SNG Board Packet February 23, 2011

Draft Minutes – SNG Board of Directors

January 26, 2011

Board Members in Attendance: Diann Anders, Marne Zafar, Adrienne Hyde, Adam
Nelsen, Charlie Hoffman, Mike Trdan, Bruce Johansen, Tariku Hassan, Peter Fleck, Ken
Webb, Angela Haeg

Board Members Not in Attendance: Annie Welch, Anne Cronmiller, Sheldon Mains,
Pat Keithan, Nasteeho Warsame.

Also in Attendance: Cam Gordon, Michelle Braley (Restorative Justice)

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by Mike Trdan (co-President).

Introduction of Board Members & Guests.

Move to accept agenda – Charlie moves, Marne 2nds - All in favor.

Move to approve the December15 Board minutes as presented in the board packet.
Marne moved. All in favor.

Staff Reports

Michelle (SLRJP)
Passed out handouts on fundraising events and expressed appreciation for the notation of
SLRJP events on the Seward Events calendar. Talked about Faith Mennonite benefit
concert, which will be free with donations encouraged.

Discussed Restorative Justice program. Started by neighbors in Seward and Longfellow

in 2003. Court diversion is the main thrust of the program. Half of the juvenile crime is
shoplifting and half of their clients have been arrested for shoplifting.

Target area is zip code 55406, but also includes the 55404 part of Seward. Youth eligible
for the program either live in neighborhood, attend schools in the area, or commit their
infraction in the neighborhood. They have conferences for training trainers and
facilitators. Much intervention and counseling one-on-one and in groups. She would like
to have the facilitators as diverse as possible to aid the youth offenders.

SLRJP deals only with juvenile first offenders at the misdemeanor level. Tariku asked
whether there can be meetings with the parents or other adults in the community as well
as the facilitators. Feels this would be extremely helpful. Michelle concurred and
welcomes the input. Tariku asked if it was possible to get e-mails as to who the youth
offenders are, what happened, what action is being taken, and such. Mike T and Diane
talked about the crime & safety committee. Michelle also talked about property damage,
other petty crimes that are reported. SLRJP program has its own advisory board.

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Bruce asked how many referrals. There were 33 referrals in 2010 with 25 actually
participating in program. Charlie talked about the Third Precinct Commander Lucy
Gerald, Seward resident, who is quite in touch with what is happening.

Ken talked about the regular e-mails that he receives from the crime & safety committee
that include crime statistics. Mike T talked about the police reports filed.

Michelle mentioned that the juvenile misdemeanor crimes and Charlie mentioned that the
names, sex and race of the perpetrators are not given out.

Peter mentioned that he feels that incidents are not always relayed in a timely manner. He
feels that we do need to find out what is happening throughout the neighborhood;
mentioned the incident at the bowling alley.

Michelle then moved the discussion to teen discussion groups that take place. Talked
about the talking circles, the new partnership with Common Bond, hired a new worker,
Kadra Abdi, for a circle twice monthly at the East Towers. Appears that the kids are
appreciating that there is an adult to talk to. Michelle talked about how important to
continuing to reach out to the teens. Already talking with Common Bond as to how to
have another group at Towers West.

SLRJP contributes to SNG overhead expenses in return for office space and
administrative support. Last year SNG forgave 50% of SLRJP's budgeted contribution to
the rent. SLRJP is asking that SNG continue to support the program financially in any
way possible. SLRJP appreciates all of the support, particularly as government funding
is shrinking as is other dollars from funders.

Adrienne asked whether youth participants in the restorative justice program have to do
community service. Michelle responded that the people at the conference work to create
appropriate restitution for the youth which may include: chores at home, apology letters,
work in the community. What will work with one youth not necessarily will work with
another. Looking for activities for the at-risk youth can meet others in the community.

Mike Rollin, via Diann

Letter of intent submitted for the new CURA grant. Neighborhood Project Initiative
Grant comes up each year.

