KINGFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, 7/8/09
MINUTES
Members present: Dean Muldoon, JobyLynn Sassily-James, Arthur Knowles, Chris Sur, Marie
Wolf, Marshall Onstrud, Scott Bordon. Also present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Robyn Bipes, Andrea
Jenkins (Councilwoman Glidden’s aide), Eiddie(?) ____., Carol Dixon, Wade Keller, and Brian ____, from
MPHA.
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order at 7:08 P.M.
Community forum, and consideration of the Secretary’s report and Treasurer’s report were
postponed until later in the meeting by general assent. New Business, point 2. (3912/3916 Blaisdell
recommendation) was moved to the top of the agenda, again by general assent.
New Business:
2. 3912/3916 Blaisdell recommendation
Sarah Linnes-Robinson gave a brief history of the five-plex which has been foreclosed by
Bremer Bank, and the adjacent vacant lot, now owned by the city of Minneapolis, and an
update on the present situation. [During this update Board Members Tom Parent and
Dave Saddoris arrived.]
To summarize: The Kingfield Neighborhood Association has taken an active position in
addressing the situation presented by the foreclosure of this five-unit rental property. We have
tried to work with Bremer Bank, with little success, and with councilwoman Glidden and the
city of Minneapolis, and the current tenants to insure future development of the property within
the Redevelopment Guidelines established by this Board.
Brian ____, of the MPHA presented a preliminary plan by the Public Housing Authority to develope both lots into five separate units of three to four bedrooms with garages arranged around a
central patio. Some or all of these units might be part of a pilot “rent to own” program envisioned
by MPHA. In any case, the two present tenants would receive some monies for moving expenses
and displacement funds.
Sarah Linnes-Robinson and Robyn Bipes informed us that a private developer has made an offer
for the five-plex, which Bremer Bank has accepted. The private offer is considerably in excess of
the amount MPHA is able to offer, but the agreement is tentative, pending inspections and
approvals. A final decision should come within two weeks. The City has informed the developer
that it has no intention of selling him the vacant lot, and that may affect the final decision.
Tom Parent moved, and Marie Wolf seconded, that the Neighborhood support the MPHA in their
acquisition of the two lots, and the development of five units of affordable housing with 3-4
bedrooms each, should the present private offer fall through.
Scott Bordon and Chris Sur abstained. All others voted “Aye”: motion passed.
[Councilwoman Elisabeth Glidden arrived during the above discussion] The City of Minneapolis
has made clear, through Councilwoman Glidden, that it has no desire to sell the vacant lot to a
private developer, but would encourage the acquisition of that lot by the Kingfield Neighborhood
Association, either for community utility, or for leverage in shaping future development.
Tom Parent moved, and Joby-Lynn S-J seconded, that the Neighborhood Board establish a task
Force to explore the feasibility of creating a Community Development Corporation for the
Neighborhood, specifically with regard to the properties at 3912/3916 Blaisdell, and report
back to the Board.
Chris Sur abstained. All others voted “Aye”: motion passed.
Community Forum was officially opened.
Wade Keller asked about the present status of the search for dog park in Kingfield.
Sarah Linnes-Robinson and Elisabeth Glidden provided background information. Specifically
The Park Board said “NO WAY!”. The Neighborhood is continuing to pursue the matter, focused
on the southwest slopes of King Park, or the northwest corner of the Park, or other areas. Stress is
given to the “Crime and Safety” angle to exert pressure on the Park Board.
The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were brought up for consideration at this time, but as various Board
members had not had time to consider them, it was decided to table them for the September
meeting.
New Business
1. Youth Portrait Public Art Project with Leonardo’s Basement
As the funds requested came from the proceeds of the Neighborhood Art Show, which are
designated for the promotion of Neighborhood Arts, Joby-Lynn S-J moved, and Dean
Muldoon seconded, to allocate the monies requested (‘$2000.00) for this “Faces of
Kingfield” project. Questions were raised about the ephemeral nature of the art, and
whether a more multi-generational project would have more support. All art is ephemeral,
and something involving all ages may well be a follow-up project.
Chris Sur abstained. All others voted “Aye”: motion passed.
3. Mis Ninos
This is a proposal to build a bi-lingual day care center on the three lots south of Mulroy’s
Body Shop. The principals gave a fine and relatively detailed presentation to the
Redevelopment Committee in June. Questions were raised concerning the disposition of
various mature trees on the lot, but overall the presentation was well received. As the
principals did not request any specific Neighborhood action at this time, Tom Parent (cochair of Redevelopment) recommended that no action be taken at this time by the Board.
No action was taken.
4. Cookie Cart Statement of Support
A Neighborhood statement of support for the Cookie Cart participation in the Nicollet
Square project was supported by Neighborhood Staff and the Redevelopment Committee.
As amended by Dave Saddoris (friendly amendment, accepted) the statement of
Support reads:
The Kingfield Neighborhood Association affirms its support of the Nicollet Square
Housing and retail development at 37th and Nicollet Ave. S. and expresses support for
The Cookie Cart to open a youth operated coffee shop/bakery as part of the project.
KFNA would be willing to be a partner on grant requests written by Cookie Cart, and
to assist in grant preparation and proofing of sections pertaining to KFNA, as needed.
Additionally, KFNA is committed to help Cookie Cart succeed, and will assist in
Introducing and marketing the organization to Kingfield and the surrounding
Neighborhoods and organizations.
Tom Parent moved, and JobyLynn S-J seconded, to accept this letter of support. Chris
Sur abstained. All others voted “Aye”: motion passed.
4. Placement of Park Board Lakes District Representative
Arthur Knowles volunteered to be the Neighborhood Representative to the Park Board
Lakes District for the following year. No one else wanted the job.
Old Business
FM Assets
Final allocation of the Farmer’s Market Assets owned by the Kingfield Neighborhood
has not yet been dealt with. Tom Parent moved, and Dave Saddoris seconded, that the use
of such assets be granted to the Farmer’s Market, until an allocation can be worked out.
Chris Sur abstained. All others voted “Aye”: motion passed.
As the Board is not meeting in the month of August, Tom Parent moved, and Dave
Saddoris seconded, that the Board delegate to the Executive Committee of the Board the
oversight and approval of any contact revisions with the Farmer’s Market.
Chris Sur abstained. All others voted “Aye”: motion passed.
Other Committees, Task Forces and Project Reports
Redevelopment and Zoning
Graffiti grant update:
Our anti-graffiti grant is focusing on three areas: alleys, sound walls, and utility boxes.
Alleys could be running murals or plantings; sound walls involve various bureaucracies,
none of which wants to take responsibility for maintenance; and ideas for wrapping the
the utility boxes progresses.
NRP
Green Committee
The Hour Car is coming this next week! And we (the Neighborhood) gets a membership.
4307 Wentworth is lining up with the Land Trust.
Crime Prevention and Safety (CpaS)
The cop bike is paid in full
40th &Lyndale TF – meeting scheduled for 7/27
At 8:49 P.M. Arthur Knowles moved to adjorn.
These minutes respectively submitted to Secretary Dean
Muldoon, and Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Staff, by Arthur
Knowles. 7/10/09