,

                 Brad Pass

The doors have been open for about a month and a half. The partners are meeting next week and we are slowly ramping up our programming. The park board has put out bids for 4 additional basketball hoops, a divider for the gym, and finishing out appliances for the kitchen.

Linda's Tea and Talk sessions have seen some success with multi-cultural conversations (Sat. 1-3 pm.) Family night (Wed. 6-8:30 pm.) is popular, playing organized games in the gym, Wii was set up, people watching a video in the rotunda, and more.

Vending machines: we want to have healthy choices.

MOTION: Replace snacks and pop with healthy snack and beverage options. (CW, JB) passed.

Park Board has a fee structure for many things. EPIC will explore the fee structure and see if there is some way of mitigating these costs for local residents.

7:10      Phillips Community Center Partnership and Swimming Pool – Minneapolis Swims Update, Hannah Lieder

             Progress of the bonding Bill submitted to the legislature by Rep. Karen Clark. Q & A, Next Steps

We are hoping that the bill will be considered by the bonding committee and put forward to the legislature. EPIC believes if the neighborhoods put up some money, this is a strong statement to the legislature and other funders.  If the legislature did approve this funding, it is likely the governor would sign it.

7:25        EPIC Development: Greenway Heights apartments: EPIC’s completion of NRP Phase I project. Loren Brueggemann, Phoenix Development and Kathy Wetzel, PRG, neighborhood nonprofit.

Additional presenters: Michael Buelow from Phoenix, John Gold, project architect (BKV).

Presentation of a plan for a 4-story/40 unit building of workforce housing for the vacant property on Bloomington Ave & 29th St. Seeking support from EPIC in advance of the next funding round ---.

Loren Brueggeman discussed that the project is designed to accommodate community expressed needs for family housing, community friendly,  child friendly, green friendly, cost effective/affordable rents. The bulk of the units are 2 & 3 bedrooms, with a few 1 bedrooms included.

Drawings presented are the early stages of the concept for the project. The conceptual site plan was presented showing a very tight footprint, using the space very efficiently.

Concerns expressed: eco-friendly, energy efficient, pedestrian walkways, play areas, safety, etc. Concession of those attending this meeting are in favor of making the walkway to the south of the building, private for the building for the sake of safety and privacy.

MOTION: EPIC approves the project concept and supports applications for funding, with the understanding that the project will be in consultation with EPIC as the design develops. (CP, MK) passed.

7:45      Participation Agreement and Draft Phase II Action Plan: Business & Resident Survey, Review of Plan, Preliminary                 Approval Motion

In the last two years, one neighborhood went from 53 boarded houses to 144 (2009-2010.) NRP money could possibly have reduced this level of foreclosure, by helping to re-sell these homes. EPIC has created tax income from the housing projects that were created through using our NRP funds. While we are hoping that the legislature will support the bonding bill for projects such as the Phillips Community Center Partnership and Swimming Pool, the uncertainly causes us to set an aggressive schedule for completing our Phase II NRP plan before the close of the legislature.

NRP Survey findings so far:

Residents want to help people that are on the edge (emergency housing needs.)

Residents want us to offer foreclosure assistance.

Residents want us to do other things in addition to housing, i.e. kids programs, swimming pool, etc.

MOTION: EPIC approves  basic concepts and direction of the Draft EPIC NRP Phase II Action Plan. (JB, CW) approved.

Survey will continue to reach more of the neighborhood. Additional focus groups planned. Some with tiny ethnic groups.

Suggested that an addition to the plan would include a vision for transition to a post-petroleum society.

8:05        Food Resource Hub- Bill Kingsbury

Grow your own food - Minneapolis' new organization of neighbors distributing

8:10        Getting ready for EPIC’s 12th Annual meeting April 30th: Planning?? Volunteers?? Board membership??

                Shirley Heyer will be organizing the food for the morning. We will be providing a full healthy breakfast, in part coming              from Open Arms. They have offered a big egg dish. Also Tamales. Need volunteers

8:25       Crime Concerns and Other Livability Issues:

MOTION: EPIC recognizes the situation of heavy industrial bordering residential housing, and (SS, JB) By agreement, this motion was tabled to the next meeting.

