East Phillips Community Blog

Support Sister's Camelot!

2008-08-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

I just read a post that Sister's Camelot is one of three finalists competing to receive a MySpace Impact Award. They give away free food in various locations all over Minneapolis - and it's all organic! Seriously a great organization, that I think we should all vote on to ensure they get more attention.

I have seen them several times this summer stopped at East Phillips Park or Little Earth Community.

Please vote for Sister's Camelot at: http://www.myspace.com/impactawards

East Phillips Park - Cultural and Community Center ( EPPCCC )

2008-08-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon to East 24th Street at 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Center's goals are:

To design, fund, and construct a greem LEED certifiable building.
To responsibly maintain and operate the EPPCCC over the long-term.
To provide a welcoming, safe neighborhood gathering place embracing all cultures & encourage a shared sense of Community.
To provide multicultural recreational, educational, and healthy development opportunities for residents of all ages.
To provide culturally appropriate programs and activities emphasizing child and youth development, and youth leadership skills.

The EPPCCC Partnership is now recruiting partners to fulfill the goals of this project.

Contacts:

Brad Pass: 612-916-8478 - bpass AT usinternet DOT com
Comm. Scott Vreeland: MPRB - 612-750-8576 - svattheriver AT aol DOT com

Kandiyohi withdraws permit application

2008-06-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

As we have hoped for so long, the Mid-Town Burner project is no more. But you never know when these projects can be started again, so East Phillips should show where it wants its future energy to come from. That statement has already begun with Little Earth investing in solar water heaters. The East Phillips Improvement Coalition should also make decisions regarding future development that eliminate dirty forms of energy. We took a stance and won against Kandiyohi, now we must move towards an even brighter future.

Midtown Burner has no one to buy power

2008-05-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

EPIC E-NEWS
May 28, 2008

EPIC Board, Members, friends of East Phillips, and folks who helped work for clean air for the people of South Minneapolis.

Two pieces of Good News:
First, Xcel Energy decided not to buy power from the Midtown Burner! This makes it the law and means that Kandiyohi will find it next to impossible to secure the financing to allow them to receive a loan for the project to go ahead. They would be very hard pressed to make the Burner Project work. (Check out the email address at the end of this message)

Second, Governor Pawlenty signed the bill to require a cumulative impact study of all pollution sources in the Burner site area to see if the totality passes muster in the Phillips and surrounding area before any permit can be signed allowing any power plant to be built. This means that Phillips is protected from this sort of thing and either awaits a future when clean energy can be provided and/or simply will not have any sort of similarly polluting industry here period.

Does this completely stop this project? I hesitate to say yes, because there are always possibilities that something will squeak through. We need to be watchful, more than we were this time, but it makes the future look quite pollution free from this source anyway. The Midtown Burner looks nearly laid to rest.

Thank you to those of you that lobbied faithfully with us, provided information, encouraged us when we felt we could not do this, wrote many letters and made many calls. This was a huge group effort. Thank you EPIC Board and members for your work. Thank you Womens Environmental Institute, Thank you Little Earth Staff and residents for your support. Thank you Sisters of Holy Rosary and St, Paul's Lutheran Church for your letters and prayers. Thank you Metro Urban Indian Directors, Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota, the Hispanic Baseball League, Midtown Phillips, Phillips West, Ventura Village, 16th Ave. Block Club, the Alley Newspaper, Seward Neighborhood Group, Minneapolis Residents for Clean Air, Standish-Erickson Neighborhood Assoc'., St. Paul Neighbors Against the Burner, Rep. Karen Clark, Senators Linda Berglin and Patricia Torres-Ray, Council Members Schiff, Lilligren and Gordon and the many others who supported our effort too numerous to name and many whose names we don't know.

This was a great united effort. However, two things: we need to remember that we are not done. Again, this could come back, though with great difficulty. But even if it does not, we need to remember that we have made a commitment to press on toward ridding Phillips of all pollution period!! and creating a neighborhood does not drag our population down with further difficulties, but sustains and lifts them up in every way, providing them with an environment of healthy air, healthy soil, healthy homes and places of business, healthy parks and water. We owe this to our children, and this is especially true since Phillips has a greater percentage of the next generation than almost anywhere else in Minneapolis. I hope we can continue with the same unity of purpose toward these future goals. Again, we owe it to the children, the elders and everyone in between.

Thanks again,

Carol Pass, Board Chair, for EPIC

Check this out:
http://www.finance-commerce.com/article.cfm/2008/05/28/Xcel-leaves-developers-powerless-on-Midtown-Burner-project

The Burner is NOT stopped!

2008-04-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

As you may have read in the Star, the Option to Buy was cancelled, but with a 60 day opening to turn back the cancellation. The Kandiyohi developers are working hard to succeed. This has served to really 'turn their crank', you might say. We need to address those who would offer to buy the power from them, Xcel Energy. If this purchase goes through, it will allow the Burner group to financially proceed, so we need address Xcel Energy Now! We have until June 9th to stop this!

We must be willing to press on with our efforts and keep up the pressure. This will be a long fight. If we love our neighborhoods, we can’t stop in the middle!!

One of our supporters was recently in the Mayor's office and mistaken for one of the Kandiyohi people. The Mayor’s assistant assured her that the Mayor continues his support for the Burner. When she told the Mayor’s assistant who she was, the Mayor’s assistant said that the Mayoy supported it because “there really wasn’t that much opposition.” That tells me we have to turn up the heat on this and mobilize more!

If you haven’t written the Mayor and City Council yet, please do so right away.
But now, also

XCEL ENERGY NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!!!!!
TELL THEM THAT YOU WILL NOT SUPPORT
A WOOD BURNER POWER PLANT
OF ANY KIND HERE IN EAST PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD!

PLEASE BOTH CALL AND EMAIL THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE TO MAKE YOUR PROTEST KNOWN.

Email Addresses/contacts/phone numbers at Xcel:

Mr. David Sparby, President and CEO, Xcel Energy MN david.m.sparby@xcelenergy.com
Policy Assistant: Ms. Barbara Bridgeman, (612) 330-5901

Mr. Scott Wilensky, Vice Pres., Regulatory & Government Affairs scott.wilensky@xcelenergy.com
Policy Assistant: Ms. Ann Johnson, (612) 330-6403

Don’t be shy! Be direct, professional and firm. Some suggested talking points for letters/emails to Xcel executives are these. Use any of them.
Put these in your own words!

But write AND call today!

* The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has stated that the Midtown EcoEnergy facility (wood burning power plant) proposed for the East Phillips Neighborhood (near Hiawatha Ave and East Lake St.), “will be a major source of Hazardous Air Pollutants” (MPCA Tech. Support Doc. p. 2) (November, 2007).

* The Phillips neighborhood has a long history of environmental degradation. It has the highest arsenic concentrations of any neighborhood in the city or State, and many other serious pollution challenges.

* The Phillips neighborhood has high concentrations of vulnerable people. 40% of the population are children, 40% of the children live in poverty. There is a high concentration of minority and senior populations.

* The proposed biomass power plant on East Lake Street will emit close to 1 million pounds of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This includes a 37% increase in asthma enhancing particulate matter over current point, area and mobile sources. (From Dr.Ian Greaves, U of M School of Public Health)

* Asthma is approaching epidemic levels in the neighborhood and has been cited as one of the top reasons for poor school attendance and high drop out rates. The significant increase in Particulate Matter from the power plant would seriously aggravate this.

* The known substances emitted from the smoke stack cause or contribute to cancer, birth defects, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, strokes, reduced intelligence in children, and many other serious and fatal health problems;

* Insufficient data is available, according to the MPCA technical support document, to know with confidence what the entire smokestack emissions of the facility would be.

* Public exposure of these things has not occurred in any of the presentations by the developers of this project, nor has this truth been contained in any of the many advertisements or statements by the developers in area media. In addition, almost all official approvals took place before this information was publicly available on November 11, 2007. Because of this lack of public information, informed consent has not occurred.

* There are virtually no economic or social benefits to the neighborhood: The owners/investors do not live in the neighborhood. The investors live in the wealthier parts of Minneapolis. This is an action of those who have for their own financial gain against those who have not, the poor and minority population of Southeast Minneapolis.

* For these reasons, it is an example of environmental injustice, as stated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s "Environmental Policy" (http://www.pca.state.mn.us/ publications/policy- environmentaljustice.pdf ) stating:

"The MPCA will, within its authority,… insure that Minority and economically-disadvantaged communities in Minnesota do not bear a disproportionate share of the involuntary risks and consequences of environmental pollution..."

The proposed "Midtown" permit and the power plant itself would violate this MPCA policy.

* The principals of Kandiyohi Development Partners, d/b/a "Midtown Eco Energy, LLC", have a history of poor financial management and bullying tactics.

* No reliable, long term source of wood biomass has been identified as a fuel source for the plant. Without this, either the “renewable resource” virtue is lost or the burner is shut down..

* The East and Midtown Phillips neighborhood organization and the surrounding neighborhoods are on record opposing the biomass burner as are many of the ethnic organizations and churches in the area. To force such a thing on an opposing and unwilling population against their will is wrong and will only bring serious ill will and political struggle against both Xcel Energy and Kandiyohi Development Partners.

* Xcel Energy ratepayers have invested over $1 billion to clean up the air in the Twin Cities by converting inner-city power plants from coal to natural gas. Why would Xcel Energy take us all backwards??

RT Rybak: "the Midtown Burner Project will go forward"

2008-04-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Rybak says he's not heard enough
"public outrage"
to convince him that the Burner is a problem

This is what community members were told

in a meeting with staff from the Mayor's office

on Friday, April 10, 2008.

So, if you thought the Burner was "dead,"

think again!!

If Kandiyohi Development Partners (the Midtown Burner project owners) are able to negotiate a purchase agreement with Xcel Energy (or any other qualified power company) by Monday June 9, 2008,

THE BURNER PROJECT WILL GO FORWARD.

KDP has been working for some time to negotiate a power purchase agreement, and now they have only a few weeks left to pull it off.

Don't you think they will call on their friends with money and influence to put pressure on Xcel to sign on?

Mayor RT Rybak still supports the Burner.

And his staff are saying that

it will be built!

Read on to find out what the Mayor's staff are saying,

and what you can do to educate the Mayor and others

on what you think about the Burner

Staff at the Mayor's office claim that neighborhood opposition to the Burner is weak -- despite the fact that more than 700 residents have signed statements in opposition to the project, which have been delivered to the Mayor's office. Some residents have sent e-mails to the Mayor and, instead of receiving a response from the Mayor, they got a reply from Kim Havey at Kandiyohi Development Partners. Do you think this is a coincidence?

Staff at the Mayor's office also claim that emissions from the Burner will be no more problematic than exhaust emissions from 24 cars over the course of a year. This is a myth, and it's a great example of how people can mistake a "sound byte" for the truth. If the Mayor's staff dig deeper, they will find that while the Burner emissions and exhaust from 24 cars may be comparable by weight, the content is decidedly different.

A deeper analysis of the "24 cars" argument shows that:

· In addition to nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water (the major components of typical car exhaust), the Burner will also be adding alarming amounts of sulfur, lead, benzene, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde, manganese, styrene, toluene, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in addition to extremely fine particulate matter (nanoparticles, also known as "soot") to the air that we all breathe.

· Carbon dioxide, while not harmful to breathe and naturally occurring in our air, is a "greenhouse gas." The total carbon dioxide emissions from the Midtown Burner will be equivalent to that produced by over 30,000 cars!

· Cars also create toxic fumes including carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrous oxides -- but the amount is less than 1% of a car's emissions. The Burner will create all of these three "volatile organic compounds" (are similar to the unburned hydrocarbons from cars), but they make up a much larger proportion of the Burner's emissions. A calculation adjusting for the proportion of these emissions shows that:

o carbon monoxide: Burner emissions = 3,400 cars/year

o volatile organic compounds: Burner emissions = 7,800 cars/year

o nitrous oxide: Burner emissions = 29,000 cars/year

The Mayor claims he hasn't heard enough

public outrage about the Burner.

Has he heard your opinion?

Are you outraged that you may be forced to breathe more sulfur, lead, benzene, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, formaldehyde, manganese, styrene, toluene, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, nitrous oxide, and nano particles (soot)?

Are you outraged that the Mayor seems to be ignoring the messages from more than 700 people in the community?

Are you outraged by the fact that elected officials who should be looking out for your interests are still supporting the Midtown Burner?

IF YOU'RE OUTRAGED,

IT'S TIME TO LET THE MAYOR AND OTHERS KNOW!

please also send us copies of your correspondence and any response you get:

Minneapolis Residents for Clean Air

(612) 326-3308

mpls.residentsforcleanair@gmail.com

For more background info, articles, and talking points on this issue: http://mplsresidentsforcleanair.blogspot.com/

Call, write, or e-mail:

Mayor RT Rybak

City Hall, Room 331

350 South Fifth Street

Minneapolis, MN 55415

(612) 673-2100

rt@minneapolis.org

David Sparby

President, Xcel Energy, Inc.

414 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis MN 55401

Mr. Sparby's policy assistant, Ms. Barb Bridgeman (612) 330-5901

Steve Wilenski

Vice President for Regulartory and Governmental Affairs, Xcel Energy, Inc.

414 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis MN 55401

Mr. Wilensky's policy assistant, Ms. Ann Johnson (612) 330-6403

Commissioner Peter McLaughlin

is on record as opposing the Burner - urge him to say that to Dave Sparby and Steve Wilenski from Xcel!

A2400 Government Center

300 South Sixth Street

Minneapolis, MN 55487

612-348-3085

commissioner.mclaughlin@co.hennepin.mn.us

Your Council Member

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/

Cam Gordon, Gary Schiff, and Robert Lillegren are on record as opposing the Burner - urge them to say that to Dave Sparby and Steve Wilenski from Xcel!

Your State Senator

http://geo.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/districts/start.html

If your State Senator opposes the Burner, urge her/him to say that to Dave Sparby and Steve Wilenski from Xcel!

Your State Representative

http://geo.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/districts/start.html

If your State Representative opposes the Burner, urge her/him to say that to Dave Sparby and Steve Wilenski from Xcel!

Your Neighborhood Organization

http://www.nrp.org/r2/Neighborhoods/Summary/NbhdSummary.html

If your neighborhood organization opposes the Burner, urge them to say that to Dave Sparby and Steve Wilenski from Xcel!

Representative Keith Ellison

1130 Longworth Building

Washington, D.C. 20515-2305

(202) 225-4755 or (612) 522-1212

http://ellison.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87

Senator Norm Coleman

320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510

(202) 224-5641

Web Form: coleman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Co...

Senator Amy Klobuchar

302 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510

(202) 224-3244

Web Form: klobuchar.senate.gov/emailamy.cfm

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Jullonne Glad

Juliet Thompson

Betsy Sohn

on behalf of Minneapolis Residents for Clean Air

an ad hoc group of community volunteers holding elected officials accountable

Midtown Eco Energy Plant

2008-03-18T23:13:00.000-07:00

Carol Pass, Chair, EPIC
eastphillips-epic.com

Friends of East Phillips and near by neighborhoods,
First, we have lawn signs to oppose the Midtown wood burning power plant if you choose to do so. Call if you want one. We could use a donation in return, but it is not necessary.
Then, here is stuff to help compose a letter to the Mayor and City Council. The extension of the option to buy the burner site is on Friday, so if anyone writes an email before Friday, that should be the request to the Council and Mayor, based on the points listed. People should try to sound uniquely different if possible, and use letterhead if they can.

We also need to write the legislators, especially these on this list. Soon! It is some work, but it is all crucial to our neighborhood.

It would be good if folks could add these letters to our archive of letters. We have been sending a stack of these to other people, like various members of the MPCA and other potential supporters. If you are willing to share your letter, email it to cpass@runbox.com.

If you have questions, you can call me at 612-280-8418.

With regard to the legislature:
Today, the Senate Committee on the Environment today gutted our senate bill, SF 3393, which previously said:
Under Permits.
(a) the MPCA may NOT grant a permit in a community with the following conditions:
1) the facility is within a half mile of a federally designated super fund site,
2) has a majority of low-income people of color and Native Americans,
3) has a disproportionate number of children with lead poisoning, asthma, and other environmentally related health problems,
4) is located in an urban area that has had numerous air quality alert days of dangerous air quality for sensitive populations between Feb. 2007 and Feb. 2008, and
5) is located near he junctions of several heavily trafficked state and county highways and two one-way streets which carry both truck and auto traffic.

The committee eliminated the word “NOT” and said the MPCA MAY permit under these circumstances. Unbelievable!! Most of these new “concessions” of the developers had already been agreed to and/or were already required by the MPCA anyway, so they conceded almost nothing.

Here are the conditions they added:

“Paragraph (b) the facility agrees to
1) Also they changed “5 or 6 jobs” to 35 % of all jobs. This sounds a lot bigger. The senate committee thought this was a concession, not knowing there were only 20 jobs in all, so 5 or 6 come here and 15 go elsewhere. Most of us believe that the pollution is not worth 5 or 6 jobs.
2) Equip all diesel trucks bring fuel to the plant with advanced filter systems that reduce emissions from diesel exhaust;
3) Report quarterly to the community where the facility is located on actual emission levels as measured by the PCA’s 24-hour emissions testing; and
4) Refrain from using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) (i.e. garbage)

First, 1) and 4) were part of the project already, so they conceded little new.
Second, and this is most important, none of this addresses the pollution coming out of the stack itself. That is the real objection, nearly a million pounds per year, plus the fact that, if the developers spent more on pollution control, the community would be protected more.

Third, the MPCA has acknowledged on p. of their Technical Support Document (TSP) and in testimony before the State Senate and House, that they do not even know how to test for some of the worst pollutants such as Mercury, Dioxins and others (TSP, pps. 145-149). The documents are full of “build-first-and-test-later” statements for the worst of the emissions (TSP p. )

Fourth, even though the MPCA tests the facility and reports to the community, there is nothing here that allows the community to do anything about what is going on. It is powerless.

Fifth, while Refuse-derived fuel is prohibited by this, but treated wood, such as plywood, is not and this is just as bad. Kandiyohi has agreed not to burn wood products with added polluting materials mixed in, but this has not been included in the legislation. They also wish to do experimental burns on various materials.

Basically, add all this up and it amounts to gambling with the lives of the families and children here, lives already being gambled on by the pollution already here. The real beneficiaries of this project will be the financial gainers on the other side of town. The losers paying for this in terms of risk to their health and the health of their children are all on this side of town, the poor part of town. This is not a pretty picture, but this is what is going on.

More info on burner and letter writing - go here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd9thxh2_48gfvnmb8p

Thanks for helping.

-Carol Pass

Letters needed to stop the burner!!

2008-03-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

To Supporters of the Residents of East Phillips: PLEASE CONSIDER WRITING A LETTER RIGHT AWAY.

In case you hadn’t heard, a wood burning power plant, Midtown Eco Energy Biomass Plant, has been proposed by Kandiyohi Development Partners (KDP) for the East Phillips Neighborhood, but impacting the Corcoran, Powderhorn, Midtown and West Phillips Neighborhoods, Longfellow, Central and Seward Neighborhoods as well. It would be built on the site of the old incinerator at 28^th St. and 20^th Ave. S. and would be “a major source of Hazardous Air Pollutants” according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (p.2, Tech Support Doc.). The members of the East Phillips Improvement Coalition have voted to oppose this project, believing that it is entirely inappropriate for an area so burdened by pollution already and so filled with minority children and struggling families. The following page contains the basic points that should be included in a letter of opposition, which we hope you will consider writing very soon, regarding this project. Use letterhead if possible, Regardless of where one lives, we should all protect one another from such things as a general moral obligation.

We do not intend to take on the entire Biomass industry, but since the MPCA has clearly stated that the plant will be a “major source of Hazardous Air Pollutants”, we believe it is our obligation to protect the people here, especially since there is no real social or economic benefit for them. It fits the “Environmental Justice Policy” of the MPCA exactly. However, when I called the Minn. Pollution Control Agency’s Senior Engineer for this project, Paula Connell, and asked her how this would apply, she stated, ”I don’t know, that is my great frustration, I don’t know”. I asked her for guidance and she said she didn’t have any. Apparently this policy has never been implemented or stopped anything. We have discovered that the MPCA does not even know how to do a cumulative impact study of this sort of thing. This was just stated by MPCA officials at the Legislative public hearing on the subject last week. This is very disturbing and leaves us no way to protect the people.

So we are on our own and only public pressure can do anything. Another important fact is that the major investors who stand to make a lot of money from this all live in the wealthiest sections of town and it is the poorest and greatest minority population of Minneapolis that will be compelled to bear the entire burden of health risks and negative consequences to their property values and their quality of life. We also know that more money could be spent in the project for pollution control. I don’t say this easily, but the obviousness of environmental and economic racism is compellingly clear in this case.

People of conscience should not stand by and say or do nothing. The residents of East Phillips are asking you to write the Mayor and all City Council Members immediately and call on them to oppose the proposed power plant. In particular, if you are writing to the Mayor and Council, ask them each to NOT extend the option to buy the land and building, which would house the power plant. The option ends at the end of March. This could possibly stop the project right now. We need to make these points and insist that the Council and Mayor not extend Kandiyohi Developers’ option to buy the site. If we write early this week, we may be able to influence this vote which could come up this week or next. Thank you for whatever you do. Also the East Phillips organization would appreciate copies of whatever you send for our file to help prepare this case for the future. If you would, please email a copy to EPIC at: Carol Pass, Chair, EPIC cpass@runbox.com. Contact at: 612-280-8418. Addresses of Public Officials to be contacted are:

Mayor R.T. Rybak (612) 673-2100 Mayor.Rybak@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Minneapolis City Council Members

Ward 1: Paul Ostrow (612) 673-2201 Paul.Ostrow@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 2: Cam Gordon (612) 673-2202 Cam.Gordon@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 3: Diane Hofstede (612) 673-2203 Diane.Hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 4: Barbara Johnson (612) 673-2204 Barbara.johnson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 5: Don Samuels (612) 673-2205 Don.Samuels@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 6: Robert Lilligren (612) 673-2206 Robert.Lilligren@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 7: Lisa Goodman (612) 673-2207 Lisa Goodman@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 8: Elizabeth Glidden (612) 673-2208 Elizabeth.Glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 9: Gary Schiff (612) 673-2209 Gary.Schiff@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 10: Ralph.Remington (612) 673-2210 Ralph.Remington@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 11: Scott Benson (612) 673-2211 Scott.Benson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 12: Sandy Colvin Roy (612) 673-2212 Sandy.ColvinRoy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 13: Betsy Hodges (612) 673-2213 Betsy.Hodges@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Dear Letter Writers: Do not Copy this letter. Rearrange its contents and put it in your own words. These are the main points to be covered, but your letter needs to reflect your own perspective and voice. Letters need to go out or be emailed early this next week or as soon as possible. Use letterhead, if you have it. Your letters for our files would be much appreciated. We would like to know who has written and why. Your help is invaluable. If you would, please email them to EPIC at: Carol Pass, Chair, EPIC cpass@runbox.com. Contact at 612-280-8418.

To the Mayor and City Council:

I am writing to insist that the City of Minneapolis conform to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s “Environmental Justice Policy”(http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications /policy-environmentaljustice.pdf) which states that:

“The MPCA will, within its authority, ensure fair and equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all Minnesota citizens in the implementation of federal and state environmental laws, rules, programs, and policies to insure that: Minority and economically-disadvantaged communities in Minnesota do not bear a disproportionate share of the involuntary risks and consequences of environmental pollution...”

I am requesting that the City Council and Mayor rescind all support for the Midtown Eco Energy Power Plant proposed by Kandiyohi Development Partners and commit to stopping its construction in the East Phillips Neighborhood for the following reasons:

1) We are aware that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has stated that the proposed Midtown EcoEnergy facility (wood burning power plant) proposed for the East Phillips Neighborhood (near Hiawatha Ave and East Lake St.), “will be a major source of Hazardous Air Pollutants” (MPCA Tech. Support Doc. p. 2) (November, 2007)

2) Public exposure of this statement has not occurred in any of the presentations by the developers of this project, nor has this truth been contained in any of the many advertisements or statements by the developers in area media. In addition, almost all official approvals took place before this information was publicly available on November 11, 2007. Because of this lack of public information, informed consent has not occurred. This is especially true of the people who live in the area which would be most impacted. For example, Little Earth of United Tribes heard nothing of this before approvals were given.