Adam asked how this began. Marne described SNG’s involvement with CURA, first with
the Seward Somali Weaver’s Collective, then the Concerts in the Park, now (hopefully)
with the Bedlam Theatre Youth Project.

It was moved and seconded that SNG accept the invitation from CURA and submit a
proposal to the 2011 Neighborhood Partnership Initiative grants program. Motion
passed.

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Peter talked about the most current block party/SNG fundraiser event, hosted by Bette
Merchant. Diann gave more details. There was a little stack of checks that came through
from this event ($225).

Financial Report - Diann

Book-keeper had surgery. Review of financial information (all sent documents via e-
mail). Needless to say – a radical change for the good per Charlie!!

Asked for questions. None asked. Diann walked through all tabs. As of Nov. 30, SNG
has no outstanding debts apart from the approximately $26,000 on our line of credit at the
bank.

Unlike previous reports we are looking better each month (Mike T). We still need money
but at least moving in the right direction.

Diann went through proposal of the 2011 budget. Most programs are breakeven (the
Towers, NRP, etc). Counting on $7,500 from neighborhood members, $15,000 from
McKnight, $1,900 from annual meeting/silent auction. A bit of discussion.

Rental from Northern Clay will be less but still there. Some income from sub-leases.
Not looking bad (Mike T).

We would come out with a $19,000 surplus.

Charlie expressed extreme gratitude to Diann and Robin. He felt the board can not thank
them enough as we have navigated our way out of the difficulties.

Asked for acceptance of 2011 budget. Charlie moved. All in favor – approved.

Question: Michelle did want to know what about Restorative Justice funding and rent
rebate; she had sent an e-mail. Diann mentioned that the e-mail came after the Financial
Committee met.

Mike mentioned that we will need to get back to them. Wants to discuss with Sheldon.

Diann also then mentioned the need for board approval to renew the Community
Facilitation contract with the Towers (Nasra’s contract) for 2011-2012.

It was moved and seconded that SNG enter into a renewed contract for community
facilitation services with the Seward Towers Corporation. The motion passed.

Commentary from Tariku that he feels that Nasra is not working with non-Somali
residents. There are other East African immigrants and he feels that as she does not speak
the languages, there has not been much interaction. Mike would like a review of the
contract. Diann mentioned that because she does speak Somali that perhaps that is the
impression that she is working with only Somali speakers. Tariku feels that she is not

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truly speaking with the other East African community members. He feels that she needs
to get more involved with all others. All board members agree that this is a good issue to
discuss. Much talk about the various hiccups that are occurring.

Adrienne has mentioned that others have brought up this issue previously. She
mentioned that as many other community members should attend and get their voices
heard. The resident meetings are for the residents to have their thoughts and concerns
talked about. Again need to review what is happening. Adrienne mentioned that there
are 14 languages in the building and suggested that folks help each other with the
translation issues. There is room for improvement! All agree on this.

Charlie noted there are few among the SNG board that live in the Towers. He asked that
those who are more aware and qualified to help out.

Executive Committee Actions

Community Bike Center Project

Infrastructure Investment
Approved raise for Mike Rollin
Supported ReDesign’s Business Assistance Program Application

No action needed—just a report to the Board

Environment Committee
Long meeting this past Sunday. More committee members are needed. Possibility of
hiring an intern to work on various issues. The Energy Initiative being undertaken by
Doug Wise.

Mike moving forward on the new recycling program. Will be an option of a cart or bin.
Will take whatever is offered as long as the program moves forward.
Received unsolicited volunteer help for outreach (leafleting, door knocking and such).
Received the results of the recyclable collectibles, garbage collectibles; raw data showed
how much could have been recycled! Very enlightening per Mike.

Development Committee
No meeting. Charlie said that there are current restrictions on housing money. Doug and
he are reviewing guidelines for allocating funds. At least so far, the neighborhood is not
beating down the doors for money.

