Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
Minutes from Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Hennepin Center for the Arts
528 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 310, Minneapolis

I.��������� Call to Order and Introductions

Vice Chair Carletta Sweet called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.�

Other board members who attended include Tom Hoch; Kim Motes, Chair; Gene Nessly; Cynthia Newsom, Treasurer; Scott Parkin, Secretary; and Jodi Pfarr.� Land Use Committee Chair Andy Hauer was unavailable.

Guests in attendance included Beth Elliott, CPED Principal City Planner for Downtown; Brian Gadient, Daniel Pellinen and Jeffrey Wrede of Tushie Montgomery Architects; Jon Hempel, Josh Krsnak and Sara Malin of Hempel Properties; Barb Lichness, NRP Specialist; Tom Melchior; Sarah Phemister, Downtown Journal; George Rosenquist; and RiverWest residents Leslie Bakst, Phil Epstein, and Shawn Rockler.

Jon Hempel, president and owner of Hempel Properties, and Daniel Pellinen, associate of Tushie Montgomery Architects, described the $100 million hotel and condominium development they are planning in downtown Minneapolis in partnership with Morrissey Hospitality to be called The Hotel Minneapolis and Residences.� The approximately 200 unit hotel and restaurant will be developed in the existing U-shaped, 10-story Midland Bank Building on 2nd Avenue South, and the approximately 150 condominium units will be erected next door above a 13-story parking ramp in a new 35-story tower on South 4th Street.� As this project winds its way through the City�s planning process, they will keep DMNA apprised of its progress.

III.������ Consideration of Agenda

Upon the Chair�s arrival, and having reached a quorum, the agenda was considered and amended by postponing Andy�s update of the April 4th LUC meeting as well as further discussion of The Wave.

IV.������ Consideration of March 2006 Board Meeting Minutes

Gene moved and Jodi seconded to approve the March 2006 board meeting minutes.� The motion was unanimously passed.

V.������� Consideration of Financial Statements

As indicated on the agenda for the instant meeting, DMNA�s Neighborhood Coordinator/Bookkeeper Christie Rock is working with Mike Wilson, the NRP auditor, to prepare DMNA�s Form 990 for 2005 and anticipates submitting them by May 15, 2006.� Also, in an e-mail submitted to the board on April 10, 2006, Christie advised that there are no financial statements for the month of March since no checks were written.

VI.������ New City Planner Introduction

Beth Elliott, former Community Planner for the Southwest sector, introduced herself as the new Community Planner for the Downtown sector and explained her role and responsibilities.� She replaced Jack Byers who occupied this position before he was promoted to supervisor in the Development Services section of CPED.� Responding to inquiries regarding The Wave, Beth advised that this project is still going through environmental review, which could take several months, and suggested periodically checking the city�s website for updates on its progression through the planning process.� The Chair also suggested contacting Councilmember Goodman�s office for updates as well.� Beth can be reached by phone at 612-673-2442 or by e-mail at [email protected].

 

VII.���� Crime and Safety Update

Tom Hoch briefed the board on what transpired in the first reorganized Crime and Safety Committee meeting held on March 21st.� DMNA and Stevens Square Community Organization (SSCO) are working towards implementing a neighborhood patrol by expanding the Safe Zone concept to downtown residential properties (i.e., security personnel cooperating with the MPD).� The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m., at the DMNA office.

VIII.��� Neighborhood Revitalization Program Presentation

DMNA NRP Specialist Barb Lickness distributed folders and explained the contents therein:� a primer (a snapshot of the Minneapolis NRP); a copy of DMNA�s Action Plan adopted by the City Council on February 15, 2002 with accompanying spreadsheets summarizing Phase I activities; a Plan Modification form; Preparing for Phase II document, etc.� Responding to an inquiry regarding funds for Crime and Safety, Barb advised that NRP funds could now be used to purchase off-duty officers via a subcontractor agreement.� Barb can be reached by phone at 612-673-5216 or via e-mail at [email protected].

IX.������ Old/New/Other Business

Tom Hoch advised that he was approached by Sue Jahn requesting DMNA�s continued support for the annual National Night Out event she coordinates for the DMNA and NLNA.� This year Sue is requesting $1,200 from DMNA.� Tom moved and Gene seconded to approve the amount requested under the same terms and conditions as required in prior years.� The motion was unanimously passed.

 

X.������� Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Signed this ________ day of ________________________, 2006.

_______________________________        �    _______________________________
Chair                                                            ���     Secretary