Monthly CARAG Neighborhood Meeting Minutes: February 21, 2017
CARAG Neighborhood Meeting
February 21, 2017 Minutes
Attending: Diana Boegemann, Ginny Buran, Diana Crane, Colin Harris, Brad Klein, Jay Lindgren, Tricia Markle, Nancy Riestenberg
Excused Absences: Blake Bailes
The meeting was called to order at 7:05PM.
Introductions & Announcements
Board members and attendees introduced themselves.
The 20th annual CARAG Chilly Chili Fest is February 26 at BSP.
Agenda & Minutes
Motion, seconded to approve the agenda and January 17 meeting minutes,. Approved.
Bryant Square Park, Jason Green
Free group meditation classes are scheduled for March.
Green has been suffering with pain caused by spine problems and expects to have surgery in March. So, he will be away for much of the next few months recovering.
“The Secret Life of Pets” movie will be shown on August 26 and “The Martian” will be shown in June..
Contact Bryant Square Park at (612) 370-4907 for more information.
10th Ward City Council Update, Lindsay Wallace, 10th Ward Policy Aide
The reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue, between Lake and 36th Streets, is scheduled for 2018, and a second Open House is set for March 9 to discuss it.
The Mayor and City Council have recommitted to protecting all citizens as a “Sanctuary City” in the new political climate.
Sattva, Cindy Gorbunow
– The body and mind wellness business opened at 3200 Bryant a few weeks ago. Sattva features massage, meditation, and wellness education.
Lake Calhoun & Harriet Master Plan, Meg Forney- MPRB Park Commissioner
Forney summarized highlights of the proposed Lake Calhoun & Harriet Master Plan noting public comment is welcomed through early March. Park Board staff will use the feedback and refine the document before obtaining approval from MPRB and eventually the Met Council.
Trail upgrades around Lake Calhoun totaling $2.5 million are scheduled this year. Additional improvements covered in the plan include moving the sailing school and boat rentals to the NW corner, reconfiguring bike and pedestrian paths and crossings, creating a lid over Lake St., and developing the parking lot near Lake Calhoun Executive Center.
Bryant Square Park Improvements, Cliff Swenson- MPRB Operations
Swenson noted that bids for the BsP wading pool reconstruction came in even higher than last summer. Poor soil conditions and the construction of a new utility building have driven costs higher. However, construction will begin at the end of June with a fall completion.
Replacement of the drinking fountain and addition of air conditioning will take place as part of the wading pool project.
The Recreation Center roof will be patched along with repairs to one of the walls, which is sinking due to water issues.
BSP is on the initial list of parks to get upgrades to entrances and bathrooms making them accessible.
NRP Implementation Committee, Jay Lindgren
Lindgren noted that the committee is researching ways to create affordable housing in the neighborhood using NRP funds and in partnership with nonprofit developers and/or support service providers.
The Committee is proposing Plan Modifications, as presented at the January 17 CARAG meeting, to be discussed and voted upon. Motion, seconded to approve the Plan Modifications as presented. Approved.
The City Council approved a scheme to release ‘frozen’ NRP funds this month, which will result in $190,000 addition to the CARAG NRP Phase 2 program. The committee will meet in the next month to discuss how that will affect existing CARAG programs.
Treasurer’s Report, Brad Klein/ Scott Engel
The CARAG Operations and NRP Administrative account 1st Quarter Budget Tracking Reports were available for review.
Engel presented the 990 Tax Filing and MN Attorney General Charitable Organization Report Form to the Board. The annual filings were prepared with assistance from CPA Michael Wilson. Motion, seconded to approve both documents including the resolution detailed in the MN Attorney General’s document. Approved.
Wilson also conducted an “audit procedures review” of CARAG administration and finances to ensure the organization maintains best practices for managing funding and operating as a nonprofit. Motion Seconded to accept the findings and provide client responses as detailed in the Audit Procedures Review Report. Approved.
CARAG received $666 from the Calhoun Square Tree Lot from the holiday season.
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:35PM.
