Meeting Minutes

Date: April 21, 2020

Format: Virtual meeting held via Zoom

Called to Order: 6:33pm

Presided by: Joel Federer (President)

Note taker: Patty Grabski

Board members in attendance: Donte Mearon, Patty Grabski, Adriana Dobrzycka, Michael Kootsikas, Adam Miller, Brett Anderson, Ryan Antkowiak, Joel Federer, Lauren Anderson (Coordinator), Rachel Ireland-Henry (Accountant)

Others in attendance: Linea Palmisano (Council Member, Ward 13), Jordan Nelson (Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Stephanie Vigen, Neil D.

Board members absent: Judy Vecere (technical difficulties), Tyler Mulcahey

Welcome & Introductions

Parks and Rec Update: Jordan

• Rec Center closed in conjunction with schools at least through May 3
  • Trying to move programs online
• Ambassador program
  • Parks and trails are open
  • Park reps available to check on things, answer questions and be a resource to residents
  • ID via light blue jackets
  • Trying to keep park reps employed

City Update: Linea Palmisano

• Property tax late fees in Hennepin and Ramsey will be waived until June 15
• $2.2M in small business relief agreed and available
• Passed takeout wine and beer with food – big revenue boost for small businesses
• Donation hub located in the city
• COVID health department line open – 24/7 response
• Street sweeping impending for pollution control
  • There will not be towing but tickets will be issued
  • Dumpsters included in required moving
• Construction nuisance update

ANA Annual meeting and Board Elections

• Question of whether to hold online June 16 or wait until Fall
  • Board consensus to hold online in June
• Discussion re Annual Meeting main topic
  • City staffer to present re 2020 Census via webinar
  • Suggestion for open forum re feedback and outreach
  • Grant recipient updates
• Process discussion re whether and how to end vote count during hte online meeting in order to announce new board members
• Need to determine best web platform to utilize – need volunteer to research
• Suggestion to model voting process on Kingfield, utilize their voter guide
  • This requires candidates to self-identify in advance – no nominations during meeting
• Lauren to confirm open seats – please communicate with her if your term is up

Newsletter

• Content review is crunched this month – need several volunteers to help with proofreading

Virtual Happy Hour and Coffee Break

• 1 held so far with 7-8 in attendance
• 5/12 to be hosted by the Green Team with topic of Spring Gardening
• 6/9 host Mini Grants subcommittee

Social Distancing Engagement

• Art booklet and Quarantine projects – PDF or slideshow
• Contracted art kit
• Contest for mural artwork
• Donte to compile and organize submissions

Presidents Report

March Minutes – Approved

Treasurer Report

• CPP funds could be revoked by the city – $38k in report – should we earmark these with the intention of safe-guarding
  • Suggestion to move to Metro Blooms bill to ‘professional services’ within CPP

Green Team Update

• Rain and Native Gardens
  • This will go forward despite COVID with social distancing
  • 15 gardens in program, several spots still open – will boost on social
  • Continue feedback to Metro Blooms re sensitivity to size etc
  • June installation
• Virtual Organics workshop 5/18
• Hennepin county grant is canceled due to COVID

Mini Grants Committee Update

• 3 applications received
  1. The Fen – garden installation at 58/Penn triangle
     • Application lacked clarity – vote to deny passed
  2. Armatage Montessori School – equity and race workshops
     • Application approved
  3. Armatage PTA courtyard garden improvement and nature studies
     • Application approved

Complete Count

• FB paid ads
• Please help boost by sharing via Twitter, FB and Instagram

Coordinator Update

• COVID19 relief fund – could combine with two other neighborhoods, we would have $8500 to contribute from program funds – to look into
• Attorney support paid for by city
• Armatage Park playground up for renovation – goal to encourage fast movement on plan

8:26 ADJOURNED