Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association

Minutes from Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Hennepin Center for the Arts

528 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 310, Minneapolis, Minnesota

I.          Call to Order and Introductions

            Board Chair Kim Motes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Other board members who attended include Andy Hauer; Tom Hoch; Scott Parkin, Secretary; Jodi Pfarr; Cynthia Newsom, Treasurer; and Carletta Sweet, Vice Chair. 

Board member Gene Nessly was absent. 

Guests in attendance included David Abele; Michelle Bruch, Downtown Journal; Brian Gorecki and Bernadette Hornig from Sherman Associates; Michael Katch; Liz Picking, Brookfield Properties; George Rosenquist; and Darrin Schulle.

Staff Person Christie Rock, Neighborhood Coordinator, was also in attendance.

II.        Consideration of and Additions to the Agenda

There was a request to add an item under the Land Use Committee Report.  Liz Picking with Brookfield Properties will give a presentation on a curb cut they are proposing in front of City Center on Hennepin Avenue. 

The agenda was approved as amended. 

III.       Consideration of June 13, 2006 Meeting Minutes

Vice Chair Carletta Sweet made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 13, 2006, board meeting.  Tom Hoch seconded the motion.  Chair Kim Motes called for discussion.  The motion passed. 

IV.       Consideration of July Financials

Staff member Christie Rock gave the June 2006 financial report. 

Andy Hauer made a motion to receive and file the July 2006 financials.  Jodi Pfarr seconded the motion.  Board Chair Kim Motes called for discussion.  The motion passed.

V.        Land Use Committee Report

            Committee Chair Andy Hauer presented the July Land Use Committee report. 

Parcel F:  Committee Chair Andy Hauer introduced two representatives from Sherman Associates, Brian Gorecki and Bernadette Hornig, who gave a presentation to the DMNA board on the proposed development for Parcel F near the new Guthrie Theatre.  The development includes the Zenith Condominium and the Starwood Hotel.

Mr. Gorecki and Ms. Hornig reviewed the site plan, the architectural features and the building materials.  They noted that there would primarily be office space below the condos, as opposed to retail.  The City will not allow a restaurant on this site. 

Sherman Associates is seeking approval of a PUD, a Conditional Use Permit and a Parking Variance for the project. 

There was significant discussion regarding the availability of parking in this area of Downtown.  Several DMNA board members suggested that the City should conduct a parking study that would identify long-term solutions to the problem. 

Board Chair Kim Motes made a motion to approve the project as presented.  Tom Hoch seconded the motion.  Board Chair Kim Motes called for discussion.  The motion passed with Cynthia Newsom and Scott Parkin abstaining. 

City Center:  Committee Chair Andy Hauer introduced Liz Picking from Brookfield Properties who gave a presentation on a curb cut proposed for the Hennepin Avenue side of City Center.  Brookfield is trying to recruit four restaurants for 40,000 square feet of the lower level of City Center.  The restaurants Brookfield is pursing have indicated that a curb cut is necessary in order for them to consider locating in City Center.  The curb cut would allow for valet parking service.  It would accommodate between three and four cars.  A formal application has not been submitted to the City as of yet. 

The DMNA board did not take action on this item, but gave general support for the project. 

VI.       Crime and Safety Update

Committee Chair Tom Hoch gave an update on the activities of the Crime and Safety Committee.  Tom noted that the community code of conduct survey has generated a lot of media attention and many responses from a varied group of people.  To date, the survey responses total over 1,200.  Tom indicated that DMNA webmaster is in the process of tabulating the surveys and putting the information into a spreadsheet.  The results will be posted on the DMNA website sometime in the next 2 weeks.  The Crime and Safety Committee will use the results to help craft the code of conduct, and to identify several issues they will work to address over the next 6 to 12 months.  The next Crime and Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m. 

VII.     NRP Implementation Update

The DMNA Implementation Committee will meet again before the August 8, board meeting at 5:45 p.m. at the DMNA office.  The committee will continue to discuss contributing DMNA NRP dollars toward the costs of a new dog park in the neighborhood. 

VIII.    Old Business / New Business / Other Business

            There was no additional business to discuss. 

IX.       Adjournment

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Signed this ________ day of ________________________, 2006.

_______________________________             _______________________________
Chair                                                                    Secretary