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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, November 3, 2005

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, October 6, 2005

ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, September 1, 2005

ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, August 4, 2005

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, July 7, 2005

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, June 2, 2005

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 2, 2005:
(East Calhoun neighborhood monthly meeting)
   (To get on our list email to amrsurvey@aol.com)

HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Come see some old strippers June 25!

2.  Wine Tasting Party June 15 under the big tent. Organize a party!

3. ECCO RESOLVES:  No structures on Lake Calhoun shores. 

4. County admits to being four years behind on tax forfeiture property. 

5.  Dangerous Loon Lake Trolley Path stairs to be replaced

6. Electronic "ECCO INFO"  neighbor notification system up and running soon.

7.  Some air quality monitoring planned for Uptown area?

8.  Uptown Calhoun Square buildings now will hit six stories  (were promised four).

9. CARAG/ECCO newspaper may be out with an August issue. Maybe.

10. Twin City Marathon will be October 1-2.

11. City Zoning Administrator says East Isles "Triangle" lawsuit only allows
a maximum height of 35 feet!

(For details and other news items…see below)

               ==========================================

Meeting Held:
Thursday, June 2, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of each month, open to public)

Board Members Present:
Kay Anderson (Secretary),  Tanya Cornelius, Bruce Grimm (President), Anne G. Chase, Ralph Knox (Vice President),   Don MacPherson (Treasurer), Sue Lahbil, Ted Ringsred, Gary Farland, Steve Buckley, Bruce Sabatke, Matt Carter.

Others Present:
Anne Geske (SW Journal),  Al Anderson (resident),  Erik Hansen (NRP coordinator),   Joanne and Darrell Savage (residents), Allan Benard, (candidate for city council), Steele Arundel (pond hockey rep), Ruth Elaine Hane (resident), Jay Joyner (resident), Ralph Remington (candidate for city council), Dan Niziolek (city council), Cynthia Stokes (Mpls Pops), Anne Knuth (visitor).

WELCOME:
President, Bruce Grimm, called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.

OPEN FORUM:
1.  CALHOUN YACHT CLUB SAILING FACILITY PROPOSED--Kay Anderson explained that the Lake Calhoun Yacht and Sailing Club wants to construct a building
on the southeast shore of Lake Calhoun with three retail stores, a center for meetings and social events, and facilities for their sailing club including a dock.  She reported that  they want to move "most" of the sail boats to that location.  Kay attended the June meeting of the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association.  Kay said that the East Harriet neighborhood was just getting their first information about this Park Board commercial- retail facility proposed for the Lake.  Kay noted that the grassy park land across the street (archery range) apparently is under consideration to be paved over and used for a parking lot to serve this proposed facility.  One effect of this retail shore development will be to take over this sandy shore now being used by windsurfers as a landing beach.

2.  RESOLUTION REGARDING STRUCTURES ON LAKE CALHOUN SHORE:
Al Anderson commented that the Park Board, as earlier reported by Commissioner Bob Fine, has expressed  a willingness to entertain a plan for constructing these buildings on the shore of Lake Calhoun.  Anderson pointed out that the simple act of "reviewing the plans" implies a  willingness  that some type of structure is acceptable on the lake--which it is not.  He proposed that ECCO pass a resolution that recommends against ANY building or structure being built on the shore of Lake Calhoun and specifically on the proposed Southeast shore site.

After discussion, a motion was made, seconded and this resolution was passed:

"Be it resolved that the East Calhoun Community Organization strongly objects to development along the shore of Lake Calhoun and specifically to the Lake Calhoun
Yacht Club proposal on the Southeast Shore.  We feel that the lake shore should be
kept as natural as possible."

ACTION:  Secretary, Kay Anderson will send this resolution to the Park Board members
and other interested parties.

3. EAST HARRIET HEARS ABOUT SAILING CLUB STRUCTURE:  After being updated on the SailingClub facility proposal at their neighborhood meeting, the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association said that they will be discussing this topic and will have a strong position on this issue in the future.


4. PARK CONSULTANT HIRED--Kay Anderson said that she had talked with park
commissioner, Bob Fine,  who said that the Park Board has hired a City Park Planner to develop some type of master plan for the park system.  She said Bob Fine noted that the Park Board will be talking about some type of building moratorium.

5. TAX FORFEITURE PROPERTY--Ruth Elaine Hane, ECCO resident and former board member, commented that she was concerned about the continual worsening condition of the property at 3249 Humboldt Ave. So., the house immediately to her south. Ruth said that she had talked to Councilman Dan Niziolek, called the City Inspector, and talked to ECCO President, Bruce Grimm.  She said that she is concerned about drugs and crime in the ECCO community.  Ruth said she would like whatever help she could get on this problem.   She said that the owner is Jim Doherty.

Councilman Niziolek said it would be helpful if anyone knows the whereabouts of Jim Doherty.  Dan said that this is a tax forfeiture property.  Dan said that Ruth had brought it to his attention two years ago. Dan said he had talked to the county which said that this subject was "on our list, but it will take two to four years to get to it." 

Niziolek said that Julie, of his staff, is looking into it again to see if something has changed.   Ruth said that there is someone living there off and on.  Dan said that he could get a police squad to come out there when someone is seen to be living there…to take this issue further.

ACTION:  Dan will provide an update at the July meeting and inform Ruth.

ACTION: Ruth or anyone, please call Dan when you see someone living in the house to get specific advice and help on this issue.  Thanks, Dan.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES & AGENDA:
The  May minutes were approved as was the proposed meeting agenda with a sequence
change.

NRP UPDATE:
1. Erik Hansen announced that he will be terminating his position as the NRP Coordinator for the ECCO neighborhood. He will plan to transition to the next
Coordinator over the summer months.  Erik, Thanks for all the years of help!!

2. Loon Lake Trolley Path Stairs--City notified Erik that they were going to inspect
the old stairs on June 3/05 , the next "step" in the process.  Contracting  for new stairs and railings will be next.

ACTION:  Erik keeps in touch with the City on this project.  Erick please keep Trolley path committee chairperson Kay Anderson informed of your progress.

3. "ECCO INFO" electronic mailing list--A new server will be required to accommodate the ECCO INFO  mailing list.  Erik said it will take about an hour to set up. A free service to the residents, it will cost about $10 annually to register the domain name and about $3 per month rental.  Kay Anderson, Don MacPherson and Al Anderson comprise the committee for this service.  

The initial "ECCO INFO" operating rules were distributed and reviewed.  A motion was made, seconded and passed approving the operating rules and authorizing Al and Erik to get "ECCO INFO" up and running ASAP.

ACTION:  Erik and Al will meet on Wednesday, June 8 for initial system setup.


CITY COUNCILMAN’S REPORT :
Councilman Dan Niziolek reported…
1.  Air Quality Initiative--Dan reported that Minneapolis has begin an air quality initiative which involves a number of air quality badges for measuring about 40 different pollutants.  None were placed in Uptown.  Dan will get some for Uptown.  They collect air samples for 72 hours.  They are sent four times during a year for analysis and reporting.  This should indicate which are the area’s major air pollutants.

Kay Anderson asked, what good will this sampling do, seeing that the City Council all voted against doing an environmental work sheet assessment of the Ackerberg Gasson Lagoon project?  She asked, why are they now doing this? It’s confusing.

Dan essentially replied that this project was only one source of pollution in the area, not
the whole area.  He said that the area has not had any baseline air pollution data for years.


2. Parking Study --A parking study for the Uptown area is to be discussed at a meeting, June 6th, 7:00P.M. at Calhoun Square. 

3. Hennepin Ave Plan--A meeting was held with the neighborhood presidents and zoning
committee chairpersons on the Hennepin Ave Plan (from ten years ago). This plan is on Dan Niziolek’s web site.  A meeting will be held in July to look at this plan in general terms.   The website is www.ci.minneapolis.mn/us/council/ward10/

ACTION:  Dan suggested that the board members and the neighborhood to review the old Hennepin Avenue Plan and provide opinions, likes, dislikes at a July meeting.

4. Edgewater Neighbors--Steve Buckley conveyed requests from his neighbors living along the Edgewater project  alley:  Vehicles haven’t been able to pick up garbage on two occasions because trucks could not get into the alley.  Same for the recycling truck.  People are parking illegally in the alley hampering traffic flow in the alley. 

Steve noted that the Edgewater received a C.U.P. from the city council that stated that
the Edgewater must work with the neighbors.  Buckley said that, so far, the Edgewater
has come and told them what they were going to do, dictated to them. Neighbors had no
input.  Buckley asked councilman Niziolek how to change that situation?

Niziolek said that a letter had been sent to City Planning who decided that there had been
no violation of the C.U.P.   However, Dan Z. says that the City of Minneapolis does demolitions very poorly.  Dan said there is a mis-match between demolition and construction phases.  He said there has been mis-communication among departments.  He said some new  person is now involved in this process. 

Board member Buckley still felt the developer had not treated the neighbors properly. 
Dan cited technical requirements of a C.U.P. to him.  No offer of help was extended to the neighbors from the councilman’s office.

5. West Calhoun-East Isles Triangle--The City Zoning Administrator has looked at the West Calhoun-East Isles Triangle.  It was earlier thought that a legal settlement meant that those buildings could go up to 56 feet. not the 35 foot cap called for by the
Shoreland District Overlay Ordinance.  His interpretation of the legal history is that
the developments planned there are fall under the same 35 foot limit as the Edgewater
project or any other property within the S.O.D.

6. Meeting of Four Neighborhood Presidents and Zoning Chairs--The four Uptown neighborhood presidents and their zoning chairmen held a meeting to discuss transportation, the Hennepin Ave Plan, and area development.  One outcome was
that when a project is planned, the neighborhood in which the project is planned will
take the lead, inviting the other three neighborhoods to share information.

LAKE CALHOUN POND HOCKEY--Steele Arundel announced an outdoor  "pond hockey" tournament planned for  January 20-22  featuring 24 rinks and  96 teams,
hospitality and warming house tents. This will be a weekend festival Fri through Sun.
Probably 10AM to 5PM. Location is N.E. corner of Lake Calhoun. 

MPLS POPS FUNDING REQUEST--Cynthia Stokes representing the Minneapolis Pops
orchestra presented a request to ECCO to continue the annual contributions to support
their music at the Lake Harriet bandstand and other park locations. An amount of $500
was approved.

CALHOUN SQUARE UPDATE--Anne representing Calhoun Square presented the updated plans for the Calhoun Square development.  Part of the development will now be six stories or 72 ft. high.  Three hundred parking stalls will be added.  The 3lst Street side has been "opened up" more than before.

Asked what concerns Joyce Church currently has relating to the Calhoun Square development, the presenter said she did not know of any.  It was suggested that Joyce
Church may be one of the most threatened entities in the area as a result of this new
development.

Gary Farland, board member, observed that the buildings of this development will probably be visible from across Lake Calhoun.  More buildings, less greenery.

ECCO BYLAW CHANGES--Al Anderson, resident, offered these suggested changes
to the ECCO By-Laws:

1.  Place a date on the document showing when it was last updated.

2.  Delete section 2 under article 4 "Organization General Membership".  Section 1
specifies that any person 18 years or age or older maintaining a domicile within the boundaries of the Organization may be a member.

Section 2 states:  Any person 18 years of age or older owning property or operating a
business in the neighborhood may be a member.  Anderson said, in effect, this section allows people living outside our neighborhood to be voting members of the neighborhood.  In other words, absentee landlords and developers could be voting members.  They could conceivably run for office, be elected and control the ECCO Board.  Al suggested that Section 2 should be deleted.

3.  Require a printed ballot --  Anderson suggested that a printed ballot be specified for use at the Annual Meeting for election of Board Members. A printed ballot will allow for only one vote per open board seat by each resident. .  Al explained, for example, that if there are five seats open, a numbered ballot will allow for writing in only five names (no. 1 through 5).  Also, a printed ballot will make voting confidential.

This addition should be made as Section 5 under Article 7 Organization Meetings.
Title it "Section 5 Election of Board Members.  Election of board members shall be by
paper ballot."

4.  Specify the Organizational Form.  It is suggested that in the "Organization" section
under Article 2 "Authority" that this information be included:

"ECCO is federally registered as a 501C-4."

"The Federal I.D. Number for the ECCO organization is 31-1627352."

A motion was made and seconded and the above bylaw changes were approved.

ACTION:  Anne Chase, will you please incorporate these changes into the bylaws and provide a copy to Al Anderson and the board members.  Thank you.


HAZARDOUS WASTE SATURDAY JUNE 25--The FREE Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for Saturday June 25 at 3800 Bryant Ave South, the Mpls Park & Rec Operations Center. 9am to 3pm.  Drive in on Dupont Ave S (Kings Highway side).

Drop off your…
Old paints, stains, thinners, old anti-freeze, old gas (NOT motor oil), flammables,
pesticides, garden chemicals, household cleaners, mercury items like thermometers,
fluorescent lamps, aerosol containers, button batteries (NO car batteries), old brake
fluid, power steering fluid, glues, strippers and more.  OR…if it says:  "Caution",
"Warning", "Danger", "Poison" then, bring it along.

Another area drop-off  date/place will be Saturday, July 16 at the Southwest High School Parking lot, 3414 West 47th Street.

Bring your drivers license to show where you live, containers should be 5 gallons or less,
Place wastes upright in a plastic lined cardboard box,  Secure wastes so they don’t tip.

TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS! Help keep this stuff out of our lakes and sewer system!
FOR MORE INFO: call M-F 348-3777.

WINE TASTING EVENT JUNE 15!! --There are still Wine Tasting tickets available from the ECCO Board members.  This is our neighborhood’s single largest fund-raiser, almost all of the funds go directly  to our neighborhood. Tickets $25 each.  Wine tasting will be Wednesday, June 15 outside at Campiellos restaurant (a bigger tent this year). For tickets, contact President Bruce Grimm at 825-5831 or email him at president@eastcalhoun.org  or Gary Farland at 824-6744 or  Don MacPherson 338-7610 or Kay Anderson 822-1822. Get a group going-- for wine tasting and dinner later!

ECCO  ESTABLISH A 501-C3?-- Kay Anderson, Secretary was approached by a party who wants to donate some funds to ECCO (Somebody likes us??).   This raises the issue of whether ECCO should establish a 501-C3 entity which could accept donated funds. This could be an operation separate from the current ECCO organization which is registered as a 501C-4.   Kay noted that it is conceivable that some people might like to write ECCO a check as one of their contributions every year.  The board will review the subject with more information and discussion at the July meeting.

NEW NEWSPAPER STILL COMING--Gary Farland, newspaper management rep, reported that CARAG approved bylaw changes and accepted ownership of the East Calhoun two-neighborhood newspaper. An August edition may be in the works.

SUPER SALE-- There was some breakdown in distribution of flyers and newspaper inserts advertising the Super Sale.  However,  Sylvia Kafkas did her usual terrific job.
Even though it rained and shopper traffic was down, a lot of merchandise was sold, basements got emptied and cars got their garage spaces back.

ADJOURNMENT:
A motion to adjourn was made and  passed,  the meeting was adjourned.  Next meeting is Thursday, July 7, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. West 35th St. and Irving Ave. So.  Open to the Public).


FOR A FREE E-MAIL COPY OF ECCO’S MONTHLY MINUTES, E-MAIL YOUR REQUEST TO amrsurvey@aol.com

 

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, May 5, 2005

   ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 5, 2005:
        (East Calhoun neighborhood monthly meeting)

HIGHLIGHTS:
1.  Moratorium on development passed for Loring Park Area!

2.  Calhoun Yacht Club to provide financial proposal to Park Board soon.
Bob Fine of  Park Board says having buildings on the Lake does not bother him.

3.  New Amora Victoria restaurant going in at Lake and Irving with full liquor
bar and childrens menu approved by ECCO board.

4.  Tin Fish getting 3.2 beer license supported by ECCO board.

5.  ECCO recommends against conditional use permits or variances for the Lander
project on the north Calhoun Weisman building site.

6.  CARAG and ECCO neighborhoods both reject the Lagoon Ackerberg-Gassen project.

7.  City zoning and planning committee and City Council reject a citizen petitioned request for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet study of the Lagoon Ackerman-Gassen project.

8.  Super Sale will be June 4.

9.  Wine tasting event will be June 15.

10. Twin City Marathon will be October 1-2.

(For details and other news items…see below)

               ==========================================

Meeting Held:
Thursday, May 5, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of each month, open to public)

Board Members Present:
Kay Anderson (Secretary),  Tanya Cornelius, Bruce Grimm (President), Anne G. Chase, Ralph Knox (Vice President),   Don MacPherson, Sue Lahbil, Ted Ringsred, Sue Lahbil.

Others Present:
Lara Norkus Crampton (ECCO zoning committee), Anne Geske (SW Journal), Schutz Al Anderson,  Erik Hansen (NRP Coordinator),  Alex and Jenna Victoria (new restaurant owners), Jeff Farnum, Bob Fine (Park Board), Gay Noble (Reporting for the councilman), Joanne and Darrell Savage (residents), Athena & Sheffield Priest (Tin Fish), Ron Ricketts
(resident), Susan Goldstein.

Welcome:
President, Bruce Grimm, called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.

Open Forum:
1. Kay Anderson, Secretary,  announced a meeting with the mayor to be held at Gigi’s restaurant on Saturday May 7 on the Ackerberg Lagoon Project  (Meeting date is now past).

2. Ron Ricketts, resident, attended the Hennepin County commissioners meeting regarding the Twins Stadium. He understood that the law says that if you want to have a sales tax, there must be a referendum. The county voted in favor of the Twin Stadium.
He said that the legislature will be in session for about two more weeks.  If you have an
opinion, contact the state legislators.

3.  Secretary, Kay Anderson, passed a petition from Ruth Jones of the CIDNA
neighborhood regarding the Ackerberg project being planned for West Lake Street,
behind the Ministers Life building.  The existing residents of condos located there
who are threatened with substantial additional daily traffic and exhaust fumes
request (1) that the private driveway exiting onto Dean Parkway be closed, and,
(2) that the developer provide free on-site visitor parking without restrictions.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The  April minutes were approved as was the proposed amended meeting agenda.

Bob Fine of  Park Board On thee Proposed Sailing Club Building:
Bob Fine, Park Board Commissioner, spoke on the status of the sailing clubhouse,
event center and retail stores proposed to be located on the Southeast shore of Lake
Calhoun.  This project is being requested by the Lake Calhoun sailing club members.
Bob said the staff has taken a look at it, it’s still in the study stage because the staff
is waiting for "financial information" from the sailing club. Staff says that information
will be coming quickly.  Bob says, then, they will bring it before the Park Board.
Fine told the sailing club he wanted two things before it comes before the board:
(1) That they meet with the windsurfers who use that sandy site--and come to an
agreement.  (2) That the project comes up for a neighborhood review, especially in
his Linden Hills neighborhood.  He mentioned perhaps it should be reviewed by
three nearby neighborhoods in a single large meeting, "We want input from everyone",
he said.  He did not say whether other city neighborhoods have a stake in this issue.

Fine said that the sailing club was told that they "have to come up with a lot of funding".
He saw that as happening within two months. Bob said that since he is the Chairman
of the Planning committee, that he will be the first to know.

Then, referring to the planned Ackerberg development on west of Dean Parkway,
Fine said that his planning committee has asked the city to do a traffic engineering study
on that project because "obviously, it’s going to have a huge impact on Dean Parkway
and probably Lake Calhoun Parkway and Lake Street.  Because it’s going to cause a lot
more traffic on what is an over utilized street already."

Bob said, that while the city is looking at this subject, they should also look carefully at the Shoreland Overlay ordinance, because we are always worried about any high rises
going up around the lake.

Gary Farland, ECCO board member, noted that the Park Board had passed a resolution
opposing the tall Edgewater building.  He asked whether the Park Board would do the
same for the buildings proposed for the north side of Lake Calhoun.  Fine replied that
they would oppose buildings that have any height to them.  Fine says that he opposes
any high rises.

Board Member, Kay Anderson, pointed out that the City Council did not pay any attention to the Park Board resolution for the Edgewater building,  saying "They blew it away at the City Council."--ignoring their own Planning Department, The Park Board resolution, recommendations of two neighborhoods and a petition of almost 500 signatures. She held out little hope for a Park Board resolution having much effect.

In response to a question by President Bruce Grim regarding whether the Park Board
is "open" to having the sailing club building on park land, Bob indicated that having
buildings on the lake did not really bother them, that there had been buildings on the
lake in the past. Fine said, "It doesn’t totally bother me as long as there is something about it, we are not building a high-rise (there) we are  building a park building, something that is very nice, not what the bath house used to look like."

Asked whether the Calhoun sailing club owned or leased the current small building
they used on the shore near the Tin Fish building, Bob said he did not know, he thought
there may not even be a written agreement about that use. 

Resident Al Anderson, observed that the sailing club is a special interest group
receiving special consideration by the Park Board.  He said that his "Kayaking Club" would also like a facility--with retail stores--near the proposed sailing club facility and
retail stores.

Board member Kay Anderson asked Bob for a clarification of facts regarding the profits the Park Board is receiving from the operation of the Tin Fish restaurant and the Park
Board boat rentals at that location.  Athena Priest, Tin Fish proprietor, volunteered that
the amounts that went to the Park Board from the 2004 summer season were:
$60,000 from boat rentals and $56,000 from Tin Fish sales.  Kay asked for a more
detailed profit and loss breakdown to better understand the expenses and significance
of these numbers. Athena said she would provide them to Kay as Board Secretary.


Julie Allen, Hennepin County Attorney’s Office:
Attorney Jullie Allen introduced herself.  She is the 5th Police Precinct prosecutor
at the County Attorney’s office.  Ms. Allen tries all the property crime cases in our
area.  She can also be contacted regarding other crimes as well.  The web page is www.hennepinattorney.org    Look for "community prosecution". She will answer
questions about crimes that occurred, etc.  She gets printouts on the weekly crimes.

Zoning and Licensure:
1. Amora Victoria restaurant--Zoning & Licensure committee chairman Gary Farland reported that the owners of the restaurant going into the former Georgios at Lake St. and Irving have applied for an Class E hard liquor on-sale license with Sunday sales and a sidewalk café.  The Victoria proprietors introduced themselves.   They reported that the former wine bar will now be a dining area.  A childrens menu will be included.  Hours:  11AM to 11PM seven days a week.

Chairman Gary Farland made this motion:  "The ECCO board supports the application
of Amora Victoria  for an on-sale liquor Class E license with Sunday sales and sidewalk café."  The motion was seconded and passed.

2.  Tin Fish Liquor License Hearing-- A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30 P.M.  at the Walker Library to solicit information and comments on the on-sale
beer Class E license application by SNP  Enterprises, trade named Tin Fish.   They are
proposing to sell  3.2 beer and malt beverage which includes wine coolers.  There will be
a stipulation on the license that there be no beverage without a food purchase.  There will
be limits on the percentage of  income from alcohol.  The beer cannot go beyond the brick
patio.

Kay Anderson asked whether children will be able to walk up and get an ice cream cone
by themselves since alcohol is being served.  She was assured that  they could do that. 

Gary Farland moved that:  "Be it resolved that the ECCO board supports the application
of the Tin Fish restaurant for an on sale beer class E license."

Motion was seconded and approved.

3. Zoning and Licensure Committee Shoreland Overlay Ordinance meeting--Gary reported that the Shoreland Overlay Ordinance committee had met. It was strongly felt that we needed to study how to get the city council to stand behind the ordinance. 

4. Proposed Lander Project--Gary reported on attending a CIDNA meeting on the
Lander project at the Weisman site.  This is a 10 story and a 12 story building placed
next to the Calhoun Beach Club.  Gary described it  as  our worst nightmare realized.
He saw it as the continued march of buildings around the lake.
Board member Kay Anderson added that Lander, the developer wants to build right up to park land on the East, remove many of the (approximately 18) large cottonwood shade trees growing there on park land and get permission from the Park Board to use that adjacent park land as a patio area for his building.  He says that the patio will be open to the public as well as the inhabitants. Kay indicated that , if done, this would not appear to be a "public" place, but a part of the private building complex.  

Gary Farland moved this resolution:  "The East Calhoun Community Organization Board opposes the granting of  any conditional use permit or variances for buildings at the site of the Weisman building on Lake Calhoun.  We urge the City of Minneapolis to uphold the provisions of the Shoreland Overlay District ordinance, especially with regard to preserving the natural appearance of the shore land." 

Bruce Grim asked if that parcel of land falls within the triangle of land protected
by other laws. Gary said that he felt we still should take a consistent stand on this
issue.  The building of any building that requires Conditional Use Permits on the
north side of the lake."

The motion was seconded and carried.

Twin City Marathon Oct 1 & 2:
Ron Abramson, President of Twin Cities Marathon, reported that this will be the 24th
year of the marathon.  Saturday, October 1 there will be events on the Capitol grounds,
a 5K race and family events.  October 2nd will be the TC Ten Mile Race and then the
marathon.  This is known as the most beautiful urban marathon in the America. There
will be about 8,000 finishers.  Path includes the west side of lake Calhoun. Approximately 300,000 spectators watch the race.  Entry forms available at running
stores.  Marathon.org.  They are looking volunteers.  Animal mascots available for
events. Registration will be filled in about three weeks.

Councilman Report by Gay Noble:
In his absence, Gay Noble reported for Dan Niziolek--

1.  DNR Letter--Kay Anderson asked if Gay had brought a copy of Dan’s letter to the DNR regarding the Shoreland District Overlay.  Gay did not have the letter promised by Dan.

2. Uptown Robberies--Four people were arrested in connected with the armed robberies. There is a continued investigation in that it’s not clear whether all the criminals were
apprehended.  Gay says they are working with the Uptown Business Association to try to bring more police in the Uptown area.

3.  Uptown Transportation and Parking "Visioning" Session-- A "visioning" session
involving people from the four contiguous Uptown & Lake neighborhoods identified
four things needed:  (1) Effective coordination of parking, (2) Transportation alternatives,
(3) Improving the pedestrian realm, (4) Management of traffic, traffic signals, etc. Next meeting will be May 23 at 7:00 PM at Calhoun Square.  Report will be produced in August.

4.  No EAW Study Needed Says Mpls Zoning Committee--A request for an "Environmental Assessment Worksheet" study was requested by citizens concerned
about the air quality that will result from the  Ackerberg-Gassen Development planned for the area behind the Lagoon Theater.  The Mpls Zoning and Planning Committee recommended to the City Council that this study was unnecessary to ensure that the city
has the necessary information in regards to environmental issues related to the project.

Gay said that in the late 1980’s that the Hennepin and Lake intersection failed in terms of it’s carbon monoxide level.  She said that the request was based on that 1980’s data. 

Gay said that a "modeling" of Corbon Monoxide  had been done in that area.  A "modeling" is an calculation by the city or city-hired consultant to estimate what the
level might be currently.