3) The same area in East Phillips is already the site of an asphalt plant, a foundry, an Arsenic Superfund Site, a roofing company’s hot asphalt storage, the future site of the City’s hot asphalt storage and high levels of lead contamination in homes and yards. The facts are that no one, in preparation for authorizing construction of the power plant here, has done a full analysis of the major pollution already here or even begun to understand its impact on the many minority and Indigenous families and children of Phillips. Rep.Karen Clark is working on a full study of all the families and children to determine the causes of large health disparities among the Phillips population with respect to the rest of the City of Minneapolis to accomplish this missing piece. This neighborhood has already been determined to be one of the most polluted locations in the 5 county metro area and the power plant proposal would bring even more “major hazardous pollutants. to the neighborhood.

4) 40% of the neighborhood population are children, 40% of whom live in poverty. These children have a disproportionately high rate of asthma and other chronic health problems, many potentially related to area toxins and particulate matter. The drop out rate of 9^th graders living in Phillips is much higher than elsewhere in Minneapolis and asthma is one of the major causes of poor school attendance.

5) There are no significant direct economic or social benefits from this project sufficient to balance the serious public health risks the economically challenged minority and Indigenous population of East Phillips as well as the residents of near by surrounding neighborhoods would be compelled to bear.

Therefore, the proposed construction of the Midtown Eco Energy Power Plant and the granting of its Air Emission Permit constitute a clear violation of the MPCA Environmental Justice Policy and an example of environmental racism and injustice to the people of East Phillips and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mayor R.T. Rybak (612) 673-2100 Mayor.Rybak@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Minneapolis City Council Members

Ward 1: Paul Ostrow (612) 673-2201 Paul.Ostrow@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 2: Cam Gordon (612) 673-2202 Cam.Gordon@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 3: Diane Hofstede (612) 673-2203 Diane.Hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 4: Barbara Johnson (612) 673-2204 Barbara.johnson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 5: Don Samuels (612) 673-2205 Don.Samuels@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 6: Robert Lilligren (612) 673-2206 Robert.Lilligren@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 7: Lisa Goodman (612) 673-2207 Lisa Goodman@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 8: Elizabeth Glidden (612) 673-2208 Elizabeth.Glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 9: Gary Schiff (612) 673-2209 Gary.Schiff@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 10: Ralph.Remington (612) 673-2210 Ralph.Remington@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 11: Scott Benson (612) 673-2211 Scott.Benson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 12: Sandy Colvin Roy (612) 673-2212 Sandy.ColvinRoy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Ward 13: Betsy Hodges (612) 673-2213 Betsy.Hodges@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

MPCA paula.connell@pca.state.mn.us mark.sulzbach@state.mn.us

651-282-2605 651-296-7768

Governor Tim Pawlenty tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us 651-296-3391

State Legislators

House

58A Joe Mullery 651-296-4262 rep.joe.mullery@house.mn

58B Augustine (Willie) Dominguez 651-296-8659 rep.augustine.dominguez@house.mn

59A Diane Loeffler 651-296-4219 rep.diane.loeffler@house.mn

59B Phyllis Kahn 651-296-4257 rep.phyllis.kahn@house.mn

60A Margaret Anderson Kelliher 651-296-0171 rep.margaret.kelliher@house.mn

60B Frank Hornstein 651-296-9281 rep.frank.hornstein@house.mn

61A Karen Clark 651-296-0294 rep.karen.clark@house.mn

61B Neva Walker 651-296-7152 rep.neva.walker@house.mn

62A Jim Davnie 651-296-0173 rep.jim.davnie@house.mn

62B Jean Wagenius 651-296-4200 rep.jean.wagenius@house.mn

63A Paul Thissen 651-296-5375 rep.paul.thissen@house.mn

Senate

58 Linda Higgins 651-296-9246 sen.linda.higgens@senate.mn

59 Lawrence Pogemiller 651-296-7809 Use mail form*

60 Scott Dibble 651-296-4191 sen.scott.dibble@senate.mn

61 Linda Berglin 651-296-4261 Use mail form*

62 Patricia Torres Ray 651-296-4274 sen.patricia.torres.ray@senate.mn

Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee

50 Satveer Chaudhary *205 Cap 651-296-4334 sen.satveer.chaudary@senate.mn

66 Ellen Anderson *120 Cap 651-296-5537 sen.ellen.anderson@senate.mn

60 Scott Dibble *111 Cap 651-296-4191 sen.scott.dibble@senate.mn

18 Steve Dille 103 St Off 651-296-4131 sen.steve,dille@senate.mn

21 Dennis Frederickson 139 St Off 651-296-8138 sen.dennis.frederickson@senate.mn

11 Bill Ingebrigtsen *123 St Off 651-296-8063 sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn

4 Mary Olson 124 Cap 651-296-4913 sen.mary.olson@senate.mn

3 Tom Saxhaug *124 Cap 651-296-4136 sen.tom.saxhaug@senate.mn

23 Kathy Sheran G-4* Cap 651-296-6153 sen.kathy.sheran@senate.mn

57 Katie Sieben *321 Cap 651-297-8060 sen.katie,sieben@senate.mn

1 Leroy Stumpf *208 Cap 651-296-8660 senate.mn/senatorstumpfemail

22 Jim Vickerman 226 Cap 651-296-5650 senate,mn/senatorvickermanemail

source:http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd9thxh2_48gfvnmb8p

Midtown Burner Update

2008-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

So are you still on the fence with the burner issue??
Here are a few facts that might allow you to get on
board with raising some serious issues about the public
and/or nonpublic process that has gone on regarding the Burner, if you are not
comfortable with opposing the Burner itself, though I am hoping you will arrive at
that point in the near future. Butfirst of all, if you provided a letter of support, at least you could rescind it on these grounds. We have rescinded support and the
EPIC signature from the Good Neighborhood Agreement, but last I heard the Kandiyohi Development project (KDP) guys were not telling anyone and last time
I looked, they still had our names on as supporters and signers.

It seems to many of us that anyone, whether they believe the project may be
valuable or not, certainly should be at least be objecting to the public
procedure and the governmental evaluative process that has allowed it to
come this far. That process seems deeply flawed and pretty inexcusable.
I don’t believe your organization can be on record or even silent about
such a poor process that leaves public health and right-to-know concerns
in the dust, without serious cost to your organization’s credibility. At
the least, this should be in the forefront of some of your organization’s
present concerns.

Here are some of the public process reasons for objecting:

1) Public Notice/Community Engagement: The land sale approval process
which happened in June, 2006, involved a process where the decision to
have a public hearing was made on a Friday (June 16, 2006) to happen on
the following Tuesday, June 20th, 2006. That’s onebusiness day, Monday,
for public notice. It is simply impossible for the public to respond to
such a decision in that amount of time. Given that, I can’t really believe
a response was intended. I don’t even know what the notification process
was/is for that sort of thing, but it is meaningless if it is one business
day, the preceding Monday.

2) Community Benefits: If you look at the document (I’ll send it as
an attachment) you will see on p. 6 that there is almost no real cost/benefit
analysis or due diligence of the “benefits” to the community and there
is not even a column for the negative cost to the community. In fact,
there has been no serious assessment of the cost to this community by
anyone, including the MPCA. See the Technical Support Document created
by the MPCA.

3) Overall Public Process: The MPCA report (Technical Support Document),
which inadvertently shows the potential public health cost to the community,
came out on November 11, 2007. This was long after variances and zoning
changes and almost all relevant decisions and approvals happened in city hall. Everything had moved ahead and was about to happen without asking the one
most important and relevant question, the public health question regarding
the surrounding community of minority and Indigenous people, many of whom
are children and many of whom have health challenges and almost all of whom
are economically struggling.

The whole process for something like this was backward. I think no one really
knew what they were inviting to occur here. We sure didn’t, nor did many
environmental organizations and some neighborhoods that are now rescinding
their support. Despite the fact that I am married to a board member of the
Green Institute, I knew nothing because of the gag order put on the GI
when Michael Krause left. The EPIC board had to figure out everything
through our own research by ourselves. Kandiyohi, the MPCA and governmental
bodies of every sort were no help.

4) Informed Consent: The words: “The facility will be a major source
of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP)” figuring prominently on page 2 of the
Technical Support Document prepared for this project have never been uttered
in any of the very polished presentations given by Kandiyohi Developers.
Furthermore, almost no neighborhoods and no governmental bodies haveheard a
serious rival point of view foregrounding either the Hazardous Air Pollution
and/or the environmental justice issues. Given the fact that many of the pollutants are carcinogenic, this is a travesty of public policy, but it also means that informed
consent has been prevented and not occurred all down the line.

5) Environmental Justice: The other issue that has never received visibility is the
environmental justice issue. In the ‘community benefits’ category of the ‘Request
for City Council Action From the Department of Public Works’ of June, 2006,
there are a few jobs, some property tax revenue and the ‘Suggestion of revenue
sharing with local community groups (no details provided)”, which never
materialized for near by residents. In fact there is almost no awareness of
the local neighborhood residents at all. The concrete reality of their lives
seems not to have figured in anywhere. The people not figuring in seems to be
the case everywhere I look, even in our own organization. I can acknowledge that
we made the same mistake. We now see this clearly and have acknowledged this,
but I am waiting for everyone else to acknowledge this also. The truth is:
Kandiyohi presented a very persuasive picture where care for the planet trumped awareness of the well-being of the struggling,impoverished,
immigrant and Indigenous people right in our midst, our very neighbors and friends.

My research is beginning to show that this may be a process occurring nationwide,
where the rush to ‘Save the Planet’ is causing corporations, government and the
public to ignore some of the most vulnerable people who appear to be in the
way. They often live in the places where people want to locate projects like
the Midtown wood burner and are least able to defend their communities against
these projects. To allow a passion for the ideal of saving the planet to cause
us to ignore orhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif blind us to caring for and protecting its more vulnerable people
would not be the first time lofty ideals have compelled people to roll over and
injure those who struggle to protect themselves. This a very old story in human history.

That is why the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency drafted
their "Environmental Policy" for just such a time as this. It states:

"The MPCA will, within its authority, ensure fair and equitable treatment and
meaningful involvement of all Minnesota citizens in the implementation of
federal and state environmental laws, rules, programs, and policies to insure
that minority and economically-disadvantaged communities in Minnesota do
not bear a disproportionate share of the involuntary risks and consequences
of environmental pollution..."

This needs to be acted on.

One of the corporations involved in the Midtown Eco Energy burner,
CH2M Hill, has as its motto, “Solutions without Boundaries”. At this point
I would have to agree. The boundaries that are missing are moral boundaries.
We need to realize this and act. Think about it.

Carol Pass, President, East Phillips Improvement Coalition, EPIC

Blog Annual Statement 2007

2007-12-31T23:54:00.000-08:00

Name of Blog: East Phillips Community Blog
Organizers: Kevin Chavis

Purpose: To disseminate information about the happenings in East Phillips in an accessible digital format. No profit is made (apart from knowledge) and sources are always stated explicitly.

Participating with this blog is available to others interested. Please e-mail KevinChavis AT Yahoo dot com with subject line:"East Phillips Community Blog"

54 visitors from 3 November 2007 until December 31, 2007

EPIC Agenda 2008

2007-12-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New year EPIC Board Members, Volunteers, East Phillips Residents and Interested Parties-

Regardless of the Holidays, all things do keep moving. I am sending two StarTrib articles that you undoubtedly would not want to have missed if you are a resident in Phillips, care about your neighbors and neighborhood and want your voice to be heard, one way or the other. Please check out the attached articles. This issue is crucial for us and we need to determine a united response as much as possible. Send me your comments and opinions at my email address. I am hoping to get the Website going so I can post your comments.
Carol for EPIC

I will also try to keep you posted regarding the most serious issues facing East Phillips in the next months. A near as I can understand, these are:

- The Biomass Plant- should it happen and if you think not, what should we do to prevent it from happening.

- The potential elimination or radical downsizing of neighborhood funding and the loss of our independent voice. The potential control of all neighborhood destinies by primarily the Mayor's office with some City Council input.

- The creation of the East Phillips Park Community Center

- The building of Town Homes on the Greenway with some Live/Work homes on Bloomington.

- Continued work to stop crime

- Working on Programs for youth

- East Phillips NRP Phase II

Links:

Biomass plant not supported: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd9thxh2_33hmqkt2gq

Council member Lisa Goodman profiting from burner: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd9thxh2_34gx3zkmf3

This message was originally e-mailed out by Carol and Brad Pass

EPIC General Membership Meeting

2007-10-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Draft Minutes 10/11/2007

The next EPIC meeting is:
Thursday, November 8th, 2007 @ 6:30 PM
Holy Rosary Church
2424 18th Ave. S.
Enter door on 18th Ave. side under the “OFFICE” sign.

EPIC Board Members Present:
Rosie Cruz (RC), Carol Pass (CP), Linda Leonard (LL), Paul Wichman (PW), Aden Awil (AA), Juliet Thompson (JT).
EPIC Members Present:
Alfonso Cruz (AC), Brad Pass (BP), Hannah Lieder (HL), Erin Wolaner (EW).
Guests Present:B
Gary Schiff (GS).

CP Lacking a quorum, CP called the meeting to order as a committee of the whole at 6:45 PM and did introductions.
MOTION: CP Moved to juggle the agenda to accommodate Gary Schiff and the quorum. Passed by acclamation.

Announcements and Reports:

LL Waite House Donation. After the bridge collapse, EPIC voted to authorize $999.00 for staff medical expenses and overtime expenses necessary because so many staffers were unable to work due to their injuries. Since then we have determined that there is adequate money for the Waite House and there is no way for us to direct our donation because the Minneapolis Foundation is holding all donations and will distribute them as they see fit.
MOTION: LL Whereas: there is adequate money available for the Bridge Collapse victims and Whereas: there is no way for EPIC to direct its donation, Therefore be it resolved that EPIC rescind its authorization to donate $999.00 to the Waite House.
NOTE: Motion was postponed until a quorum is present.
LL Garden harvest Party: Oct. 6th was our East Phillips Community 17th Ave. Garden Fall harvest party. The party was very well attended with many children. The best estimate was that 150 people came. We went through 120 hot dogs, 5 gallons of Apple juice, several large bags of marshmallows and 40 miniature pumpkins. There were games for kids in the blocked street, pony rides in the alley, a petting zoo with many small animals in the garden and a campfire for roasting (incinerating) marshmallows. A couple of gardeners allowed kids to pick their carrots and etc. to feed the animals. This led to somewhat wholesale carrot picking and some gardeners were upset. The animals were very happy and the kids were ecstatic.
JT Street Lights: JT reported that East Phillips streets seem unnecessarily dark at night. She asked how many lights per block and what intensity are provided by the city. This was determined to be a Gary Schiff question. She also reported that the barricades on 25th St. just moved the problem South to 27th St.
CP Weed & Seed Money: CP reported that Weed & Seed had money for an additional Portable camera but this money was inexplicably removed from the Police/Weed & Seed Budget by 3rd Precinct Inspector Lucy Gerald.
EW Holy Rosary parking lot vandalism: Holy Rosary is having a serious problem with vandalism and vehicle break-ins in their parking lot. It happens in broad daylight and night time. Volunteers, staff and parishioners are becoming afraid to leave their vehicles in the area. Many Hispanics are afraid to report crimes perpetrated against them for fear of ICE retaliation. Resident remarks were that this could cripple the church.
(NOTE: After this EPIC meeting three vehicles parked on 18th Ave. S. just outside the church were vandalized with broken windows and stolen contents and car sound systems.)

NOTE: At 7:00 PM a Quorum was acquired.

Waite House Motion:

MOTION: LL Whereas: there is adequate money available for the Bridge Collapse victims and Whereas: there is no way for EPIC to direct its donation, Therefore be it resolved that EPIC rescind its authorization to donate $999.00 to the Waite House.
Motion passed by Acclimation.

New Board Member Ratification:

CP The EPIC Board has nominated Juliet Thompson to replace retiring Board Member Cynthia Aguirri. The term will be from ratification to the next EPIC Annual Meeting.
MOTION: LL EPIC moves to accept Juliet Thompson as a new member of the EPIC Board of Directors. The term shall start immediately after ratification and continue until the next EPIC Annual Meeting is adjourned. Seconded by RC. Motion passed unanimously.

NRP Electors:

MOTION: BP: EPIC moves that the NRP elector for EPIC be Mary Gonsior and the Alternate NRP elector be Rosie Cruz. Motion Passed by consensus.

Soccer Stipend:

CP Reports that there is $999.00 of CDBG money available which could be used for youth and family outreach.
MOTION: BP: EPIC moves that $999.00 of its CDBG money be used youth and family outreach. RC seconded.
Discussion: Midtown Phillips provided gym space free in a partnership with East Phillips. EPIC hopes to share costs for some gym rental space with Midtown on additional days.
PW At a rental fee of $100 per week for the second gym (The fist gym is free), will this money last for more than 10 weeks?
BP No, but EPIC will be sharing this burden with Midtown Phillips. As an outreach program of EPIC and Midtown, we will need to raise more money and that seems possible.
Motion Passed unanimously.

Garry Schiff Report:

Vacant and Boarded:
2908 16th Ave. S. has been boarded for over a year and it therefore has lost its
variances and as such it is now recognized as a duplex instead of a six-plex. The owner, Phil Owens, has apparently sold the building and it is now occupied illegally. It is also unclear as to whether or not the new owner is aware of the zoning change. In any case GS will call the police and have the building vacated.
2909 16th Ave. S, has sold.
1537 26th St. has been vacant and boarded for more than a year and has therefore lost its variance which no longer allows it, (a four-plex) to be the second building on a single lot.
2923 16th Ave. S. is owned by a collective of California of Mortgage Companies. Ownership is changed every few months to avoid any ownership penalties. RC sees people entering the property from the garage and probably the house.
GS will board the garage.
Gustavous Adolphous – 1626 E. Lake St. will be torn down if owner cannot apply for rehab permits by Nov. 8, 2007.
Stately St. Three murders on this street this year. 1836 Stately St. is on the demo list.
2422 16th Ave. S. was demoed today.
19 boarded homes in East Phillips- 12 were a result of foreclosures. 11 were rentals purchased with $0 down. No maintenance – no water bills were paid and no mortgage payments were made.
Barriers on 25th St. will be removed within two weeks. GS will hold meetings on other traffic calming strategies in the area.
Cameras: CP NRP and perhaps Weed & Seed money is available for another portable camera.
GS Except for Stately St. which is the worst block in the City, Hannah’s block is now the worst in East Phillips (27th St. between 16th and 18th Avenues S.). we need a creative strategy for providing staff and funding to monitor existing and new cameras.
MOTION: RC Moved EPIC authorizes up to $15,000 of its NRP money to buy another portable camera for the MPD to be used in the East Phillips Neighborhood. Motion was seconded and passed.
It was noted that this would require another vote at our next EPIC GM Meeting.
HL What is current police staffing?
GS It is the highest in 5 years. When Bush eliminated Clinton’s Dollars for Cops program we lost a lot of cops. The City is incrementally increasing police budgets to compensate.
GS All variances will be denied for 2603 Bloomington Ave. S. There are many issues including parking. Another this to consider is that every Event Center” in the 3rd Precinct has at one time or another been cited as an illegal night club – EXCEPT Plaza Verde.
GS left the meeting.

Clean Sweep Report:

BP Clean Sweep 2007 is this Saturday. Come to the Welna Parking lot or the Messiah Community Center Parking lot at 9:00 AM, have breakfast and pick up your T-shirt, gloves, trash picker-upper and instructions and go out with your neighbors and sweep clean Phillips. Meet at Stewart Park at noon for lunch and music provided by Mad Dads.
A flyer is attached.

MOTION: BP Moved to accept the agenda and the 9/13/2007 minutes. Motion was seconded and passed.
Revisiting the Biomass Plant:
JT reported that a meeting on the Biomass Plant was held at the Franklin Library. Many opponents were there but no representatives from East Phillips attended.
CP EPIC had not been informed or invited. Lets decide that we research the pros and cons.
TO DO: JT Concurred and suggested we get both sides of the issue and make an informed decision.

Allina Jobs Program:

CP In Jan. 2006, EPIC voted to give Allina $5,000.00 NRP Phase 1 money in exchange for jobs, training and housing. This incentive for Allina was to be a forgivable loan program dependent on Allina’s performance and the longevity of the jobs. At that time West Phillips contributed $100,000.00 to the program. Over the year the other neighborhoods all pulled out. We don’t know what is still in the original contract. If we put $5,000 into this what will we get? If we don’t, what will we loose?
TO DO: BP suggested we research this issue as well. All agreed.

Future Funding of Minneapolis Neighborhoods through NRP:

CP reported she on a trip to Des Moines, Iowa, taken by NRP Staff and members of the NRP Policy Board and many other neighborhood workers. The mission was to learn from other cities about how to better serve our neighborhoods and explain how NRP works. People in Iowa were very impressed at how innovative and successful the program has been and they were astonished that Mayor Rybak is intent on terminating it. CP stated that when the Des Moines city staff hosting the conference were asked if they would consider just giving the funding to the neighborhoods for them to decide on their own projects (as Mpls. does under NRP), they remarked,”Oh, we would never do that!”
TO DO: CP explained that NRP ends in 2009 if it is not renewed for another 20 years. This coupled with the Mayor’s determination to end the program makes it imperative that EPIC very quickly spend its NRP allocation. Unspent funds may end up going back to the City.

MOTION: Motion to adjourn. Motion Passed

Submitted by Brad Pass on 6/24/2007

May 2007 Garden SC Meeting

2007-05-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

East Phillips Community 17th Ave. Garden

Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

5/5/07

Present: Eric Refsell, Brad Pass, Kevin Chavis, Cynthia Aguirre, and Linda Leonard

The meeting was called to order and the committee approved the draft agenda with a few additions; sub-groups in the garden, the mural and common harvesting, and a plan for trees.

Elections
Officers were elected by volunteering/consenting; Brad Pass - Chair, Kevin Chavis –Vice-chair, Cynthia Aguirre – Treasurer, Eric Refsell – Secretary, and Linda Leonard - GI liaison.

Financials
The garden’s financial spreadsheet was looked over and discussed. Exact numbers for assets and expenses will need to be determined. Cynthia as Treasurer has taken the responsibility to re-calculate the spreadsheet/financial statement.

Sub-groups in the garden
The steering committee was unanimous in the belief that allowing sub-groups in the garden fosters a divisive environment non-conducive to core community garden principles. It was then determined that a policy would have to be enacted and applied across the board, including participating school groups, bringing up safety and liability concerns. Garden rules and regulations are binding, and interested gardeners must show up to at least one meeting personally in order to pay plot dues and sign the “Garden Use Agreement”. Gardeners will be assigned plots according to the stated conditions and if there are more interested gardeners than available plots, prospective gardeners shall have to draw lots. It was noted that sub-groups of gardeners all “occupying” the same plot may give rise to unfair voting practices and new voting guidelines were briefly discussed. Additionally, the distribution of literature was discussed and the committee was concerned about misrepresentation of the garden. So far, the committee has resolved itself to the following actions: contacting Nathan Secor to discuss safety and liability issues regarding the children under his care, and asking the general membership to make a decision regarding the herb garden, the butterfly garden and other areas that can be potentially used as arable plots. Further action and discussion was tabled in light of time constraints.

Compost
Eric will be spearheading a compost clean-up initiative and will report back.

Parade of Gardens
The decision to enter the Parade of Gardens will be passed on to the general membership. If gardeners chose to enter the Parade, it was emphasized that work toward this goal should start sooner than later, including the organization of a committee.

Group Work Days
Committee members acknowledged that the last plan for group work days did not work. A new plan, then, will have to be devised. It was noted that there is no definitive list of group chores and responsibilities. It was also noted that any new plan must require all gardeners to contribute. There were no conclusive actions taken as this topic requires further discussion and input from the general membership.

Trees in the Garden
It was noted that there is an existing report regarding trees in the garden. The committee decided to review this report and pass it along to the general membership for discussion and voting.

Fiskars Tools
Discussion centered on bringing new committee members up to speed on the background. It was decided that the steering committee will need to talk to Lynne Mayo personally to try and resolve this situation outside of general garden meeting time.

Announcements to the general membership:
Brad Pass will be donating a rain barrel in order to collect and use rainwater that lands on the garden shed. It will be located on the West side of the shed, and any plantings that are located there will have to be removed.

Phillips East Yahoo Group Started

2007-04-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Just started the Phillips East Yahoo Group that can easily be found in the regional section under Minneapolis.

