SNG Board Packet January 26, 2011

DRAFT Minutes - SNG Board of Directors

December 15, 2010

Board Members in Attendance: Sheldon Mains, Diann Anders, Marne Zafar, Ken Webb, Bruce
Johansen, Adrienne Hyde, Mike Trdan, Anne Cronmiller, Tariku Hassan, Pat Keithan, Annie
Welch, Adam Nelsen, Angie Haeg (came late), Peter Fleck

Staff in Attendance: Nasra Noor, Mike Rollin (Community Coordinator), Emily Johnson (Intern-
Restorative Justice), Doug Wise (Housing coordinator)

Board Members Not in Attendance: Charlie Hoffman, Nasteeho Warsame

Also in Attendance: Cam Gordon

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm by Sheldon.

Introductions made by all Board members.

Motion to accept agenda – All in favor.

Motion to approve the October 27, 2010 meeting minutes – All in favor.

Sheldon:
Review of Board policies: Bylaws and Policy on Conflicts of Interest. A board job description
will be provided (omitted by error). Anne gave a brief description of who & what we are and
how we govern (and expectations). Sheldon mentioned that it is preferred that a board member
be on a committee.

By state & federal law board members are all fiducially responsible to keep track of SNG
finances. Next month our voluntary CPA will be at the meeting to discuss and review how to
read financial statements.

If we do not pay our taxes, the IRS can come after the board in total and individually.
This is what got us into financial difficulty.

Another policy is a disclosure of conflict of interest. Please read, sign and give to Mike for the
files.

Diann:
Discussed the financial procedures manual. Advised that all read carefully. There are forms to
fill out for any purchases made and to attach invoices to.

Finance Committee is Diann, Anne, and MJ Mueller, and hopefully the volunteer accountant,
Robin W. As well as Adam, the “Treasurer-in-waiting.” Hoping to bring a financial report after
the shenanigans down at City Hall. Feel free to e-mail Diann or Sheldon about any financial
questions.

Anne suggested that as there is an awful lot of information, ask away—call or discuss with any
standing board member. Sheldon said to please ask away – there are no dumb questions.

Sheldon discussed the folder of board materials:

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The yellow sheet is the standing committees that exist. Sheldon went over when each meets and
who heads. Again, please review. NOTE: any board member is welcome to come to any
meeting. No standing meeting for the Fundraising Committee. History Committee may change
name to History & Archive. Helped sponsor the tour of Franklin Avenue during the Franklin
Frolic (Dick Westby).

Staff Reports

Mike
Review notes and the 2010 review of accomplishments (refer to yellow sheet).

Draft for the 2011 Board Meeting Schedule. Again, please review and offer any thoughts, if any.

Community Coordinator job responsibilities: Primarily SNG communications—update web site,

board packets, agenda, coordinating events & details associated with each (when necessary),
grant writing and reporting, work with Fundraising Committee, share the office manager
“position” with Diann, staff office (office hours are12:30 – 5:30 pm M-Th).

Current projects: switching our data base to Filemaker Pro. Starting on another CURA grant
(searching for partners for a theatre project or a cookbook idea). (Sheldon mentioned that we
have already won two in a row). Working with the Fundraising Fommittee on block parties that
are also fundraisers. Received a grant from the Seward Coop to provide food for the events.

Marne mentioned the Potluck project created by NMAI. MZ to send along to Mike.

Doug
Been with SNG as housing coordinator for about 4 months. Help residents make decisions on
how to renovate their house, figure out the finances to do so, qualifying homeowners to access
funds. Currently we now have 4 loans out totaling about $29,000.

Another program is working with Community Energy Services. Seward homeowners can sign up
for workshops, have energy audits of their homes (about a $400 package that is only $30); there
are rebates available from Centerpoint Energy. There is a workshop happening on Jan. 13.
Asked that we inform neighbors about the program.

(Sheldon mentioned NRP/city budget situation. This is what funds our housing program. There
was a change that happened by amendment. The majority of our funds are already under
contract, except about $54,000, so our housing coordinator is safe at the moment.
We have a great staff person at NRP. Mike mentioned that other neighborhood groups are also
trying to get funds under contract before any other monies are gone!)

Nasra
Towers Facilitator and Coordinator of events in the Towers. Works with Diann to run meetings,
do translations and other cultural issues. Working with ReDesign on a bike project (getting
immigrants on bikes). Working with the Towers management to work with the residents with
respect to fire regulations and what to do in case of fire in the buildings.

Festival of Nations has asked the Seward & Somali Weavers’ Collective back, not sure what to
do. Only the original Somali elder weaver is with the group.

