General Membership Meeting Minutes 05-08

May 8th, 2014, 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

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers,

but most of all the world needs dreamers who do.”

Board Members Present: Carol Pass, Jean Howard , Earl Simms, Mary Gonsior, Linda Leonard , Ali Micalin, Cesar Prado, Jennie Bjorgo, Rosie Cruz                               

EPIC Members: Laura Dale, Lee Samuels, Brad Pass, Andrew Fahlstrom, Alondra Cano                   
Guests:  Don Greeley, Sgt. Mike Fry, Carrie and Richard Aspinwall

6:35         Introductions:

·      Greetings and Introductions

·      Approval of Agenda without dissent at 6:40

·      Approval of April 10th, 2014 minutes  Brad and Laura Moved and seconded and passed 6:45

·      Carol distributed annual meeting minutes; Jean and Andrew moved to approve; motion passed.

·      Members moved to amend the agenda to give Councilmember Cano time to interact with the community.

The business on Lake Street: La Que Bueno; The city was facing an expensive and on-going legal battle to close the business; they are forced to have cameras; a security guard if more than 24 people are there; intoxicated individuals not allowed; parking lot must be closed by 10 pm; City hopes to restrict negative activity and set some bench marks; no more live entertainment; until Sept the food license is limited for serving times;

Inspectors will visit regularly and fees assessed for violations.

One year to reapply for live entertainment.

They close at 2 am.

In September they may be allowed to serve food late again.

Mary asked for Alondra to find out about locking the parking lot and why it can’t be done..

Council member Cano will keep us informed and the community and third precinct will reassess the situation together.

Don Greeley explained that the gate can’t be locked because of apartments and truck access.

Brad asked if the requirements are set in stone because of the camera discussion to follow in our agenda. The agreement is already signed and the business will have a camera only in the back.

Councilmember Cano asked if we want to try to amend so the front is covered as well because there are other problems on the block. Perhaps they would be willing to host the camera. Lee asked where it might be mounted. Shirley mentioned that if people don’t park in the back, where will they park after ten pm? Perhaps they will be towed if they park at Salvation Army.

CPS Karen Knox who works with Don will be able to answer some of our questions.

Mary asked about towing. Srgt Mike explained that it requires property owners to post and enforce towing. He explained that some street parking might be limited if the neighborhood makes a plan.

Don explained that the agreement means that employees can park in the lot even after ten pm.

The Councilmember said that she scheduled a meeting with the owners and they didn’t come.

Carol expressed an interest in having the business come to our member meeting.

Sherman and Associates

EPIC’s project on Bloomington Avenue that started as live/work units with three stories. We tried to sell them just as we entered the housing collapse. The first buyers were convicted of crime and lost the contracts. Basements have been in for about 5 years.

There is a lot of Latino discussion about PPL and another agency and the Mercado. There isn’t a market analysis; the economic development there is not carefully planned rather than a project that is built and not cohesively integrated into the corridor.  There are empty buildings on Lake Street. The question is how to work with Sherman and Associates to engage the Latino Cultural corridor  concept.  One model is the Cultural Corridor economic development on Native Americans and similarly the Somali community on Franklin.  How to include Fairview University that owns a lot of land is involved. There are Plaza Verde and Heart of the Beast  and many others as strategic players and partners.  Bringing deep sustainability and a healthy culture with a bike culture and less traffic smog, etc……

An interim plan that might be a plaza and something functional but not long term would perhaps get rid of the eyesore.

Carol pointed out that ultimately we need a developer that will be inventive. Can Sherman let the property go? Find a different developer? Buy them out?

Answer: There may be interested buyers and the Red Lake group might want to move to the Native Indian Corridor.

Council Member thinks the Latino community has considerable energy and interest and connections but no plan yet. Our community needs .  Alondra is looking for a staff  person to anchor the discussions and planning process. We will be notified about that. East Phillips will be invited to take part in the discussions.

Neighborhoods can take initiative in the interim plan.

Shirley noted that there was a plan that this corridor was part of in the past. She thinks those people should be stakeholders: PRG; Powderhorn Park; East and Midtown Phillips.