There is a CARE grant through the EPA to identify toxins along the minnehaha-hiawatha corridor. Google Hennepin Cty website. for more information.

8:30       Adjournment:

Board Meeting Minutes 04-02

April 2nd, 2011, 10:00 am

First EPIC Board Meeting in the New

East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center 
2307 17th Ave S.

EPIC web address: eastphillips-epic.com

Office: 2536 18th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Present: Carol Pass, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Earl Simms, Rosie Cruz

Guests: Brad Pass, Shirley Heyer, Chiffon Williams

10:00    Introduction:

·         Approval of Agenda (approved)

·        Minutes from EPIC Board Meeting Minutes 3/5/2011 (approved)

10:10    Announcements

·         EPIC General Membership Meeting, April 14th Thursday at EPPCCC 6:30 PM

·         EPIC Annual Meeting- April 30th, 9:30 – 12:00 noon, at EPPCCC

·         Demonstration at the Capitol for Workers’ Democratic Rights to Collective Bargaining, Monday, April 4, 2011, 5 PM, meet at Cathedral Hill and march to the Capital

·         Check out the slide show of the Grand Opening of the East Phillips Park Community Center on our website, The web address is EastPhillips-EPIC

10:20     Housing and Redevelopment-  

              

Greenway Family Housing – Recommendation with caveats

Phoenix Development and PRG will present a concept plan on April 14th to request approval of the plan to move ahead with developing the property. The project is being called "Greenway Family Housing."

12 1-BR, 12 2-BRm 22 3-BR (46 total) units, entryways on the greenway, fenced in outdoor play area (location optional), entry for parking on 16th Avenue, visitor parking off Bloomington Avenue, landscaping.

Amenities that the neighborhood requires include functional balconies (not cosmetic only), a community room, an outdoor play space, and 3-BR units. We will accept the flat facade on the Greenway provided there are functional balconies (1st floor patios). There is tentative agreement to include an exercise room.

MOTION: Recommend endorsement of these plans and design. (MG, CP) approved.

2428 16th Avenue S.- Meetings with Town Home Group??

It appears that the City has not notified neighborhood regarding plans for this property. CP will contact the city and find out if notification is required, and submit EPIC housing requirements to the city.

10:35     Park Programming  – Brad

EPPCCC has been open for about 6 weeks, and programs are ongoing. More programs will be added, including a new program proposed by LL at 1 PM today.

There will be another partner meeting at 11:30 on April 19th (Tues). Lunch will be served. The partnership between the Partners and the Park Board is very important - the Partners will provide programming that the Park Board can't afford.

MOTION: Motion to approved previously moved actions by the Committee of the Whole. (MG, CP) approved

The Park Board laid off three individuals that worked with EPIC in making the EPPCCC a reality.

MOTION: EPIC will send a formal thank you letter and a letter of professional recommendation to carry with their next job application. (Julia Clein Rossler, Judd Rietkirk, Lonnie Nichols) (LL, MG)

10:45     Phillips Community Pool -- Update

The Park Board is working on a contract with Mpls. Swims. The agreement will be signed at the next Park Board meeting.

10:50    NRP Progress: Participation Agreement, Business  Survey, Resident Survey,  Results, Focus Groups, etc.  for Phase Two

Phase II Participation Agreement is completed. Send comments to CP no later than Friday, April 8 (the sooner the better.) CP is working on completing Phase I review, but it is a challenge. All of EPIC's property, archives were lost several years ago including our computers and files. CP has to account for all projects and money spent in the last 12 years.

The Phase II surveys have over 170 responses. The process has been very effective. Focus groups need to be scheduled, hopefully in April.

11:10    EPIC Annual Meeting – Food ?  Music? Where to meet in the new building? Who will run for office?

Food: Breakfast theme, menu tbd (zambus, tamales, breakfast rice stew, grits, donuts/rolls/frybread) . Latino orientation…Open Arms donation?? Super America donation?

MOTION:  EPIC agrees to pay Shirley Heyer $200 to order, arrange payment, print out menu, and arrange delivery by  8:30 April 30th LL, CP, passed

Music: CP

Elections: Rosie, Mary, and Linda - term expires. All will run. Chiffon new again after being gone wants to run.

