Re: [Mpls] Election post mortem ..connecting more park boarddots--part3
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has taken minutes forever. It is the quality and format of them that would make one wonder if they are actually minutes. To get minutes of committee meetings ( where the issues are really discussed) you had to have a fast speed audio tape changed to a standard format and the minutes I quoted are available online for only part of 2002 and then forward and only for regular board meetings not committee meetings. When the MPRB started broadcasting they eliminated all minute taking except to amend the agenda to say passed/failed/tabled or amended and now passed as on the website. They have since gone back to at least adding some comments. The fact is that written minutes will stand the test of time. The old voice recorded committee minutes are difficult to reference and as video is now becoming passe DVD will no doubt follow that same path eventually. Parkwatch has been advocating for minutes that actually include commissioner discussions and actual votes in committee as well as during the regular meetings. How can you hold your elected officials accountable if you never know how they voted or in my case WHY they voted for something. I am not so set in my ways that a good debate cannot sway me to reconsider my stand on an issue. This is why unlike many I do support keeping an independent park police force. Commissioner Dziedzic made more facts available and after verifying them I had to agree. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Election post mortem ..connecting more park board dots--part3
Scott Neiman wrote Niel, apparently the Strib editors have a different take on Gurban's performance, as they pointed out in their editorial that they felt he was doing a good job. And while I agree there was no process involved when Gurban was given a 1 year interim position, after first search process ended in failure. (All the finalists withdrew from consideration and Merrill Anderson refused to take a contract extension.). There was a national search done the following year using a firm the minority members on the board preferred. At its conclusion, by a 2/3's majority (6-3), the board hired Gurban, giving him a three year contract. A job he certainly applied for. He should have consulted the MPRB's own minutes and read the following ( from 12-10-03) THAT THE BOARD OFFER A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION TO MARY MERRILL ANDERSON FOR THE POSITION OF SUPERINTENDENT. On call of the roll, the vote was Yeas - 3; Nays - 5, Abstain - 1, Absent - 0; as follows: YEAS - Commissioners Dziedzic, Kummer and Olson - 3. NAYS - Commissioners Berry Graves, Erwin, Hauser, Mason and Young - 5. ABSTAIN - President Fine - 1. Mary Merrill Anderson never had the opportunity to turn them down as they never offered her an extension. In fact during the same meeting then President Fine was asked to contact the 5 remaining candidates and from the MPRB minutes his report was ( from 12-17-03) President Fine reported that he contacted the remaining five finalist and that four indicated interest in still being considered for the position of Superintendent. Later in that same meeting Commissioner Dziedzic asks if it only take a majority of 5 to hire a superintendent and upon finding that to be the case nominates Jon Gurban for the job and the rest is history... I realize that Mr. Neiman and I hold differing opinions about how things are done at the MPRB but I do not appreciate him changing the facts to fit his opinion. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB 11-2-05 meeting highlights part 3
MPRB discussion of the DeLaSalle motion moved by Commissioner Fine and seconded by Commissioner Dziedzic Commissioner Fine reads part of the motion, President Olson calls on Commissioner Erwin and he reads the entire motion and explains to those watching on TV what exactly will be voted upon ( meaning this is just a design vote not an actual go ahead and build vote ). The various commissioners weigh in on how they will be voting and make some speeches including Commissioner Berry Graves mentioning a shale base on Nicollet Island that could hamper any construction. The discussion returns to Commissioner Erwin who would like to add a friendly amendment to include a non-discrimination policy, drop the extra parking lot next to the canal and add more landscape planting. Commissioner Fine does not accept it as friendly and then it becomes a ( non-friendly) amendment about including the non-discrimination policy that is part of the MPRB and city policies. He states that DeLaSalle wants some good faith steps taken and he would not consider it fair to lead them on because without these assurances he will not vote to continue. The discussion there after circles around if it is the proper place to put it in and again Commissioner Erwin points out that without it he will not vote to continue the process. Commissioner Fine asks Council Rice for an opinion which is basically you can ask for what you want whenever you want. The amendment addition is passed. Commissioner Young then asks to add an amendment to include the dropping of the canal lot and addition of the landscape plantings as alternatives for the EAW design. This also passes. At this point discussion starts on the NEW and improved original motion. Commissioner Mason states she believes the 1983 agreement has been met and does not see the public purpose for this facility and will be voting NO. Commissioner Fine doesn't believe it's been met and claims by eliminating the tennis courts to build the field will never be met. ( so DeLaSalle can come back and ask for them again???) This would be adding value to the park system. Commissioner Hauser states that since DeLaSalle is putting up 2/3 of the land the MPRB isn't losing $7.5 million but gaining $15 million in value (2/3 may be stretching the facts a bit there from the schematics available). Commissioner Dziedzic states that there is a public purpose and it is There is a public purpose and the public purpose is that youngsters are gonna benefit. Whether it be in the classroom with math, reading, writing or arithmetic or on the athletic field with the obesity problem that we have today whether it's gonna be playing football or soccer or just a regular gym class the kids are gonna benefit. The education that the Christian Brothers or not too many Christian Brothers left anymore, or the teachers give the 650 students at DeLaSalle most college bound, 40% minority, it's a great education. I think that's the public purpose. (this is verbatim from the DVD and do not ask me what he meant I have no idea) Commissioner Olson states that this is a good private/public venture and is what is needed to bring Minneapolis back to what it used to be. ( which is ) The vote is taken 8 ayes, 1 nay ( Commissioner Mason) The regular meeting adjourns at 6:20 pm and a break is taken before going to the Planning Committee. 6:30 Planning Committee Hennepin County will be reconstructing the Portland AV bridge over Minnehaha Creek from April to July of 2006. Tim Brown engineer/planner for the MPRB introduces the consultants who give a presentation. The detour planned is on 35W and Crosstown which had the commissioners concerned and recommending additional public meetings and the historical appearing ( 1939 WPA style) arches will be included in the new facade. There were also some concerns about which agency would be maintaining the lighting. The motion to approve construction passed out of committee. Study Report on Minnehaha Creek Mike Wyatt of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) presented the Final Report of the Minnehaha Creek Visioning Partnership. The main focus was on the physical condition ( flow and bank erosion) of the creek and the aquatic life and wildlife. Commissioner Dziedzic asks if Lake of the Isles is part of the watershed and when informed that it was requested that the staff look into getting funds from MCWD to finish up the Lake of the Isles project. Commissioner Fine thanked everyone who worked on this as it encompassed cities from Minnetonka to Minneapolis. Planning Adjourned at 7:05 Admin and Finance called to order by Vice Chair Dziedzic at 7:05 Ms. Sommers ( the new PR Guru at the MPRB) gave an update on the Public Information DVDs ( commercials for the parks) She gave some stats on the shelf life of the DVDs and where it might be appropriate to have them, rec centers, schools,
[mpls] MPRB 11-2-05 meeting highlights part 2
Public Hearing for the DeLaSalle design motion for getting on with the EAW ( environmental assessment worksheet ) Barry Clegg: The MPRB has never had a discussion of the following for the public. 1) Is this an appropriate use for a regional park? 2) Why are you building soccer/football fields here when there are a dozen or more within a 5 minute drive? Christine Viken: After hearing DeLaSalle's attorney at the previous hearing comment that the stadium should be adjacent to DeLaSalle as no one would ask that a lab or classroom to be non- adjacent Ms. Viken pointed out that many entities must have non adjacent facilities due to zoning laws and restrictions. She again reiterates that some on the board should reconsider their impartiality based on their ties with DeLaSalle both past and current. Edna Brazaitis: Ms Brazaitis comments on the poor public process that the MPRB used in their CAC that did not allow for public input or the reaching of a consensus. She suggested that the MPRB should come up with a better plan for future projects ( and her 90 seconds are up per President Olson) Eric Gallatz (sorry about the spelling): Thanks the MPRB and the DeLaSalle CAC for their time. DeLaSalle has been going through the process in good faith and hopes that the MPRB is doing the same. Feels the questions about appropriateness regarding the facility have been answered and would like a stronger commitment from the MPRB and hope to get it from them passing the motion tonight regarding approval of the plan sent for the EAW. Judith Martin: She attended all three meetings of the DeLaSalle CAC and did not feel that many questions were answered except from DeLaSalle's point of view. She points out again that both landscape architects on the CAC voted against the plan and the the public purpose for this facility that would warrant the MPRB's participation has yet to be defined. She also points out that by closing Grove St to build the stadium would alter the historical district. Arlene Fried: Ms. Fried states that by limiting the public to 90 seconds of speaking time the board is doing a disservice to the entire process. Patrick Falicetta ( sorry again if I misspelled) teacher at St. Charles Middle School voices his frustration that his team is playing in Shoreview. Why must city kids play in the suburbs. Vote for this and Vote for Minneapolis kids. Thomas Kelly: DeLaSalle alum and 64 year Minneapolis resident. He urges to pass the motion from the CAC as he has known the CAC chair Mr. McKasy for years and trusts him to have chaired well. Tim O'Hara: Thinks that parks are for kids and this would be more welcoming to kids ( the stadium vs the open field and tennis courts) and urges the MPRB to move forward. Janet Demming: Ms. Demming a self proclaimed sports mom and now grandma drives all over to watch her grandkids play sports. Many suburban and small town schools do not have adjoining fields. She recommends rebuilding a sports stadium for Minneapolis youth at the Parade site. John Chaffee: Mr. Chaffee points out that the MPRB will be trading approx. $7 million dollars in land for playing field and gym time worth about 1/2 million dollars and wants to know if 1) this is legal and 2) What is the public getting for this $ 6.5 million gift? And what about the money spent to build the now soon to be removed tennis courts? Patrick Scully: Points out that this is a land use issue and that the bigger picture is not being addressed. Where is input from the Board Members? Where is a master plan for the park system and how would this fit? Are the citizens of Minneapolis getting a good trade? Why is this facility in particular? How will it serve the public at large? Janice Nall: Ms Nall also has questions for the board. When will the public have access, from midnight until 6 am? How will time conflicts be avoided? Would like a more specific schedule of days, months and hours the public will have access before this deal goes forward. John Derus: What does it matter what the land is worth as this isn't a give away it is a joint agreement. What is the value of the land the homeowners are on and are they paying enough taxes based on the value? Could the city be getting more from these people? This parkland isn't used as a park it's used for housing. Nikki Carlson: Ms. Carlson says nothing new is being discussed here, most people she's talked to are for the stadium and do not understand what all the fuss is about. Jan Hively: Language makes a difference and what we are talking about here is not an athletic field but a stadium complete with lights, a sound system, scoreboard and bleacher seating for 750 people. She also was not happy that the CAC did not hear from anyone representing outside environmental groups or historical groups. August Berkshire: As a representative of the Minnesota Atheists working
[mpls] MPRB 11-2-05 meeting highlights part 1
Meeting called to order by President Olson Agenda Approved Reports of Officers River District Sara Ackman in for Jon Oyanagi showed DVD of photos from various rec center Halloween parties with Monster Mash as the music total number of attendees 4015 kids under 17 and 1572 adults ( includes numbers from Creekview Park's haunted house which was open more than one evening) biggest turn outs at Creekview, Folwell, Webber, North Commons and Logan Parks. Commissioner Dziedzic comments on the fear Factor at Bottineau Park being very high Commissioner Olson thanks the staff, donors and volunteers for all of their hard work. Lakes District Paul Hokeness Sailboats off of the lakes converting the mowers to snowplows and brooms soccer and football wrapped up and now taking sign ups for basketball and volleyball Lots of people at the Halloween Parties Great haunted house at Armatage Park the Lowry Hill neighborhood Association is donating $30,000 in NRP money for upgrading Kenwood Park The lakes district has hired a planner ( is this a new hire or from within ... inquiring minds would like to know) The Lake of the Isles bike trail is in and had a celebrity riderSir Paul McCartney Minnehaha District Eileen Kilpatrick Halloween parties at the parks and 3 big features... outdoor celebration at Minnehaha Park with hay-rides Pre-school Halloween at Pearl Park and Haunted house at Powderhorn Park 2 new skate-parks are open at Brackett and Morris parks on Oct 29th McCrea park hosted the Ed Solomon football tournament And the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association conference was held in Rochester MN and the keynote speaker Dr. John Compton form Texas A M had many compliments for the MPRB. The Board now moves to consent business and passes the 4 recommendations about the Paddleford Company dumping Raw Sewage into the Mississippi River. The term Raw Sewage is changed to inadequately treated sewage per the agreement with the MPCA per the Paddleford's attorney. Go to this link for specifics... http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/meetings/agendas/uploaded11 -02-05Regular.pdf All Pass Unfinished Business Commissioner Young makes a report from the Charter Commission ( held earlier in the evening) that the commission has delayed forwarding the 8th draft so that during the next 4 weeks the additions request by the MPRB as well as some from the Library Board can be considered and a subcommittee was formed to handle it ( which may lead to version 9). Petitions and Communications Commissioner Erwin was glad to announce that the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization ( MWMO) had funded many MPRB requests except for a Green roof for the headquarters building. Commissioner Young has had many calls regarding Peavey Park Commissioner Kummer had copies of the Charles Birnbaum editorial for all to read. http://www.startribune.com/stories/562/5695927.html Commissioner Dziedzic mentions the Cadillac prize was not given out to the best halloween party due to a tie and he also mentions that the U of M boathouse has had a delay. Commissioner Hauser gives an example of how the new district manager system is working with her only having to contact one person to get an answer to a constituent's problem with a curb cut. She has also been receiving calls about Peavey Park and went with GM Schmidt to a meeting at the American Indian Center where there was much dismay over the closing and a renewed call for a facility at East Phillips. Commissioner Fine thanks staff etc.. for Halloween parties and gives compliments to the folks at the Linden Hills rec center for their giant Muppet theme Halloween rooms. Commissioner Erwin compliments the staff on getting the proposal in to get the MWMO funds mentioned above and Commissioner's Young and Kummer mention the Halloween parties they attended and how nice they were. end part 1 DeLaSalle Public Hearing speeches in part 2 Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Chicago Style gun shot detecting cameras for Minneapolis?
I would want a more detailed plan before we start investing heavily in this technology. Seems the adaptation skills of the criminal element are high. If they know the equipment is stationary (in North Minneapolis or South/Central) they will move out of range or worse yet move the gun battles indoors ( malls, arenas, theaters, apartment buildings). If it can be mobile ( which would entice maybe the region or state to participate) or citywide it would make more sense to start fundraising. I am not suggesting it would be bad, far from that and think the overall plan is admirable but doing things piecemeal never seems to have the desired outcome. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] GLIDDEN WINS!!!!!!
