Introductions:
Reports:
a. Roll Call:
ACJ distributed handouts about the following presentations.
She discussed the criteria for an effective meeting and Steering Committee members commented on other criteria for an effective meeting.
Other suggestions were: Conduct brainstorming processes, be punctual, encourage all Steering Committee members to participate, follow the objectives, set time frames for specific tasks and issues on the agenda, allow equal opportunity for each member to comment if she or he wishes to comment, refrain from monopolizing the time during discussions, and take turns providing refreshments (BBS & FB agreed to bring refreshments for the next meeting.).
ACJ reiterated the points on the "Developing Your First Step Plan."
BPS distributed the final version of the Downtown NRP Participation Agreement.
ACJ stressed the importance of following the Participation Agreement to ensure "citizen participation," and to assure that the process "feels good and fair" to all and that the diverse views of the people in the neighborhood are considered. She also stressed that the Steering Committee and the Downtown Minneapolis Residents Association, Inc. (DMRA) maintain effective communications.
She also stated that the responsibilities of the Steering Committee members also include building community relationships.
ACJ suggested that the Steering Committee consider involving youth in the NRP process, possibly with a youth survey. She also suggested that the Steering Committee consider joint ventures with other NRP projects in other neighborhoods.
CS suggested that we fax meeting times and other information to businesses which is less expensive, rather than mailing letters.
ACJ informed the group that the Main NRP office would fund one bulk mailing. This might be used for a survey.
The group reviewed the points on this handout.
Old Business: None
New Business:
BPS informed the group that the budget in the Participation Agreement may be modified or increased by submitting a "request to modify the budget" or a "request for additional funds."
BPS stated that the budget specified in the Participation Agreement provides the money to fund downtown through the First Step process, which includes getting the First Step approved. The budget also provided funds to begin the NRP process, inform the downtown area about NRP, and recruit the Steering Committee.
BBS stated that the timeline specified in the Participation Agreement is a guideline and is flexible according to the changing circumstances.
ACJ informed the group that after the "Action Plan," which is the culmination of the entire NRP process including the First Step, the neighborhood does not receive additional NRP funds.
After discussion about schedules, the group agreed that the May Steering Committee meeting would be held on Thursday, May 23, 1996 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting will be held at the same location, which is La Salle Apartments--36 South Ninth Street in the Party Room.
BPS suggested that the Steering Committee elect a temporary Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary for three months. Then after everyone has had an opportunity to acquaint themselves, the Steering Committee members would elect permanent positions.
FB MOVED to nominate KW.
AC SECONDED the nomination.
KW respectfully declined because of previous commitments.
AP MOVED to nominate FB.
FB respectfully declined due to other commitments.
ACJ suggested implementing a rotating facilitator.
Several Steering Committee members suggested that BPS facilitate the meeting for the next two meeting dates. BPS agreed to facilitate the meetings and generate minutes for the next two meeting dates (May and June), then Steering Committee members will have had an opportunity to get to know each other.
ACJ stated that the primary purpose of the survey is to determine the important issues in the downtown area that might be addressed with NRP funds. This step is an essential aspect of ensuring "citizen participation" in the downtown NRP questions.
BPS stated that he would get surveys from other neighborhoods to provide Steering Committee members with ideas for the downtown survey. BPS would create some type of a composite survey.
BPS informed the group that he would arrange for one-on-one meetings with each Steering Committee member, hopefully before the next Steering Committee meeting. The primary purpose of the one-on-one meetings would be to discuss the upcoming survey.
BPS encouraged Steering Committee members to discuss possible survey ideas with each other before the next meeting.
KW stated that her neighborhood had arranged for a coffee house to give a cup of free coffee to any person that return a survey. This was a great incentive for people to complete the survey and return it.
BBS suggested that people from city planning, Council Members, or Metro 2010 be invited to the next Steering Committee meeting so that the group can coordinate its efforts with these entities.
ACJ stated that the First Step process is an opportunity for the citizens to implement the goals that the citizens feel our important, rather than following the plans that authorities have already designed. The people from the city would be helpful, however, after the First Step plan has been completed so that we can coordinate NRP plans with existing plans and avoid duplicating efforts.
Three different surveys might be helpful--a different survey for residents, workers, and property owners. Possibly different in format to accommodate the different situations of these three groups.
BPS distributed a contact list for each member and staff. He asked if any changes were necessary and noted them.
BPS read Janice McKinnie's Steering Committee application to the members. Several Steering Committee members knew Janice and recommend her appointment.
FB MOVED to elect JM to the Steering Committee.
AC SECONDED the motion.
The motion CARRIED unanimously.
CONGRATULATIONS Janice!
None
AP MOVED for adjournment.
SM SECONDED the motion.
The motion CARRIED unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by Bill Stark, DMRA, Executive Director