Gay noted that two things have happened since the 1980’s:  Lagoon and Lake Street have been made one way streets. This divided the pollution between the two streets so it would
measure better at the Hennepin & Lake intersection. Also, newer cars produce less carbon
monoxide so that, in general, there is said to be only 60% as there was in the past.

When contacted for clarification, Gay agreed that this current single location estimate is not taking into consideration the future pollutants which will be produced by the large planned projects in the immediate area--or-- all of the future other projects in the
pipeline. 

5.  Development Moratorium passed for Loring Park area--Councilwoman Lisa
Goodman requested a moratorium to stop all development for the Loring Park area.
The city council passed it.  Kay Anderson asked Gay to tell Dan Niziolek that "We
want one".

Gay said that they are going through a planning process. A developer can still seek a waiver, but that the moratorium is now in place for that area. They are going to be doing
a study.  Gay said that they wrote the waiver so that people can still do certain kinds of
additions and garages. 

Kay noted that the idea was that the neighborhood had requested breathing room for all
of this development that’s engulfing the city.   She did it for her district and asked if
we can request that for our neighborhood.  Gay said that a request could be made of
councilman Niziolek. 

Gay suggested that we work with other neighborhoods to bring this forward. It would
strengthen the voice.  She suggested that there was language in the meeting record that
is available. Language about why it was needed and how it was requested. The info
is available on the city website, at zoning and planning. A complete report.  It’s there
now.

Ted Ringsred, board member, asked how the pace of development in that area compares
with that of the Uptown area. Gay replied that she felt it was similar.

Wine Tasting Event is June 15:
President Bruce Grim distributed tickets to board members which they will have for sale
for the June 15 Wine Tasting event. The Hennepin Lake Liquor team was able to get the
tickets to us earlier this year.  Bruce reminded us that this is ECCO’s largest fund-raising
event. Location is Campiellos again under a tent.  They are providing a larger tent this
year because of the good turnout last year.

Kay Anderson, board member, asked what ECCO receives this year from sales. Bruce
said that the tickets will be $25 this year, of which $5 is going for the cost of the larger
tent. The neighborhoods receive $20 of that amount.

Super Sale is June 4:
Bruce Grim distributed flyers to be posted in the neighborhood and in area stores. He
asked for volunteers to help pickup signs after the sale. 

Volunteers Wanted for Mpls Transportation Steering Committee:
President Grim announced a letter from Minneapolis Public Works requesting
volunteers to serve on the Project Steering Committee for the city’s ten year
transportation action plan. Contact Bruce Grimm for details at 825-5831 or email
him at  tckhgb@tcinternet.net.

Citizen for a Lagoon Ackerberg-Gassen Project Environmental Assessment Worksheet
Not Supported by the City Zoning and Planning committee:
Secretary and board member Kay Anderson reported that a citizen request for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet  study was made to the State relating to the Ackerberg-Gassen project planned for the area behind current Lagoon Theaters.  The
City Zoning and Planning committee decided to recommend that it was not necessary.  The city apparently hired a consultant, a former city employee, who said this study was not necessary. 

CARAG & ECCO Neighborhoods Reject the Lagoon Ackerberg-Gassen Project:
Secretary Kay described a long resolution by CARAG neighborhood that they do NOT
support the Lagoon Ackerberg-Gassen Uptown project.  Kay read the key parts of the
a description of the project and the CARAG resolution.  The resolution mainly objected
to the 148 foot condo building.  They found it too tall and out of scale with the surroundings. The resolution noted that the  C3A zoning district  allows buildings up
to four stories. However, the proposed building is 12-13 stories, three times greater than
otherwise allowed. The tallest building in the heart of Uptown is the 4.5 story Uptown
City Apartments building.  Existing buildings around the proposed site are two or three
stories tall. The scale is not in keeping with character of the area. Indeed, it would change
the essential character of the area.  (For more..a complete copy of the resolution, contact Scott Engle in CARAG.  His e-mail is scottengel@carag.org

Board Member, Ted Ringsred  made this motion:
"Be in resolved that ECCO (East Calhoun Neighborhood Organization) recommends that the Minneapolis Planning Commission and City Council deny approval of the proposed Lagoon Ackerman - Gassen mixed use development, and in particular object to the excessive height of the proposed structure."

The motion was seconded and approved by the board.

NRP Update by Erik Hansen, NRP Coordinator:  

1.  "ECCO Info" electronic message service--A motion was made that Erik move forward with the electronic list serve (to be named "ECCO Info" ) and that final approval of the project and operating rules be take place at the June meeting-- and --that Erik will send out the operating rules to the board before that meeting. 

ACTION: Erik obtains new rules wording from Al Anderson, reviews them for
any problems, and e-mails them to the board prior to the June meeting.

2. Loon Lake Trolley Path Steps--Loon Lake Trolley Path Project Chairperson, Kay Anderson, requested that Erik Hansen continue to push the nature path steps NRP project
with the objective of being able to be able to coordinate a grand opening of the new
steps with a mulch laying event on the path.  Target date: End of June.

ACTION: Erick will keep Kay Anderson informed of his progress.

New Newspaper Going Forward:
Board Member Ralph Knox reported that CARAG has appointed the three members
of the Managing Board for the new newspaper.  This board will flesh out the details
that will then be reviewed and approved by the two neighborhood boards.

Ralph has three newspaper board candidates to recommend.

President Bruce Grimm communicated a letter from Steve Buckley provided some
legal review of ECCO’s liabilities relative to the two neighborhood newspaper.
He indicated…(1)There would be no legal cost or liability to the ECCO board if they
only contract to purchase advertising, (2)Any person from ECCO who was selected
to be on the board of directors of the newspaper should be covered by the directors and officers insurance which ECCO has currently, (3)The newspaper should have publisher’s liability insurance.

A motion was made and seconded to appoint Ralph Knox, Gary Farland, and Al Ohme as the three ECCO representatives on the newspaper managing board. The motion passed.

Adjournment:
A motion to adjourn was made and  passed,  the meeting was adjourned.
(Next meeting: Thursday, June 2, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox
Church. West 35th St. and Irving Ave. So.  Open to the Public)
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, April 7, 2005

   ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 7, 2005:
East Calhoun neighborhood monthly meeting

   HIGHLIGHTS:

>Come to the Uptown Parking & Traffic Study meeting, 6:00 p.m., Wed, Apr 27,
at Calhoun Square meeting room.

>Walker Library roof repair will cost much less than first reported.

>City Hall found an extra $21 million.

>Car Stolen?  911 response is 2 to 4 weeks!   (That’s weeks!)

>Planning Commission votes on Ackerberg-Gasson Lagoon Uptown Office Park on
April 25, 4:30 PM, Room 317, City Hall.  Note that the public has not seen the
building application yet. Neither is the applicable traffic study finished yet.  They
will vote anyway!

>Citizens are moving to strengthen the Shoreland District Overlay Ordinance.

>After designing changes in Site Planning procedures for over a year,  the City appears
to be rushing them through without adequate public airing.

>ECCO and CARAG appear to be giving birth to another new neighborhood newspaper.


               ==========================================


Meeting Held:
Thursday, April 7, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of each month, open to public)

Board Members Present:
Kay Anderson (Secretary), Steve Buckley, Tanya Cornelius, Bruce Grimm (President), Anne G. Chase, Ralph Knox (Vice President), Bruce Sabatke,  Keith Ruddick,  Matt Carter, Don McPherson, Sue Lahbil.

Others Present:
Jill Bode (CARAG board), Bill Morton (CARAG Board), Lara Norkus Crampton (ECCO zoning committee), Anne Geske (SW Journal), Linda Schutz (East Isles), Dan Niziolek (Councilman),  Al Anderson (Asst. to Sec’y), Mary Ann Knox (CARAG),  Don Driggs, Suburban World Theater, Marilyn Wesik, Suburban World Theater, Ralph Remington (Candidate for 10th  ward Councilman) , Mary Remington, Nan Bloomquist, Thomas F.  , Paul Seviola, Seviola Construction, Brian Scalia  from Calhoun Beach Victorian Flats.

Welcome:
President, Bruce Grimm, called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.


Open Forum:
1.  If Walls Could Talk Show--A Home and Gardens show contacted Bruce Grimm.
They are looking for stories in this area.  Interested in homes where artifacts have been
found in or around the home or research about the home. Contact Bruce Grimm.

2. Lara Norkus Crampton reported that there is Democratic convention coming up to
endorse candidates for  city council, park board, etc.  Next week there is an open
forum to meet 10th Ward candidates at Gigi’s Café, Bryant Ave & 36th street, 
Tues, 7:00 P.M.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The  March minutes were approved as was the proposed meeting agenda.


Councilman Niziolek’s Report:
Dan Niziolek reported:
1. Blue Ribbon--No change on the status of the empty Blue Ribbon Cleaners Building.

2. Parking Study--Up and going.  Councilman Niziolek is going to do a visioning session at the end of this month on parking and traffic in the Uptown area. Wednesday, April 27, 6:00 P.M., Calhoun Square meeting room.  Study subject was initiated because of the
various parking and traffic problems being experienced by businesses and  area residents.
Meeting will also address future needs & solutions.  Open to the public.

ACTION: Need three representatives from each area neighborhood plus Uptown Business
Association plus South Hennepin. Call Councilman Niziolek’s office at 673-2210.

3. Walker Library--Task force recommended not to accept any of the bids put forth by the
developers.   Dan said that it has been determined that the library roof deck can be
repaired to last ten years for $135,000 --compared with the. $750,000 quoted months ago.

(A call to Pat Scott, citizen concerned with the library, revealed that recent inspection
showed no additional damage to the library roof since 2002.  Repairs can be made from
inside the library which should extend the life ten years. An overhead height limiting barricade is being considered to prevent heavy trucks from entering the parking lot.)


4. City Money Found--Councilman Niziolek announced that the city, which was so short
on funds the past fiscal year, has found itself with an extra  $21.6 million.  Dan says they are looking into what kind of management led to this "surprise".  He said that $10 million will be immediately taken to pay down public safety pension debt. (Shows what eating
at your desk can do!)

5. 911 Service--Dan learned lately that , for less serious offenses, like having your car
stolen or vandalism, that the "response" time is now two to four weeks.  (A chop shop
can make your car vanish in 90 minutes).

6. Helicopter on the Roof?-- Dan reported that that the helicopter you thought was
dropping into your bedroom on Monday night was the police chasing a stolen car in ECCO.  The thieves baled out at 35th and Hennepin.  (Gee, this was much faster than 2-4 weeks 911 response time.  Was this the Chief’s car? )

7. Less Police and Traffic in Our Area--The police chief has started a "STOP" initiative
by consolidating fifty officers to cover "hot spots" throughout the city.  Dan Z. reported
that this results in our 5th Precinct losing an additional six officers.  The city wide traffic
unit also has been depleted some to serve this purpose.

8. Crime is down, Dan says that crime is reportedly down in our area, thanks to superior
police work.

9. Ackerberg Lagoon Office Park--Councilman Dan Z. reports that the Planning commission will vote on the Ackerberg-Gassen Office Park in Uptown on April 25,
4:30 P.M. at Rm 317 City Hall.  This project will add a 12 story , 100 plus condos, 160 foot high condo tower and a  five story office building.  The project will add 750 cars to the area in an underground parking facility.

Dan reports that,  at the Planning Commission meeting, the builder is looking for " a number of  C.U.P.s",  including a C.U.P for height, a set-back, a re-zoning of one parcel
of land. 

Kay Anderson, board member, asked whether the underground parking will be located
only under the structures, or, will they extend out under the green space, reducing the
total available pervious surface.  Dan replied that the parking will extend out further than the building, but there will be some pervious areas. Dan said the water run-off  will be "treated" on-site.   (No one seems interested in treating the air from all the extra traffic, however).

Lara Norkus Crampton asked about the intended traffic patterns of this project.  Dan said
that the traffic study has not been completed.  Dan says that one of the things the developers are looking for is a left turn lane into the site by the Tansit Station .  Changing the timing of the stoplights is also proposed.  Dan says the Lagoon intersections were
failing, based on level "D" service (D= "acceptable).  Dan indicated that according to some other cities, that less than "acceptable" level would be O.K.  (with these cities)  if
it was for a limited period of time during the day. (Q: Like during the prime rush hour??) 

Lara said there was supposed to be a major vote by the Planning Commission coming up
and the traffic study isn’t complete.  Dan doesn’t know when it will be complete.  Lara
pointed out that traffic was a very controversial part of this project.  That it doesn’t make
sense to vote on the project without the traffic report. 

Other board members expressed the opinion that the Planning Commission should have the traffic report completed before they vote on the project.   However, Dan said that the Planning Commission can make their decision without the traffic report.  He said that
ideally, it would be nice for the commission to have, but they don’t need the traffic report
to go ahead, even though a traffic report is required. (Uh, what was that again?)

10. Shoreland Overlay District--The East Calhoun Zoning Committee and other interested
parties from a couple adjacent neighborhoods met to discuss a proposed future strengthening of the Shoreland District Overlay Ordinance.  Councilman Niziolek’s office is sending sent a letter (Mon, 4/ 05) to the DNR, requesting any guidance and helpful commentary they can offer on this subject. 

Neighborhoods situated near lakes and SOD boundaries and major "corridors" will be identified and plans call for a contact  by the committee members-- advising them of the committee’s intent and inviting their input. 

ACTION: Dan indicated that the DNR letter will be sent on 4/11/05.  Dan will send a copy to ECCO Secretary, Kay Anderson.

11. Edgewater C.U.P. conditions--Zoning committee will met with  Edgewater representatives at St. Marys, 6:00 P.M. Monday, April 11.  Subject is the promised
tree growth and reviewing other agreed upon conditions.

12. Green House apartments--Tenants of the Green House apartments at 36th and
Hennepin Ave. South have raised some issues with Financial Freedom, the new owner,
regarding being given improper legal notice to vacate.  The Central Community Housing Trust is currently involved with this property,  potentially, with 14 units to be sold as affordable rental housing.

13. Suburban World--Don Driggs reported that, at present, he is not making any changes
in the property.  They will have a live theater venue.  Don Driggs asked Dan Z. about
some of his permit and zoning issues.

Zoning Committee:
3149 Holmes--Dan Foldz (?) , Treasurer of Calhoun Beach Victorian Flats was introduced  as one of the new owners of  a older brick four plex at 3149 Holmes Ave So.  The owners intend to garage parking for each of four units being converted to condos by constructing a four car garage. The changes were approved and recommended to the board by the zoning committee.  Steve Buckley, board member, moved to approve their planned improvements which were seconded and approved.

Site Planning Impending Changes:
(As reported by Al Anderson, resident) Back in March, a notice was circulated by CPED that a meeting was going to take place in North Minneapolis regarding some "streamlining" changes in site planning procedures and ordinances.  The notice mentioned that these changes would be effective "city-wide".  A group of citizens attended the meeting and were somewhat alarmed at the  extent of the changes taking place--with only a minimum of public notice, review or discussion. 

One concern was these changes might have a substantial effect on eliminating the public receiving notice about new projects in the city and in the neighborhoods.   After obtaining copies of the proposed changes, four citizens from ECCO and East Isles worked extensively, to review and speculate regarding the significance and intentions of  these impending changes.

Later, at a Community Planning Commission hearing, the team of four citizens requested more time to understand these changes,  they provided some specific recommendations,  and questioned many of the proposed changes.  Essentially ignoring these requests, the Planning Commission abruptly approved the planning department’s staff document.  Nothing that the citizens  presented was considered at that time (The citizen team submitted a ten page document of concerns and suggestions).
  
Linda Schutz was asked to appear at the current ECCO Board meeting to review and to briefly interpret this information and it’s significance for the board:

Councilman Dan Niziolek was first invited to comment.  He appeared to indicate an overall approval of the city’s proposed changes and cited some examples to illustrate the reasons behind the extensive revisions.  He seemed to indicate his approval that one meeting was adequate for a public airing and that the one meeting notice that went out was sufficient to inform the city.

Linda Schutz then offered the following proposed resolution to the ECCO Board:

"Resolution on Proposed Revision to the City of Minneapolis Zoning Code
  Chapters 525 (General Applicability), 530 (Site Plan Review), and 535 (Fees)"

After review by the Zoning Committee and recommendation that the resolution be passed, the board approved and passed the resolution.

Following are some of the observations made by the reviewing team and others
relative to this resolution:

1.  We are asking that prior to adoption of the proposed revisions by the City Council
that the other neighborhoods be allowed to review this subject.  Just one meeting way up
in North Minneapolis just did not do the subject justice. Some neighborhoods have not had any information communicated to them.

2.  If the expiration this Spring of the moratorium on new housing on the North side of Minneapolis requires adoption of some of the revisions,  then the City should go ahead and adopt those. Some of those are good, the ones about enhanced window requirements, the ones about bonus points, those are good and we agree with those changes.  But at the same time, when those occur, we want to make sure there is enhanced notification provisions.  Neighborhoods are concerned that we will never find out about these things. This could make people very unhappy, if not notified.

3.  Only after those three or four residential public meetings would we suggest that you
adopt the non-residential changes.  They are very significant.  For example, one of the
thresholds for no public notice and no public review, would involve buildings under
20,000 square feet, a very large building.  If those kinds of buildings are going to be put
under the decision-making of a city staff person and no longer receiving public scrutiny,
you must notify the neighborhood association.  You must notify the council person affected.

4.  Kay Anderson, team member noted that so much is being delegated down here. She
indicated that the problem is that  there are conflict of interest dilemmas involved here.

5. Kay Anderson also observed that there are over 80 neighborhoods in the city that supposedly were notified. " It wasn’t in red ink, it wasn’t in bold print.  Thirty
people showed up out of 80 plus neighborhoods!"   

6. Jill Bode, a board member from CARAG,  attended the Planning Committee Meeting. She observed that her impression was that the City Planning Commission did not do
the job of notifying the neighborhoods, that they "rubber stamped" the recommendations
of the staff, and did not even try to answer questions.  " I was not impressed at all."

ACTION:  Notify Dan Niziolek of the above ECCO Board resolution.  Copy other
relevant parties.


New Neighborhood Newspaper:
Vice President Ralph Knox described how a hard working committee of Carag and Ecco people was able to collect the accounts receivable owed to the old paper.  They were
able to balance out approximately even.  The committee agreed to close out the books
on the old ECN newspaper and begin with a clean slate. 

Ralph said that a managing board is needed to run the new newspaper.

The committee recommended that the neighborhood insurance be used to cover the
newspaper operation.  The committee further proposed that CARAG assume ownership
of the East Calhoun News. 

Steve Buckley asked if the agreement between the neighborhoods would require a
contract and/or  legal advice.  Steve said he would get some legal opinion regarding this
type of joint neighborhood agreement.  Steve asked for committee comments regarding
liability issues.  Mary Ann Knox responded that the committee had talked to about
15 other neighborhood groups and found no problems. Everyone responded no problems
experienced.

Bruce Grimm, after a review of the ECCO organization insurance with the agent indicated that ECCO had directors’ insurance (tied in with NRP).  He also said he
found that we have liability insurance should anyone get hurt at one of our events.
He did not know how it covers a connection with another group or sub-group.

ACTION:  Steve Buckley, board member, will pursue the subject.

Bruce suggested that a minimal obligation would be to allocate a set amount of
money for advertising, over the next three years, for example.

Bruce wondered what relation the newspaper managing board would have with the ECCO board and/or with CARAG.

Al Anderson suggested that, at minimum, we could act as an advertising account,
providing advertising support.

Kay Anderson commented that the Hill and Lake press has this year surpassed the
$25,000 in revenue mark, which she indicated is good news for a small newspaper.

Discussion of the newspaper revenue sources noted that  NRP funds for advertising
community events was one source which might be provided by ECCO. The idea of
designating funds for a beginning, three year time-span was discussed.

Fund raisers for the newspaper was mentioned as a favorable idea.

President Bruce Grimm suggested that a NRP Phase I committee meeting be held
before the next board meeting--to address the subject of the newspaper and its
possible support.

The question of finding the three managing members of the newspaper committee was
highlighted.  Ralph Knox pointed out that there already are two members with himself
and Gary Farland who have been working in the interest of the new newspaper.  In addition, there is another ECCO resident who has an interest in this role.

Anne G. Chase, board member, made the following motion regarding cooperation
with CARAG on the new newspaper:

"The ECCO Board recommends the importance of a local newspaper to the neighborhood quality of life, supports the proposal of a joint CARAG-ECCO publication and will work
with CARAG  to review, consider and come to consensus regarding the details of the plan
presented by Ralph Knox at this meeting."  The motion carried.

More Traffic for ECCO Streets?:
Kay Anderson, secretary, reported that the East Isles Neighborhood recently was asked by
Council Person Lisa Goodman to consider changing Humboldt Ave, a one-way street, at W. 28th Street and Irving Ave, a one-way street in the same area--to two-way streets in
order to accommodate all the traffic that will result from development being proposed for the Hennepin and Lake area.  Kay said that it is very possible that that traffic may come zooming into ECCO.  We should be aware of that issue and proposal.

Linda Schutz, East Isles resident present, added that parking would be removed on one side of Irving Avenue.  The agenda, she said, evidently is to use the residential streets as thoroughfares.

Adjournment:
A motion to adjourn was made and  passed,  the meeting was adjourned. 

(Next meeting: Thursday, Apr 14, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox
Church. West 35th St. and Irving Ave. So.  Open to the Public)

######

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, March 3, 2005

   ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 2005:
East Calhoun neighborhood monthly meeting

   HIGHLIGHTS:
   Park Board reportedly will re-zone our Lake Calhoun lakeshore "Commercial"!
       (Tin Fish owners say Park Board wanted liquor there from the beginning.)

   Bob Fine, our Park Commissioner, missed March meeting, will be at our Thursday,
    April 7 board meeting. Public Invited.

   ECCO Greenhouse Apt. tenant describes treatment by Financial Freedom
       developer.

   CIDNA neighborhood rejects Ackerberg project on Lake Calhoun. It goes
     downtown without neighborhood endorsement.

  Two meetings planned:  (1) Uptown parking    (2) 911 emergency service.

  ECCO neighborhood e-mail mass announcement tool coming soon.

  Shoreland District Overlay --meeting to give it more clout set for Tues,
      March  22, St. Mary’s Greek Church, 7:00 P.M.  Public Welcome.

 Wine Tasting Event coming: June 15th.  Tickets available May 1st.
      Location to finalized. 


Meeting Held:
Thursday, March 3, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Board Members Present:
Ted Ringsred, Gary Farland,  Bruce Grimm (President), Ralph Knox (Vice President), Bruce Sabatke, Steve Buckley, Keith Ruddick,  Matt Carter, Don McPherson. 

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Allan Bernard (Ecco resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat), Bill Morton (Carag Board), Scott Persons (Lyndale neighborhood resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat), Lara Norkus Crampton (Ecco zoning committee), Anne Geske (SW Journal), Julie Hall (Greenhouse Apt.), Stephea Fisch (Greenhouse Apt.), John Lilly (candidate, Minneapolis Park Board), Sheffield & Athena
Priest (Tin Fish restaurant).

Welcome:
President, Bruce Grimm, called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The  February minutes were approved as was the current meeting agenda with a
change in program sequence.

Open Forum:
1. Greenhouse Apartments Tenant Problems--Julie Hall, tenant in the Greenhouse Apartments at 36th St. and Hennepin Ave. S. reported that she has been working with
Dan Niziolek, trying to impact preserving as much affordable housing in the community as possible.  Her building was purchased (Financial Freedom, Clark Gassen) with the tenants given 120 days to move out.  Hall said that after the notice was given, it was
determined that the notice was not legal. Concern was expressed that Financial Freedom, which has bought many area properties, is not doing things in an ethical and moral way.  Hall said that Niziolek is going to propose some laws so that, when operations like Financial Freedom purchase a building, there will be someone who looks at the purchase agreement and says that it’s o.k.  Someone who might be able to regulate how many units they purchase.  She said the building contains many seniors and others who need more than 120 days to comfortably get things together to move. 

Hall reported that workmen are appearing before 8:00 A.M in the morning and working past 5:00 P.M in the evening.  She said there is no longer security in the building.
She asked for support from neighborhood organizations to write the council members to tell them that affordable housing in the city is disappearing. She felt that this is happening because companies such as Financial Freedom can go in, buy a place and do what
they want, not having anybody oversee whether they are doing it legally.  Her group
has enlisted the help of the Legal Aid Society. A lawyer is going to be sending a letter
to Gassen. There is interest in trying to buy back the building and make it a cooperative.
The Greenhouse Tenants Assocation has been formed. They are trying to get the word
out, making people informed about what is happening.

Upon questioning,  Julie said that the notice delivered to the tenants was not legally
presented to them. It contained no purchase agreement.  She said that the developer has have not been friendly about offering the tenants an opportunity to buy their units.  They simply left notices at the apartment doors.  They did include information that disabled tenants or senior citizens or those tenants covered by section eight, could have an additional sixty days to move.  However, the tenants had to put that request in writing within thirty days.

One tenant covered by Section eight regulations contacted attorneys who reviewed the purchase agreement.  The price of the units was not included in the agreement.  Hall said a condo association was not formed, something she said must be completed before these steps take place. 

Steve Buckley, board member, warned Ms. Hall that when Financial Freedom bought the Edgewater apartment building and secured variances etc. to go beyond the height
limits and other considerations, that he and his wife sponsored an appeal to the City
Council.  He said one of the issues was the loss of affordable housing.  He said that the
City Council did not even address the affordable housing issue.  Steve said that he felt that the full City Council did not care about affordable housing.

ACTION: President Bruce Grim will ask council member Dan Z. (absent this meeting)
for an update on this situation at the April board meeting.

2. Lake Calhoun Tin Fish Restaurant Will be REZONED COMMERCIAL for BEER/WINE--Sheffield and Athena Priest, owners of the Tin Fish restaurant (located in the lake Calhoun refectory at E. Calhoun Parkway and W. Lake Street) introduced themselves.  They thanked the community for the favorable response to the restaurant. 

Asked about the rumored expansion of the Tin Fish, Sheffield said that he had been down at the Park Board getting approval of the expansion the previous day.  He said the plan is to block off the hallway that runs to the back of the building from the dining area.  He said the purpose is to acquire more freezer space.

Asked about the talk that there may be a liquor license at this park facility, Sheffield
said he can’t apply for a strong beer and wine license now because the park, the lake and "whole area" is zoned residential.  In order to apply for beer and wine, he said they will
need to have the Park Board go to the city and have a survey done-- to portion off the restaurant and it’s surrounding area and re-zone that commercial.  Then, they can apply for strong beer and wine.  He did not know if  they could ever apply for a full liquor license. (They said that they would never apply for full liquor.) 

He said because it is going to be a year long process for the Park Board to go to the city and have the building re-zoned commercial for beer and wine, but in the meantime, they can and intend to apply for a  3.2 beer license and serve wine coolers for this summer.