David wrote. I think the only thing scaring Elizabeth Glidden more than my mother tonight was the possibility that she might actually win the 8th ward city council election. Congratulations, you just inherited your worst nightmare, Elizabeth. Personal Responsibility. Just to make sure you are walking that line, I will be with you for four years. I hope Rybak's political shield extends past the elections, because the 8th ward is a hard place to live, a hard place to grow up and a hard place to govern. Are you up to the challenge? I am. Welcome to my world. Of pain. David Hauser Central 79-98 Logan 2005-Present (logan is no substitute for the rolling 30s bloods!) PS. Chris Johnson - You suck. Spend another four years attacking your digestive tract with bile so you die soon. Please! Kthx. This is the product of a DeLaSalle education. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Thinks highly of Chris Johnson and his lack of tolerance for those who use their power for self promotion. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Vote Today
Please take the time today to participate in hiring the folks that will represent you throughout city government. Don't know where to vote try this link... http://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/AddressApp/SearchByAddress.aspx? AppID=PrecinctFinderApp Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Peavey Park closing
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board did schedule a meeting to discuss the closing of Four Winds School and how it would affect Peavey Park. Here is the link to when they met. http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp? PageID=37curMonth=7curYear=2005. The meeting was on 6/30/2005. Now before anyone gets to wondering why I would back this up let me tell you the whole story. I had to work at both of my jobs that day which are at the opposite ends of Broadway... Crystal and NE. I stopped at the MPRB to pick up the agenda ( while in transit) to at least be able to post that there was a meeting. I went to the River Room where it was suppose to take place, nobody, I asked some of the staff, no commissioners had come so the staff would just talk amongst themselves. I had to work at 2 places and I got there, my commissioner is RETIRED and this is his job and he didn't bother to show up. I am willing to give a pass to commissioners with real jobs but Walt Dziedzic should have been there. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] last weeks' library board meeting
Cheryl wrote... Additional note, a Weber library user expressed concern over the lighting around that library...apparently it's on park board land so who knows who is responsible...and how long that could take with 2 jurisdictions...hope it's the park boards area cuz they have more money Liz's reply If you look at the maps the library does sit within the park boundaries. I imagine that like with the rec centers located in the schools there is some sort of joint use agreement. This would be an excellent time for the lighting to be improved as they have been out at Webber all summer with bobcats etc... laying the new bike trails that go from Victory Parkway to the river by where Shingle Creek joins the Mississippi. Maybe one of the many lurkers from the MPRB staff would like to clarify what's up. Maybe Ms. Sommers the new media guru for the MPRB could fill all of us in on this issue. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] What's with the so called reform Star Trib out of the loop????
More Park Board stuff in the news. http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5705531.htmlSeems that if you are a questionable incumbent instead of taking it to the voters you go behind closed doors to air your grievances. Why so shy now? Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org http://www.parkboardreform.org/endorsements The REAL MCCOY REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Why aren't the district 6 candidates participating????
I received the following via e-mail and I was wondering.. You are invited to attend a forum for Minneapolis Park Board at Large Candidates Thursday, November 3 Linden Hills Recreation Center 3100 W. 43rd Street Minneapolis, MN 55410 This is an accessible site Doors open at 6:30 7pm till 8pm Mary Santi , Moderator. this is in the heart of the 6th Park District. Why aren't the candidates for the 6th District participating as well? I know that in Park Districts 4 and 5 the at- large forum was followed by a district forum? maybe Commissioner Bob Fine or Jim Bernstein would care to enlighten us??? Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.parkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] MPRB Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting 10-26-05 part 1
Meeting called to order at 5:00pm and a report on the Charter Commission is added to what was suppose to be a one item agenda. Brain Rice reports that he has received the 8th draft from the Charter Commission and it does not include the revisions that had been requested by Commissioner Young after the 6th draft in a letter dated 12-22-2004. There is a meeting on November 2nd to vote to submit draft 8 for public comment and Mr. Rice recommends submitting another letter to again request that the 21 provisions and the request for language change regarding state law be included as per the previous letter. Mr. Rice is seriously concerned that with out the wording included the city council will be able to modify the draft before public comment to aversely affect the MPRB's independent standing. In effect, the way it is worded they would put in place a new charter that would supersede the state laws giving the MPRB it's independent status. Apparently once the draft is out for public comment no further changes can be made by the committee. Commissioner Fine makes a motion to send a letter with Commissioner Young and Commissioner Dziedzic seconds the motion. Commissioner Dziedzic states that when he went before the commission the previous year he testified to the fact that the MPRB could lose it's status and no one appeared to listen. Passes 8 AYES Commissioner Hauser absent Budget for 2006 GM for Admin Siggelkow summarizes the paperwork the commissioners have received, the survey (8 of 9 and Liz is still waiting for individual commissioners' responses to be made available even after a Open Data Practices request), budget history ( dollars approved in categories for 2001 thru 2005), number of positions in various union areas and management, and an amended 2005 budget to show changes since passed in Dec. 2004 (this was not available to the public in handout form). Commissioner Erwin asks what effect the increase in LGA for 2006 will have on the budget. GM Siggelkow explains that it is a ONE TIME increase of $1.3 million dollars. Commissioner Erwin recommends it be used for one time spending projects, hopefully those that will further reduce operating costs. Commissioner Erwin then outlines where he would like to see changes in the budget... Add a forestry crew and 2 gardener positions ( one in North and one in NE ) Add to the Youth sports Add to field maintenance Add to Senior programming He does have specific amounts in mind and equal cuts in other areas to balance the funds and will go into them in further detail after other Commissioners speak Commissioner Berry Graves has concerns based on the union staffing. She notes that there have been reductions from 257 to 239 arborists and that electricians also were cut back. How are we to train in people to replaced the experienced folks soon to retire and maintain our facilities and urban forest? She also wonders if dollars for the extra managers hired could have been used for these positions. GM for Operations Mike Schmidt was explains how the vegetation management crew was developing a plan to deal with buckthorn. As things are now if volunteers to buckthorn removal on weekends, MPRB staff is paid overtime to supervise and do chipping and removal. Because the Board voted to eliminate OT the cost has been charged back to the neighborhood organization or sponsoring group. Commissioner Olson asks if this could be done more in the off season when forestry has more down time to which GM Schmidt replies that the 2 seasons are the same. Commissioner Fine says that it is his understanding that there will be many retirements in the forestry staff and this area should be hiring to train replacements. GM Schmidt explains that this is false. Presently there are less than 6 in forestry that can retire in the next 4 years. In the park maintenance crews however he foresees up to 45 people retiring during the next 18 months. Many of the nearing retirement foresters had already transfered into this other department. Many of these retirees to be are also 30 year employees so they are the foreman, crew leaders and senior park-keepers, the ones who have the greatest experience and are likely the most efficient as well. Hiring equal numbers here will not accomplish as much due to lack of experience (what are you hinting at here Mike??? Need some more people??? :-) Commissioner Olson trying to not be ageist asks if the forestry crew is more of a younger man's area due to the workload. GM Schmidt suggests that both areas are physically arduous and that the workman's comp claims would bear this out. Commissioner Dziedzic says he's concerned about removing the stumps and there is some talk about how the stump removal budget was increased in 2005 over what was originally budgeted and that isn't reflected in the non amended 2005 budget. He asks how much to get caught up and GM
[MPLS] MPRB Committee of the Whole Budget Meeting 10-26-05 part 2
Budget meeting continues... Commissioner Mason notes that the MPRB has gone from quite a few FT to PT positions and wonders if this should be reconsidered. Commissioner Olson asks how a line item budget is done? GM Siggelkow states it is done by the department managers Commissioner Mason restates that she did not receive the information she had requested. GM Siggelkow replies that they are now going to district budgets with the restructuring. [go to this link and scroll to the bottom for my comments regarding this from 12-15-2004 that are still pertinent questions http://www.mplsparkwatch.org/node/187 ] Commissioner Erwin states his budget issues... Increases Diseased Tree Removal Youth Sports up 25 % = 120,000 Field Maintenance up 25% = 170,000 Senior Programming up 200%= 100,000 Reduction # of ice rinksfor $400,000 Increase in Youth Supervision ( N, NE and Powderhorn )100% = $83,000 Take $ from ticket revenues (which would have to increase because they are already earmarked so watch where you park and speed) Increase staff at Rec + by 100%=120,000 which will serve more kids Reduce admin 5% Where there are Rec centers close to each other have more junior staff full time and make the managing staff take on 2 centers. Changing to 1 manager per 2 rec centers could put $75,000 into youth programming He would like to use the 1 time LGA windfall to get 2 mobile movie screens, one for north and one for NE and plantings for the new gardeners Staff additions 2 gardeners and 1 forestry crew. Commissioner Berry Graves would like to add a water quality person, a manager for Environmental Operations, 2 carpenters, add Whittier, and Phillips to the list of parks Commissioner Erwin wants extra staff at, Teen Teamworks and Youthline restored and more Park rehabilitation dollars If kids are our priority our budget should reflect this. Commissioner Young comments negatively on the amount of information she had to work with and gets into a discussion with President Olson over the line item budget... LIZS APOLOGIES HERE there was commentary by Commissioner Young and Commissioner Olson during the next few minutes but I missed it as my husband was ill and my 6 year old companion (my son Bobby) needed a restroom break. ( maybe Scott Vreeland who was also present at the meeting could fill in the blanks, though his earlier post was pretty specific about his opinion of the meeting) Commissioner Fine wants to know why they should put more money into field maintenance, and shouldn't they just be redone with capital dollars He would like Commissioner Erwin to give a better explanation Commissioner Dziedzic wants to know if there were cuts in recreation, feels it has been kept at a stable level. Back when they eliminated the Rec Coordinators they created a void filled by the folks that did outreach and youthline and folks want it back. He would also like MORE rinks, skip the warming rooms and just flood the old rink spots like at Hi-view and give kids a chance to skate [ disclaimer...Hi view is my local park and the last year they flooded the rink was in 1993-94 the year I moved into my house, but this was not my suggestion, he skipped my house when door-knocking ] Commissioner Kummer asks how the budget fares with the new $1.9 million in additional taxes ( if approved) and GM Siggelkow states that with the recent raises in union contracts and increases due to inflation and health care they will break even. Commissioner Mason would like youth sports to be combined with all other youth programming and refered to as Youth Recreation The only other increase she would suggest if possible is more milfoil harvesting and she would also like staff to come up with a plan for the Neiman Complex. She would also like additional budget discussions to be held between 11/16 and 12/7 when the public has input. Commissioner Hauser who has just arrived would like to see an increase in the base dollars for stump removal and feels that more investment in beaches in pools would serve more people that ice rinks She would also like to see that the staffing levels are kept in the building trades and park keepers Commissioner Erwin makes a motion to direct staff to work on the 2006 budget with these priorities... establish a 4th forestry crew, hire 2 gardeners, more money into youth RECREATION, field maintenance, senior programming, stump removal, pay for OT for volunteer event staffing needs example buckthorn removal, and wise investments for the one time LGA increase Commissioner Mason amends (friendly) to include milfoil and a Neiman Complex plan to which President Olson suggests dealing with at another time and he is reminded it was on the SURVEY GM Schmidt weighs in with the milfoil harvesters already at full capacity and we would need another harvester and the DNR only
[mpls] MPRB highlights from 10-19-05 part 1
Regular meeting is called to order at 5:00pm Agenda is amended by Commissioner Erwin as follows-.. 1) add Liz Wielinski to Open Time 2) change 2.1 from $400,000 to $800,000 to be received from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization for Upper River Phase 1 3) Remove 2.5 about snow making equipment 4) Strike Stone Arch Bridge from 7.3 rental policies 5) Add a discussion about Open Time Changes are moved and passed Commissioners Mason and Hauser mention things needing to be added to the minutes for 10-5-05. Minutes are approved as amended Reports of Officers Superintendent Gurban... in San Antonio at the National Recreation and Parks Association conference with GM Schmidt will report next meeting GM for Admin Siggelkow... Discusses National Pond Hockey press conference. The tournament will be held at Lake Calhoun Jan 20-22, 2006 96 teams, 64 mens, 18 women's, and slots for senior teams Commissioner Young asks about numbers of fans and parking accommodations . Gm Siggelkow expects maybe up to 1000 for championship Commissioner Kummer asks if it will impact speed-skating GM Siggelkow points out that speed-skating is at Powderhorn and Nokomis Next up is Citywide Planner Jennifer Ringold who discusses the already in progress updating of the Comprehensive Plan She explains that it will be a living document that changes as the needs of the public for different recreational opportunities change She gives an extensive power point presentation that gives the timeline for the progress over the next couple of years which will mostly identify who will be involved, how everyone will communicate ( staff, public, commissioners etc...) What the baseline is at present and how community input will be collected. She described the first 2 phases as being 6-10 months in length and only went into details on the first 2 phases ( covering approx. 2 years) Commissioner Mason asks if outgoing commissioners will be consulted? Ms. Ringold explains that both past and future commissioners will be involved. Commissioner Young asks if they will be using input from the community meetings held 2 years ago Ms. Ringold plans on a more extensive outreach project Commissioner Kummer asks what will happen to current and planned projects Ms. Ringold explains that projects will be ongoing concurrently Commissioner Erwin asks that the U of M and the city be included as they share parkland and in the case of the city, light and street maintenance. Commissioner Dziedzic asks about cost. Ms. Ringold explains it will be done with staff time. Commissioner Dziedzic goes on to say that it will easier to get money from the Legislature if they see a comprehensive plan The Regular meeting is recessed to allow for the Planning Committee and the public hearing on the Resolution of the DeLaSalle Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Commissioner Fine calls planning to order at 5:30 pm Bert McKasy chair of the DeLaSalle CAC is introduced and allowed to present first to make another commitment Chair McKasy states that the CAC met on 4 occasions for a total of 14 hours, there was excellent attendance, no participant could be considered a shrinking violet and they heard comments from approximately 75 people. The 14 pages of minutes reflect the discussions of site plan presentation, the walking tour and presentations on design, lighting sound etc... , the Nicollet Island Master Plan, some background in history, the environment and traffic and finally alternate location proposals. A motion for a resolution was introduced by Judy Blaseg and was passed on a 10 to 8 vote. next was the design presentation by Jay Pomeroy After discussion in the CAC the original design was amended to lower the fields and create a lower to the site line retaining wall on the north side Tiered walls on the east side to create a less imposing structure and give accessibility by ramp Lowered the press box into the stands Excluded fencing on the west side to give a more open feel for public access Eliminated the moving of the tennis courts to the east side to create more parking Changed the layout to provide more multiple uses for the field There will be fencing and a retaining wall to the north to discourage cutting across the railroad tracks and crossing arms will be installed on East Island AV by the railroad for safety. Commissioner Erwin asks if the design includes parking and surface run off and improvements beyond the field Mr. Pomeroy says that porous pavers were discussed but there was no consensus and the field will be natural turf over a sand base and the only extras will be the new lot and some boulevard plantings Commissioner Mason asks about a final cost and the Environmental Assessment Worksheet timing The cost is not determined and the EAW will be available from the city on Monday. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/planning/docs/
[mpls] MPRB highlights from 10-19-05 part 2
Public comment on the DeLaSalle CAC 1) Liz Wielinski recommends a land swap between the MPRB and DeLaSalle. The school would move out to the Fort Snelling facility where they would have access to the entire Neiman sports complex. The old school could be rented as the houses on the north tip of the island are and DeLaSalle would possibly have extra room to expand and possibly even build an elementary school. The Neiman Complex would finally see some use during the day and the MPRB would make the fields usable for football. 2) Quentin Liggins DeLaSalle student and injured football player claims the sound from the field will be no louder than the passing trains, and the kids deserve it. 3) Arlene Fried As a citywide stakeholder, I have attended all four CAC meetings. It is apparent to me that DeLaSalle, like many other institutions and private schools, has reached a point in its existence where its needs are outgrowing its site. The DeLaSalle Stadium Project is a shoehorn project. That is, it is forcing itself onto a site that has multiple restrictions and problems. It is my observation that the DeLaSalle Stadium Project is not an appropriate project for Nicollet Island. DeLaSalle should be exploring other opportunities to accommodate its growth. 4) Steve Froemming states that as a fan, and a person who has friends that went to DeLaSalle he feels it would be closer for them, would create field maintenance jobs and that he would like the commissioners to please support this project. 5) Barry Clegg, CAC member and island resident. Based on the makeup of the CAC the vote was pre-determined, even with what he considered a switch on each side. The votes he felt were the most important were those of the 2 landscape architects who both voted against the resolution. 6) John Derus: DeLaSalle was not interested in having a CAC but went through with it and now there are claims that it was predetermined. People can't just change the outcome if they don't like it. DeLaSalle supports the resolution. 7) Ms. R Day: Mayor Fraser's favorite saying was downtown is everyone's neighborhood. This is a rip off of everyone's property tax dollars and suggests they move out to Neiman. 8) Eric Gallitz, Attorney for DeLaSalle... The field belongs with the building and we should not be asked to leave, and it is a field and not a stadium. 9) Steve Nelson park user, The school only seems to be concerned about the football team. With this new plan now the tennis players will need new courts. Why is it impossible for the football players to take the footbridge at the north end of the park to the BF Nelson site and build the stadium there. After all the kids at North High have to walk to their field. He also states that they took the citizen out of citizen advisory committee and quotes the corresponding MPRB policy that reads that anyone living in Minneapolis that attends a the majority of the meetings may vote. 10) Gary Cagel, delivers a letter from the Clean Water Alliance and considers the environment omitted. DeLaSalle is claiming that a promise from the 1984 agreement was not kept and it has been and there should be a better legal opinion. He refers to DeLaSalle as sanctimonious beggars who are getting land valued at $14 million for free. he goes over the 2 minutes and is cut off 11) Jan Hively, Island resident. States that she has the privilege of paying $3300/ year in property taxes to live on the island and refers to an article in Preservation Magazine that states Open Space is being wiped out in spite of polls showing the desire to keep them and that there is much stealth privatization of park land. 12) Edna Brazaitis, island resident and CAC member, She discusses how on October 4th as the CAC members were finally starting to work as a group the CAC was over. She states that it is not uncommon for urban teams to be lacking in adjacent fields and list many public and private schools facing this situation including St. Agnes and St. Bernard's in St. Paul. 13) Mark Carlson: former DeLaSalle parent. claims DeLaSalle has been accused of telling lies, playing unfair to win, etc.. Want's the board to keep away from the toxic environment we have at the state level and serve in the best interests of the public. He hopes they vote with integrity. 14) Beth Hart, DeLaSalle parent, her kids are taking the bus to DeLaSalle and wants everyone to think about the kids and how this will benefit everyone without costing the MPRB anything, she also makes comparisons to how when Abbott Hospital was expanding they didn't face all this acrimony. 15) Larry Romanko, assistant girls soccer coach at DeLaSalle, Don't focus on past mistakes, move forward on this project which will benefit young people, be positive. 16) Phyllis Kahn, Island Resident, Rep. Kahn talks about issues of process, how could a vote be taken without all of the
[mpls] MPRB highlights from 10-19-05 part 3
Commissioner Hauser moves the resolution on the DeLaSalle CAC Commissioner Mason points out that this is a committee vote only and it will be before the full board if it passes on November 2nd. For the actual Reciprocal Agreement vote, it will need 6 votes to pass and that the Board can take the recommendation of the CAC under advisement but the decision is ultimately up to the board. Commissioner Erwin said he will be supporting the motion but not necessarily the project. Commissioner Young states that accepting the resolution of the CAC is a formality and thanks the members of the CAC for all of their work. Commissioner Berry Graves asks about the MPRB's relationship to other stakeholders, will the MPRB be consulting the State Historic Preservation Board? Director of Planning Judd Reitkerk explains that it will be DeLaSalle's job Commissioner Dziedzic will be voting yes and wants to get the process moving along Commissioner Berry Graves asks if there was a minority report to which Commissioner Fine answers that it was a resolution so there was just a vote. Commissioner Olson voices some disappointment over the insults and accusations being thrown out on both sides. Commissioner Kummer agrees that the CAC went well and that it is time to move forward. She also thanks her appointee to the CAC. There is a vote on 4.1 5 ayes to accept the final design of the Stadium project for submission for the EAW process Planning Adjourned at 7:00pm Operations and Environment Ralph Seivert head of Forestry introduces Keith Cline of the USDA Forest Service and a discussion of the itree inventory of Minneapolis trees is given. This is a very detailed report and will be available on the MPRB website (a link will be provided when available). The short version is that we have many trees. About 200,000 are actively managed by the MPRB. There are 60 species but 60% of the trees are of 5 species. 10% are American Elms and the largest number are Green Ash trees. A high percentage of the trees are 20-30 years old ( from the reforesting after the last Dutch Elm disease [DED] crisis ), but 75% are healthy. For every $1.00 invested we receive a benefit of $1.69 worth of energy savings, run off reduction and property value. The upcoming threats to our urban forest include more DED, the Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Long Horn Beetles ( who will attack most species ). Suggestions were to have a 5 year pruning cycle on maturing trees so they can become healthy Mature trees that provide the most benefits and to increase the mix of species. There follows a discussion of the benefits of Cottonwood trees and then Commissioner Erwin went into some specifics about maintenance costs per species and ranking of trees for canopy etc... President Olson talks about the MPRB's work at the Legislature trying to jump start the Shade Tree program Commissioner Hauser was glad to see the report backed up her claims that the south side needs more trees Commissioner Dziedzic asks if his wife's social security check was well spent on inoculating their elm. The discussion then shifts to the Paddleford Company and news reports of them dumping insufficiently treated sewage into the Mississippi River. Commissioner Olson states that as Chair of the Excursion Boat Association, Captain Bill Bole (sp) of the Paddleford Company had no excuse not to be aware of the rules governing the output of his boats. Commissioner Kummer who served on the Metro Waste Water Commission state that there are stringent rules about what can be dumped in our waters. Commissioner Erwin was concerned that part 5.1 of the resolution may be moot as Paddleford has apparently settled with the MPCA. 5.2 asks for the Coast Guard to provide records from 1988-2003 when the Paddleford Boats were the contractor of choice for the MPRB 5.3 asks for the Corps of Engineers to revoke docking permits in Minneapolis 5.4 asks that the Mill City museum discontinue promoting Paddleford Tours 5.5 asks staff to pursue legal action against Paddleford (Liz is not thrilled to see more billable hours going to Mr. Rice over what seems to be a Pollution Control Agency matter and since the Mississippi runs from MN to the Gulf of Mexico it may even be a federal matter) vote is taken and all AYES Operations and Environment Adjourned at 7:55 pm Stay tuned for part 4 and the rest of the regular meeting. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil
[mpls] MPRB highlights from 10-19-05 part 4
Con't of the Regular meeting OPEN TIME Liz Wielinski asks 1) The outcome of the $15,000 consulting fee to Idein LLC about compatible places in our parks to put restaurants. Item 1 is they assisted in the review of vendors for the Minnehaha concession - no services have been provided about compatible places in our parks to put restaurants. 2) How much year to date the firm of Rice Michaels has billed the MPRB for legal and lobbying services? Item 2 is $338,206.85 through September 30, 2005 3) Could the information that Commissioners Erwin and Kummer requested for the committee of the whole meeting regarding staffing levels and board costs to please be attached to next weeks agenda on the website? Item 3 is on the website (replies from GM Siggelkow on 10-24-05 ) Report from Park Police ( they got to go home... lucky them) Lots of consent business passed most without discussion except for 7.3 about rental rates for the Plank Road ( as the Stone Arch Bridge was eliminated at the beginning of the meeting) it is moved and 2nd for discussion, is tabled and then a motion is made to reconsider... Commissioner Young would like to direct staff to hold a neighborhood meeting, have a public hearing and do an RFP for the catering company Commissioner Mason concurs about the caterers as Mill City Museum has an exclusive caterer and the Plank Road might be in their purview. GM Siggelkow states that this falls under the Enterprise division and they have no way of holding a public hearing Commissioner Dziedzic has a letter form the Marcy Holmes neighborhood in opposition President Olson explains that the Mill City Museum has, showcasing events on the Mississippi, as part of their operating budget and that maybe they should be the controlling party with the Plank Road Commissioner Berry Graves sites the entire issue as another incident of bad MPRB process After some discussion between President Olson and GM Siggelkow, Commissioner Young substitutes a motion that President Olson approach Mill City Museum and have them come up with a policy for the Plank Road and how to deal with the neighbors. PASSES Unfinished Businesspassed resolution 2005-114 to assess some properties to remove dead elms New Business Discussion of Open Time Commissioner Erwin makes a motion for OPEN TIME to be a maximum of 30 minutes, with each person receiving 3 minutes to speak on a first come sign up basis. Commissioner Young cannot support the 30 minute maximum (and uses the 1 minute request this evening as an example of the rarity of it being long) President Olson deems it should come through the Standards and Conduct committee and that maybe public hearings within a committee should also be discussed Commissioner Kummer (chair of Standards and Conduct) will schedule it (no specific date given) the motion is withdrawn Petitions and Communications Commissioner Dziedzic mentions the boxing match at Richard Green Middle School on Nov. 12, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. Commissioner Mason received calls and e-mails regarding DeLaSalle and the Stone Arch Bridge Commissioner Young received a letter about the wonderful tour offered by the Minneapolis Parks Legacy Society at the Theodore Wirth House She also received a petition about the closing of the rec center at Peavy Park with 200-300 signatures which is amazing to her for the Phillips neighborhood Commissioner Kummer also received the letter about the Wirth House and also the packet about the repurposing of the schools MPS is closing ( like the one where Peavy Park rec center used to be) LIZ'S NOTE: One of the schools slated for closing is Putnam in NE which shares space with the Northeast Park rec center. Will that be lost as well? Commissioner Berry Graves also received the above mentioned letters and mentioned that 800-1000 people went through the Wirth House during the tour. She also mentions that the north end of Lake of the Isles is showing some improvement though it wants to revert to its swamp like origins Meeting Adjourned 8:20 p.m. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] EAW for DeLaSalle Stadium
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET FOR DE LA SALLE ATHLETIC FACTILITY AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW Public Comment Meeting -- Tuesday, November 15, 7 pm, DeLaSalle High School, Florance Room (Main Entrance facing Hennepin Avenue in center of the building, under the Clock) Public comment period ends Wednesday, November 23, 4:30 pm The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) provides information regarding the potential environmental effects of the DeLaSalle High School Athletic Facility Project (Project). The Project is an addition of a regulation size football field at the School campus on Nicollet Island. The use of the field will be shared by DeLaSalle and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). The new field, when not used for football, will provide one regulation size soccer field or three junior soccer fields. The use of this new football and soccer facility will be shared by DeLaSalle and by the MPRB. The athletic field will be built on two parcels of land presently divided by Grove Street, one owned by DeLaSalle, and one owned by the MPRB. The portion of the existing Grove Street right-of-way between Nicollet Street and East Island Avenue dividing the parcels would be vacated for the Project. The Project site is located within the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. Copies of the EAW are available for review at the downtown Minneapolis Public Library located at 250 Marquette Ave., the Southeast Community Library located at 1222 SE 4th St., and in the office of the City Planning Division at 210 City Hall. It is also available for review on the City of Minneapolis web site: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/planning/docs/ DeLaSalle_Athletic_Field_EAW.pdf. Paper copies of this EAW and a compact disk of the report can also be provided upon request to Michael Orange (refer to contact information below). Planning Division staff will present the EAW and the comments on the document to the Zoning and Planning Committee of the City Council no earlier than Thursday, November 15, 2005 (9:30 a.m. in Room 317 City Hall). Subsequently, the City Council will act on the Committee’s recommendation. For further information, contact J. Michael Orange, Principal Planner, Minneapolis Planning Division, Community Planning and Economic Development Department, City Hall Room 210, 350 S. 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1385, by telephone at (612) 673-2347, or E-mail at [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] Lasallians in the news
Today I received my weekly issue of the Catholic Spirit and there was an article about a new school under the Lasallian umbrella ( like many others including DeLaSalle and Cretin- Derham Hall) this school was not founded by the Christian Brothers and that was what made it interesting. What made it interesting to me was the qualifications that had to be met to fit into the group. It seems that at least 25% of the student body had to be receiving financial aide ( not wealthy) for them to qualify. During the past few months DeLaSalle has been touting their % of kids receiving financial aide and now I read that in order for them to keep their Lasallian accreditation this is required. This seems sort of like someone touting their hours of volunteering at a shelter only to find out they were there only because they were sentenced there for community service for a traffic violation. DeLaSalle is a PRIVATE RELIGIOUS institution and as such can deny or allow students based on whatever criteria they choose. The public schools take everybody and pay through the nose to accommodate everything required by law. Would someone explain to me why we are even talking about giving them land valued at around $7 million dollars That is the equivalent to half of what was spent to create the Neiman Complex and it includes a heck of a lot more amenities. If we need another gym why doesn't the MPRB just build one out in the Fort building... they are most likely going to end up paying for the construction out there anyway when the lawsuit is settled? At the previous meeting of the MPRB I asked how much year to date the Rice Michaels firm had billed the MPRB. The answer was $338,206.85 through September 30. Yes, 1/3 of a million and only 3/4 of the way through the year. This money could be paying for stump grinding ( per Mike Schmidt at the MPRB they could catch up if they had a million dollars) or skating rinks or even the bond debt for the aforementioned Neiman Complex. Just imagine all the billable hours should the DeLaSalle issue end up in court. Is your park the one that will be auctioned off to pay for all of this Liz Wielinski Columbia Park ( who apologizes for forgetting to sign my previous post) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] Lots of information on the upcoming Park Board races