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Community Organizer works under a contract Common Bond, Redesign, SNG, Minneapolis
Housing and all who banded together to keep affordable housing in the neighborhood. Must have
an organizer who is not employed by the management company, per HUD rules.

Restorative Justice (Michelle coming next month; Emily said a few words)
Emily outlined the partnership between Longfellow and Seward: an alternative to the court
system with respect to intervention with youth-at-risk; do teen talking circles (Matthews Park and
Longfellow; starting one at Seward Towers). Starting an adult talking circle soon (for victims of
crime per Diann; asked board members to get the word out).

Two fundraisers coming up: a wine tasting at the Eagles, with Zipps sponsoring once again, and a
folk concert at Faith Mennonite on March 13th.

Angie asked how they publicize the fundraisers. Emily mentioned that Michelle handled this;
Sheldon mentioned that it is posted on Seward Profile (online), Twitter.
Diann mentioned how the winetasting aficionados really turn out for these events.

Seward Arts Festival

Sheldon mentioned how well it has been run. Funded by donations from businesses and fees from
artists. Being held sometime to the first or second weekend of October. Up for debate for next
year.

Finance Committee
Diann asked did everyone read the statements sent out at end of October. Key point to review is
the OTHER list and the current ratio of assets to liabilities. Talked about what it was in 2007
(after all of the issues). We are up to a ratio of 1.2, with a goal of 1.5.

Number of days of cash on hand is important. Can be a problem as we must spend funds before
we receive them from funders. Have received reimbursement from the city. We did raise a lot of
member donations online, and have raised over $5000 in 2010 – very, very good.
Balance sheet is balanced (another good thing!). Diann “walked through” the financials – what
we owe, what our liabilities are, and such (please refer to the financials sent).
We have paid off our debt to state’s unemployment fund. Now we are working on the line of
credit, slowly working this down.

What we keep track of is basically the general category (the unrestricted). Monies for a specific
project come in and then go out. We are doing accrual accounting now. Anne C mentioned that
for many years had excellent financial oversight and unfortunately got off track momentarily.

Talked about our $18,000 grant from the city. Office of Community Engagement is funding us
with $47,000 dollars in 2011. Next year will be the first year that all the neighborhoods with be
getting money directly to fund their activities.

What happens to this funding after two years? Sheldon says this is a big question that has not
been answered.

So we do have a good start on money for next year.

Environment Committee
Mike talked about the county grant for a pilot program for recycling. However, it was to start in
December and has been postponed! We will see whether the two stream recycling program will

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get up and running. Taking much longer to get up & running than anticipated. Mike explained
in-depth what two-stream recycling is. One of the aspects of the two-sort system is that you can
put all recycles in one container.

The composting program is up and running though. It has received minimal publicity and poor
instructions as to how to comply.

Discussion about who was in the compost area (it appears that Pat is) and other details.

Development Committee
The bulk of the last meeting was devoted to a property at the corner of 25th Street and 35th
Avenue. Several residents had photographs and concerns about violations. City is about to take
legal action if owner does not take action to comply with code. Ken said it would be on the
committee’s agenda again in three months. Peter mentioned that the original meeting indicated
that the building needed to be cleaned up—the exterior painting the owner did did not address
any of the root causes of the many fines incurred.

Parking issue was a proposal from the Seward Civic and Commerce Association. Came from a
volunteer committee proposing changes in where to park. Sheldon talked about the parking on
Franklin Ave from Minnehaha to 28th Street 2-hour parking; 29th and on would continue as is.
All the businesses on Franklin were surveyed; 81% support, 14% didn’t support, 3% no response.
Someone would need to pay for the new signage.

Motion from the Community Development Committee: “To support unified parking
restrictions for both sides of East Franklin Avenue, from 20th to 28th Avenues, limiting
parking to 90 minutes between early morning and late evening in all current parking spots.”

All in favor – Aye. The motion carried.

Crime & Safety Committee

Diann spoke about policing and continued neighborhood involvement. Communication issues
resolved with the Somali community. One concern: how to we help & assist the young Somali
men who are unemployed in the neighborhood.

Discussion about the block clubs. Concern about getting a “beat” cop back on Franklin Avenue.
Have asked the commander to come & discuss whether this is possible.
Emily asked what a beat cop was; Diann explained.
The important thing is if board members are interested in Crime & Safety this committee would
welcome more board members to come. Sheldon & Diann talked about the difficulties of
attendance.

Fundraising Committee
Nothing more to discuss.

Policy of Writing Letters on behalf of SNG

Postponed at the moment per request of Sheldon. Need a letter re: the Franklin Parking motion.