The site is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/phillipseast

Instead of participating in a Blog that the entire world can see, one can communicate solely with local members of the community.

East Phillips at a glance

2007-04-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

Comparison statistics for the City of Minneapolis are shown in [brackets].

SIZE 0.4 square miles [54.9]

POPULATION

Individuals: 4,147 [382,618]
Households: 1,090 [162,352]
Families: 751 [73,939]
Children under 18: 1,697 - 40.9% of population [84,169 - 22.0%]

DIVERSITY

Native American: 943 - 22.7% of population [8,378 - 2.2% of City]
Black: 967 - 23.3% [68,818 - 18.0%]
Latino: 1,121 - 27.0% [29,175 - 7.6%]
Asian: 309 - 7.5% [23,744 - 6.2%]
White: 975 - 23.5% [249,186 - 65.1%]
Total non-white: 3,172 - 76.5% [133,432 - 34.9%]

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

$24,049 [$48,602]

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$23,346 [$37,974]

FAMILIES BELOW POVERTY

260 - 34.6% of neighborhood families [8,868 - 11.9%]

CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY

665 - 40.8% of all neighborhood children [20,477 - 25.1%]

UNEMPLOYMENT

187 - 11.5% of workers [12,778 - 5.8%]

HOUSING

Total number of housing units: 1,162 [168,606]
Vacant units: 72 - 6.2% of neighborhood units [6,254 - 3.7%]
Owner occupied units: 342 - 29.4% [83,408 - 51.4%]
Renter-occupied units: 748 - 64.4% [78,944 - 48.6%]

Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000

prepared by community design group // www.c-d-g.org

Why this blog?

2007-04-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

The East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis has no website. Nor does the community organization that serves it have a website and make clear what its operations are. Therefore this blog is meant to be a community asset and improve local communication.

Anyone living or has had lived in East Philips neighborhood of Minneapolis is welcome to join this blog.

EPIC Board of Directors Application Form

2007-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

The following is a requisite form for applying for a board position on EPIC. Anyone in East Phillips that is interested should submit this to EPIC if they want to have a neighborhood leadership position.

Submit to:

EPIC
2536 18th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Carol and Brad Pass will let you know if you are in.

------------
East Phillips Improvement Coalition
Board of Directors Application Form

EPIC is interested in people with diverse backgrounds, and a variety of skills and experience. Please submit your completed qualifications form attached to this form.

Name:____________________________________________________________
Home Address:_____________________________________________________
Home Phone:______________Work Phone:____________Cell:______________
Email:_____________________________________ Business/Occupation:_________________________
Please state why you are interested in serving on the board (use another sheet if necessary):

In addition to meeting the qualifications on the qualifications form, what skills, related experiences, and accomplishments would you contribute to the board?

What skills do you feel you would be unable to contribute to the board (e.g. grant writing, parliamentary procedure)?

Describe any relevant experience or accomplishments that would make you an effective board member.

Endorsements (businesses, block groups, other organizations)
Affiliations (memberships, communities)

Please provide the names, phone numbers, and your relationship to two references with whom you have worked with professionally, in the neighborhood, in a community of faith, or other volunteer situations.

EPIC Information

2006-07-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone who want to contact our neighborhood organization:

East Phillips Improvement Coalition

2536 18th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Staff Contact
Carol Pass

bpass at usinternet.com

Board Chairperson
Carol Pass

Epic General Membership Meeting - January 2006

2006-01-12T21:23:00.000-08:00

Minutes 1/12/2006

NOTE: EPIC general Membership meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Holy Rosary church at 6:30 PM.
NEXT MEETING is Feb. 9th, 2006
Please mark your calendar & bring these minutes

Directors Present:
Carol Pass (CP), Mary Gonsior (MG), Hanna Lieder (HL), Rosie Cruz (RC), Earl Simms (ES),
Members Present:
Amy Pass (AP), Brad Pass (BP), Ryan Brueske (RB), Karen Clark (KC), Stephanie Allan (SA), Jessica Smith (JS)
Guests Present:
Heidi Roufs (HR), Sherzad Cruz (SC), Mike Dale {youth director HR Church (MD)},Julie Ingebretsen (JI), Don Greely (DG)

MG called the meeting to order as a committee of the whole @ 6:41 PM and attendees introduced themselves. A quorum was achieved shortly after the introductions.

Motion: Approve agenda. Passed
Motion: Approve 12/8/2005 GMM Minutes. Passed without with-out change

CP Report on NRP Program Income Amendment.
The question of the disposition of the dollars from repaid loans made to low income home-owners under the neighborhoods home fix-up program is being addressed by a “…. draft NRP Program Income amendment to the City’s NRP Ordinance”. The proposed amendment states that – “The City shall consider program income generated within a particular NRP neighborhood to be available for future use by that same NRP neighborhood ….”.
If this passes it means that the money EPIC loaned to East Phillips home owners to fix their houses will come back to EPIC instead of going to the city when the loan is repaid on the sale of the property as required by the terms of the loan. This will allow EPIC to loan the money to another East Phillips home-owner instead of loosing it to the City.
TO DO! The amendment will be discussed at a public hearing of the Community Development Committee on FEB. 14th.
TO DO! Written comments must be received prior to Feb. 2nd, 2006. Send to Jeff Schneider at jeff.schneider@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

CP Report on Peavey Park & E. Phillips Park.
A Scott Vreeland E-mail states that Peavey Park will open ASAP as a result of neighborhood pressure and an agreement with the Park Board. Next step is to find a buyer for the Four Winds School property who will keep the gym open.
An Annie Young E-mail states that momentum is building for a Community Center in E. Phillips Park. She recommends a Green Building with Wind Generator and Geothermal heat/cooling. Center must be multi-cultural supporting all residents of the community.

EPIC General Membership Meeting
Draft Minutes 1/12/2006

A Karen Clark letter states she will support both Peavey and E. Phillips initiatives.
CP reported that EPIC still has substantial Phase One NRP funds, part of which could be used for a Multi-cultural Community and Recreation center in East Phillips Park.
UL expressed concern over a possible conflict over Multi Culture as opposed to Native Culture as a theme for the center.
TO DO! Motion: RB moved; EPIC will consider funding sources including EPIC’s NRP dollars for the proposed multi-cultural Community Center and Recreational Facility which will be located in East Phillips Park and will be for the use and enjoyment of all neighborhood residents. Seconded and Passed

CP Financial Report.
$2,000 of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds were released to EPIC and will be deposited into the EPIC account.
MG noted two changes to the CDBG Funding Guidelines. 1) $s will now be distributed entirely on a demographic needs and housing quality basis instead of being partially based on responses to RFPs. 2) As a result of this change, 11 neighborhoods were dropped from the program due to lack of need. These 11 will receive a one time final transitional grant.
The question was asked – will the remaining neighborhoods split a larger amount of money or will the program be reduced by the amount the dropped neighborhoods received? CP answered that all eligible neighborhoods will receive less. Some of those experiencing the most significant loss will also receive a small transitional grant.

DG Crime Report.
Current Mug Shots of frequent fliers and the 3rd Precinct Resource List were handed out.
Part 1 (serious crimes) are on the rise after a slight decline in early 2005. Robberies (with a weapon involved) and the huge graffiti problem led the list. The CRT Team is undercover in force trying to catch the perpetrators red handed. Call 311 to reach the new community one call info center and for graffiti reports. Many new criminal faces are appearing on 15th Ave. S. Greeley called for neighbors to make a Community Impact Statement and consider the Court Watch process whereby citizens monitor the judges sentences in cases that involve quality-of-life crimes in the neighborhood.
RC reported rampant crime activity between Bloomington and 18th North of Lake. She asked about police policy on responding to home alarm system activation. DG responded that it was not a top priority because of all the false alarms but they do respond as time permits. Police look for signs of forced entry but will not break down a door to investigate.
BP reported on success and importance of Impact Statements and Court Watch. Also reported that the Bloomington Ave. Citizen’s Patrol (BACP) has received a Weed & Seed Grant and has purchased identifying vests and caps and has purchased four new discreet frequency ‘Walki-Talkies’. The BACP will increase patrols this spring. Call 612-916-8478 to volunteer.

RB recommended a proactive response to graffiti – Report it to 311. Photograph it and E- mail it to the third precinct. Repaint ASAP. He said the city would repaint in a similar color or would give a 60 day notice to remove the graffiti. He is working on grants to pay for cameras to document perpetrators.

MG Allina Job report.
NRP negotiated a contract to provide a forgivable build-out loan to Allina for their move to the Midtown Exchange (former Sears site) building. This loan is forgivable based on a formula relating to training, employment longevity, purchase aid for local housing and continuing education incentives for
neighborhood residents. EPIC residents will become eligible for these hiring incentives and jobs based on EPIC’s contribution to the NRP/Allina program.
TO DO! Motion: HL Moved:
Whereas: NRP and Allina Corp. have created a job training, hiring and home ownership program to fill the many new jobs anticipated for Allina’s new corporate headquarters in the Midtown Exchange,
And whereas: Allina will gain debt reduction for each person trained and hired from neighborhoods which contribute financially to its office space build-out fund under the contract between NRP and Allina,
And whereas: EPIC wishes that its residents be eligible to take advantage of this incentive hiring program,
Therefore, be it resolved: that EPIC will invest $5000 of its NRP Phase I Economic Development funds in the Allina Job Incentive Program. These funds will be invested as a deferred and forgivable loan based on the formulas contained in the contract between NRP and Allina which was presented to the EPIC general membership meeting of December 8, 2005.
ES Seconded. Motion Passed unanimously.
TO DO! MG noted that in accordance with our By-Laws, this motion was formulated & discussed at EPIC’s 12/8/2005 GMM meeting and deferred for voting to the 1/12/2006 GMM meeting. She also noted that EPIC try to notify all East Phillips residents of these opportunities.

MG Report on NRP Phase 1 Review.
Other neighborhood Phase 1 Reviews were passed out to help gain an understanding of what is necessary for EPIC’s review. The NRP Phase 1 Review Committee will meet at MG’s house on 1/14/06 @ 10:00 to work on the review.

MG By-Law revision report:
TO DO! EPIC By-Law changes are an important event and as a result require a 30 day notification to the entire community. This is an expensive mailing and in order to be financially responsible, EPIC usually chooses to make notification of these changes in the mailing which must go out to all residents notifying them of the EPIC annual Meeting. Therefore, these changes along with other important EPIC
EPIC General Membership Meeting
Draft Minutes 1/12/2006

business such as election of Board members and officers of the corporation will be considered at the annual meeting of EPIC.
CP reported that the only substantive changes to the By-Laws anticipated at this time will involve an improved Grievance Policy. Other changes will correct inconsistencies and grammar. In accordance with EPIC By-Laws, these changes will be available for review by the residents at least thirty days prior to the Annual Meeting.

ES Report on Drug Paraphernalia for sale @ 28th & Bloomington.
More Value Foods has an annex which is selling drug paraphernalia along with cell-phones & etc. In discussion it was decided that this is an affront to the community and will not be tolerated.
TO DO! RB offered to write a letter to Randy Hammad who owns the building and his son who apparently runs the store. ES offered to deliver the letter but it was decided that a safer approach would be to ask Don Greely or Gary Shiff to deliver it. Letter should be ccd to police, block club leaders, the Mayor & etc.

TO DO! KC asked to be on the February agenda to give a legislative report and an update on the bonding bill. She also said that the park board must stop charging for the use of the people’s parks. KC pointed out that legislators from the state Senate will visit East Phillips Park on Jan. 25th. She and Scott Vreeland requested that we bring spokespersons from the Neighborhood who are prepared to speak to the legislators on the need for this multi-cultural community and recreational center.

TO DO! RB asked if KC could work on asking for mandatory sentences for chronic offenders.

TO DO! MG asked if future Minutes and Agendas could note the date and time of the next GMM.

Motion: To adjourn. Seconded and passed at 9:05 PM

Respectfully submitted by;
Brad Pass
1/14/06

EPIC Board Meeting - December 2005

2005-12-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

PRESENT
Mary Gonsior (MG), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Earl Simms (ES), Hannah Lieder (HL)

Directors not Present: Cynthia Aquirre (CA), Aden Awil (AA), Rosie Cruz (RC),

Meeting was called to order as Committee of the Whole at 10:13 AM by CP. Agenda was distributed. MG was designated as recording secretary.

AGENDA
The agenda was approved with the addition of “NRP announcement” and deletion of “public safety announcement”.

MINUTES
Minutes were approved from the October 1 EBM. Minutes were approved from the November 5 EBM with one correction: EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee, bullet #3: Stipulated that gardeners must agree to abide by the memorandum.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Peavey Park is closing and there was no community input. The school board owns the park (the land was given to them) and now they want to sell it. There will be a meeting at Anderson School on Monday, Dec. 5 to address this. Community should attend.
Industrial Land Use Meeting was held at the YWCA to give a public presentation and hearing on land use for Lake St./Hiawatha corridor, affecting East Phillips and Seward. It was a very good meeting. The city will issue a report on the meeting.
County Tax Budget. LL, CP, BP, Mark Welna protested the raise in property taxes caused by a decrease in large commercial taxes and funding by city. Small businesses and homeowners are paying high rates and large commercial businesses are paying low rates.
NRP Report. LL attended the Thursday, November 17 meeting to elect NRP Reps. CP came in 2nd in the NRP elections for the board and will be an alternate. The Rep. elected is Tom Bisson, a banker. CP will continue to attend meetings and work with Tom.

Allina Jobs
An agreement was distributed and read regarding the loan fund being created between NRP and Allina, providing funds to help Allina move into the Midtown Exchange location in exchange for incentives for Allina to hire from participating neighborhoods. Credits against the loan are earned by Allina through incentives like recruiting, hiring and retaining employees from participating neighborhoods, and housing and education assistance to participating neighborhood employees.

Motion (MG, LL)
EPIC will become a participating neighborhood and contribute $5,000 to the loan fund from the Economic Security Strategic goal from Phase I Plan. Motion passed.

EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee
CP submitted the Memorandum of Understanding between EPIC and the Green Institute with the following changes.
Item #15 was changed so that program grants and major grants cannot be imposed by individuals or organizations outside of EPIC’s community process.
Item #9 defines Quorum Requirements (Roberts Rules of Order and EPIC motions.)
Item #10 is a new item to outline grievance procedures.

Motion (MG, HL)
Accept the Memorandum of Understanding with amendments as the official EPIC document that summarizes the agreements between the Green Institute and EPIC and embodies previous EPIC motions, practices and policies. Motion passed.

CDBG funding
EPIC re-submitted the budget to Robert Cooper. We are going to get these funds. The process will take about two months.

Weed & Seed
Weed & Seed needs a new fiscal agent because the city is closing their current fiscal agent (Mpls. Health Dept.) Weed & Seed brings in $200,000 to the city for crime prevention. Discussed whether it was appropriate for EPIC to weigh in on this decision. MG asked to call the question.

Motion (LL, HL)
EPIC will send a letter to Weed & Seed indicating that we prefer to have an ethical agent other than PPNA because of the way PPNA has supervised our funds in the past. Motion passed. MG opposed.

Survey – Phase I evaluation
CP distributed copies of reports filed by other neighborhoods. Board members reviewed reports with the view of what EPIC might do to produce Phase I evaluation. Board will take home these plans and read them.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
PPNA = Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association
EPIC BOARD MEETING
December 3, 2005
2526 18th Avenue S, Apt. #5

Epic General Membership Meeting - November 2005

2005-11-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Minutes 11/10/2005

Directors Present:
Carol Pass (CP), Mary Gonsior (MG), Cynthia Aguirre (CA), Hanna Lieder (HL), Rosie Cruz (RC), Aden Awil (AA), Earl Simms (ES), Linda Leonard (LL)

Members Present:
Stephanie Allen (SA), Sherzad Cruz (SC), Margaret Kirkpatrick (MK), Amy Pass (AP), Brad Pass (BP), Kevin Lieder (KL)

Guests Present:
Jim Roth, Natalia Pretelt, Don Greeley, Michou Kokodoku, MPD Officer Terry Nutter

MG called the meeting to order @ 6:43 PM and attendees introduced themselves.

Motion: (BP, CA) Approve agenda. Passed
Motion: (BP, CA) Approve 10/13/2005 GMM Minutes. Passed

CA Treasurers Report & discussion:
Our Budget & Financial Policy were accepted by Bob Cooper @ NRP.
$1,401.03 is in the bank.
* NRP needs Tax # & a few other items.
LL Do we need to spend money before 12/31/2005?
CP* We can get an extension but we need a spending plan.

HL Report on Nov. Action Items:
Most items accomplished.

CP Report on Public Safety Initiative:
A new group was formed with Karen Clark and others to write legislation to tighten penalties for repeat and frequent offenders. After a predetermined # of misdemeanors, future offenses are Gross Misdemeanors. After a predetermined # of Gross Misdemeanors, future offenses are Felonies. The plan is to work with rural county attorneys to press for legislative change.

CP Report on Live-work units on Bloomington @ 29th St.
At the Oct. GMM EPIC rescinded the September motion to lease land in the project area to provide temporary parking during Lake St. re-construction. This motion was rescinded because project funding would be lost and the project would be terminated if the land were leased instead of proceeding with the project. CP also reported that Sherman & Associates stated they were planning to proceed with construction of the two live-work units this spring.

MK A heads up on Arbor Day plantings in May

Don Greely Report on crime initiatives:
Don is assigned to Sector One of the third precinct, our sector. He brought mug shots of frequent offenders, handouts and talked about Chemical Dependency and Criminal Behavior Intervention. He encouraged us to participate in Court Watch and send in Community Impact Statements (which can be made anonymously).

Report on MCCD (Mpls. Consortium of Community Developers) by Jim Roth, Mishu Kokodoko and Natalia Pretelt
In 1995 MCCD provided a grant for the Franklin Station Town-homes (then called the Village in Phillips or VIP). PRG & PPL then built the project.
Jim Roth talked about the roll of non-profit developers and proposed legislation on real estate tax relief for low income housing.
Natalia P. works in the Loan Program & provides staff support for Lake St. Businesses.
Mishu K. oversees credit analysis, helping with business plans and finding funders.
MCCD maintains and administers loan funds, and is made up of many member organizations.
MCCD identified 25 barriers to development and/or starting a business.

CA Ice Breaker. Name your favorite or dream vacation spot.
MG Alabama Gulf. White sand beach.
BP Scotland
AA Route from Pakistan to Beijing over the Himalayas and up the Khyber Pass.
SC San Diego
RC Tijuana with relatives
SM Tasco Mexico & the Virgin Islands
CA Arizona/Japan
ES Dreams
CP Romania
LL Rain Forest in the Olympics

CP NRP report
Originally $20,000,000 of Common Project Money was to be divided between the Minneapolis neighborhoods based on relative need. Over the years, due to Mpls. fiscal problems, the money was reduced and a large part of the money was diverted to repay the Legacy fund which was a fund provided by the sale of the Old Hilton Hotel which was to be used for Mpls. development. The Legacy fund was invested in the stock market and was subsequently lost in the collapse of the technology market. Some members of the NRP Policy Board believe it may be inappropriate and/or illegal to use NRP funds to repay the Legacy Fund.
Motion: LL moved that – If it is determined to be appropriate, EPIC write a letter to the Mayor and City Council members insisting on the return to NRP of all NRP Moneys used to repay the Legacy Fund. AA Seconded.
Motion Passed.
Motion: CP moved to send a letter to the Mayor and City Council expressing concern about the possible acquisition of Neighborhood Loan Repayment Money by the city and insisting that these moneys be returned to the neighborhood which provided the funding and authorized the loan.
RC Seconded. Motion Passed.
AA reported that he repaid his EPIC loan and he wants to know if it is coming back to EPIC or is going Downtown.

LL Report on Winter Garden Party:
Party to be about the same as the Garden Harvest Party.
Motion: LL moved to allocate $75 for Winter garden Party. Seconded and Passed

Motion: Adjorn. Seconded and Passed at 8:45 PM

Respectfully submitted by
Brad Pass
12/2/2005

EPIC Board Meeting - November 2005

2005-11-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

PRESENT
Mary Gonsior (MG), Hannah Lieder (HL), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Rosie Cruz (RC), Earl Simms (ES)

Directors not Present: Cynthia Aquirre (CA), Aden Awil (AA)

Meeting was called to order as Committee of the Whole at 10:09 by CP. Agenda was distributed. MG was designated as recording secretary.

AGENDA
The agenda was approved with the addition of property announcements.

MINUTES
Minutes were not available for the October 1, 2005 EBM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vigil on Columbus Avenue for 11 year old girl found dead. CP reported that the Mayor was not at the vigil. Attending were Dean Zimmerman, McManus, Gerlicher, McLaughlin.
Grand Opening Midtown Safety Center, Thursday, Nov. 10th 3-6 pm.
Garden Party was a success, and a lot of fun was had by more than 50 attending.
Greenway Design Charrette was attended by 40-50 people. So much input was received that planners decided another charrette was needed.
Public Safety Legislative Initiative is tackling two issues: 1. Take multiple misdemeanors and make them a gross misdemeanor, and 2. Have a policy to limit the number of sex offenders in Phillips because we have more than our share.

NRP Elections
LL is the official voter for EPIC to the Thursday, November 17 meeting to elect NRP Reps. CP is running to retain her seat on the board. Issues include Legacy Fund Repayment, and the general lack of financial support for neighborhoods by the Mayor.

QUORUM
Sulemon Mohamed has moved out of EPIC area; Quorum was established (6 of 8 directors present.)

CDBG funding
CP had to revise the budget so that all CDBG funds are spent in 2005. EPIC to re-submit budget to Robert Cooper. Cooper made suggestions regarding EPIC bylaws, to be reviewed at future board meetings.

Motion (CP, MG)
Accept revised Budget for CDBG funds as submitted at 11/01/05 EBM. Motion passed unanimously.
New Directors
Suleman has moved, so we do need to find another Director. CP and LL will invite new residents to EPIC meetings.

East Phillips Commons Development
The two lots just south of the new 29th & Bloomington apartment building. Parking for the businesses on Lake Street is a concern. Owner of Cadillac Pawn was paving his own lot for parking (without a permit.) Sherman Associates wants to build the townhomes requested by the neighborhood and is working with Cadillac Pawn owner trying to work out an agreement about parking. There is a dispute about the planning (also with the city.) CP has already sent a letter stating EPIC’s motion rescinding the motion to support temporary parking in this space, and will contact the principals and try to find out where the situation stands.

EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee
CP, BP, HL met with GI and asked that EPIC not deal with Corrie Zoll regarding garden. CP wrote a Memorandum of Understanding which was not accepted by GI. CP has written a second memorandum incorporating changes:

Garden group is not a legal entity and so is removed from the memorandum.
Clarification of the voting process was incorporated into the memorandum.
Stipulated that gardeners must agree to abide by the memorandum.
Stipulated that the memorandum will stay with any future ownership of the garden.

BP tried to contact Corey Brinkema to find out what GI told Corrie Zoll. Corrie Zoll phoned Cynthia; was he asked to stay out of it?

Crime Report
Discussed Community Impact Statements. Judges are unwilling to give appropriate sentences without these statements from the community. It is best to have an ID number assigned for reporting, rather than using your name. Chronic offender reports were distributed. If you see these individuals acting illegally, you can complete an impact statement even though they are not under arrest, etc. CP will inquire whether it is okay to post these flyers on bulletin boards, web sites, etc.

GMM Agenda
Invite Don Greeley to GMM to present community impact statements.
Invite Jim Roth (MCCD) to present entrepreneur training and consulting.

Commodore Bar Site
Jason Geshwin is no longer the principal developer of this site. It has been handed off to Mark Welna. Discussed ideas for the corner, including a potential site for a community center.

Neighborhood Event
Discussed holding another garden bonfire or neighborhood event on November 28.

Survey
LL has made additional copies of the survey.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
EPIC BOARD MEETING
November 5, 2005
2526 18th Avenue S, Apt. #5

Epic General Membership Meeting - October 2005

2005-10-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

PRESENT
Directors Present: Carol Pass, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Rosie Cruz, Hannah Lieder, Cynthia Aguirre, Earl Simms

Members Present: Shirley Heyer, Michael Sanchez, Melissa Roussin, Laverne Turner, Amy Pass, Brad Pass, Sulemon Mohamed, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Gregorio Cruz,

Meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm by CP. MG chaired the meeting. Agenda was distributed. Minutes from the September GMM were distributed.