A great big thanks to the folks at the Southwest Journal for covering the Park Board races in such great detail. http://www.swjournal.com/ I only wish the local press in NE was as interested. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Status Quo and the PIPs
Actually at last night's meeting of the MPRB, after just about everyone except Park Watch and staff had left, the USDA Forestry Service made a lengthy report on the status of our urban forest. They described our MPRB trees in detail and it seems that the species we have the most of now ( since we lost so many elms) are ash trees. The Emerald Ash borer has destroyed much of Ohio's ash trees and they are headed now into Michigan and Wisconsin. Will we be facing a crisis bigger than Dutch Elm Disease? And if that isn't a big enough worry the Asian Long-Horned Beetle isn't very picky about which trees it destroys, 75% of species are to its liking, and it too may be coming to a tree near you. The report will soon be posted to the MPRB website ( it's big so it will take a few days to scan ). I hope they plan on building the Forestry Sections reserves during the budget discussion they will have next Wednesday evening at 5:00pm as a committee of the whole. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Nick Coleman on DeLaSalle
Though I sympathize with Quentin and hope he heals quickly, such is the plight of the athlete. My sister played for the state champion girls soccer team in Roseville many moons ago and has had knee surgery and many of my uncles who played college football are all now the proud owners of replacement knees. Where you play the game has little or nothing to do with getting hurt. And as for DeLaSalle needing a field next to their building I have to say that I am dismayed that they feel that they need to have a suburban campus in an urban setting. Don't we all wish that we could have it all regardless of the needs of others. No one ever seems to mention that St. Agnes and St. Bernard's in Nick Coleman's home town of St. Paul both play their games at Midway stadium. Should we all call St. Paul and tell them to use eminent domain to get land for these schools to build their own stadiums adjoining the property??? Hopefully the voters of Minneapolis can discern that giving this park land to DeLaSalle will open up the door for every developer with a plan to use park land. Crown Hydro has already taken the MPRB to court over this issue and I imagine that those who covet thy park board's property all over town will now have their foot in the door. Again I ask... what programs are you willing to give up in your parks to pay the legal bills for the MPRB over all these shenanigans??? Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Disclaimer...Catholic, godfather and his 4 brothers are all DeLaSalle Alumni, cousin studying for the priesthood REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] [mpls} District 4 debate a Kenwood Recreation Center
This evening I had an opportunity to listen to the District 4 MPRB candidates debate at the Kenwood Rec Center. ( I was really there for the at-large debate but stayed later) Being from Northeast and not having the Lake of the Isles issues or the Hidden Beach issue as part of my neighborhood I asked a question pertaining to Northeast because though the district members are really tied to their own constituents they vote on issues that pertain to all parts of town. My issue was of course the fact that prior to it becoming the Lupient Waterpark, the northeast pool had reasonable family rates that people like my family could afford to pay for and use. I asked the candidates what they could do to help solve this problem. Christine Hanson was of the opinion that the MPRB should be making these places free and that more partnering with foundations would give the needed dollars to make this happen. With her background in business she would be able to help make the grant requests more viable with better plans for how the money would be spent. Tracy Nordstom was of the opinion that some park services should require fees but that by making a sliding scale and setting reasonable prices the cost for upkeep, lifeguards, parking lot maintenance etc... could be covered as well as providing an opportunity for all to participate. Most people now would say... vote for that free lady get the money from some foundation and get a pass. NOT ME I am of the old school that says you do not value something unless you have had to work for it. But the current fee is for many families just unattainable regardless of how many hours you work. I think that the MPRB should spend my tax dollars wisely and should be providing services to me at a cost I can afford. If they get too many foundation dollars they are no longer accountable to me the taxpayer but to the foundations that pay for their programs. And crazily enough when times are tough and folks really need the help is when foundation donations go down. The current board has a majority that never seems to question their poor decisions even when the losses appear in the budget year after year. Having someone like Tracy on the board will bring in a person who will give you not the prettiest answer but the hard answer that really makes better sense in the long run. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
re:[Mpls] Today's city council budget presentations: CPED, NRP, Mpls public library
Cheryl Luger notes that during her presentation to the city council Director Kit Hadley mentions the following... In what looks like a pretty good apples to apples comparison, The libraries situation vis a vis the city and parks certified tax levy and LGA show from 2003 to 2008 : Librrary board experiencing a decrease of l.5% City of Mpls shows an increase of 13.79% Park Board show an increase of 9.56% From 1994 to 2008 (Certified tax levy, LGA, HACA) Library board shows an increase of only 41.62% compared to the city incrase of 77.37% and ther Park boards increase of 75.23%. If the Parks are showing an increase of 9. 56% and 75.23 % why are they always cutting programs. Inflation certainly isn't running at 75.23 % . What happened Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB meeting 10-5-05 highlights part 3
Back to the 2006 budget discussions... Commissioner Hauser points out that many parkkeepers retired in 2002 with the early retirement buyout and believes that staff was directed to bring those numbers back up in 2004's budgeting process, did that happen??? GM Schmidt said that the forestry staff is at 100% of what is authorized ( and is that the same # as in 2002???) and that they are down 4 parkkeepers and 1 gardener but were not filling those positions until they were confirmed as being in the new budget. President Olson asks if the base budget can be maintained GM Siggelkow says it looks close and that the staff is looking for direction from commissioners Commissioner Young asks that the Committee of the Whole meeting that was moved be scheduled and wants to add community input but her choice of date would not allow for the 2 week notice required and the meeting agenda is already getting huge with DeLaSalle etc.. There is a suggestion to change it to the 12th, which is bad due to a religious holiday so the 26th at 5:00 pm for 1 hour is chosen with a unanimous vote. Commissioner Erwin asks staff to make available before the committee of the whole meeting 1) What % change have we had in various budget areas since the previous election and the changes in # for staff and in what areas 2) What are the costs associated with the items on the survey 3) Administration... have the # of employees and the $ spent in administration changed since the last term began and by what degree. ( I would personally like to thank Commissioner Erwin for asking for these specifics, apparently as a department head at the U of M he does know what REAL budgeting looks like :-) Commissioner Kummer would also like to have the $$ that are spent on the Board itself provided. ( thank you as well) Commissioner Hauser would like to know if there are any recommendations for parking enforcement etc.. GM Siggelkow explains that these are self funded through fines and the meters and in fact the MPRB collects about 1/2 million in fines annually. 7.1 to approve the 2006 commissioner priorities is passed ( which I guess are trees, youth sports and maintenance) Unfinished Business The board votes to ask the city to bond for more for diseased tree removal from Don Siggelkow who explained it... The bonding ... is repaid with assessments. We remove the trees, the homeowner has the option to pay all of the bill or spread the payments over time and pay interest. There is no impact to any taxpayer other than the homeowner that had the tree removed. We normally have the City issue $500,000 in assessment bonds. Due to higher than normal losses, the bonding level needs to be increased to reflect the higher level of assessments. passes New Business Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Kummer asks if the MPRB has specific plans both internally and externally GM Schmidt says there is a plan and the park police and the forestry dept. are part of the first responders They are also included in the plan made by the Office of Emergency Preparedness and the MPRB coordinates with them and through them should FEMA or another agency come into Minneapolis. The Office of EP has a website if anyone cares to look up the plan The staff and supervisors are all kept up to date on their part. Commissioner Berry Graves asks if we are depending on communications that are strictly phone based? NO and the Park Police are part of a bigger network Commissioner Kummer asks for the information to be available at the parks ( which will happen) and that people should remember to have papers on their pets and extra food for them as part of their home emergency plans Commissioner Young asks that Commissioner Dziedzic convene the legislative committee again soon for getting 2006 bonding priorities started, would like a date for the House Capital Bonding Tour and details ( Oct 10) and is East Phillips on our agenda??? Commissioner Dziedzic will take it under consideration. Petitions and Communications Commissioner Fine is getting calls about a rumor that the MPRB is planning to sell East Harriet Farmstead to Lakewood Cemetary Commissioner Kummer got a letter ( via Commissioner Young ) about the playground equipment at Nokomis, a letter in praise of Sea Salt, and a letter asking that the rinks be maintained in the budget. Commissioner Berry Graves also received the rink letter and also got calls about the Wirth House being sold to Lakewood and that the MPRB was probably going to sell the tot lot on 58th and Washburn. The constituent that called about the tot lot had heard this from his district commissioner back in August President Olson and Commissioner Dziedzic had both heard many thank yous about the great clean up by the forestry staff after the storm ( Liz would like to add her thanks as her neighborhood Columbia Park really had a mess of trees down) Commissioner Dziedzic
[mpls] MPRB meeting 10-5-05 highlights part 4
Operations and Environment Committee 7:00
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
GM for Operations Mike Schmidt
In laymans terms it is using a variety of methods to deal with pests
Majority of MPRB land not treated, just gardens and golf courses
It is approx 50% cheaper to use IPM than to eliminate and restore
Like with humans and bacterial infections if you use the hard stuff
you develop resistant strains
The operations staff are licensed pesticide applicators
The MPRB has received awards in this area
The MPRB has also done Audubon Society Certifications for Meadowbrook
and Wirth Golf Courses
He also gives a great compliment to Mary Lehrman for keeping everyone
up to date on new technologies in the field
Commissioner Erwin suggests that the U of M turf grass guys would love
test spots on the golf courses
and is hoping the MPRB will take the lead in handling invasive species
like Buckthorn
At the request of Commissioner Kummer a guest is allowed to speak
Kristin Berg Thompson
Ms. Thompson would like to see the MPRB to make an organic push where
pest control is concerned. She is concerned with the methods used and
postulates that the golf course care at Hiawatha is a cause for the
water quality problems and the closing of Lake Hiawatha.
She would like to see an Organic Land Care Initiative. In the 1980's
the MPRB was ahead of the curve and in 2005 one of the lakes is closed.
Adjourned 7:25
Admin and Finance
Passes 2 NRP contracts with Armatage and Phelps Park
STONE ARCH BRIDGE
GM Siggelkow makes a request of commissioners to approve a plan to
rent out the plank road ( part of West River Parkway) and the Stone
Arch Bridge because there have been requests and there hasn't been a
policy to do this.
The suggested rates are the same as for closing a parkway and they
would use Mintahoe as the exclusive caterer.
Commissioner Dziedzic who had recently attended a reception at Wirth
Chalet complained that the drink prices were too high
President Olson ( after dismissing Commissioner Dziedzic to talk to
staff later) supports doing this now that there is demand after they
had one last year ( do it and then ask for a policy... interesting)
Commissioner Fine asks how often this would occur
GM Sigglekow believes the permitting staff would be able to handle
making the decisions about what would be the correct number of venues
and what is appropriate ( shades of the Jason Stone incident make me
question this) and would have to be a huge or unique event. {Circe du
Soliel tents there next summer???}
Commissioner Young thinks the policy should have more specifics or
maybe rates per hour, possibly define what number constitutes huge.
GM Siggelkow again wants it up to staff
Commissioner Erwin wonders about the neighbors in the neighborhood and
if they have been contacted. ( if you can't say something nice, don't
say nothing at all... Thumper from Bambi) He does not feel that the
MPRB should commercialize the bridge.
President Olson says the neighbors were accommodated for the last event
on the plank road and it's mostly in front of the Mill City Museum.
Commissioner Young tries to add more detail and gives up in frustration
and then like Commissioner Erwin decides that maybe it is a bad idea.
Commissioner Dziedzic asks if they are recommending Mintahoe without a
bid
GM Sigglekow claims that no one else would give the 15% Mintahoe agrees
to ( how do you know, you didn't ask )
Commissioner Dziedzic asks for price lists for all the caterers the
MPRB uses
Vote is taken...
For Dziedzic, Hauser and Berry Graves
Against Mason and Young
Passes to the full board for a vote on October 19th ( so get your calls
and letters in folks)
Administrative Tickets
General Manager Sigglekow recommends a system of administrative tickets
that will be handled by the MPRB instead of Hennepin County
This will be for parking violations and violation of dog park and off
leash rules etc.. not for moving violations
Using hand held devices ( at an unknown cost to buy and administer) the
MPRB police will give
1) a warning 2) a ticket that can be upgraded to a dog park permit or
season parking pass 3) a regular ticket , $750 misdemeanor or $33
parking ticket
because the park patrons often don't see the signs or the meters are
out of order etc... This will prevent a clog to the court system.
Commissioner Berry Graves asks the cost
GM Siggelkow says it must be cost effective because the city uses it.
Commissioner Erwin asks how much the MPRB really recovers on a ticket
,mprb 60%, county 40%
Will this be a revenue increase?
GM Siggelkow yes ( really, you quoted a 1/2 million in parking tickets
and meters earlier)
Commissioner Hauser asks how this can be enforced if people have no ID
or a vehicle with a license plate?
GM Siggelkow...chancy
The vote is for staff to get more details and return to the board
Adjourned 8:00
Planning
4.1 Retain consulting services
[mpls] MPRB meeting 10-5-05 highlights part 2
Report from Admin and Fin Committee 7.1 Adopt the Commissioners budget priorities for the 2006 budget ( based on surveys turned in by 7, vs the 4 last meeting, commissioners ) GM for Administration Don Siggelkow The duty of the board is to.. Decide property tax policy Set fee policies Define services we will provide Define service levels Set salaries and benefits How these policies are then implemented are up to the superintendent and staff to work out (I hope that there are SOME boundaries on how ) Do you have a line item budget? yes Can you have one? just ask ( Can the public ask??? I am asking) He then showed the compilation numbers that staff arrived upon from the 7 commissioner surveys they received Commissioner Hauser asks for the differentiation in Fees 1 and Fees 2 1) what the MPRB presently collects ( as a percentage of the total cost) and 2) the average % the commissioners would like to see recovered Commissioner Young asks how the MPRB is dealing with increased costs for energy, health insurance and pensions and where would these costs be found GM Siggelkow points out the healthcare will rise 20% this year ( 1/2 million ) but there is a one time increase in LGA this year so the board is not facing budget cuts. Energy costs are expected to increase between $150,000-$175,000 and pensions are handled by the city and historically have not been an issue for the MPRB Commissioner Young as head of the Operations and Environment committee notes that Maintenance seems to take big hits when the staff chooses where to cut. How can the Commissioners vote to keep more maintenance. GM Sigglekow responds that they need to specify this and pick a different area to cut Commissioner Erwin points out that the top 10 are in pretty basic categories like tree removal and replanting, youth sports and supervision and building and field maintenance he also mentions some on the bottom like the horse patrol and storm response (gee, just after the last meeting storm response was very important in reality) he then asks when the there will be specific discussion and if the board will meet as a committee of the whole to do this? Commissioner Dziedzic points out that when they we last elected there were 137 parkkeepers and now only 115, can the dept absorb more cuts GM Schmidt admits it could be done but the system would have to change (Hey Mike... are you talking about outsourcing union jobs here? ) Commissioner Dziedzic and President Olson have words over how long Commissioner Dziedzic has been speaking Commissioner Mason states that in her 8 1/2 years there have never been discussions about the specifics in regard to budgeting (amongst the commissioners) and that it mostly came to picking where to do eliminations. She then makes a motion for a meeting of the board as a Committee of the Whole where the budget talks will be the only agenda item. Commissioner Berry Graves seconds the motion and would like more details from GM Schmidt about his last statement ( Liz would too) She is hearing that we are maintaining at the current level and that people want it better so what options would be needed. OPEN TIME President Olson has 11 people signed up for OPEN TIME and 15 minutes available so doing the math comes up with 1 minute 20 sec per speaker (but there were not 11 people and he should maybe have confirmed that ) Barb Stevens of the West Calhoun Neighborhood shows maps of Lake Calhoun and points out where they need Stop signs for safety. There are 5 stop signs on the other side of the lake along the Parkway and they have ZERO. She mentions petitions ( 95% of those asked, signed ) Mary Tate presents the resolution and the signed petitions requesting stop signs at W 36TH ST, W 32ND ST, and at the exit for the parking lot at the Lake Calhoun Executive Center. They would like to prevent a tragedy from happening in a 25mph zone where speeds average nearer 40 mph Meg Fourney In light of the Board recently taking the initiative for a comprehensive look at Lake Calhoun, and now taking into account these residents' comments, I would like to remind the Board of 3 items: 1) In 1997, appointed to the Park Board's Parkway Traffic Study, I served to address effective and consistent traffic calming methods. Clearly West Calhoun is inconsistent with East Calhoun, as they have stop signs at every intersection and West Calhoun has none. The 2004 Traffic Study Addendum suggests raised pedestrian crosswalks are effective. 2) The Chain of Lakes Study, with architect Michael Van Valkenberg, addressed commuter use of the Parkways through the continuous parkway intersections, and suggested breaking the continuous path with t-intersections. Commuter traffic has seriously increased since his recommendations. Breaking the pattern is essential. These t-intersections, as well as other alternatives to decrease commuter traffic