Seward Profile
Celebrated its 1-year Anniversary!!

Cam Gordon, City Council Member

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Passed out his written report. Discussion of the passage of the city budget. All details are in
Cam’s report or one can write for additional update. Budget is frozen at the moment for NRP
Phase II . Deeply saddened. Discussion of our contract amendment—monies that are not
currently under contract might be accesible. Will be interesting what transpires.

Discussion of Franklin Ave. parking issues. (Board already passed the motion).

Sheldon mentioned how the city budget crunch is a perfect storm created by past administrations.
Cam discussed the property tax reduction (4.7%, down from 7.5%), when it’s spread out, it is not
a lot for the typical house value of $196,000.

Discussion about where the money is going—taking NRP monies from the neighborhoods. Not a
good scenario.

Mike talked about how shocking the budget process was. Cam feels that there was no prior
notice about move to freeze NRP funds. There was a lot of heat to look like they (the mayor &
council) were going to do something. Again, much discussion about what may have happened to
lead up to what happened. Mayor to his credit likes to look long-range, but could not be possible
to sustain. It did blindside everyone. Diann felt it destroyed any sense of trust between
neighborhoods and city.

Election of Board Officers

Marne has offered to serve for another year as secretary; Diann said that she was willing to serve
as treasurer.

Anne moved; Mike T. seconded. All in favor.

Diann asked for a treasurer-in-training, and Adam has stepped up to the task.

President. Marne mentioned that no one wants to do it! Marne said, We all know you do an
excellent job Sheldon.

Mike T. expressed interest in being co-president. Mike T said it is an awesome responsibility

and one where one must be connected to so much.

Any other nominations? Sheldon mentioned three times.

Marne moved. Anne C. seconded. All in favor.

Executive Committee needs two more members. Meets when necessary.

Ken and Annie have offered their services to be at-large.

All in favor.

Board Member Assignments

Ken mentioned that the real work happens in the committees. He encourages all to be a part of
the work. Sheldon asked whether folks wanted to think about which to be on. Will postpone
until the January meeting so that all can review the committees and which they might want to
participate on.

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Diann mentioned that we need to appoint a SNG representative for the Towers board.

Marne moves to re-appoint Diann (she will work with Nasra); Ken seconded. All in favor.

Northern Clay
Sheldon reviewed SNG history with them. SNG owns part of the building; they pay rent to us.
They went to exercise the option within the agreement to purchase the building. Executive
Committee felt we should have our own legal counsel to advise us during the negotiations as at
present the agreement & payments favor Northern Clay vs. SNG.

We get $1400 per month for rental from Northern Clay. Pat asked about details. Diann said she
was willing to discuss the details at a later time. Anne C. spoke a bit about why she feels we need
to be cautious in our negotiations.

Pat felt some of the board was “blowing by” discussing the details. Sheldon mentioned that we
(present board except for Anne C and Adrienne) was not present during the time of the
negotiations. He discussed part of the reason for the move (SNG moving to the Do-All building).
Diann mentioned that Northern Clay could pay us via a promissory note over a long period of
time at the current very-low interest rate. Again, it does not appear to be a best deal for SNG.

They have a right to exercise the option. It does not mean there are not things to negotiate. This
is why we need an attorney to review and offer suggestions as to how to proceed.

Diann feels there were compelling reasons that the contract happened, to lure them into the
neighborhood. Diann talked about how they moved us out, the redevelopment of the Do-All
building and so on. We wanted to be able to retain the space for our own. Anne thinks that the
problem lies with when we moved out of the space.

Sheldon mentioned that if anyone wanted to peruse the documents, another set of eyes would be a
good thing.

One of the issues is we start talking about this stuff that is “old” stuff and we want new members
to pipe up and ask questions.

Future Plans
Sheldon discussed that we should discuss in depth in January. Diann mentioned that it is a
King’s Fair year!! Need to know when all of the holidays are (Ramadan, Rosh Hoshanah, Yom
Kippur) before the date is set. Per Diann, a possible date of Sept 17 is OK for the Jewish
holidays. Nasra is going to check when Ramadan is.

Mike T talked about the meeting at NRP for electors; felt it was interesting to meet other groups.
Big question asked – what is the role of neighborhood groups today?
What is the influence that neighborhood groups have with City Hall?

Board Meeting Evaluation

Angie asked how does a new member get up-to-speed with knowing all that is needed to know?
Anne C. said – ask other board members, check in with Mike at the office to review past
documents.
Pat said that the agenda has too many items on it; Sheldon mentioned that tonight’s was quite
jammed due to it is the first of the SNG year.