MOTION (AP, BP)
Lacking a Quorum, a motion was passed to convene the meeting as a Committee of the Whole.

AGENDA
Motion (BP, CA)
Motion to approve agenda with amendment to include Michael Sanchez at 7 pm. Motion passed.

QUORUM ESTABLISHED
Quorum was established at 6:52 pm. Ratify the actions of the Committee of the Whole. Passed

MINUTES
The minutes from the September 8, 2005 GMM were passed with no corrections:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Phillips Community CleanSweep
The Phillips Community CleanSweep event will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2005 from 9 am until Noon. Sign In, supplies and breakfast will be available at two locations at 9 am (Thomson-Dougherty Funeral Home – 26th & Park Avenue, and Welna Hardware – 24th & Bloomington Avenue.) Volunteers will load trash into the garbage trucks. Lunch will be held at Stewart Park – 2700 12th Avenue S. Sponsored by Weed & Seed and Phillips Partnership, and local businesses. Residents are encouraged to clean out homes and garages and place items out for pickup on that date. In addition, breakfast will be served at several locations, and neighbors will go out and clean up the neighborhood.

Midtown Greenway Land Use & Redevelopment Plan
There were two meetings held in September to look at the open space along the entire greenway. The goal of the planning is to provide a unified plan throughout the greenway. The city paid for a consultant. Although there was a meeting for residents both east and west of Chicago, there was not good communication. The planning will affect property extending to 28th Street and possibly 26th Street. The next meeting is the “design phase” and will address specific land use and development. The meeting takes place on Thursday, October 20th from 6:30-8:30. Midtown YWCA, Community Rm, 2121 E. Lake Street. East Phillips residents are encouraged to attend.

A Night to Remember 3
An event to promote peace in our families and to remember and honor the victims & survivors of domestic violence. Wednesday, October 26th, 6-8 pm. Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, 2300 15th Avenue S. Call Marie 612-253-2267.

Midtown Safety Center
The new Midtown Safety Center will celebrate their Grand Opening on November 10th 3-5 pm. 2949 Chicago Avenue.

Parking on 24th Street
EPIC continues to work on getting the parking signs changed for the Franklin Station Townhomes on 24th Street.

Phillips IDA Program
Michael Sanchez of Lutheran Social Services distributed flyers for a program that may benefit East Phillips residents. Sponsored by Faith in the City, a consortium of seven Lutheran organizations, the program offers a Personal Finance Center where residents may take free classes, learn good money management and receive personal coaching. Participants who complete the program will receive matched savings: $2.00 for every $1.00 saved. The Phillips IDA Program is available for a limited time. Eligible individuals live or work in the Phillips neighborhood, have a job and meet income guidelines, and are able to save $50 each month into a savings account. To learn more call 612-879-5220.

Let’s Break Some Ice!
Attendees got to know each other by participating in an ice-breaker activity; each person shared their favorite movie and favorite food.
CA Lavern’s curried chicken. Saving Private Ryan.
AA Cabretta (barbecued goat) & Mousa. Lawrence of Arabia.
CP Lavern’s chicken & spaghetti w green olives. Reds & Dr. Zivago
AP Avocados / guacamole
BP Barbecued Steak & corn on the cobb. 1st Star Wars Movie
RC Spaghetti & Meatballs. MagnolLia
ES S--t on a shingle w rice. Rosewood
LL Beef & noodles w mashed potatoes & hot rolls. Sound of Music
LT Lasagna. The Thin Red Line
HL Beans & Rice w tons of fried onions. Ever After
MR Dad’s biscuits & gravy. Hotel Rwanda
MK Korean barbecued beef & cone sussie. Ground Hog Day
MG Chinese chicken w mushrooms & veggies. Independence Day
SM Zambousa I Robot / Will Smith

Treasurer’s Report
The EPIC 2005/2006 Projected Budget for CDGB funding in the amount of $4,000 and for Wells Fargo funds in the amount of $2,661.06, introduced at the September 8, 2005 GMM was presented for acceptance.

MOTION (BP, LL)
Motion to approve the EPIC 2005/2006 Projected Budget, as proposed. Motion passed.

Financial Policies and Procedures
The proposed EPIC Fiscal Policies & Procedures marked “draft proposed 09/08/2005,” introduced at the September 8, 2005 GMM was presented for acceptance.
MOTION (LL, CA)
Motion to approve the EPIC Fiscal Policies & Procedures, as proposed. Motion passed.

Park and Recreation
Four Winds School is closing down and the Park Board has decided to close Peavey Park. The neighborhood has long asked for a staffed community center at East Phillips Park on 24th and 17th Avenue.

MOTION (LL, CA)
EPIC will address the mayor, the city council and park board members protesting the ongoing pattern of disregard and neglect for the children and families of Phillips neighborhood demonstrated by the inequity in funding buildings and programs for this neighborhood as compared to other neighborhoods. Motion passed.

East Phillips Commons (2900 block of Bloomington Avenue)
The neighborhood was hoping to put townhomes in this block of property. After presenting the EPIC motion to the city, EPIC learned that a conditional lease would not be accepted as a viable resolution regarding this property, therefore it is recommended that EPIC rescind its September motion, and reinstate EPIC’s support for the existing plan regarding further development of this property.

MOTION TO RESCIND PREVIOUS MOTION (CP, SM)
EPIC rescinds its September 8, 2005 motion, as follows:

[Motion: (BP, RC) - Write a letter opposing a permanent sale of this land to build a parking lot. EPIC would only support a conditional lease for a maximum of two years. The lease agreement to include the requirement that at the end of the lease, the property WILL go back to the neighborhood’s proposed development. Motion passed (one abstain, SA.)]

Motion to rescind previous motion passed.

Gustavus Adolphus
Presented new info on East Phillips Commons on Bloomington at 29th. Sherman and Associates is still interested in building the apartment building and live-work units. However, if we lease part of the development area to provide temporary parking relief as we voted to do at the Sept. meeting, we will lose our funding – TIF district and will be unable to continue with the project. A zoning application has been filed by Floyd Olson to permit conditional use to rezone from C1 to C3A, increase the height of the building, allow a shopping center, allow a parking facility, reduce side yard and front yard setback, reduce minimum drive-aisle width, reduce minimum parking requirement and increase maximum floor area ratio. The City Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, October 20 at 10 am, Room 317 at City Hall. EPIC opposes these zoning changes – see September 8, 2005 motion.

Board Elections
Discussed process and notification requirements regarding election of replacement board members. Board Directors must commit to attending at least two meetings per month (EBM, GMM) and must be willing to sign the EPIC Board Director contract. Nominations and election were announced at the September GMM.
NOMINATIONS (LL, CP)
Aden Awil was announced as a board nominee at the September 2005 GMM. Sulemon Mohamed was also nominated.

MOTION (MK, LL)
Accept Aden Awil and Sulemon Mohamed as EPIC Board Members by acclamation. Motion passed by acclamation

NRP Elector Selection
EPIC needs to select an elector and alternate to participate in the Policy Board Neighborhood Representative Election, held on Thursday, November 17th beginning at 6:30 pm at the Crown Roller Mill offices, 105 5th Avenue S. LL was selected elector by consensus. MG and LT were selected as alternates by consensus.

Fall Harvest Party
LL will take the lead in planning an event for a fall harvest party on October 21, 2005 at 6 pm. The event will be held at the EPIC 17th Avenue Community Garden and EPIC will provide hay bales and beverages. Residents should bring their favorite foods to share. Some possible activities include games, pumpkins for families, coloring activities, and new gardener sign-up sheet.

MOTION (MG, SM)
EPIC authorizes LL to spend up to $150.00 for the fall harvest party. LL and HL are on planning committee. Motion passed.

Survival Celebration!!
Cake was served to celebrate the last year of hard work by East Phillips residents and EPIC.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary
(Appreciation to Brad Pass for supplementary notes.)

ABBREVIATIONS
CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
CLIC = Capital Long Range Improvement Committee
CPED = Community Planning & Economic Development
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee

EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
MPR = Minnesota Public Radio
NNO = National Night Out
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
PRG = Powderhorn Residents Group
WEI = Women’s Environmental Institute
EPIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
October 13, 2005 (DRAFT)
Holy Rosary Church

EPIC Board Meeting - October 2005

2005-10-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

PRESENT
Mary Gonsior (MG), Carol Pass (CP), Rosie Cruz (RC), Linda Leonard (LL), Earl Simms (ES), Cynthia Aguirre (CA)

Directors not Present: Hannah Lieder (HL), Sulemon Mohamed (SM)

Meeting was called to order as a committee of the whole at 10:15 by CP. Agenda was distributed. MG was designated as recording secretary.

AGENDA
The agenda was approved with correction: change “Reimbursements” to “Crime Report.”

QUORUM
Quorum was established at 10:25 am (6 of 8 directors present.)

MINUTES
The minutes from the September 3, 2005 EBM were approved.

Clean Sweep
We need to distribute flyers. The event will be held on October 15th. Acceptable items: furniture, tires, etc. No hazardous waster. LL suggested that flyers be distributed along with survey.

CDBG funding
EPIC will submit financial policies and budget to Robert Cooper.

Insurance
All steps are completed – EPIC is insured.

Crime Report
25-30 police officers went around Little Earth looking for many specific individuals. There were several arrests. The raid was conducted Thursday evening on both sides of Cedar. Discussed crime along 25th St. CA said there will probably be another sweep (upcoming elections.) CP attended problem properties tech team meeting. CP has repeatedly reported 16th Avenue n their “hot list.” The list of problem properties in Midtown is “huge.” We may want to focus on one or two properties at a time. For example, 2440-16th and NE corner of 16th & 25th. ES has seen people with keys going in and out of the property on the corner.

EPIC will complain to Well’s Fargo about the condition of the property and ask, 1. Who owns the property, 2. Send owner a letter about the condition of the property, 3. Request that the owner take the building down.

Find address for problem property on 28th St & 18th Avenue
Report on tech meeting: decisions on court watch; opportunity for neighborhood to provide information and feedback to authorities regarding crime and properties and to learn what they are doing. CA would like to try to attend at least one meeting. CP will dates to CA for weed and seed, crime tech team meeting. CP will try to get minutes for these meetings.

Hi-Lake Development.
There will be a public hearing meeting for the development of Hi-Lake Shopping Center, sometime in October. There are some proposed plans that EPIC doesn’t know anything about. EPIC missed a meeting in September. EPIC needs to have participation in this next public hearing. Ryan has been informed about these plans but hasn’t communicated the information to EPIC.

Housing and Economic Development Committee
By consensus, CP will supervise the Housing and Economic Development Committee meetings of EPIC and hold the chair accountable to hold regular meetings and report regularly to EPIC GMM

Parking Issues
Keep calling about 24th Street Parking. Discussed concerns about the alley and other issues regarding the next phase when the condo comes in on 24th and Bloomington. Discussed other concerns of Townhome residents and the need for EPIC to support some sort of communication between the Association and PRG.

Motion (LL, MG)
Write a letter to PRG to encourage them to meet with Townhouse residents to discuss concerns about parking and any other concerns. CC letter to David and other board members. Motion passed.

Board Directors
Invite potential candidates to become board members. Hold election at next GMM, if nominations are made. Names offered for consideration: Aden Awil, Amy Pass, Laverne Turner, Ryan Brueske, Marcelino Reyes. EPIC will invite these individuals to consider accepting nomination. Each director to try to bring two new people to EPIC GMM.

GMM
CA will develop an icebreaker for EPIC GMM.

Survey
Completing the survey will give us a strategic plan for Phase I spending and loosen the $200,000 Phase II funds. It will also give us indicators for Phase II spending. The survey will also help with writing the Phase I evaluation and is an opportunity to meet people and educate about EPIC meetings. Directors to meet separately to set up schedule and implementation of survey.

Garden
Appoint a 2nd liaison to Garden Committee, when a director is available. Call Cory Zoll and request, 1. A copy of Lynne’s “garden agreement”, and 2. An itemized list of money that EPIC owes for the garden.

Lack of program funding and closure of park buildings
Research class/ethnic discrimination in decisions to close parks, defund programming

Agenda for GMM
Submit agenda items to the chair.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:14 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting

EPIC BOARD MEETING
October 1, 2005
2526 18th Avenue S, Apt. #5

Epic General Membership Meeting - September 2005

2005-09-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

PRESENT
Directors Present: Carol Pass, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Rosie Cruz, Hannah Lieder

Members Present: Amy Pass, Stephanie Allen, Kelly Ridge, Alfonso Cruz, Brad Pass, Mario ??, Sofia Maldonado

Directors not Present: Earl Simms, Cynthia Aguirre

Meeting was called to order at 6:41 pm by CP. MG chaired the meeting. Agenda was distributed. Minutes from the August GMM were distributed.

LACK OF QUORUM
Motion (CP, BP)
Motion to conduct the meeting as a committee of the whole. Motion passed.

AGENDA
Motion
Motion to approve agenda with correction to add announcements: Youth Baseball and Board Members announcement. Motion passed.

QUORUM ESTABLISHED
Quorum was established at 6:55 pm.

MINUTES
The minutes from the August 11, 2005 GMM were passed with the following corrections:
Pg. 1, CPED, second line: “HOWE program is looking for vacant properties…”

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Youth Baseball
On Monday, Sept. 26th the Minnesota Twins will recognize the Hispanic Month of Independence and have invited the Hispanic Baseball League to participate in a special event during their game.

Treasurer’s Report
CP presented the projected budget for 2005/2006 CDGB funding in the amount of $4,000. Existing funds at Wells Fargo in the amount of $2,661.06 has been allocated to Reimbursements for the March 2005 annual meeting, Liability Insurance and additional reimbursements for EPIC business expenses in 2005.

Old Business
The liability insurance has been acquired and is paid.
Letters have been sent regarding parking for the Franklin Station Townhomes on 24th Street. In addition, several phone calls have been made to City Council to try to get the parking signs changed.
The board developed a list of potential candidates for open board positions.
The board has not appointed a second director to the garden committee.
The board has not sent a letter of support for the zoning changes required for the condo development on 24th and Bloomington.
A letter of support was sent supporting the work of the Womens Environmental Institute.
Pending: Pushing the Park Board regarding beginning the community center process.
Pending: Stopping the asphalt plant from coming into EPIC. BP reported that he could obtain copies of the CLIC report. The CLIC report recommended NOT to authorize any money in the 2006 budget for the whole site on the corner of 28th and Hiawatha.
Pending: Replacing Police Officers.

Motion (LL, RC)
Send a letter to the City Council, the Mayor, and City Council candidates stating that the neighborhood is opposed to the establishment of an asphalt plant in that location, right next to the Greenway. The neighborhood would prefer transit oriented residential housing given the proximity of the site to Light Rail and the Greenway. Motion passed.

Motion (RC, MR)
Create a petition to encompass the letter of the previous motion, and begin collecting signatures as soon as possible. The petition must have 50 signatures before being submitted to the City Council, candidates, and the Mayor. Motion passed.

Weed & Seed / Phillips Community Clean Sweep
BP distributed a flyer for the Phillips Community Clean Sweep to be held Saturday, October 15th. Residents are encouraged to clean out homes and garages and place items out for pickup on that date. In addition, breakfast will be served at several locations, and neighbors will go out and clean up the neighborhood. We want residents to clean up their alleys and streets. A lunch will be served at noon at Stewart Park. The event is sponsored by Weed & Seed and local businesses.

Union Jobs
CP reported that the hotel on the Sears site will have union jobs available. These jobs are for untrained adults. These jobs will include training and benefits. EPIC will write a letter to the Union Organizer thanking them for contacting neighborhoods and trying to connect with neighborhood residents.

Parking on 24th Street
The letter has been sent and we are waiting to see it happen. We are calling about every four days for a progress report.

Board Members
Because two directors resigned from the board (moved out of the neighborhood) the board developed a list of potential candidates that we would like to invite to run for election to the board including Mark Welna, Rose Pluvois, Stephanie Allen, Daco Abdi, Aden Awil, Latisce Williams, Amy Pass, Jenny Gonsior. Nominations from the floor: Sofia Maldonado.

Board Directors must commit to attending at least two meetings per month (EBM, GMM) and must be willing to sign the EPIC Board Director contract.

REPORTS

Street Light Committee
PRG has some money to put pedestrian lighting on the two condominium units planned at 24th and Bloomington Avenue. Could we ask Welna’s to do the same? EPIC may have some money for additional pedestrian lighting elsewhere on Bloomington Avenue.

LL and RB drove around the neighborhood and collected a list of two dozen lighting concerns. You can go online at HYPERLINK "http://www.xcel.com" www.xcel.com to report these lights out. LL reported 15 lights out or intermittent lights out. There should be a response within two weeks. RB took note of three particularly dark areas (he has funding to remediate these problem areas.) There is almost no lighting in the alley on Cedar between E. 26th Street and Ogema. This is a stretch of about two blocks.

Xcel Energy reported that it costs about $6-8 per month to install your own security lighting. Neighbors could get together to put additional lighting in streets and alleys. EPIC should report this to the City Council and Public Works.

Financial Policies and Procedures
MG presented the proposed Fiscal Policies & Procedures marked “draft proposed 09/08/2005.” This document was developed by the Board over the last month in order to address EPICs current needs. Since EPIC no longer has an executive director, the current policies required some changes. We replaced the responsibilities identified with the executive director by replacing them with board directors. Following a sample policy received from the NRP office and looking at the existing EPIC policy, the board made changes to simplify the policies for current EPIC needs. A question and answer period followed presentation of each section of the policies. A motion will be presented at the next GMM to approve these policies.

Insurance
EPICs liability insurance has been paid.

Development Issue 1
Gustavus Adolphus is owned by Floyd Olson has submitted an application for zoning changes to permit conditional use to allow a shopping center with residential units above, reduce parking requirements and other zoning changes. There will be a public hearing 4:30 Room 317 at City Hall, Monday, September 19th. This is an inexperienced developer and the property is probably unsalvageable.

Motion (MG, HL)
Letter to oppose all the variances and conditional use permit requested by Floyd Olson for 1626 E. Lake Street and to oppose Floyd Olson as the developer on that property. Motion passed unanimously.

Development Issue 2
29th and Bloomington development. The neighborhood was hoping to put townhomes in this block of property. The city owns two lots here and the neighborhood envisioned three story live-work units that would fill in the block between the chiropractors’ office and the new apartment building. Since there is a shortage of parking on Lake Street and the construction will last about another year, there is an effort going on to get the city to sell these properties in order to build a parking lot here. The owners along 16th Avenue behind the property are opposed to a parking lot. RC stated that housing would be the best choice and would impact the neighboring properties most positively.

Motion: (BP, RC)
Write a letter opposing a permanent sale of this land to build a parking lot. EPIC would only support a conditional lease for a maximum of two years. The lease agreement to include the requirement that at the end of the lease, the property WILL go back to the neighborhood’s proposed development. Motion passed (one abstain, SA.)

Garden Committee
The minutes from August 13, 2005 garden meeting were distributed.

Crime Patrol
The Bloomington Avenue Citizen’s Patrol is ramping up again and is looking for volunteers. Contact Brad Pass.

Picnic in the Park
Ongoing.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

ABBREVIATIONSCDBG = Community Development Block Grant
CLIC = Capital Long Range Improvement Committee
CPED = Community Planning & Economic Development
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee

EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
MPR = Minnesota Public Radio
NNO = National Night Out
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
PRG = Powderhorn Residents Group
WEI = Women’s Environmental Institute
EPIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
September 8, 2005 (DRAFT)
Holy Rosary Church

Page PAGE 4 of NUMPAGES 4

EPIC Board Meeting - September 2005

2005-09-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

PRESENT
Mary Gonsior (MG), Hannah Lieder (HL), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Rosie Cruz (11:10 am.)

Directors not Present: Cynthia Aquirre

Meeting was called to order at 10:17 by CP. Agenda was distributed. MG was designated as recording secretary.

QUORUM
Andy and Albin have resigned; Quorum was established (4 of 6 directors present.)

Crime Concerns
Discussion of widespread prostitution and dealing along 25th Street and Cedar Park.

AGENDA
The agenda was approved with the addition of property announcements.

MINUTES
The minutes from the July 2, 2005 EBM were approved with the following correction:
Pg. 3, Garden Policy: Response to Corrie Zoll’s email, “AD and CA could find no active gardeners (2005) who…”

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Operation Clean Sweep
This is a clean up the neighborhood day where the city sends out trucks and picks up garbage. It is a very large event planned for October and EPIC’s responsibility will be to organize the community. Food will be offered at several locations. Residents will be able to put out large items to be picked up. A flyer will be available after the date is established next week.

Union Jobs at Sears Hotel
There will be about 80 jobs available. These will be entry level union jobs with training provided. Jobs will be clerical, housekeeping, and maintenance. Jobs are for adults.

Youth Concerns
Discussed concerns about youth employment, health, safety and education. HL will look into creating a resource containing job information for youth. CP will invite Maura Braun to EPIC meeting to share about how they put the resources together for the community center for Harrison Neighborhood.

BUSINESS
East Phillips Commons Project
29th and Bloomington, just south of the new apartment building. Lake Street businesses are very concerned about the lack of parking during the construction period. If the land is sold, the neighborhood has no say in whether the parking lot would be permanent. There is a series of owners who own pieces, and the City owns a big chunk of the property. CP will meet with owners who want to put in a large parking lot to provide parking for the businesses on Lake Street and report back.

Motion (LL, MG)
Motion for EPIC to support the temporary leasing for construction of a temporary parking lot secured with gates, camera and lights, but that the City retain public ownership of property for the East Phillips Commons Project. Motion passed.

Lights on Bloomington Avenue
PRG has some money to put pedestrian lighting on the two condominium units planned at 24th and Bloomington Avenue. Could we ask Welna’s to do the same? EPIC may have some money for additional pedestrian lighting elsewhere on Bloomington Avenue.

LL and RB drove around the neighborhood and collected a list of two dozen lighting concerns. You can go online at HYPERLINK "http://www.xcel.com" www.xcel.com to report these lights out. LL reported 15 lights out or intermittent lights out. There should be a response within two weeks. RB took note of three particularly dark areas (he has funding to remediate these problem areas.) There is almost no lighting in the alley on Cedar between E. 26th Street and Ogema. This is a stretch of about two blocks.

Xcel Energy reported that it costs about $6-8 per month to install your own security lighting. Neighbors could get together to put additional lighting in streets and alleys. EPIC should report this to the City Council and Public Works.

Parking on 24th Street
CP is calling Dean Zimmerman’s office to try to get the No Parking signs removed on 24th Street.

Budget for 501(c)(3) Application
The CDBG budget was approved with the following corrections:
Item number 3 – deleted “Child care expenses.”
Item number 5 – deleted the entire item.
Remove Andy and Albin from list of directors.
Change the amount for Annual meeting, entertainment, hall rental from $1000 to $750.
Change the amount for Additional admin. expenses…from $500 to $750.

General Liability Insurance
CP reported that she had determined that the $1,000 is for general liability insurance. This is required since we are holding public meetings. Payment is approved.

Reimbursements
LL submitted receipts for reimbursement of expenses for the annual meeting last March. Payment to LL in the amount of $268.07 was approved.

Financial Policies
MG and CP prepared proposed financial policies to be submitted in conjunction with our 501(c)(3) application. The proposed financial policy is a blending of the existing EPIC financial policies and samples that were provided by Robert Thompson from NRP. In addition, “procedures” were deleted from the policy – so that the policy includes general statements describing “what” EPIC does with money. These policies should be general enough so that they do not require frequent changes. In addition, the policies need to be approved by the general membership.

Specific procedures stating “how” EPIC manages money, including step by step descriptions of performing financial tasks will be adopted by the board and are included in the 501(C)(3) application.

CP, HL and MG will meet again on Tuesday evening at HL’s house to review and finalize the policy for presentation to the September GMM.

Discussion of Board Business
HL expressed disappointment that the board doesn’t seem to have enough time to address issues that are of great concern to her, including youth employment, crime, etc. CP noted that if we can put together a budget, learn to operate by Roberts Rules of Order, and create financial responsibility, the neighborhood will be able to begin working on these more important issues. Unless this administrative work is done, the organization will stall out completely.

Additional Board Meeting
MG proposed an additional board meeting 3-5 days after the GMM for board directors to review the “to do list” and schedule whatever meetings, projects need to be completed.