Re: [Mpls] Southwest Journal Oct. 10-23 issue
Hennepin County has a rule that if any group spends more than $100 you must register as a PAC. Park Reform and People for I. Parks are both registered on the Hennepin County website( http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us and go into campaign finance). You can see where donations come from and who is in charge etc.. for free. The same is true for all candidates. You can look up the individual candidates on the website as well. Any donation over $100 must be itemized and if you look at the itemized donations to Park Reform on their pre-primary report you will see big as life that I gave $101, and no I am not a developer, just a housewife with a part time job at Office Max. You can also see all of the PACs that have donated to various campaigns and if you want you can go to the state campaign finance board website http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us and see just who lobbies for the pacs etc... I will give you fair warning that you might find yourself praying for more campaign finance reform after doing this. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park co-founder of Minneapolis Park Watch Not a PAC but a group of citizen volunteers REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB meeting 10-5-05 highlights
Regular Meeting called to Order at 5:00 Agenda rearranged a bit to provide speaking time for the new Exec Director at the Minneapolis Institute of Art Bill Griswold Mr. Griswold expresses gratitude to the MPRB for its support and partnerships ( the MPRB serves as the conduit for money from the taxpayers to the Museum ) he also invites the commissioners and superintendent to a tour of the new wing opening this fall. He also mentions that he is looking for input from the community in how the museum can better serve the people. Reports of Officers Lake District ( Paul Hokeness ) Some flooding at 50th and the Parkway during the storms areas that usually flooded at Lake of the Isles aren't Hiawatha Golf Course did flood The first meeting for the 2006 Loppet was held Palio (sp) was celebrated at Kenwood Park The Twin Cities Marathon was handled well by staff and park police All sailboats should be off of the lakes by Oct 10th and the docks will be coming in soon Check out your neighborhood park for their Halloween party schedule (http://www.minneapolisparks.org ) He then mentions the Lakewise newsletter (who gets this) Circe du Soliel's performance schedule was interrupted by flu and he has had no complaints about Circe site River District ( Jon Oyanagi ) Lots of clean up of trees in this district after storms (Liz who lives in NE will vouch for at least 5 trees down in her neighborhood alone) The Bottineau skatepark equipment is going in soon ( and he mentions the River Review... again what is this and who gets it??? ) The Victory Memorial Trail ( bike and walking trail) is moving along (It looks like a 2nd street down the middle of the grassy area) The Cleveland Park wading pool is getting updated and there are public meetings for Edgewater Park ( Oct 6) and Jordan Park ( Oct 11) The NE and North Parks also having Halloween parties Commissioner Young asks about the Peace Pledge banners at Folwell and if they could be displayed in the board room ( they are property of the Folwell Neighborhood Association) Minnehaha District (Eileen Kilpatrick) The Bob Casey Field dedication was held and next year Mr. Casey's son will be coming to throw out the first pitch of the baseball season at Stewart Park Had a School's Out day on Sept 30th at Wabun Park with 78 kids doing tours of the Lock and Dam, games and eating hot dogs cooked up by the park police Youthline received a grant and there will be Art Projects with professional instructors and studio tours at Sibley and Longfellow parks The first Scooter School will be October 22nd There will be a Family event at Wabun Park on Oct 29th (that includes some haunted houses) Bossen Field was under water after the storms and a service road in Minnehaha Park washed out Commissioner Erwin asks if flooding of Minnehaha Creek needs to be address to increase capacity or flow rate GM Mike Schmidt gives some flood management info... 1) Flooding of parks and golf courses is preferable to homes and streets 2) Flood mitigation falls under the cities public works dept. ( with no funding currently dedicated there ) 3) We could have more ponds 4) Changing anything about the creek would be a regulatory improbability Commissioner Berry Graves comments on the beautiful reports (Lakewise and River Review etc.-.???) and hopes that 50th and the Parkway can be fixed to not become so flood prone Commissioner Kummer asks if a meeting with the watershed folks might be prudent GM Mike Schmidt mentions they will be before the board in November. They are going to make a report on their vision for Minnehaha Creek He then moves into his report The Minneapolis Tree Inventory completed by the Dept. of Ag on a recommendation from the state DNR which will be given as a report on the 10/19 meeting. It will discuss our urban forest and the MPRB's forestry practices He also mentions that the MPRB won the National Roadside Vegetative Associations, Municipalities with Excellent Vegetation Management Award after being nominated by MNDOT. Minutes are approved for the 9-21-2005 meeting ( you can see these on the website, they are the agenda with notations as to votes or actions taken, if you want to hear discussion you can order a copy of the meeting on DVD for a fee) Consent Business The board moves and passes 7 items with little discussion including pay raises for 2 unions and having a non- appointed Citizens Advisory Committee for the Jordan Park and Shingle Creek tot lot improvements END PART 1 coming in part 2 ... the budget for 2006 and some frustration from neighbors in the East Phillips area during OPEN TIME Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org WE DESERVE A BETTER PARKBOARD REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the
Re: [Mpls] athletic facilities and boondoggles
The most recent info from the city can be read at this link http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2005-meetings/20050722/Docs/ Edison_Youth_Hockey_Status.pdf Apparently the city is making the payments on the loan while plans for the future are developed ( they did guarantee the loan). The MPRB seems interested, but where they would get the $ to pay off the loan are anybody's guess. It seems they were short revenue from Parade due to loss of a customer ( that would be while the Wild were on strike bet they're happy that's over. Wonder what that financial hit was? ). Last I heard the MPRB was installing astroturf on the Parade Ice for indoor soccer. Is that where Edison Arena is headed? Regardless of who picks up the payments there is a big lesson to be learned from all of this... DO NOT RELY ON GAMBLING TO PAY THE BILLS pulltab revenue was suppose to pay for all of this. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] athletic facilities and boondoggles
Oops, a boo-boo in my last post. The MPRB is asking the city to bond for astro turf for Parade Field not the ice. $1,000,000 for the turf. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] A chance to make your opinions known via a format other than the list
DRAFT MINNEAPOLIS 10-YEAR TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN WORKSHOPS • Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm; North Commons Recreation Center, 1801 James Avenue North • Wednesday, October 19, 5 – 7 pm; Butler Square Building, First Floor Conference Room A and B, 100 North Sixth Street • Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 – 8:30 pm; Keewaydin Recreation Center, 3000 East 53rd Street The City of Minneapolis is hosting a series of workshops to give the public an opportunity to share their ideas on how the City can improve its transportation system. The workshops will provide an overview of the City’s 10-Year Transportation Action Plan, which is under development, and provide information on the transportation challenges facing the City. When completed, the Transportation Action Plan will be a citywide plan that addresses a full range of transportation options and issues, including pedestrians, bicycles, transit, automobile and freight. The 10-Year Action Plan also will include additional materials, including a web-based transportation fact book, a transit and street operations plan for downtown, and new street design guidelines that reflect the characteristics of the surroundings. Pre-registration is not required. Since the workshops will include presentations on transportation challenges facing the City, followed by structured dialogue, participants are encouraged to arrive at the designated meeting start time. Upon request, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities or who are in need of a translator. Please submit such requests or requests for additional information no later than seven days prior to the meeting to Charleen Zimmer, Project Manager, at (612) 673-3166 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Minneapolis needs to hire more police officers FROM Minneapolis
The folks on the MET Council are appointed, not elected and as such are not answerable to any electorate just the people who appointed them. And to make this more Minneapolis specific these appointed folks and the folks they have appointed to serve on their OPEN SPACE committee will be the folks allowing another stadium to be built on Nicollet Island after the CAC that is a CAC in name only gets done pushing forward the DelaSalle agenda for the majority 5 on the MPRB. They were apparently hard at work deciding the height of the retaining wall until nearly midnight on Thursday. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Celebrate the Freedom to Read
These are the authors they want banned Top Ten Challenged Authors (1990 to 2004) 1. Alvin Schwartz 2. Judy Blume 3. Robert Cormier 4. J.K. Rowling 5. Michael Willhoite 6. Katherine Paterson 7. Stephen King 8. Maya Angelou 9. R.L. Stine 10. John Steinbeck If it weren't for Blume, Rowling, King and R.L.Stine most of the teenagers in my extended family would be illiterate. Are they crazy Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB 9-07-05 highlights part 3
Petitions and Communications Commissioner Dziedzic mentions the debut of the MPRB song by Charlie McGuire at the Lake Harriet Bandshell and that the next evening is the first official meeting of the DeLaSalle CAC. This leads to a discussion of the CAC and how it will be run, who gets to vote etc... Commissioner Hauser reports she doesn't understand why everyone thinks she wants to sell land and that she was approached by a developer and never heard from them again regarding the GasWorks Bluff site. She is glad the neighbors came up with the plan and hopes the staff can work out any pollution, maintenance and labor issues ( what labor issues??? are the unions against Americorp volunteers helping these folks build their park???) Commissioner Erwin will be looking into the charge of the DeLaSalle CAC Commissioner Fine has a patron wondering if the parking passes are transferable (from old car to newly purchased) He has also been getting many calls regarding the Gas Works Bluff site and since it isn't even on the radar why are folks getting so concerned (HINT: Ask the Nicollet Island Residents about the heads up they received regarding the football stadium for DeLaSalle) Regular Meeting Adjourns at 7:45 Admin and Finance Committee Discussion of Fertilizer ( for the fall season to fill in so less weeds in spring per GM Schmidt) Administrative Tickets ( motion passes to pursue without report on agenda for the next meeting) 2006 Budget Schedule presented by GM Sigglekow Commissioners choose to follow previous year's pattern and rank their priorities on a survey ( though the survey is compiled by staff so whose priorities are these really???) Adjourned 8:00 Liz Wielinski Columbia Park next meeting TONIGHT REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] 9-07-05 MPRB HIghlights part 2
Planning committee Presentation of the West River Road Plan from the Plymouth Av Bridge to the BNSF RR Bridge http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/design/AboveFalls.pdf ( the .pdf is 25 pages and is very detailed) is presented by Mike Kimble ( formerly of planning now head of community and governmental relations for the MPRB). He describes the planning process including a CAC that met over a 1 year long process with staff and the consultants. He also stated that the plan had been approved by AFCAC (Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee) and that the Met Council had approved the park part. There were many speakers following Mr. Kimble as part of the public hearing including Meg Fourney who was chair of the CAC and Tim Baylor the developer of the Riverview Towers ( just North of the Taj Ma headquarters) and many other residents. Their concerns included a turn around prior to their building ( to keep traffic to a minimum) and moving the restroom shelter to a less secluded area, mainly nearer where the River Rats perform for safety reasons and of course loss of street parking with the parkway redesign. Total estimated cost... $10 million, money so far $3,000,000 from the Mississippi Watershed Organization. There was also some concern about drug use nearer the secluded area of the RR bridge and Commissioner Dziedzic stated that with the park police so close that will end, to which the audience gave a resounding NO. Commissioner Hauser asked if the raingarden that was for the Riverview Tiwers was being paid for by the MPRB to which Mr. Baylor replied that it was funded by Riverview's developers. passes OPEN TIME- Rosemary Knutson, past president of the West Bank Community Coalition, said it appears to the WBCC Bluff Street Park Task Force that the park board would like to sell the 8 acre derelict piece of land next to her building. She said she had spoken before the park board in August 2000 on the same issue. Then-commissioner Dean Zimmerman opposed the sale. The WBCC formed the task force last fall to encourage the park board to preserve the bluff as native open space rather than sell the parkland for real estate development. The neighborhood was “virtually unanimous” in support of the $45,000 park plan as designed by a consulting landscape design firm, the least expensive of three proposed designs Four issues: 1) This is the only significant amount of flat park land on this stretch of river bluff. 2) Does this organization [the park board] work with residents to protect the environment? 3) Does this organization [another rhetorical question … I think it was broader, like does the park board work with citizens at all?] 4]Cedar-Riverside is densely populated … and id interrupted as she has gone over her 3 minutes per President Olson. - Ann Forsyth, director of the Metropolitan Design Center at the University of Minnesota said the task force had asked her for free technical assistance in developing a park plan. There were steps taken 1) task force; 2) a stakeholders survey, held at neighborhood organization’s annual meeting; 3) Three options, least expensive chosen. To learn more about free help, go to www.designcenter.umn.edu and click on “design assistance.” - Karen Swenson of Groundwork Minneapolis said her organization works to turn blighted sites into open space parkland. The Gas Works Bluff site had been included on a list of feasible sites they developed some time ago (BF Nelson was another site on their list). They helped arrange for AmeriCorps crew to be available to work on Bluff Street Park next spring, and found funds for materials. - Elizabeth Hopwood asked commissioners to keep the property as park rather than condos. Most residents are Somalian refugees who take their kids out to play in the evenings and increased traffic from further real estate development would endanger them. She wants “open space for people from the Seven Corners area to utilize.” - Arthur Renander of Riverview Towers, thanked the board for the opportunity to speak, then said “This is a [park] board in crisis,” well on its way to selling off valuable park land. He called the current commissioner whose district includes the Gas Works Bluff site [Comm. Marie Hauser] a “closet supporter” of selling the land to condo developers, whose support was a cover for the rest of the board to approve the sale. He said the rumored sale price was far below the land’s value. “An election can’t come soon enough!” he said. “Our plan is incredibly simple.” - Bob Johnson, said he lived at Riverview Towers for 24 years, 1979–2003. He cited the great improvements to the area brought by the construction of West River Parkway, but said Gas Works Bluff was the site of a coal gas tank, and a 100-foot diameter concrete slab is still there. He said five years ago there began a movement for creating a park there, which he said would be a “great misuse” [of either