Crime & Safety Committee

Diann showed new grid of the 3rd Precinct, a lot larger than the Seward neighborhood.
Committee working on the Seward Stroll Patrol.
Just received the annual crime stats of 2010 – unfortunately went up. Block club training
going on; Diann looking at perhaps using Matthews Center.

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Diann said new Community Policing Plan will posted on the Profile for review; note: has
not been formally approved by the Crime & Safety committee yet. Exploring the idea of
beat cops. Crime prevention specialists update can be sent out.

Fundraising Committee
Nothing more to discuss.

Cam Gordon, City Council Member

Passed out his written report—all details are there or one can write for additional update.

Discussed the mobile food vending issue. He would like input on this issue; please
review the questions he has raised and would value thoughts from his constituents.
Talked about where it might go on Franklin Ave, and where downtown. Charlie said it
would be on the Development Committee’s radar. Bernie has said should be discussed.

Mentioned the new Solar Energy Systems. This is item #7 in his report. He is very
supportive of what is being proposed by the city council.

Talked about local gardens and the growing of local food being grown for sale. The
market garden issue is a hot button. Can view the draft online (see report for link).

Talked about recycling options. Please read #10 about the new 5-year plan being
presented to the city council committees.

All the recent bills proposed that would strip away anything related to gun controls.
Seems like this may be going forward. Amazing. There is a “Shoot First” bill being
presented. To wit, “the wild west is back,” says Marne. Many have said that we hope that
Governor Dayton will veto all.

We may need to redo our budget per Cam. More on that to come. Mike talked about
when the special session will be convened?!

Board Member Assignments

Diann passed around the assignment sheet again. The expectation is that board members
participate on (at least) one committee. Mike made a pitch for the Environment
Committee; really needs help of about an hour or two per month. Ken asked which
committees need help. Charlie talked about Development Committee.

Angie mentioned that board members should be required to be on a few. Charlie

mentioned (as did Diann) that it has never been required. Ken mentioned that folks
should be participating.

Mike mentioned that we need more people and younger people. Angie said Mike is
being too nice and flexible. Much discussion about the need being great!

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Discussion Items – Draft Publication Policy & Community Participation Program

2011 proposal

Draft Publication Policy was passed out (and previously sent by –email). Please review
and send comments back to Peter.

Talked about the timely posting of meeting minutes. Please send PDF format if possible.

Suggestion of templates for the minutes. Difficulty of .docx format opening.

Discussion of how to correct minutes or update if any changes! Want the maximum
compatibility.

Distribution of a printed Profile – a big issue. Need translations by native speakers.

Charlie noted that distribution is labor-intensive. Ken mentioned that we need to set our
goals “lower.” Ken just feels that we are looking at two types of distribution: business
and households. Mike concurs with Marne that there is a digital divide (class,
economics, education, etc)

Need to move forward more quickly as Peter will not be as available as he is staring a
new job. He has spoken with Advantage Center to offer digital training in the hope that
folks will assist (Jenny Lewis) in keeping the digital alive.

Diann feels we should not muddy the waters and have Peter only work on the digital
(Peter thanked all). There should be another group who works on a print version (though
the information is the same, the need is great for both).

Charlie discussed a template for minutes. Minutes are done by volunteers; will not tell
Bernie or Carol G how to do the minutes. We have to be exceedingly careful about this
as well, we need them.

Diann mentioned that there are different ways to take the minutes. Ken mentioned that
perhaps similar headers could be used; Charlie concurs. Ken said only minutes from a
committee that one is interested in will be read.

Adam talked about the relevancy of a template. Felt that it does make it easy to find
information that one is looking for. Charlie mentioned that getting the minutes out is
important but getting the agenda out is even more important. Finding the agenda in the
minutes is key. Generally speaking this is what most folks are interested in.

What Charlie wants is for folks to come to the meetings! So stating when they are being
held is critical.