New Board Directors
Discussed potential candidates for board directors.
Mark Welna
Rose Pluvois
Stephanie Allen
Daco Abdi
Aden Awil
Latisce Williams
Amy Pass
Jenny Gonsior

Agenda for GMM
Submit agenda items to the chair.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:52 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
SWMCB = Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board
EPIC BOARD MEETING
September 3, 2005
2435 Bloomington Ave. S.

Epic General Membership Meeting - August e2005

2005-08-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

PRESENT
Directors Present: Carol Pass, Andy Engebretson, Albin Dittli, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Cynthia Aguirre

Members Present: Ryan Brueske, Brad Pass, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Stephanie Allen, Amy Pass, Marcelino Reyes, Alfonso Cruz, Sherzad Kordian, Aden Awil, Karen Clark

Directors not Present: Earl Simms, Hannah Lieder, Rosie Cruz

Guests Present: Kathy Wetzel Mastel (PRG), Gary Schiff

Meeting was called to order at 6:40 by CP. AD chaired the meeting. Agenda was distributed. Minutes from the last two EBM were distributed.

AGENDA
Motion (RB, MG)
Motion to approve agenda with correction to “Review of Minutes from July, ‘05.” Motion passed.

MINUTES
The minutes from the June 9, 2005 GMM and July 14, 2005 GMM were passed with the following corrections:
June, pg. 4, first paragraph: “BP reported that the EPC 17th Ave. Garden is owned by the GI…”
July, pg. 2, 501(c)(3): “CP will begin with the 2005 budget.”
July, pg. 2, Block Club Meeting and Crime Patrol: “…picnic with kickball and visiting.”
July, pg. 4, Strategic Planning, last paragraph: “…Jordan may be the only…” and “…neighborhoods with parks that …”

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Housing
RB reported that the 29th and Cedar Condo development has broken ground and is almost completely excavated. The 28th and Cedar project is due to break ground imminently.

Lake Minnetonka Fishing
LL reported that a group from Minnetonka has invited E. Phillips residents to bring kids out for fishing this Sunday (8/14/05) A similar event was held last weekend.

18th Avenue Block Club
BP reported that the block club welcomes any E. Phillips resident to join the block club on Friday evenings at 5:30 pm. They are looking for vacant properties, although their priority is to develop properties the City already owns. Residents may call Edie Oates, and city council members, and candidates for city council.

CPED
CPED’s longstanding housing rehab program has recently been expanded to include new housing. CPED is looking for vacant properties.
Motion (CP, MG)
EPIC will write a letter in support of the City through the HOWE program, acquire and evaluate problem properties for rehab or new construction, in particular the house at 2447 16th Ave.

Director Resignations
AE announced that he is moving out of E. Phillips next week and is, therefore, required to resign from the EPIC board. Andy expressed appreciation for fellow board members encouragement and support. He encouraged everyone to focus on working together for common goals in the future. AD announced that he will be moving out of E. Phillips before the next GMM and would also need to resign at that time.

REPORTS

July Action Items

501(c)(3)
The process on our application prepared by former EPIC directors took one year. Since we have to re-apply using a new application form, and because the IRS doesn’t understand much about NRP, CP acquired a copy of the application paperwork completed by Midtown Phillips and is using these materials as a guide for completing the new application.

CDGB Funding
CP asked CA, HL and MG to review the current EPIC Finance policies and propose revisions. EPIC no longer has an Executive Director or other staff. In addition, EPIC’s budget will be much smaller for 2005.

Insurance Refund
The insurance refund has been deposited into the checking account.

Insurance Payment
CP is reviewing the insurance policy with the insurer to determine that the current policy is appropriate for EPIC at this time.

Community Garden
The board must designate one additional EPIC director to the Garden Committee. (Still pending.)
The board has designated CA as the “official” liaison to the GI and EPIC has notified GI staff.

NRP Funds
Look into the reduction in NRP funds over the past two years to determine how much loss is the result of changes in Minneapolis tax revenue decisions. Consider how to respond. (Ongoing.)

Parking on 24th Street
Letter of support for the Franklin Townhome Association supporting additional parking on 24th Street was written. Need to follow up.

Community Center
LL will report on this later in the meeting.

Weed & Seed Meeting
CP reported that the speaker at the last meeting was Don Harris, who heads up the internal review of the performance of police officers. The meeting addressed how important the review process is in obtaining evidence and there is a need for a strong evidence gathering ability on the civilian review board.

Liga Hispana de Biesbol.
MR reported that the league held an all-star day at Parade Stadium, rented from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The event was a great family gathering and a good time was had. The league is growing and more teams are expected to join the league next year. MR expressed appreciation for all the help the league received from the community, the park board and other organizations that contributed to the success of the league.

Franklin Station Condominiums
KWM reported on the progress of the VIP project, Phase II. PRG is a nonprofit community director whose mission is to create affordable housing and strengthen neighborhoods and communities. PRG has been involved with planning the VIP project for the past 7-8 years. Phase II encompasses the south corners of 24th and Bloomington. On the E. Phillips side, the building is four stories and is designed to look like small-scale commercial retail on the first floor, but actually contains parking. The three floors above contain 24 owner-occupied, 2-3 bedroom condos, with similar affordability as the town homes. 20% are affordable to households earning less than 50% of median income and 20% to households earning less than 80% of median income. The Midtown building will have three stories; ground floor parking and the two floors above contain 12 owner-occupied, 1-2 bedroom condos. Partners on affordable units are Twin Cities Habitat and City of Lakes Community Land Trust. All Fundraising is complete except for $200,000 grant application to the State for additional affordability. The decision is expected in October. Projected Schedule:
September: PRG will submit site plan and zoning application and requests a letter of support from EPIC.
October: Gather marketing material.
November: Begin marketing of 36 units; must pre-sell 12 units.
January: Architect to prepare detailed plans for public bidding.
May: Begin construction.

KWM reported that the Midtown building meets R4 zoning. GS noted that zoning categories vary depending on the area of the project. Even though the project will be zoned R5, the plan does not maximize the density to the limit permitted by R5. KWM reported that Phase II environmental studies report that the site is “clean.” KWM requested a general letter of support for zoning variances and other regulatory approvals PRG may need to complete this phase of the project.

Motion (BP, LL)
EPIC write a letter enthusiastically supporting zoning and other city approvals requested, as needed for the Phase II Franklin Station Condo project. Motion passed.

Gang Prevention
GS is working with a new gang prevention program run by Mike Dale. The program is the best run in Minneapolis and works primarily with new immigrants from Latin America and Mexico. Mike works out of Holy Rosary, helping to build ties to community. CLUES and other youth programs with social services are working together to map our how to come up with a program to reach out to youth before they get in trouble. The City has NO plan or program for gang prevention, although the Park Board has youth services. GS is working with Hennepin County Youth Services to develop a culturally enriched program aimed at gang prevention.

Residents shared crime concerns with GS. Fighting gangs include Suppression (Police,) Prevention (very little,) and Intervention (almost none.)

DIAL 3-1-1.
This is a new city service; a non-emergency question line available 18 hours a day, beginning January 2006. (Library hours, snow emergency, graffiti, etc.) The line will be staffed by highly-trained, experienced operators.

Environmental Challenges and Possible Solutions in East Phillips
KC reported that arsenic is a poison; no amount is good for you and 10-12 parts per million (ppm) is considered “normal.” Many of our yards have a lot more than that. The arsenic in E. Phillips was caused by storage of a pesticide during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The pesticides were allowed to sit and blow all over the neighborhood and seep into the ground. The liquid underground arsenic is moving toward the Mississippi River. The primary risk to residents is those yards where arsenic is present. We are getting mixed messages about the arsenic. EPA did a lot of testing; initially this testing was random. Now we know that every yard will be tested. EPA thinks it is okay to leave yards alone containing 95 ppm of arsenic - nine times higher than what is considered “normal.” This decision is based solely on the cost of cleanup.

The WEI has applied to a Foundation for funding to conduct a medical survey in E. Phillips and several close neighborhoods to discover whether there are patterns of health problems. Arsenic is known to be associated with a long list of health problems. An intern from the GI is investigating the history of the arsenic tests.

Resources for Testing: EPA said they might consider paying for personally collected soil samples, provided they were collected carefully, according to their established standards.

Motion (CP, LL)
EPIC will write a letter of support for the continued work of WEI on public health tracking, environmental justice investigations and surveys with regard to the arsenic cleanup. Motion passed.

Survey
LL reported that the survey was reviewed by a couple of groups. The general advice is to get different types of information from different audiences, using different tools, for example, focus groups. The present survey would be primarily useful for college-educated groups. A completely different tool would be useful with youth. The sample surveys conducted gave surprising results. LL asked that the Board be permitted to continue working on the survey.

New Policies and Procedures
CP distributed copies of the new policies and procedures that have been passed at previous GMM meetings.

Treasurer’s Report
CP reported that MG, HL and CA will work on financial procedures so EPIC can access CDBG funds. The balance in the checking account is $2,575.06. MG proposed that the Treasurer’s report be moved up to the front of the Agenda for future GMM meetings.
Community Garden
CA reported that the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee met and received the treasurer’s report from last year. At the last garden meeting, the Garden Group passed the garden agreement, elected CA as interim “liaison” and treasurer for the garden, reinstated and clarified policies regarding the steering committee. The next meeting will be at 10 AM on Saturday, Sept. 10. The EPIC board needs to appoint a second director to the garden committee.

Community Center, Report on Training Meeting
LL reported that Jay Clark and others suggested that EPIC actually hold one of their meetings at a neighboring community center. LL asked if residents would be interesting in touring some of these community centers. KC reported that the legislature has already passed a bill supporting the Park Board to spend money to plan a community center for East Phillips. The Board will take up LL suggestions at a future board meeting.

Motion (KC, MG)
EPIC send a group of individuals to go talk to the Park Board and ask them to put this back on their 2006 legislative agenda.

NEW BUSINESS

Block Club Meeting and Crime Patrol
LL would like someone to with her on a night-time patrol to report “lights-out.” BP reported that you must tell Xcel Energy whether the pole is wood or metal, and the nearest address.

BP reported that the crime situation on the 25th Street corridor is getting worse. The 18th Avenue picnic at 5:30 on Friday evenings has not been well attended lately, and residents are encouraged to attend. Keep calling 9-1-1.

KC encouraged residents to call the Mayor and request that the City replace E. Phillips police officers when the new officers are available (rather than sending them all to the North side.)

CLIC Capital Long Range Improvement Committee
CLIC has received another request for an asphalt and/or hot-mix storage facility. The two locations presently being proposed are 26th and Longfellow and 26th and Hiawatha. CPED and the City should get together with the community to determine what the best use is for this 10-acre property.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

ABBREVIATIONSCDBG = Community Development Block Grant
CLIC = Capital Long Range Improvement Committee
CPED = Community Planning & Economic Development
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee

EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
MPR = Minnesota Public Radio
NNO = National Night Out
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
PRG = Powderhorn Residents Group
WEI = Women’s Environmental Institute
EPIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
August 11, 2005 (DRAFT)
Holy Rosary Church

EPIC Membership Meeting - July 2005

2005-07-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
SWMCB = Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board

PRESENT

Mary Gonsior (MG), Hannah Lieder (HL), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Albin Dittli (AD), Cynthia Aquirre (CA)

Directors not Present: Andy Engebretson (out of town), Rosie Cruz (out of town) and Earl Sims (unknown reason)

Observers: Laverne Turner (LT) was present during discussion of first item.

Meeting was called to order at 10:15 by CP. Agenda was distributed. MG was designated as recording secretary. Quorum was established (6 directors present.)

Announcements
MG reported that she hasn’t completed the draft letter to introduce board Directors to community organizations.

Minutes
The minutes from the last Board Meeting (6/18/2005) were not completed yet.

Agenda
The agenda was approved with the following changes: Response to Robert Thompson’s email (added.) Issues surrounding the letters Lynn handed out (moved to top of the agenda.) Garden Policy item (moved to #2 on agenda.)

NEW BUSINESS

Issues surrounding the letters in Lynne Mayo’s handout at the June GMM
HL asked why we were addressing these issues again when we already discussed this and made policies about this. CP responded that we need to request a response from NRP (Robert Miller,) apologizing for telling community members that the process that was followed by the community from the October GMM until the Annual Meeting in 2005 was “illegal” and to address other related gossip and hearsay that is being spread through the EPIC community and other neighborhoods.

CP proposed requesting a 2-3 hour meeting with Robert Miller to present the legitimacy of the process followed by the community. (Robert Miller has already agreed to grant such a request.) At this meeting, CP will present all the minutes from all the meetings from October 2004 through the Annual Meeting, EPIC Bylaws, letters from the community, letters from attorneys, etc. EPIC will formally request that NRP correct the misunderstandings and rumors that abound regarding the following four points.

Robert Miller and Barb Lickness need to apologize for telling community members and the former Board Directors that the process followed by the community between the October 2004 GMM and the 2005 Annual Meeting was not legitimate and was not legal. Both need to confirm that they conducted no investigation of the claims made by the former Board Directors regarding their accusations against community members.
Robert Miller and Barb Lickness need to confirm that they released information to the public regarding accusations towards community members that EPIC staffer, Rebekah Cross, was abused and confirm that her claim of harassment, and/or hostile work environment was never established. Both need to apologize to the community for releasing information about Rebekah’s claim to the public, and confirm that the information was hearsay only and that NRP made no investigation regarding Rebekah’s claim.
Robert Miller needs to confirm that the MN Legislature requires neighborhoods to spend 52% of NRP Phase I funds on housing. In addition, because POP wrote only 18% in the original plan, he needs to confirm that it was responsible for EPIC to spend as much remaining NRP funds as possible on housing.
Robert Miller needs to confirm that all neighborhoods will be required to spend 70% of Phase II NRP funds on housing and that NRP won’t even consider plans spending less than 70% on housing.

Motion (MG, LL)
CP will meet with Robert Miller as soon as possible and present the aforementioned information. EPIC will request (in writing) that the four points listed above be addressed publicly, in writing, by Robert Miller and Barb Lickness. If EPIC does not receive a satisfactory response by August 1, 2005, EPIC will file a grievance against NRP. Motion passed.

Garden Policy: Response to Corrie Zoll’s email.
A group of gardeners asked the EPIC Board to resolve concerns brought about by discovery of an advertisement for “A Composter in Every Back Yard” youth composting and waste awareness program. Responding to EPIC’s inquiry, Corrie Zoll of the Green Institute (GI,) responded by email. Corrie referenced a Use Agreement between GI and the East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden dated August 9, 2004 that was signed by Christine Rangen, Daniel Thomas, Lynne Mayo, Judith Schwartzbacker and Aden Awil. Corrie worked with Lynne Mayo to secure a grant from the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) in 2004 because he understood that “Lynne Mayo is the representative appointed by [the East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee] to represent the East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden.”

CP drafted a response to Corrie Zoll’s email concerning the following points.

The committee called EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee is the same committee known as East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee. The name was abbreviated for convenience.
According to GI and EPIC records, the garden steering committee is to be composed of two EPIC Board Directors, two active gardeners and one at-large individual from EPIC neighborhood (approved by both groups.)
EPIC has never appointed a “representative” from the steering committee to the GI. Instead, our relationship with GI is governed by the motions of an official garden committee with oversight from EPIC, with decisions conveyed to the GI in the form of motions.
EPIC has determined that the signers of the August 9, 2004 “Use Agreement” do not meet the criteria for the official “garden committee,” having no EPIC Directors present on the committee. In addition, the “Use Agreement” was not signed by an EPIC Director.
A garden steering committee was not formed in the spring of 2004 due to remediation issues in the garden.
AD and CA (EPIC Directors and active gardeners in 2005) attempted to investigate the 2004 “Use Agreement” by a “garden steering committee.” They requested documentation from Lynne Mayo who failed to provide any records.
There are no sign-in sheets of meetings, minutes, or financial records of dues/expenses for the garden in 2004. There are no records of any process followed to select a steering committee, sign the “Use Agreement” or designate Lynne Mayo as an official “representative” of the committee.
Irrespective of providing a monthly garden report to EPIC since last September, Lynne Mayo never reported to the garden group or EPIC that she submitted a proposal for the “A Composter in Every Back Yard” program, or that she received a grant from SWMCB. Nor did she report to the garden group or EPIC that the GI agreed to act as fiscal agent for the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee.
AD and CA could find no active gardeners (2005) who had been informed of or invited to participate in the “A Composter in Every Back Yard” program prior to public advertisement in June 2005.
The “A Composter in Every Back Yard” program represents a departure from the EPIC policy describing the beneficiaries of the garden, namely the residents of East Phillips neighborhood. The program advertisement is addressed to all Minneapolis students, college students and parents.
EPIC’s has additional concerns about the program including safety and liability issues, community notification, financial oversight and program evaluation.
By providing fiscal agency to this unrecognized garden committee, the GI has endangered the credibility, reputation and financial future of the 17th Avenue Community Garden, EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee, EPIC and itself.

Motion (LL, AD)
Send the draft letter to committee to be reworked into a shorter version, if possible. Submit the final draft to CA and HL before sending to GI. Motion passed.

Garden Policy: Proposal for Garden Agreement and Proposal for Garden Policies
CA reported that the 2005 garden steering committee is not functional. The current committee has an even number of representatives: three gardeners and one EPIC rep. CA will propose that the next garden group meeting elect a new, expanded steering committee and adopt garden policies. AD has prepared a set of policies governing operation of the garden that will be submitted to the garden committee for adoption at their next meeting (in the garden at 10 AM on Saturday, July 9, 2005.) The proposal was written by several members of the garden group. In addition, AD prepared a Garden Use Agreement that adheres to the requirements of the GI. Both of these documents were designed to clarify the operations of the garden, the steering committee, the relationship to GI and to ensure that EPIC is informed about and participates in the operations and decisions made regarding the garden. These proposals will be presented for adoption by the garden group on Saturday. Anyone with comments or suggestions should submit them to AD before next Saturday.

Garden Policy: “A Composter in Every Back Yard” program
17th Avenue Garden members requested that EPIC respond to the program that Lynne Mayo advertised in the garden. HL asked if we could discuss next steps as they relate to requesting a response from Lynne Mayo and Corrie Zoll. CP recommended that we wait until we find out how those individuals respond to correspondence already sent to them. LL pointed out that EPIC is not responsible for the money that was acquired by Lynne, instead, EPIC can act as a fact-finding committee. The gardeners may choose to remove Lynne Mayo from leadership in the garden group. CP disagreed about EPIC’s liability regarding the grant and program, since it affects the credibility of EPIC and possible liability. CP reported that a letter was sent to SWMCB Waste Management Coordinating Board but no response has been received to date. HL pointed out that CA is the official representative of EPIC to the garden steering committee and recommended that CA be a point person for reporting on the progress of these issues.

Garden Report
A garden report will be placed on the agenda for the July GMM to report on the “A Composter in Every Back Yard” youth composting and waste awareness program and on the results of the July 9th garden meeting including any policies or other business that result from that meeting.

Announcements
The Twin Cities Training Program for Neighborhood Organizers is offering in-depth training for neighborhood volunteers. The training will take place once a week on Wednesdays for two hours for five weeks. The first meeting will be on Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 PM at racket Park, 2728 39th Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

501(c)(3) Application
Everything is completed with the exception of the budget. CP reported that the budget cannot be completed until we review four previous years of financial statements.

Carol, everyone was talking at once here… please add any relevant facts that are missing about the budget. There was something about Charlie Ravine and David Rubidor – couldn’t hear it on the tape.

Filing 2004 990 Annual Return
CP believes that we don’t need to file a 990 for 2004. This appears to be the responsibility of PPNA, as the fiscal agent for EPIC in 2004. EPIC appears as a line item in the PPNA budget.

Treasurer’s Report
The old checking account is closed and a new account has been opened. AE still needs to be added as a signer on the account. The current balance is $2,175.06. Checks have been ordered.

CP asked Bob Cooper about the CDBG funds. Cooper said that we can use the funds once we have confirmed to him that EPIC financial policies are in compliance with NRP financial policies. CP requested a copy of the NRP financial policies from Robert Thompson.

CP will give the insurance refund to CA for deposit.

Motion (MG, LL)
Motion to extend EPIC’s liability insurance using the insurance refund. Motion passed.

Community Survey
The revisions made by the Board at the previous meeting have been incorporated into the survey. The survey committee will continue to work out how to conduct the survey.

Terms of Board Directors
The following terms were assigned to Board Directors by acclamation.
One year terms: AE, AD, CP, HL
Two year terms: CA, MG, RC, LL, ES

Agenda for GMM
Submit agenda items to the chair.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:06 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary
EPIC BOARD MEETING
July 2, 2005 FINAL
2435 Bloomington Ave. S.

Epic General Membership Meeting - July 2005

2005-07-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
MPR = Minnesota Public Radio
NNO = National Night Out
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program
PRG = Powderhorn Residents Group

PRESENT
Directors Present: Carol Pass, Andy Engebretson, Albin Dittli, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Cynthia Aguirre, Rosie Cruz

Members Present: Ryan Brueske, Laverne Turner, Rachel Dittli, Brad Pass, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Jane Thomson, Stephanie Allen, Amy Pass, Marcelino Reyes, Alfonso Cruz, Sherzad Kordian

Directors not Present: Earl Simms, Hannah Lieder

Meeting was called to order at 6:40 by CP. AD chaired the meeting. Agenda was distributed. Minutes from the last two EBM were distributed.

AGENDA
Motion
Motion to approve agenda with addition of a Report on Board Director Terms. Motion passed.

MINUTES
The minutes from the June 9, 2005 GMM will be presented at the August GMM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Court Watch Committee
The Court Watch Committee will meet on the 2nd Friday of each month, at 10:30 am.

Liga Hispana de Biesbol.
There will be an all-star game on Sunday, July 24. Tony Oliva will be there. 1:00 PM at Parade Stadium. $2.00 adults, kids are free.

Terms of Board Directors
The following terms were assigned to Board Directors by acclamation.
One year terms: AE, AD, CP, HL
Two year terms: CA, MG, RC, LL, ES

REPORTS
24th & Bloomington Condos
The project includes the equivalent of 35 condominiums on both sides of Bloomington Avenue. This project is part of the VIP development project which was designed to incorporate a strong, secure design to protect the neighborhood. PRG is working on their last request for funding which will support 8 units as part of the community land trust. These condos will be sold to owners at 50-80% of median income. It is unlikely that they will be able to put a commercial space on either side of Bloomington; it is not a viable option. There will be community space in each set of condos. PRG will present an update on the condos at the August GMM.

501(c)(3)
The process on our application is essentially done with the exception of getting two different recommendations regarding the budget portion of the application. David Rubidor recommended to EPIC that we send a new budget through. Charlie Ravine of MAPS recommended to EPIC that we submit the last four years of financial statements. CP will determine whether we must incorporate the last four years financial reports into our 501(c)(3) application, or may we begin with the 2005 budget.

CDGB Funding
EPIC has about $4,000 available for community organizing expenditures but must take steps to access these funds. Robert Cooper recommended that EPIC remove all references to “Executive Director” in our Financial Policies and then these policies should be ready to submit for accessing these funds.

Block Club Meeting and Crime Patrol
AP reported that the 2500 Block of 18th Avenue has been meeting at 5:30 every Friday night for a picnic with kickball and visiting. They invite any residents to join them. It is a good way to keep the area safe and to get to know your neighbors.

A small group of people from Midtown and East Phillips got together to talk about the problems on the 25th Street corridor to talk about strategies. If you are interested in learning more or attending meetings, please contact Amy Pass.

Survey
LL reported that she and AD incorporated the comments from the June GMM into the survey. The survey was reviewed by the directors at the last EBM and it is ready to go. LL worked with Jay Clark regarding possible neighborhood projects, including implementing the survey.

New Policies and Procedures
Motion (EBM)
Persons wishing to distribute materials at EPIC board meetings or general membership meetings shall submit the materials to the chair to be passed out at the discretion of the chair at that meeting. Motion passed.

Motion (EBM)
Requests for copies of previously distributed documents from EBM or GMM meetings will be provided for a fee of $5.00 per page at the discretion of the Secretary. Motion passed.

Motion (EBM)
Personal attacks, whether written or stated, are prohibited by Robert’s Rules of Order and will not be tolerated. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report
CA reported that we have opened the new account and all signers are set up on the account. The current balance is $2,175.06. There is a check to be deposited in the amount of $400 which will be used to extend our liability insurance.
Community Garden
CA reported that the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee met last week and completed the Use Agreement to be submitted to the GI. There are lots of plots available. The committee passed a motion to add EPIC to the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee checking account. CA is the interim liaison to the GI. GI asked to have an “official” contact person. EPIC needs to elect another director to the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee. There are only four people on the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee right now and one more is needed. EPIC passed a motion in the past that there should be two EPIC directors on the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee. This appointment of a second director to the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee will be taken up by the EPIC board.