[mpls] 9-07-05 MPRB HIghlights Part 2 1/2
Back to reports of Officers... Jon Oyanagi River District Manager, Thanks to corp. sponsors of the Safe Streets Program, General Mills, Target, Cub and the Minneapolis Foundation. Spoke about the reverse groundbreaking at Folwell (?) Park where the tennis courts are coming out and a soccer field is going . Working on reviving ice hockey on the Northside. Minnehaha District: Doing a big housecleaning of the Rec Centers and has partnered with the Midtown Latino Organizing Project to sponsor a family night and have already rounded up 4 soccer teams in the effort. The board moves onto consent business and discusses funding another hour of cable time through the end of the year. Commissioner Fine points out the extra expense and the commissioners vote to pay for the additional hours ( $40/hour for 7 more meetings this year for an expense of $280 ) During which they will run the newly produce park commercials... what political theater. NRP funding for air conditioning at Folwell Park is approved. Unfinished Business: Commissioner Young reports that the Water Quality Task Force is developing indicators for sustainability. New Business: Superintendent Gurban speaks of the 9/11 tribute at Lake Harriet and mentions the Salvation Army wishing to collect for hurricane Katrina victims through the sale of vigil candles ( the MPRB forgoes their usual cut) New Business: Commissioner Fine suggests delaying any planning around Lake Calhoun until their can be a review of past CAC information etc.. and suggests avoiding any piecemeal planning. It is suggested that money to do planning for this be put into the 2006 budget ( gosh really... just who was it pushing all those projects who is now backpedaling before the fall elections) Commissioner Dziedzic claims there are a lot of election year rumors flying around ( not rumors sir, just not flattering information for some majority incumbents) End Part 2 1/2 Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB 9-07-05 highlights part 2
Planning committee Presentation of the West River Road Plan from the Plymouth Av Bridge to the BNSF RR Bridge http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/design/AboveFalls.pdf ( the .pdf is 25 pages and is very detailed) is presented by Mike Kimble ( formerly of planning now head of community and governmental relations for the MPRB). He describes the planning process including a CAC that met over a 1 year long process with staff and the consultants. He also stated that the plan had been approved by AFCAC (Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee) and that the Met Council had approved the park part. There were many speakers following Mr. Kimble as part of the public hearing including Meg Fourney who was chair of the CAC and Tim Baylor the developer of the Riverview Towers ( just North of the Taj Ma headquarters) and many other residents. Their concerns included a turn around prior to their building ( to keep traffic to a minimum) and moving the restroom shelter to a less secluded area, mainly nearer where the River Rats perform for safety reasons and of course loss of street parking with the parkway redesign. Total estimated cost... $10 million, money so far $3,000,000 from the Mississippi Watershed Organization. There was also some concern about drug use nearer the secluded area of the RR bridge and Commissioner Dziedzic stated that with the park police so close that will end, to which the audience gave a resounding NO. Commissioner Hauser asked if the raingarden that was for the Riverview Tiwers was being paid for by the MPRB to which Mr. Baylor replied that it was funded by Riverview's developers. passes OPEN TIME- Rosemary Knutson, past president of the West Bank Community Coalition, said it appears to the WBCC Bluff Street Park Task Force that the park board would like to sell the 8 acre derelict piece of land next to her building. She said she had spoken before the park board in August 2000 on the same issue. Then-commissioner Dean Zimmerman opposed the sale. The WBCC formed the task force last fall to encourage the park board to preserve the bluff as native open space rather than sell the parkland for real estate development. The neighborhood was “virtually unanimous” in support of the $45,000 park plan as designed by a consulting landscape design firm, the least expensive of three proposed designs Four issues: 1) This is the only significant amount of flat park land on this stretch of river bluff. 2) Does this organization [the park board] work with residents to protect the environment? 3) Does this organization [another rhetorical question … I think it was broader, like does the park board work with citizens at all?] 4]Cedar-Riverside is densely populated … and id interrupted as she has gone over her 3 minutes per President Olson. - Ann Forsyth, director of the Metropolitan Design Center at the University of Minnesota said the task force had asked her for free technical assistance in developing a park plan. There were steps taken 1) task force; 2) a stakeholders survey, held at neighborhood organization’s annual meeting; 3) Three options, least expensive chosen. To learn more about free help, go to www.designcenter.umn.edu and click on “design assistance.” - Karen Swenson of Groundwork Minneapolis said her organization works to turn blighted sites into open space parkland. The Gas Works Bluff site had been included on a list of feasible sites they developed some time ago (BF Nelson was another site on their list). They helped arrange for AmeriCorps crew to be available to work on Bluff Street Park next spring, and found funds for materials. - Elizabeth Hopwood asked commissioners to keep the property as park rather than condos. Most residents are Somalian refugees who take their kids out to play in the evenings and increased traffic from further real estate development would endanger them. She wants “open space for people from the Seven Corners area to utilize.” - Arthur Renander of Riverview Towers, thanked the board for the opportunity to speak, then said “This is a [park] board in crisis,” well on its way to selling off valuable park land. He called the current commissioner whose district includes the Gas Works Bluff site [Comm. Marie Hauser] a “closet supporter” of selling the land to condo developers, whose support was a cover for the rest of the board to approve the sale. He said the rumored sale price was far below the land’s value. “An election can’t come soon enough!” he said. “Our plan is incredibly simple.” - Bob Johnson, said he lived at Riverview Towers for 24 years, 1979–2003. He cited the great improvements to the area brought by the construction of West River Parkway, but said Gas Works Bluff was the site of a coal gas tank, and a 100-foot diameter concrete slab is still there. He said five years ago there began a movement for creating a park there, which he said would be a “great misuse” [of either
Re: [Mpls] According to Marie Hauser, Tom Nordyke did not give his permission for her to use his photo on her lit piece
I do not know if this applies in Hennepin County, but when a group wanted to send out a flyer in a mailing that was being paid for by my senate district last year we were told it would be legal if they paid for whichever portion of the piece ( i.e. 1/3 if they had one page and we had two etc... ). I know that the City DFL when sending out a sample ballot has each campaign come up with their portion of the total cost. I'm not bringing this up to hurt any candidate as I am a supporter of Tom Nordyke's, but if Tom and Mary Merrill Anderson are named on this piece are they expected to each pick up a portion of the cost? And if yes, by law, should Ms. Hauser have let them know Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: results page
When I spoke to my election judges they said that this year they are not transmitting but hand delivering disks with the information to a central office. They seemed to believe it had something to do with the machines being replaced next year. Yes, I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, it was just the reply I received. Liz Wielinski voter #53 at 4:00pm in lovely precinct 1-1 in the NW corner of NE Minneapolis Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Dan Niziolek's commentary in the Strib
The entire article can be read at this link. http://www.startribune.com/stories/562/5606438.html My question has to do with the comment below... • Placed greater pressure on the Park Board to merge its police department with the city's (The estimated savings from decreasing administrative redundancy is $750,000 per year.) Who out there can VERIFY that this would be a true cost savings? I personally was not thrilled that the MPRB chose a time of budget shortfalls to spend the money to redo their lower level to house the police ( check out the nifty retro lights if you are in building) but if the Park Police were merged with the city police would our parks be safe? I am not usually one to agree with Commissioner Dziedzic ( and he'll be happy to point that out ) but we have had discussions about this subject and I am inclined to believe that there would not be a substantial savings and the parks would be less safe. He even pointed out that in cities like Philadelphia, where they combined the police, they are considering separate park police again due to safety concerns. And if you dial 911 in Minneapolis and a park police car is the closest available car you might get them before MPD as they are both dispatched by the same operators ( or vice versa, or maybe both as in the Jason Stone incident). One of the biggest issues with the MPRB police was retention of officers. Many were trained ( at approx $75,000 for a sworn officer) for the summer season and then laid off come fall where they then used their training and experience ( at our expense ) to get jobs elsewhere. The following year the MPRB would be back to training a new group. Due to the endeavors of Commissioner Erwin the police from the schools now become park police over the summer. This has greatly cut down on training expenses and to paraphrase Commissioner Dziedzic , those cops know who the troublemakers are cause they see them in the schools most of the year and then in the parks during the summer. We are not the only city that has a separate Park Police department... http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parkpolice/ http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/parkpolice.asp?res=1024ver=true and many other counties have them as well ( though often they are called park rangers which unfortunately makes most of us think of Yogi Bear more than park safety) Liz Wielinski Columbia Park who is now going to find a pic-a-nic basket REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Questions About The Donor List
Jim Wrote... Other points: The Mayor’s donor list reads like a whose who of The Breck School – where his children attend. Not that I question anyone for sending their children to great private schools. The poor parents of this City would send their children to such schools also if they were part of the “Power Elite”. All Minneapolis children should receive such good educations. This is probably why the quality of Minneapolis Public Schools and neighborhood schools are just not as much of a priority for the Mayor that it is for some others. This issue of where anyone's kids go to school really annoys me. After a recent Park Board meeting Tony Scallon, former McLaughlin campaign manager had the audacity to complain people were picking on Park Board Commissioners for sending their kids to DeLaSalle and then voting on a project with DeLaSalle. He was incensed anyone would use where people's children went to school to attack his friends on the MPRB and yet he and his friends can turn around and use the same argument against the Mayor. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Park Board considering selling park land to developer (Buff Street-Gasworks Park)
OK Ken I'll Bite.. What is, after all, the mission of the Park Board? From what I have observed over the past 2 years the mission of Bob Fine, Walt Dziedzic, Jon Olson and their entourage... Marie ( I'm just here for the stepping stone to the city council) Hauser and Carol ( the silent commissioner) Kummer is to get into bed with any developer that offers them money for their beloved plans to build playing field after playing field for the kids. Meanwhile the Kids get their pool fees raised, their wading pools and summer park supervisors threatened, their rec centers understaffed and closed more and more often and teams that will give them the chance to come up with the money to play at better leagues provided by private and suburban sports organizations. This board has spent so much money on building edifices to themselves and their cronies that the kids they claim to support are the ones suffering the most. I for one as the mother of a Minneapolis Kid am sick and tired of their baseless claims that it is all for the kids. I hope the citizens of the City of Minneapolis take a look at what is really going on and if doing it for the kids is the reason you vote, make sure you are voting to support the kids and not stick it to them. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] DeLaSalle CAC
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has posted to their website some information related to the Citizens Advisory Committee for the proposed DeLaSalle stadium. Check it out at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=34calid=333.If you click on the highlighted DeLaSalle line it will give the meeting dates for the CAC. What this link is missing is the names of the folks appointed ( and by whom ) which I am confident the MPRB will post as soon as the list is complete. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] re:MPRB meeting
per Chris Johnson The CAC will have 21 members. The board and Olson do not make it clear to the audience what that structure will be, but apparently the commissioners have something in writing that perhaps describes it. From what was said, it seems to include the following appointees / members: Each park commissioner: 1 x 9 = 9 (Olson's appointee will be chair) Nic. Island Neighbor Assoc: 2 Other near neighbor Assoc: 3 Soccer player interests: 1 Football player interests: 1 Mayor R.T. Rybak:1 Adjacent ward council members: 2? Business:2? County Board member: 1? Some corrections... commissioners... 9 Residents of Nicollet Island 2 Nicollet Island East Bank Neighborhood Assoc 1 St. Anthony West Neighborhood Association 1 St. Anthony East Neighborhood Association 1 ( why St Ant. East and not Marcy Holmes ??? ) Soccer 1 Football 1 Mayor 1 Council-members from Wards 1 and 5 (1 each) 2 Business 1 County Commissioner 1 I am looking forward to seeing the make up of this CAC because of the choices made in who is appointing members. Somehow I have the feeling this will be as Fair and Balanced as Fox News. Here is the resolution as passed. Resolution Related to the Athletic Facility Proposed By DELASALLE on Nicollet Island WHEREAS, the ark Board recognizes that all parties involved in discussions of the use of Nicollet Island have the and the students of DeLaSalle high School in mind; and, WHEREAS, the Park Board desires a thoughtful discussion, resolution and agreement for the use of Nicollet island that is consistent with its desire to preserve green space while also providing recreational opportunities for children and adults in Minneapolis: and, WHEREAS, for 106 years DeLaSalle High School has played and continues to play a significant role in the history of Nicollet Island and in the education of a diverse and multi-cultural group of 800 students throughout the Twin City Metropolitan Area; and WHEREAS, a critical component of DeLaSalle High School's continuing vitality is to provide its students the ability and opportunity to participate in school sponsored physical education programs, youth sports and organized high school athletics; and WHEREAS, DeLaSalle has demonstrated the need for and interest in developing an athletic field on Nicollet Island in cooperation with the Park Board that will provide facilities for DeLaSalle students and all residents of the City; and WHEREAS, the MPRB believes that the construction of an athletic field adjacent to DeLaSalle, if certain conditions are met and full public involvement is sought, appears to be in the best interests of the Minneapolis park system and the residents of Minneapolis; WE NOW RESOLVE that the Park Board is considering entering into a Reciprocal Use Agreement with DeLaSalle High school after or in conjunction with a review of designs for and athletic facility on Nicollet Island provided that certain conditions are met; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT nothing in the Agreement shall be construed to give DeLaSalle approval to proceed with demolition or construction for a project which is definite or site specific and nothing in the Resolution can be construed to allow a project to be started or begun; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Reciprocal Use Agreement which has been discussed is a DRAFT ONLY and will likely be amended to reflect changes in facility layout, content and use after citizen involvement, and does not take effect; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT DeLaSalle must meet the following conditions before the Park Board acts on the Draft Reciprocal Agreement and facility approval and those conditions are: 1) The Park Board will initiate a Citizens Advisory Committee ( CAC ) to review all aspects of the project including detailed plan design, location, and use of the proposed athletic facility. The CAC will also consider options that may include moving facilities to adjacent parkland. The MPRB reserves and retains all its rights under its citizen advisory committee ordinance and other ordinances to grant or deny approval of any proposed project or redevelopment on the MPRB Property. 2) DeLaSalle shall prepare a detailed preliminary site plan that the CAC can react to and work from as a starting point to the design process. It is expected that this plan will be modified with the CAC involvement. 3) It is understood that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet ( EAW ) will be performed related to the project prior to approval by the MPRB. DeLaSalle agrees to pay for the costs associated with the environmental review of the project and will avoid or mitigate any adverse effects of the project. 4) DeLaSalle agrees to follow and adhere to all environmental laws, rules, and regulations that may apply to any facility to be located in whole or in part on MPRB property.