There is a plan for 11^th to 15^th by Midtown and Powderhorn Park which includes Spirit of Lakes which is adjacent to this four corners.

.

Saturday the 2700 block of 17^th has a party we can come to]

Great Street Scape grant. It might work with the Bloomington Avenue development plan.

7:25:            Announcements:

·      Gardening Matters Plant Distribution: May 17th, Amer. Indian Center 9 am-noon

·      EPIC SummerFest – June 22nd, in East Phillips Park, 1:00 to 8:00 pm

·      EPIC General Membership Meeting – June 12th, 6:30 - 8:45 pm

·      Midtown neighborhood July 26 at Stewart park party as part of aquatennial

·      Global Market July 19^th  as part of aquatennial

·      PowWow Mother’s Day all weekend $5 but free under 14 and over 50

7:15     Crime & Safety: Don Greeley. Updates on the crime Situation.

            17 robberies last week; many concentrated on Lake; Many victims are Latino. There are robbery prevention materials Don gave out to Latino business owners and asked some businesses and CUHC clinic

to distribute flyers.  One victim was a woman carrying $1,400 in cash.  This week there were fewer robberies and 4 arrests.

Carol asked about timing: 1-3 am people coming home alone from work late at night; or late night

Don said an email went out to 50 plus Latino organizations including churches across the city to educate and help the Latino community.

There were 8-10 prostitution arrests in a Lake street sting.

Register your bike through 311!!!!  There are lots of stolen bikes. Thousands are auctioned every year because they are not registered.  6,000 announcements went out today to the email list he has. There is no licensing any more. Get good locks. Lock the bike correctly.

Don had meetings at Global Market about security. They need trespassing control over restrooms and misc. folks. They may hire a security company. There is concern about panhandling; people sleeping in bathrooms;

Mike Fry would like to have two bikes purchased. Sargent Dave ?? would send us information. It is $1,800 for an equipped bike.  He indicated that the Greater Phillips area would have primary access to these patrols but that the bikes would also need to go where needed. There are many certified bike officers. Two more are needed now. An officer is assigned to a particular bike. These will be for the response team.

MOTION: Moved by Linda and seconded by Mary: EPIC spend $1,800 for a police bike and challenge Midtown to do the same. Motion Passed

Jean commented that Little Earth thinks police visibility is a big deterrent. Mike agreed that walking patrols do help. She asked about horses and he explained more are needed downtown for crowd control.

Mike suggested we make a list of community home cameras and video recordings so we can coordinate data in the event of a particular crime.

Brad asked about source of funding. Carol  pointed out a budget that still has three thousand dollars appropriated and funds are available.

Andrew thinks we have to have more discussion about priority plans and these funds.

Carrie said we have 70,000 in program money that can be moved around with plan modifications. We have over $300,000 available too.

Andrew wanted to see the document that verifies the data from recent priority plan input from the last member meeting and the annual meeting. Carol says she has compiled the data but not published it.

8:03            Elements of a Public Safety/Crime focused Priority Plan –

The discussion began in an ambiguous manner and progressed as we tried to figure out how to manage all of these topics .

Mary asked for patience with the Board because of its recent formation.

 Margaret mentioned all the block clubs and ways to network with them about collecting information that would be relevant to many of these challenges.

Andrew suggested forming a committee to help work with each of these topics as a way to manage division of labor.

Carol suggested a crime task force.

Shirley spoke about a task force being important to attack problems right away.

Carrie has a list of financials to the treasurer.  She reinforced the idea of a facilitated discussion about the whole set of strategies for crime control. She is willing to help with those discussions because of her coordination of the Weed and Seed program.

***  Carrie submitted the financials to the treasurer.

+++  Don Greeley offered to assist with a number of the topics and facilitating a task force.

 Linda suggested that the Board is responsible for the assignment of a task force and that the board should follow a template to issue to the people who want to work on the task force.

Brad suggested we send around the sign up sheet to see who wants to work on the task force.

Comments were made about members of the community and residents being recruited to      work  on various projects.

Walking and Driving Patrols.

       List Problem Properties (vacant and used for negative purposes).

       Buying Bikes for 3rd Precinct Police.

       Burned-out Street light reporting, new street lights in places.

       Cameras: Placement, Type and Cost.