NRP Concerns
The projections for future NRP funding indicate a large drop. This is the result of a shift in tax revenues and the method used by the State Legislature in determining the funding. NRP Funding may end in 2009 – it was originally a 20 year plan. Many citizens want NRP to continue. The City has reduced commercial tax revenues – the source of NRP funding - more than 50% since 9-11. There is also a slump in downtown property values since 9-11. The City Council is looking at the remaining money and debating whether NRP funds are available to the city for other spending projects. Some council members say that if the funds are not “contracted” they are available. CP recommends that EPIC research the cause of these reductions in funding to neighborhoods. Phase II funds must be committed to housing at a rate of 70%. EPIC needs to figure out how to spend our remaining Phase I funds. The former board wanted to move the entire $200,000 into Administrative expenses. The survey can help us determine where to spend the money that remains from Phase I. This is a part of our strategic planning that must be done.

Community Center, Report on Training Meeting
LL reported that Jay Clark invited members to attend free community volunteer training next Wednesday night 7-9 PM at Bracket Park. LL shared keys to getting more community involvement in meetings/projects including:

addressing issues that are important
meetings/projects are a little bit fun
getting the word out/publicity
community brainstorming
adjourning on time

National Night Out
NNO is August 2, and there is now a $40 fee to block the street this year. RB reported that MPR is looking for people who want to share their NNO experience.

Greenway Report
There are efforts to organize “rainwater” gardens including one near the GI and planting has begun. There will be a Midtown Greenway progressive dinner; you must be a member of the Midtown Greenway to participate.

NEW BUSINESS
Franklin Station Town Homes
SA reported that the owners of the town homes are requesting a letter of support from EPIC to ask the city to permit parking along 24th Street.

Motion (CP, MG)
Motion to send a letter supporting parking along 24th Street between Bloomington Avenue and 17th Avenue. Motion passed.

Strategic Planning for a Community Center in East Phillips
LL led a discussion of community needs. Members shared ways that a community center could benefit each member. Ideas included:

Litter and Crime impact/connection
Feel safe
More money from the government
Education (English~Spanish)
Getting to know your neighbors
Communication with neighbors beyond your block
Making people aware of what’s going on around them – positive or negative
Better reputation outside the neighborhood
Unity toward specific objectives
Ownership of neighborhood – pride
Safe places to play with young children

BP pointed out that EPIC and Jordan may be the only two Minneapolis neighborhoods with parks that don’t have a community center. LL is willing to inquire of other community centers regarding financing. Maybe some East Phillips members should go and see some of these places.

Motion (MG, CP)
LL will inquire further regarding what it would take to finance a community center, and bring back more information. EPIC members will support her in that investigation. Motion passed.

Agenda for next GMM
Address litter – anti-litter project

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary
EPIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
July 14, 2005 (FINAL)
Holy Rosary Church

EPIC Board Meeting - July 2005

2005-07-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

EPIC Board Meeting - June 2005

2005-06-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program

PRESENT

Andy Engebretson (AE), Mary Gonsior (MG), Hannah Lieder (HL), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Albin Dittli (AD)

Directors Present for a part of the meeting: Cynthia Aguirre (CA), attended from the beginning of the meeting until midway through the Task Force/Survey discussion.

Directors not Present: Earl Sims (unknown), Rosie Cruz (unknown)

Observers: Laverne Turner (LT), attended from the beginning of the meeting until midway through the Task Force/Survey discussion.

Meeting was called to order at 10:13 by CP. The Agenda was distributed. Added: Report from attorney regarding December 13, 2004 letter by former Directors; Garden. MG was designated as recording secretary. Quorum was established (6 directors present.)

Minutes
The minutes from the May 7, 2005 Board Meeting, Executive Session were read and MG requested that HL go over the timeline contained therein and amend as necessary.

Motion (MG, AE)
Motion to postpone approval of the 5/7/05 executive session minutes to the July 2 Board Meeting. Motion passed.

The minutes from the June 4, 2005 Board Meeting, Executive Session were read.

Motion (AE, LL)
Motion to postpone approval of the 6/4/05 executive session minutes to the July 2 Board Meeting. Motion passed.

CP noted that there are 8 action items from the June 4 executive session minutes.

501(c)(3) Application
CP and AD are working on transferring our previous 501(c)(3) application data to the new IRS application format. There has not been a lot of progress. The original document sent to the IRS was distributed. Charlie Ravine of MAPS contacted the IRS and concluded that because there are significant changes on the new application form, we will be required to complete the new application form. The only significant change on the part of EPIC is that we no longer have any staff. The best we can expect is that they will waive the $800 fee (not likely.) Charlie’s fee to complete the application is $350 and CP would have to provide all the documents anyway. CP recommends that we complete the application ourselves, and ask Charlie to review the document (perhaps for free.) Or, for $200 we can join MAPS and receive limited, free legal services.

CP has started filling out the new application. HL noted that two weeks have already passed since we last discussed this - she is in favor of spending an extra $150 to get the application completed in a timely manner. CA agreed. MG pointed out that we still need to come up with $800 to pay the fee. CP said that it would take as much time to provide the documentation as it would take to complete the application herself. AD is willing to help with the application. After further discussion, EPIC decided to continue to fill in the application and to use the past EPIC budget as a guideline for the budget for the application.

Motion (AD, LL) including friendly amendment (HL)
Motion to take the new and old 501(c)(3) applications and try to merge the information into the new application. AD, working with CP and HL, will complete the application as far as possible by the next board meeting on July 2, 2005. Motion passed.

Note: AD will consult with CP who will provide documents. AD welcomes anyone’s help with the application.

Task Force/Survey
AD reported that suggestions made by members at the June GMM were incorporated into the survey by AD and LL. Directors reviewed the changes by line and made further corrections to the survey. The survey takes about ten minutes to complete. Corcoran neighborhood’s survey took about 20 minutes to complete.

The following notes should be reviewed carefully by all Directors. The discussion of the next two items was confusing and at first hopped back and forth - it was difficult to record from my notes, or from the tape, a logical procession of discussion about these items. I have done my best to record the relevant comments, proposals, etc. that were made.

Response to hand-outs at GMM

During the GMM, Lynne Mayo handed out a packet called “Minutes corrections, organizational suggestions, & Requests by EPIC Member, Lynne Mayo, June 2005.” The document also included suggestions, requests and an attack against the EPIC chair. In a separate portion of the June GMM, Lynne Mayo also distributed a set of four letters written by former Board Directors.

Motion (AD, MG)
Persons wishing to distribute materials at EPIC board meetings or general membership meetings shall submit the materials to the chair to be passed out at the discretion of the chair at that meeting. Motion passed.

At this point, I have the following note - I can’t figure out what this is about. I can’t find it on the tape.
Response to criticism of Board Directors
“Action: draft a letter to Robert Thompson, to be reviewed on July 2, 2005.”
“Minutes corrections, organizational suggestions, & requests by EPIC Member, Lynne Mayo, June 2005.”
MG suggested that with the exception of paragraph #1 (correction to the minutes from April 2005), the requests made by Lynne were not submitted as motions and, in addition, did not receive a supporting “second,” therefore, do not need to be considered by the EPIC board as motions. Lynne’s suggestions and requests are probably addressed by existing EPIC bylaws and policies. EPIC will review Lynne’s suggestions and requests during future board meetings and determine how they are addressed.

After reviewing the corrections submitted for the April 2005 GMM minutes (reported on May 12, 2005) Directors concluded that not everything that was submitted as “corrections” was actually stated at the April GMM.

Motion (CP, LL)
Motion to accept the following correction to the April 2005 GMM minutes, page 2 regarding the Allina request for a letter of support from EPIC: Lynne Mayo stated, “Allina may not be a corporation we would like to give money &/or support to. This is based on Allina’s history of violating their status as a Minnesota nonprofit and misusing taxpayer’s money & trust, including overpaying upper level management and consultants.” Lynne’s request to add additional statements regarding Allina Hospitals to EPIC records (paragraphs 2, 3 and 4) is rejected, as they are not relevant to the April GMM. Motion passed.

Response to the last request on Lynne’s document regarding EPIC’s chair: CP went to Lynne’s house at Lynne’s request to provide documents that Lynne had requested. CP knocked and thought she heard “come in.” Directors view Lynne’s distribution of her version of events to the public as a personal attack that was inappropriate according to Roberts Rules of Order. EPIC will prepare a response to be published in future EBM minutes.

Response to criticism of Board Directors
At the June GMM, CP read a rebuttal to one point contained in a letter from former Board Directors to the MN Secretary of State. This letter had been circulating in the EPIC community and elsewhere. During CP’s response at the GMM, Lynne Mayo began distributing a handout containing four letters written by former Board Directors. The handout included the December 15, 2004 resignation letter addressed to Bob Cooper, Director of NRP, and a December 13, 2004 letter addressed to Bob Miller from the former directors formally protesting CP’s seat on the NRP Policy Board.

Carol, I never received a packet of the letters that were distributed at the GMM. Please add a description of the other two letters. Thanks!

Letter to the Attorney General of MN
The letter sent by former Directors to the MN Attorney General was reviewed by an attorney. The attorney described the letter as “too mushy and whining,” and “probably legally irrelevant and unprovable.” In the opinion of the attorney, the letter’s statements are merely opinions and do not rise to the level of defamation. The claim that CP had breached attorney-client privilege is unsustainable, since, as the client, CP could choose to abridge that confidentiality. The rest of the allegations are nonsensical and non-sequitor. The letter, in the attorney’s opinion, was likely prepared as a response to anticipated criticism of the writers’ actions. In fact, it is just as likely that the letter was written later than the date of letter. Directors determined that correspondence from the attorney related to former Director’s letters will be added to EPIC’s records.

Motion (MG, LL)
Requests for copies of previously distributed documents from EBM or GMM meetings will be provided for a fee of $5.00 per page at the discretion of the Secretary. Motion passed.

Directors attendance at Board Meetings
HL asked to address the issue of Directors leaving during the meeting. In addition, some Directors have missed more than one or two board meetings. EPIC still needs to define what constitutes an excused absence.

Treasurer’s Report
EPIC has received a refund of $400 from the insurance company. AE, CP and CA will be signers on the new checking account located at Wells Fargo on the corner of Lake and Bloomington. Checks need to be ordered. Seward has not responded to our request to act as fiscal agent. MG will ask PRG to consider becoming our fiscal agent. HL will ask Solomon’s Porch to act as fiscal agent. CP will find out whether we need a fiscal agent to access CDBG funds.

Motion (LL, MG)
Motion to use the $400 refund from the insurance company to extend EPIC’s liability insurance. Motion passed.

Meeting Decorum
CA and LT left the meeting during the discussion of the Task Force/Survey. Discussion of their comments and events leading to their departure revealed that several Directors felt we need to conduct more orderly discussions so that everyone feels that they have the opportunity to speak. Directors also felt that noise during the meeting was a concern to be addressed. EPIC Directors agreed to the following guidelines in an effort to resolve meeting difficulties. AE agreed to speak with CA.

Directors shall…

Commit to conducting a more orderly meeting;
Commit to taking turns to talk, and stick to one topic at a time;
Commit to seeking childcare during the meeting;
Commit to EPIC policy that members may be present but, in general, do not participate in Board Meetings.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary
EPIC BOARD MEETING
June 18, 2005
2526 18th Avenue S, Apt. #5

Epic General Membership Meeting - June 2005

2005-06-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee = East Phillips 17th Avenue Community Garden Steering Committee
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
GI = Green Institute
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program

PRESENT
Directors Present: Carol Pass, Andy Engebretson, Albin Dittli, Rosie Cruz, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Cynthia Aguirre

Members Present: Ryan Brueske, Laverne Turner, Lynne Mayo, Joan Vanhala, Rachel Dittli, Brad Pass, Robert Johnson, Aden Awil, Annie Young, Florianne Wild

Directors not Present: Earl Simms, Hannah Lieder

Meeting was called to order at 6:42 by CP. Agenda was distributed.

AGENDA
Motion (MG, LT)
Motion to approve agenda. Motion passed.

MINUTES
Motion (MG, LT)
The minutes from the May 12, 2005 GMM were approved with the following corrections.
Page 1, announcements should read, “Third Grand opening at the new building, 3rd Precinct Police Station on Lake St.
Page 1, announcements should read, “…on a website Ryan has created: groups.yahoo.com/group/east Phillips.”
Page 2, reports should read, “8. Brad announced that the Minneapolis Public Works Dept. wants to put an asphalt or hot mix storage facility on the corner of 26th and Hiawatha…”
Page 2, EPIC survey report should read, “…The survey will be in English, Spanish…”
Page 3, treasurer’s report should read, “4.a) The original receipt needs to be turned in to the treasurer within 30 days…”

ANNOUNCEMENTS
EPIC was instrumental in helping community groups obtain the following grants:
Hispanic Baseball League (Weed & Seed, $3,150; Twins, $1,000)
Phillips Cedar Corridor (Weed & Seed, $1,000)

Motion (MG, AD)
Motion to place LM’s correction to the April GMM minutes on the agenda for the July GMM meeting when the April minutes will be available. Motion passed.

Motion (LL, MG)
Motion to place LM’s other policy requests on the July EBM agenda to be addressed by the Board. Motion passed.
REPORTS

Grant Writing Conference: (LL)
There are free workshops, classes and resources available at the Public Libraries where EPIC may gain assistance to access funds. St. Paul 651-266-7000 and Mpls. 612-630-6000.

Weed & Seed Crime Tech Team: (CP)

There is an effort to buy some kind of sensor grid that Minneapolis Police are researching investing in this tool.
Discussion of Chief McManus’ STOP Program. A gathering of 50 police officers from all over the city gathered into one large group, along with one intelligence officer to focus on specific crime areas.

Youth Summit (CP)
The Youth Summit was held at Stewart Park last Saturday. Rosie Cruz won a bike. Participation was kind of low.

Police Theft Report. (CP)
LL picked up a number of EPIC records and belongings; however, a full inventory has not been completed. Items included display boards, files and office supplies, some software. We haven’t found 2004 files yet.

Youth Summit (CP)
Results of filing a police theft report for the return of EPIC files-Linda

CDBG Funding report (CP)
Bob Cooper about $4,000 for organizing, printing, some reimbursements. We learned we do have liability insurance. We must complete a series of steps to obtain these funds including setting up a new bank account, finding our finance procedures.

501©(3) progress (CP)
We are still working on this. It took a very long time to get our files back. We have the records now to get this going.

Thanks to Roof Depot for pallets for compost bins- Linda
Roof Depot gave LL permission to take as many pallets as the community wants. Contact LL if you want pallets. LL will write a thank you letter from EPIC.

Thanks to Amy Brock (CP)
Amy Brock came to EPIC and helped with the survey. CP will write a thank you letter from EPIC.

Greenway Report (LL)
LL attended the annual meeting for the Greenway. The Midtown Greenway Phase II opening is June 25 at 1 PM (Saturday.) For more information, please see the newsletter. The new board was elected by moving to adopt the whole slate (of nominees.)

Discourse on Robert’s Rules (AD)
Albin reviewed the origins of Robert’s Rules of Order which come from the British Parliament. Henry Robert organized rules for smaller groups. America inherited these rules and modified them. There are three basic rules that Robert’s Rules are based upon.
Take up business one item at a time.
Promote courtesy, justice and equality.
Majority rules. However, the rights of the minority and absent members are protected.

Survey
The survey has been translated into Spanish. The Somali translation should be ready in about one week. Spanish translation was done by Rosie Cruz and Marcelino Reyes. The Somali translation is being done by Aden Awil and Mohamed Awil. The membership present filled out the survey and made the following comments/suggestions for the survey (by Question) which will be worked out in committee.
maybe
check all that apply
Alphabet instead of Numbers. Add sustainability, education, and action, livable wage, meaningful jobs, physical and emotional health of residents. Change graffiti to vandalism, single parent programs, services to non-English speakers
change text, Holy Rosary ESL program, Midtown Greenway, youth basketball.
Add numbers, bike access, bicycle friendly, add comments, what is this purpose, add in the area, add health.
is name required?

Housing and Economic Development (RB)
Dustin Heggem is the principal developer for the 29th and Cedar project which is breaking ground on July 15th. The units are 50% pre-sold. RB will be receiving funds from Weed and Seed to do model security lighting implementation. If you know of a property that is maybe next to a problem property and could use security lighting, contact Ryan at 612-823-0528 to make a recommendation.

Treasurer’s Report
LL and CA reviewed the EPIC records. We have all the financial records. PPNA did a nice job. CP, LL and MK met with our bank and removed the former directors as signers. AE and CA must go to the bank with CO and sign new signature cards. PPNA was EPIC’s fiscal agent and their name is also on the checking account along with their Federal tax ID number. The bank will close the account and reopen it with PPNA on the account. CA reported that EPIC staff was paid through December 15, 2004 plus accrued vacation pay, or $1,400 every two weeks. LL reported that former directors overlooked some business. A motion was approved in the fall and a check was send to Anderson in the amount of $1,000. A Policies & Procedures Manual was found among the contents of EPIC’s recovered records. Previous policies need to be compared to recent motions regarding policies. LL and MG are working on policies and will report on this.

Community Garden
CA is our official EPIC rep to the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee. CA reported that the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee needs to notify the neighborhood of meetings, sign a Use Agreement with all the gardeners and provide minutes of their meetings. BP reported that there is a water bill waiting at the PEAK office. Is there any decision yet on how to pay this bill? CA was asked to try to find out what portion of the water bill is EPIC’s responsibility and what portion is the gardener’s responsibility. BP reported that the EPC 17th Ave. Garden is owned by the GI in agreement with EPIC and the gardeners. AD reported that the next EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee meeting is Saturday at noon at the 17th Avenue Garden. LM reported that a motion was passed about two years ago that the garden committee give a report every month if there was an official meeting.

Motion (LL, MG)
Motion to move the 17th Avenue EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee finances to the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee to propose a set of decisions and request for funding for the future of the EPC 17th Ave. Garden Committee to the July EBM. Motion passed.

Letter to the MN Attorney General by former EPIC directors: Status of the EPIC Organization
The EPIC board discovered a letter that was written to the MN Attorney General on the 15th of December. The board determined that there should be a formal, thorough response written. The board decided not to distribute the letter except to named persons. CP read a written response to be attached to the minutes of this June GMM. AY suggested that the Board respond, maybe using this statement as a base for a letter. RB said that Bob Miller is implicated and recommended that EPIC request an explanation in writing from Miller to be distributed to EPIC members and others. BP recommended that the letter to the MN AG is libelous and needs a response. The board should respond and this should become an official EPIC document.

Motion (RB, AD)
Because Robert Miller, Executive Director of NRP, is implicated in the chaos that occurred within the organization (EPIC), the EPIC Board will ask for a letter from Robert Miller stating his role in these activities that can be distributed throughout the community. Motion passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary
EPIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
June 9, 2005 (FINAL)
Holy Rosary Church

Board Contract for East Phillips Improvement Coalition

2005-06-07T21:25:00.001-07:00

Board Contract for East Phillips Improvement Coalition

Printed Name__________________________________
Address______________________________________
Date_________________________________________

I do fully swear to uphold the mission statement and bylaws of the East Phillips Improvement Coalition.

I have read, signed and agreed to the Qualifications, Duties and Responsibilities, Standards of Conduct, and Pointers for Participation for being a Board member of the East Phillips Improvement Coalition.

I agree to either carry the motions of the board or respectfully dissent, and to assist in assigning a spokesperson to advocate for each motion.

If dissenting, I am obligated to state the board and/or general membership position in any public forum.

I will treat community members and Board members with respect and vow to take the rule of the majority and protection of the minority seriously.

I support the right of members to have notice of all meetings; to know by previous notice when there is a proposal to rescind or amend something previously adopted; and to be informed of the work of the organization including reports of board action, committee work, and officers.

I will read and discuss with Board peers the content of documents published by NRP and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits about Board governance, roles and responsibilities as well as MN state law regarding nonprofit boards during the first three months of my term.

I am committed to the growth of the community as measured in numbers of active general members; EPIC’s financial stability; the success of programs and projects; and the increase of community good-will.

I consent to taking the grievances of the community seriously and to resolving conflict quickly.

I will affirm other Board members and seek to promote unity.

I will advocate relentlessly for the good of others and will choose to resign if personal interests or life’s situations make it unreasonably difficult to fulfill my responsibilities and duties toward this community.

Signed______________________________________________
As Witnessed By______________________________________

Board Contract for East Phillips Improvement Coalition

2005-06-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

EPIC Board Meeting - June 2005

2005-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting
NRP = Neighborhood Revitalization Program

PRESENT

Mary Gonsior (MG), Hannah Lieder (HL), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Albin Dittli (AD), Rosie Cruz (RC)

Directors Present for a part of the meeting: Rosie Cruz (son’s graduation; attended executive session of the meeting.)

Directors not Present: Andy Engebretson (out of town), Cynthia Aguirre (family matter), and Earl (job interview)

Observers: None

Meeting was called to order at 9:13 by CP. Agenda was distributed. MG was designated as recording secretary. Quorum was established (5 directors present.)

CP read EPIC’s Mission Statement at the outset of the board meeting.

Announcements
MG announced that her daughter, Amber, gave birth to a healthy baby girl on May 27th; Chlöe Lynn Keller.
EPIC was instrumental in accessing the following grants for the Hispanic Baseball League: Weed & Seed, $3,150.00; MN Twins grant for youth, $1,000.00.
EPIC was instrumental in accessing the following grants for the Phillips Cedar Corridor: Weed & Seed, approx. $1,500.00; Ryan Brueske, is looking into the purchase of a surveillance camera.

EBM Meeting place
RC has offered her garage for a meeting place for EPIC board meetings in July and August. The Hispanic Baseball League currently holds their meetings there and there is sufficient space and equipment. The board accepted this offer. A discussion regarding opening the board meeting to the public and the costs associated with publishing minutes, motions and meeting dates and locations in local papers resulted in the following action item: AD will investigate the cost and feasibility of publishing EPIC motions in Southside Pride and/or The Alley.

Minutes
The minutes from the last Board Meeting (5/7/2005) were read and approved. Updates were reported on the following action items from the May Board meeting.

Treasurer’s report
CA has obtained the financial records and checkbook for EPIC from Margaret Kirkpatrick. LL will work with CA to ensure that the paperwork required to update the signatures for the checking account are obtained by Thursday’s GMM. LL will inquire whether Margaret Kirkpatrick’s signature is required to update the signatures on the checking account.

Policy adopted for signing checks.
Three signers will be designated on the checking account. All checks $100.00 and more require two signatures. AD asked how the bank would know that two signatures were required on certain checks. LL and CA will investigate and report back.

Fiscal Agent
In May, CP contacted Seward neighborhood. We haven’t received a response yet from Seward. In May, CP contacted Mount Olive Church. Mount Olive Church declined EPIC’s request to serve as fiscal agent.

CDBG grant for future funding of organizing activities of EPIC
(No report. From May EBM: CP will write a CDBG grant for future funding of organizing activities of EPIC.)

EPIC Mail
The annual fee for the PO Box was paid by Brad Pass and mail continues to go to the PO Box. CP has been picking up the mail, but will cancel the PO Box and request a refund. The official address for EPIC will be changed to EPIC, c/o Carol Pass, President. CP will update the address with the MN Secretary of State.

Nonprofit Status Application
CP and AD are working on transferring our previous 501(c)(3) application data to the new IRS application format. The board will meet for one hour on June 18th to determine whether it is feasible to complete our reapplication ourselves. If not feasible, Charlie Ravine, attorney with MAPS will assist EPIC for a fee of $350.00.

Losses and Insurance
In May, CP reported that EPIC is working with the State Auditor to file a claim for losses including records, equipment, services, and costs to recover data from EPIC’s computer. LL was working with a private attorney to try to recover lost records and property. Minneapolis police assisted EPIC in recovering records from David Fisher, however, records from 2004 have not been found. Additional updates were reported during executive session, later in the meeting.

