EPIC Board Meeting Minutes 08 - 06

August 6th, 10:00 am -12:00

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

EPIC web address: eastphillips-epic.com

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

Phone: (612) 280-8418

Board Roster: Jenny Bjorgo, Rosie Cruz, Laura Dale, Shawna Dillon, Mary Gonsior, Kristin Hanks, Linda Leonard, Margarita Ortega, Carol Pass.

Board Members Present: Jenny Bjorgo, Mary Gonsior, Kristin Hanks, Linda Leonard, Carol Pass.

Board Members Not Present: Rosie Cruz (E), Laura Dale (E), Shawna Dillon, Margarita Ortega(E).

EPIC Members: Brad Pass, Khadga B. Poudel, Michael Green dropped off a request but did not stay for the meeting.

Guests: Shirley Heyer

10:20   MOTION: Meet as a committee of the whole. Passed.

Quorum Achieved 10:25

Introductions:

·       Greetings and Introductions.

·       Approval of Agenda: Approved.

·       Approval of Minutes from July 2nd, 2016, (Not available; CP will distribute via email.)

10:33   Announcements:

• Next EPIC Membership Meeting, August 11th, East Phillips Park, Thursday 6:30 pm.

• Next EPIC Board meeting, Sept. 10th, East Phillips Park, Saturday, 10:00 am.

10:35      Update on Speed Bumps and Cameras – letter to Property owners

Speed Bumps: CP sent letters out to all property owners on 16^th Avenue who are “absentee landlords”. We only need one or two more people. Alondra may be able to assist us if we don’t obtain these last couple of signatures. LL called 311 about a month ago requesting that a study be done on 18^th Avenue between 25^th and 26^th Streets. LL has heard and seen nothing in response to this request. CP will add this to her agenda with Shane Norton. EPIC asked Shane to look at the problem on Cedar and 28^th, and he said he needs a letter from the community.

MOTION: EPIC will propose to the City of Minneapolis that a left-turn arrow be added to the westbound 28^th Street Signal at Cedar Avenue. LL,  JB, Approved

Cameras: CP and MO met yesterday to review locations for the cameras. Issues: we have to place it on a poswt that has electricity; it is easier to use a “city-owned” post vs. Excel Energy owned post. Strongly feel 2 cameras are needed at 18^th Ave location. The park board needs to do some tree trimming. We need to address potential strong objection from some. We reviewed the sample lease agreement from Ventura Village; EPIC will investigate insurance costs for camera replacement if damaged, liability, etc. Terry Honkomb of police department gave a demonstration of the cameras. If the community approves a 2^nd camera at the park (3^rd camera total), we can simply amend an existing lease agreement for the additional camera.

MOTION: EPIC board defined and approved  Lease agreement template with the City of Minneapolis, acting through its Police Department, to lease up to 6 powered cameras. KH, LL, Approved.

Note: implement changes to sample agreement (Ventura Village Lease Agreement – Mobile Camera System), in the following sections: (1) Parties (EPIC, Equipment), (2) Term (dates), (3) Rent (LESSOR’s office), (4) Usage (locations).

10:53    Discussion and Motion for EPIC 2015 Annual Report

MOTION: EPIC board members unanimously approved the EPIC Annual CPP Report and expressed gratitude to Carol Pass for her detailed and excellent annual report. MG, LL

As the board knows, Carol and her family have suffered multiple illnesses, property damage, injuries and more this summer, and in spite of many challenges, the annual report is thorough, and accurate; it is an evaluation providing both the positives and negatives of EPIC’s performance, and EPIC’s evaluation of NCEC’s performance in supporting neighborhood efforts to improved lives and our community.

It is unfortunate that the City is unwilling to publish EPIC’s feedback on how the City of Minneapolis and NCEC might improve their operations and support for community organizations; EPIC should find a way to publish this report for the community. Suggestions: Post EPIC’s evaluation of City Services and Interactions section of annual report on EPIC’s Facebook page (each area could be a separate weekly post, with introduction to why EPIC is posting). Board members and EPIC members should “share” posts on their own Facebook page, thus spreading the evaluation with neighbors, and Minneapolis residents in general.

11:23      Presenting EPIC’s Concerns and Motion for Hwy 55, Hiawatha, traffic pattern, access to Roof Depot Site, to MNDOT

EPIC presented our motion and diagram to MNDOT. We had an opportunity to express the negative impact of the Public Works being located here, and the disaster that would result if traffic issues were not addressed at the outset, resulting in additional negative impacts on EPIC residents. Our presentation was well received, and MNDOT appeared interested in EPIC’s concerns. It seemed that MNDOT was really listening.

11:32     New Developments and More New Traffic Issues

A new development in Seward neighborhood (Former Amble’s Site: Mino-bimaadizawin (Red Lakes Band) Development – new “embassy” will replace the current embassy on Lake and Bloomington. This may provide a development opportunity for EPIC on the two city-owned properties on Bloomington (2900 block).