       Research discounted cameral for home-owner installation(Funds?)

       Collecting ‘Hot Spot’ locations for Police and our surveillance.

       Creating Telephone Trees for 911 collaborations.

       Lobbying City Hall Somali, Hmong, Spanish-speaking Dispatchers.

       Have police train us for how to make effective 911 Calls.

       The EPIC Board meet with Powderhorn Leadership re Lake Street issues.

Linda suggested that the Board create a template for the task force on crime. By consensus we agreed that the board should create this document and then call upon the people who volunteer tonight to serve.

Brad asked if we could have a block club list and Don explained that it is illegal to distribute

8:25             Review funding, NRP and CPP, for this project. This was incorporated into the previous discussion and the submission of the documents to the treasurer

8:27    Update on EPIC and other ongoing projects:

 Greenway Heights Apartments, Bloomington Ave building,

2830 Cedar, The day care center just got their loan Alondra said, but we’ve heard that before. EPIC needs tangible information that this is going to happen. In four years we have seen no progress on this project.

Linda asked if the membership wanted us to send a letter to the owner. The consensus was “yes” with a request to board it; for a timeline; for a report about progress in the last year.

Triangle Building by Lake Street Station, Mary asked about the walking tour of the intersection by Lake Street and Linda was asked as secretary to see if we could get a report about the outcome of the walk.

the swimming pool: Carrie hasn’t heard anything about Native American Tribal funding for the pool project; Alondra talked about hearing that there would be a million dollar gift.

Carrie wants her tribe to consider purchasing property on Bloomington and in investing in the pool. Carrie is with Leech Lake.

Carol expressed concern that local kids won’t get to learn to swim or use the pool because the large paying constituents may take up the time.

Ryan Companies is building a lot of development in East Minneapolis. Kraus Anderson is going to build the parking lot and new amenities. Carol is thinking the pool could be an amenity to that location and that the contractors  could make philanthropic donations to the project.

Shirley said she’s approached Ryan several times in the past 4 years and they won’t ,so it would take a multi-collaborative approach to the “ask”.

8:40             Adjourned

Board Meeting Minutes 05-03

May 3rd, 2014, Saturday, 10:00 pm

East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center

EPIC web address:  www.eastphillips-epic.com

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

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers,

but most of all the world needs dreamers who do.”

Present board members: Mary Gonsior (chaired), Carol Pass, Jenny Bjorgo, Jeanne Howard, Cesar Prado, Linda Leonard, Rosie Cruz, Ali Macalin

Absent board members: Earl Simms
Members: Brad Pass

Guest: Carrie Aspinwall

10:00             Introduction:  Meeting was called to order at 10:02

Approval of Agenda - The Agenda was approved with a change moving the duties of officers and election of officers up to after a discussion of Robert’s Rules.

·      April 5th EPIC Board Minutes were read and approved.

10:07             Fun Time: We played two truths and a lie to get to know each other. We decided we all won.

10:30  EPIC goals, history, philosophy: Carol made notebooks for everyone, which included sections for bylaws; policies and procedures; garden. Programming and partnership; and minutes

Carol distributed the EPIC NRP Phase One Review and NRP Phase Two Action Plan. She discussed how Priority Plans and the Phase Two Plan could work together.

Mary added that as a point of order this is a different agenda item.

We considered what the goals of the EPIC neighborhood organization are, what we are called on to do.

Mary read the Mission Statement in Article II. Carol offered some history of East Phillips and finances. She explained that under People of Phillips, money allocated for all of Phillips went almost entirely to West Phillips, leaving out Midtown and East Phillips as well as Ventura Village. This rightfully angered people.

When we began anew as just ‘East Phillips’, we kept that in mind. We tried to space out the building projects so each area  got some focus and new buildings. We put in houses in different places. East Phillips Commons on Lake and Bloomington;  Townhomes on E 24^th;  Little Earth renovation; Building for Native American elders;  one in progress on Bloomington.

She pointed out that our way of operating is to try to share resources across the neighborhood and to assist all our diverse groups. We wanted to achieve fairness. Another operating principle is to minimize administrative expenses and to conserve funds for projects much needed by the neighborhood.  