Policies/Procedures
In May, AE and AD reported being asked separately by a resident why Robert Thompson, EPIC’s NRP liaison was “asked not to attend” the April GMM. Robert contacted EPIC and offered to attend the April meeting, as do other funding organizations such as Weed & Seed and Abbot. EPIC felt the April agenda was already full and invited Robert to attend the GMM at a later date.

In June, AD reported that he had responded to the resident regarding the Robert Thompson matter. The resident was very appreciative of his response.

NEW BUSINESS

NRP’s Relationship to EPIC
We know that individuals are communicating directly with NRP regarding EPIC activities. The previous EPIC board mistakenly communicated to the community that NRP is the “administrator” for EPIC and NRP has reinforced this mistaken notion through their past actions and statements.
This misunderstanding regarding EPIC’s relationship with NRP has trickled down into the thinking of other neighborhood organizations including PPNA.

While members are free to initiate inquiries and make suggestions regarding EPIC activities and actions, NRP (or other organizations) should initiate communication with EPIC when receiving these inquiries. In addition, NRP has a duty to direct EPIC community members to the EPIC organization for the purpose of addressing their concerns and suggestions.

CP proposed that EPIC board send a letter to NRP and other organizations who have received inquiries from EPIC community members. This letter would call attention to NRP’s professional responsibility to allow EPIC to conduct its own business and operations, and direct NRP to respond to the public regarding NRP policies, procedures and business only. The letter would direct NRP to communicate with EPIC about these inquiries, and direct the public to EPIC for a response. NRP should not respond to the public regarding EPIC policies, procedures and business.

MG proposed an additional general letter, introducing EPIC board members. The letter would address the same issues. This letter would be sent to organizations with which EPIC desires a partnership or working relationship.

CP and MG will each draft a letter and present to board members by email.

Greenway Land Use Overlay Plan
HL proposed that EPIC ask Margaret Kirkpatrick to represent EPIC on this committee. They hold one meeting per month.

Board Training
CP requested that Directors read again the articles that were distributed at the May EBM.
Financial Malfeasance and Nonfeasance: Ten Pitfalls Boards Should Avoid.
Off the Shelf 1: How to Ensure that Your Strategic Plan Becomes a Valued Tool.

Executive Session – December resignation letter from former Board Directors
Minutes of this report and subsequent discussion are restricted due to privacy and confidentiality requirements and will not be made available to the public.

Task Force/Survey
CP will speak with Corcoran neighborhood and find out which office provides training for survey protocols. LL proposed that EPIC conduct a test survey to evaluate the efficacy of the survey. The survey still needs to be translated into Spanish and Somali.

Franklin Station Town homes
MG will contact David Berg, President of the Association and invite residents to send a resident to EPIC meetings. MG will ask for a copy of their meeting minutes that discuss residents request to the City of Minneapolis to remove parking restrictions on 24th Street.

Commodore Bar
EPIC residents, Midtown residents and Minneapolis police are concerned about safety issues related to the burned-out Commodore Bar. EPIC will write a letter to Dean Zimmerman and Gary Schiff asking for immediate action in taking down the building. A copy of the letter will be sent to Inspections, 3rd Precinct, Midtown Phillips Neighborhood, and the owner.

Crime and Safety
Court Watch, Weed & Seed, and Tech Team have all reported problems with properties on the 2400 block of 16th Avenue. In addition, police are trying to address problems related to the bushes surrounding 2447 16th Avenue.

Condominiums on Bloomington Avenue
Efforts to acquire one last property on the east side of the 2900 block of Bloomington Avenue are not going well. The developer has requested a letter of support from EPIC for public condemnation of the property.

Townhouses on Bloomington Avenue
Sherman Associates is scheduled to start soon on the additional townhouses being built on the east side of the 2800 block of Bloomington Avenue.

Condominiums on Cedar
Private developers plan to break ground on 20 condos at 29th and Cedar Avenue. The development includes underground parking, balconies on the greenway and units are already selling.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary
EPIC BOARD MEETING
June 4, 2005
2526 18th Avenue S, Apt. #5

EPIC General Membership Meeting - May 2005

2005-05-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Holy Rosary Church, 6:40-9:15 pm

Quorum: Carol Pass, Andy Engebretson, Hanna Lieder,
Albin Dittli, Rosie Cruz, Linda Leonard, Earl Simms

Attendance: The above-named directors and Brad Pass,
Lynn Mayo, Aden Awil, Jane Thompson, Darlene Flugge,
Alfonso Cruz, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Rachel Dittli, Lea
Berg, Ryan Brueske, Stephanie Allen, Dan Ward (Metro
Hope), Amy Brock (Corcoran Neighborhood Ass’n)

6:40 Carol Pass, president, convened the meeting and
asked people to introduce themselves.
.
Corrections to the Agenda:
1. Give 15 minutes to Jane Thompson in the reports
section.
2. Give Dan Ward from, Metro Hope Ministries, time in
the reports section.
3. Lynn wanted a correction to page 2 of the last GMM
minutes regarding her concerns about Allina’s
administrative salary/benefit provisions.

Motion 1: Albin to approve the agenda; second Jane.
Motion carried.

Carol read the EPIC statement of Purpose

Announcements:
1. Third Grand opening at the new building, Plaza
Verde on Lake St. .
2. There is a grant writing class in Saint Paul and
some board members are planning to go to it.
3. Membership communication can be facilitated on a
website Ryan has created:
groups.yahoo.com/eastphilips.
4. National Night Out requires requests for planning
events. The city will not be sending out information
to everyone. Block club leaders have to ask for it.
Lynn would like the information for this out on the
website.

Reports:
1. Neighborhood Funding conference at Harrison
Community Center on May 4th. Carol went. There are
efforts being made to diminish the funding to
neighborhoods. Carol made the point that EPIC needs to
join with other neighborhoods to continue to reinforce
the need and preference for local neighborhood
funding.
2. The Hispanic Baseball team received a $3150 grant
from Weed and Seed. Carol wrote the grant proposal.
3. NRP home tour, Carol went and was encouraged to see
people with a wide range of incomes doing great
restorations of ordinary housing.
4. Ryan is interested in receiving funding for a
research project for a model implementation of
security lighting.
5. Motion 2: Jane asked for approval to have Margaret
replace her as the Greenway Coalition Board
representative to EPIC. Margaret asked if anyone else
would be interested in the position, but no one
volunteered. Ryan seconded Jane’s Motion. Motion
carried. Compliments were given to Jane for a job
well done. Margaret does not want to be on the agenda
automatically, but will ask to be included on it.
6. Jane report that the Chicago bridge construction
keeps the greenway from opening early this spring.
7. Brad gave a brief description of the suspension
bridge design that is to be built across Hiawatha.
8. Brad announced that a public works committee, CLIC,
wants to put an asphalt heating plant on the corner of
26th and Hiawatha. The neighborhood needs to be aware
of this so that the people who have to live near it
can have a say in whether or not it should be built.
9. Ryan will include information about the
construction proposal on the website as well as other
current information.

Metro Hope Ministries (MHP)-Dan Ward:
MHP is a faith-based ministry for men on 28th and
Cedar. MHP is interested in starting a long-term
recovery ministry for women and children and they
would like EPIC to write a letter to NERC (the
neighborhood organization where the new women’s
ministry will be established) saying that they have
been good neighbors in East Philips. They are not
looking for affirmation of the new program, just a
letter saying they have been good neighbors. Several
people in the meeting gave positive feedback on MHP
based on their interaction with them.

Motion 3:
Jane made the motion to have this letter written for
Metro Hope Ministries; Seconded by Linda. Motion
carried.

Projects and Possibilities:
Robert Thompson, NRP neighborhood specialist, was
invited but could not attend.

EPIC Survey Report:
Albin described the purpose of the neighborhood survey
as being a means to find out more about the interests
of the community. The survey results will guide the
strategic plan for EPIC’s remaining NRP phase 1
funding of $200,000.00. EPIC will then be able to
write a budget that dedicates money toward the things
the survey shows the people of the community want to
see improved. Everyone will have some input regarding
the way the budget is written, The survey will be in
Engflish, Spanish and Somali, and board members will
individually go house to house to carry out the
survey. It will also form the basis for EPIC’a phase
one evaluation and phase 2 NRP plan.

Corcoran Neighborhood Executive Director:
Amy Brock gave an overview of the survey that was done
in their neighborhood. The survey was similar to the
EPIC survey and they found it very useful when
planning their year-long goals and budgeting. The
survey was also useful information for donors. Some
ideas she offered from their experience were:
1. Select 3 households on each block randomly to give
the survey to.
2. Make sure the survey distributors have had some
training so they are all consistent in how they
conduct the survey.
3. Put a time limit on when the results should be in.
4. Have the person who answered the door or an adult
living in the building fill out the survey.
5. Go in the evenings and on weekends when people are
home.
Amy also discussed methods for how to start looking
for and obtaining funding. Corcoran found that donors
were most interested in programming and sustainable
projects.

Treasurer’s Report:
1. Cynthia was not in attendance, but Carol said that
Cynthia was still looking through the things she
received from Margaret.
2. Action Item: A review should be done at each GMM
of EPIC’s expenses and income from the previous month.
3. Action Item: EPIC’s reimbursement financial
policies should be documented and presented at the
next GMM.
4. Reimbursement from EPIC rules:
a) The original receipt needs to be turned in to the
board before 30 days after the purchase
b) Pres, Vice Pres, and Treasurer need to sign on any
amount over $100.

Community Garden:
1. Cynthia will be the EPIC board representative to
the garden committee.
2. EPIC needs to figure out how to pay insurance and
property taxes for the garden.
3. Action Item: The EPIC board needs to figure out
what fees it should be paying for the garden and put
it in writing.
4. Lynn said that there are currently 21 adults on the
17th Ave. garden and 4 on the 16th Ave garden.
5. Carol asked for garden minutes in general,
especially those showing when it was decided that the
garden would have membership fees.

Status of EPIC:
1. Carol explained that EPIC still does not have its
501©(3) status. She is working with Charlie Ravine, a
lawyer from Management Assistance Project for
Nonprofits, to reclaim the 501©(3) status. This would
not allow us to use NRP money, but it would allow us
to write grants.

Darleen said she would like to see coffee and a drug
patrol again on Bloomington in the mornings.

Motion 4:
Linda made a motion to adjourn, second by Albin.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Andy Engebretson

EPIC Board Meeting - May 2005

2005-05-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

CDBG = Community Development Block Grant
EBM = EPIC Board Meeting
EPIC = East Phillips Improvement Coalition
GMM = General Membership Meeting

Quorum Present: Mary Gonsior (MG), Andrew Engebretson (AE), Hannah Lieder (HL), Linda Leonard (LL), Carol Pass (CP), Albin Dittli (AD), Cynthia Aquirre (CA)

Residents Present: LaVerne Turner (LT)

Meeting called to order at 9:16 am.

Mission Statement
Copies were not available. Stated intent is to read the Mission Statement at the outset of each board meeting.

Announcements
Foundation Center Proposal Writing Seminar, May 25, 2005, $195 per person. Linda Leonard is looking into attending.

EBM Meeting place
The board is continuing to search for a public venue in which to hold EBM.
Asked: Banyan House/Center School said no; Oliver, Hope churches said no; Salvation Army not open; Hi-Lake under construction.
Will ask: Little Earth, Green Institute, Peacemakers, Welna’s, Good Templars.

The Midtown Market and the renovated Franklin Library are celebrating opening day on 5/7/2005. Epic assisted both organizations financially. Directors are encouraged to stop by and introduce themselves as part of EPIC and say that we’re pleased about the success of the market and the library renovation.

Home Tour
Minneapolis NRP is a sponsor of the 2005 Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour May 7-8; directors were encouraged to go on the tour.

Policies/Procedures
AE and AD were asked separately by a resident why Robert Thompson, EPIC’s NRP liaison was “asked not to attend” the April GMM. Robert contacted EPIC and offered to attend the April meeting, as do other funding organizations such as Weed & Seed and Abbot. EPIC felt the April agenda was already full and invited Robert to attend the GMM at a later date.

Policy adopted to address general questions from general members.
If a director is asked about a decision and can’t give an answer based on personal knowledge, the director will bring the question before the board for clarification. The director will then respond to the general member in a timely manner.

Harrison Neighborhood report – Web site
This is an organization/group working to pressure the City for more funding. Go to their Web site, HYPERLINK "http://groups.yahoo.com/group/twincitiesneighborhoods/" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/twincitiesneighborhoods/ to join, or send your email address to HYPERLINK "mailto:carrie@lyndale.org" carrie@lyndale.org. CP will attend their meetings on behalf of EPIC.

Youth Summit
Sponsored by Weed & Seed, 5/21/2005 at Stewart Park, 2700 12th Avenue S. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Discover opportunities for this summer, including camp, summer youth employment, and neighborhood activities. EPIC assisted the Liga Hispana Biesball in gaining funding for participating in the Youth Summit.

Garden Documents
Some directors asked questions about the community garden in the 2400 block of 17th Avenue. EPIC’s motion to purchase the land was passed on Jan. 14, 2002 and on May 9, 2002 EPIC paid $7,300.00 for the property and startup insurance. The Green Institute holds the land in trust for EPIC and the garden is open to all gardeners in East Phillips Neighborhood. There is a garden committee which must execute an annual working agreement with the Green Institute and a director from EPIC must sit on that committee. CA agreed to be on that committee as an EPIC representative.

Robert’s Rules
Excerpts from Robert’s Rules discussing committees and informal meetings were distributed to directors. A Fact Sheet from the internet, Effective Committees, was also distributed to directors.

In boards of less than 12 members, the directors may opt to use a less formal set of procedures for recognizing speakers, and may use consensus to make decisions.

There are two types of Committees.
Standing Committees - listed in organization bylaws
Special Committees
To investigate – these committees should include a diverse range of members
To carry out – these committees should include only those members that are in favor of the motion they are assigned to carry out.

Banyon House
The response from the Banyon house to EPIC’s request for meeting space included the reason that the members of Banyon House didn’t think EPIC was a “credible” organization. Directors carried on a discussion of the complaints and/or suspicions that might be communicated from members to directors.

Policy adopted for addressing complaints, and responding to criticism regarding EPIC’s actions and/or credibility.

If a complaint or criticism regarding EPIC’s actions and/or credibility is brought to the attention of a director, there is a duty of board loyalty which applies. If the director is able to provide clarification and defend the appropriate actions of the board, s/he should do so. If the director can’t give an answer based on personal knowledge, the director will document the complaint or criticism, obtain appropriate details and bring the matter before the board. The board will respond to the general member or the public in a timely manner.

Treasurer’s Report
CA will meet with Margaret Kirkpatrick and transfer the checking account signatures. The last statement available showed a balance of around $1,000.00. An audit will be conducted to determine how these funds may be spent. EPIC will develop a procedure for paying reimbursements.

Policy adopted for signing checks.
Three signers will be designated on the checking account. All checks $100.00 and more require two signatures

Fiscal Agency
CP contacted Corcoran and Seward neighborhoods. Corcoran declined and we haven’t received a response yet from Seward. CP will write a CDGB grant for future funding of organizing activities of EPIC.

Reimbursements
Original receipts are required for reimbursements. LL will prepare a process and documentation policy.

EPIC Mail
EPIC will close the PO Box and pay a penalty for failure to return the key. The official address for EPIC will be changed to EPIC, c/o Carol Pass, President. CP will update the address with the MN Secretary of State.

Nonprofit Status
Charlie Ravine, attorney with MAPS will assist EPIC by tracking down our previous 501(c)(3) application with the IRS. Charlie is also available to assist in reapplying for 501(c)(3) status, if necessary.

Losses and Insurance
On March 11, 2005, several EPIC members went to pick up the EPIC computer from NRP offices. By telephone Rebekah refused to provide a password to log on to the computer. David Fisher, former President of EPIC, failed to keep an appointment with NRP to return records and property removed from the EPIC office. CP is working with the State Auditor to file a claim for losses including records, equipment, services, and costs to recover data from EPIC’s computer. LL is working with a private attorney to try to recover lost records and property from David.

Closed Session - records recovered from EPIC computer.
Minutes of this report and subsequent discussion are restricted due to privacy and confidentiality requirements and will not be made available to the public.

Task Force/Survey
After review a second draft of a community survey will be presented by email to directors for final approval. The final survey will be presented at the GMM for adoption.

Board Training
Handout article: Financial Malfeasance and Nonfeasance: Ten Pitfalls Boards Should Avoid.
Handout article: Off the Shelf 1: How to Ensure that Your Strategic Plan Becomes a Valued Tool.

Agenda for GMM
Survey
EPIC status update
EPIC property update
EPIC policies
Standing committees
Housing and Economic Development (Ryan Brueske)
Garden Report

The meeting was adjourned at 12:24 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Gonsior, Secretary

EPIC Membership Meeting - April 2005

2005-04-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Holy Rosary Church, 6:30 pm

Minutes of the EPIC General Membership Meeting April 14, 2005 at Holy Rosary Church on 24th and 18th Ave. S. 6:30-9pm

Quorum: Carol Pass, Andy Engebretson, Hanna Lieder, Cynthia Aguirre, Albin Dittli, Rosie Cruz, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior [later], Earl Simms [later].

Attendance: The above-named directors and Brad Pass, Karen Clark, Lynn Mayo, Aden Awil,......,

6:30 Carol Pass, president, convened the meeting and asked people to introduce themselves. New board directors were identified: Carol Pass, president; Andy Engebretson, vp; Mary Gonsior, secretary; Cynthia Aguirre, treasurer; Earl Simms; Albin Dittli; Hannah Lieder; Rosie Cruz; Linda Leonard

Motion 1: Brad Pass to accept the agenda; second Hannah. Motion carried.

Discussion by Lynn about requests for protocol, citizen participation in the agenda process, and committee lists. Carol and others responded that the Board’s first meeting recognized these topics, but that directors have not yet been able to meet to establish policy, procedures, committee roles, etc. Ryan Brueske has the committee lists from the annual meeting sign up. Carol noted that one person signed for the garden and introduced Lynn to that person.

Motion 2: Approval of the minutes of the annual meeting. Motion by Albin, second by Linda. Motion carried.

Minutes of the April Board meeting were distributed in draft form for GM information.

Announcements:

1. The by-law change made at the annual meeting was inserted into new copies of the by-laws and distributed.

2. Jane reported on the Greenway: will ask Earl Simms to take her place as representative; May 7 is Arbor day, planting of quaking aspens; the switchback on 18th was approved; she and Andy described the bike bridge proposed over Hiawatha; Midtown Market opens May 7.

3. Membership communication will be facilitated by signing up on the web site Ryan maintains:

groups.yahoo.com/eastphillips

4 National Night Out requires requests for planning projects. Because some blocks have few permanent residents, mention was made of planning an EPIC event for people who do not have block events.

5. Everyone was urged to attend the Neighborhood Funding conference at Harrison Community Center; 503 Irving Ave. N, May 4th; 6-9 o’clock to reinforce need and preference for local neighborhood funding.

Report & Discussion: Allina Jobs Project

Carol reported that several proposals by NRP have not been accepted by Allina. They are requesting neighborhood funding to assist in the cost of building space at the Sears project which would provide $20/hr jobs for non-college graduates. It seems they want to stay in Mpls. rather than move to St. Paul and our letter of support was helpful although we provided no funding.

Lynn pointed out concerns about Allina’s administrative salary/benefit provisions in regard to asking impoverished neighborhoods to fund this project. Carol suggested that in terms of practicality members passed the motion of support because jobs would help the neighborhood and that as a neighborhood we have no vote in changing a company’s compensation structure.

Motion 3: That a copy of the letter of support be read into the next GMM minutes and that a copy of the minutes with the original motion of support be provided. Motion by Lynn, second by Linda, Motion carried.

Treasure’s report: Cynthia has not seen all the records yet. We probably have close to $3000 in a bank account and about $200,000 in funds frozen by NRP.

Midtown request: Carol provided a brief history of Phillips and the current four neighborhood divisions. The NRP funds from 95-99 included 13 million dollars, five additional went to the Native American NRP. Little of this funding went directly to East Phillips, except for acquiring and demolishing vacant and boarded buildings. After the big neighborhood broke up, East Phillips and Midtown Phillips were able to obtain funding to directly assist the residents here. Now smaller neighborhoods are able to receive apportioned funding for their own areas. We will receive independent status by default because the other three neighborhood organizations will be recognized. We do not have a school or community center as "required", but our boundaries will be defined by default because of the choices of the other three regions of “old Phillips” to become independent of one another.

Motion 4: To support Mid-town Phillips Neighborhood Association, Inc.’s motion to gain independent status to be granted by the city council. Motion by Cynthia, second by Jane
Motion carried.

Annual Report for 2004: Carol distributed the report with the correction that under "Future Goals for Epic" the “70% of Phase 1 NRP funds for housing” is an error. 52% NRP funds for housing from Phase 1 was actually mandated by the state legislature for housing. The greater Phillips Neighborhood under People of Phillips (POP), the old neighborhood organization successfully lobbied to spend only 18% for housing. When that organization broke up, the neighborhood was far behind in its mandated requirement. EPIC began its own project to try to correct that and respond to neighbors stated desire for housing improvement and development. The neighborhood elected to spend about 60% of the NRP funding left from POP for housing. This leveraged about 20 million dollars in construction and housing plus additional help for low income home ownership and needed rehab for low income families. None of EPIC’s NRP funding contributed to the 26 new family homes built throughout the neighborhood on the many empty lots. These were funded by money raised elsewhere. The 70% is actually what is mandated for housing by the state legislature for Phase II.
Our new NRP community liaison is Robert Thompson whose name was inadvertently omitted from the report.

President’s Informational Presentation about EPIC Funding and current situation:
Carol presented broad as well as very specific information about EPIC history, unique diversity, NRP funding requirements, remaining funds, plan modifications, various kinds of grants, our current financial situation in regard to non-profit, yet state corporation status, etc. The previous budgets were put on overhead. She explained the former board’s proposed budget in light of plan modifications, NRP policy [10%] for administrative "caps" for phase 1 monies, and our by-law requirements for community notice and votes on sums over $1,000. She pointed out the need to redo the 501©(3) application that was withdrawn by the former president so that we can get back to the business of providing for the funding needs of the neighborhood.

She distributed a sample survey we are to review and comment on in preparation for creating a strategic plan and budget. In brief, we must obtain a fiscal agent or 501c3 status as soon as possible. But we can approve a strategic plan and budget to submit to NRP and then contract with NRP for what remains of our Phase I money. We must have under contract 95% of Phase 1 funds and have spent 85%; then review Phase I, write an Evaluation and create a citizen participation agreement, before we can move on to phase II strategic planning to obtain Phase 2 funding. All of these steps must be approved by the NRP Policy Board, so we must pay attention to the requirements. Detailed outlines were provided and people were urged to take their own notes.

Action Item: members are to review the draft survey and email comments/suggestions to Carol, so we can get the survey out to the community soon.

Community garden: Lynn invited people to the garden to work Saturday at !0 to 12 and 2 to 4pm. Plots are available and she distributed a sign-up list. The insurance, property taxes, etc. are to be reimbursed or paid by EPIC. Her phone is 722-7356. The garden is at 2428 17th Ave. New committee members are needed.

Crime and safety: The Bloomington Avenue Patrol was suspended for a time, but anyone who wants to participate should make that known so it could perhaps start again. Rosie has concerns about speeding vehicles and problems during school bussing hours. Brad offered walkie-talkies. Aden said crime on 17th is also increasing near 25th and 26th. Carol reported that Weed and Seed Meetings and the Problem Property meetings are especially interesting with judges and prosecutors in attendance. Members are urged to attend these meetings.

New Business: Representative Karen Clark reported on the arsenic issue as a major health concern. Soil samples are random and not every yard is tested. She has initiated funding efforts and legislation with the Department of Agriculture, Pollution Control, and Department of Health.

Motion 5: To approve EPIC working with Rep. Karen Clark and the MN Dept. Of Health, MN Pollution Control Agency, and MN Dept of Ag to get funding for arsenic testing, clean-up, and public health assessment and tracking in Phillips. Motion by Linda and second by Mary. Motion carried.

Karen noted that the Health Dept has recommended that neighborhood residents wear masks when raking or turning soil and that hand washing for children as well as adults is imperative. Lynn made remarks about genetically altered seed and made information available.

Motion 6: To adjourn by Linda and second by Hannah
Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.