11:00    NRP Legislation: COIN -

Citizens Organized for Improved Neighborhoods is a registered corporation whose mission is to defend the NRP funds and to return these funds to the neighborhoods. They also work to help all the neighborhoods come together as a group to protect and enhance their common concerns. COIN is currently working to get the SAVE NRP bill passed.

11:05     Opening of the garden listserve

The garden opens on April 9th. You have to sign up to receive a plot. EPIC needs to appoint a steering committee member and an alternate for the garden. Chiffon is appointed, and Carol will be the alternate.

11: 30    Adjournment

General Membership Meeting Minutes 03-10

March 10th, 2011, 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. 

**Our First EPIC Membership Meeting in the new

East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center 
2307 17th Ave S.

EPIC web address: eastphillips-epic.com

Office: 2536 18th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Directors Present: Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Jenny Bjorgo, Earl Simms, Carol Pass,

40 Residents Present: Sign in sheet missing, 12 Somali Elders from the Apartment north of the Park

PARK BOARD PUBLIC MEETING to REVIEW and  COMMENT ON THE DESIGN of the EAST PHILLIPS              PARK ATHLETIC FIELDS RENOVATION PROJECT

Presentation about the fields:

There was not originally funding available for the fields. There was a presentation of a diagram (Concept D) presented showing a baseball field at the north end of the park, and also two soccer fields running side-by-side between the baseball field and the basketball/former tennis courts. The grade of new fields will be raised by 1-2 ft to help with drainage and in-ground irrigation. The soil on the site has been remediated, but now there will be fill added to adjust the grade. High quality field needs time to grow and rest, protection from overuse. Will community accept a fence to protect fields? Will the community respect temporary fencing? Fields need to rest (3 weeks). People must stay off fields when wet. MPRB staff is trained in CPR and safety. Perimeter fencing is okay but needs to provide access.

Comments

• Lighting is needed for all fields and pedestrian areas, along paths and sidewalks, for safety.
• Sidewalks getting here today were slippery and dangerous.
• Some residents would like to restore the tennis courts in the plan.
• Neighborhood has requested separation of baseball field and soccer fields.
• Have requested meeting w/Superintendent Miller about Park safety.
• Fencing between baseball and soccer may be needed.
• Community organizing will be important.
• Temporary fencing OK to protect turf when needed.
• Permanent fencing to protect turf is not desirable.
• Does the PB have the money to pay for programming and maintenance? How does this cost affect other services in the neighborhood?
• Are there alternative turf options that are more resilient?
• Grass is a better solution and more affordable than artificial turf (needs to be replaced every five years at $250K .
• EPIC wants to know if funding is needed, and would like to help.

SPECIAL MOTION: (BP, CW) Passed. We accept and endorse the plan for the fields, and we favor grass over artificial turf and we favor education for the community regarding stewardship of these fields over a huge fence to keep everyone out of the fields. Further, we commit ourselves and will encourage neighborhood elders to foster stewardship of these fields among all residents using these resources. We thank the park board and county for doing this for the neighborhood.

6:30    Introduction:

·        Greetings and Introductions

·         Approval of Agenda (no vote)

·         Minutes from EPIC General Membership Meeting 2/17/2011 (no vote)

7:30        New Classes in the Park and Partnerships: Art Classes, Youth Martial Arts, Basic Soccer and Basketball, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Pottery Classes and more. Al Bangoura and Brad Pass

Park Board is programming based on community need. Continuing to ask people to complete surveys about use of the building, programming, adult, senior, preschool, youth, sports, etc. Seeking quality partnerships with organizations that bring expertise and knowledge.

Science, Arts, Music and Technology

• Institute of Production and Recording. Audio engineering, record CD's, create covers, same technology industry uses
• Screen Printing. A local teacher
• Music - we want to bring music into this neighborhood. Partner with McPhail Music
• New Kiln. Pottery programs

Family Programming

• Family Night - Wednesdays. The whole building. Parent-Tot Time - afternoons

Sports

• Baseball, Soccer camp, Basketball camp, Girls Softball, Golf, Tennis

Seniors

• Rotunda was created especially for seniors to come in and sit down during the day,
• Any rooms can be booked for programming
• International Neighbor Women's Tea Time

Comments

• Senior exercise
• Climbing opportunities for children

7:40      Phillips Community Center Partnership and Swimming Pool – Minneapolis Swims receives 501©(3).                  