10::45  Bylaws, Obligations:We noted page 9 for Duty of Care; Loyalty; and Obedience

By consent we moved on to duties of officers.

Carrie brought bylaw information . CPP  funding requires different criteria for Bylaws.  Moved and second to move this discussion to another time by tabling it.

11:07  Election of Officers- We distributed job descriptions from material from Board Source and Nathan Garber’s  job descriptions and mentioned  that a Crime committee chair is needed. 

Each person was invited to speak about what they thought about serving as an officer. Jean and Cesar expressed a desire to learn more before considering an officer position. Rosie talked about not wanting to be an officer and that her responsibilities in court were very demanding. Ali echoed the concerns for family obligations that he and Rosie both have. They want to participate but not take officer responsibilities.

We made a consensus agreement for training to chair meetings.

Jean has had experience chairing and would like to do that. Jenny would like to have formal training.  Mention was made of Board Training with MAPS.

Carol talked about board chair responsibilities that require lots of writing. The Xcel challenge is an example of how the organization had to write documents for court and testify.

Linda said she would be willing to perform secretary responsibilities.

Mary would be willing to give up chair responsibilities. She is shouldering two officer positions because someone resigned. Mary has accounting training and is willing to serve as an officer as needed.

Jenny nominated a slate and seconded by Jean:

Carol as President

Jenny as VP

Mary as Treasurer

Linda as Secretary

Passed unanimously

Carol walked us through the book she handed out: Policies and Procedures [Mary asked Carrie why there are so many acronyms and Carrie offered to send a three page handout.]; EPIC garden; Programming and partnership.

We noted June 22 for our East Phillips cultural celebration and the need for help in program options.

Robert’s Rules of Order…….

Carol distributed a recent edition of Webster’s  New World  Robert’s Rules of Order.  She pointed out that our Board is advisory and that the membership votes on everything major.

We looked at some of Robert’s Rules and the back of the Phase II Plan and Charts regarding our survey.

12:00 The meeting was adjourned at noon.

EPIC 15th Annual Meeting Minutes 04-12

EPIC 15th Annual Meeting Minutes

April 12th, 2014

East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center

2307 17th Ave. S.

Attending Board Members: Rosie Cruz, Jennie Bjorgo, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Earl Simms, Ali Micalin, Carol Pass

EPIC Members: Gloria Kordian, Carol June Leonard, Tammy Skinaway, Ishmail Amin, Jessica Rodriguez, Adrian Rodriguez, Hannah Sheu, Harriet Weyhaus, Stephanie Allen, Aden Awil, Twyla Weyhaus Alice Solheim, Brad Pass, Hannah Lieder, Kevin Lieder, Mary-Juanita Leonard, Pat Fleetham, Sherzad Kordian, Paul Dale, Laura Dale, J. Jones, Andrew Fahlstrom, Kyla Sisson, Alondra Cano, Lola Lallont, Purna Poudel, Rose Roberts, Kathryn G., Lee Samelson, Karen Clark, Rachel Thompson, Baylen Wagner, Maggie Ewing, Carla Irwin, Chiffon Williams, Vanessa Howard, Ken Rasimsi, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Jean Howard, Paul Pacheco, Cesar Prado, Rodney Richardson, Angela Cruz, Blass Murillo Agnioto, Guadalupe Mestizo, Alfonso Cruz, Itreyo Vasquez, Rito Dias, Robert Czernik, Luce Guillon-Ginis, William Gilman, Cassandra Solis-Corona, Viviana Rodriguez, Madeline Shaw, Clara Emma, Kelly Trius, Carol Hill, Darius Walksout, Carol Thomas, Ruth Vasquez, Edith Vasquez, Rick Thompson, Harvey Winje, Amy Pass, Lal Motey, Duka Chapagai, Dhan Maya, Jhamke, David, Julieta, John  Mortenson, Eric Immler, Jenny Fey, Rhea Blue Arm, Gabriel Pass, Norman Berry, Tulsha Neupane, Del Motey, Tulsi Mainali, Glenda Vermillion, Pauli Weikle, Cedric Wash, Imelda Riera, Erica Sshultz, Pogehonda, Greg Richardson, Filiberto Onofre, Ernestina Guadadalupe, Guadalupe Martinez, Gloria Reyes Marquez, Latana Becton, Francisca Pass, Rosie Roberts, Muckwa Roberts, Becky Wessman, About 15 non-signers…mostly Somalis, Nepalia and others

