Attending: Joyce Vincent, Peter Gamades, Jerry Evans, Todd Parker, Michael Rainville, Ron Korsh, Diane Hofstede, Tony Hofstede, John Zitur, Bonnie Brozak, Ed Brozak, Valentina Washchuk, Bohdan Washchuk, Valdis Rozentals, John Wall, Gayle Bonneville (staff). Excused absence: Sally Grans.

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by chair Michael Rainville. Motion was made (Peter Gamades), seconded (Joyce Vincent) and carried to approve of agenda. Motion was made (Joyce Vincent), seconded (Peter Gamades) and carried to approve April minutes as presented. Motion was made (Jerry Evans), seconded (Joyce Vincent) and carried to approve May minutes as presented. Financial report was reviewed and discussed.

Crime and Safety report from CCP/Safe was reviewed. Two extra patrols will be moving through neighborhood this summer. This will include “bar beat” three nights a week. Rainville will contact housing regarding complaints about Dickman Park area's late-night activities.

B.F. Nelson site plans for open space were recapped by Rainville, including $40,000 grant that revealed historic artifacts/archeology that community wants preserved. It's clear community wants this as open space, he added. Developer John Wall then presented proposal for one-acre condo project. Park Board traditionally doesn't sell its land, so Wall said development team wanted to get reaction from neighborhood before moving any further. Site would front Sixth Avenue, contain underground parking, have 60 units of for-sale condos, and be up to five stories high. This would be a private project in exchange for STAWNO's help in getting it going. Why? Because B.F. Nelson site is not nearly the park it should be, Wall said. Park board does not have the money to fix this up, and it's not high on their list, he said. Wall's team would use one acre, and between the money that goes to the park board and the TIF money that Wall's group would receive (but doesn't need), the funds would be turned back to the neighborhood to improve the park, he said. Motion was made (Tony Hofstede) and seconded (Jerry Evans) to not support this project. Hofstede said the neighborhood has put a lot of effort into the past 20 years trying to make this a park, making it part of a historic district and making it ecologically sound. What's more, he added, TIF money usually doesn't come back to us. Discussion: Wall said traffic would not come through neighborhood and Marshall curb cut could be re-done. What about river setbacks? I'm not sure this is good site selection. Who are the partners? Wall, Wall's father, and Steve Minn. Wall said building would look in on itself, with some parking in middle. Units would be 1-3 bedrooms, with two-story upper levels (preliminary drawings were shared). What about character of neighborhood? Wall said he would like a few residents to join him to work on the design. He won't go forward if the neighborhood rejects the idea. Rainville suggested amending motion to take proposal to park board's upcoming Aug. 16 B.F. Nelson Task Force meeting, where pollution and other issues will be discussed. It was noted that chair should not make or amend motions. Other comments: Park board doesn't sell land because it's for people's use. Site may look underutilized now, but plans are moving forward for the park. Neighborhood should nip this proposal in the bud right now and not let it happen. Wall was questioned about who he's met with so far. Answer: CPED first (to ascertain who owns the parcel), architect, partners and Rainville; no city council members. Wall said there are no guarantees that TIF money could be used as outlined. Rainville noted that STAWNO has leads via Groundwork and the National Park Service to work on the park that look promising. Motion passed. Motion was made (Tony Hofstede), seconded (Joyce Vincent) and carried to present at this motion at the 8/16 park board task force meeting, noting that STAWNO supports having the entire site remain park property. Rainville will send letter to Park Board and other elected officials as well as inform surrounding neighborhoods of STAWNO's decision.

Fourth of July plans were recapped by Rainville.

John Zitur gave an update on Scherer Bros. parking-lot fence on Eighth Avenue. Old one was safety hazard, so it was torn out. Company is getting estimates on trees to replace it. Company will give update at September meeting. Marshall Street planning document that suggests signs/banners noting historic and arts connections was pointed out, with suggestion that Scherer Bros. might want to note, in conjunction with this landscape project, how long its business has been in the neighborhood.

STAWNO attorney was seeking about $18,000 in fee reimbursements from River Run/Bartlett lawsuit. Bartlett is getting a new attorney, so there is no court action at this time. If news comes in this summer, board will be e-mailed.

City denied Elsie's plans and wants Elsie's to keep two entries to parking lot; fencing and landscaping are also being hashed out. Rainville will find out timetable; Vincent asked to see plans.

Above the Falls plans, including redevelopment ideas for Upper Harbor terminal area, were reviewed by Vincent. Motion was made (Diane Hofstede) and seconded (Tony Hofstede) to support a natural setting for the work that could be done there. Friendly amendment was added to support the promontory idea. Motion passed.

June 17 meeting on Lund's grocery store at Eastgate was announced.

Zitur requested letter from STAWNO reiterating plans for Scherer Bros. area and STAWNO's recommendations.

Bonnie Brozak asked if neighborhood grants were available from STAWNO again this year. Yes, with receipts and per past guidelines.

Fundraising proposals were distributed by Peter Gamades (see handout) and discussed. Comments: SNO Ball and SAE casino night were good for raising money and for building community; both were adult-oriented. Daytime event at Bottineau Library was suggested. Budget of $1,500 was set. Evening could then be ticketed event. Silent auction with wine/beer reception at library suggested. Purpose would be a STAWNO legal defense fund. Gamades will report back 8/16. Consensus is that Gamades proceed with these ideas. Attendance of 75-100 would be good. About 20 volunteers will be needed to help. If you have any music contacts, let Gamades know. Surplus funds raised would go to fountain project at library.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by: Gayle Bonneville, project coordinator