Armatage Neighborhood Association Meeting & Quarterly Safety Update
Meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm by Denis Houle.
ANA board members in attendance: Ryan Antkowiak, Tara Brown, Denis Houle, Steve Johnson, Bri Keeney, Michael Kootsikas, Laurel Luxenberg, and Judy Vecere
Others in attendance: Nikki Lindberg (ANA Coordinator), Lt. Brian Anderson, and 2 other Armatage Residents: Gary R, Jim H
Safety Update – Lt. Brian Anderson
- Soliciting interest in Block Clubs. Provided a handout to gain traction.
- Crime Update
- Larceny/Burglary account for 87% of all of the crime in Armatage.
- Don’t make it easy!
- Only reported 15 crimes so far this year.
- Burglary strip – Kwans, Red Wagon, Cafe Maude
- Only netted some alcohol and petty cash
- Coffee Shop & Subway robberies
- Nothing in Armatage; Fulton Neighborhood was nearest robberies
- Two Burglaries – 55th/Queen & 57th/Upton – January
- Jewelry theft, no suspect info at this time
- Jewelry is a common item in nearly all homes and is therefore targeted
- Armatage always has at least one squad patrolling Armatage. Most of the time there is more than one squad active.
- Anything you can do to deter criminals from targeting your home should be considered. Beware of Dog sign as an example.
- Jewelry theft, no suspect info at this time
- Larceny/Burglary account for 87% of all of the crime in Armatage.
City Council Update
- No formal update. Linnea did have her baby.
Park Update
- No formal update.
- Fire and Ice was more like Fire and Slush.
Phase 2 Engagement Report of the Minneapolis 2040 Plan
- Initial report was enacted last year.
- Phase 2 just came out this year.
- Official document had comments about how Neighborhood Associations should be abolished. Neighborhood Groups on the other hand were considered beneficial to neighborhoods.
- We do not know the significance of these comments.
- The Loring Park Neighborhood Association drafted a resolution supporting neighborhoods but asking for clarifying information surrounding the comments made about Neighborhood Associations and Neighborhood Groups. Requesting “raw data” surrounding comments.
- Unclear as to why we need to approve or deny the resolution
- Consideration being given to simply asking for the raw data vs. drafting a formal resolution
- By Monday, February 27: Vote on Approve, Deny, Request Additional Information
- March 29th – The Art of Hosting
- Consideration being given to simply asking for the raw data vs. drafting a formal resolution
- Unclear as to why we need to approve or deny the resolution
- The Loring Park Neighborhood Association drafted a resolution supporting neighborhoods but asking for clarifying information surrounding the comments made about Neighborhood Associations and Neighborhood Groups. Requesting “raw data” surrounding comments.
- We do not know the significance of these comments.
Committee Updates
Green Team update
- Attending Sustainable Behavior Workshop is THIS Saturday
- Plan to invite members of the neighborhood to participate
- 7 residents have expressed interest so far
- Plan to invite members of the neighborhood to participate
Community Engagement Update (Bri Keeney)
- Tot Lot: No formal Tot Lot Update. Awaiting an assigned project manager.
- Happy Hour: Switching to Mondays from 7-9 beginning March 6th. 1st Monday of the Odd Month. No Happy Hour on Labor Day.
- Welcome Bags: 2 Business have added content to the bag (Jump & State Farm). Michael continues to deliver them to new neighbors.
Safety Team
- Still struggling to get a list of all of the block leaders
- Working to build up these relationships
Summer Festival (August 13th)
- Task list is being generated to help volunteers.
- Nikki already secured the mobile.
- Band is already booked.
- Car show may be back as well.
Coordinator Update (Nikki Lindberg)
- Fix It Loan
- Approved and active. Waiting list already in place.
- Annual Meeting (May 16th)
- Trying to come up with a theme to drive attendance.
- The following are up for election – Judy, Laurel, Steve, Kelly, Sarah, and Tara.
- Nikki to send email soliciting feedback, ideas, to get this planning underway
- Home Improvement Fair
- Do we want to participate again? No
- City conference (4/1)
- Attend if you can; a great conference and incredible food
- Gypsy Moth infestation
- Portions of Armatage will be treated
- Low aerial spray; quick dry
- Completely harmless to anything other than moths
- Portions of Armatage will be treated
- The following are up for election – Judy, Laurel, Steve, Kelly, Sarah, and Tara.
- Trying to come up with a theme to drive attendance.
Treasurer Update (Judy Vecere)
- Previewed via email. Highlighted in meeting. Budget is on track and cash flow is good.
- Fiscal year is February – January.
- Will review the annual report each month and also the fiscal report each February.
Secretary Report
- January minutes approved via email
New Business
- Notice of variance, 5801 Russell. 7 feet closer to street. Will make for a very tight lot.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:39 pm.