SECIA Minutes

Van Cleve Park

July 1, 2008

 

Board Meeting: 6:30 pm

Present:  Connie S., Lee H., Jake J., Jeff H., Joan M., Tedd J., Wendy M,

Absent: Jeremiah P., Bill D. (excused), Stewart S. (excused), Jeanne M. (excused)

Staff Present: James D., Jennifer L.

 

No Quorum present at beginning of meeting.  Action items deferred until 7 members present.

Lee Hibbard, Vice-President convened the meeting.

 

Honoring Bill Hoffman

Bill Hoffman, long time reporter for The Bridge newspaper was honored for his service to the community.  Bill has been a wonderful advocate for Southeast Como, covering the event and activities diligently over the years.  He was/is a valuable asset.  We wish him well as he moves on to new experiences in Grand Junction, Colorado.

 

Katie Fournier – Livability Committee

Katie relayed a conversation with the builder of the new house on 20th Ave.  The home is a great new asset in SE Como and had been on the market for several months.  The buyers are coming from Michigan (with children) for positions at the University of Minnesota.  However, the seller talked about the selling experience and the families that looked at the property and were told by neighbors – no way, too much rental, noise, poor maintenance of properties, etc.

Katie encouraged us to look at positives, be open and welcoming, and remind people of the changes headed our direction.  Also, the business communities around us are asking about housing in SE Como; we need to direct our thoughts and actions in positive ways.

 

Rock-Tenn Presentation – Bill Kahn

Bill went through the slide presentation (see handout for content)

A recommendation from District 11-14 councils in St. Paul will be forwarded to the St. Paul city council in August.  There is organized opposition to the burner.  One of the major concerns is the burning of RDF’s (combined garbage/refuse).  Issues related to the type of fuel and the toxins emitted, i.e., health concerns, community impact, traffic, future fuels, etc., are frequent questions from people living near the site and those interested in energy issues in general.  On July 7 and July 21, a panel will meet to deliberate the issues and help formulate a position to be presented in August. 

Questions:  What would put Rock-Tenn out of business?  A. Energy cost.  They need a set price for the fuel they need to run the plant (such as #6 fuel oil).

Q. With RDF’s what are the issues?  A. Definitely dirty plus you need to dispose of the remaining product (ash would be a toxic waste).

Q. If not Roc-Tenn, then what?  A. No specific answer.  St. Paul’s district energy would like to expand.  Gasification seems to be a serious possibility. 

This was a good presentation and discussion.  Will continue to follow as they proceed towards an August recommendation before the St. Paul city council.

 

 

 

 

Grand Round Update – Connie S. and Jeff H.

The 1st public hearing at the Park Board headquarters was dominated by the Stinson Blvd. issue.

Como people were there and some expressed their views (anywhere from chuck the whole thing to removing the park from the east plan and preserve jobs).  No businesses were present or made any comments.  They have taken their case to the city and county officials – with no public participation or discussion of the route and issues from their perspective. The process is disappointing.  At the Van Cleve hearing on June 23, only 2 park board members were present, but there was a great turnout from SE Como.  The Park Board will vote on the recommendation in August.  It was suggested 2 people meet with the at-large commissioners before late August.

 

Central Corridor Update – See handout

James stated we did write a letter supporting the University’s position on the northern alignment.  The University has since agreed to the Washington Ave line.  We need to look at impacts on traffic, access, etc., as the plans go forward.  There was an RFP to study the implications – no bidders, money too low – project too big.

 

Council Member Cam Gordon

The city has approved the  L.Rail alignment – now working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the University, the city and the Met Council on traffic and other mitigations.

NRP – There will be significant changes.  A new advisory group consisting of 18 members (8 neighborhood appointed by the council members, 8 from the city) will be formed. Money will be divided between debt relief/neighborhoods.  This means creating a new kind of district because TIF’s are no looked on favorably.  Comment: Appointments must not come from one geographic area.

School Board Referendum: This will be on the ballot this fall.  New configuration would have the city divided into areas.   There would be area representatives plus at-large members, similar to the Park Board configuration. 

