Attending: Joyce Vincent, Peter Gamades, Sally Grans, Jerry Evans, Bohdan Washchuk, V. Washchuk, James Burroughs, Andre Debonaire MacNeil, Laura Wolff, Mike Romens, Gayle Bonneville (staff).

Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Secretary Joyce Vincent in absence of chair and vice chair. Following introductions, it was noted that April minutes should have typo corrected to indicate River Run developer is contributing $200,000-250,000, not $200-250 million. Due to lack of a quorum, approval of minutes was postponed.

Agenda additions: status report on burned house on Marshall, update on Main Street bridge work, planting at Boom Island, Scherer Bros. fence and Elsie's sidewalk café license.

Financial reports for March and April and latest home loan report from GMHC were reviewed.

Under the NRP/Community Oriented Public Safety Initiative, the Sheridan area “bar beat” proposal was funded at $58,000, or 1,500 hours through end of year.

Crime and Safety: Mike Romens of Sheridan neighborhood noted people being attacked behind his house along river/Marshall Street on the trail. Second Precinct has been patrolling the area, so he'd like to commend them. There is a dispute between railroad and Park Board over who is responsible for maintenance of the area. Sally Grans added that park police and Cops on Bikes should ratchet up coverage of Boom Island area, especially with new boat charter company coming in. Chair Michael Rainville will be asked to communicate this to the police departments. It was also noted that an elderly couple was mugged in the neighborhood recently, so Cops on Bikes will be a welcome presence. Traffic light at 5th Street and University Avenue appears to have been changed to function better with traffic flow.

Housing: STAWNO should send a letter to Council Member Samuels regarding the neighborhood's desire to work with the city to create affordable homeownership at the site of the house that burned at 9th and Marshall. Laura Wolff, of CM Samuels' office, said family still owns the property, but that doesn't mean city didn't demolish the burned house. Speculation is that neighborhood might have to pay a portion of demo cost.

Elsie's Sidewalk Café Proposal: Grans noted that when there is a major licensing issue and/or variance in the neighborhood, it should be a full agenda item and not just an announcement. She requested follow-up on what happened at recent public hearing on Elsie's request. Plans should be presented at neighborhood meeting. This project may be water over the dam, she said, but she'd still like to see the plans. This type of review is the role of a neighborhood group, she added.

August 21 Boom Island Event: James Burroughs and his business partner, Andre “Debonaire” MacNeil of KMOJ, presented details of the family-oriented music event designed to raise funds for kids and the park board's youth line. They have met with Park Board, which is on board, but the park department asked the concert organizers to present to the neighborhood. They will work with Graco and Scherer Bros. to ensure parking is under control. They will also work with park police on evacuation plan and to ensure neighborhood is not negatively impacted by the event. Approximately 2,000 people are expected; entry is by paid admission. The event will also raise funds for the Center for Communication and Development, an internship training program at the radio station operated in conjunction with Brown Institute. Both organizers outlined their backgrounds and said their aim with this event is to bridge the gap between kids and their parents via music that they all can enjoy. R and B, gospel and kids-oriented musical acts are planned (with vendors but no alcohol). Their plan is to make the concert at Boom Island an annual event. Hours will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with one stage, facing the river. No sound checks will take place before 10 a.m.; music will stop by 8 p.m. Youth line and other youth groups will be receiving donated tickets. Gate between park and neighborhood will be closed, with park police stationed there to let residents in/out. End of park will be fenced and patrolled. References were offered, and the park board has already checked them, said Burroughs. Grans noted that STAWNO might have more suggestions after the July 4 reggae festival. For further information, contact Burroughs at (612) 240-4979 or MacNeil at (612) 296-6897 or see bachelorboyentertainment.com.

Library Update: Approximately 30 people trollied to the library board meeting where hours for NE libraries were discussed. Bottineau library has received a CUE Award, and STAWNO is included in the credits on the certificate. It was suggested that STAWNO frame this award and keep it in the office.

River Run: Request is in court for reimbursement of STAWNO's legal expenses. If this is not awarded, STAWNO should plan a fundraiser for fall. In addition to raising funds, it's a great community builder. Brainstorming on possible events should start now. Other examples of neighborhood fundraisers include SNO Ball and casino night - lots of work but made money and brought people together. Also, NRP Policy Board voted to write letter of support for STAWNO request to the court for reimbursement, and Council President Ostrow is trying to get city council to do likewise. River Run developer is stalled right now because a pot of anticipated funding is not available from the state. As a result, funding gap is larger now.

Above the Falls Citizens Advisory Committee (AFCAC): Vincent reported that CPED will help establish a Web site for the group to help disburse information. She displayed several drawings of proposed redevelopment scenarios for the Upper Harbor area, a Grain Belt-area marina, a River Rats water ski space near Broadway bridge, water infiltration areas with temporary barges for entertainment, terracing, catch basins, overlooks and a boardwalk. Also proposed were Skyline Park options further north with tilted turf/promenade areas, trails near water, shelters, a stage and natural plantings. This would fill in part of the missing Grand Rounds. AFCAC is seeking feedback on the ideas. Costs? Architects want further direction on preferences before getting cost figures, said Vincent. If excavation and pollution remediation are needed, costs will be higher. Timeframe? Couple of years - park board says funding is tight and regulations are changing so that funders won't pay for anything except certain restorations. Comment was made that redevelopment of Upper River area should focus on NE's side of river, where neighborhoods are already well established, even if efforts focus only on vegetation improvements. Vincent responded that reason for focus on opposite side of river is that city/park board own property there but east side is more privately owned and thus has landownership issues.

Boom Island Maintenance Problems: Jerry Evans volunteered to contact park department and inquire about what is happening with upkeep of plantings and on whether beaver damage is under control. Rainville should check on plans for Scherer Bros. fence.

Smoking Ban Proposal: Wolff reported that CM Samuels and five other city council members are proposing a smoking ban for Minneapolis restaurants and bars. She is working on a public meeting for input and appreciates any suggestions. Paul Ostrow is not supporting the ban at this time.

Other business: Inspector Stacy Altonen is being transferred from Second Precinct to a downtown job as captain….Recent graffiti removal crew had success in NE area along Central Avenue and volunteers would like to have event over in this part of NE as well.

Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Submitted by: Gayle Bonneville, Project Coordinator