EPIC Board Meeting - April 2005

2005-04-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

EPIC Board Meeting Minutes
Wolf’s Den Coffee Shop, 10:00 am 4/2/05

PRESENT:

Directors: Linda Leonard, Hannah Lieder, Albin Dittli, Andy Engebretson, Mary Gonsior, Carol Pass, Cynthia Aguirre, Rosie Cruz, Excused Absence Earl Simms

Observers: Stephanie Allen, Brad Pass, Laverne Turner

Meeting was called to order by Carol Pass. Agenda was distributed. Mary Gonsior was designated as recording secretary. Quorum was established (6 directors present.) Attendees introduced themselves.

Carol gave a summary of general policies practiced in the past at Board meetings. The Bylaws (distributed) provide that all official business shall not be transacted apart from the combined decision-making authority of the EPIC monthly membership meetings and a majority (quorum) of the current members of the Board of Directors. EPIC Guidelines for Grant Requests was distributed.

Action Item:
Recordkeeping and files: The organization should maintain backups of all official business including hard copies and digital backups on disk. EPIC will form an ongoing Policy and Procedure committee to propose procedures for maintaining records and backups. The committee will begin assembling information documenting recordkeeping procedures regarding motions, actions, letters sent by EPIC, training of directors, etc. The responsibilities of the committee include: Recordkeeping, archiving (back-ups,) clarification of board meeting participation, procedure process, definition of directors’ attendance, procedures addressing communication by board directors to membership, procedures for e-mail and contact information, clarification of officer functions, and more.

Action Item:
Follow up on 501©3 application. Figure out how to “withdraw” our “withdrawal” or re-submit the application. Obtain a copy of the letter withdrawing our application.

Motion: (LL, AD)
Authorize Ryan, Mary or Kevin, individually or in tandem, to acquire and reconstitute the computer, load software, and secure the computer physically. Motion carried.

Action Item:
Place National Night Out on the agenda for GMM.

Announcements
MN Council of Nonprofits : Philanthropy Leaders Breakfast Series. Cost $35
University of St. Thomas Center for Business Excellence: Look Before You Leap: Visioning and Planning Skills for Community Development. Thursdays, 4/7, 4/28, 5/12, 6-9 p.m. at St. Thomas, 1000 LaSalle Avenue. Cost $45-$60
2005 Nonprofits and Technology Conference. Tuesday, 4/19, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cost $150

Action Item:
Place board training on agenda for May board meeting.

Motion: (CP, AE)
Move the election forward on the agenda. Motion carried.

Motion: (AE, LL)
Propose that the executive offices be discussed and candidates self-nominate. AE will lead the process. Motion carried.

Election of Officers
Nominations: Carol Pass, Cynthia Aguirre
President: Carol Pass (by ballot.)

Nominations: Albin Dittli, Andy Engebretson, Cynthia Aguirre
Vice President: Andy Engebretson (by ballot.)

Secretary: Mary Gonsior (by acclamation.)
Treasurer: Cynthia Aguirre (by acclamation.)

Motion: (LL, CA)
The Executive Committee (newly elected officers) will plan the agenda for the GMM for which entries should be obtained by the 7th of April. Suggestions for the agenda should be sent to Executive Committee. Motion carried.

Motion: (LL, CA)
Motion to adopt the Policy and Procedure committee. Motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn: (CA, AE)
Motion carried.

Next Board Meeting:
Suggestions for locations included Salvation Army, Green Institute, Holy Rosary, Center School. Try to arrange for coffee and rolls for board meetings.

Next GMM:
Holy Rosary/Kitchen. Try to arrange for beverages and snacks for GMM.
EPIC BOARD MEETING
April 2, 2005
Wolf Den coffee shop, Franklin Avenue

Epic General Membership Meeting - February 2005

2005-02-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

Attendance: Ryan Brueske, Alfonso Cruz, Brad Pass, Marcelino Reyes, Francisco Lezama, Antonio Lezama, Jane Thompson, Rosie Cruz, Jane Franklin, Lynn Mayo, Albin Dittli, Stephanie Allen, Earl Simms, Amy Pass, Rachel Dittli, Linda Leonard, Arnold Polanski, Gandhi Mohamed, Hannah Leider, Suleman Mohamed, Carol Pass

The meeting was called to order by Carol Pass, interim president of EPIC.

Introductions

Motion 1 (Albin Dittli, Brad Pass)
Approve the agenda with the addition of “new business” by Lynn M. Unanimous affirmative.

Motion 2 (Albin Dittli, Brad Pass)
Approve the minutes from Jan. 13 General Membership Meeting with the following amendments: motion 8 amended from “all issues representing neighborhood motions” to “issues regarding new board members” (Ryan)* .
Treasurer’s report amended to say that Lynn M sent several emails, and Rebecca did not respond. (LM)
Motion 5 amended from “January GMM” to “February GMM.”
Motion 6 amended to specify that Robert Thompson is our Neighborhood Revitalization Program specialist.
Unanimous affirmative.

Announcements:
HUD has money for window replacement for home owners and rental property owners with lead problems who may rent to families with children. There is no income cap. Carol Pass will try to get a HUD representative and sign up sheet to the annual neighborhood meeting.
Two part-time jobs are available to help relocate people whose apartments /houses are undergoing arsenic and lead abatement. Call Carol (721-4509) for Info. Or check the ad in Southside Pride.
Ryan Brueske has created two email lists – news and discussion, and a web page were such things as minutes, calendar and links. Currently to be included you must be invited by Ryan – e-mail him for an invitation.
Yusuf/Ghandi’s housing problem: he is getting grants and preparing to buy a home.

Treasurer’s report, Carol Pass gave Margaret Kirkpatrick’s report
Margaret (treasurer) could not attend, but found that there is about $2,940 available to EPIC, so that Flyers and etcetera for the annual neighborhood meeting can be paid for. Carol got the 2003 audit, (2004 is not ready yet)

Motion 3 (Linda Leonard, Amy Pass)
EPIC should see to it that any people needing reimbursements for money spent for EPIC expenses should be paid from this money. People needing reimbursement should submit receipts immediately.
Unanimous affirmative.

Question by Lynn M: where is the $200K formerly available to EPIC? Answer: It has been frozen by the city until we have a strategic plan and a budget for EPIC – signs of stability and accountability within the organization.
PPNA (motion 3 from Jan 13 minutes) PPNA was the fiscal agent for EPIC, but saw internal conflict and had not received a budget from EPIC, so they exercised their option to end their contract. The contract ended automatically on December 31st, 2004. The PPNA board was concerned about the problems in the organization and chose to end the contract early, on December 15th, 2004. Minutes from the PPNA meeting of November stated that they would give EPIC a 30 day’s notice informing EPIC of their decision.

Motion 4 (Linda Leonard, Lynn M)
To send correspondence to PPNA stating that we had no known grievances with staff members and to request in writing documentation as to what documents they conveyed, with whom they met and when.
Unanimous affirmative

President’s report by Carol Pass
Board equipment was moved to a downtown office. Due to possible legal ramifications, it will remain there for now.
501(c)(3) grant request was illegally revoked by the former president. Carol has consulted the MN Attorney General, IRS, and our congressperson as directed by the board and membership and work is going forward on refiling.
Insurance application due Oct 10, 2004, was not filed. Carol is filing it.
Former Executive Director submitted a letter claiming she was harassed and verbally abused at the October 14th meeting and, because of this, was allowed by the president to no longer come to the office, answer the phone or have contact with unnamed board and community members. The board minority and community was never informed of this nor were there appropriate votes on this according to the bylaws. Hearsay led us to ask PPNA for any letters to this effect. Carol Pass was given Rebekah’s letter by PPNA Director Elena Gaarder.
According to Director Gaarder, PPNA claims no responsibility for these problems.
We plan to try to move ahead, resubmit our 501©(3), rebuild the organization, while at the same time trying to unravel what has happened.

Motion 5 (Brad Pass, Suleman Mohammed)
To support Liga Hispanica de Baseball de Minnesota and their use of parks.
Discussion: Registration is open to all males over 18, there will be an information meeting February 25th, 6pm, at La Perla La Pacifica (about 60th and Nicollette Ave).
Unanimous affirmative

Motion 6 (Ryan Brueske, Linda Leonard)
We will do what we can to support Allina jobs creation project in the Phillips neighborhood. Discussion: who is Allina, what type of jobs would they bring? Allina would bring around 400 jobs to the Sear’s building; most of these jobs require only a GED or High School diploma; and they are trying to gather financial support from the neighborhoods and city. Most jobs are transfers, but there should be about 75 to 100 new openings and then a commitment to hire locally as employees leave the company. Objection (Lynn M): Why are they trying to get money from us? What is their legal track record?
15 affirmative, 1 opposed, 2 abstentions

Motion 7 (Linda Leonard, Brad Pass)
Correction to motion 2 from the board meeting Feb 5. This change is required by state law and will be an addition to the bylaws. Motion 2 amended: An eligible member of EPIC must attend a regular EPIC meeting and sign the attendance sheet and mark that he/she is requesting membership. The secretary is to keep track of membership and proof of eligibility as per the by-laws.
Unanimous affirmative.

Motion 8 (Amy Pass, Ghandi)
To accept the bylaws as corrected for grammar, spelling and consistency.
Unanimous affirmative.

Paperwork Committee report by Ryan Brueke
These are new policy and procedure additions (except for the last one) to help create a board with greater account ability and commitment to the neighborhood. Also with the skills we need to serve the neighborhood now that we don’t have staff. All of these were handed out for review.
Legal Standards of Board Conduct
Duties and Responsibilities of Board Members
Board Member Qualifications
Pointers for Participation
Board Member Application
Board Member Contract
Possible bylaw additions

Planning for the Annual General Neighborhood Meeting
Meeting is March 19th, 9:30am to 12pm
Flyers need to start being passed out by the 17th and finished by the 19th of February.
Carol will make up a flyer, has a list of volunteers to stuff envelopes and deliver the flyers to every house in East Phillips Neighborhood
Volunteers to help set up, to buy food and plan meeting.

New Business by Lynn M
Question on the documentation of the Franklin project – was everyone told?
Read a letter from David Fisher announcing the resignation of 6 of the board members.
(Lynn M) Motion to present a motion next meeting to have the participants in the recent conflict (particularly those mentioned in David Fisher’s letter) attend professional mediation.
Motion died for lack of a second.

Motion 9 (Brad Pass, multiple seconds)
Adjourn! Unanimous affirmative

EPIC Membership Meeting - January 2005

2005-01-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

EPIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2005
6:39 PM – 8:52 PM

PRESENT:

The meeting was called to order by Carol Pass, interim president of EPIC. AA challenged whether the meeting could be called to order since six members of the board had resigned. CP stated that a “quorum,” according to the bylaws, is “a majority of the board directors.” Since there are presently three board directors (CP, MK, SM), a quorum would be two. Since MK and CP are present, there is a quorum. AA asked which board directors met on January 8, 2005. CP responded that two of the three existing board members were in attendance. MG stated that the status of the board is a board with vacancies and the bylaws state that vacancies can be filled by appointment or election.

Motion 1(BP, MG)
Approve the agenda with the addition of an announcement by JT. Motion passed.

Motion 2
Approve the minutes. It was determined that the only minutes that can be approved would be the minutes from the October 14, 2004 meeting. Since there are no minutes from that meeting, the motion failed.

Announcement
GS announced that the city’s murder rate is rising and 31% of the murders were gang related. The city is looking at several programs. There will be a community meeting to get input on the problem. (Sorry, the sound was TERRIBLE!)

Introductions were made.

Announcement
RB announced that he has set up two Yahoo groups in an effort to provide a means for residents to improve communications. Everyone is invited to include their e-mail address on the sign-in sheet and RB will send an invitation to join the newsgroups. The Yahoo groups will include discussion, file sharing, and a calendar.

Discussion commenced regarding the minutes from the board meeting on 1/8/2005. LM asked to table the discussion and resume our agenda.

Announcement
IM told the community about the difficult housing situation facing her father, YH. The family asked for support from the community in staying in their present housing, or seeking new housing. CP proposed that neighbors meet the following day to figure out who to contact at the city to try to reverse the eviction.

Announcement
JT reported that the Greenway is planning a meeting on 1/24/05 7 pm at the Green Institute to review plans for Arbor Day and plantings at 18th Avenue. There is a job opening (flyer distributed.) She announced that she is looking for someone to take her place on the Greenway committee. Responsibilities include attending Greenway board meetings, and reporting back to EPIC.

Treasurer’s Report
MK reported that PPNA is no longer acting as fiscal agent for EPIC. All the rent and other bills will be paid and a report will be received from PPNA in early Feb. We have a lot of NRP money, but we can’t access it without a fiscal agent. If the 501(c)(3) comes through then we won’t need a fiscal agent. MK was asked for a past report and stated that there was a question of paying final bills and the amount of non-NRP funds wasn’t known yet. CP asked if there would be funds to pay for mailings for the annual meeting. CP also noted that LM was to be reimbursed for garden expenses. The funds were set aside for this. MK asked whether the bill was sent to Rebecca. LM responded that she had no contact with Rebecca after the October GMM. MG asked if PPNA provided a written notice of their reason for declining the job of fiscal agent.

Motion 3 (LM, MG)
Obtain a letter from PPNA explaining the reason that PPNA declined to be EPIC’s fiscal agent. Motion passed. MK will bring the motion to PPNA for her Feb. meeting with Elena.

Discussion commenced about EPIC’s mail. Where is the mail going? Who is receiving the mail? MK reported that she purchased a PO Box for EPIC in early December and told Rebecca and David to inform EPIC’s correspondents. The key was given to David. This was before the six directors resigned. MK has tried to get a second key, and the PO keeps delaying this. MK asked David for the key and hasn’t received it. MK notified the PO to forward mail from the Green Institute to the PO Box 7539, 55407 last week. CP asked MK to obtain the key asap and pick up the mail. CP will pick up any mail at the Green Institute.

Motions from the Jan. 8 Board Meeting
SM and CP followed the bylaws and consulted NRP, the MN Attorney General and called a meeting of the board on Jan. 8, 2005. CP and SM installed themselves as President and Vice President in order to keep the neighborhood organization going, and move forward in the process for establishing 501(c)(3) status for EPIC. The motions passed at the board meeting were presented to the GMM.

Motion 4 (LL, MG)
Motion to entrust RB with the administration of the Yahoo discussion and news groups, to establish rules for participation and to monitor the groups. RB will have the authority to remove subscribers who violate those rules. (Motion passed.)

Motion 5 (BP, JT)
Motion to establish a Directors Nominating Committee. The committee will present to the community at the January GMM. Motion was amended (MK) to strike “Directors Nominating Committee” and add “establish a paperwork committee to be commissioned to do these things.” (Motion passed, LM abstained.)

RB will chair the committee. Tasks include:
Job description for board directors.
Board director qualifications.
Board director nomination forms.
Board director agreement.
New board director information packet (to include EPIC’s mission statement and a copy of EPIC’s bylaws.)

Motion 6 (BP, LL)
Motion to write to Robert Thompson requesting information regarding EPIC’s equipment and files, arrange for transport to RB’s home; and instruct NRP to recognize new officers and change of address; write to PPNA requesting financial records. (Motion passed.)

Motion 7 (LL, SM)
Motion to count votes, henceforth. (Motion passed 9/0.)

Old Business
CP presented Motion 8 from the Jan. 8 board meeting, as follows:
Motion to place items 1-8 on Thursday’s GMM agenda. (Passed unanimously.)

10/9/03, Motion to submit the 501(c)3 application in a timely way.
10/9/03, Motion to set up an ethics and conduct committee.
11/2003, Motion to set up professional board training.
2/2004, Motion to set up a program committee to work on the needs of youth.
8/2003, and 3/2004, Motion to implement a mediation process.
5/2004, Motion to set up the Strategic Planning committee to create a budget.
8/2003, Motion to tape EPIC board and general membership meetings.
7/2004, Motion to implement the resolution of the grievances filed at the beginning of the summer.

Pending Grievances
Item 8 above: EPIC agreed to create policies that give the community assurance that motions passed by EPIC will be carried forward by the board. This item will be included in the agenda for Thursday’s GMM and community will be invited to participate in forming policies and procedures.

Motion 8 (RB, LL)
The paperwork committee take on responsibility for all issues representing neighborhood motions. (Motion passed, 8/0.)

Brochure to welcome new townhome residents.
(Motion tabled.)

Planning for the March Annual Meeting
We must have a plan by the February Meeting because we have to provide notification. We have to mail every address in the neighborhood.

Motion 9 to Adjourn (LL, BP)
(Motion passed, 8/0.)

EPIC COMMUNITY MEETING - January 2005

2005-01-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

EPIC COMMUNITY MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2005
10:18 AM – 10:57 AM

PRESENT:
Directors: Carol Pass
Residents: Ryan Brueske, Jane Thomson, Amy Pass, Brad Pass, Dan Pass, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Cynthia Aguirre, Laverne Turner

The meeting was called to order by Carol Pass who noted that there was no quorum (a majority of the remaining board members -2 of 3- were not present.)

Motion 1 (CP, MG)
Motion to proceed with meeting as a neighborhood meeting to put together an agenda for the GMM on Thursday, January 13, 2005. (Passed unanimously.)

Motion 2 (BP, JT)
Motion to accept the agenda with the addition of Announcements. (Passed unanimously.)

Motion 3 (RB, MG)
Motion to elect CP to chair the meeting. (Passed unanimously.)

Announcement (JT)
The Greenway Coalition announced the locations for Arbor Day plantings for E. Phillips sites. These sites will include just east of 5th Avenue, 13-14th Avenues including the ramp, and Cedar – 28th Avenues. These are Phase I plantings. In addition, The Greenway Coalition will host an Arbor Day community planning meeting on Monday, January 24, 2005 at their office at 26th and Stevens Avenue. The time is to be determined. For more information, please call Theresa Nelson, Greening Manager at 612-879-0103.

Motion 4 (LL, BP)
Motion to commend Jane Thomson publicly for consistent, faithful, ongoing commitment to a task that benefits E. Phillips. The community is thankful to Jane for her work as Liaison to the Greenway Coalition. Her outstanding participation in this responsibility has been positive for the E. Phillips community.

Communication Strategies (RB)
In order to facilitate communication among residents of E. Phillips, Ryan has set up two private Yahoo Groups/e-mail lists. The goal is to spread out E. Phillips information more quickly and effectively. Residents are encouraged to distribute the information about the groups to their own contacts and ask them to sign up. (Do not sign up for others.) The groups have a web-like format also, where documents, pictures and calendars can be shared. In addition, subscribers may access e-mail archives. Mary offered to help if an EPIC Web site is developed.

eastphillipsnews
News from the East Phillips Neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Date Founded: Jan 8, 2005 Mailing list type: Announcement
Post message: eastphillipsnews@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: eastphillipsnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: eastphillipsnews-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

eastphillips
A discussion group for the residents of the East Phillips neighborhood in Minneapolis.
Date Founded: Jan 8, 2005 Mailing list type: Discussion
Post message: eastphillips@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: eastphillips-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: eastphillips-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Motion 5 (LL, JT)
Motion to entrust RB with the administration of the Yahoo discussion and news groups, to establish rules for participation and to monitor the groups. RB will have the authority to remove subscribers who violate those rules. (Passed unanimously.)

Minutes from previous meetings
There was no quorum at meetings that took place since October 14, 2004. There were two board members at the last board meeting in December. The only minutes that are available would be the Ad-hoc Committee meeting minutes. There is a question of whether those minutes are relevant in light of the resignation of six board members.

Motion 6 (LL, JT)
Motion to suspend with the minutes. (Passed unanimously.)

Treasurer’s Report
Margaret Kirkpatrick (MK) reported to CP that Elena of PPNA was not able to meet with EPIC representatives prior to Thursday’s GMM meeting (1/13/05.)

Meeting Adjourned
Suleman Mohamed (SM) arrived and since a quorum was then present, residents agreed to adjourn the EPIC community meeting at 10:57 AM to take up the EPIC board meeting.

EPIC BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2005
10:58 AM – 12:35 PM

PRESENT:
Directors: Carol Pass, Suleman Mohamed
Residents: Ryan Brueske, Jane Thomson, Amy Pass, Brad Pass, Dan Pass, Linda Leonard, Mary Gonsior, Cynthia Aguirre, Laverne Turner

Motion 1 (CP, SM)
Motion to call board meeting to order. (Passed unanimously.)

Motion 2 (CP, SM)
Motion to allow residents present at meeting to fully participate in discussion and vote on motions. (Passed unanimously.)

Board Resignations (CP)
The letter of resignation by Board Directors David Fisher, Glory Gloudemans, Andre Alexander, Mohamud Hussein, Paula Weikle and Sherman Wilburn was presented. The letter, which was addressed to Mr. Robert Miller, Executive Director of NRP was cc’d to Board Directors Carol Pass and Margaret Kirkpatrick (Suleman Mohamed was omitted.)

Carol: It is hard for the minority on the Board to be responsible for not carrying out the fiduciary responsibilities of the board. I disagree with the letter. As the minority, I could not pass motions, nor override the majority of the board. I don’t accept the letter’s version of what happened. This letter needs a response.

Other discussion: Does EPIC need to respond? EPIC should accept the resignations. EPIC should inform NRP, funders and public that EPIC intends to go forward. Some residents don’t know what has happened. EPIC has lost office, fiscal agent, and funds. EPIC is a corporation in good standing.

Motion 3 (CP, LL)
Motion to accept board resignations and draft a response letter. The letter will be addressed to the former Board Directors, the E. Phillips Community and will be cc’d to Mr. Robert Miller at NRP and PPNA. (Motion passed, 1 abstention [JT].)

The group formed a list of points to include in the response. MG will draft letter. The letter will accept the resignations, but will not accept the reasons given. The letter will note the omission of notifying Director S. Mohamed of the resignations. EPIC is a corporation in good standing with the State of Minnesota and intends to move forward. EPIC is taking the responsibility of sharing the resignation letter with the community.

Report on EPIC (CP)
EPIC is a corporation in good standing with the State of Minnesota. There is a list of unfinished business, including the status of EPIC’s 501(c)3 application. The IRS has indicated it will not communicate with CP or MK about this status.

Motion 4 (BP, AP)
Motion to establish a Directors Nominating Committee. The committee will present to the community at the January GMM. (passed unanimously.)

RB will chair the committee. Tasks include:
Job description for board directors.
Board director qualifications.
Board director nomination forms.
Board director agreement.
New board director information packet (to include EPIC’s mission statement and a copy of EPIC’s bylaws.)

Motion 5 (BP, LL)
Motion to review motions passed at the EPIC Community Meeting for ratification at this board meeting. (Passed unanimously.)

Motion 6 (BP, LL)
Motion to ratify motions passed at the EPIC Community Meeting. (Motion passed, 1 abstention [JT].)

Motion 7 (LL, MG)
Motion to recognize Carol Pass to office of President, and recognize Suleman Mohamed to office of Vice President. (Motion passed, 1 abstention [JT].)

Old Business
There are outstanding bills and requests are coming in from other groups. The organization needs a legal address in order to re-route correspondence. The organization needs to determine how to forward phone calls.

Motion 8 (LL, MG)
Motion to place items 1-8 on Thursday’s GMM agenda. (Passed unanimously.)

10/9/03, Motion to submit the 501(c)3 application in a timely way.
10/9/03, Motion to set up an ethics and conduct committee.
11/2003, Motion to set up professional board training.
2/2004, Motion to set up a program committee to work on the needs of youth.
8/2003, and 3/2004, Motion to implement a mediation process.
5/2004, Motion to set up the Strategic Planning committee to create a budget.
8/2003, Motion to tape EPIC board and general membership meetings.
7/2004, Motion to implement the resolution of the grievances filed at the beginning of the summer.

Pending Grievances
Item 8 above: EPIC agreed to create policies that give the community assurance that motions passed by EPIC will be carried forward by the board. This item will be included in the agenda for Thursday’s GMM and community will be invited to participate in forming policies and procedures.

GMM Agenda
SM requested ten minutes on the GMM agenda to allow Yusuf Mohamed to address residents concerning his housing situation.

Updated forwarding of mail and phone
Address correspondence to President.

Motion 9 (LL, MG)
Motion to write to NRP requesting the return of EPIC equipment and files, and instruct NRP to recognize new officers and change of address; write to PPNA requesting financial records. (Passed unanimously.)

Motion 10 (RB, LL)
Motion to seek legal aid/advice. (Passed unanimously.)

Motion 11 (LL, RB)
Motion to adjourn. (Passed unanimously.)

Minutes submitted by Mary Gonsior