Diann suggested that we attempt to live by this proposal as guideline; let’s see how it
goes, it is an excellent starting point. Charlie said we need to know what transpires.

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Question: are you happy with the amount of people that are posting on the online forum?
Peter responded that it is about 1000 per month which he feels is pretty good for a non-
profit. About 3,000 households on the e-democracy.

Community Participation Program

Diann mentioned that this proposal must be approved by the Board. What this document
does is state what we do and lay out how we will develop the 3-year proposal that will be
required in 2012.

Mike T., Mike R., and Diann got together to strategize as on how to collect information
as to what our mission going forward will be.

Adjusted budgets (seed $). Developed a business plan to product a quarterly publication
—there is another pool of people who will work on this. Business community was
excited about this proposal of having the Seward Profile in print.

Charlie moves and Ken 2nds that SNG approve SNG's proposal for the Community
Participation Program. The motion was approved unanimously.

Ken spoke in favor of this motion. We need to lock down funds asap before we lose the
opportunity.

Peter asked did we address our on-line presence; yes, per Diann and Mike. Would it be
useful to state we would be increasing our numbers? No, per Diann. We need it to be as
general as possible.

Review of Upcoming Events

Garage Sale Days – May 13-14
King’s Fair - September 17

Please double check dates for any conflicts.

Diann wanted to put the dates out. Unless we hear otherwise, these are “in stone.”

Meeting Evaluation
How did it work having a separate Discussion Items section of the meeting? Some feel
comfortable, something has been accomplished (this per Mike T)

There are 3,700 households in Seward! WOW!

Peter felt it went more smoothly, went well this evening. Mike felt more energized.

Ken said that the first meeting is always more intense. Community reports were sparse
but that is the ebb & flow.

Glad that we did address the issues. Not sure whether we got to the parameters as to how
the meeting goes.

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Motion to adjourn. Moved by Charlie – all in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

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Draft Minutes - Seward Neighborhood Group Community Development Committee

February 8, 2011
Recorded by Peter Fleck

Present: Peter Fleck, Robin Garwood, Bob Hain, Katya Pilling (Seward Redesign),
Charlie Hoffman, Scott Henderson, Joyce Hanson, Abigail Chen, Albert Rysavy, Robert
Gratz, Ashley Caraway (Pizza Lucé), Jennifer Linnett (Pizza Lucé), Ewart Martens,
Bruce Johansen, Tracy Singleton (Birchwood Café), Doug Wise (SNG Housing
Coordinator), Pat Keithan, Mary Mateer, Sheldon Mains

1. Potential changes in the city’s mobile vending ord. that might expand the area
that mobile vending could occur. SCCA and SNG were asked to provide formal
feedback.

Councilmember Cam Gordon’s office asked Seward Civic and Commerce Association
(SCCA) and the Community Development Committee (CDC) for feedback on a proposed
mobile vending ordinance. Robin Garwood, Cam Gordon’s Policy Aide, filled in some
details. He said a mobile vending ordinance was put in place for the downtown area only
in 2010. It was very strict. The ordinance was reopened this year allowing more carts on
the street and the ability to serve from parking areas on the street itself. The Council is
also looking at broadening the geographic scope and it looking for input from
neighborhoods. In Seward, Franklin Avenue would likely be the site for mobile vending.
Robin said mobile vending will not happen in Seward unless we respond affirmatively to
the proposal (at least this time around).

Other details shared by Robin:

• Permits are required and are annual
• Vendors must be connected to a permanent kitchen
• Robin is not aware of any health issues with vendors in the first year
• This does not govern vendors at community fairs – events have different licensing
requirements

Charlie Hoffman raised the issue of how valuable parking space is on Franklin Ave.
Several others echoed this.

Ewart Martens stated that it would add to the fabric of our neighborhood.

No action was taken, so for 2011 at least, there won’t be mobile vending on Franklin in
Seward Neighborhood.

