Nov. 3, 2005

Meeting Minutes B F Nelson November 3, 2005                  APPROVED Dec 2, 2005

In attendance:  Sally Grans, Michael Rainville, Jerry Evans, Doug Padilla, Diane Hofstede, Tony Hofstede, David Adson and Groundwork Mpls Director Karen Swenson.  

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm  at Eldercare basement

Karen introduced Groundwork Mpls.   She wanted our input on applying for a student intern from CURA to assist in identification of possible grants or other philanthropic organizations to assist in the funding of the rebuilding of BF Nelson.   Group discussed and was pleased with the proposed work.  Karen will be attending our meetings whenever there are issues to discuss.

Defined the major issues for pursuing funding and their connections:

Environmental: benefit to the City for turning Brownfield into Greenfield.  This will accommodate the desire to be green friendly (i.e. natural turf and not `mowed lawn'), trees that assist bird flight path, etc.

River: B F Nelson should be considered one with Boom Island and as funding proceeds both parks need to flow together in the design and maintenance as one complete river connected park.

Historical:  Milling, river connection, buildings, Old Ox Trail all could be incorporated as benchmarks for the future.

Art:  Noted that this is the Gateway to Northeast and the art connection should be significant, well conceived and executed (professional curatorial type).   

Doug Padilla distributed his extensive resume in funding, organization, diversity and arts curatorial issues.   Committee is pleased that he will spear head the Arts portion for B F Nelson.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10.

Minutes submitted by Sally Grans - 612-331-8991 granskorsh@yahoo.com