             Bill submitted to the legislature by Rep. Karen Clark. Hand outs,  Q & A, Next Steps

Distributed Minneapolis Swims Facts on Swimming including map of Metro Area and indoor/outdoor pools. There is a bonding bill that is being put forward to fund our pool.

6:40    Announcements:

• NRP Task Force – If you want join this committee, Contact Carol Pass, 612- 280-8418
• Discuss greater participation
• focus groups, helping, taking minutes
• Meeting times will be announced, and will be arranged to match schedules of committee members.
• EPIC NPI  Grant Received $10,000 granted and received. EPIC won this grant over 43 other applicants. about 3-4 grants were given out.

7:50        NRP Phase II Survey: Business & Resident Survey

Distributed Resident Survey and EPIC discussed and presented ideas for the Future Action Plan EPIC projects, and the need to contract Phase II monies before the city tries to take away the other half of our NRP allocation. Everyone did the survey and expressed opinions,  which they noted on their forms. EPIC will try to follow the tight time line in the Participation Agreement, Survey will continue, trends determined and a DRAFT NRP PHASE II ACTION PLAN will be offered for early review at  the April 14th EPIC community meeting.

BLOOMINGTON-LAKE CLINIC

MOTION: (CP, CW) Passed. Contact the head of clinic and city officials and others (possibly Alina) and request that they do everything in their power to bring our clinic back.

8:00        Housing and Redevelopment Update: 

• Greenway Apartments - EPIC’s Final NRP Building Project
• Habitat House: 2428 16TH Ave. S. apparently was sold today.
• 2620 17th Ave. S. (PRG is looking at it.) - very nice but needs a lot of rehab.

8:10        Opening of the Community Garden: 

Notice of first garden meeting April 9 at 9 am has gone out to the former gardeners. There will be several lots available, send an email to Brad at bpass @usinternet.com. The soil has been maintained organic. The plot fee will be about $35 per plot if it remains the same as last year. Goal is to keep the garden affordable for all.

8:15        Crime Concerns and Other Livability Issues:

Distributed a map of the impact on Minneapolis Neighborhood NRP Funds. The map clearly shows that all of the 15 neighborhoods that have lost over $4.1M, will receive only $787,016 in property tax relief. All of the neighborhoods receiving over $2.1M in property tax relief will lose less than $1.4M in NRP funding.

SH: An innocent victim of a shooting several years ago, passed away from complications of the shooting. Asked that EPIC send condolences to the mother of the victim.

8:25       Getting ready for the Annual Meeting Volunteers??? Board membership?? On April 30th

We need a couple new board members. Contact Carol to obtain an application and agreement. Meetings are scheduled the 2nd Thursday of each month. cpass@runbox.com.

8:30       Adjournment:

Board Meeting Minutes 03-05

March 5th, 2011, 10:00 am

Welna Hardware Board Room

EPIC web address: eastphillips-epic.com

Office: 2536 18th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Present: Carol Pass, Jenny Bjorgo, Rosie Cruz, Mary Gonsior, Linda Leonard, Earl Simms,

Residents: Brad Pass, Chiffon Williams, Rep. Karen Clark

Guests: Kasa Hohenstein, American Indian OIC student, Brad Pass. Tim Lott,

10:00    Introduction:

·     Approval of Agenda (approved)

·        Minutes from EPIC Board Meeting Minutes 2/5/2011 (approved)

10:10    Announcements

·         EPIC General Membership Meeting, March 10th THURSDAY

·         At the new EPPCCC, 6:30 pm

·         Every 2nd Thursday is reserved for EPIC from 6:00 - 9:00 PM for the next 5 years.

·         Check out the slide show of the Grand Opening of the East Phillips Park Community Center on our website, The web address is EastPhillips-EPIC

10:20    Park Board Public Meeting to Review the Athletic Field Designs

Even if we have to make slightly smaller than Olympic size playing fields, all groups would compromise to accommodate separate playing fields for baseball and baseball (as opposed to overlapping fields.) There will be one baseball field and two soccer fields. The soccer fields can also be used together to create an Olympic sized field. All parties have come on board with this plan, and now the Park Board asked EPIC to hold a public meeting. The Park Board will take the first 15-20 minutes of the Mar. 10 EPIC meeting.

