Southeast Como Improvement Association - December 2, 2008

 

Present: Connie S., Lee H., Jake J., Jeff H., Bill D., Andrew V., Jeremiah P., Joan M., Stewart S., Tedd J., Wendy M., Megan C., James D. (SECIA staff)

 

Lee H. opened the meeting.  Megan C., the new representative from MSA was introduced.

 

Restorative Justice – John Morgan made a public apology to SECIA board.  He stated the noise and size of party were not acceptable in residential neighborhoods and answered questions from board members.

November Minutes – Minutes were approved with the following corrections: Board members present should be listed by first name, last initial. Motion to approve slate of candidates should say “passed by unanimous vote.”  November election – Andrew V. elected to a 1 year position.  Correction of Dick Popple name to Poppele.

MSA Jeremiah P. introduced the new MSA representative, Megan C..  He also reported that the housing survey is not up and running yet but should be ready shortly.  He also reported on rec sports facility (indoor hockey field – bubble field) and the Lend a Hand - Hear the Band program coming up.  You can go to their web site for more details.  They rent Northup Auditorium for a private concert for volunteers.

Tailgating Report – Emily Q.

The Alumni Association uses athletic events to keep alumni involved; it is a big money-making operation which attracts people from all over the area and country.  They do not want bad publicity.  They are committed to a safe, healthy environment so people keep coming.  Inspectors Skomra and Hesness are working together on police details.  So far the committee has: Looked at best practices, rules and regulations of other schools, hours before and after games, activities on campus and river areas, etc.  Among issues are 1) segregating sites for families, non-alcohol, full use sites with alcohol, 2) traffic, parking, congestions over period of time 3) what activities and where besides campus, i.e., River Flats, Mpls Park Board sites 4) ramp site tailgating – grills, etc. in confined spaces, 5) prohibiting kegs/containers. 6) Port potties – number (many), placement. They are negotiating with State Fair personnel on RV parking and rules on fairground property, MTC shuttle parking, and other issues related to State Fair policies.  The committee’s mission statement states ALL city ordinances, party, consumption rules, etc., will apply at all sites.  All students must comply with Board of Regent Policies, including Code of Conduct off campus. If was stated that the U has every intention of creating safe game days for all.  However, there are numerous questions: Only 9,000 parking spaces for a 60,000 person stadium, little investigation of traffic and parking issues off campus including sidewalks, alleys, diverters, yards, trailers on streets, etc.  It was also noted that the alcohol in private suites only goes to those that contribute to the U – not an inclusive policy.  There have been no conversations yet with Mpls., St. Paul, St. Anthony Park, State Fair officials; it has been internal conversations within the University.  A report should be available by February 1.  If you have comments, e-mail James or Emily.

Alliance – Katie F.

Board reviewed handout to prioritize.  Several items can be combined such as 2 and 6 and 4 and 5 on list.  Katie will take all comments, rewrite and e-mail board members before they are submitted at the December 6 Alliance workshop.  Comments: 1) Need to address long-term renters, senior and homeowner issues 2) Consider a district foundation to boost community issues and activities 3) Power of district should be to get the city to think outside the box – what could be done 4) Give us the money, we’ll expand our “green Village” work 5) Alliance should be able to bring the money in.  There were questions about “random” mailing to people in neighborhood.  This was an opportunity missed, too many people left out. Could the neighborhood take this on?  Yes, we could have our interns follow up on this – will look at what would be needed.

SEMCOL – Postpone until January.

SECIA Executive Board Election

The following people agreed to serve an additional term in their post: Wendy M. - President, Lee H. – Vice President, Connie S – Treasurer.  There was considerable discussion about the secretary position which has been vacant for several months.  How can we help with the time constraint and minute taking at meetings?  The following motions were made:

Motion made and seconded to approve the expenditure of up to $600 to purchase a laptop computer for secretary and board use at meetings and office.  Motion approved.

At that point, Steward S. agreed to serve as secretary.

Motion made and seconded to approve the following slate for SECIA officers: Wendy M – President, Lee H. – Vice President, Stewart S. – Secretary, Connie S. – Treasurer.  Motion approved.

Council Member – Cam Gordon

Lauren Maker is putting together a team to talk about game day (and weekend) events. 

Joe Baker – need to make a case from neighborhood perspective.  Hopefully people will be able to attend the hearing.  The property is zoned commercial so there are questions of use, what could happen on this property.  The neighborhood needs to write a letter documenting their involvement with this property over many years.   Motion made and seconded to write letter. Motion approved. 

See Cam’s handout for information on numerous items being discussed by city including: 2 –way traffic on downtown Hennepin Ave., animal care in city, Target Center roof, Pension/Budget concerns.

Board Report

Great announcement – we won the Governors Award for Pollution Reduction.  This was in partnership with Rock-Tenn, Ritrama, and Globe Tool.  On February 11, 2009 the awards will be presented at the Pollution Waste Prevention Conference in St. Paul.  This is a great award.  We will do a press release and it would be a great banner.   Cam will work on city recognition – need to send him our original application so we have accurate information for city.

Comotion -Will combine the December and January issues.  January Board Meeting – Jan. 6.

Staff Development – Stephanie will be attending a Gardening Consortium conference in Philadelphia.  Discussion about supporting staff,  putting in budget a line for staff development/growth,  delineating what we get in return from participants.  Agree we need to support people working to improve and expand our efforts.  Motion made and approved to provide a $350.00 stipend for Stephanie.

 

 

 

 

NRP Resolution

Do we wish to send a representative to the February 21 meeting on electing representatives to the new NRP board?  Motion made to send a representative with the following response to the invitation: SECIA accepts the invitation to participate in the process development meeting for selecting representatives to the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission and will send at least one representative from our organization to this sessions meeting.

Motion seconded and approved. 

 

December Office Schedule – Staff members will work remotely during the following two weeks, December 22 through January 2.  Staff members will be available by e-mail and may be in office to check mail, etc.

Question to consider – Changing Stephanie H. title to Community Environmental Specialist.  No action taken at this time.

 

Jasmine B., Student Liaison on 14th and 14th Ave SE was introduced.

 

Meeting adjourned

Joan Menken, Recorder

 

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