Concerns: New development in Seward may create traffic congestion

11:55   Agenda for GMM

Michael’s request for agenda items: two of three are requests for information that is available on EPIC’s website. These requests are not appropriate additions to the GMM agenda, rather are requests for summaries of available information (minutes posted from past meetings). MG will respond to these questions by email. EPIC will summarize process for EPIC Meeting Minutes in GMM agenda for August 9, 2016.

·       3^rd Camera (2^nd at Park location)

·       Midtown Greenway – bridges & streetcar (15 min. as early as possible.)

·       Annual report approved – on website and facebook posts

·       Contract for cameras

·       MNDOT meeting report

·       Red Lake Band development

12:10    Adjourn        

Community Meeting Minutes 07 - 14

July 14, 2016, 6:30 p.m. – 8:50 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

Phone: (612) -280-8418

Board Roster: Jenny Bjorgo, Rosie Cruz, Laura Dale, Shawna Dillon, Mary Gonsior, Kristin Hanks, Linda Leonard, Margarita Ortega, Carol Pass.

Board Members Present: Jenny Bjorgo, Laura Dale, Shawna Dillon, Mary Gonsior, Kristin Hanks, Linda Leonard, Margarita Ortega, Carol Pass, Rosie Cruz

Board Members Not Present:

Members: Brad Pass, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth H., Lupe Castillo, No Start No Finish, Britt Hower, Ashley Hicks
Guests: Shirley Heyer, Aisha Gomez, Mohamed Cali, Sofia Hernandez, Thalia Garcia, Aracely Garcia, Heidi Hafermann

6:40     Introductions:

·      Greetings and Introductions: What country is celebrating independence day today, and why is this important to us? France; their independence helped America gain independence from England.

·      Approval of Agenda: Approved by consensus.

Approval of Minutes from June 9th, 2016, JB, CP, Approved.

6:45     Announcements:

• Houses for sale…Strong Home Buyer' help. Potential $40,000 write down on new home.
• First Annual Pan-African Arts and Cultures Fair, July 23^rd, 11am-6pm Peavey Park, Chicago & 22^ndSt East, Food, Music
• Celebrate the new Downtown City Commons, July 26, Thursday, 11:30-1:00, a short program with City officials plus performances by Asian Dance Team. The event will also feature food trucks, free yoga by Core Power Yoga.

·      National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 2^nd. Register soon to avoid hefty fees. Each registered block may request reimbursement of eligible expenses up to $100.

·      Next EPIC Board Meeting will be August 6^th, Saturday at the Park 10:00 am to 12:00 am

·      Suggesting August Community meeting be cancelled.  (No one agreed).

·      SummerFest: see the article in the Alley.

·      MN Legislative Manuals (available free).

·      CM Cano is teaming up with CM Glidden and CM Gordon to create a space to come together where CM’s can listen to people express feelings and needs with respect to recent violence in this city. Tuesday, July 26^th from 6-8pm at Plaza Verde. There will be food and snacks. 

7:00     Presentation from the Native Youth Arts Collective, the CIF Grant recipients. Come and support Little Earth's budding artists.         

Aracely, Thalia, Sophia and Ashley visited on behalf of the Youth Arts Collective and shared why this program is important to them. The students visited MIA and Walker art center, creating crafts and learning different methods of creating art. At MIA created art and explored the diverse cultures on display at MIA. They saw a lot of different cultures using similar motifs in different ways. Observed different expressions of religion and spirituality. Had an opportunity to express their feelings in front 

of them. They commented that it was like a form of meditation. The student’s work is still on display, and is free all day, everyday. Contact Whit Siasoco (works with youth programming at MIA.)

They participated with a large feminist group (Guerrilla Girls), and could relate to the activism but the youth are more focused on different issues. Worked with a videographer to write out their concerns into a video story, which was shown at the Walker and downtown. Invited into a print-making facility to explore different printing methods. Youth have had a lot of opportunities to partner with local organizations. Youth have had opportunity to form relationships with these organizations.

Will continue the program this fall and the Walker Art Center has offered a special internship for this youth collective. Heidi and Joe have really done a good job of stretching the dollars, and are seeking another grant to keep the program going, and talking with community partners.

Youth would like the program to continue on. The program is affirming of the gifts the youth have, and confidence to overcome the “inner critic.” They believed it was a way to do something productive instead of falling into trouble; and said they could gain a sense of responsibility and strengthen mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally. They saw you can make anything into art.

They want the program to go forward and be there in the future - an opportunity for their younger brothers and sisters. Since joining the program they said they have learned to love art and have become passionate about it.

