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.
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Chair ���
Secretary