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Anne C. – when she thinks back, she appreciated asking others what they did. Pat mentioned that
new board orientation happened independently. Angie concurred.
Sheldon thought it was a good idea.
Mike T. said it was helpful to him.

Motion to Adjourn by Marne. All in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

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Draft Minutes - SNG Crime and Safety Committee Meeting

January 10, 2011

Present: Kathy Sikora (chair), Dick Westby, Joey Brochin, June Prange, Carolyn Schurr, Clem
Engen, Joe Slag, Diann Anders (scribe)

Block Leader training is the fourth Thursday of the month 6:30 to 8:00 at the Third Precinct for
the next few months. Dick announced the Seward Follies coming up at the Park. Zipp's liquor is
holding a wine-tasting fund raiser for Restorative Justice on February 12. Clem announced that
SCCA will be focusing on crime at their next meeting.

Joey moved and Dick seconded the approval of the minutes from the December meeting. The
motion passed.

Kathy was elected chair for 2011 and Diann will continue to take minutes. The committee will
meet every other month for this year unless additional meetings are needed.

Kathy reported that no one has stepped forward yet to organize a Stroll Patrol for this spring.
Two folks have said they'd be willing to stroll, but cannot organize. Dick Westby volunteered to
organize the stroll patrol.

Joe talked about how someone attempted to break into his house while he and his family were out
of town over the holidays. Joe called the police and they arrived promptly.

Kathy went over the crime stats. There was a handout outlining the crime alert systems approved
for use by the Minneapolis Police Department. Shun sent information about the stabbing at the
LRT station and the assault at Memory Lanes. In both cases, neither the victim nor the
perpetrator was connected to Seward.

The group reviewed the Seward Community Policing Plan put together by the committee and the
one forwarded by Shun. Omissions in Shun's plan included obtaining culturally literate police
resources to assist in outreach to the Somali community as well as a general sense of what the
police department will be doing. Kathy will foward both documents to Cam's office.

Neighborhood sidewalks seem to be in fairly good shape. Kathy sent out some letters to
businesses early in the season, which seem to have worked. Clem has also been shoveling out
corners.

The idea of getting an intern who could help SNG get a better handle on what block clubs
actually exist in Seward. Kathy will draft a project description and Diann will work with her.
Perhaps we could focus on trying to get each block club to check in at King's Fair.

Joey and Terry met with Shun about possible referrals of crime victims to the Adult Circle for
support. The Restorative Justice program is now getting referrals directly from the police
department. However, the referrals are not currently tracked for reimbursement by Hennepin
County.

The next meeting will be Monday, March 14th, 7 pm at Matthews Park.

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Draft Minutes - Seward Neighborhood Group Environment Committee

October 18, 2010 - Matthews Center

Attendance: Carol Greenwood, Rick Greenwood, Mike Trdan, Amanda Lee, Jim Scheidt

General Business

1. Administrative (call to Order, Agenda Approval, Minutes Approval):

Agenda for 10/18/10 meeting – approved Minutes for 9/20/10 – approved
2. Discussion about making November Annual SNG meeting a “no waste” event –and need
for: utensils, volunteers, receptacles, compostable bag, signs, and announcement at start
of meeting.
3. Presentation of draft outline for Environment Committees annual report – suggestion that
invite be sent to Susan Young to appear either at Annual Meeting or October SNG Board
meeting. Also, suggested text could be sent to Mike Rollin for inclusion in his comments
at meeting. Possible involvement by Welna for compost display. There will be CFL
4. Remaining Funds - Carol Greenwood said fund amount unchanged and reported no
opportunity to speak with Doug Wise about funds for energy conservation project.