Discussed fencing. There is going to be a problem with overuse of these facilities. Critical importance is to maintain these fields - grass, etc. The Park Board will be in favor of fencing in order to facilitate scheduling of use, watering, and maintenance. There will be some fencing along the highway side. Other fencing has not been discussed in terms of restricting access to the fields.

Motion: (CP, RC) EPIC will clarify the PB's intentions regarding fencing, prior to the hearing, and forward them the questions that came up at this meeting. Passed.

 Fencing, overuse, scheduling, public availability.

10:30     Park Programs that are going…and new ones coming...EPIC youth programs.

EPIC submitted a grant application to CURA/NPI for $10,000 to assist the Somali Amer Community(SAC), EPIC and Midtown neighborhoods agree in the grant to organize to identify and prioritize problems, carry out solutions, and build leadership in the community. CP pointed out we may not get this grant. At present the Somalis are facing a lot of issues. CP suggests that we begin our plan to collaborate with various groups as stated in our CPP Plan, especially SAC.

Motion: (LL/JB)  EPIC agrees to assist the Somali American Community (SAC)by collaborating in community organizing to seek solutions for their issues and assist in their youth sports, crime control and other issues by forming an agreement for use of the 2011 CPP funding of $2,000 set aside for this purpose in our CPP grant. Passed

Security Concerns, some gangs turning up at the basket ball courts..warm weather. Some bullying

Motion: (LL, JB) EPIC requests that the park issue adult ID's for this CSA for the purpose of tracking adult participation, encouraging family participation, increasing security, notification of programs, and registration of programs. Passed.

Motion: (LL, JB) EPIC encourages our CSA to intentionally schedule and promote family-based, intergenerational programming and activities. Passed.

These motions will be directed to Director of our CSA, Director of EPPCCC, and the PCPI, and ratified by the EGM.

Programming: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Youth Martial Arts, and Park Board programs are starting to run. EPP Programming Partnership will start in April.

10:30     Phillips Community Pool.

A map of existing pools in the Park system exist in affluent neighborhoods. The map highlights the unequal access of lower income residents to a foundational life skill for health, safety and education through swimming. Support for bonding/funding for the Phillips Community Pool is being solicited and is looking hopeful.

10:35       NRP Business  Survey and Focus Groups  for Phase II -

Jenny and Chiffon are making good progress on the business survey, as well as publicizing the activities of EPIC. CP distributed copies of the final residents' survey and asked for comments to be submitted to CP. CW reported that the home-daycare operators expressed much more concern about neighborhood issues, as they are living in the neighborhood as well as operating businesses in the neighborhood. Surveying and outreach going well.

10:50       NRP Legislation:

The neighborhoods on the NRP policy board have drafted a bill to try to lobby through the legislature to stop the city from taking money from all the neighborhoods. We are going to work on lobbying, Sen. Kelash (Senate), Rep. Mullery (House) are authors. The next step, if this fails, is to file a lawsuit.

11:00     Housing and Redevelopment-  

·   Greenway Apartments-

·      reviewed several plans proposed by BKV group, discussed suggestions for improvement.

·   2620 17th Avenue S.-

·      Nice house - it has 4 br, large yard, nat. woodwork. working with PRG to try to save.

·      Motion: (CP, JB) EPIC supports saving existing housing in East Phillips and having time to find developers to rehab. Passed.

·         2428 16th Avenue S.-

·         City owns this house and wants to sell to Habitat for tear-down and replacement.

·        EPIC's questions: is there a garage? can the roof-line conform to EPIC goals. is it worth it to tear down   a house to replace it?

·         CP and Brad will request access to the existing building.

·         Motion: (CP, JB) EPIC will amend our Housing Requirements to include energy conservation and green development. Passed.

11:15     Opening of the garden listserve

The first garden meeting will be April 9th at 9 AM at the garden. Must be there to sign up for a lot. CP expressed hope that the garden committee would encourage diversity in the group of gardeners.

11:25    Getting ready for the Annual Meeting - We hope to hold the annual meeting on April 30th at the new park building. We have funds this year for music and food this year.

11: 30    Adjournment