Guests:  Scott Vreeland, Robert Thompson, Peter Mclaughlin, Shirley Heyer, Cheryl Morgan-Spenser, Aisha Gomez, Jana Metge, Segundo Chogllo, Mariano Jiminez, Carrie Aspinwall, Richard Aspinwall

9:30 – 10:00            Breakfast: Ethnic Foods representing Latino, Somali and EuroAmerican traditions,  Chief Chef: Sherzad Kordian volunteered his talents, many neighborhood volunteers helped in the kitchen and served their neighbors.

Photo-slide show highlighting EPIC events, accomplishments and residents ran throughout the meeting.

Displays from Mpls. Swims, EPIC Programs and Developments, Mpls. Community Action Energy Assistance, Peace Coffee, Welna Hardware

10:00-10:10              WELCOME- Brad Pass delivered opening remarks

                       

INTRO INFORMATION

·                          Agenda- Explanation of the Election Process, Nomination, Applications, Requirements to be a board Member. BALLOTS

·                          Ballots- Handed out and Explained

·                          Current Board Members- introduced.

·                          Members running for election- were introduced and gave speeches explaining why they wanted to be a Board Member.

·                          Voting took place.

10:35 –10: 40     Discussion of EPIC’s Future Goals and the Priority Plan Concept, connection with NRP Phase II Plan

10:40 -11:00   THE SWIMMING POOL PROJECT – Hannah Lieder, MplsSwims

DOOR PRIZES

11:00 – 11:20  THE HOME REHAB PROGRAM- Explained

DOOR PRIZE

11:40       RESULTS OF VOTING – New Board Members are: Jean Howard & Cesar Prado,

                                                             Re-elected Board Members are: Rosie Cruz, Jennie Bjorgo,                                                             Carol Pass

FINAL DOOR PRIZE – The Famous Webber Grill – the BEST ONE.                                               

11:45                  ADJOURN

General Membership Meeting Minutes 04-10

April 10th 2014, Thursday, 6:30 pm

East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center

EPIC web address:  www.eastphillips-epic.com

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

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers,

but most of all the world needs dreamers who do.”

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

Absent board members:, Sherdl Koridan, Aisha Gomez, Ali Macalin

Members: Brad Pass, Alfonso Cruz, Alondra Cano, Mickey Sheu, Maggie Ewing, Hannah Lieder, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Eric Immler

Guests: Shirley Heyer, Don Greeley, Segundo Choglio, Mateo Castro

                 

Linda Leonard Chaired; Mary Gonsior was minute taker.

6:45            Introductions:

·       Greetings and Introduction

o   Because a large crowd was present, introduced directors of EPIC

o   Shared “Hello, neighbor” in several languages.

·       Approval of Agenda (Passed)

o   Added item for petition for allowing all Minnesotan’s to apply for a Driver’s License

§  Petitions passed around by consensus approval of the group

o   Add Antonio Lopez to the report from RC on Matheo Castro.

·       Approval of March 13, 2014 Minutes (Passed)

6:55            Announcements

·       EPIC Annual Meeting – Saturday, April 12^th, 9:30 – 11:30

o   Volunteers needed; Building opens at 7:00 am, food/cooking begins at 7:30 am.

o   Answered questions about nominations process, and gave a short history of EPIC’s rise from the ashes back in 2006.

·       Greenway. On May 3, Arbor Day, Tree Trust is organizing a planting of trees on either side of the ramp going up the Sabo Bridge. Volunteers are needed 9:00 am – Noon. Volunteers can just show up. Come early for coffee and rolls.

7:40            Elements of a Crime focused Priority Plan – Brainstorming

End of 2013 we saw a significant decrease in crime in Phillips neighborhoods and south of Lake street precinct. Since March there has been an increase, especially in assaults and robberies.

Crime map. While dots on a map do not reflect how crime affects a community or how a crime victim is affected. But wants you to know how the wider area is affected, and how E. Phillips specifically is affected by crime.

The entire greater Phillips neighborhood is represented on the crime map. The blue triangles and blue squares are robberies and aggravated assaults. You can see that E.Phillips has experienced several of each over the past month (March). Another hot area for these crimes is Chicago and Franklin. Turning the map over, you will see “nails” indicating   locations for part 2 crimes, which represents prostitution, johns, and narcotics arrests. You can see where Police are doing proactive work making arrests, especially Franklin Ave and the Lake St & Hiawatha intersection. Police want to install a camera at Bloomington Ave and Lake St, to get an eye on the street. These cameras generally give an eye on the street, and also provide a deterrent to crime. We don’t have the cameras yet. All cameras were   removed from the street over the winter, as they don’t operate well in cold weather…

Our beat officers (5 diverse individuals) are moving around in the prioritized areas. This was the most officers that I could obtain. There is some diversity, and they are all volunteers to this “beat”. This is a hard position, because it covers the large area of “greater Phillips”, but these are the neighborhoods that need the most attention. When they come and walk, they are not here for a long time because they are getting pulled away to other areas. But we understand that we need officers of diversity for this area. We also understand that the neighborhood is interested in providing some bicycles for these officers. We have three officers now who have completed training, but don’t have bikes right now, which cost about $1,500. These officers would be riding bikes in Sector 1 (Greater Phillips neighborhoods), not just East Phillips.

Precinct just doesn’t have the staff to provide 8-10 beat officers as we’ve had in the past.

CP. Neighborhood ran a patrol on the worst corner for 2 .5 years, and we don’t know if we could do that again. We would like the police to provide enough patrols to keep the crime from becoming entrenched in specific spots in our community.

RC. Bus stops at 29^th and Bloomington at 6:10, 6:30, 7:10 am is a real problem area.

Q. If someone calls about someone experiencing an overdose, response is to arrive and assist medical; nothing else. An OD report will be written up, but that report is not for the purpose of follow up for charges. EMT’s carry narchem, but officers do not.

Q. Does the crime camera push crime out to the surrounding blocks. Yes, and so does having police focus on specific areas. But that is why the police watch the activity closely and plan appropriate changes. The goal is to send the message, don’t come back here.

Q. (Translated) We all know that the Latino community in the neighborhood is very significant and we don’t trust the Police. Understanding there is no trust, what can we do to avoid crime and to help to reduce crime?

(LL, Nepali community is coming from a culture where police oppress the people, but are learning to trust the police.)

A. I’m saddened to learn that that is how you and others feel. I understand and believe you, and I’m sorry. It is on the police department to reach out to the Latino community to let you know that we care. And we want to work with you. To repeat, I’m sorry that there isn’t that trust, and as the commander of the precinct, I will work on that with my supervisors and my officers to fix that. But for tonight, I can assure you, please do not be afraid to call 911. The police department does not keep track of who calls 911, for ANY purposes for retribution, or to get back at anybody. We will work with you.

RC, Thank you for being here, and I would like to see you more often here. Thank you for every resident who is here – I want to see you here more too. Her God-daughter was walking home and was attacked, raped and cut with a knife. Only becfause there were some children witnesses, the assailants ran away. The woman is now too afraid to leave her home, sit on her porch or go out into her yard. All neighborhoods have groups that fight sometimes, but we have to stop; we have to be united, stop fighting with each other. Let us try to see how we can resolve our differences. Please talk to one another. Language is a problem, sometimes. We need more police patrolling, we need more lights, there are many dark places in the neighborhood. It is true that sometimes people don’t report because they are afraid, because they have a warrant, etc. They don’t want to sign any papers. Language and culture is the barrier. Translations are not always communicated well, or understood clearly, correctly. We need to work together (community and police department.

Q. Number of Spanish language police officers in the Department (4?).

Alondra Cano Updates:

AC. Committing bringing the policing aspect together with the health aspect and the community aspect of crime prevention, to work on holistic approaches to addressing crime.

Update on request for Crime Camera for Cedar Field Park.