Athena Priest claimed that the neighborhood was requesting that the Tin Fish serve
alcohol. She said they were surprised at the degree of interest in alcohol.  She said that
the neighborhood was asking what could they could do to help get it.   She said that it
was recommended to them by the Park Board that to petition to show that there was that
much interest.  She said that this was something that the Park Board had really wanted
at the beginning, knowing this would mean increased revenue to the Park Board.

Sheffield said that they had been very deliberate that they did not want beer and wine in their first season of operation--even though some of the Park Board members proposed,
asked us to open that way.  He said they had felt that a restaurant without beer or wine
would still be a wonderful restaurant there.  

3. Parking a Problem at No. Calhoun Developments?-- Lara Norkus Crampton, ECCO zoning committee member reported many concerns expressed at CIDNA neighborhood meetings about parking and the adequacy of traffic studies done relating to the 250 units proposed by Ackerberg and the other developments.  About 350 more units are anticipated.  She said some individuals present, with more expertise than the average citizen, looked at the traffic study and said it focused specifically on people going to and from work. It did not talk about activity during the height of the Summer season when the population really grows around the lakes. Lara said that other studies show that renters in apartment buildings are in and out a lot more, doing a lot more short trips.  This suggested that the studies that have been done are grossly inadequate to indicate the real impact these new developments will have on the traffic on the north side of Lake Calhoun.  Not to mention all the other development that is taking place nearby in Uptown.

Regarding parking,  Lara said that prior to the Akerberg project (by Trygs restaurant), all the projects on the north side of the lake agreed to have parking for all the people living there as well as long term parking for visitors. She noted that if they don’t park in the lots, they are parking out on the streets, competing with other residents and the people using the parkways and parks.  She said area residents already express negative attitudes toward the Calhoun Beach Club because all the parking is paid parking. People look for parking out on the street to avoid paying for parking.

The Ackerberg project will be requiring residents to pay extra for parking and will not be allowing for visitor parking.  Therefore, the CIDNA neighborhood board refused to provide approval for this project.  It now goes before the city without neighborhood approval.

Steve Buckley commented that this situation was frustrating for him.  He said that he
previously had brought up the lack of traffic studies and the increased demand on parking at the Edgewater condo project (East side of lake).  Steve said this information seemed to be regarded by the city as irrelevant during his formal appeal.

Lara responded that the difference here may be that there were a couple of good architects who looked at the traffic studies and "knew crap when they saw it."  She is encouraging
them to compose letters to the Planning Commission.

Lara noted that because these developments are all happening so fast, that it is difficult
for anybody to do any good planning.

Lara reported that the buildings are being planned for about four stories.  However, the
Lander building (on the Weisman site) is said to have their sights on ten stories.

She again noted that the citizens are making it very clear that they are not happy with these projects.  Lara said that these negotiations highlight that the citizens really need help on the "inside."  She noted that the city wide elections are approaching.

Lara said that she felt that the neighborhood approval carries some weight with the city.
Related to this, Bruce Grimm, president, observed that it should be suggested to the CIDNA board that they have an opportunity to solicit the support of multiple adjacent neighborhoods to add support to their own positions and resolutions.  In ECCO’s case, he noted that it is our neighborhood that has to look at all that development across the lake.

Steve Buckley noted that his appeal had cost he and his wife about $4500.  He suggested
that there may be a need for a common neighborhood fund, legal or otherwise that would
be used to help protect our lakes.

Lara said that in response to one of the developments, the CIDNA neighborhood established a legal fund which seemed to get attention and developer cooperation.   
Lara mentioned the idea of a Chain of Lakes consortium would be a good long range
pursuit.

ACTION:  Lara will continue to monitor the activities. Thanks, Lara! Good Job.

4. John Lilly, Citywide Park Board Candidate--John Lilly, a city wide candidate
for the Park Board Introduced himself to the board.

Minutes and Agenda Approved--The February minutes and the revised meeting
agenda were approved.

Council member Report:
President Bruce Grimm relayed this information from the (absent) Council member--

1. March 21 Parking Study Meeting--Pres. Bruce Grimm reported an Uptown parking study meeting will be held at 6 P.M. Monday March 21 at Uptown Calhoun Square,
Arts Gallery room space, Second Floor. They requested two or more ECCO people   attend.  Please contact the council member’s office at 673-2210 for more info.

2. Councilmen Dan Niziolek, Gary Schiff and Zimmerman will hold a town hall meeting
about 911 emergency service on March 30 at 7 P.M. at South High School auditorium,
3131 19th Ave. South.  Open to the public.

NRP Update--
1. NRP Phase 2 Participation Agreement--Erik Hansen reported that the Phase 2 Planning Committee met to discuss the NRP Participation agreement, the document that outlines what, how and when the neighborhood NRP projects will be executed.  Committee provided input. Erik will draft the agreement.

ACTION:  Erik will have the document to the Board in  April or May.

2. Neighborhood List Serve Communication Tool--At the April meeting, the List Serve
communication tool should be operative, following approval of the rules of operation.

Action: Erik and List Serve committee members will get the recommended rules of
operation for the ECCO ListServe completed.

Shoreland District Overlay Ordinance--Gary Farland reported that  a meeting is planned
for Tues, March 22nd, 7:00 P.M. at the Greek Church. Purpose is to discuss the Shoreland District Overlay Ordinance and how to strengthen it,  making the intent completely clear. This is a city-wide issue.  In addition, meeting discuss a neighborhood development plan.  Public is welcome to come and participate in this process.


Board Member Keith Ruddick asked whether the Shoreland Overlay Ordinance isn’t a
Park Board Issue.  He noted that the ordinance contained a many  words, the result of a lot of past work by the originators of this ordinance.  However, he noted it is quite obvious what it says. However, the one statement on the Conditional Use Permit,  gives an "out"--"The height limitation of principal structures, may be increased by Conditional Use Permit, as provided in Chapter 525, Administration and Enforcement.."

Gary Farland said that the Shoreland  Ordinance is more specific and extensive than the
conditional use requirements in 525.  It really takes precedent…

Bruce Grimm commented that  Councilman Dan Niziolek took the position that doing a
neighborhood master plan would have more clout downtown than the Shoreland District Overlay Ordinance.

Board member Ruddick asked why the City Council would pay more attention to a single neighborhood plan than to a city wide ordinance.

Allan Bernard pointed out that when a neighborhood has produced a neighborhood plan
in conjunction with a professional city planner, then he felt that the plan is likely to be adopted by the City, which is more likely to abide by it.  However, he pointed out that a neighborhood plan may take as much as a year and a half to complete.

At the meeting, the two subjects will be addressed.

Allan Bernard said that a Conditional Use Permit is something that is granted  unless
you can demonstrate that granting would have a huge detrimental effect.  A variance puts
the burden of proof  on the applicant to prove that there is some hardship not of their
making and therefore they should be allowed to have it. 

Allan said that putting variance into the Shoreland District Overlay makes it more
difficult to get exceptions to it.

Board Member Steve Buckley commented that we should include something about
visual pollution in the ordinance as well. 

Lara Norkus Crampton reminded the group that the original Shoreland District Overlay was originated years ago in response to a height issue of  proposed buildings .

Gary Farland, board member, said that based on the neighborhood’s Edgewater experience, the wording is too ambiguous and should be tightened up.  He saw the overriding issue is to try to preserve the naturalness of our parks and lakes, which are a tempting target for development.

Ted Ringsrud, board member, expressed the opinion that the neighborhood plan and
the SOD are not mutually exclusive.  He thought it unlikely that  any SOD with
"teeth" in it would get past the City Council.

Lara commented that she will contacted some of the parties originally involved in the
SOD and invite them to the meeting.

ACTION: Lara will alert interested parties to the SOD meeting.

Steve Buckley commented that the City was mandated by the state to come up with some
form of environmental protection…He said he will pursue this to see what other cities
have done to protects their waterways.

ACTION: Steve will check the state environmental protection regulations.  


Wine Tasting Event--President Bruce Grimm announced that the Wine Tasting Event
will be June 15th.  This year, the tickets will be available earlier, on May 1st. The
location will be confirmed by Bruce at the next meeting:

Action:  Bruce will confirm the location.

Adjournment:
Motion was made and carried to adjourn the meeting.

EAST CALHOUN NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:00 P.M. AT ST. MARY’S GREEK
CHURCH, W. 35TH ST. AND IRVING AVE SO.  PUBLIC INVITED.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, February 3, 2005

   ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES  FOR FEBRUARY 2005:

Thursday, February 3, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Board Members Present:
Kay Anderson (Secretary),  Ted Ringsred, Gary Farland,  Bruce Grimm (President), Ralph Knox (Vice President), Bruce Sabatke, Steve Buckley, Keith Ruddick, Anne G. Chase, Tanya Cornelius, Ted Ringsred,

Others Present:
Al Anderson (Asst. to Sec’y), Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Dan Niziolek (City Council),  Allan Bernard (Ecco resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat),
Bill Morton (Carag Board), Scott Persons (Lyndale neighborhood resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat), Chip Alberg (resident), Ralph Remington (East Harriet
neighborhood resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat), Mary Remington (East
Harriet resident), Gay Noble (Carag neighborhood resident, candidate for 10th ward council seat), Lara Norkus Crampton (Ecco zoning committee), Jeremy Stratton (SW Journal), Deborah Jans (Ecco resident), Lt. Marie Przynski (Mpls Police Dept, 5th Precinct), Beth Eliot (Sr. Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development).

Welcome:
President, Bruce Grimm, called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The  January minutes were approved as was the current meeting agenda with a
change in program sequence.

Open Forum:
1. Minneapolis Parks Legacy Society--Kay Anderson, board member provided a petition
provided by a lady who is the recipient of all of the historical records for the Wirth family.  The petition is to urge the Minneapolis Park Board to make the Wirth home located at Lyndale Farmstead a historical place containing all the files, to have it open to
the public and to have a study area. 

2. Inconvenient Public Input ? --Kay Anderson reported that the Standards and Conduct committee of the Minneapolis Park Board on Wed, Feb 2/05  voted to move open time for public comment from 6:00 P.M. to a less convenient time of 4:45 P.M. --pending a full vote of approval on February 16.  This moves the open time to a time when it is off the air for broadcasting.

3. Caucus Workshops Offered--Ms. Anderson reported that the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits will be presenting caucus training workshops in February. Anyone interested may contact Kay for details. Precinct caucuses will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005.  Understanding how caucuses work is an important  first step on the road to the upcoming local elections.  Remember, we have all 13 council members,  the mayor and all nine park commissioners are up for election this year. The Minneapolis NRP is partnering with the MN Council of Non-Profits and the Midtown YWCA to sponsor three workshops geared toward educating people about how to make sense of, and navigate through their caucus.

Dates of workshops:   Wed, Feb 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Folwell Recreation Center
1615 Dowling Ave N

Thurs, Feb 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Midtown YWCA, Room 155
2121 East Lake St

Thurs, Feb 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Northeast Middle School
2955 Hayes St. N.E.

4.  Political Donors List--Kay Anderson reported that The Southwest Journal may be publishing an article on donations received by politicians.  This will likely be in a Feb 21 edition. (At least one council person already has nearly $100,000 ready for the next election.)

5. Park Oak Trees--Kay Anderson reported on her contacts with John Herman, attorney for the planned Edgewater condo building.  In his letter to the Minneapolis zoning committee, Mr. Herman had referenced a professional arborist who he had told him that, the young 15 foot burr oak trees situated in the ECCO Sculpture park next to the Edgewater building, will grow and largely obscure the view of the building from Lake Calhoun--in ten years.   Kay contacted Herman and the arborist, Peter MacDonagh, and is now waiting for a reply on how we can grow these trees so rapidly to obscure the 84 foot building.

6. Green Roofs?--Kay reported on an article in The Minneapolis Observer dated Feb 2005 by Robert Johnson , a professor Emeritus from the University of Minnesota.  In one of the "backtalk" articles the prof described the University’s past experience with a "green roof.".  Installed on the University of MN Law School Building in 1980, by 2000, the green roof was such a disaster that it had to be removed at significant cost.  His opinion, as an engineer, is that green roofs are just another architectural fad.     

7. Air "Quality??"--Kay Anderson noted that over the past twenty five years,  we have not had the disastrous air quality we experienced in the past few days.  She has received expressions of concern that, with all the development occurring in our area, together with the growing vehicle traffic gridlock, that the exhaust emissions in the lakes and Uptown area are going to continue to degrade the breatheability of our air.

8. Kay described a specific traffic gridlock rush hour problem that has been identified in the CIDNA projects where many autos may end up sitting and idling close to residential units while they wait to exit onto busy major streets--which may be gridlocked.  Exhaust fumes generated could become a big health issue to the current  residents once these new buildings are up.

9. Development Guidelines for ECCO?--Lara Norkus Crampton offered comments describing her experience attending meetings of the Cedar Isles Dean Neighborhood Association with developers planning condo buildings in that area.  She said that she gained substantial insights from attending these meetings, much of them from informed
citizens.  She noted what she sees as a lack of support for the ordinary citizens from those in the city government.  She reported how Bob Corrick, a  CIDNA  leader,  had initiated guidelines for development in that neighborhood.   These guidelines were approved and appear to have been helpful in facilitating planning, Lara reported.  She recommended that ECCO begin a similar set of development guidelines. 

Lara also noted that traffic continues to be an important issue with the CIDNA projects. She concluded by stressing the need for enhancing and maintaining neighborhood to neighborhood communications in order to keep people informed on these various issues.

10. Shoreland overlay muscle?--President Bruce Grim urged that the Zoning and Licensure committee begin working on a plan for strengthening the Shoreland Overlay Ordinance.  He noted that Councilman Niziolek had said he would work with a committee on this subject.

11. DFL Caucus is March 1, 2005--People who are elected delegates from the convention handle the endorsements for the DFL.   Lara said that the endorsed DFL candidate from that convention usually wins in our ward.  The Ward 10 convention meeting place is at Jefferson School. 

Lara Norkus Crampton proposed that a candidates’ forum be held before the caucus. 

12.  Thirty one jobs up for grabs!!--Deborah Jans, the DFL precinct co-chairperson, urged anyone who has a strong interest in the mayoral, city council or park board races to come to the March 1st meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson School on Hennepin Avenue and W. 26th St.  All the City Council seats, all the Park Board commissioners and other
offices are up for election this November.  (Deborah may be contacted at djans3MNS.com)

Ms. Jans said that she is a co-chairperson along with Alan Bernard’s wife, Nancy, and Steve Kelton. (Alan is running as a candidate for city councilman of the 10th ward)

(So far, there are five candidates to replace Councilman Dan Niziolek in the 10th ward.)

13. Gay Noble, a candidate for city council representing the 10th Ward, invited anyone who would like to contact her regarding any neighborhood issues and possible solutions at gnoble2005@MSN.com    Gay noted that since she currently works in the 10th ward office, therefore, she must have some boundaries separating her job and her political campaign activities. This email address is for her after work consultations.

Neighborhood Graffiti:
Lt. Marie Przynski from the 5th Precinct, Sector 2, of the Minneapolis Police Department, introduced herself as a new representative whom we will be seeing at future meetings.  Lt. Przynski  distributed the "Fighting Graffiti in Minneapolis" booklet.  It tells how to remove and cover graffiti in addition to where to call.  Lt. Przynski may be contacted   by phone at 612-673-5585 or e-mail  at Marie.Przynski@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

If you see "in-progress" graffiti, simply call 911 and report it immediately.

For NOT in progress graffiti, call the graffiti hot-line at 612-673-2090 to report it to be
recorded and photographed as evidence.  Please do NOT remove graffiti until you are notified by the Community Service Officer that it has been photographed as evidence.

Councilman Dan Niziolek’s Report:
1.  New Sales Tax?--At our last month’s January 2005 board meeting, Councilman Niziolek announced that councilman Paul Ostrow had proposed a new city sales tax of an added one half cent increase to go to the general fund for public safety. When asked what
sales taxes were already being levied, Dan said he would get the details and report back.
In this Feb meeting, he provided a handout listing five Minneapolis Sales/Entertainment
Taxes currently being levied in Minneapolis. The new public safety tax would be the sixth tax:

3.0% Citywide Entertainment tax--$7 to $8 million goes to the general fund
            (police, fire and public works).  $1 million to help pay debt on the Target Center.

.5% Citywide Sales tax -- to pay for the Convention Center, for capital and operations. ( .5% means a tax of a half cent on every dollar we spend in the city)

3.0% Citywide Lodging tax--to pay for the Convention Center debt and operations.

3.0% Downtown Restaurant Tax--to pay for the Convention Center debt and
operations.

3.0% Downtown Liquor Tax--to pay for the Convention Center dept and
operations.

(Note that Metrodome related taxes ceased when financial requirements were met.)

In addition, Dan said that the Council has looked at having a parking tax on the downtown parking facilities.  Dan noted that a parking tax is less regressive than a
sales tax.

2.  Merging 911 Systems? -- Dan noted that the city is looking at a merger of the city’s
911 system with the county, a  4 to 5 million savings annually.

3.  Administrative Citations Program Working--A new civil program for citing housing and maintenance violations (and fining them) has began working over the past year. Over
600 tags were issued, generating over $125,000.   Program has been effective, Dan
says, with very few second time offenders.  Only $20,000 has been collected.  The
balance will be assessed against the property taxes.

Re-inspection penalties have been instituted so that property owner pays a fee if an inspector has to make a return visit to an offending property.

4.  Restaurant or a Nightclub?--The Tonic is going to be doing more of a restaurant, which Dan says it was supposed to have been when it opened initially.  Dan says he
has introduced wording to better define what a restaurant is vs. a nightclub.  The
licensing department is creating a work plan in the next twelve months on how to
revamp and improve our liquor licensing.  Rules, enforcement and consequences.

5. Community Engagement? --  A letter recently went out to the neighborhood about
CPED’s re-direction and then the take-back of the re-direction.  The memo said that
the Committee for Planning and Economic Development was re-defining their
relationship with the neighborhoods, from a consulting to an informing role.  Subsequent
to that, they have changed the message.  Dan said there are still problems with the
directive coming CPED regarding citizen participation.   They want to re-define that
"contract", but they have never talked to the neighborhoods about citizen participation.

The Planning department wants to remove the 45 day review requirement allowed for the neighborhood when an economic development program is about to go forward. Dan said that CPED wants to call it a "funding contract".  Dan says this label totally respects what the neighborhood brings to the table.  This subject is coming to the full counsel next Friday February 11, 2005 (about whether the 45 day review period should be there or not.  Dan says if it is not in there, it further reflects how the city government values (or does not value) the community  in this process--which should be a joint process.

(For more information on this meeting, contact Dan’s office at 612-673-2210 or email
him at dan.niziolek@ci.minneapolis.mn.us)

6. Zoning Committee member, Lara Norkus Crampton, asked about recent majority
voting requirements for the City council.  One issue was regarding a requirement to get
approval of surrounding residents.  Dan said this was a recent state statute change.  To
change from residential to commercial, the owner must get a two-thirds majority approval. Simple majority not a super majority?  If the change is within zoning categories, only a simple majority of the neighbors is required. 


Lara observed that there seems to be a trend working against the public, which is already at a disadvantage when dealing with unfamiliar issues and government requirements.

Calhoun "Yacht" Club Zoning:
Beth Elliot, Sr. Planner for the Community Planning and Economic Development department, Southwest neighborhoods presented information relating to the zoning
status of the lake shore site which the Calhoun Yacht Club wants to take over. 
She said:
1. No application that has been made relating to this property.

2. Park land is not exempt from zoning and its regulations.

3. Zoning which applies to the potential site is R1, single family zoning.

4. That location falls under the jurisdiction of the Shoreland District Overlay ordinance.

5. Beth said she had not seen any plans.  She gave the opinion that this project
would be difficult to accomplish from a zoning standpoint.  She said they would have
to do a "cluster development" or something similar.   She said that would require a
change in zoning, going through a public hearing process.

6. Dan Niziolek mentioned that there were plans for retail operations on that site. Beth
said the idea of moving from residential to commercial zoning would be a serious intensification of uses down at the lake.  She said that would definitely make for an uphill battle (to get approval).  Among other things, this would trigger new parking requirements.

7.  President Bruce Grim asked, since this would include commercial retail operations, would approval from nearby residents have to be obtained?   Consent to apply would be would be required of a majority of neighbors within 100 ft.  There would be a public
hearing on this re-zoning.  Notice of the hearing goes to residents within 350 feet for
any re-zoning being considered.

8. Dan Z. commented that the zoning change would be from an R1 zoning status to a
minimum of a C1, which Dan called a drastic zoning change.  He said that that would clearly appear to be "spot zoning".

9. Kay Anderson commented that she thought the DNR might have something to say about this type of an operation on this lake.

10. Al Anderson, noting that there are actually no "Yachts" on  Lake Calhoun,  pointed out that this project is being initiated to accommodate this single, special interest group,
the Calhoun "Yacht" Club.  He pointed out that there are objections to numerous sail boats being stored on the water, taking up shoreline. These  boats moored at bouys provide roosts for many water fowl which contribute substantial lake pollution. 
In contrast, the windsurfers and other boaters who trailer their boats, put their craft in the water, enjoy the lake and leave at the end of the day with no trace left behind.  Large sail boats seem outmoded on this small lake. There seems little reason to so aggressively continue to accommodate them.

11. Kay Anderson commented that there was a rumor going around that this project was going to be "shoved through" within two months, which would be March 2005.  Kay
concluded that Beth Elliot was giving ECCO a degree of comfort, that this attempt could not take place that soon.  Beth agreed that there were a lot of potential issues.

Resident, Debbie Jans, said that she did not have as much of a comfort level after seeing the City Council go against their own City Planning Department’s recommendation to limit the height of the Edgewater building.  She asked, "how frightening is that"!

12. President Bruce Grim indicated that he would invite Park Board commissioner,
Bob Fine back in March for an update.

13. Kay Anderson made a point to tell how responsive and helpful Beth Elliot has been
in her position at the Community Planning and Economic Development department.

14. Regarding the zoning status of the Tin Fish, Beth said that their meal service is an
assessory use of an established use since it was already a confection operation. Different
from establishing a new restaurant.

15. Dan Niziolek noted the difference between the Tin Fish use and any new
establishment.  A completely new use would trigger the zoning process.  With any
new zoning, (1) Neighborhood gets notified before they deem an application complete,
(2) Then, CPED has 15 days to decide that an application is complete, (3) Then, there is
a 21 day notice to the neighborhood of a public hearing.  From the deeming of an
application being complete, there is 120 days available to cover all activities including
any appeals before it is automatically approved as an approved project…under state law.

16. Bruce Sabatke asked what are the zoning implications regarding a liquor license.
He asked about the status of Tin Fish.  Beth said that zoning does not deal with liquor
licenses.   Dan Z. says zoning does not distinguish between a restaurant with or without
alcohol.   Dan noted that the council is supportive of liquor licenses.

17. Bill Morton noted that there are four neighborhoods that are adjacent in Uptown. He
suggested that any zoning or liquor license information provided to one neighborhood
should  be communicated to all four, because any or all four may be affected by decisions.

18.  Al Anderson asked, if the Tin Fish gets a liquor license, is that the first liquor license
in the Minneapolis Park System?  Eric Hansen answered that there are liquor licenses at
the Nicollet Island Inn and at the Columbia Golf Course.  


NRP REPORT:
1. Ralph Knox, Vice President, reported on the NRP Phase One Wrap-Up committee meeting.  There is approximately  $51,000 in Phase One funds that can be re-allocated
within the Phase One program, use it for a new program, or roll it over to Phase Two.
The committee determined funds may be left in the current accounts for the time being.
Committee will follow up with later meetings, monitoring what phase 2 programs
develop. 

During the committee meeting, Gary Farland made a motion to re-allocate the Street Lighting funds of $7,900 to the Phase One General Administrative account.  Motion
was approved by the committee.

Ralph Knox made a motion as a board member that the above action be approved by
the ECCO board. It was noted that our NRP resource is the account from our NRP
Coordinator is paid.

Al Anderson noted that the prime motivating factor in transferring this money to the
General Administrative account was to make funds available to purchase ads which
promote and communicate NRP neighborhood meetings and activities.

Motion passed.

2. Phase 2 Planning--Eric reported that the Phase Two planning committee will meet in February.  Dates are going to be circulated by Ralph Knox.  Contact Eric or Ralph Knox to attend or join the Planning Committee.

3. ECCO "List Serve"--Eric has put together the ECCO List Serve.  This is an e-mail
tool for rapidly sending e-mail notifications and important information out to interested
ECCO residents and other interested parties. He has sent out a test message to the
ECCO board members.  Please respond with your testing of the system.  Committee
will finalize operating rules for the system.  During March, the system should be up and
running, available to sign up residents to automatically receive messages from ECCO.

Note that this is a protected system. However, it is easy to sign up as well as to delete your e-mail listing. You may also enter the email address of friends and neighbors who may want to receive these messages primarily intended to be sent neighborhood wide to ECCO.  New list members will automatically be asked to approve (or deny) their inclusion on the list after their e-mail listing is received. 

Names of the list member will not appear in the transmissions. No one will be able
to tell who is on this list.  Others may add your e-mail to the ECCO List serve, but
you will electronically be asked to confirm your acceptance of being listed.
The listing is free.  We think this will be a great improvement in our ability to quickly notify the neighborhood of important meetings, dates, and times!  Target date for
board approval of the rules of the ECCO List Serve operation is the April meeting.

Zoning Committee Report:
1. Zoning Chairman, Gary Farland, reported on a recent zoning committee meeting with
the Edgewater building developer and staff.  The meeting was required by the City Council to address three subjects:

a. To ensure the development of a green roof system.
b. That high quality materials are used.
c. That the development team will work in good faith with the councilman
    and the neighborhood.

Gary noted that the building is being "stepped down" in stages, breaking up the square
looking design somewhat.  He described some of the various materials which should
provide some visual interest. 

Regarding the demolition and construction process, the committee received assurances
that they would limit work hours each day, will abate asbestos and lead paint, will
have limited pile driving, and will keep Knox Avenue and the alley open to the extent
possible.

Kay Anderson, a meeting attendee,  added that the developer group said they would
provide a tree preservation plan to avoid damaging the boulevard and sculpture park trees.  Dan Z. said  that he had confirmation that that plan should be ready (now).

In addition, Steve Buckley, board member, added that he had requested a detailed calendar of hourly events listing what activities will be taking place which will have any effect on the immediate  neighborhood. 

Steve told the developer that the citizens in the block who are living with these activities
will be monitoring the hours of the activities. That they want to see their demolition
permits and building permits.  He requested that they provide this information ahead of
the beginning of the activities--so that if work is being done outside of the required time 
frame, the neighbors may get the city on side immediately to issue fines.  The immediate
neighbors are very concerned.

An architect described the "green roof" to be installed.  It appears that 70% to 80% of the
rain water will be collected and evaporate without flowing into the lake.