There is a Facebook page: Little Earth Arts Collective. They told us “But don’t just sit and look at social media – get out there and see it in person!” People applauded and it deemed very affirming. Heidi used a lap top to show us pictures of their work. Everyone wanted to meet again.

7:55  Update on commercial building on 2701 Bloomington Ave.

Owners received all the variants needed and construction will begin.

7:57 Discussion of meeting with Greg Goeke about the Roof Depot site. History of our commitment to the area. Future vision. Where do we go from here?

GCP gave a brief history of EPIC’s involvement with this property, pollution concerns and the recent purchase by City of Minneapolis, which was in planning for over 10 years without telling the community. EPIC’s goal is to clean up pollutants, and create a space that adds positive benefits rather than negative costs to the community. We asked the city to save half the building for the community to build an urban farm, and wrote a proposal which we sent to the state, requesting $3M to begin funding the proposal. We haven’t  given up on this, but it  is currently stalled.

The city purchased the property, and when the city authorized staff to make the purchase, they directed staff to work with neighborhood residents to identify opportunities for creating space for community space. CM Cano worked to try to limit the space used for municipal purposes, but most of the council was opposed.

City will offer a request for proposal for a designer for the building. CM Cano has a call scheduled for Goeke tomorrow to discuss RFP.

The meeting on Monday: Goeke was at the meeting to negotiate between the city and the neighborhood.  His staff will do the interviews and recommend one team to the city council, and the neighborhood will have an opportunity to comment after the architect team is chosen.

Actions:

MOTION: Whereas EPIC wishes to remind the city of their commitment and duty stated in the City’s Core Principles of Community Engagement (adopted by the Mpls. City Council, December, 2007). EPIC is to have a:

Right to be involved – Public participation is based on the belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process. and,

Whereas East Phillips residents have been left out of the planning and decision-making process since it started more than 10 years ago,

Therefore, the neighborhood demands that the city provide a voice to the community in identifying qualifications and requirements for the RFP to hire the planning team for the roof depot site. Qualifications the community insists to be included in the RFP are (1) competency on Environmental Justice, and (2) that the position they hire be divided into two positions:one, an industrial designer with expertise in environmental justice issues, and two, a person who is an urban community designer*. BP, MO, Passed unanimously.

*EPIC will verify this is the proper name for the type of architect/designer desired here.

Alondra requested that this motion be sent to CM Cano/Alondra on Friday morning (ASAP.)

MOTION:

Whereas EPIC objects to the introduction of major additional traffic, pollution and noise into our residential neighborhood, and

whereas current traffic has already reached epidemic proportions on E. 26th, E. 28^th Streets, and Cedar Avenue, resulting in increased chronic traffic jams, serious accidents, and is at present risking the safety and lives of thousands of child and adult pedestrians and cyclists,

Therefore, EPIC demands that an exit and entry way be created from Highway 55 to provide access to the property at 1850 28^th St E and 2717 Longfellow Ave., commonly referred to as the “roof depot properties” via the Highway 55 side of the current Public Works facility. MG, RC.  Approved.

See Diagram

8:45     Clean Sweep T-Shirt Design Contest 

13 entries and the selection committee chose the first place, and runner up winners. The winner will receive an award, $50 and have their art featured on the T-Shirt.

8:47     Announcement: Mohamed Cali

Somalia-American radio will broadcast all over Minneapolis, and wants to partner with EPIC to promote activities of EPIC through the station. Requesting time on the agenda next month, if possible.

8:55    Adjourn

EPIC Board Meeting Minutes 07 - 02

July 2nd, 10:00 am -12:15

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

EPIC web address: eastphillips-epic.com

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

Phone: (612) 280-8418

Board Roster: Jenny Bjorgo, Rosie Cruz, Laura Dale, Shawna Dillon, Mary Gonsior, Kristin Hanks , Linda Leonard, Margarita Ortega, Carol Pass.

Board Members Present: Laura Dale, Mary Gonsior, Margarita Ortega, Carol Pass, Rosie Cruz.

Board Members Not Present: Jenny Bjorgo (E),  Shawna Dillon (E), Kristin Hanks (E), Linda Leonard (E).

EPIC Members: Brad Pass

Guests: Shirley Heyer

10:30   Introductions:

·       MOTION: Meeting as a committee of the whole, by concensus.

·       Greetings and Introductions.

·       Approval of Agenda: approved as amended, by concensus.

·       Approval of Minutes from June 4th, 2016: MO, CP, Approved.

10:10   Announcements:

• Community Meeting on the Roof Depot site, Greg Goeke from Public Works, Alondra Cano, Rep. Karen Clark, This is a very important meeting for the future of East Phillips. Meeting will be July 11^th at 6:30 pm at EPPCCC.
• Next EPIC Membership Meeting, July 14th^th, East Phillips Park, Thursday 6:30 pm.