There is a very limited budget for Cameras, costing about $36,000-$38,000. Ventura Village is working on a purchase of a smaller semi-portable camera, but also needs to pick up the cost of maintenance and moving the camera. The police are the only ones who can view the footage but the community can decide where to mount the camera. Xcel Energy would not allow these cameras to be mounted on their Poles, The Park Board decided to provide the pole for the camera. Once Ventura Village completes this project they will have a blueprint that other neighborhoods can use, for less than half the cost.

Little Earth is in need of outside sources for helping with security to bolster their own security budget.

U-Visa

Translation of Nominations documents before the annual meeting.

8:00            Problem Property – Possible purchase by Linda Leonard

LL requesting permission to negotiate the purchase of a long-standing problem home. Normally the building would go up for auction. In an attempt to prevent this property from going to a “negative” owner, Linda would like to negotiate for purchasing this property. There is no guarantee that the sale would be finalized, but negotiations would release information needed such as a Truth in Housing, and other reports. This has taken a ton of work, to get the county to release the property from the auction, and we have our council member’s approval, and now need the neighborhood’s approval. Now that we have figured this out we might want to do this again.

MOTION: Grant permission to LL to negotiate to purchase this property. (Passed.)

8:30            Annual Meeting – Volunteers needed

Nominations, if turned in by Friday, can be printed on the ballot

Friday starting at 7:00 PM

Saturday morning at 7:00 AM

Meeting starts at 9:30 am.

Regular meetings are the 2^nd Thursday of each month.

8:45            Adjournment

Board Meeting Minutes 04-05

April 5, 2014, Saturday, 1:00 pm

East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center

EPIC web address:  www.eastphillips-epic.com

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

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers,

but most of all the world needs dreamers who do.”

Present board members: Linda Leonard (chaired), Carol Pass, Rosie Cruz, Ali Macalin, Jenny Bjorgo

Absent board members: Earl Sims, Sherdl Kordian, Mary Gonsior

Members: Brad Pass

1:00             Introduction:

·      Approval of Agenda -Consensus

·      Approval of the March 1st EPIC Board Minutes; These minutes are nonpublic from a closed meeting              about grievances.

1:10              Board Training: Discussion: Barry Rogers, Possible Board Training Consultant;. U Notre Dame degree in accounting and finance; CPA; with multicultural affiliations. Turned in a proposal. We want him to send us information about the content and time frames and cost of various components of Board training.  What materials will he provide? He is familiar with NRP. We could ask for training about Robert’s Rules of Order too. The city NCR office is an option. Maybe both? We could ask to get through the vagueness of a lot of rules.

1:20             East Phillips Commons Project, 2931 : See Elevations, seek buyer. We looked at the floor plan and elevations. There is space for two small businesses and living quarters on the second floor. The price is $275.000 for the larger proposal of 3 bedrooms; It may be $175,000 for the other smaller option.

Board members are going to look for buyers.

1:30            Problem Properties - Deposition of 2527 18th Single Family House: 

Jenny made a motion to support Linda Leonard purchasing the property from the city. Linda recused herself from the vote for conflict of interest. Motion passed after a second from Rosie Cruz.

1: 50            CPP Budget for 2014 and  Priority Plans -

We looked at a proposed EPIC operating budget from  2005. It’s clear that we have saved a lot of money by being a volunteer organization.   We looked at a possible EPIC 2014 operating budget. We took a guess at what we might budget for minimal financial staff and office supplies and events, outreach, and programs. HABITAT and PRG would be options for housing and empty lots if the community wanted to do that.

We looked at a chart of the priority plan process. Should use the Annual Meeting to survey for Priority Plans.

2:15            Annual Meeting: EPIC Slate, Food Donations

April 12.  There are 5 positions open. Carol, Rosie, Jenny, Laura Dale and Gloria R and someone on E 26^th want to run. Rosie will ask Sherzad if he could help as he did last year. Shirley Heyer offered to do food.

Motion: Carol moved to offer Shirley Heyer $250 to arrange Annual Meeting breakfast. Rosie second, Passed

2:30             EPIC’s current position regarding Grievances : the meeting will be closed at this point.

            Any visitors would be asked to leave but there aren’t any.

             This part of the business  meeting is confidential and not for public report.

·      The Grievance Process

·      Our response

·      City Involvement

·      Current Situation

2:40            Adjourn