The committee requested that, as a courtesy to the neighborhood, that the trees surrounding the building be larger more mature trees, rather than small immature trees.
This was regarded as important due to the great degree to which the new building will be out of scale with the surrounding buildings.  The owner made a point to say that he
understood the concept and would see that this took place.


Asked what the shapes shown on the roof illustration represented.  Responses from the
designer group were "cabanas" . Others said they were not cabanas.  That question
was never clearly resolved.  There was some question of whether these items would add  to the overall building height.

It was passed by the zoning committee that it does not have any objections to the plans
put forth by the developer to follow the guidelines discussed in this meeting. Developer was thanked for meeting with the zoning committee.  The zoning committee agreed that future meetings will be held in the event that the developer does not follow the guidelines.

2.  Zoning Change for 3401 Irving Ave So.--The committee approved support for the
requested zoning change from R1A to R2B.  This construction project will result in
a two family condominium building on this site.  Dan Niziolek, owner, made it
emphatically clear that this project will result in only two dwelling units, no more.

Dan showed a sketch of where new trees will appear.  Dan described his intention
to plant at least five new trees of substantial size, describing two new spruces, an oak
tree and a disease resistant dutch elm.

3. Suburban World--Gary Farland, ECCO zoning and licensure committee chairman, said that he is talking to Don Driggs, owner of the Suburban World about his obtaining a liquor license.

4. "Drink of Uptown" coming--Councilman Niziolek reported that replacing "Bilimpi Bay" in Uptown will be a restaurant called "Drink of Uptown."  Haven’t  submitted their application yet.  Dan said he will be making sure that they will be presenting a restaurant menu and observing the 60% food to 40% liquor sales ratio.

ECN Newspaper:
Gary Farland reported that there is a tentative plan to publish a March issue.  In that issue, a fund raiser for the newspaper at the Suburban World may be announced.  However, the Suburban World licensing plans may be moving too slowly.

Crime Maps:
Area crime maps are available on the city web site.

Adjournment:
A motion for adjournment was made and passed.

The ECCO website is  www.eastcalhoun.org
NEXT ECCO BOARD MEETING IS THURS, MARCH  3.  PUBLIC IS INVITED.
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, January 6, 2005

   ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES  FOR JANUARY 2005:

Thursday, January 7, 2005, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Board Members Present:
Kay Anderson (Secretary), Matt Carter, Ted Ringsred, Gary Farland,  Bruce Grimm (President), Ralph Knox (Vice President),  Sue Lahbil, Don MacPherson
(Treasurer), Bruce Sabatke.

Others Present:
Al Anderson (Asst. to Sec’y), Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Dan Niziolek (City Council),  Allan Bernard (Ecco resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat),
Bill Morton (Carag Board), Scott Persons (Lyndale neighborhood resident, candidate for 10th ward city council seat), Chip Alberg (resident), Michael Lander(developer).

Welcome:
President, Bruce Grimm, called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The  December minutes were approved as was the current meeting agenda.
.
Open Forum:
1. Tree Preservation-- Kay Anderson contacted John Herman, attorney for the
Edgewater condo project.  In a letter to the City Zoning and Planning committee, he had
stated that, according to a professional arborist, in ten years the young trees around the Edgewater will grow and largely obscure the view of the building from Lake Calhoun.
Kay wrote a note to Herman requesting the name of the professional arborist who
provided that enlightening information. Kay intends to consult with that professional who has
extensive knowledge about oak trees and their growth.  Kay is waiting for Mr. Herman
to respond.

2. Park Board Archery Range--Kay contacted the Park Board regarding the archery range land adjacent to Wm. Berry road.  In her years of working on Park Board projects, Kay had come to understand that that particular piece of land had been deeded in perpetuity to the Minneapolis Park Board on the condition that the site be used forever as an archery range.  Therefore, it should not be developed or included in plans for other projects.  In responding, the Park Board seemed to be confused as to which property Kay was referring.



3. Weisman Building Site Proposed Construction--The Lander proposal for a building to
be built on the current W. Lake Street Weisman building site, located next to the Calhoun
Beach Club, will be discussed Thursday, January 13.  Meeting location is the Jones-Harrison Residence (located at 3700 Cedar Lake Ave, the street running along the bluff behind the main beach at Cedar Lake.). Time is 7:00 P.M., but re-check the time as the date nears.

4. Minneapolis Plan--Al Anderson said that he has a copy of the Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan if anyone would like to see it. (Al is at 612-822-1822 day phone).

5. ECCO Web Site--Al noted that there is lots of old information on the EastCalhoun.org web site. President Bruce Grimm informed him that the web site is being cleaned up by Ken Hoffman, the current Webmaster. Ken has posted the last three months of minutes
on the website. He also has updated the board and committee listings. Ken intends
to keep the ball rolling and get our web site updated.  Thanks, Ken!

6. Two Developers Acquire Calhoun Lake Homes-- Kay Anderson reported she has just
talked to a concerned resident who said that  two different developers had bought individual residential homes on his block next to Richfield Road, overlooking the Southwest shore parkland of Lake Calhoun.  The resident reported that they intended to build condos on these properties. That’s all the info we have on that.

7. Calhoun Yacht Club proposal--Chip Alberg, visitor from Linden Hills, inquired about the project proposed by the Calhoun Yacht Club. It was agreed that this subject will be on the agenda for the February 2005 board meeting in order to provide an update. (The December minutes contain a report on a meeting of the board with Bob Fine, Park Board Commissioner on this subject. Many insights were provided by various ECCO board
members on the subject of  this proposed boat house/retail stores/event center proposed
on the S.W. shore of Lake Calhoun…go to the December minutes at eastcalhoun.org).

8. Kay noted that Minneapolis Park Watch is a web site which carries continuing information/discussion by observers who care about the city parks and lakes. 

9. Kay noted that the newly appointed Park Superintendent has identified several sites where he wants to install food and beverage (at least some apparently include liquor in the parks as well as restaurants): Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Park, Theodore Wirth,  and Loring Park.


Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council:
1. In December, the Council adopted the 2005 Budget for Minneapolis. Dan was
the single "no" vote. Said this budget is not doing enough for public safety. Dan
reported that last week, he and councilperson Johnson found an additional
$500,000 to save seven positions on the Minneapolis police department. Still, Minneapolis will lose 34 officers from last year to this year.  Dan reports that violent crime went up in 2004, it also had gone up in 2003.  Dan says police force is being
cut at the wrong time. 

Councilman Paul Ostrow is introducing a resolution that the City of Minneapolis
ask the Minnesota State Legislature to grant Minneapolis City Council authority
to start a sales tax dedicated to public safety. A city-wide sales tax.  Dan asked for
feedback on this idea.  Discussion pointed out that we already have additional or
"extra" sales taxes. It was noted that a sales tax is a regressive tax in nature, falling
most heavily on those least able to afford more taxes.

Kay Anderson asked for information about an extra half percent tax that is currently
charged a city resident who buys goods in the suburbs.  She wondered whether that
was actually being collected from suburban stores.

ACTION: Dan will check on that subject and get back.

Matt Carter asked if his homeowner’s insurance is going to go up if the crime rate goes
up. Further, is that increase in insurance going to be more or less than the cost of the proposed tax?  Dan answered that one way to compare costs is to compare car insurance with comparable households in the suburbs. Outside the city, car insurance is lower than
inside the city.

Dan said that in 2006, the police dept will have to take a 2.6 million dollar cut. In 2007
they will need to take a 4 million cut.  In 2008, they will take a $1.2 million cut. This
means cutting an additional 130 police officers. It’s not sustainable, Dan says.

Gary Farland said that the basic problem seems to be the decreased rate of taxation on the
commercial and industrial property.  The city of Minneapolis should be asking the
legislature to raise that level back up.  Dan said that the City is looking at that subject.  He said that the residential tax payers are clearly carrying the largest burden of property taxes.  He said that it has shifted from one third to over 50% of the taxes provided by residential. 

2. Rental Property Inspection--In the next five years, all Minneapolis rental property will
be inspected.

3. Strengthening the Shoreland Overlay Ordinance--Dan said he will re-convene a meeting on this subject. This time they will invite the ECCO zoning committee. 

ACTION: Dan will ask Lara Norkus Crampton to contact Gary Farland to arrange a
meeting of this "Shoreland Overlay" ordinance restructuring group and include the
ECCO zoning committee.

Weisman Lander Project and the Walker Library (Michael Lander, Developer):
1. Condo building--Michael Lander acknowledged that there would be a meeting at 7:00PM , Thursday, January 13 at the Jones-Harrison Residence at 3700 Cedar Lake Avenue.  Lander said that some notification had gone out giving a 6:00PM meeting time, but that the "official" meeting time is 7:00PM.

Lander said he plans a web site to gather input as well as some meetings in February
to present ideas.

2. New Walker Library?--Lander Group is going to respond to a Library board request for proposal with a plan for a mixed use building on the Walker Library site.  The library is facing some substantial repair costs.  The "mixed use" proposal would probably include private condos, some retail, and a new library of the same square footage.

The OR2 zoning (without a conditional use permit) would provide 4 stories, 56 feet high.
A C.U.P. approval permit’s a taller height. The current library space is seen as a space for constructing underground parking.

The request for proposal from the library board is asking for a library of comparable size,
the goal being to end up with a better library. Lander says some of the objections have related to the idea of adding "more" to that corner--more parking, more congestion, etc.  More than just the library. 

Lander says he suspects what may eventually happen is that this planning activity gets
people inspired for something much bigger on that corner, and, the roof gets fixed in the
short term. He would like to find the funds to be able to make a proposal like that right
now.

The library would own just the library portion of the structure. Parking would be an issue which would require a variance. Current parking is 9 spaces for Library staff and 24 meters.  Additional parking would probably be provided for the condo owners at a rate of about 1.5 spaces per condo. 

Gary Farland commented that the mall behind the Library was an underused space for most of the year.  He noted that that might be a location where additional development or a parking ramp might be acceptable to facilitate this project.

Kay Anderson volunteered that she would prefer that the height of the project not go over
56 feet, the same height planned for the new Calhoun Square renovation. 


ECCO Budget Report:
Don Macpherson reviewed the 2004 budget and the presented the planned 2005 budget.  For 2004,  expenses for the ECN newspaper were greatly exceeded. Expenses for the Labor Day Picnic went substantially over budget.  Most income has come from the Wine-tasting event. 

In discussing support for the ECN newspaper, Gary Farland observed that CARAG used
NRP funds to support the newspaper. He said Linden Hills is also using NRP funds for
its newsletter.  He was in favor of using NRP funds in this manner for ECCO support of the paper.

NRP Coordinator, Erik Hansen said that ECCO had used NRP funds to buy ads in the
paper to promote and  publicize NRP projects where needed.  Erik said he understood that
CARAG pays a subsidy directly to the paper from their board funds which come from
their fundraising.  He said that their advertising space purchases come from NRP funds.

Erik indicated that ECCO could use NRP funds to advertise neighborhood events such
as the Labor Day Picnic (Not an NRP project).

Gary asked and was assured by Erik that excess funds from NRP Phase I could be directed to a "communications support" stategy and be used to purchase advertising
for ECCO.

Don Macpherson proposed that the Secretary’s stipend be raised to $500 in view of the
amount of work involved in recording, transcribing and distributing the minutes plus
other duties encountered in the position.  He also proposed a stipend of $250 for the
President’s position.

After discussion, Don Macpherson moved that the budget presented, including the recommendation of a Secretary and President stipends, be approved.

Gary Farland moved to amend the motion to exclude the President’s stipend. This amendment was approved.

After discussion of the "Minnesota Pops" budget item of  $500,  Kay Anderson offered
an amendment to change the name of the item to "Discretionary Donations" in order
to avoid  recognition of one specific beneficiary. This amendment passed. The main motion approving the budget then passed with the above two amendments.

NRP activities:
Erik Hanson reported that on Dec 16, the NRP kick-off meeting was held. One purpose
was to identify people who would like to be on the initial planning committee for
identifying NRP Phase 2 initiatives.  More residents may join this committee as it continues to function.  These seven individuals are the initial members of the Phase 2 planning committee:
Ralph Knox 
Bruce Sabatke
Ron Ricketts
Kate Nesse
Keith Ruddick
Gary Farland
Al Anderson

This Phase II Planning Committee does the initial participation agreement, a formal agreement with the City on how we will conduct the NRP process.  It will define the schedule, describe the proposals, write the budget, write the plan, sand submit it to
the neighborhood for a vote. At that point, we will have the projects for committees to work on. That’s when we will have a Steering Committee.

The board approved this Phase II Planning Committee which will be an open committee,
meaning additional residents may join.


NRP Phase I Update:
Erik distributed copies of "ECCO NRP Phase One Projects Balance".   These projects are
essentially done. There is some excess money available to be re-allocated into a project on this Phase I list or to be rolled over to Phase II..

ACTION: A meeting will be held of the Phase I Finalization Committee (Wrap-up committee). Ralph Knox has e-mailed proposed dates for a committee meeting. 


List Serve EMAIL Tool:
After an initial ListServe committee meeting, NRP Coordinator, Erik Hanson provided
an initial framework for establishing this email software as a tool for communicating
board-approved messages to ECCO residents.  Kay Anderson reviewed the overall purpose for ListServe-- to be able to notify by e-mail the neighborhood residents interested in receiving meeting notices and other factual information relevant to the neighborhood.

This ListServe will be operated by board-appointed individuals.  E-mail listings will
be kept private. Executive Committee will oversee and direct the content of the
email notices sent out.  This is seen as a fast, convenient way to notify the neighborhood of news with immediacy--meeting times, dates, changes, etc.  No "soft" news is intended
at this time.  Residents with email would be able to join the list or delete from the list by dialing into the server. This tool is not planned to have a "chat room" application at this time.

The committee will continue to develop the concept, usage rules, and to test the software.
Cost will be explored with Eric.  Topic will be on Feb agenda.
East Calhoun News:
Gary Farland reported that the newspaper is solvent with a $431. balance. A proposal
will be presented in February for the possible continuance of the newspaper.

Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn was made and passed, meeting was adjourned.

The ECCO website is  www.eastcalhoun.org

ECCO BOARD  MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST  THURSDAY OF EVERY    MONTH.  NEXT MEETING IS  JANUARY 6.  PUBLIC IS INVITED.

####
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, December 2, 2004

For information on the NRP in ECCO, visit: www.twooaktrees.com/ecconrp

or www.eastcalhoun.org

or email him at: erik.hansen@earthlink.net

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, November 4, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES  
 

Thursday Nov 04, 2004, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Board Members Present:
Al Anderson,  Kay Anderson, Steve Buckley, Jeff Farnam, Bruce Grimm. Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox,  Don McPherson, Tanya Cornelius, Gary Farland, Ted Ringsred, Keith Ruddick, Bruce Sabatke,

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Debbie Jans,  Dan Niziolek (City Council),  Tim Norkus-Crampton (Greenway representative), Scott Milner (business owner), Mary
Mathey (?), resident.

Welcome:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The October minutes and agenda were approved without change.

Open Forum:
1. City Council Meeting on Edgewater building height--  Kay Anderson reported that
the City Council vote on the Edgewater building application would take place the next day, Friday at City Hall.

2. Proposed Yacht Club building on the lake--Kay Anderson played a tape from an
acquaintance reporting that the Calhoun Yacht Club has proposed a new building at
the south end of lake Calhoun, on the shore/beach. This would be their club house,
but  include spaces for private businesses. This would include space for dining.
In addition, the buoys and moored sail boats would be moved to this location.
Apparently, the yacht club has been working on this idea with park board members
for about 18 months without making the proposal public. 

3. Greenway Rep--Tim Norkus-Crampton, the Greenway Rep, introduced himself.

Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council:
1. Calhoun Square--Owners are still gathering public input on their project.

2. Edgewater project--Dan said the project probably will not be approved. Dan said that
for him, a key question is, would you approve of an 84 ft. tall building up next to a single
family structure?  Dan said that he has raised that issue with all of the city council members. 



Dan said that the Shoreland Overlay District ordinance was not written as strong as it
could have been.

Kay Anderson asked if there will be a re-writing of the Shoreland ordinance to make it
more restrictive.  Dan said that issue could be worked on and he would be very supportive
of looking at that issue. 

Gary Farland pointed out that the Shoreland Ordinance states that the four conditions are
minimum conditions, not all the concerns.

Bruce Grimm said that he found it hard to believe that anyone could say that this massive
building fit’s the scale and character of the surrounding buildings.  Dan said that it is
difficult to understand the logic of various members of the City Council.

(Extensive discussion followed on the logic used by the City Council members in deciding to approve the Edgewater project.)

3. Blue Ribbon Cleaners--Bruce Grimm requested that Dan look into why the Blue
Ribbon Cleaners new building remains empty.  Dan will get back.


CALHOUN SQUARE :
The leasing manager for the Calhoun Square development gave a presentation on the
progress and plans for this project.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The following ECCO board of director officers were elected:

1. President--Bruce Grimm.
2. Vice President--Ralph Knox
3. Secretary--Kay Anderson
4. Treasurer--Don McPherson

NRP REPRESENTATIVE:
NRP election will be held Nov. 18 downtown.  Erik Hanson explained that there are
three classes of neighborhoods defined by NRP. ECCO is a "Protection" neighborhood.
The Protection representative is Nick Kakos.  Jeff Strand is running against him. The
neighborhood rep shows up for one evening and casts a vote for one of the Protection
representatives. That’s the total responsibility for the year.

Gary Farland was elected the neighborhood representative with Kay Anderson the
alternate.


ECCO WEB MASTER:
Bruce Grimm informed the Board that Ken Hoffman has not had time to keep up
the web site and wants to relinquish that position to anyone interested.

FINANCIAL REPORT:
Don McPherson, Treasurer, reported year to date income is $4,376 while YTE expenses
are just over $5200.  Checkbook balance is $10,500.  This does not include the grant
money being held for the Sculpture Garden.  Proposed budget will be ready for the
December meeting with approval in January.

Don noted that we have had over $2400 expenses for the East Calhoun News.


NRP Update by Erik Hanson:
Eric Hanson, NRP Coordinator, reported that the Phase One NRP projects are now being
completed.  He reported that he will be working with the Park Board  in an effort to
get the "Loon Lake" Trolley Path concrete stairs scheduled for Summer of 2005.

Eric reported that the Phase I plan report was approved and is on file with the City and
the NRP. Now we can go ahead with Phase Two planning.  Eric suggested establishing a
new Planning Committee. He requested permission to do a neighborhood flyer and
and ad announcing Phase 2.  He would like to have a meeting in mid-December
to explain NRP and Phase 2 and invite people to serve on the NRP neighborhood Planning Committee.

Erik is urging a larger Phase 2 Planning Committee which  initialially will function to gather, discuss and define the neighborhood Phase 2 priorities. A flyer will go out in
November announcing aa meeting date.

Electronic Mailing List:
Erik said that we now have the ability to set up a "List Serve", where people can sign up
and receive information by e-mail regarding the neighborhood. First step is to define the rules of usage, etc. Minneapolis Issues Forum is an example of this tool.  This subject will be on the agenda for December.

Erik was asked to e-mail the board members information/description of the List Serve
concept before the next board meeting in December.

THE EAST CALHOUN NEWS:
Ralph Knox reported that a neighborhood group is reviewing various considerations in trying to get the newspaper running again. Strategy is to form an official board with
bylaws. Expenses such as insurance may necessitate approaching one of the
neighborhoods to request that it own the newspaper to help with insurance costs, etc.
The outstanding bill is approximately $4,000 owed the printer.  Advertising receivables are being reviewed and will be pursued for settlement.

ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made and the meeting was adjourned.

ECCO BOARD  MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST  THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH.  NEXT MEETING IS  MAY 6.  PUBLIC IS INVITED.
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, October 5, 2004

NEXT BOARD MEETING IS THURS, NOV 4 AT ST. MARYS GREEK CHURCH
AT 7:00 P. M.   WE TRY HARD TO END AT 9:00 P.M.

CONGRATULATIONS! TO THE SEVEN NEW  ECCO BOARD MEMBERS!
HERE IS A LIST OF THE FULL BOARD OF 13 MEMBERS:

Kay Anderson
Anne Chase
Tanya Cornelius
Ralph Knox
Sue Lahbil
Gary Farland
Bruce Grimm
Steve Buckley
Ted Ringsred
Bruce Sabatke
Keith Ruddick
Don McPherson
Matt Carter

Just for your information, our NRP Coordinator is Erik Hansen.  Erik is at most of the
meetings during the year and helps keep all the details of variouS NRP projects
under control.

Following are the minutes of the October meeting:

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES   OCT  2004
(Annual Meeting)

Thursday Oct 5, 2004, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Board Members Present:
Al Anderson,  Kay Anderson,  Tanya Cornelius, Gary Farland,  Jeff Farnam,  Don McPherson, Ralph Knox, Sharon Cornejo, Bruce Sabatke, Matt Carter, Dale Watson. 

Others Present:
Dan Niziolek (City Council), Gail Dorfman (Henn County Commissioner), and Frank Hornstein (Representative, District 60B), and approximately sixty residents attending the annual meeting and election of officers,

Welcome/Minutes/Agenda:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, initiated introductions. September minutes and September meeting agenda were approved. 

Public Open Forum:

1.  DaVanni’s--All that pizza was provided for the annual meeting compliments of DaVanni’s Pizza on Lake and Hennepin in Uptown.   They come through every year for us!  Thanks DaVanni’s.  Stop by and thank them, personally.

2. NRP Committee Openings--President Jeff Farnam announced that Erik Hansen, NRP Coordinator for ECCO had a bike accident and was recovering at home.  He requested that anyone interested in participating in an NRP committee should contact Jeff Farnam at 822-8487 or Erik Hansen at 702-2396 or erik.hansen@earthlink.net for information.

3. Edgewater Appeal by Two Residents--Steve Buckley, resident, announced that he and his wife, Vicki Fraher had filed a 33 page appeal of  the City Planning Commission’s decision to approve the 82 foot high Edgewater building project at West lake Street & East Calhoun Parkway.  Steve noted that the Minneapolis Park Board had sent a notice in support of this appeal to the City council zoning committee.

4. Lara Norkus-Crampton informed the gathering that the Greenway transportation path
will soon be open all the way to Hiawatha avenue.  Lara said that she had forms available
with which to sign up to show your support for the Greenway project. 


5.  Jefferson School--The representative from Jefferson Elementary school announced that they were welcoming new students and had information available at their table at the side of the room.

6.  Big Brothers/Sisters--The Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization was present at a side table with information on their organization.  The representative invited anyone interested to check with them. Contact Don McPherson at:   dmacpherson@modernsurvey.com

Guest Speakers:

Gail Dorfman, Hennepin County Commissioner spoke followed by Frank Hornstein,
State Representative of District 60 B and Dan Niziolek, Councilman gave information updates of events and upcoming projects.

For a recording of these presentations, contact Al Anderson 612-822-1822.


Elections:

President Jeff Farnam opened the meeting for ECCO Board of Director nominations.
Eleven residents were nominated.  The following new board members and alternates were elected:

New Members elected for two years (Serving Nov 2004 - Oct 2006)
Bruce Grimm
Keith Ruddick
Ted Ringsred
Don McPherson
Matt Carter
Steve Buckley
Bruce Sabatke

Alternates to be called to replace resigning members (in this order):
Brad Albertson
Charlie Jacoby
Tamera Foley or Nancy Beskar

Congratulations to the new board members!!

And…a big Thank You to all of the residents offering to run for election and participate in our neighborhood!


Announcements:
1. Sculpture Park-- Kay Anderson, in response to a question, answered that there our neighborhood has funds available to continue improvements for the Sculpture park.
Most are NRP funds from Phase I. 



2. Loon Lake Trolley Path--Kay explained that every summer, neighborhood volunteers (and kids) gather to lay mulch on the two block long trolley path from 34th St. to 36th St.  Purpose is to maintain these open spaces, maintain public park land and  preserve our neighborhood forest path.  This nature path presents some quiet, private, beautiful
views of Lake Calhoun.

3. Newspaper--Ralph Knox said that the neighborhood newspaper is in the midst of
some reorganization. He asked for volunteers who would be interested in participation
on the newspaper board or in other capacities to check with him: Ralph.D.Knox@seagate.com for more information. Ph:  822-2537.  Ralph reported that
at this point, we still need to replace our editor. Ralph is welcoming ideas on the
subject of successful organization and operation of the newspaper.

4. Kids Voting USA--This year, kids are going to be voting.  ECCO is precinct 10-3.
The votes will be reported in the print media.

5. N.I.P.--Mary Sabatke, resident, announced a Walk/Run for N.I.P.  on the Green Way
to help clients without health insurance.  (Event has taken place as you read this).

6. Thanks Jeff!--Thanks to President Jeff Farnam for so capably chairing the ECCO
Board this past year. 


ADJOURNMENT--Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Jeff Farnam adjourned the meeting.

NEXT MEETING:
Next ECCO board meeting will be 7:00 P.M., Thursday, November 4, 2004 at St. Marys
Greek Orthodox Church, 36th and Irving Ave. So.  Public is invited.
 

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, July 1, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Thursday July 1 , 2004, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Members Present:
Al Anderson, Kay Anderson, Jeff Farnam, Sue Lahbil, Don MacPherson,
Tanya Cornelius,  Sharon Cornejo, Gary Farland, Ralph Knox, Leslie Modrack.

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Dan Niziolek (City Council), Nick Kakos, (Chair
of
ECCO zoning committee), Clark A. Gassen, (Financial Freedom Enterprises), David
L. Graham (Elness, Swenson, Graham, Architects Inc.)  plus other ECCO residents,
non-ECCO residents, landlords, and developers.

Welcome/Minutes/Agenda:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, initiated introductions.
June minutes and the July meeting agenda were approved.

Edgewater Developer Presentation:
David L. Graham of Elness, Swenson, Graham Architects, Inc. presented a plan for
a
new six story owner-occupied condo building which would replace the current four
story
Edgewater Apartments building at W. Lake Street and E. Calhoun Parkway. The
current  apartment building would be demolished.  Mr. Graham provided a 30
minute
presentation.

Public Open Forum:
The meeting was next opened for comments by members of the public who had signed
up
to speak "for" or "against" the project.  Numerous parties expressed their
opinions regarding the new condo building.

Edgewater Zoning Variance, Tabled Motion:
The motion on the Ecco Zoning Committee recommendation to approve construction
of the new Edgewater condominium building, which had been tabled during the June
Board
of Directors meeting, was brought forward for discussion by the Board Members:

Al Anderson:
Al Anderson said that the Southwest Journal newspaper had reported the developer
as holding 300 letters of approval from residents.  Anderson contacted the
developer,
learning that the actual number was only 30. The developer provided Anderson
with
approximately 50 letters at this meeting, which Al reviewed and tallied
immediately.
He reported to the assembly that 24 were from ECCO addresses, 20 were from
outside
ECCO,  4 were duplicates, and 1 was not signed.  Some of these letters of
approval
were recognized as real estate people and developers.


Al Anderson, one of the two zoning committee members who had recommended
approval of the Edgewater project said he had changed his mind about the need
for
ECCO to support this project.  He believes the city government bodies involved
will approve the project, regardless of the neighborhood recommendations. Noted
that a State law, effective August 1, 2004, states that a property owner with a
non-conforming use may tear down their building and rebuild it.  As a State law,
it appears to take precedent over the City's Shoreland District Overlay
ordinance.  It appears that this allows the existing Edgewater Apartments to be
demolished and rebuilt to the original four story, forty three foot height.

Anderson said that we have seen how quickly a precedent can be set by a bad
decision, that once established, will continue to haunt not only our
neighborhood, but others.
He said the government tends to roll over and give up if someone building
something can point to a "precedent" and say he/she wants to so a similar
project.  Setting a precedent is definitely something about which to be
concerned.

He said it is most important that ECCO and it's Board of Directors do not go on
record, lending their good name, to support any building in ECCO requiring a
conditional permit for higher than the 2.5 story or 35 feet which the Shoreland
District Overlay ordinance specifies. He said, lending our support will make it
much easier for the next developer to point to this new six story
building--and--point to our neighborhood's approval as a definite "precedent"
for allowing them to build the next six story building and the next and the next
and the next.

He said he had discussed this idea of the next developer using this situation as
a "precedent" with a Senior Planner at the City Planning Department.  The
planner said that it is unlikely that the whole East Calhoun Parkway would ever
be up-zoned to R-6.  She said that would have to be done by individual up
zoning!  So it can be done!

He said, concerning my statements about the likelihood of the next developer
appearing and claiming a "precedent" had been established to accomplish this
"individual up zoning", the planner said, "You have a very valid point."

Ralph Knox:
On the positive side, Ralph Knox indicated the idea of additional parking was a
good idea. He said that the building will eventually be replaced for something,
anyway. He expected that the new building would increase the surrounding
property values and
liked the commitment to green space that was stated.

Negatively, he saw the architecture as a big mismatch with the Shoreland area.
He was
disturbed that residents only four or five houses away were not notified,
whether this was
required by law or not.  He expressed that the philosophy of protecting the
Shoreland
is very important.  He understood the argument that the property was R6 and
would not
be repeated in the future.  However, he felt that decades down the road, it
might be overcome.  In summary, he was against the motion because the Shoreland
District Overlay ordinance is something precious to have around the lake. He
would hate to see large development brought within close proximity to the
Shoreland.

Don MacPherson:
Don was disturbed by the claim by the architect that a "context" had been
established,
showing a nine story building, six story building, etc. (most outside of ECCO).
Also
disturbing was the claim that ECCO should have "pretty good" control as far as
future
re-zoning is concerned. That's not enough control, he said.
MacPherson questioned why the developer had not been forthright in identifying
who the other investors in the project are (for conflict of interest reasons).
Don
asked if this project would be economically feasible if it were 35 feet high
rather
than 80 feet. Don said he would support the project at 35 feet high rather than
a
80 feet height. He said he would vote against the motion to recommend the
project.

Gary Farland:
Gary Farland said that the Shoreland Ordinance had been passed in 1984.  He said
he
considered it the cornerstone of our defense of the natural Shoreland of the
lakes. If
the waiver were to be granted, even though it obviously violates the intent of
the
Shoreland Overlay Ordinance, it will be very difficult to deny further waiver
requests.

The mayor and the City Council have stated that a high priority for the city is
affordable
housing.  It seems ironic that the City Council would waive an important
ordinance to
facilitate the replacement of 26 units of affordable housing with condos for the
wealthy,
who the developer had said won't even occupy the units very much.

(Mr. Farland distributed a five page document: Introductory points, two pages of
ARTICLE VI. Shoreland OVERLAY DISTRICT, two pages of photos showing
the impact of the height and overall profile of the proposed building on the
Shoreland
view of the east shore of Lake Calhoun)

The document states, I drew in a box that is the comparable size (height and
width)
of the new structure.  Judge for yourself whether this structure satisfies the
concern
in 551.490, clause 2, regarding "Limiting the visibility of structures and other

development from protected waters".

(document:) This proposal maximizes the profit to the developer without regard
to the
adjacent park land.  Perhaps some leeway could be given on height if the
resulting
increased financial viability were put into architecture that was compatible
with and
added to the appearance of the neighborhood.  No such effort has been made.

The handout I have provided is a copy of the Shoreland Overlay District
ordinance.
The main points are the purpose which talks about environmental quality and the
established boundaries of 1000 feet?the distance from protected waters.  An you
see here, that we are not dealing here with just Lake Calhoun.  We are dealing
here the entire park system.  The most important park system in the state,
really.

On the next page is "Height of Structures".  It provides some minimum
considerations.

Then, 551.490 Conditional Uses.  This further states the conditions under which
a
conditional use permit would be provided.  I think number 2 is most relevant,
that
they want to limit the visibility of structures and other development from
protected
waters.  They want to preserve the natural Shoreland.

I took two photos. One further away from the north shore which is where most
people
would see this development from, driving toward the north shore of the lake.

The present building is only 40.25 feet tall.  They say 43.  They ask permission
to go
to go to 84 feet.  They talk about 80, but they are asking for 84 ft.   So, it's
about
twice as tall.  If you look at that picture, you'll see I drew it in at about
twice as tall.
If you look at their illustration of the building, it's about one and a half
time wide as
it is tall. That's how I drew it.

I think you see it has a very important impact on the skyline.

Also, in the more close-up picture, I think you see that if you are sitting at
the
Refectory, you will be looking up at a glass wall.

The process that we're provided here to recommend waivers really has to do with
somebody coming in and saying we have a situation where we feel that we can
convince you, that if you give us this technical waiver, we will be staying
within the intent of the
Ordinance.

If they had come in and said,  we want to do an architecturally distinctive
building that fits in with the character of the neighborhood. But, for financial
purposes, we need it
fifty feet high.  Here is a picture of how it would look on the north shore.
Then, we would
have something to work with.  But, I think these folks have really tried to
maximize profits.  They have gone to the limit of R6 zoning.  They have made a
very massive building, twice the volume of the present building.  They have
chosen an architecture that
maximizes the benefit to people inside the building without much concern for
people on
the outside of the building.

If the City is to give a waiver like this, all things are relevant. Because this
is a new
environmental impact situation. Maybe they could come in with a proposal which
is
more reasonable.  I don't think it's reasonable so I will vote against it.

Sue Lahbil:
My two points are: (1) I don't want to see the whole lake surrounded by really
high
buildings, and, (2) I bemoan the lack of affordability.

Sharon Cornejo:
I have been asked by a number of neighbors, because I am a board members,
whether they are willing to bring the construction down a little bit.

Leslie Modrack:
I walked into the forum tonight undecided. Architecturally, I find it a very
interesting
building. But I believe we need to respect the Shoreland Ordinance.  Also, it's
been
very helpful for me to hear from the community.  The participation, hearing
people
speak their mind has really helped me make my decision.

Kay Anderson:
Three of my main concerns are: (1) Conflict of Interest.  I would not want to go
on
record as an ECCO board member supporting a project where I do not know the
underlying investors, due a possible conflict of interest with anyone on the
board,
anyone in the neighborhood, myself, whoever.  That makes me very uncomfortable.
(2) The other thing is some of the statements that we have been given to digest
and
think about as  ECCO board members.  One of them was up on the screen tonight:
That we would have "ultimate control" was the word that was used; that was
changed to "pretty good control" about any future R6 zoning.

If you look at the current Wedge newspaper, the title is, " Wedge and City at
Loggerheads Over Zoning Issues".  So, I don't think that's even a point that we
can
talk about.  We would not have control.

(3) The other item is, I am concerned about the two-sided illustration of the
proposed
building.  This has nothing to do with the color, the building, whatever.  I am
talking
about specifics.  The context line on that illustration actually comes from the
Mall
to  31st Street.  This is supposedly an ECCO decision.  If we were to consider
the
context from the Mall to 31st Street, we should  be having a tri-level meeting
of East Isles, Uptown Association, and ECCO.   I don't feel like looking at that
context.

In two statements, there were discrepancies.  One, in that picture, it starts at
the
Mall and runs to 31st Street.  Actually, ECCO is Lake Street, the Edgewater
apartments, to 36th Street.  That is what we are authorized to talk about.

In one of the reports, they mention Lagoon to 31st Street.  That, again is not
in ECCO.
ECCO is the Edgewater to 36th Street.  That is the context we should be looking
at.
I feel this (subject) has just been played with there.

I also pulled up a Minneapolis City Planning Department Report dated October 7,
2003
concerning a conditional use permit for a house at 3630 Zenith Avenue south in
the
Shoreland Overlay District on the West side of Lake Calhoun.  The request was
for a
three story house.  It was denied. The Shoreland District says two and a half
stories.
Three interesting points were made by the City Planning Commission in their
denial:
(1) Allowing one property owner to increase the height of their house could set
a
precedent in the neighborhood, (2) Homes located behind on Abbott Avenue may
have
their views of Lake Calhoun diminished, (3) Constructing a three story home 15
feet
away from the adjacent property will create a "Canyon Effect" between the two
homes,
thus reducing light and aid to the adjacent properties.

I would like to read the definition of the Overlay District from the zoning
administration:
Overlay District--An overlay district is any of serveral additional districts
established by
the zoning regulations that may be more or less restrictive than the primary
zoning district. Where a property is located within an overlay district, it is
subject to provisions of both primary zoning district and the overlay district.
Where the provisions are in
conflict, the overlay district governs.

I, as an ECCO resident, do not want to go on record as being for the beginning
of apartments around the Lake.

Ms. Anderson indicated that the motion was far too complex and offered a
substitute motion:  That the ECCO Board reccommends that the Shoreland Overly
District ordinance dictate currently proposed and future development on the East
Calhoun
Shoreland. Specifically, that no buildings be constructed talled than two and a
half
stories.

Motion was seconded.

During discussion, Gary Farland spoke against the substitute motion, pointing
out that
it may provide an ambigious statement regarding the original motion, which most
of
the board appears to be against.

Ms Anderson agreed to withdraw her substitute motion.


Nick Kakos, ECCO Zoning Committee Chairman (not a board member) rose to say
that he had been promised an opportunity to present the original zoning
committee
position on why it recommended approval. He said he had not had that
opportunity.
He claimed the proceedings were unfair and subject to being challenged.

Chairman Farnam replied that the recommendation had been read to the Board
in the June meeting and that this meeting was simply a continuation of that
meeting.
(The recommendation had been read prior to the public comment stage of the
current meeting). Chairman Farnam said that the project had received adequate
explanation at this point, ruling against Mr. Kakos.

Tanya Cornelius:
I am against the proposal.  I want to remind the Board that over the past year,
we have
had examples of precedent setting.  We had lots of neighbors come and fight to
control development.  Some of us are trying to make a buck with rentals, or
whatever.
But that is not my focus. I vote to protect the lake shore as well.

Jeff Farnam, President, called for a vote on the orginal committee
recommendation:
The vote was 2 in favor and 8 against approving the ECCO zoning committee
recommendation that ECCO support the proposed new Edgewater building project.

In Favor: Farnam, Cornejo.
Against: Al Anderson, Knox, MacPherson, Farland, Lahbil, Modrack,  Kay Anderson,
Cornelius.

Action: Recommendation of  ECCO support of the proposed Edwater building
  project was rejected.

Adjournment:
A motion was made to adjourn and received a second. Motion Passed. The next
board
meeting will be the first Thursday in August.
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, May 6, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Thursday May 6, 2004, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Members Present:
Al Anderson, Kay Anderson, Jeff Farnam, Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox, Don McPherson,
Tanya Cornelius,  Leslie Modrack,  Dale Watson , Bruce Sabatke, Sharon Cornejo.

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Dan Niziolek (City Council),  John Sorensen
(Editor, East Calhoun News), John Erwin (Minneapolis Park Board), Dave Thorpe
(resident)

Welcome/Minutes/Agenda:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, initiated introductions.
March minutes and meeting agenda were approved.

Open Forum:
1. Super Sale--Kay Anderson made a point to thank Sylvia Kafkas, ECCO resident,
who  is again managing the Super Sale registration and lawn signs. (GET YOUR
"SALE" LAWN SIGN FROM SYLVIA FOR A $5 FEE).Sylvia requested volunteers to help
collect lawn signs after the sale (June 5).  Six board members volunteered.

2. Tot Lot Usage--Al Anderson provided photos taken during an informal April
survey of Tot Lot users.  Results were that the large majority were from outside
ECCO, consistent with his past informal surveys and provides support that the
Tot Lot and 32nd street Beach draws metro-wide users. They love this place!

3. Hazardous Waste Day June 26--Our ECCO Hazardous Waste Day will be Saturday,
June 26, 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. A chance for ECCO residents to dispose of
harmful things that are illegal to put down a drain or in our regular trash.
Read the article in  last month's April issue-- or-- call 612-348-377 or
348-5832 for information on what's accepted.  Drop off at Farmstead Park Board
Operations Center at the Kings Highway (Dupont) Southwest entrance. Across from
the Cemetery.

News Items Requested--
4. Ralph Knox asked that anyone with a news item for the East Calhoun News
contact him at tele: 612-822-2537 or Ralph. D. Knox @Seagate.com.

Councilperson Report:
1. Dan Niziolek congratulated ECCO President, Jeff Farnam on retiring after 29
years
of service to the City of Minneapolis.

2. Parking study of the Uptown area is about to be fielded. Dan needs some
representatives from ECCO to serve on that project. There is  $11,000 allocated
to our ward for that purpose.
Contact DanNiziolek@ci.minneapolis.mn.us  Phone: 612-673-2210.

3. Dan is meeting in June with the Uptown Business Association, property owners,
and developers "to balance out what's happening in Uptown."  Dan says Uptown
needs
more daytime retail jobs, shopping, and activity. Balance now is favoring after
6 P.M.
activities.

4. Tonic--Dan is monitoring the Tonic establishment and sees more of a nightclub
operation than a restaurant.  He has talked to the operators.  Says 60% is
supposed to
be food.  They do not have a license for a nightclub.

5. Dan has received the city's five year revenue projections.  Says more cutting
of
expenses and services are in order.  City needs to identify new sources of
revenue and
places to save.

6. Fire Department--By  September Mpls Fire Dept will be nationally accredited.
One
of only a few in the country. Fire department is one of the city's "gems" Dan
says.

7. Twins Stadium--Dan said that if there is a decision between a sales tax for a
stadium vs. a sales tax for education, he would favor the education sales tax.
He says the city schools are in crisis and need help. Dan also noted that there
may be a "competition" between a new stadium site downtown and a central transit
site downtown".  He would favor the central transit site over the stadium.

John Erwin, Park Board City-wide Commissioner:
1.  Tinfish--The Tinfish restaurant will be opening this summer in the Lake
Calhoun
Refectory.  Serving the usual park menu and also fish entrees. Kay Anderson
asked
why the Tinfish was given the canoe/boat rental business, an already profitable
business.
John said he didn't know. Ms. Anderson said it  took a summer job away from a
teenager.
John said he would find out and get back.

Asked about the signage that would appear at the Refectory and in the park,
Erwin
answered that the Park Board would review and vote on both the signage and the
food menu.  Leslie Modrack noted that the neighborhood would appreciate hearing
about Park Board actions prior to seeing them appear.

2.  Tree planting--Planting is continuing city-wide.   Erwin said that a new
Tree Commission has recently been established to review tree policies city-wide.
He
indicated residents may request a tree for a boulevard and be given some choice.


3. Parkway Closing for Biking, etc.--John asked about interest in closing the
Lake Calhoun parkway on some weekends for trikes, bike-riding, etc.  A majority
of board members were in favor of  temporary closings on a weekend day.


4. Trolley connection to GreenWay?--Asked if the board members would be in
favor of the streetcar trolley line from Lake Harriet connecting to the
Greenway,
informal indications were that most of the board favored the idea. Discussion
indicated
that this might require E. Calhoun Parkway to run one way. Councilperson Dan
Niziolek
asked why two-way auto traffic could not co-exist with a trolley--it might have
the effect of calming the traffic.

Review of Loppet:
John Munger, of the Loppet, said the event was a success. Even at 5 below, there
were 1600 attendees.  Deciding to switch to Sat-Sun next time. There will be an
Olympic qualifying event next year. Date planned is Feb 5 & 6.

Zoning:
1. Edgewater apartments on Lake Street are in the process of being purchased by
a
developer interested in putting a new apartment building there. ECCO zoning
committee met with developer, but he was not far enough along to present define
plans to the ECCO
board.  Should be ready and reviewed for the June board meeting.

2. Owner of 3049 E. Calhoun Parkway applied for two variances for establishing
additional parking next to the house. Zoning committee recommended the property
be allowed the single parking space which had existed there for many years
(although
non-conforming). The second space must be re-landscaped back to original
condition.

Action: Leslie Modrack moved to approve the recommendation, Bruce Sabatke
provided a second. Committee recommendation was approved.

Wine Tasting Benefit is Wednesday, June 9th:
Tanya Cornelius (PH: 824-6474) distributed Wine Tasting Benefit tickets to the
board members who are selling them.  The event will be held in the parking lot
of Campiellos (tent). Jeff said that Campiellos will be providing hores
d'oeuvres. ECCO gets most of the money from our preliminary ticket sales (85%).
An error on the tickets states that the neighborhoods receive 100% of pre-ticket
sales (incorrect, it's 85%).  This is our major fund-raising event for the year,
please help support our ECCO community. Contact any board member for tickets.
Tickets are limited!

NRP Update by Erik Hansen:
1. Absentee ballot -- Erik (NRP Coordinator) had a request for an absentee
ballot for the
neighborhood vote (May 20) on the "Loon Lake" Trolley Path Improvement Strategy.


Action: Al Anderson moved that due to the substantial extra work and expense
involved in providing absentee voting, that absentee ballots not be employed for
this limited scale project.  Sue Labhil provided a second.  The motion passed.

2. Vote on "Loon Lake" Trolley Path Improvement  Strategy--Don McPherson moved
to approve the strategy as presented by Erik Hansen, NRP Coordinator. Tanya
Cornelius provided a second.

Action: The motion passed, approving the "Loon Lake" Trolley Path Improvement
Strategy.

3. Vote on the Ballot for "Loon Lake" Trolley Path Improvement Strategy--Leslie
Modrack moved to approve the sample ballot  presented to the board. Sue Lahbil
provided a second.

Action: The motion passed, approving the ballot with a minor wording change.

4. Electronic Mailing List--Erik reported that he has gathered substantial
information
on developing a neighborhood database/electronic mailing list. He suggested that
a committee be formed to consider this endeavor.  President Jeff said hewould
put this  on the June agenda.

5. Erik informed the board that our application for money from the Community
Safety
Reserve Fund was not funded.  Most of the "Protection" category of neighborhoods

were not funded.

6. Erik noted that ECCO will be getting  $335,000 for Phase II NRP.  Also, we
are allowed to roll over leftover funds from Phase I to Phase II.   A majority
of the Phase II funds must be used for improving our neighborhood housing stock.


Intergovernmental Committee Needed?
Jeff Farnam suggested that with the various changes in things such as changing
bus routes, park board activities, and our library system actions, that there
may be a need for an ECCO Intergovernmental Committee to keep track of what's
happening to avoid surprises. Jeff will re-suggest this at a future meeting.

Adjournment:
Don McPherson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Sharon Cornejo provided a
second. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

ECCO BOARD  MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH.  NEXT MEETING
IS  JUNE 3rd.  PUBLIC IS INVITED

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, April 4, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES  (also available at the www.eastcalhoun.org)
Thursday April 4, 2004, 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church
(Board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, public is invited)

Members Present:
Al Anderson,  Kay Anderson, Jeff Farnam, Sharon Cornejo, Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox,
Anne Chase, Don McPherson, Tanya Cornelius, Gary Farland, Leslie Modrack,
Dale Watson ( Board Member),

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Bruce Grimm,  Dan Niziolek (City Council), John
Sorensen (Editor, East Calhoun News), Lara Norkus-Crampton (resident), Monica
Smith
(resident), Kit Wilson (resident), Courtney Kievnar (resident), Sara C. Richter
(resident),
Bob Fine (Park Board).

Welcome:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions of those present.

Approval of Minutes:
The March minutes were presented for approval.
Action: Anne  Chase moved that the minutes be approved and Ralph Knox provided a
second. The minutes were approved.

The Agenda:
President Jeff Farnam revised the agenda to reflect addition of 'Miscellaneous
NRP
updates" by Erik Hansen, NRP Coordinator.

Open Forum:
Earth Day and Trolley Path mulching--
1.  Kay Anderson reported that the Park Board has dumped mulch at 34th Street
end of the "Loon Lake" Trolley Path.  No more will be available for some time.
The mulch laying activity will take place on Earth Day, April 17. The Park Board
will again provide the mobile tool shed.  Earth  Day activities will begin
9:30AM
at the 32nd Street beach (Tracy Nordstrom). Mulching the "Loon Lake" will begin
11:15AM. Volunteers are invited to meet at the end of  W. 34th street and work
for about an hour. Bring a wheelbarrow and iron garden rake if you have it.

Hazard Waste Day is June 26--
2. Al Anderson reported that Hazard Waste Day for ECCO and other cooperating
neighborhoods has been designated for Saturday June 26th. The site will be the
Park Board Operations Center (Farmstead Park) at 38th and Bryant.  Note: this
is not Bryant Park!


This is a FREE opportunity to clean out waste paints, auto wastes, and other
hazardous
wastes to prevent them ending up in our lake or the city sewer system. However,
the
city reports that less than 3% of the residents take advantage of this
convenient program.

Kay Anderson suggested that to accomplish higher participation, the city should
pass an
ordinance that requires every house sold in the city be certified free of stored
hazardous materials.

New Trees and Dutch Elm--
3.  Relating to the suggested use of NRP funds to provide new trees and Dutch
Elm treatments, Al Anderson reported that treating a single elm tree would cost
almost
$400 this year. Treatment season is June 1st through Mid-September.

Erik Hansen has contacted the chairperson of the Environment committee to
schedule
a meeting to discuss this subject.

News Items Requested--
4. Ralph Knox asked that anyone in the community with a news items that should
be carried in the East Calhoun News may contact him (tele: 612-822-2537) or
Ralph. D. Knox @Seagate.com.


Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council:

City Recycling contract--
1. Dan reported that the city recycling contract is coming up to be awarded and
that there is
a new bidder for this business,  Eureka Recycling.  This firm has been servicing
St. Paul
for a year and a half.  Dan noted that this firm brings a strong commitment to
recycling.

Eureka was the only bidder who would reinvest any revenues back into the
community.
This is an added attraction of Eureka.

Liquor Licenses in Uptown--
2. Dan is reviewing the number of liquor licenses in the Uptown area. He is
expecting that additional liquor licenses will soon be requested by new
establishments.  He has
warned one area operation that they are operating essentially as a night club
when
they are not licensed for that.  He reviewed his past experience in the city and
the problems encountered when an area allows a concentration of liquor licenses.

Gary Farland said that with the later 2AM closing, he now experiences more
drunk,
noisy people coming past his house because of the necessity for them to park in
the
residential area. Dan indicated that he and others are focusing on the parking
situation.


Discussion followed that the businesses attracting the evening bar crowd should
probably
provide police patrols to keep them orderly.

Bruce Grimm asked about the current status of restaurants, do we have enough
restaurants or should we be welcoming more entertainment and development to
come to Uptown?  Dan replied that talking with the new owners of Calhoun Square
he has expressed the opinion that he would like to see more daytime use and
activity.
Less restaurants, more daytime job creation.

Calhoun Square Future--
3. Dan indicated that the new Calhoun Square owners were interested in investing
in
the site.  They will be soliciting neighborhood input.  After a meeting with
representatives
of the new ownership, Jeff Farnam said it appeared that they were interested in
adding
more levels to the site.

Transportation Plan--
4. Dan said that due to good management of finances by city departments, there
are some
budget surpluses.  These well be used to develop a Transportation Plan,
something that
did not exist in the past (!) Dan was indicating that about $300,000 is
available now, but
with money from other sources, perhaps about 1.5 million dollars would be the
budget
for this plan.


The 32nd Street Beach has been Closed!!
Bob Fine, Chairman of the Minneapolis Park Board, said that last year, as part
of the
overall budget reduction, decided to dismantle all of the small beaches in
Minneapolis.
Small beaches are defined as those without docks.  Dismantling means take down
the
signs, take out the lifeguard chairs, and stop cutting the milfoil.

The equipment at the 32nd Street beach has already been dismantled as the
process begins. Some people living around Lake Harriet have already spoken in
front of the board on this subject.  Bob Fine said he requested that park
operations halt the dismantling
process.  He has a proposal going before the board to keep all the beaches open.
His idea
for the coming season is to use the salary of an Assistant Supt. for Recreation
(who left)
who made a large salary to fund the beaches.  Bob said keeping the small beaches
open
is about a $50,000 expense.  He said one compromise might be to have lifeguards
only
on weekends.

President Jeff Farnam pointed out that more people use the 32nd street beach and
Tot Lot than the North beach (main beach).  Bob Fine described various
considerations
involved in the decision. Other residents appearing before the board main the
point that
the little beach and Tot lot location experienced a continual walking traffic
through
the neighborhood to the beach. It was noted that the location was attractive,
being
below street level, users don't experience the loud traffic and noise of the
main North
Beach.  The extra money spent for special landscaping was noted. It was noted
that
people in Eden Prairie talk about the Tot Lot at Lake Calhoun.  Others noted
that the
Tot Lot/beach site serves an adjacent high density population, people from a
range of
economic backgrounds. It's free summer entertainment. The other beaches are
further
removed from the dense populations. It was pointed out that, on a hot summer
day;
the traffic at this site is tremendous.

Bob Fine recommended putting together petitions.

Gary Farland, former ECCO president, suggested more closely analyzing the value
of the
North (main) Beach.  He felt it has become a marginally valuable beach in that
it's poorly
situated. He said on a nice Sunday summer afternoon, you will see a lot of
people at the
32nd Street beach, almost nobody swimming at the North Beach.

Kay Anderson asked what is the "shortfall" that we're talking about, that is
taking away
our recreation? Our parks?  Bob Fine said, two million dollars?..Bob said that
there have been a series of budget cuts, that the budget base has gone down from
$50 million to $43 million.  ($7 million decline).

Al Anderson said  that many people using the Tot Lot/beach comment, " I never
knew
this was here!" Asked where they are from, most are from other places in the
city or outside the city. Most are not from ECCO.  The Tot Lot/beach is being
used by families all across the metro area. This similar to those who use the
city lakes generally.

Another said that when she is there, she hears many languages, it is not a
"expensive"
clientele. She said it really serves the spirit of NRP and the Park Board.  She
hoped that
a way could be found to maintain that partnership, because that was the way it
was
achieved. And now, it feels like our partner left.