Sunset Clause – Permits for demonstrators.  This is plus.  The permit is only for the duration of the Republican National Convention.

Planning Commission – Dinkydome project.   There are questions about the number of floors and overshadowing the entrance to the University.   Cam stated this was a compromise – it saved the existing Dinkydome building from demolition.  They are refining portion of the proposal before it goes to the City Council for approval.

 

University District Alliance Board Membership – Connie S. nominated Katie Fournier to fill the alternate position vacated by Marilyn Burns.  Motion seconded.  In the absence of a quorum, this recommendation is made as a sub-committee of the board and will go before the full board at the next meeting.  Motion approved.

Upon the arrival of a 7th board member (quorum present) the motion was reintroduced.  Motion made, seconded and approved.

 

Zoning Update – Joan M.

Manning’s Station Zoning committee met with Tom Vaith, new owner of 2400 Como Ave. SE.  This is the former Manning’s station.  Mr. Vaith and his son also own Planet Beach at 1514 Como.  The gas tanks have been removed as required by city/state.  Mr. Vaith plans to add a second story to the existing building for the headquarters for his construction business.  He is a general contractor so there will be no storage of equipment at the site.  This will be his business office and will add office space for his son’s realty business.  As required by the city, he will close the access to the property on Weeks Ave, leaving a single entrance on Como Ave.  He will removed the trash enclosure at the back of the lot, add landscaping along Weeks, reuse existing sign.   He will continue discussion with city, including the possibility of demolishing the existing structure and building new on the same footprint.  The existing building is a concrete block structure with no significant historic features.  It was suggested he look at Green Village technology as he proceeds with this project.  Also, he will build 2 new single family homes on the vacant lots across from the station on the west side of Weeks.  These were parking lots for vehicles being working on at Manning’s station. Mr. Vaith will continue discussion with adjoining neighbors, currently without any access to the back of their properties, therefore no off-street parking.

Cell Tower – 2010 E. Hennepin – Jed Kruchten from T-Mobile called SECIA office.  They are working with Larry Homsted to erect a 100’ cell phone tower at that address.  James said we will have more information in another week or so, will set up a zoning meeting at that time.

1500(?) E.Hennepin – Joan had a conversation with Jeremiah Peterson regarding the former Goaline establishment on E. Hennepin.  This is currently part of an existing building owned by Nina Wong.  This portion of the building is vacant.  Jeremiah is exploring the possibility of a Dog Bar at this address.  There are existing issues with the complex and parking lot with the zoning, and licensing departments.  There are many questions regarding this type of business, new city ordinance regarding dogs/bars, improvements to property, impact of neighborhood, business plan, defining customer base, etc.  He was encouraged to proceed slowly, look a costs, zoning and licensing implications, legal issues, etc. 

 

Minutes - With quorum now present a motion was made to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2008 and June 3 minutes with the following correction: May 6, Jeff H. was present, June 3, Jeremiah P. was present.  Motion seconded, minutes approved.

 

Executive Committee Report – Wendy Menken

Solar Light project – sold out.   It was so successful we will explore possibility of another round.

Good Neighbor Agreement Fund – See newspaper article.  With the $30,000 allocated, it will be a stretch, big project but will get it done. 

Office update – Building in process of being sold, probably C. Janssen.  He is set to sign papers on July 16.  At that time we are assured a lease, will stay at current address which is good for SECIA.  Some modifications will be made to building, upstairs will be rented out, new entrance at back of building for second floor, removal staircase on 21st floor. etc. 

Mid-City Industrial Area – At this time 1901 Lofts on E. Hennepin and CW Lofts on Stinson are residential areas not attached to any neighborhood.  A meeting with 1901 E. Hennepin representative will be arranged in the future, they have already contacted SECIA on the solar light project and several bought the lights.  Many questions remain regarding the industrial areas.  Will meet again with Bob Miller.

Como Cookout plans proceeding.

 

August Meeting – Suggested by executive committee we cancel August meeting.  Keep date on calendar incase there is a need for an emergency meeting but cancel the regular board meeting for August.  Motion approved to cancel August board meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned,

Joan Menken, Recorder