SCCA also provided feedback to the CDC via email:

The Seward Civic and Commerce Association (SCCA) board had a brief
discussion regarding potential changes in the Mobile Food Vendors
ordinance at our board meeting last week. We are still receiving feedback
from the restaurants in Seward. Here are some of our initial observations:

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1. We support having a variety of food choices in Seward.

2. Current restaurant owners have made substantial investments in their

locations, pay considerable annual taxes/fees and employ a number of
Seward residents. Discussion took place about the possibility of asking that
approved Mobile Food Vending locations not be allowed within a specified
distance of an existing restaurant.

3. The largest community event where mobile food vendors might want to
operate is Kings Fair. SNG has typically operated the food and beverage
area at Kings Fair to defray the costs associated with the Fair. Allowing
Mobile Food Vendors to operate close to Kings Fair could reduce income
for SNG.

4. Safety and parking issues should be taken into consideration for any
locations authorized in Seward. Parking is at a premium and safety of
persons walking or driving near any proposed locations should be
considered.

2. Neighbors’ concerns about increased truck traffic on 29th Ave.

A request was made for the CDC to discuss the increase in truck traffic on 29th Ave. S.
The person who put in the request was not at the meeting. A brief discussion concluded
we don’t know why traffic has increased. Robin spoke briefly about the City making 29th
Ave. more bike-friendly.

3. Neighbors’ concerns about property on 2600 block of 37th Ave

Joyce Hanson (neighbor of the property) reported on the state of the property. There is an
8-foot fence which neighbors said they wanted removed some years back. Owner agreed
but has done nothing. Inside the fence is like a junk yard with some large shipping
container units. Business seems to be going on outside of the building which Robin
Garwood thinks is not allowed. Charlie Hoffman stated the neighborhood will start
complaining to the City and monitor progress.

4. Redesign report on activities: Tri-State Bearing building's continued infractions;

building site at 3010 E. 26th Street; the house at 2919 E. 26th Street.

Reported by Katya Pilling, Associate Director at Redesign

Redesign has purchased the lot at 3010 E. 26th St. which was a burned out home. They
hope to use this purchase to merge with the next lot west where some developers are
attempting to build a 3-bedroom home on a very tiny lot. Redesign and CDC have told
the City they don’t support the new construction on the lot. However the City approved

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variances for the developers but required a garage which may have effectively blocked
construction. Redesign’s hope is to merge the lots.

Redesign did a walk-through of the home at 2919 26th St. and found sub-standard
construction. They are attempting to gain site control.

Redesign reports that Scott Henderson’s Tri-State Bearing property has not been cleaned
up. Scott was present and stated that the weather has been an issue. Robin Garwood
stated that another $2,000 citation has been issued on the property after a slight delay to
see if there would be some cleanup. Redesign has not been able to meet with Scott
recently.

No action taken.

5. Proposed changes to the Terms of the Seward NRP Interest Subsidy Grant
Program

Doug Wise, SNG Housing Coordinator, reporting.

The Seward interest subsidy program currently reduces the interest rate on MN Fix-up
Fund loans to income-eligible Seward homeowners for certain improvements. The
proposed changes would expand the types of improvements eligible for the interest
subsidy. The changes would also increase the maximum loan term and maximum loan
amount. These changes would make the requirements for the interest subsidy program
consistent with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Procedural Manual for
the MN Fix-up Fund.

There have been very few applications to the program. It may be a publicity issue.

After discussion, it was decided that Doug would prepare a report for the next CDC
meeting detailing what the proposal is and running some numbers. Peter Fleck (Seward
Profile publisher) will work with Doug to increase visibility of the program.

6. Community Coordinator, Mike Rollin, resigning

Sheldon Mains reported that Mike will be leaving SNG at the end of February. All
wished Mike well in his future endeavors!

SNG is accepting applications for the position until Feb. 28.

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