Re: [Mpls] Seasalt delight
I would not like to be considered a Sea Salt basher. I have never made any comments about it and will wait for the professionals at the Strib to review them as I have found in the past their tastes are similar to mine. It is not the tenants that I have concerns with, it is how the MPRB offers contracts and the lack of protections they provide for the citizens of Minneapolis and their tax dollars. The Sea Salt folks were dismissed out of hand by the powers that be at the MPRB when they applied as being too inexperienced and not likely to be a good choice. This decision was revoked when their preferred restauranteur, the folks from the Tin Fish balked at what the MPRB was offering to them in regards to financial terms and upgrades to the kitchen. Mr. Sheffield let them know that the menu they preferred was unlikely due to lack of refrigeration space. Now that the MPRB has released their 2004 End of Year Financial Statement I already have a few questions and one of them is about the $40,000 of infrastructure investment for one of the enterprise areas. Was this the kitchen upgrades at the Tin Fish? I know few other local restaurants in the Twin Cities that have the taxpayers pay for their grills and refrigerators. And before Mr. Gurban or Mr. Siggelkow starts to complain that these dollars are from the enterprise fund and not from the general fund the enterprise fund sent $40,000 less to the general fund in 2004 than in 2003. A coincidence? I have to agree with Jason Stone that what is needed is a discerning process that creates a TRUE benefit to the MPRB. It seems that the golf courses are turning a profit until you look at them individually. The Fort Snelling golf course is running at a loss and in 2004 it was nearly $90,000. This is the golf course the MPRB leases from the DNR. So in effect they are paying to lose money. At least they are the owners of the money losing course at Wirth Park. The item that truly has me wondering just how profitable these enterprises are is the lack of liability they seem to have. Of the over $8,000,000 in pending liability they list in this Financial Statement, none is listed in the enterprise area. I am no accountant so I am not certain of this, but wouldn't the $2.5 million in mechanics liens against The Fort Skatepark ( an enterprise failure) need to be listed in that area? I would imagine it would be easy to show a profit if you never have to include expenses on the balance sheet. My concerns for the park system started because they were considering cutting what I deemed a core service ... my wading pool. Throwing good money away on some scheme that is going to make them rich beyond their dreams is not a quality I find attractive in a park commissioner ( or a spouse or business partner for that matter) and as I wade through this lovely 87 page document I'm sure I'll find many other items of interest to share with my compatriots on this list. And as to Scott Vreeland's post about about the parking meters ... they are the 2nd most profitable operation the MPRB has after Meadowbrook Golf Course. They aren't going anywhere any time soon. And please tell me the loss of $230,000 at the Parade Ice Complex was because The Wild were on strike and that it will never happen again. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] MPRB highlights 8-3-05 part 4
Planning Committee 6:32 pm 4.1 Reciprocal Agreement with DeLaSalle Commissioner Hauser makes a motion for amendments to be included in the agreement 1) That the agreement include language to abide by city labor requirements 2) That a formal public hearing is held on August 17th ( when this will be before the full board) 3) That a minimum of 150 hours of gym time and 350 hours of field time be list in the agreement Liz's comment... Here is where I missed some stuff.There was a question of it being seconded by someone who made an original motion or something but a vote was never taken so I have no idea if these were added or if they were accepted as friendly amendments or what. Anybody catch this at home There is some disagreement between Commissioner Erwin and Commissioner Hauser over a Citizen's Advisory Committee to which Commissioner Hauser is adamant will take place after the vote on the Agreement Commissioner Erwin makes a statement that both sides have issues and that there should have been a Citizen's Advisory Committee and a Plan before a Reciprocal Use Agreement was ever discussed, but he feels that the MPRB is bound by the 1983 agreement to build a field. He will be voting NO. Commissioner Young asks for clarification of a few items in the agreement from GM Siggelkow and then makes the following statement (graciously provided in its entirety) August 3, 2005 10 Reasons why I am voting NO on the Reciprocal Agreement today: 10. The people living on the island, though mighty privileged ( and so lucky, I might add), do not own the land under their homes, the MPRB does. Why is DeLaSalle, an institution, being treated with such privilege? DeLaSalle is a private school for those who can afford the tuition ( along with scholarship kids). Not much different than the diversity in our public schools or other private and charter schools throughout the City. It's boosters are asking for the privilege of breaking the covenant between the board and the citizens set out in 1983. 9. In a letter from Roger Martin ( architect and urban planner) - who has worked on planning many a park project including Nicollet Island: I found that working with the Schools' administration and community residents in the process of master planning the Island to come to reasonable compromise resulted in a good plan and I hope that this process can be continued in this manner. Commissioner Erwin has literally promised me, he can negotiate a compromise if we could just get all the parties together. Something I and Commissioner Berry Graves have been asking to have happen for months. I honestly believe is could happen if we would take the time to do this- and do it right. 8. I have recently learned of the need for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet necessary for redevelopment projects within Historic Preservation Districts. I think this will show us some of the impacts this development might have on the Island as a whole. There are also the hurdles of the Met Council, the City Planning Commission and the City Council vacating Grove Street, positive actions from many agencies-almost too many to name. 7. I am very concerned about perceived perceptions regarding some Commissioner's conflict of interest in the issue. May I note that Commissioner Erwin who has worked hard on building our relationship and mutual services with the University has still stepped aside when it is time for an actual vote. 6. I am concerned about the mixed messages of whether this votes takes 5 or 6 votes. I know that there are two people in the audience who have not missed a Board meeting waiting to see if we change the rules depending on the situation. They stand waiting for us to make a mistake. This is a mistake. 5. I am concerned about a lawsuit from either party. The costs could certainly be astronomical in our current state of very little money for the maintenance and operations of our current needs and services. 4. I believe that we paid outside counsel to give us an answer that our own counsel would not have given. The outside counsel did not even answer some of the deeper questions of this debate. Even though our own counsel is a DeLaSalle graduate he has continued to give us objective ( in defense of the Park Board) opinions of what is needed for this case. 3. It is my deep concern about the relationship stated in the Constitution about the separation of Church and State. I, for one, still believe that principle stands even if not carried out by many in our society today. 2. I have not seen a plan. 1. And, very embarrassingly, I must say, Our process has been lousy- to say the least. Commissioner Mason then states she will be voting NO if this comes before the full board on the 17th. Commissioner Hauser poses a couple of questions one being is this unprecedented ? Director of Planning Reitkerk mentions many
[MPLS] MPRB Highlights 8-3-05 Part 3
New Business Commissioner Fine asks that the Board acknowledge the passing of Frederick Brown Wells with a moment of silence. Mr. Wells generously donated $4,000,000 to the Neiman Complex for the Tennis Center and spent the years since creating an endowment to keep the center funded ( including asking that his memorials be donated to the center). A moment of silence is observed. Commissioner Young presents her idea for Heat Bonuses. With the record number of days over 90 degrees and the high humidity the MPRB employees have been getting the brunt of summer with exposure to the weather and for the lifeguards etc... increasingly larger crowds at the pools and beaches. She suggests a motion that becomes a staff direction that ends up being a couple of questions...1) What would it cost to give the staff some sort of heat bonus? and 2) Would it be possible to do some sort of thank you event and what would that cost? Next the MPRB passes resolution 2005-111 Recognizing the contributions of Todd Pufahl to the MPRB and its members of city employees' local no.363 Mr. Pufahl has apparently moved on in the union to the state level. Reports of Officers Paul Hokeness ( Lakes District Manager ) He relates the story of how he and staff found a way to paint the garbage bins on site so they can do an entire park at one time Gives kudos for the dedication of Armatage's new skate-park and mentions the mayor's attempts at skateboarding mentions the concerts and movies in Loring Park as well happenings at various parks throughout the city coming in August ( www.minneapolisparks.org ) Sara Ackman (sp) filling in for Jon Oyanagi (River District Manager) Mentions the 2900 tickets Commissioner Dziedzic passed on from the folks at Ameriquest Mortgage for Twins games this week for the kids at the parks and rec centers Talks about the Cooperative at Folwell/Farview and North Commons creating a day camp ( 30-80 kids participating) and are hoping to continue it for after-school this fall. Gives a PEACE GAMES update and mentions upcoming ice cream socials in the parks 8/10 at Webber and 8/11 at Audubon both are from 6-8pm Eileen Kilpatrick ( Minnehaha District Manager) Mentions how well the Festival of Neighborhoods went during the Aquatenniel Mentions upcoming events in the parks (Powderhorn Art Fair is this weekend ) Describes how her district is handling some events that happen during the usual end of summer 2 week shutdown by flexing some schedules Working to inform the public about the new scooter laws that have gone into effect by offering a scooter school Recessed to the Planning committee at 6:32 Liz Wielinski Columbia Park ( who has to work the night of the Audubon Ice Cream social... rats) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] MPRB Highlights 8-3-05 Part 1
5:00pm Commissioners present ...Mason, Olson, Dziedzic, Young, Erwin, Hauser, Berry Graves, Fine ( 5:10) and Kummer (6:10) Admin and Finance is called to order 7.1 Increase contract for Mill Ruins Park by $42,376. Rachel Rof the planning staff explains that to meet conditions placed on the catwalk portion of the project by MDOT there was a substantial increase in cost not included in the original scope but still within the contingency budget. passes 7.2 Fulton Neighborhood puts in $10,000 of NRP money for trees. passes 7.3 Committee approves 2006 levy request for $38,064,605. This amount is what will be requested of the Board of Estimation and Taxation and is the amount the Mayor budgeted for in his plan. passes Study Report Items Capital Improvement Program Director of Planning Judd Reitkerk The MPRB submitted a request to CLIC ( the city's Capital Long range Improvement Committee) in May for 2006-2010 ( $11.1 million over 10 years) Director Reitkerk showed some of the power-point presentation he used then ( he mentioned something about explaining how the MPRB's restructuring changed the planning and I was hoping we would get the explanation as well... no luck) including some past projects with before and after pictures etc... Director Reitkerk then outlined some of the projects for 2006-2010 including who would get roofs, parking lot repairs, HVAC work ( the glamour stuff of capital improvement ) including some field work at Bryn Mawr, Northeast and Bossen fields He then showed the MPRB's priorities for 2006 which included Astroturf at Parade Stadium ($1 million) finishing the interior at Webber Park ($250,000) rehabbing the Southside Service Center, HVAC, Roofs etc... for a total of $2,135,000 ( 860,000 from the capital levy and 1,275,000 in net debt bonds). CLIC recommended cutting the Southside service center and tennis court resurfacing but added to field improvements for a total of $1,830,000 and the Mayor also cut out the Southside Service Center but added to Tennis courts and Parade for a total of $2,030,000. ( The Mayor also had $50,000 per year in 2007-2009 for skate-parks) Commissioner Mason asks if the $300,000 for the Southside Service Center is for renovating the old Park Police area. ...YES and some other stuff. She asks for a ballpark figure and off it goes to staff... Commissioner Berry Graves asks if Webber Park includes the pool locker rooms. NO this is the rec building only She asks if the pool will ever be renovated and is it on the schedule ..NO Director Reitkerk says they are focusing on the basics at the rec centers ( roofs, HVAC etc...) President Olson then mentions that they had asked CLIC 3 years ago for money for the Webber Pool Director Reitkerk points out that this is when the city made big cuts in capital spending Commissioner Young states she is not happy that East Phillips is no where on the list and asks if the staff is still considering alternatives in HVAC planning etc... Mayor's Proposed 2006 Budget GM for Admin Don Siggelkow The MPRB is asking for the levy amount the Mayor proposed which will be up $1,671,000 from 2005 highlights... 1. $300,000 for one time tree initiatives 2. Deferred increase in city management fee (stays at $824,000 rather than jumping to $1,000,000) 3. Storm-water fees... still unresolved 4. MPRB will keep at 11.79% of LGA received from the state ( $924,000 up from 2005) 5. Health Insurance up 19% and Dental up 4% in 2006 ( up about $500,000) Commissioner Mason asks about the storm water fees prior to split MPRB bill about $300,000 annually in Jan of 2005 was $520,000 but now down a bit Commissioner Olson asks if the MPRB could just bill the city for the storm-water they handle through the lakes etc.. Commissioner Young chimes in to agree and also to thank Commissioner Erwin for his efforts with the tree initiative. Some discussion about the tactics with the storm-water fees ensues with GM for Operations Mike Schmidt venturing that the MPRB is part of the solution not the problem and that it would have been better if the MPRB had been consulted as the fee schedule was under discussion at the City and that the 2 Environmental Departments should probably work it out. Admin and Finance adjourned 5:50 pm. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Who is ever so curious as to what field upgrades are scheduled for Northeast Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
[MPLS] MPRB Highlights 8-3-05 Part 2
5:50 pm Regular Meeting Called to order... Commissioner Fine would like to alter the agenda to move New Business forward and put staff reports after new business Commissioner Young would like to add heat bonuses to New Business passes ( OK Don't they have to go thru the tedious drama of following their new rules and vote to suspend the rules in order to change the agenda ??? Consistency would be nice here) Commissioner Mason asks how they are to vote to approve the minutes, what minutes and if they are approving the final agenda as minutes and what would be the cost to staff to do transcription. She would also like the vote where she abstained to include the reason as being because her daughter-in-law is a member of the firm to which the contract pertains. She also wonders if there is a file somewhere the public can access to obtain the Superintendent and Chief of Park Police reports that the commissioners receive? Yes , there is a file. Commissioner Young asks that the typo of Scott Vreeland's name be corrected Commissioner Erwin asks that all votes be recorded and GM Siggelkow states that roll call would be required on all votes. Minutes ( or whatever) are approved. Consent items are passed with little discussion. 6:00 OPEN TIME John Berthiaume ( on behalf of his wife Joan Berthiaume and the Minneapolis Parks Legacy Society ) He issues and invitation to the commissioners, staff and citizens of Minneapolis ( from the postcard given out ) You are Welcome at the Wirth House The Minneapolis Parks Legacy Society and the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association invite you for a free tour of the Theodore Wirth Home and Administration Building National Historic Site Located in Lyndale Farmstead Park 3954 Bryant AV S Theodore Wirth's Home and Offices will be open on Saturday August 6, 2005 from Noon to 4:00pm The last public tour begins at 3:15 pm There will also be a short program beginning at noon and free refreshments OPEN TIME ENDS 4.1 from planning That the St. Anthony Parkway Master Plan be restarted with a Citizen's Advisory Committee Commissioner Dziedzic offers and amendment which is included and reads In the Ulysses to Stinson Boulevard portion of the trail project which currently has no trail and has limited space, the committee will review all options to integrate St. Anthony Parkway with the Regional Park System. These options include but are not limited to a combined trail, an alternative trail route, a redesigned parkway and any other design which will preserve the residential character of the Ulysses ST to Stinson Boulevard area and minimize the impact of the trail ON the immediate neighborhood. The committee should also consider the precedence setting effect the trail design will have on other Eastside Neighborhoods with similar through which the completed Grand Rounds will be routed. passes 8.1 Approval of the Reciprocal Agreement between the MPRB and the U of M for the boathouse. Commissioner Erwin states he will be abstaining from voting as he is an employee of the U of M but adds that this is the correct procedure to follow. Do the plan, hold a Citizens Advisory Committee and after the plan is approved issue the reciprocal agreement. Commissioner Young is not fond of voting for agreements with BLANKS in them ( in this case for dates regarding passage and construction) Roll Call vote... Erwin Abstains, Kummer not present, all others AYE ... passes Liz Wielinski Columbia Park stay tuned for heat bonuses and DeLaSalle, trying to keep it shorter as asked by the moderator REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Watch ethics (or lack thereof) in action tonight
Christine wrote... Oh, it also excludes comment on pending litigation, so don't think you're going to bring up the huge lawsuit the board is facing over the underutilized athletic fields they built at Fort Snelling. Just to set the record straight... the lawsuit isn't at the $14 million (originally proposed to cost $6 million) Neiman Sports Complex on the DNR leased land at Fort Snelling ( should be able to see what the lease payment was for 2004 when the 2004 Year End Fiscal Report becomes available at the end of this week) but rather at the MPRB owned 201 building. After the planning committee heard from Commissioner Bob Fine that the lease agreement they were about to approve didn't cover them against mechanics leins should the shell company The Fort LLC decide to default, they voted to approve, it passed the full board and then well $2.5 million will be a pretty large settlement when it finally comes to pass( plus no doubt legal fees ) but we can't get any details as it is currently in litigation. Kudos to Rochelle Berry Graves for refusing to vote for the project without further discussion on the lease and to Marie Hauser for voting NO because her labor supporters would not have been covered under the lease. I guess Labor and DeLaSalle will make this vote on DeLaSalle a real challenge for Commissioner Hauser as it pits one of her groups of supporters against the other. I guess we will see which has more pull this evening. I was checking out the agenda for this evening's meeting and was surprised to see that the lease for the U of M boathouse land is now called a reciprocal use agreement. http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=37calid=311 and that they are going to approve minutes for many of the past meetings ( do DVD's of a meeting count as minutes... guess we will get to hear the justification for that too). I'll be there with my notebook hope you can tune in at petitions and communications if it is before the 8:00 cut off to hear how they wowed the crowds at NNO yesterday evening. My commissioner wasn't able to make it to my park but his opponent certainly made some friends. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Re: (Mpls)Nokomis Playground Equipment
Just to clear up a bit of misinformation. Commissioner Kummer is not on the planning committee, nor was she the parent of DeLaSalle graduates. That would be Commissioner Hauser. And Dorie ... the question you and the other neighbors should be asking Commissioner Kummer is why your park has been delayed until 2009 but the brand new recently acquired ( and quickly named not following MPRB procedure ) Solomon Park jumped ahead of all the parks in the line. This question has come up before and has never been answered by any commissioner that posts on this list ( and yes Commissioner Young I know you were opposed to the naming without following procedure). Your park is not the only park that has faced many delays and my question is, will all the park upgrades keep getting pushed further and further out while projects like moving the park police ( $400,000) and building an event center on the south end of Lake Calhoun ( to give the Tin Fish more parking and estimated at $1 to $2 million) as well as who knows what kind of lawsuits the DeLaSalle issue could still spawn at who knows what kind of dollar figure are pursued? This is the year we can all check out candidates and decide... do we want our basics covered and our parks maintained or do we want to become private enterprise developers and don't kid yourself that these enterprises are bringing in the money to cover the basics... they bring in the money to upgrade the private enterprises. Yes, there are dollars transfered into the operating fund from the enterprise fund, but do those dollars even cover the planning staff hours put into the enterprise projects? Seems to me that the salaries for planning are all paid out of non-enterprise funds. Too bad we can never see a real budget to know just how all of the money is spent. I hope the staff is ready to answer Commissioner Mason's question from the last MPRB meeting about just how much staff time HAS been spent on DeLaSalle. If the MPRB really wants to do it for the kids... it would be nice if the rec center roof wasn't in danger of collapsing or the playground equipment wasn't rusty or in my neighborhood if the bike paths weren't potholed and limb threatening. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Yellow Water
I have dealt with the yellow water in the past and it has always been when they have been flushing out the hydrants in my neighborhood. I called the city one day when after washing a load of white clothes saw the results. The person I contacted said if I notice the yellow water I should quite running hot water as it can affect not only my washer but my hot water heater in a negative way. I asked if there was some way to be notified so I wouldn't damage my appliances and they could not provide an answer. Gotta love dealing with the government. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Marie Hauser is putting the L back in DFL
Commissioner Hauser is one of the 5 members of the MPRB planning committee and her vote on the DeLaSalle issue should be closely watched by all of her LABOR supporters. After all, I am still waiting to hear if DeLaSalle will even have to use prevailing wage construction crews? Will this agreements require that? Not in the draft that is available at present. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] Proposed DeLaSalle Reciprocal Agreement now available
For many of you interested in the DeLaSalle athletic facility brouhaha you can now view the proposed agreement which comes before the planning committee at the MPRB this Wednesday at 5:00pm at the headquarters building on the shores of the Mississippi along West River Road. Go to the MPRB website at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=37calid=310 and scroll to the bottom and click on the link to the agreement at the bottom of the page ( .pdf file). Having briefly perused the agreement I have a few questions and comments. #1Since the MPRB has worded the agreement to be neither a lease or sale of land, and the land will be owned by the MPRB... will the stadium ( oops, athletic facility) construction be handled by an RFP process and will the company be required to hire prevailing wage employees? For those of you unfamiliar with this term it basically means union labor. I think our good friends in labor would be curious about this. I asked GM Siggelkow if the new kitchen construction at the Nicollet Island Pavilion had to do this and they did not because as PRIVATE LEASE HOLDERS did not need to comply with the regulations the MPRB does. The event at the Nicollet Island Pavilion last weekend for Microsoft had a show and guess what... no union stagehands. I know quite a few of our commissioners get endorsed by the unions and if they truly embody union principles I say great. However, by leasing out and privatizing our parkland they are actually working against the unions. As a member of union household I am not too keen on that idea. #2Auxiliary Parking Lot with a bituminous surface. Okay, I have been to many meetings and seen many diagrams etc... I remember tennis courts being to the east of the facility, not a parking lot. Where did this come from? And I suppose it will run off directly into the river? #3 A minimum of 3 tennis court will be built on MPRB land at DeLaSalle's expense I guess this answers part of #2. There is MPRB land all over the place so I guess the courts are going to Boom Island or Edgewater Park or Gluek Park or somewhere off campus. I guess the tennis players can play where ever just not the football and soccer teams. #4 DeLaSalle shall make available to the MPRB their sports facilities for MPRB constituents. After perusing the DeLaSalle website I noticed they have a music and fine arts program. Loring Park has a cultural program couldn't NE have one as well and base it out of DeLaSalle's shared facilities. Not all forms of recreation involve running and getting sweaty ( spoken like a true couch potato... I know ). Not wanting to sound completely negative I must say that I was glad to see ADA requirements written into the agreement as well as enough provisions to cover most legalities and questions of what will be done if the Met Open Space board asks for their money back. And of course it looks like my pet peeve the legal costs, will all fall to DeLaSalle so that is one less worry. I have heard a rumor that due to the historic nature of the island the retaining wall can not be just any old cement eyesore. I am curious as to what the Historical Society Folks will say and if they will be included before the final design plans are approved. The process the MPRB used throughout this entire matter was shoddy ( and possible against their own regulations according to Scott Vreeland's posts) and I'm sure more questions beyond the few I've mentioned will come up at Wednesday's meeting. I hope the staff has covered all the contingencies, and if not I would hope any vote would be postponed. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park http://www.parkboardreform.org http://www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB meeting 7-6-2005 the last part!!!
