ECCO Meeting Minutes for April 1, 2010

ECCO Meeting Minutes for April 1, 2010

Meetings are held at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church at 7:00

Minutes submitted by R. Kean

Attendance

Board members: Ruth Cain, Todd Copenhaver, Michael Ekholm, Robert Kean, Nancy Ward (President), Brad Durham, Tim Norkus Crampton, Gary Farland , and Anders Imboden.

Others in attendance: Monica Smith (NRP Coordinator), councilman Meg Tuthill, Scot Pekarek.

Announcements and Community Forum

· Gary Farland distributed tickets for sale for the fundraising dinner to benefit the Joyce Uptown Foodshelf. The event is scheduled for Sunday April 11 4-7 P.M. at St. Mary’s Church.

· Todd Copenhaver announced that he will be moving out of the neighborhood later this year, and will be resigning from the board at that time.

Meg Tuthill Update

· The city council is revising the regulations regarding vendor carts.

· The final vote on the Greenway rezoning is April 2.

· Plans are moving forward for the improved bikeway on Bryant .

· The city council is deciding what to do with a one-time budget surplus of $12 million. It may be used to enhance capabilities of the fire department.

· There have been 15 burglaries from businesses in the past month. These have occurred late at night and were focused on taking cash.

· The Tree Trust still has some trees available for $25. Get more information at www.treetrust.org.

· Discussion continues about possible future use of streetcars to enhance our transportation infrastructure.

· Meg has received several complaints about speeding cars on Hennepin between 31^st and 34^th street.

· The city is still working on expanding summer job opportunities for youth.

Review and approve minutes

· The March minutes were approved.

Committee Reports:

Environment

· The committee continues to work with Eli Condon (with the Watershed Association Initiative of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District) to explore the possibility of forming a lake association like the one recently formed at Diamond Lake. There are still plans to do a door to door campaign to raise awareness of organics recycling. The City and County are producing a brochure to promote the program. Other options discussed were plaques/signs by the lake to convey a story/message (natural history and/or environmental stewardship) and stenciling by storm water drains to warn residents that the water flows directly into the lake.

· Earth Day lake shore clean-up is scheduled for Saturday April 17 9:30-noon. Supplies will be distributed near the Refectory (Tin Fish). The board authorized up to $50 to purchase refreshments for participants. Volunteers are needed to help hand out the supplies.

· Tree related issues: The board voted to continue the NRP tree treatment program with the same rules and limits. Monica will check to see if there is any money left on account with the city for replacement of boulevard trees. The Environmental committee is working with Rainbow Tree Care to organize a presentation on Ash borer for a future board meeting.

Safety

· The board affirmed that condo’s are eligible to participate in the NRP security grants. However, if multiple owners in the same building wish to go together on a joint project, this is a special case and it should be sent to the board for prior approval.

· The board is working with neighborhood residents to explore “pavement painting” projects. These are basically murals painted on the road in selected locations. They have been demonstrated in other cities to calm traffic and help neighbors connect. This will be explained more at the next neighborhood social event (see details below).

SECSE

· A neighborhood potluck social will be held Wed. April 21st from 6:00-7:30 at the Gateway Art park (Lake Street and E. Calhoun Parkway). The board approved holding monthly social events April through September.

· The details of the wine tasting event are still being finalized. This is the biggest fund raiser for the board, so all are encouraged to help make this a success.

· Michael has been working to set up an on-line store for the purchase of East Calhoun merchandise. Board members are to review the site before the May meeting.

· The board is working to move our web site to a new host. This has been a challenge as the current host is essentially out of business and does not respond to requests.

Zoning

· The board voted 5 to 4 in favor of expressing concern to the Uptown Neighborhood News about an article and full page ad regarding a proposed plan to construct a hotel/library complex from the current library location to the YWCA parking ramp (extending over the greenway). Some board members felt that the article was overtly supportive of the plan, and that the positive tone may have been encouraged by the placement of the advertisement. Ruth Cain, one of the ECCO board representatives to the UNN, will communicate the concern to the UNN and discuss/review their conflict of interest policies.

NRP Phase 2 Report

· Monica Smith gave an update of remaining phase 1 funds, which total about $17,000.

· Monica presented a proposed spending plan for Phase 2. Due to funding uncertainties in the NRP program, we can only spend 80% of the allotted money in the first 3 years (~$268,000). The proposed spending plan would satisfy that requirement and allow a “slush fund” of about $14,000 that could be allocated to any of the objectives as appropriate. The board approved the spend plan.

The next meeting is May 6.