• Next EPIC Board meeting, August 6th, East Phillips Park, Saturday, 10:00 am.
• National Night Out, August 2^nd (Tuesday)

o   MOTION: EPIC will spend up to $1,000 supporting registered block club parties for NNO, up to $100 per event. Funds cannot be used to reimburse for food, or entertainment, but can be used for flyers, paper goods, craft supplies, surveys, chair rentals. Receipts are required. CP, LD, Approved.

• EPIC Garden update. Garden has 34 plots and has collected $600 plot fees and $35 key fees; there are 11 unpaid plots; collected $80 in donations. Current balance $ Spent $ Balance $474.30. Water bill will be paid, Fall Harvest Party (Oct. 15), and any tools needed. Work groups are repairing fences, and a Seward Coop grant will cover the cost of fence repair, upgrading the paths, and youth work project stipends. Work group scheduled July 16^th at 10 am, board members are welcome to join.
• Report on SummerFest; This was a great success this year. The date worked better (previously was on Father’s Day.) Focused entertainment on local youth talent, and started with 3 young girls singing Let it Go (Frozen). The performances were wonderful! Holy Rosary prepared wonderful food and proceeds were used to help pay for the roof replacement at the church. There were many activities for youth (dream catchers, origami paper folding, and more.) The wrap up meeting was held and plans are already being made for next year (the 2^nd Saturday of June.) The event was very wholesome, all the music was positive toward the entire community. There is a new “Minneapolis sound”.

11:04 Meeting as a Quorum. Approved previous motions.

11:06   Shoui Tsai, a long-time East Phillips resident, passed away.

Shoui lived across the street from the 17^th Ave Garden. He has a brother in New York. There will be a memorial for him July 7^th at 5:15 pm in the Holy Rosary dining room. This will be informal and short. There will be a planning event on Tuesday, contact Brad Pass.

11:13   MNDOT asking for reevaluation of Midtown Historic District
MNDOT was finishing phase 3 of a 3 part study. The “trench” including the bridges and tracks received historic designation in 1912-1916. In recent years, some nearby buildings have occurred impinged on the trench, and these changes may affect the integrity of the historic designation. Many of these changes are up in the Uptown area. This is a money problem. The MNDOT is responsible, and they want to get rid of the designation. The city would either replace the bridges or turn them into walking bridges.

MOTION: EPIC supports the retention of vehicle traffic on all the bridges over the Midtown Greenway trench. CP, RC, Approved.

Note: 35W and East Lake St. needs to be rebuilt from 46^th Street to the 94 curves. The planning has been completed. The design is going to dump a lot of traffic onto E. 28^th Street, and the construction was to be completed before the Minneapolis Superbowl (2018). The legislature did not fund this project.

11:30   20 year master plan for the parks
The soccer fields have the old tire rubber chips – these are very smelly and give off some bad stuff when it gets hot. We will need some money to replace those chips with nontoxic material at some future point. There will be a comment period once the 20 year plan is completed.

11:33   Update on the Speed Bumps and Cameras

EPIC turned in our money for the speed bumps and the contracts are in process. Cameras are already funded in EPIC’s budget. MO will set up a meeting with Gary Nelson, CP and RC.

11:41   LOST QUORUM: Meet as a committee of the whole. 

Meeting with Public Works, Monday, July 11th. 6:30 pm at EPPCCC

Minneapolis has purchased the Roof Depot site. The city council authorized Public Works to hire an architect to study the building and design something. The city agreed to consult with the neighborhood how to develop this property. EPIC should have opportunity to participate in the planning/design. EPIC needs to do research on past meetings.  We need to get people to this meeting, we need to flyer. We know we want the indoor urban farm; we spent $10,000 on this project.

11:52   Review of EPIC 2015 Annual CPP Report
CP distributed a first draft of EPIC’s 2015 annual report. CP will deliver final draft to board members by Wed. July 6^th. Board members will read and respond by Wed. July 13^th. Final report will be distributed to board members by Wed. July 20^th. Vote on final report at August meeting. CP will update the heading on this report to read “2015 Annual CPP Report”.

12:05   Consider New Neighborhood priorities
Table to next month. Prepare for discussion.

We have three financial guiding documents:

1.     EPIC Phase 2 NRP,

2.     New Organization Budget, and the

3.     New CPP Priorities:

a.     Filling our vacant lots with new ownership

b.     Crime and Safety

1. CPP wants our ideas for 2017 priorities (in addition to carrying out our existing funded priorities
2. EPIC currently has no funding in place for these new priorities. Even though there may not be any funding, we hope to receive at least organizing funding.

NOTES: EPIC knows we have specific recurring events: SummerFest, Clean Sweep, NNO, Fall Harvest Party. Suggestion: We make a calendar and budget for these events.

12:15    Adjourn