Kay Anderson asked if there some concentrated effort on how to raise funds, to
keep
raising funds without commercializing anything?  Bob replied that the Park Board
is attempting to set up a foundation. He said that they have hired a consultant
from
Wheeling West Virginia.  There, they virtually support their whole park system
by
a foundation.

Asked about the effect of a petition, and when it is needed, Bob Fine would like
to
get the issue on the agenda for next Wednesday (five days to gather a petition).

Tanya Cornelius made a motion that the board provide a letter or petition to the
park board that the 32nd Street beach not be closed. Gary Farland seconded the
motion.

Action: Motion was approved to provide a letter from the board requesting that
the 32nd Street beach be kept open.




Wine Tasting Event Wednesday, June 9th:
Tanya Cornelius and other committee members met and recommended that the board
members should be able to sell at least ten tickets. The event will be held
outside in the parking lot of Campiellos. Date is Wednesday, June 9.  Large
tents will be used for the event.  Jeff said that  Campiellos has a keen
interest in attracting this type of clientele.
They will be providing hores d'oeuvres.

Tickets will be ready for distribution about May 1, 2004.  The sponsors want to
increase
the cost to $30.  Discussion indicated that this price was probably too high.

Al Anderson made a motion that a recommendation be forwarded to the planners of
the
wine tasting event that $30 was too high, $25 maybe, and $20 is recommended for
those
tickets pre-sold in the neighborhood.

Action: The motion passed.  Tanya/Jeff will get back to Pat Fleetham with the
price recommendation.

John Sorensen offered the observation that to preserve the quality of the wine
tasting event,  a limit should be set on the number of tickets to be sold.

NRP Update by Erik Hansen:

"Loon Lake" Trolley Path--
Erik Hansen, our NRP Coordinator, presented the final wording of the wording for
the
new phase I strategy proposal called "Loon Lake" Trolley Path (strategy
7.1.1.2). The
strategy of this project is to perform improvements to the "Loon Lake" Trolley
Path,
including repair to the existing staircase at  the end of  Conarias Way.

Erik also presented the timeline for approval of this project: Announcement to
the
community at Regular Board Meeting (April 1, 2004), Broad notification via flyer
and community newspaper ad (Apr 1-20), Neighborhood Board Vote (May 6 regular
board meeting), Broad based support meeting (May 20 NRP special meeting),
Submission to City for review (if approved, May 21), NRP Legal Review,
Management
Review Team, Policy Board and City Council Approval (Summer 2004).

NRP Web site--
Erik will upload the above NRP update information and other ECCO NRP information
to the NRP website. Look for a page called "Downloads".

NRP Ads in the Newspaper--
Erik determined that it is allowable to use NRP funds to place ads in the
community
newspaper (which we knew), but it is not allowable to provide funds to sponsor
the
publishing of the board minutes.  The minutes are something that the newspaper
already
receives free of charge.

Police Buyback Request--
Erik reported that he submitted our C.O.P.S. request to the 5th precinct. He
adjusted the wording of the request. The request was for $15,000 of
police patrols.

ECCO Database--
Erik reported that he is looking into the details of putting together a database
for the ECCO neighborhood. He will have some options/directions to discuss
at the May board meeting.  A database is a collection of resident e-mails which
will enable ECCO to notify residents via e-mail quickly, when necessary.  It
provides an additional means of reaching members of the neighborhood.

Proposal Standardizing NRP Procedures--
For the May meeting, Erik plans to provide a proposal that solidifies the
procedure
for NRP project. This would streamline the practices for Phase II.

Trolley Path Photos--
Al Anderson provided a series of photos showing the deterioration of the trolley
path
stairway.

Inquiry Regarding NRP Funding Publishing Equipment--
Erik responded to an earlier inquiry about funding publishing equipment for
printing
the community newspaper.  He determined that there were too many considerations
involved for NRP to allow this to take place.

New Development Coming:
President Jeff Farnam reported that a group has purchased the Edgewater
apartments
building next to the Sculpture park at E. Calhoun Parkway and Lake Street. They
also
apparently bought the adjacent property on the other side of the Sculpture park.
It
unknown at this point the dimensions of this planned development.

Adjournment:
Tanya Cornelius moved that the meeting be adjourned. Kay Anderson provided a
second. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.


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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, March 4, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES  (also available at the www.eastcalhoun.org)
Thursday, March 4, 2004
7:00 P.M. at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church

Members Present:
Al Anderson,  Jeff Farnam, Sharon Cornejo, Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox, Anne Chase,
Kay Anderson, Don McPherson, Tanya Cornelius, Gary Farland.

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Bruce Grimm, Michael Krieger (SW Journal), Dan
Niziolek (City Council), John Sorensen (Editor, East Calhoun News), Dale Watson
(Alternate Board Member), Larry LaVercombe (homeowner), Bill Morton (visitor),
Ted Griggs (resident), Mike Davis (resident), Sara Wahl (resident), Lisbeth
Nudell
(resident),  Nick Kakos (Chairman, zoning committee).

Welcome:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions of those present.

Approval of Minutes  and Agenda:
The Agenda and the February minutes were presented for approval.  It was noted
that
Andrew Vaaler's name should be spelled correctly.
Action: The February minutes were approved as corrected.

Open Forum:
Committee Members list--
1.  Al Anderson provided Anne Chase, Steering Committee Chair, with a partial
list of
committees and members. Anne will update the list for the April meeting.

Litter Containers--
2. Dept of Public Works has an Adopt a litter container, Adopt a street or an
Adopt a
highway program for keeping a neighborhood or other areas free of trash.
Interested
parties should contact the Dept. of Public Works. (Al Anderson)

Hazardous Waste Day--
3.  Several neighborhoods are now planning to coordinate with ECCO for a
Hazardous
Waste Day this spring.  Date has not been set, however, the location will be the
Bryant
Avenue park board facility. (Al Anderson).

Board Member Resigns--
4. Bharat Pant notified the board that he must resign from the board immediately
(Al Anderson).



News Items Requested--
5. Ralph Knox asked that anyone in the community with a news items that should
be carried in the East Calhoun News may contact him (tele: 612-822-2537) or
Ralph.D.Knox @Seagate.com.

Humboldt & 35th St. Signs--
6. Kay Anderson asked whether the stop signs at 35th and Humboldt had been
changed
to stop Humboldt Avenue. traffic at 35th Street.  It was established that the
signs have been moved.

New Restaurants In the Area--
7. Gary Farland and Kay Anderson noted that there have been restaurant  closings
and
openings or planned openings in the area: Mentioned were "Tonic" restaurant in
Uptown,
Calhoun Grill coming and Punch Pizza now open in Calhoun Village.


Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council:

Calhoun Square is Sold--
1. Dan announced that Ray Harris has signed an agreement with North American
Properties to sell Calhoun Square.  They will also be buying the Taco Belle site
and the street level shops on the north side.

Walker Library Gets a Roof--
2. Dan reported that the Walker library roof will be repaired this summer at a
cost of $800,000.

Air Quality--
3. While meeting with the Presidents of four neighborhoods, Dan discussed the
idea
that the region's air quality is being degraded.  He mentioned the idea of an
air quality
station in the Uptown area to measure the state of the air quality.   Dan would
like to
have an air quality "ball" in the Uptown area to educate people about the
quality of the
air. Dan said he would like to spearhead actions in this regard.

Out of Synch Stop Signs--
4. Relating to air quality, Bruce Grimm asked Dan Z. what can be done when a
person
sees autos backed up idling at the stop signs around Hennepin and Lake--where
the
stop signs are obviously out of synch.  Dan said contact John Wertjes at
673-2614
and leave a message, identifying the intersection and problem. His staff will
check it
out and make timing adjustments where that's the solution.





Zoning Request--
Nick Kakos, Zoning committee chairman reviewed a request for variances received
from owner Larry LaVercombe for 1458 West 33rd Street.  The proposed
construction
of a single car attached garage necessitated this request. After reviewing the
plans and learning the attitudes of the adjacent neighbors regarding the
proposal, the committee recommended denial of the variances. Larry LaVercombe,
property owner, and neighbors Ted Griggs, Sara Wahl, Michael J. Davis, Lisbeth
Nudell, and Rachael Chung presented information indicating their positions on
the issue.

Action: Don McPherson moved that the zoning committee recommendation by
accepted.
Kay Anderson provided a second.  The motion carried.


NRP Update:
NRP Coordinator, Erik Hansen listed the recommendations from the NRP Steering
committee for the remaining Phase I funds:

Administration ($12,000)--
1. Provide $12,000 for continuing administration items and services.
Action: Anne Chase moved that $12,000 be moved from the Zen Center Lake Access
strategy to provide for continuation of administrative services. Gary Farland
provided a second. Motion carried.

Renovate the "Loon Lake" Trolley Path Stairway--
2. Create a new strategy for the action plan that will be introduced at the
April 2004
Directors meeting to enable the neighborhood to complete improvements to the
Loon Lake Trolley Path, including repairs to the existing staircase at the end
of
Conarius Way.

Action: Gary Farland moved that Al Anderson and Kay Anderson be directed to
create the new strategy for the Loon Lake Trolley Path to be introduced at the
April
2004 meeting.  Kay Anderson offered a second. Motion carried.

Expand Tree Fund--
3. Expand the existing tree fund to purchase and plant shade trees within the
neighborhood during 2004 along with a program to help preserve the neighborhood
existing shade trees. Direct the Environment Committee to define a program,
guidelines and a budget for approval by the Board of Directors.

Action: Kay Anderson moved that the Environment Committee be so directed. Gary
Farland provided a second. Motion passed.






Provide for Neighborhood Traffic-calming Police-Buyback-- 4. Provide funds for
patrolling the neighborhood during
rush hour periods to provide additional police visibility and
driver adherence to the traffic laws.



One Time C-O-P-S  Grant--
Deadline for application for a one-time grant of funds is approaching.  Erik
will apply
for  funds which can be used for police service in the neighborhood. (This is
not an allocation of the neighborhood's current available NRP funds.)

Jeff Farnam commented that he would like to see documentation or detail of how
the traffic calming police buyback hours are logged in the neighborhood. Erik
Hanson replied that we would receive detail on the specific hours and days when
the funds were expended.

Action:  Gary Farland moved that Erik Hansen be directed to apply for the COPS
grant and Kay Anderson provided a second.  Motion passed.


NRP funds for sponsoring Announcements/Minutes--
Gary Farland asked as to whether NRP funds could be designated to sponsor a
section in
the neighborhood paper that would be described as "Minutes and Announcements".

Erik Hansen said that there are some related restrictions and that he would get
clarification for the April meeting.
Action:  Erik will report back.

New Bakery Café Coming--
Zoning chairman Nick Kakos has received a notice that Panera bakery is applying
for
a change of use for the Hagen Daaz ice cream site to a bakery/café  use.  This
change
apparently requires a minor site plan review. Nick asked the board for it's
position
on this change.

Action: Anne Chase moved that the board support this change.  Kay Anderson
provided
a second.  The motion carried.

Adjournment--
Don McPherson moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Kay Anderson provided a
second.
Motion carried.
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, February 5, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES  (also available at the www.eastcalhoun.org)
Thursday, February  5, 2004
7:00 P.M. at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church

Members Present:
Al Anderson,  Jeff Farnam, Sharon Cornejo, Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox, Ann Chase,
Leslie Modrack, Tanya Cornelius, Gary Farland.

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator), Bruce Grimm, Beth Elliot (City of Minneapolis,
Community Planner, Michael Krieger (SW Journal), Dan Niziolek (City Council),
John Sorensen (Editor, East Calhoun News), Andrew Vagler (Resident),  Anja
Curiskis (Resident), Dale Watson (Alternate Board Member).

Welcome:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated introductions of those present.

Approval of Minutes  and Agenda:
The Agenda and the January minutes were presented for approval.
Leslie Modrack moved that the January minutes and the Februrary agenda be
approved.
Tanya Cornelius offered a second. Motion passed.

Open Forum:
Suburban World Theater--
1. Andrew Vagler, ECCO resident, reported that he spoke with the owner or person
in
control of the  Suburban World, a property which has been closed for some time.
The
party is a realtor and owner of rental property in the ECCO area.  The property
is
currently in bankruptcy proceedings.  He said he plans to show movies and
operate it
as a restaurant.  Also, to offer other musical entertainment.  He's waiting for
the
bankruptcy proceedings to finalize. Said that the earliest the site would be
open would
be June, 2004.

Library Resolution--
2.  The initial resolution was forwarded to the Library Board and Administration
by
Al Anderson, Secretary.

ECCO Minutes on the Web--
3. The ECCO board meeting minutes will be available on the neighborhood web site
at the www.eastcalhoun.org address. Ken Hoffman, webmaster, will install the
November through February minutes. Past minutes are already located there.

Hazard Waste Day Being Planned--
4. Al Anderson reported that he is mailing an application for a hazard waste day
in ECCO.  Bill Anderson of the Minneapolis Environmental Department says that he
would like to plan for a multi-neighborhood event to take place on the same day.
As plans get more solidified, the specific day will be selected.
Al requested that the board approve the ECCO participate in a Hazardous Waste
day.
Action:  Sharon Cornejo moved that ECCO participate and Ralph Knox provided a
second. The motion carried.

Dan Niziolek volunteered that his office and Bill Anderson are requesting that
the
Park Board consider allowing use of their Farmstead Park Board equipment yard
situated on Kings Highway to be used for this Hazardous Waste event.

(At the time of this writing, Dan has told me that  use of this site has been
approved
by the Park Board!).

News Items Requested--
5. Ralph Knox asked that anyone in the community with a news items that should
be carried in the East Calhoun News may contact him (tele: 612-822-2537) or
Ralph.D.Knox @Seagate.com.

Beth  Eliot, Community Planner, S.W. Sector--
6. Beth Eliot introduced herself.  In her new position as Community Planner for
the S.W.
sector of the city, she is responsible for defining long term goals for land use
in the city and the future growth of the neighborhoods.  She can define
information on zoning
and other issues.  Beth lives in ECCO.  She grew up in Southwest Minneapolis.
Welcome to ECCO, Beth!

Zoning Policy Resolution:
7. After a review of Jeff Farnam's  proposed zoning policy resolution (tabled
last month for further study), Anne Chase re-presented Jeff's resolution with
minor wording changes. Purpose of this resolution was to make available a
statement of what the neighborhood prefers-- prior to a property owner to paying
money for permits, etc.

After extensive discussion, Sharon Cornejo moved that the following resolution
be passed with Sue Labhil providing a second. The motion passed:

Resolution:

"Whereas the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) Board of
Directors is supportive of balanced economic development in the East
Calhoun neighborhood and;

Whereas the ECCO Board of Directors is also responsible for maintaining a
quality residential neighborhood;

Therefore, be it resolved that the ECCO Board of Directors is in general opposed
to the rezoning of residential properties to a higher usage zoning designation
than adjoining properties when this is requested for properties which are not on
the commercial or community corridors."

Wine Tasting Event:
Jeff Farnam informed the board that the Wine Tasting Event has "legs". A
location seems to be the major issue.  However, he talked to Ray Harris who
appeared receptive to the
event being held on the second floor of Calhoun Square while utilizing some of
the
vacant store space.  June 9, 2004.

Tanya Cornelius volunteered to chair the wine tasting activities for ECCO.  The
committee also includes Bruce Grimm, Anne Chase, Gary Farland, Susan Labhil.
and Jeff Farnam.

NRP Phase I Review Report:
Erik Hansen, NRP Coordinator for ECCO noted that there is a week plus a few days
left to vote on the final version of the NRP Phase I Review Report.

He mentioned that this report is available on the Eastcalhoun.org website via
the NRP link found there.  (Erik's phone: 612-702-2936, website is
erikhansen@earthlink.net)

The neighborhood will have between $30,000 and $65,000 remaining in the Phase I
budget.

The ECCO NRP steering committee will have  specific recommendations based on
resident suggestions regarding the use of these funds.

Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council:

Liability of Community Volunteers--
1. Asked during last meeting about the liability of neighborhood boards,
individual committees, members and community volunteers being sued for their
actions, recommendations and decisions, Dan said that as a result of a case in
1990, the
"Slapp Statute" was enacted by the State Legislature.  By this statute, the
issue goes directly to "summary judgment" where the Judge looks at the case and
decides whether
the case is justified.  If not, it's dismissed.  The statute was enacted for any
resident (or Board member) who has been involved in a public participation
process where they are acting in good faith.  If the participant acted in good
faith, they are protected by this statute.  Initially, the participant might
have to get legal help to put forth the motion to get the case dismissed.  But
the participant is not dragging themselves through a long legal process.

Dan offered a further suggestion: That board members check with the insurance
agent
to see if the ECCO organization's insurance covers a board member and committee
members and community volunteers  who would be sued for a decision, action, or
recommendation.  Determine if this coverage extends to legal council being
provided to the point of securing a summary judgment?

Of course, anybody can litigate anything, and there might be some cost
initially to get
the case dismissed.  Dan suggested that an individual homeowner's insurance
company be checked to determine if there is existing coverage-- at least to the
degree of reaching
a summary judgment.

A current lawsuit by a developer is being watched closely to see how it evolves.

Hennepin Ave Lights--
2. Dan said that the owner approval rate was only about 30%, far below that
required.
Therefore, the processed has ceased.  This has been more than a two year
process.

NRP Precinct Funds For Policing Related Projects--
3. Last year, NRP policy board appropriated one million dollars for a community
policing
initiatives in the neighborhoods.  Requests for the first round of financing
funds for  neighborhoods are due by April 1st, 2004.  Very soon.  SAFE program
personnel are
encouraged to work with the neighborhoods to develop proposals. Proposals should
be
a part of the neighborhood's current NRP action plan,  Phase I early access
plan,  or the Phase II action plan.  If not, a neighborhood could look at ways
to get into an early access
plan for Phase II.  SAFE representatives will take the requests back to the
Inspector. The
Inspector will then be trying to put together a proposal for the entire precinct
or portion of
the precinct, depending on participation.  This is for any community policing or
public safety initiative.  Dan is proceeding to get more detail on the specific
procedures of this
process.  The precinct commander must agree to the final plan, Dan said. Our
SAFE contact is Officer Catherine Casey at 673-2823.  However, any effort should
initially work through Erik Hansen.  The aforementioned funds have been
allocated to the police precincts as part of the budget process.  Dan said that
the precincts had begun spending them, that any funds not spent by the
neighborhoods will go to diminish the current
precinct funding needs.

Gary Farland asked about the police buyback rate for this project. Dan said that
it will not be billed at time and half as were previous buybacks.

Erik Hansen explained that a police "buyback" is a project which pays for extra
squad car patrolling in specific neighborhood areas or times or day. One was
implemented in May--extra patrolling on East Calhoun Parkway for noise,
speeding,
and stopping for stop signs. Another program will be implemented in the general
ECCO neighborhood this summer for rush hour traffic.  Historically, officers
work
extra hours at $41 per hour overtime rate during these projects.

If you have an idea for the community policing  project, e-mail Erik Hansen
at eric.hansen@earthlink.net or go to eastcalhoun.org and look for the NRP
plan which lists his addresses.



Richfield Road--
4. The design of Richfield Road and the bike lanes is still under discussion,
Dan informed
us.  His office will keep tabs on this subject.

Twins Stadium Numbers--
5. Last meeting, Kay Anderson asked Dan how a citizen could get a complete
picture of the numbers and finances involved in proposals being advanced for a
Twins Stadium. Dan said that he had information which he will provide to Kay.

Money Available for Housing on Corridors--
6. Dan said that the city has made one million dollars available citywide for
housing on corridors. If a neighborhood will identify a site for redevelopment,
especially affordable housing. If there is a lot that would be a candidate for
affordable housing, this is an opportunity to develop that. City is looking for
proposals over the next two months. This is a new program.  Contact Dan's
office.

Review of the Loppet--
7. Loppet was a success.  Some traffic issues to work on next time. There will
be follow up meetings for feedback on problems, etc.  President, Jeff Farnam has
invited an event
representative to attend an upcoming board meeting to gather feedback regarding
the event.  Dan will invite people who want to comment on the event.

Walker Library Resolution--
8. Dan offered alternative ideas to the initial resolution passed by the ECCO
board last
month: In the next five years, an additional $1.7 mil will have to be invested
in the Walker library as it currently exists. Dan says there is  good potential
to create a mixed
use development with the Library in it and housing.  Dan is in favor of looking
at
what funds could be identified for this alternative use. Dan is in favor of a
better library
with additional urban flavor on that corner.

Dan said that the CARAG resolution asks to keep the library where it is, but
that they
are open to what it looks like. Dan suggested that the board might want to offer
an
additional resolution.

Dan is in favor of a new construction with a new library on that site.

Asked where the money would come from, Dan said, imagine a 32 condo development
with 64 spaces of parking.   Dan felt that this construction could be workable
at this site,
both in terms of construction and financing. He added that it would be a project
which
would support the transit corridor located there.

Bruce Grimm observed that there could be additional public parking located at
the site.

Gary Farland moved that the board adopt a  resolution and Leslie Modrack
seconded the
following additional Walker Library resolution:

"The ECCO board is open to having a mixed use development at the site of the
Walker Library,  providing that service continues during the construction period
and that the new library remains on the current Uptown site."

Action:  The motion carried.  The resolution will be forwarded to the library
board and
administration, and Pat Scott.

Shovel Sidewalks--
9. Dan asked that we all keep our sidewalks shoveled, especially the walkways at
the
ends of the blocks.

Adjournment:
Anne Chase made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Sharon Cornejo seconded,
the motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
 

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, January 15, 2004

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, January 15, 2004
7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

Members Present:
Al Anderson, Kay Anderson, Bruce Sabatke, Jeff Farnam, Don MacPherson,  
Sharon Cornejo, Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox, Ann Chase.

Others Present:
Erik Hansen ( NRP Coordinator),  Tom Mattox (SW Journal), Dan Niziolek (City Council), Pat Scott (citizen for Walker Library), John Sorensen (Editor, East Calhoun
News), Andrew Vagler (Resident), Erik Hansen (NRP Coordinator).

Welcome:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated brief introductions of those present.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda:
The December minutes were presented.
Action: Kay Anderson moved to approve the December meeting minutes. Sharon
Cornejo provided a second. Motion passed.

The January meeting agenda was presented.
Action: Anne Chase moved to approve the January meeting agenda. Kay Anderson
provided a second.  Motion passed.

Open Forum:
Suburban World Theater--
1. Andrew Vagler, ECCO resident, expressed concern about the Suburban World and
Hagen Daez  properties which have been closed for some time.  He noted that the
theater has been an important area attraction. 
Action: Board member Sue Lahbil and Andrew Vagler will team up to obtain information on the current status of the theater property and report at the February board meeting.

News Items Requested--
2. Ralph Knox asked that anyone in the community with a news items that should be carried in the East Calhoun News may contact him (tele: 612-822-2537) or Ralph.D.Knox @Seagate.com. 

Newspaper Committee--
3. Ralph also announced that the East Calhoun News committee would like to invite
additional members to join this committee. Contact him at the above numbers.



Hazardous Waste--
4. Al Anderson will be attending the Sustainability Conference at Augsburg College on Jan. 17---in the interest of augmenting our information on hazardous waste-- in preparation for a possible Hazardous Waste collection day in the Spring.

Improved Resident Notification--
5.  Currently, door to door distribution of information is necessary when there is an
immediate need to communicate with the neighborhood residents before the next monthly
edition of the neighborhood newspaper. Al Anderson suggested that ECCO  consider establishing a database of ECCO resident e-mail addresses.   Residents who registered on the database could be notified of developments requiring immediate notice, such as  upcoming conferences, city meetings, date changes, and other "perishable" or time-sensitive  developments. This would provide a tool for (1) Alerting ECCO residents of
important information in time to take action,  and, (2) enhance the proportion of  residents reached by the newspaper alone.  

Brian Comes Home--
6. It came to light that Brian Bernard, past CARAG president, has successfully emigrated to the ECCO neighborhood.  No motions were offered to investigate or contest this situation.*

* Welcome home, Brian!

Walker Library--
7. Pat Scott, a concerned citizen, returned following her December ECCO board meeting
appearance with an update on the needed Walker Library roof  repair.  She explained that
The city capital improvements budget usually includes a budget of about $1.6 million
for library improvements. This year, the Mayor recommended no money at all for improvements. Later, the city council held a special meeting and reinstated the capital improvement funds. Therefore, the library board now plans to spend about $38 million on the branch libraries over the next five years 2005-2010.  Out of this, the Walker Library was allocated $440,000.  Adding the trust fund of $200,000 from the sale of the old Walker Library makes available $640,000.  This is approximately the amount which was estimated in 2002 as the cost to repair the library’s damaged roof.

The need for making this roof improvement is needed soon to protect the library‘s
collection (It is not yet leaking). Pat provided a suggested resolution for the ECCO Board’s consideration:

"Be it resolved:  That the Board of Directors of the East Calhoun Community
Organization supports the continuing operation of the Walker Community Library
at its current prominent location on the corner of Hennepin and Lagoon Avenues
in the Uptown Business District.


Further, that the ECCO Board urges the Board of Trustees of the Minneapolis
Library to take the necessary steps to repair the Walker Library’s roof/parking
areas as soon as possible.

Further, that the ECCO Board urges the Library Trustees to confirm their
intention to retain this important civic institution on this site for the
foreseeable future, and not to spend any more public funds or valuable staff
time exploring development options for this location."

Action: Anne Chase moved that the resolution be accepted as worded.  Don MacPherson
provided a second and the motion passed.

Pat urged that it would be very desirable for ECCO individual  residents contact the library board and administration members to add their support to the above resolution.  Call the Director’s office at 612-630-621 or consult the following web site for all the e-mails of Administration and Board members: http://www.mplib.org/board_admin.asp

Zoning Resolution proposed--
Jeff Farnam proposed the board adopt a resolution that the ECCO Board is, in general,
opposed to the rezoning of properties to a higher usage zoning designation than adjacent
properties when this is requested for properties which are not on commercial corridors.
Intention here was to provide the ECCO zoning committee with a stated "position"
which could be communicated to a property owner requesting a preliminary opinion on upzoning their property--without first making application, and paying for, a change of zoning application.

After extended discussion, Jeff Farnam moved to table the resolution until the next
meeting in February.  Don MacPherson provided a second.

Action: Resolution was tabled until the February board meeting.


NRP Phase I Review Report:
Erik Hansen, NRP Coordinator for ECCO, presented the final version of the NRP
Phase I Review Report. He mentioned that this report will eventually be available on the
Eastcalhoun.org website via the NRP link found there.

This review (which is also available in print form from Erik) describes the NRP process
and ECCO NRP projects: timelines, future meeting times, information on committees,
a record of the dollar spending and various revisions which have been made to various
original projects. (Erik’s phone: 612-702-2936, website is erikhansen@earthlink.net)

Erik distributed a sample ballot and copies of the final NRP Phase I Review report. He
requested that the board review and approve both.

Action: Anne Chase moved that the NRP Phase I Review report be approved. Don
MacPherson provided a second. Motion passed.

Erik stated that we are now in a thirty day voting period.  A paper ballot will be used
and votes may be cast and ballots requested from Erik until Noon, February 16. 
To vote, contact Erik at the phone or email address listed above. Erik will personally
deliver the ballot, wait while the resident votes, and takes the ballot with him. This
verifies that an ECCO resident is voting, and, enables that those who cannot attend the
public meeting get to vote.  The public discussion and voting meeting will be Thurs, January 29, 2004  at 7:00 P.M. at St. Marys Greek Church.

The East Calhoun News will also carry a notice of the NRP voting period on the above
review report.

Erik distributed supplies "post card" type notices to board members for distribution door to door throughout the neighborhood.

Action: Anne Chase moved that the ballot be approved.  Ralph Knox provided a
second. Motion passed.


ECCO Board Budget Summary:
Don MacPherson, Treasurer distributed to board members:  ECCO BUDGET 2003
and ECCO BUDGET 2004 (Proposal 1/15/2004).

Don reported that while we earned $750 operating a pop booth at the Uptown Art Fair
in 2003, we experienced a loss of an estimated $5,000 due to the temporary discontinuance of the Wine Tasting event.  Overall,  we experienced a net loss of
$1,952. for the year.  The total check book balance declined from $11,158 beginning
the year to $9,206 at the end.

The loss of the wine tasting revenue was the key financial problem of  the year. Discussion resulted in president, Jeff Farnam, indicating that he would contact past president, Bruce Grim and the Hennepin Lake Liquor owner to review the situation and the probability of the event being reinstated.

Action: Anne Chase moved that the budget 2004 be approved.  Al Anderson provided
a second. The motion passed.

Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council:
1. Dan reported that the city of Minneapolis is planning to do the same hazard waste pickup program as last year (ECCO was not included last year). Only issue is whether the dollars get cut for that program. Kingfield neighborhood is also interested in this program.  Jeff Farnam suggested that we might coordinate this event with CARAG.  He  further suggested the walled Farmstead Park board equipment facility on Kings Highway as a viable collection point for trucks to enter and exit.  Kay Anderson volunteered the Field School as a possible site.  Al Anderson will check on the potential for a cooperative Kingfield/Carag  event.  It was suggested that a Saturday would be a good day for the
event at the Kings Highway site since Park Board equipment would not be moving in and
out of the enclosure.

2. Dan said it appeared that the Mayor will have the votes to appoint Chief McManus as
the new police chief.  Dan noted that there were some very capable candidates within the
current police force that also could have served in this capacity.

3. Kay Anderson asked Dan how a citizen could get a complete picture of the numbers and finances involved in the various proposals being advanced for a Twins Stadium. Dan will get further information for Kay to analyze.

4. Jeff Farnam asked Dan to comment about the termination of a recent Inspections Department executive.  Dan indicated it was part of an effort to make the department
more effective, providing more energy and what some viewed as stronger  leadership.

5. Al Anderson asked Dan it there was any new information on the planned design of Richfield Road, specifically relating to the safety of  bikers riding north on the new Richfield Road bike lane-- those who intend to cycle straight ahead, crossing 36th Street and continuing north on East Calhoun Parkway (rather than following the main flow of auto and bus traffic which will curve east, up along the cemetery on 36th Street.

Dan reported he has met with the staff planning for the Richfield Road highway and bike path. They are still studying the design of this "pork chop" intersection.  The planning staff indicated that they are looking at, and will use,  the national safety standard recommendations for this type of intersection. Dan will keep this subject under review.

6. In the above meeting, Dan said that he inquired about the possible need to accommodate an extension of the trolley tracks to Lake Street along East Calhoun Parkway.  The constructions planning staff said that construction would easily accommodate that future change.

7. Asked about the liability of neighborhood boards, individual committees and members
being sued for their actions, recommendations and decisions, Dan said he hoped to have
a legal opinion to bring to the next ECCO board meeting in February.

8. Jon Sorenson asked that Dan secure information regarding which streets are to be opened and closed (and times) for the upcoming Loppet ski event.  Dan will get back
to him.

Adjournment:
Anne Chase made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Don MacPherson seconded,
the motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, December 4, 2003

ECCO BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, December 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

Members Present:
Al Anderson, Kay Anderson, Bruce Sabatke, Jeff Farnam, Don MacPherson, Gary Farland,  Dale Watson,  Sharon Cornejo, Sue Lahbil, Ralph Knox, Ann Chase.

Others Present:
Erik Hansen,  Tom Mattox, Dan Niziolek,  Jonathan Dean.

Welcome:
President, Jeff Farnam called the meeting to order, welcomed board members and
others, and initiated brief introductions of those present.

Approval of Minutes, Agenda:
1. The November minutes were presented.
Action: Kay Anderson moved to approve the November meeting minutes. Sharon
Cornejo provided a second. Motion passed.

2. Kay Anderson moved to approve the meeting agenda with the change that "Zoning"
be added.  Al Anderson provided a second. Motion passed.

Public Open Forum:
1. Kay Anderson suggested re-instituting the "Ecco Good Neighbor Award" for special recognition of an individual contribution to the community.  Kay will get back with
more detail at future meetings.

2. Al Anderson suggested that ECCO sponsor a "Hazard Waste Day". Jeff Farnam said
that he would give the Minneapolis solid waste government people a call to see what
they could do for us. Dan Niziolek. said that Minneapolis had run a pilot project this past
summer with drop-off sites.  Dan offered to find a contact person for more information.
Jeff indicated that this was a subject to be allocated to the environmental committee as
a project.

3. Ralph Knox asked for any news items that should be carried in the East Calhoun News.
He requested that anyone with information for a news item contact him (612-822-2537)
or Ralph.D.Knox @Seagate.com. 

4. Kay Anderson reported that she, Al Anderson, Dan Niziolek, Bob Hentges, and Norm Toume, all residents of ECCO, attended an informational meeting on the planned Richfield road renovation project. The project will be done in two time segments and
the road will be closed during construction. Ralph Knox was referred to Liz Cherney, the
government contact for specifics which would enable a newspaper article on this subject.

5. Al Anderson reported that Nick Kakos had been elected to the NRP Policy Board.
He is the representative of the 30 neighborhoods in the NRP "Protection" category
(neighborhoods similar to ECCO).  

6. Nick reported that the city attorney had provided an opinion that some of the NRP funds--which previously had been designated "off the top" before the funds are
allocated to the neighborhoods must go through the neighborhoods. These fund were
for affordable housing, commercial corridor, and policing.  This issue as not been
resolved as of this date.

Report from Dan Niziolek, City Council Person:
Council Person Dan Niziolek reported:
1. Regarding the Richfield road project, Dan will be looking into the issue of the road configuration at 36th street and Richfield Road.  As planned, the turn at 36th street will be more of a ramp running onto 36th street than a street corner. This may create a safety issue for bicyclists who intend to continue north on E. Calhoun Parkway.  Dan will be pursuing this concern.  His position is that a normal right turn configuration would make more sense from a safety standpoint.  Additionally, there has been little or no  consideration of how a trolley track extending along E. Calhoun Parkway would be
facilitated, should the trolley track be extended to the Lake Calhoun Refectory at Lake Street. Dan will be meeting with Liz Cherney who is working on the project.

Related to the above project, Kay Anderson reported that the suggestion was made at
the Richfield Road meeting that reversing the direction of the Lake Calhoun bike path
to run north would enable pedestrian and other non-commuter bike and tricycle traffic
coming from Lake Harriet to cross at the lights at Wm Berry road and proceed north
on the bike path.  This would discourage these casual bikers from attempting to use
the faster, possibly more dangerous commuter bike lane.

Some preliminary work may be done in April with the street closed from 36th Street to
Wm. Berry  Road in June for 6 to 8 weeks. 

2.  Taxation: 15% to 30% increases in property taxes has not been uncommon. An
example of the shift of the tax burden from commercial to residential: The Wells
Fargo tower downtown will pay $600,000 less in property taxes this year. Dan says
this is why we’re seeing the increases in the residential property taxes.  Due to the
shift of the tax burden from the commercial to the residential properties plus the
increase in market values.  One factor in this situation is the increased office vacancy
rates downtown which devaluates the downtown properties.

3. Any homeowner who experiences greater than a 12% increase in property taxes
--as long as it is at least a $100 increase from last year--is legible for a property tax
rebate. Almost every homeowner in the city of  Minneapolis will be eligible.  The rebate
is not income-based or  property-based.   Tenants can still use the Renter’s Tax Credit.

4. Kay Anderson noted that the Park Board had struck a deal with a company to mount
equipment on park board buildings.  Dan said that this was intended to help the city
become "wireless"--enabling wireless computers to be used anywhere in the city.
This system may replace city government current communication systems.

5. Dan noted that agreements have been reach between the City of Minneapolis police
department and community leaders.  The agreement provides a framework to develop
practices on how best to deal with various issues and conflicts that arise.

Zoning:
1. Nick Kakos and Al Anderson of the Ecco Zoning committee met at Dan Niziolek’s
office for an informational meeting on zoning.  The meeting highlighted the fact
that zoning a building R4 "opens the gate" to a variety of uses quite different from
a R2 residential area. 

2. In response to an inquiry, Dan Niziolek is looking into the issue of the liability of
neighborhood boards and zoning committee members in making zoning recommendations. Dan will be reporting at future meetings.

Greenway Steetcar Transit:
Tim Springer, Director On Staff, of the Midtown Greenway Coalition presented a
proposal requesting that the ECCO board support this resolution:

"ECCO supports the implementation of a streetcar line in the Midtown Greenway
Corridor from the Lake Street/Midtown LRT Station west to Chowen Avenue as
soon a possible--preferably prior to commencement of the Lake Street re-paving
project, and completion of the first phase of the Sears site redevelopment."

This resolution supports vintage streetcars on rails on the segment specified. This is a
lower cost alternative than the LRT units.  On this Greenway section, the slower streetcar
is viewed as fitting the area best since it makes frequent stops and does not require the
speed of  an LRT. 

Action:  Al Anderson moved that the ECCO board support the resolution as stated above.
Gary Farland provided a second. The motion passed.

NRP Update:
Erik Hansen provided an Action Plan Update (Dec 4, 2003).  The review period is over
for the Phase I plan. Final plan will be provided shortly.  Eric reviewed the projects and
their current status.  It appears that Phase I will end with between $34,000 to as much as $63,000 remaining. These funds could be allocated to Phase II.

Next Meeting Date: January 15, 2004
Action: Ann Chase moved that the January Ecco Board of  Directors meeting be scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2004. Ralph Knox provided a second.
Motion passed.

Committee Appointments:
Committees were established with committee chairpersons designated:

Ecco Board Committees:
Social/Communication/Community Events Committee (Sue Lahbil)
Zoning Committee (Nick Kakos)

NRP Implementation Committees:
ECCO NRP Steering Committee (Ann Chase)
Crime & Safety Implementation (Leslie Modrack)
Environmental Implementation (Tim Norkus-Crampton)
Neighborhood Identity & Housing Implementation (Al Anderson)
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Implementation (Gary Farland)

The NRP Recreation Implementation  Committee has completed its tasks
and is herby terminated.

The respective committee chairpersons will verify which members are still interested
in participating on their committees and report back to Al Anderson, Secretary.

Action: Ann Chase moved that the committee list and chairperson assignments be approved. Ralph Knox provided a second. Motion passed.

Adjournment:
Action: Gary Farland moved that the meeting be adjourned. Kay Anderson provided
a second. Meeting was adjourned.
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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, Dec 6, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present: Bruce Grimm, David Badzinski, Ralph Knox, Al Andersen, Kay Andersen, Sue Lahbil, Jeff Farnam, Leslie Modrack, Nick Kakos, Jayne Solinger, Anne Chase, Tim Norkus-Crampton

Others Present:  Lisa McDonald, Allan Bernard, Erik Hansen, Gary Farland, Anne Stahn, Kevin Ryan

 Welcome Bruce Grimm called the meeting to order (7:00 PM), and welcomed neighbors and board members.  Brief introductions were followed by the presentation of the animal crackers and the cheez curls which seem endless

Public Open Forum Kay Andersen presented a petition to remove the chain link fence on the hillside below St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church.  Apparently, the fence was erected as a safety barrier to prevent sledding school children from the church’s associated school from careening out of control and into East Calhoun Parkway traffic.  As the School no longer allows sledding Kay proposes the seemingly useless eyesore should now be removed.  There appeared to be unanimous support among the neighbors present.

 Approval of Minutes, Agenda

 1.        Minutes of the November meeting were presented.  Board Action:      Jayne Solinger moved to approve the minutes of the November meeting.   Sue Lahbil Seconded.   Motion passed.

 2.        The December 6^th Agenda was presented.  Bruce Grimm amended the agenda to include a zoning matter and removed the time allocated to neighbor Della Boutrous, who had withdrawn her request.  Board Action:      Al Andersen moved to accept the amended Agenda of December 6^th, 2001. Sue Lahbil Seconded.   Motion passed.

Report form Lisa McDonald, City Councilperson  CM McDonald appeared before the board.

a)       Lisa reported on the progress of the 2^nd floor remodeling project at Calhoun Square.  Retail space is being replaced with small offices.  Dudly Riggs has returned to 26^th and Hennepin.

b)       The Suburban World Theater, which has recently been placed on the market, has received interest from local business owner Kim Bartman (owner / operator of Lynn Lake Bowl and Cafe Barbette).  Lisa cautioned that the neighborhood may want to review the existing licensing of the facility.  The current Class B license is perhaps more lenient than warranted by the structure, however was permitted with verbal assurances by the present owner Scott Johnson.

c)       Lisa reported on the progress of educating 10^th ward council member elect Dan Niziolek.

d)       Buget mark-up has begun at City Hall.  Taxpayers beware, the tax man is coming.  The specter of state aid to Minneapolis being cut and the operation deficits being run by the Target Center and perhaps the Convention Center will be exacerbated by the budget increase requests by the Park Board, Library System, and most egregiously the already seemingly overstaffed MCDA.   

e)       Finally, Lisa cautioned that the bid process for the garbage service that generated a low bid by the unions should be watched carefully.

 Anne Stahn of the City of Minneapolis Environmental Management Office was present to report on progress of the noise abatement requests by St. Mary’s Church neighbors.  The ongoing concerns generated by local neighbors are in regard to the 60-ton ground mounted air conditioning units located on the south end of the newly remodeled complex.  Anne indicated that the noise problem although not a decibel violation, is clearly a public nuisance and further noise abatement will be sought by the city.  Byron Zopaley, the chairman of the church board, is her primary contact and she promises to use mediation or legal action to appease the neighbors before “air conditioning season”.  Comments or concerns should be directed to:

Announcement of New Mayor Event  Meg Forney appeared before the board to extend an invitation to the Neighborhood Board of Directors to attend the Inaugural Ball and Open house on behalf of the RT Rybak transition team: 

Inaugural Ball, January 5^th, 2001, Minneapolis Convention Center, 8PM – 12AM

Open House, January 18^th, 2001, Minneapolis City Hall

Community Hero Card  Kevin Ryan of Community Hero Card Data, Inc. appeared before the board seeking a member to educate about the Community Hero Card program, a partnership between Hennepin County and the privately held Community Hero Card Data, Inc.  Essentially, the program seeks to reward volunteers and local charity organizations through funds raised through consumer loyalty programs with local merchants.  ECCO Director Sue Lahbil was appointed to appraise the program.

East Calhoun News  Bruce Grimm read a letter from ECN Editor Ken Jacobsen seeking an ECCO director to join the ECN oversight board.  Ralph Knox was appointed to fill the role.  Gary Farland appeared to emphasize the importance of the role.  Gary also indicated that the East Calhoun News was exploring an official structure to protect the currently ad hoc group and editor Ken Jacobsen from possible future liability common with any publication.

 CCP / SAFE Report   Bruce Grimm distributed the local crime report to those present in the abscence of Crime Prevention Specialist Audra Lea and Safe Officer Melissa Schmidt.

Crime and Safety: ECCO Welcome Packets   In the absence of Glen Christianson, the topic was delayed until next month. 

NRP Update  Erik Hansen appeared before the board.   Erik presented a summary of the ECCO NRP Steering Committee meeting which included a financial summary and a proposed timeline for reallocating portions of the remaining 9% of the uncontracted funds.  Board Action:      Nick Kakos offered a motion to amend the proposed timeline from the steering committee to delay the timeline by one month to allow for adequate public notice before the commencement of the first meeting and adopt the amended schedule. Jeff Farnam Seconded.     Motion passed.

 Zoning  The zoning committee brought forward a zoning request on behalf of ECCO resident Larry Mitchel with regards to the property located at 3553 Humboldt Avenue South.  Larry is seeking to expand the garage that faces 36^th Street from one car to two.  The existing non-conforming single car garage violates the set back restriction but has been grandfathered.  After discussing the options which include adding a second garage, expanding the first, or total demolition and reconstruction last month, Larry offered a substitue revised plan this month to tear down the existing one car garage and build a new two car garage in its place to be topped with a deck similar in construction to the adjoining property.  The public hearing, which will include Mr. Mitchel’s request has been scheduled for December 12^th.   Board Action:      Nick Kakos motioned to recommend approval of the necessary zoning variance to reduce the required set back from 20 feet to zero feet. Peter McDonald Seconded.   Motion passed.

 Park Board Response to Bench request  Bruce Grimm read a letter of response from the park board which cited inadequate budget for the bench shortfall (which begs the question “Why were the still useful pre-existing benches removed?).  The response continued by indicating that “People for Parks” is working to secure the necessary funding to replace the now missing benches. In response to our second motion regarding the use of left over 31^st Street median tree money to inoculate the tot-lot elms, the letter seemed to indicated that the $6240 still on the books had most likely been transferred to other programs and was not presently available.

 Announcements: Aoologies to Anne Chase whose name failed to appear in the November minutes even though it was clearly printed on the sign in form.

Meeting adjourned.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, Nov 1, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present: Bruce Grimm, David Badzinski, Ralph Knox, Al Andersen, Kay Andersen, Sue Lahbil, Jeff Farnam, Leslie Modrack, Nick Kakos, Jayne Solinger, Tanya Cornelius

Others Present:  Lisa McDonald, Allan Bernard, Erik Hansen, Morgan Holle, Bill Morten, Kurt Waltenbaugh

 Welcome Bruce Grimm called the meeting to order (7:00 PM), and welcomed neighbors and board members.  Introductions were made for the new board members. 

Public Open Forum 

Kay Andersen spoke as both a director and neighborhood resident in opposition to a campaign letter most ECCO residents received in which Nick Kakos violated the organization’s bylaws by identifying himself as an ECCO director in a campaign endorsement.  Nick indicated he was unaware of the bylaw and apologized for the violation.  Further, at the request of the opposing candidate, Nick agreed to sign a letter to be prepared by the ECCO board and distributed to the neighborhood indicating that the ECCO board endorses no candidate for any political office.

 Approval of Minutes, Agenda, Treasurer’s Report

 1.        Minutes of the October annual meeting were presented.

Board Action:      Jeff Farnam moved to approve the minutes of the October 2001annual meeting.  Nick Kakos Seconded. Motion passed.

 2.        The November 1^st Agenda was presented.

a)       Bruce Grimm amended the agenda to include a zoning matter and removed the CCP/SAFE Report in the temporary absence of a presenter.

Board Action:      Al Andersen moved to accept the amended Agenda of November 1^st, 2001. David Badzinski Seconded.   Motion passed.

 Report form Lisa McDonald, City Councilperson

 1.        CM McDonald appeared before the board.

a)       Lisa reported on the progress of the Hennepin Avenue transit station construction and her discussions with the project manager Pat Jones.  We’re all tired of the extended construction schedule and look forward to its completion now delayed until late this year.   

b)       The Block E development will be proceeding and is expected to include a Borders Book store as a street level occupant.  Unfortunately, this development will likely preclude the expansion of the Calhoun Square Borders.

c)       The Suburban World theater is seeking and new owner. 

d)       A demolition permit was grated for the Guthrie Theater.

Zoning The zoning committee brought forward a zoning request on behalf of ECCO resident Larry Mitchel with regards to the property located at 3553 Humboldt Avenue South.  Larry is seeking to expand the garage that faces 36^th Street from one car to two.  The existing non-conforming single car garage violates the set back restriction but has been grandfathered.  After discussing the options which include adding a second garage, expanding the first, or total demolition and reconstruction, Larry rescinded his request for variance and indicated he would return in following months with a modified request. 

 CCP / SAFE Report    No report was presented.

 Officer Election  The following incumbents were reelected:

·                     President                  Bruce Grimm

·                     Treasurer                  Peter McDonald

·                     Reluctant Secretary        David Badzinski

 The open position of Vice President was filled:

·                     Vice President         Jeff Farnam

 Committee Appointments and Chair Elections 

Board Action:      Nick Kakos motioned to dissolve the standing Arts Committee with the understanding that an ad hoc consortium be assembled as needed.   Peter McDonald Seconded   Motion passed.

Board Action:      Nick Kakos motioned to combine the standing Communications Committee with the already merged Standing Social Committee and Standing Community Events Committee. Al Andersen Seconded    Motion passed.

 ECCO Committees

 1.        Standing Social / Events / Communication Committee

a)       Sue Lahbil (Chair)  b)  Tanya Cornelius  c) Jeff Farnam  d) Leslie Modrack  e) Bruce Grimm f) David Badzinski

 2.        Standing Zoning Committee  a)  Nick Kakos (Chair)  b)  Al Andersen  c)  Gary Farland  d) Peter Mc Donald

 3.        Temporary Loon Lake Trolley Committee  a)  Kay Andersen (Chair)  b) Al Andersen

NRP Committees

1.        Steering Committee

a)       Jeff Farnam (Chair)

b)       Tim Norkus-Crampton (Environmental Committee)

c)       Al Andersen (Neighborhood Identity / Housing Committee)

d)       Robyn Cook (Recreation Committee)

e)       Kurt Waltenbaugh (Traffic, Pedestrian Safety Committee)

f)        Leslie Modrack (Crime & Safety Committee)

2.        Environmental Committee

a)       Tim Norkus-Crampton (Chair)

b)       Ralph Knox

c)       Sue Lahbil

3.        Neighborhood Identity / Housing Committee

a)       Al Andersen (Chair)

 4.        Recreation Committee

a)       Robyn Cook (Chair)

5.        Traffic, Pedestrian Safety Committee

a)       Kurt Waltenbaugh (Chair)

b)       Jayne Solinger

 6.        Crime & Safety Committee

b)       Leslie Modrack (Chair)

Board Action:      Peter McDonald motioned to accept the committee composition and chair leadership as shown above in aggregate.  Tanya Cornelius Seconded     Motion passed

 Hennepin Avenue Lighting Update

 1.        Erik Hansen began the lighting update by detailing the following recent ECCO NRP accomplishments

·         Left turn arrows at the intersection of 36^th and Hennepin

·         Zen Center crossing (34^th and East Calhoun Parkway) signs reading: “Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk”

·         Mulch on the Loon Lake Trolley path. 

Note:   Kay Andersen (Loon Lake Trolley Path Committee chair) credits the 30+ volunteers for he recent advances on the Loon Lake Trolley Path.

Erik continued by outlining the proposed Hennepin Avenue Lighting project.  The proposal includes the instalation of 38 “lantern style” lamps (~8 / block) on Hennepin Avenue between 31^st and 36^th.  The estimated cost of the project is $294,000.  Presently, there is ~$50,000 available from NRP funding with the balance to be raised through assessments on adjoining properties.  For the project to advance, 65% of property owners on each block must support the proposal.  The typical assessment would be ~$2,000 assessed at an annual rate of $100 / year for 20 years

Meeting adjourned.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, Oct 4, 2001 - By David Badzinki

On Thursday October 4^th, 2001 the East Calhoun Community Organization Board of Directors held an annual meeting in lieu of a monthly meeting.  

• Candidate Forum

           10^th Ward City Council Seat: Doug Kress v. Dan Niziolek
            6^th District Park Board Seat: Bob Fine v.   Tracy Nordstrom

• CM McDonald Report:  Allan Bernard

• CCP/Safe:  Audra Lea

• Presidential Address:  Bruce Grimm

• NRP Summary:  Erik Hansen

• Elections:  The following positions were filled by unanimous consent:

• NRP Delegate: Robyn Cook

• Alternate NRP Delegate:  Robert Kean

 ECCO Board Members

•  Bruce Grimm

•  Sue Lahbil

•  Jayne Solinger

•  Ralph Knox

•  Leslie Modrack

 Alternate ECCO Board Members

•   Anne Chase

•   Bruce Sabatke

Announcement: Tim and Lara Norkus-Crampton have invited all board members and friends of ECCO to a house party for 6^th district park board candidate Tracy Nordstrom:  Thursday October 11  PM 3149 James Avenue South (Upstairs) (612) 823-6506 

New Members:

• Sue Lahbil

• 1512 West 34^th Street

• (612) 825-5607

• Sue.Lahbil@Co.Hennepin.MN.US

• Jayne Solinger

• 3324 Humboldt Avenue South

• (612) 823-4775

• SolingerSorensen@att.net

• Ralph Knox

• 1510 West 33^rd Street

• (612) 822-2537

• Ralph.D.Knox@Seagate.com

• Leslie Modrack

• 3416 Holmes Avenue South

• (612) 824-6939

• LModrack@TCInternet.net

 New Alternates:

• Anne Chase

• 1510 West 33^rd Street

• (612) 822-2537

• AGChase@AOL.com

• Bruce Sabatke

• 3420 Irving Avenue South

• (612) 823-4032

• MSabatke@MNGTS.org

 Meeting adjourned.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, Sept 1, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present: Bruce Grimm, David Badzinski, Bill Boudreau, Al Andersen, Kay Andersen, Jeff Farnam, Gary Farland, Nick Kakos, Ken Jacobsen, Tanya Cornelius

 Others Present: Allan Bernard, Erik Hansen, Terry Schmidt, Bob Henches, Anne Staher, Monty Miller, Amy Klobuchar

  Welcome:  Bruce Grimm called the meeting to order (7:00 PM).

Public Open Forum

1.   Al Andersen indicated he was concerned by the state of maintenance of the sculpture garden located in the vicinity of  the intersection of East Calhoun Parkway and Lake Street.  It was suggested that the environmental committee may address the issue at the November meeting.

2.   Nick Kakos addressed the need to archive the proceedings of the board and various sub-committees.  The conversation was tabled until a future meeting amid conversations of the formation of a neighborhood archive project committee, the office of an historian, and the logistics of such an effort.

3.   Gary Farland raised concern over the lack of benches on the ECCO lakeshore.  His resolution to the park board was added to the agenda. 

Approval of Minutes, Agenda, Treasurer’s Report

 1.        Minutes of the August meeting were presented.
Board Action:    Ken Jacobsen moved to approve the minutes of the August 2001 meeting. Gary Farland Seconded.  Motion passed. 

2.        The September 6^th Agenda was presented: Bruce Grimm amended the agenda to include Gary’s Resolutions.

Board Action:      Nick Kakos moved to accept the amended Agenda of June 7th, 2001. Al Andersen Seconded.  Motion passed.

 3.        Bruce Grimm presented the treasurers report in the absence of Peter McDonald.

 Concern over the process to obtain grants historically received, but not yet received this fiscal year, to fund board activities including those from the MCDA and the Uptown business Association were raised and addressed.  The following points of contact were identified: Bob Cooper  (MCDA) & Cindy Fitzpatrick (Executive Director of the Uptown Business Association)
Board Action:      Gary Farland moved to accept the Treasurer’s report. Nick Kakos Seconded.  Motion passed.

Report form Lisa McDonald, City Councilperson

 1.        Allen Bernard, assistant to CM McDonald, appeared before the board.

a)       Allen introduced Anne Staher from Minneapolis Environment Management to address the neighbor complaints surrounding the noise levels associated with the new ventilation system installed as part of the remodeling project at St. Mary’s.   Anne indicated that St. Mary’s had contracted with O’neill Engineered Systems, Inc. To offer noise mitigation solutions.  O’neill proposed a two phase solution:  Extend existing wall up by four feet and line the wall’s interior surface with sound absorbing material. If necessary, the second phase is to install airflow guides (exhaust silencers).  2)       Anne will issue an order to request both phases of the engineer report be implemented in four weeks or less.  A 15 dB noise reduction in both the low and high frequency bands is expected.

b)       Allen indicated that efforts continue to bring up the emergency phones on the Greenway.

c)       Lisa McDonald has co-sponsored a proposed city ordinance to ban phosphorous sale and use (typically used in residential lawn applications) in an effort to protect / raise city lake water quality.  The Scott’s corporation has expressed opposition and a legal battle is anticipated should the ban be effected.

d)       Work continues on the Uptown Transit Hub.  The MTC has indicated that the schedule has slipped due to weather and a strike by workers.  Opening is now expected by mid-November.   

 CCP / SAFE Report: No report was presented as we are presently between officers. 

 5^th Precinct Community Prosecutor: Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar appeared before the board. Amy introduced Monty Miller, the new 5^th precinct prosecuto    Monty and Amy discussed the Hennepin county Community Prosecution Inititive which targets felony property crimes through the assignment of a local prosecutor, a special schedule in the court system, and consistent judicial assignments. 

East Calhoun News :   Ken Jacobsen of the East Calhoun News appeared before the board. Ken reviewed the local paper’s sources of income and expenditures.  The cost to produce and distribute a 12 page issue is approximately $2000.  Typically, the paper runs a $200 deficit each month.  Ken indicated that the paper historically receives $1000 each from ECCO and CARAG in addition to advertisement revenues.
Board Action:      Gary Farland motioned to make a $1000 contribution to the East Calhoun News with the understanding that our total budget for ECN including advertiment and contributions not exceed $1500 for the yea Bill Boudreau Seconded         Motion passed.

Committee Reports 

1.        Zoning Committee

a)       Nick Kakos reported that Bill Kleckner has requested the board support his variance request.

b)       Nick indicated that as part of a larger remodeling project the residents at 3357 E. Calhoun Parkway would like to increase the height of the peak of their garage over it’s current height to match the character of the house.

c)       The variance request is needed to exceed the current limit of 13 feet by 2 feet 3 inches.

d)       Nick indicated that he had received written support from adjacent property owners.

Board Action:      Nick Kakos motioned to reccommend approval of the variance as received to allow for the additional 2 feet 3 inches to be added to the peak of the garage over what is allowed for by code. Gary Farland Seconded  Motion passed.

 2.        Events Committee

a)   Our thanks to Jeff Farnam and all who helped make the annual Labor Day Parade / Picnic / Event a success.

b)   The annual meeting is fast approaching.  It will be held on October 4^th in lieu of a monthly meeting of the ECCO Board of Directors.  A sub-committee was formed to assist in the execution of the event including:  Tanya Cornelius  (Event planning / coordination), Kay Anderson   (Event planning / coordination), Nick Kakos    (Set-up / Tear Down). David Badzinski          (Set-up / Tear Down)

c)   The following Agenda item were proposed:

• Presidential Addr

• NRP Report

• Candidate Forum: 10^th Ward Council Seat,   Park Board Seat

•  Election of Board Members to 2 year terms

Resolutions to the Park Board

 1. Be it resolved that the ECCO Board requests that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board install about ten benches along the east shore of Lake Calhoun, and that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board not depend on private contributions for dedicated benches.
 2. Be it resolved that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board be authorized to use ECCO NRP funds provided for the 31^st Street median, if available, also for protective injections of the elm trees next to the East Calhoun Tot Lot.  This is with the understanding that this alternate use of funds will not result in any diminishment of care to the median trees.
 Board Action: Gary Farland motioned the above resolutions. Nick Kakos Seconded.  Motion passed.

 NRP 

1.        Erik Hansen reported on the present actions pending with regards to the ECCO NRP efforts.

a)       Erik indicated that the Loon Lake allocation and administrative reallocation proposed last month are in process.

b)       He also reported on the status of the Hennepin Avenue lighting Project Proposal.  At present, the worst case budget for the 38 light installation between 31^st and 36^th street will be $294,000.  ECCO NRP has budgeted $19,150 and CARAG has reportedly $40,000 earmarked.

c)       Lastly, Erik reported that the Zen Center crossing of East Calhoun Parkway was held in administration over a Park Board policy and the current design with regards to parking and flashers in the vicinity.

•  Announcements: The Annual meeting of the East Calhoun Community Organization Board of Directors will be held :

•  Thursday October 4^th , 2001

• St. Mary’s Greek Ortodox Church

• Fellowship Hall

• 7:00 PM

 Meeting adjourned.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, August 1, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present:    Bruce Grimm, David Badzinski, Peter McDonald, Bill Boudreau, Al Andersen, Kay Andersen, Jeff Farnam, Gary Farland, Nick Kakos 

Others Present:    Allan Bernard, Erik Hansen, Wendy Devore, Melissa Schmidt, Morgan Holle, Ben Johnson, Tom Austin, Kael Anderson, Della Boutrous

 Welcome   Bruce Grimm (New ECCO President ) called the meeting to order (7:00 PM).

Public Open Forum
1.        Della Boutrous of the 31XX block of Humboldt Avenue

a)       Della Boutrous of the 31XX block of Humboldt Avenue addressed the board.  She requested funds to help defray the costs of sponsoring a neighborhood block party for National Night Out.

b)       Gary Farland indicated that historically the board has funded the limited number of similar requests which have been received.

 Board Action:      Al Andersen motioned that the board authorize up to $25 per block party (maximum of $25 / party if sponsored by more than one block) to help residents with the costs.   Jeff Farnam Seconded.  Motion passed.

 Approval of Minutes, Agenda, Treasurer’s Report 

1.        Minutes of the June meeting were presented.  Board Action: Gary Farland  moved to approve the minutes of June, 2001.   Kay Andersen Seconded.  Motion passed.

 2.        The August Agenda was presented.  Board Action:      Kay Andersen moved to accept the Agenda of August 2^nd, 2001. Nick Kakos Seconded. Motion passed.

 3.        Peter McDonald presented the treasurers report.  a)       Additionally, Peter questioned the approximately $18/mo. Voice mail which number is published for the purpose of answering resident calls to the board.  Action was deferred to next month.  

Report form Lisa McDonald, City Councilperson 

 Allen Bernard appeared before the board.
a)       Anna Marie’s (36^th and Bryant) is expanding and adding a deli.
b)       The Green way security phones are operational (currently being tested)
c)       Art Fair  Child care will be available at the Uptown Y for $5 / hour.
d)       Neighbor complaints regarding a compressor, associated with the St. Mary’s church remodeling, were addressed.  A letter to the Stahl Construction Company for the Council Member’s office was read.  Residents with continuing concern are encouraged to call the Church administrator:  Sylvia Kafkas. 825-9595

 CCP / SAFE Report 

 Wendy DeVore reported on the incidents of crime in ECCO   Residents are encouraged to lock doors and close garage doors.   Report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately as delays will impact the usefulness of response. 

Request for Funding of Lake Harriet Band Shell Concerts 

1.        Tom Austin appeared in place of Cynthia Stokes a)  Tom Austin submitted a request for continued funding for the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra for $700 to help with the costs associated with performing the concert series at the Lake Harriet Band Shell.  b)  The organization has an annual budget of approximately $100,000 the bulk of which is used to pay the professional musicians.  c) The concert series includes Saturday night and Sunday afternoon concerts (10 total) in July.  Board Action: Gary Farland  moved to fund the $700 request. Peter McDonald Seconded.  Motion passed.

 Proposal to Save Elm Trees 

1.        Ben Johnson of Rainbow Treecare appeared before the board.

a)       Gary Farland initiated the call to Rainbow and he took the opportunity to introduce the issue and Ben Johnson.

b)       Ben proposed an ECCO wide program to protect our remaining parkway Elms from disease through a course of macro injections.  The ~ 1 hour procedure is 99% effective when performed by Rainbow Tree Care which offers a guarantee when they perform the injections.  Ben outlined the following two options:
1)       Resident application-  team of neighbors could be trained free of charge to perform the injections:  Cost:   ~ $140 / tree
2)       Professional application - Rainbow tree Care could be contracted to perform the injections:  Cost: ~ $350 / tree

Board Action:  Gary Farland motioned a request to have the ECCO board endorse him to use the block club structure and pre-funded ECCO advertising resources to publicize the use of NRP funds for the purpose of Dutch Elm disease treatment.  Bill Boudreau Seconded  Motion passed.

 Committee Reports

 1.        Communications Committee  a)       In Ken Jacobsen’s absence, Bruce Grimm reported on the pending failure of our Internet Service Provider (ISP) at the end of September.  A search is underway to relocate our web presence.

 2.        Zoning Committee   a)       Nick Kakos reported no action had been requested.

 3.        Events Committee  a)       Jeff Farnam reported on the state of affairs regarding the annual Labor Day Parade / Picnic / Event 1)       Permits have been obtained  2)       A band has been arranged  3)   Clowns have been arranged for  Volunteers are still needed for set-up, clean-up, and game staffing.  Contact Jeff Farnam if you are available to help:

 Board Action:      Nick Kakos motioned to allocate additional funds for prizes from the general allocation for the Labor Day Event not to exceed $200 as needed.  ary Farland Seconded  Motion passed.

 NRP 

1.        Erik Hansen reported on the present progress of our Phase I NRP efforts and presented a detailed accounting.  He indicated that our administration funds had been exhausted and offered an estimate of the resources needed to complete Phase I. At present we have contracted 90% of the Phase I allocation and have spent 80%. 

Board Action:      Kay Andersen motioned to finally approve and fund $4700 for a land survey of the Loon Lake Trolley Path.   Peter McDonald Seconded  Motion passed.

 Board Action:      Gary Farland  motioned to reallocate $5,000 to administration funds from the remaining balance of the Traffic Plan.  Peter McDonald Seconded  Motion passed.

 2.        The topic of our VP vacancy arose and the NRP role which may or may not be associated with it. 

Board Action:      Nick Kakos motioned to maintain the vacancy at VP and defer the discussion on the affiliated role until the next scheduled election cycle  Kay Andersen Seconded  Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, May 3, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present:       Renee Gust, Tanya Cornelius, Al Andersen, Bruce Grimm, Nick Kakos, Ken Jacobsen, Bill Boudreau, Jeff Farnam, Kay Anderen, Carol Dines, Gary Farland, David Badzinski 

Others Present:   Allan Bernard, Erik Hansen, Wendy Devore, Chip Chopen, Della Boutrous 

Welcome  Renee Gust called the meeting to order (7:00 PM).s people filtered in, the meeting proceeded directly to the committee reports.

Committee Reports

1.        Loon Lake Trolley Path Committee
a)       Kay Andersen read a letter from the park board.  Their recommendations to the committee  included:
    1)       To ensure maintenance of the proposed area
    2)       To secure funding
    3)       To address the problem associated with not having an exit
    4)       To propose historical markers / signag

 b)       NRP funding needed for a survey of the area is $4700.00

c)       Total funding to complete the project with 2 stairways is approximately $60,000

2.        Events Committee

a)       Renee detailed the following upcoming events:
1)  Super Sale Art Fair. June 2^nd  3401 Irving Avenue South 4PM party to follow

2)  Wine Tasting  June 13^th  Calhoun Beach Club  Tickets are $20 

3)  Tot Lot Dedication  May 15^th  6:30 PM 

Board Action:      Nick Kakos  motioned to allocate $100 from the general fund for refreshments.  Carol Dines Seconded. Motion passed.

 Board Action:    Gary Farland  motioned to fund the Labor Day neighborhood event at the same level as last year ($1200).  Al Andersen Seconded.  Motion passed.

3.        Zoning Committee

 Nick Kakos reported:  Julie and James Frommelt of 1621 West 32^nd Street have applied for a variance: 1)  To reduce the legacy  structure side yard setback from 3 ft. To 1’ 10”. To allow for the installation of a second story bedroom addition.

Board Action:    Nick Kakos  motioned to support the project as presented. Bruce Grimm Seconded.  Motion passed.    

CCP / SAFE Report

 Wendy DeVore reported that incidents of crime remain low in ECCO   April 2001 Crime Summary: 1)  Second degree assult arrising from an altercation on the 14xx block of Lake St.   2)  Three auto thefts  3)  Typical incidents of theft from vehicles, local businesses, and neighborhood.

 NRP

Housing   Erik Hansen presented the results of polling at the recent neighborhood meeting.  Of the 184 votes tallied, the plan was narrowly voted down by a 91 to 93 margin.  Frustrated residents Chip Chopen and Della Boutrous advocated for action on Humboldt between 31st and 32nd on the ground that the immediate neighborhood overwhelmingly supported the installation of speed humps.  In the conversation which followed, most reached consensus that the installation of speed humps would impact neighborhood traffic patterns and therefore needed the support of the neighborhood at large. 

Board Action:      Bill Boudreau  motioned to reconveine the traffic committee and direct the report to the committee for consideration. Gary Farland Seconded.

Board Action:      Ken Jacobsen made a substitute motion to fund a subset of the plan including a left turn signal light at 36^th and Hennepin and enhanced crosswalks across East Calhoun Parkway at 31^st, 32^nd, and 33^rd.                 

Board Action:      Nick Kakos  motioned to table the issue.      Bruce Grimm Seconded.    Motion passed.

 Housing Committee  Erik Hansen proposed:  1)   An action to increase fees paid to Project for Pride in Living from $22,500 to 29,300 for administration of the ECCO Action Plan Housing Program.2)   An action to extend the time of performance of the existing program from 12/31/01 to 12/31/02 to cover the completion of home improvement work, and billing and administration work.3)    An action to allow Project for Pride in Living to admit those currently on the waiting list into the Home Improvement Program.  This action removes a three pool system (single family or duplex, 5-plus unit buildings, and seniors) to one pool with no qualification or restrictions. The Maximum grant amount remains $5,000 for 5+ unit buildings and $3,000 for all others.

  Board Action:      Nick Kakos  motioned to approve items 1,2,and 3 (see above).  Bruce Grimm Seconded.  Motion passed.

Environment Committee  Erik Hansen proposed:    The installation of 50 bicycle parking structures at a cost of $125 each with collars.  (The collars allow the above ground portions of the structure to be removed for neighborhood events or winter.  The parking structures would be installed on Hennepin between 29^th and 31^st , and on Lake St. Between Irving and Emerson.

  Board Action:      Ken Jacobsen  motioned to approve the project in its entirety.   Renee Gust Seconded.   Motion passed.

  Board Action:      Bruce Grimm motioned to move the remaining unallocated $2500 form the environment committee to the Housing Committee.    Ken Jacobsen Seconded.    Motion passed.

  Announcements: 

a)       Super Sale Art Fair June 2nd 3401 Irving Avenue South

b)       Wine Tasting  June 13th  Calhoun Beach Club  Tickets are $20   

c)       Tot Lot Dedication  May 15th  Tot Lot (East shore of Lake Calhoun)  6:30 PM  

Meeting adjourned.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, April 5, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present:  Renee Gust, Tanya Cornelius, Al Andersen, Bruce Grimm, Nick Kakos, Peter McDonald, Ken Jacobsen,  Tim Norkus-Crampton, Bill Boudreau, Jeff Farnam

 Others Present:   Allan Bernard, Erik Hansen, David Badzinski, Kay Anderen, Alyssa Hawkins, Ruth Elaine Hane, Jay Joyner, Bill Moston, Robert Roscoe, Daniel O’neil, Wendy Devore, John Brewer, Tracy Nordstrom

 Welcome

Renee Gust called the meeting to order (7:00 PM).  Guest Introductions: 1)  Tracy Nordstrom 2)   Alyssa Hawkins  (Friends of the Mississippi)

Public Open Forum

  2.        Tracy Nordstrom: a)   Announced she is running for an open seat (District 6) on the Park Board   b)  Park Board members serve a four year term, and all of the park board member’s terms end simultaneously

  3.        Alyssa Hawkins (Friends of the Mississippi)      Alyssa runs the storm drain stenciling program in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the western suburbs.

      1)  She stressed that our storm drains run to the river, a source of drinking water for the cities
2)  Avoid uses phosphorous on your lawn which is not necessary for the soil in ECCO
3)   Stenciling “Please don’t pollute; Drains to the Lake”

a)       Program runs April through October 2001

b)      ECCO volunteers needed:  April 21^st (Earth Day)  9:30-11:00  Lake cleanup  11:00 – 1:00 Stenciling

Approval of Minutes, Agenda, Treasurer’s Report

 Minutes of the March 1^st meeting were presented.

Board Action:      Nick Kakos moved to approve the minutes of March 1^st, 2001.   Al Andersen Seconded.  Motion passed.

 The April 5^th Agenda was presented

Board Action:      Ken Jacobsen  moved to accept the Agenda of April 5^th, 2001.   Bill Boudreau Seconded.  Motion passed.

Peter McDonald presented the treasurers report.a)       No need to file a “990”

Board Action:      Renee Gust moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report of March 1^st, 2001.  Bruce Grimm Seconded.    Motion passed.

Report form Lisa McDonald, City Councilperson  Allen Bernard appeared before the board.

      a)       The Suburban World Theater received a permit to allow for live entertainment
b)       The residential parking ban has been lifted
c)       Street sweeping has been postponed until the thaw.  Sweeping will begin as soon as practical. 1) Watch for temporary “no parking” signs  2)   The city will be tagging and towing
d)       Along with spring comes the unsightly neighborhood “garbage yards”.  Call Allen to report problems (612) 673-2210
e)       The city plans to implement a system which uses cameras to catch traffic violators and issue automated tickets... coming soon to a neighborhood near you

 CCP / SAFE Report Wendy DeVore reported that incidents of crime remain low in ECCO  February 2001 Crime Summary

      1)       One  auto theft
2)       Typical incidents of theft from vehicles  Remember, “Don’t leave valuables in your unattended vehicle”
3)       Typical thefts from local businesses  Watch out for a team of pick pockets plaguing our neighborhood

 Committee Reports

  9.        Communications Committee  We’ll be asking Glen Christensen to continue to maintain our web site.

 10.     Zoning Committee   Nick Kakos reported: 

    a)  Robert Roscoe (for Ruth Hane of 3247 Humboldt Avenue South) has applied for a a series of variances:

      1)       To reduce the front yard setback from 20 ft. To 1 ft.
2)       To reduce the south side yard setback from 5 ft. to 3.5 ft.
3)       To reduce the north yard setback from 15 ft. to 5 ft.

All to allow for a second story addition and a side screen porch.

Ruth Elaine Hane and Jay Joyner appeared to present their plan, and neighbor Dan O’neil rose in opposition. 

The Minneapolis Board of adjustments will hear the matter: April 25^th 2:00 PM    Room 220  City Hall 350 South 5^th Street Minneapolis

  To express concern or support contact city planner: Jason Wittenberg       (612) 673-2297 

Board Action:      Nick Kakos  motioned to support the project as presented.    Peter McDonald Seconded.   Motion passed.  

b)    Nick Kakos reiterated the ECCO Board policy on requests for action on variance proposals.  Nick requires:  1)  A copy of the Variance request  2)  An on-site evaluation  3)  Written statements from the adjoining neighbors

11.     Events Committee     Wine Tasting is scheduled for June 13^th.

  NRP

12.     NRP Traffic Committee Report

a)       Neighborhood meeting to approve the change to the neighborhood traffic plan:  Thursday April 26^th, 2001  St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church  Lecture Room  7:00 PM 

b)       Tot lot dedication (rain or Shine)  May 15^th, 2001  Tot Lot (East Shore of Lake Calhoun)  6:30 PM  Bring a scissors... help cut the ribbon.

13.     NRP Environment Committee

        a)    Tim Norkus-Crampton discussed the results of the last environmental committee.  He offered ammedments to the proposed bicycle grant.
  b)    Nick Kakos renewed his objections to the proposed funding scheme on parliamentary grounds.  He believes it’s outside the purview of the environmental committees charter and further, a violation of NRP rules.  

Board Action:      Ken Jacobsen motioned to give the environmental committee one more month to arrive at an acceptable funding plan.    Peter McDonald Seconded.   Motion passed.

a)       There will be a neighborhood meeting to approve the change to the neighborhood traffic plan: Thursday April 26^th , 2001  St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church  Lecture Room  7:00 PM

b)       Join the Midtown Greenway Coalition for tree planting  Saturday April 28^th , 2001 (Arbor Day)  Humboldt and the Greenway  9:00 AM  Lunch will be provided to volunteers at 11:30 

c)       Join the Friends of the Mississippi for clean up and strom drain stenciling   April 21^st (Earth Day)  32^nd Street Beach  9:30-11:00  Lake cleanup  11:00 – 1:00 Stenciling

      d)       Attend the Tot Lot dedication:   May 15^th  , 2001   Tot Lot (East Shore of Lake Calhoun)  6:30 PM  Bring a scissors... help cut the ribbon.

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ECCO Board  Meeting Minutes - Thursday, March 1, 2001 - By David Badzinki

Members Present:  Renee Gust, Tanya Cornelius, Al Andersen, Bruce Grimm, Nick Kakos, Peter McDonald, Ken Jacobsen, Gary Farland, Tim Norkus-Crampton 

Others Present:  Allan Bernard, Lisa McDonald, Melissa Schmidt, Erik Hansen, David Badzinski, Don Johnson, Dan Niziolek, Kay Anderen, Scott Johnson, Jay Dean

 Welcome 

1.        Renee Gust called the meeting to order (7:00 PM).

a)       Guest Introductions:
1)       Scott Johnson (Suburban World Theater)
2)       Dan Niziolek (Candidate for 10^th ward City Council)
3)       Don Johnson (The Lander Group) 

Public Open Forum 

2.        Dan Niziolek addressed the board
    a)       Dan indicated he is running for the 10^th Ward City Council seat being vacated by Council Member McDonald.
    b)       Dan will be seeking the endorsement of the DFL party.

 3.        Scott Johnson addressed the board on behalf of the Suburban World Theater.
        a)       Mr. Johnson indicated he has applied to upgrade the liquor license for the Suburban World Theater from Class E to Class B. The change will allow for on-site live entertainment, and provide opportunity for additional revenue streams:   Live music,   Potential for live theater
        b)       He responded to questions about the capacity of the theater.1) The capacity of the Suburban World Theater is 240 occupants. 2) A “sell-out” is typically artificially limited to 150 to provide exceptional service. c)       Upcoming Events:  “Harold and Maude” debuts the week of March 24^th.  d)       Mr. Johnson made the point that the theater is an ideal venue for charity events and private gatherings.  Contact the Suburban World Theater for details.

Board Action:      Gary Farland moved that the board not oppose the change in classification of the Suburban World’s liquor license to allow for live entertainment.  Al Andersen Seconded.    Motion passed.

 Approval of Minutes, Agenda, Treasurer’s Report 

4.        Minutes of the March 1^st meeting were presented. Board Action:      Gary Farland moved to approve the minutes of March 1^st, 2001. Nck Kakos Seconded.    Motion passed. 

5.        The March 1^st Agenda was presented  a)       Renee Gust amended the agenda.  Board Action:      Peter McDonald moved to accept the amended Agenda of March 1^st, 2001.  Bruce Grimm Seconded.  tion passed.

6.        Peter McDonald presented the treasurers report.
a)       Treasurer’s Report of March 1^st, 2001
NRP funds                $2049.15
ECCO fund                $9909.31

b)       Peter is currently addressing tax concerns..  Board Action:      Renee Gust moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report of March 1^st, 2001.    Bruce Grimm Seconded.  otion passed.

 Report form Lisa McDonald, City Councilperson 

7.        Lisa McDonald appeared before the board.
a)       CM McDonald reported on ECCO Traffic concerns.
    1)       The council member has revised the remedies presented last month by removing the “no Left turn” sign proposal from James Avenue due to neighbor complaints. 2)       The revised remedy test will proceed.  3)       CM McDonald has raised the issues of safe crossings of East Calhoun Parkway and “boom cars” with the Park Board.

b)       Work continues on the Hennepin Transit Station.

c)       The Housing project on the site of the former Perkins restaurant is progressing.

d)       Ground breaking at the city garage site will commence shortly.

e)       City wide snow plowing problems persist.

CCP / SAFE Report 

8.        Melissa Schmidt gleefully reported that incidents of crime remain low in ECCO

a)       February 2001 Crime Summary
1)       Three auto thefts. a)       Officer Schmidt advises “Don’t leave your running vehicle unattended”
2)       Two burglaries (suspects known to victims)
3)       Typical incidents of theft from vehicles a)       Officer Schmidt advises “Don’t leave valuables in your unattended vehicle”
4)       Typical thefts from local businesses

 9.        Zoning Committee.  a)       Gary Farland reports that a neighbor on Holmes between Lake St. and 31^st has raised an issue regarding a licensed triplex, which is currently zoned as a duplex. 

10.     Don Johnson of the Landers Group appeared to report on the progress of the Blue Ribbon Cleaners project. a)       Mr. Johnson reported that variances will be required.  1)       Only four parking spaces will be available on-site as opposed to the required eight.  2)       The project will encroach upon the required five foot rear yard.  Board Action:      Ken Jacobsen motioned to support the building plan contingent upon the plan meeting the technical requirements of the City of Minneapolis. Gary Farland Seconded.              Motion passed. 

11.     Arts Committee
a)       Renee Gust opened the discussion by voicing support of the “ECCO Alley Art Fair” to coincide with the “Super Sale”.
b)       Jay Dean presented th