SECIA MEETING MINUTES

4/1/08

 

Board Members Present: Wendy M., Connie S., Jeff H., Jeane M., Tedd J., Jeremiah P., Lee H., Stewart S., Joan M.

Other attending: Bill H., Katie F., Kendre T., James D., Cam G.

 

1.                  Introductions:

2.                  MSA: Lend a Hand/Hear a Band will be on April 10th.  Upcoming Safety Walk, will provide food for those who come along.  A suggestion was made to advertise the food, Jeremiah said he would advertise within student government.  MSA EXPRESS: a free rider for students.  They can pick up and drop off.  Currently only have 1 van which holds 5 students, Boynton will be taking this over and providing a larger van.  April 16th Jeremiah will show his movie at 6:30.  Jeremiah will stay on as MSA rep.

 

3.                  March Minutes: We will table approving of March minutes until the May board meeting.

 

 

4.                  Grand Rounds: (attach map?)  CAC vote will be made to the Park Board in May.  The CAC approved the route SECIA approved.  Still need a strong letter of support, due to the opposition of business owners.  Discussion of contents of letter, agreed on mentioning our preferred route and the list of proposed amenities (Cultural Arts Park, Eco-business, Formal Gardens, Alternative Sports Park).  Board Members need to read about the amenities from the website (which one SECIA or Park Board?) and email opinions to Wendy or Connie/Jeff so by next meeting there will be a consensus for board approval.  MOTION:  Made for a letter to CAC to support the route proposed by CAC.  Motion made by Jeane and seconded by Tedd.  Motion passed. A draft will be written and be given to the board to review before a final draft is sent out.  Jeff and Connie will let CAC know we are working on a response.  CAC has strong support from Marcy and Audubon.

 

Alliance retreat( Katie F.):  28 ideas were submitted for the $750,000.  There is a demonstration work team which is reviewing these ideas with a decision to be made in the next couple of weeks.  One project proposed will address the loss of home ownership in the SE neighborhoods.  Katie provided some statistics about homes in 2007 changing to rental.  Her idea would help plan transition/sale/resale to preserve what we have, give confidence to homeowners to put money into their homes, and providing support to help keep senior home owners in their homes as long as they can.  Ideas will be presented in Jan. 2009.

 

5.                  Goals, Dreams, etc. Environment committee had planning meeting with ideas for the Green Village, grant writing, and partnering with St. Anthony Park for Green Village and grant writing.  The EC requests a board letter for appreciation for Peggy B. for her many years of service.  They talked of planting a tree and dedicating it to Peggy at Bridal Veil.  Motion made by Joan and seconded by Connie.  Other groups will start future planning process.  One idea is to tie in the solar lights project with the safety committee.  We want to think bigger, bolder and more aggressive and maybe market the idea of the Green Village.  NRP money will run out and this will help us get out from under the city money.  We are looking at other models from around the US.

 

6.                  Events: April 17th Green Village Kick off with Beautiful U day, April 23rd, History group: What is in your walls? April 15th History Meeting at Sportys to look at what Joe R. found while remodeling, May 3rd Como Clean-Up, starting at 9am

 

7.                  Zoning: 801 16th/1599 8th St: Warehouse additions.  They will downsize from 5 bedrooms to just 2-4 and providing underground parking.  Joan applauds his work to improve his plans based on recommendations made by the zoning committee.  1058-1060 25th Ave SE: duplex zoned R1A (non-conforming).  They illegally divided it up with no permits.  Approached city but it was denied and he will try and appeal.  This may change the occupancy ordinance.

 

8.                  Cam’s Report: Cam discussed the occupancy ordinance he is proposing.  He thinks it will build trust, it will be more enforceable and would be fair to everybody.  Question was asked about enforcing it, and Cam said he will explore this.  SECIA will make a statement when Cam’s language on the ordinance is set.  Joan asked when codes are violated, is the city going to make all illegal structures go back to their original plan, this would reward the illegal landlords.  Cam asks for feedback and will give SECIA  a draft of the language of the ordinance.  Cam wants to meet with the St. Anthony Park council to discuss the Grand Rounds next to Kasota pond.  Recommendation to include Jeff or Connie on this meeting.  NRP: extending TIF district may not pass.

 

9.                  Executive Committee: Central Corridor rep Jessica Hill from Met Council will attend next months meeting.  SECIA put in 5 applications for the $69,000 Mitigation Fund.  Personnel Committee: staff reviews and increase in a lump sum that can be used for medical reimbursement, vacation time or a pay increase.  Will bring all figures to board for approval.  Jennifer has expressed interest in coming back part time.  There is still resource center money to be used for this.

 

10.              Kendre: Asked if SECIA wanted to be a part of the Restorative Justice DVD.  There will be an Open House celebration on April 22nd.  There will be a creation of a campus coalition that will look at safety, civility, and livability.  Kendre will be part of a Stadium Game Day discussion that will look at community issues, she would like us to share concerns with her.  April 21-26th is Spring Jam.  Welcome bags for new students/renters in Como is a project Kendre is working on.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED