Signed in: Michael Rainville, Diane Hofstede, Tony Hofstede, Jerry Evans, Pete Gamades, Linda Olson, Sally Grans, Ron Korsh, Todd Parker, Todd Roeder, Gayle Bonneville (staff). Jim Long (Guest)

Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chair Michael Rainville. Approval of November minutes was deferred to December meeting as secretary forgot to bring copies of the minutes.

Sally Grans raised issue of letter that was approved at November meeting to go to Met Council and City Council regarding discontinuing the Marshall St bus line. Gayle Bonneville reported that letter was never sent, decision to discontinue the line was made before letter could be sent. Sally suggested that letter objecting to the decision still be sent. Suggestion that Sally draft such letter for approval. Diane Hofstede suggested need for notice and public meetings regarding bus service needs and route decisions.

Crime/Safety/Livability Committee: Jim Long was introduced as new Crime Prevention Specialist for our neighborhood. He provided his contact information. Long also reported on a mediation that he and Don Samuels were involved in regarding the property at 801 University. Mediation involved the tenants, landlord and neighbors.

Bylaws - Copies of proposed new bylaws were dispersed to all board members present for review. Linda Olson gave an overview of changes. Discussion and vote on new bylaws was deferred to January meeting to give board members an opportunity to review.

Land Use and Planning Committee: No meeting in December, next meeting scheduled for January 3, 2006 at Main Street Lodge. Gail reported that NE Farmer's Market had inquired about making a presentation to STAWNO. Michael Rainville suggested that it go to Land Use Committee. Michael suggested Crime/Safety/Livability Committee. After some discussion as to whole committee structure, issue was tabled as there was currently no actual proposal from NE Farmers Market before STAWNO and the exact nature of their request was unknown.

B.F Nelson Committee: Sally Grans reported. Groundworks funding proposal discussed. A park board rep will attend the February meeting. An update on reconstruction of Marshall Street bridge design will be requested from county. Next committee meeting is Feb 2, 2006.

Diane Hofstede raised issue of rain gardens and other such environmentally friendly endeavors be incorporated into public works projects. Ron Korsh indicated that developer would like to incorporate a rain garden in the Main St. Bungalow Cottage project.

Diane Hofstede reported on a proposed 3rd Ward Summit to be held most likely in February on a Saturday morning.

November 30th appreciation party for Don Samuels at Gaby's - he is no longer 3rd ward council person. Linda Olson moved to donate $50 to that cause, seconded by Jerry Evans, passed.

Issue of qualifications for GMHC loans was raised. Current requirement is tax return. Tax returns do not necessarily contain very current info. Suggestion was made that current 3 months pay stubs would be a better indicator of ability to repay. Tony Hofstede moved to change requirement to current 3 months check stubs. Seconded and passed. Sally Grans abstained.