New/Ongoing Business

5. Neighborhood Sustainability Networking Fair - SNG asked to be co-sponsor and

request for someone to staff a table. Discussion continued about how many
neighborhoods might attend and topics that might be covered since it is for entire south
side. Trdan tentatively agreed to attend (Carol and Rick Greenwood did attend).
6. Status - request for SNG to transfer funds for Energy Savers Workshop – Trdan
reported he and Doug Wise attended the presentation by CEE and Wise recapped the
outcome for the SNG Board. The Board supported Seward involvement and directed
Wise to proceed. Trdan does not know if funds have been transferred yet. Carol
Greenwood offered to follow-up with Doug.
7. Seward Neighborhood Enhanced Recycling/Food Waste Composting Project - Mike
Trdan recounted his most recent meetings with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin
County on October 5, 2010. Focus of this meeting was planning the details for the waste
and recycling sort scheduled for October 12. The topic was limited to step one of the
overall projected and Trdan reviewed his role in setup and the procedure for the sort on
October 9 and participation in the sort from 7:15 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on October 12.
Two separate sorts occurring simultaneously for waste and recycling. There were 100
service addresses collected (about a 14% sample) but no results were available yet.
Discussion followed on both garbage and recycling participation. Trdan reported that is
own observations on the amount of recyclables mixed in with garbage indicated a number
of households did no recycling. The result that was most surprising was the amount of
organic material – Trdan estimated 30 to 40 % was organics in the garbage. Greenwood
commented one obstacle was locating appropriate sorting bins. The good points were
starting and finishing in one day and the amount of newsprint and media coverage the
project obtained (thanks to Nancy Lo). Trdan also reported on his September “ride
along” with a city garbage truck and recycling truck. The next steps are: obtaining bins,
starting and education effort and the roles and resources for the neighborhood group.
Greenwood asked what support the SNG might receive and Trdan responded it is still
undecided. Discussion followed what can be done to expedite the project. Amanda Lee
arrived and was introduced to members of the committee. Lee is a graduate of University

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of North Dakota School in Environmental Health.

8. Toxic Reduction/Air Quality – Greenwood reviewed a job description she compiled for
Amanda Lee’s tasks and reported on the submittal of a letter of intent to the Water
Management Organization (WMO) to submit a grant request. It was explained that grant
requests also must be endorsed by the SNG Board and that a new Board would be
selected in November. Further discussion occurred on details of the potential grant
request. Amanda Lee reviewed the research she accomplished so far on Seward
residences, population and the effects of lawn use chemicals. Greenwood mentioned she
contacted ChemLawn (True Green) and recounted her conversation with them and
neighbors affected by excessive use of lawn chemicals. Carol Greenwood suggested
Amanda Lee investigate Google view to perhaps identify “green” yards in SNG. It was
also suggested to contact Cam Gordon’s office, perhaps attend the SNG Board meeting,
and the Minnesota Department of Health for information on environmentally preferable
alternatives. Trdan reaffirmed the SNG’s Board support of Greenwood’s letter of intent.
There was discussion about wood burning fireplaces in Seward should be included in this
project, but it was observed this issue was not directly related. Rick Greenwood provided
further discussion on the difficulty of obtaining documentation from neighbors about the
problem of wood smoke.

9. Make Mine Solar Tour – On October 2 Rick Greenwood attended the tour of local solar
projects. The first stop was 44th and Hiawatha Ave. which was a solar array installed on
the garage which generated 3.4 Kilowatts Another Longfellow house at had about 1
Kilowatt array with good exposure that contributes to a low monthly energy bill. Another
site was on 44th Street with a roof array, but it was near closing but the resident still talked
about an hour about his problems obtaining government rebates. The last stop was in
Hudson Wisconsin and the house is independent of the power grid and he produces more
electricity than he uses. The net result was a totally carbon neutral house. It was brand
new construction but required a sizable investment. Greenwood also commented on
upgrading the school’s computer hardware operating system and recommended also
upgrading the software system (estimated cost about $150). Carol Greenwood reviewed
a discussion she had on how the neighborhood can support the Make Mine Solar effort
and Trdan suggested we obtain something in writing outlining the type of support
required if he wants SNG Board cooperation.

10. Discussion – Problems with city inspectors? – Carol Greenwood suggested postponing
discussion on inspectors until the January meeting.

11. Update – HERC Expansion and other items – Carol Greenwood referred to proposed
expansion of the HERC processing capacity and Trdan provided additional background
on why HERC wants to expand capacity and waste designation ordinances (which later
was declared unconstitutional). Greenwood also offered there were issues concerning the
HERC permits. Greenwood summarized developments on the proposed Hiawatha power
lines, which now are required to be buried and need a certificate of need. Greenwood
reviewed Cam Gordon’s most current newsletter and also summarized developments with
Wind Source and the Energy Challenge. Greenwood said she has three Energy Challenge
lawn signs left in their garage.

12. Adjourn – Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

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Minutes submitted by Mike Trdan
Fundraising Committee notes – January, 2011

One block party/SNG fundraiser was held in early January on the 2000 block of 24th Ave.
While turnout was low (due to cold weather, sickness, and football games), the party
raised $225 for SNG.

The host did a great job checking in with her neighbors after the party to see why they
didn’t come, and to remind them to make a donation to SNG. We learned that we should:
remind future hosts to send an e-mail reminder a day or two before the event; make a sign
for hosts to put in their front yard; and, maybe not do parties in January—it’s cold, people
are sick, and there’s football on Sundays.

Committee members have contacted several block leaders about hosting a party. Many
have expressed tentative interest—we’ll do follow up calls in February to work on setting
spring dates.

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