Lobbyist Report Brian Rice ( who provided a 30 page document to go with the report listing among other things the wording of legislation they help write and a tally of how much money the MPRB has received from the state over the past 22 years ) The environment and jobs bill had just been pass and other than LGA most MPRB issues were done. Most of their objectives had been met but Governor Pawlenty vetoed the Learn to Earn money. Of the $2.9 million in bond requests made $1.7 million were funded ( pending contract resolution for the Fuji-ya site with the developers). LCMR will be on the block for reform over the next 2 years as part of passage this year. The total in bonding and other funding this year will be around $7.3 million. There will be a new fee from the DNR regarding water usage that will affect the MPRB but the sum in Mr. Rice's opinion is negligible. Mr. Rice stresses that getting a dedicated source of funding should be the MPRB's top priority as it will be more reliable and most likely will increase as new sales taxes ( like on clothing ) are enacted in the future. It would also make the MPRB less dependent on LGA which is less reliable depending on who controls the legislature. Crown Hydro is brought up and Mr. Rice assures the MPRB that it was Crown Hydro that was dealing with Senator Pogemiller and Rep. Ellison and he brought it to their attention as the MPRB has had dealings with Crown hydro in the past ( Liz's note... both Bill Hawks and Rob Brown of Crown Hydro were in attendance ). Commissioner Kummer asks about the Met. Council Open Space Committee meeting at the headquarters and Mr. Pederson states he believes that was initiated by staff to which Commissioner Kummer suggests that the board invite the Met Council Open Space Committee to attend a meeting in the future. She suggests they may have a better shot at the Governor's ear for the MPRB's bonding requests. Mary Ann Campo then gives a brief outline of what is in store for LCMR ( the hunter's and fisherman want it all and the Governor would like the dollars to be controlled by a citizen committee appointed by him ). The team was heading back to the capitol. Adjourned Admin and Finance start time 9:30 pm agenda passed, motions made and passed with no discussion adjourned at 9:35. Return to the Regular meeting. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Gurban announces that there are now sand volleyball courts next to the Lupient Waterpark in NE and there will be a tournament held in conjunction with the Aquatennial. The south arena at Parade has been fitted with indoor turf to capture soccer/ volleyball users as skating is becoming less popular. Dedications are coming up for the Skateparks at Creekview, Armatage and Elliot Parks. As a gesture towards a more cooperative relationship the U of M is letting the MPRB hold the citywide track meet at their facilities ( cheap, but not free ) The U of M and the Minnesota Lynx are providing tickets for a game on August 8th for kids to help celebrate the anniversary of Title IX GM Schmidt of Operations reports that for the 4th of July the crowds at Powderhorn Park ( in conjunction with the Powderhorn neighborhood) were estimated at 10-20,000 and at the Riverfront ( in conjunction with the downtown businesses) between 40-60,000. All items from committees were then moved and passed without discussion. Unfinished business Superintendent Gurban reads snippets from a letter he and the board received from the lawfirm of Leonard, Street and Dinard which from what little he alluded to was about the incident regarding Jason Stone and the campaign literature. They are apparently the firm working with the ACLU. The superintendent then announces the temporary new and revised rules. Liz Kramer of the ACLU ( via L,S and D) is allowed to speak and assures the MPRB that they are pleased that the MPRB will allow them to be included in forming the regulations in this area. Commissioner Dziedzic warns them to watch out for policies that will benefit extremist groups like skinheads and cults. Brian Rice having done some research admits that some high court rulings in 2000 made the old rules no longer valid. Commissioner Young states that the City Charter Commission is expecting another new draft in August Unfinished Business As to the smoking in the wading pool areas: there are already signs on order to prohibit that activity but policing the tot lots is not as easy. Petitions and Communications... Commissioner Dziedzic Saturday July 9th was Jim Lupient Day at the NE waterpark ( free to get in and some give aways ) C. Dziedzic has commissioned Charlie Maguire to write a MPRB song ( he raised the money privately) Liz's note... I can still remember the song he wrote for Mary Jamin Maguire when she ran for school board in 2001... Commissioner
[mpls] MPRB meeting 7-6-2005 part 2 of ?
Planning Committee Part 2 Commissioner Mason ( who isn't on this committee) asks to speak to the issue as it is in her district and she has received many calls. She mentions that there was a lot of misinformation floating around and that much needs to be clarified She then reads 5 points from a letter that Steve ( Friends?) wrote to GM Schmidt and asks him to speak to the points. GM Schmidt's replies 1) The ski trail will be moved 20 feet further from the fence but will still be within the buffer 2) The area was cleared of buck-thorn and the ski trail is not for biking 3) Plantings have been started ($2000 worth) but they will take time to grow and fill the area 4) The MPRB agrees with the keeping the rest of the substantial buffer area 5) The Friends of the Wildflower Garden will be notified of any and all other projects in the area in the future Commissioner Mason then suggests that the Friends, the Loppet folks and MOCA all be part of the discussions of the new trail overlay plan as all groups have demonstrated through previous contributions to the MPRB system that they wish to preserve and protect the parks. Commissioner Hauser ( who is on the committee) presents this idea as a substitute motion that the staff should develop a preferred trail overlay and include representatives from the Friends of the Wildflower Garden, the Minneapolis Loppet and MOCA in the discussions. Public Input on the Wildflower Garden begins (again at 1 1/2 minutes per person) 1. Steve Pundt, President Friends of the Wildflower Garden, The Friends are concerned about the type of use allowed in the buffer, and is concerned about invasive species within the fence. 2. Pam Winer (sp?) , VP of Friends and attending as a Bryn Mawr representative. The Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association has pass a resolution the supports the buffer zone around the Garden/ Bird Sanctuary. BMNA would also like to have been informed of what was going on as the Garden falls within their boundaries. 3. Peter McKinney President of Minneapolis Off-road Cycling Association (MOCA) He supports multi-use and applauds the recommendation for the planning team for the trail overlay. Cyclists are not destructive users and has found that real cycling trails prevent the use of non-approved trails. 4. Bill ?, Nordic Ski Group brings up three points 1) access... Theodore Wirth promoted use of the parks and the wildflower garden is closed in the winter when the skiers would be present outside the fence. 2) health of the forest ... XC skiers treasure the forest and are not destructive users 3) Health of the population... XC skiing promotes fitness and the connection to nature. If any action is taken XC Skiing should be promoted 5. Bill O'Rielly trail steward to the new Wirth cycling system. The cyclists are on the side of preserving the park and believe that by having planned cycling trails the system will have fewer unplanned trails and thus less erosion and damage to the park. 6. Constance Pepin has no trouble with XC skiing but the Loppet trail is for Skate Skiing which is more harmful and should not be allowed 7. Maya Ellison as a teacher brings many to Eloise Butler. City kids are unfamiliar with nature ( jokes about kids looking for bears at Theo Wirth) and stresses that other than the parks nature is a 100 mile bus trip away. She also mentions a book called Nature Deficit Disorder. 8. Jenny Harrington: Attended the walking tour of the site and felt that the previous use of the park could be compared to a library, where as opening the buffer to other uses would make it more like a fitness center. 9. Sally Hunt of the Friends and Bryn Mawr, would like another site to be found for the Loppet trail 10. Al Sedgewick, as a 78 year young XC skier does not feel his use of the loppet trail would be considered high impact. The trail is generally used by skiers such as himself and that the elite skiers use it for 2 days and that can not be too damaging. 11. Eric Garrets State Rep for the Minnesota Mountain Bike Association. Points out that the demo cycling project in With Park cost the MPRB $0. That the trails are 18 inches wide as well as built to be sustainable and that families use these trails. They would also not need to come near the fence. 12. Joe Schmidt, is a XC skier and feels the trail where it is will be too hilly and icy for the average skier. 13. Sean Shealy, MOCA trail steward, he is opposed to banning bikes and would like to have the MPRB wait until the Wirth cycling project has been around for a while to see the proof of their claims for low impact and sustainable trails. He would like a chance to participate in the new trail overlay committee and would like to see the XC skiers use more sustainable trails. 14. Scott Thayer, President of MN Off-road Cyclists (MORC). 1/2 of the state membership show addresses in Minneapolis and the group
[mpls] MPRB meeting 7-6-2005 part 1 of ?
5:00pm Commissioner Fine calls the Planning Committee to order ( and the 5 + hour ordeal begins in the standing room only packed boardroom) GM of Operations Mike Schmidt mentions that the XC ski trails were not suppose to create trouble but sometime there are unintended consequences. Mary Lyn Pulsher of the staff gives a lengthy presentation on the history of the Wild Flower Garden and presents the staff recommendation that reaffirms the 1964 buffer zone policy (Xerxes AV to Wirth PKWY, Glenwood AV to Wayzata BLVD ). The plan is to keep and restore natural areas and promote low impact uses, no bike trails, on or off road. They would also like better trail planning including better signs. Restoring some of the area to the original Oak Savannah is also part fo the plan. ( This does not address the new XC ski trails for the Loppet that were created last winter). She showed quite a few before and after pictures. Liz's Note Apparently new XC ski trails were created last winter to create a better route( less steep, wider and not on asphalt ) for the Loppet and also provide a link to local schools. One trail comes particularly close to the fence around the Wild Flower Garden within the buffer zone. This spring the buckthorn was removed and some heavier equipment left tracks after going inside the fence to eliminate some diseased and dead trees. Though the fence was replaced and the buckthorn area was replanted with native non invasive species the area looks clear cut. Commissioner Hauser starts the questions asking if there are non built trails of which there are many and asks if this policy would deny MOCA (Minneapolis Off-road Cycling Association) access to the area. Per Mary Lyn they would have access to the west side of Wirth Park only. Commissioner Erwin does not feel that cycling is high impact and there is some discussion over biker remaining on designated trails or not and the impact. Commissioner Young asks if the Friends of the Wildflower Garden were invited to the public meetings ( and mentions the myriad of e-mail she has received on this issue)? 900 cards were sent out and at least 60 were to members Liz's Note... This will be the first of many discussions about people being notified... a word to all Minneapolitans... WATCH FOR POSTCARDS FROM THE MPRB!!! At this point Commissioner Dziedzic makes a substitute motion that the staff meet with the Wildflower folks and the Loppet folks and find a compromise The time is now 5:30 pm and time for the public hearing on the St. Anthony Parkway bike trail plan First a 5 minute discussion breaks out among commissioners about time limits as so many people have signed up to speak and it is decided that 1 and 1/2 minutes per speaker will be alloted... Commissioner Dziedzic states he will make a motion for more meetings later... 1. Don Pflaum, city planner and Minneapolis Bike Advisory Board member... for the plan 2. Dan and Jody Hoffman, They would like to see a Master Plan for the completed Grand Rounds before the project should even begin ( the bike trail would cross their yard using the current plan) 3. Liz Wielinski let's just say I lost my temper ( see cable repeats for red-faced tirade) because the majority of the folks signed up to speak and mostly against had not been to any of the previous public meetings held for the purpose of discussing this plan and were unhappy because the planned route would cross in front of their property ( on MPRB land ). They kept saying they were never notified, the MPRB budget does not allow for hand engraved invitiations, ( see above note ) but they were here this evening after Commissioner Dziedzic in order to be inclusive hand delivered flyers to their doors prior to the meeting ( did you do the same for the residents of Nicollet Island regarding DeLaSalle and the athletic field Commissioner). 4. Mr. Gould address along the route... opposed 5. Jon Monahan opposed 6. Tracy Weinstein opposed 7. Andrew Vold opposed 8. Pastor Dodd of the Mount Carmel Lutheren Church ( the most affected property, who had the sense to attend meetings and even arranged for extra meetings with the staff ) not opposed and willing to host further discussions at the church. 9. Matt McMerchy trail is needless... opposed 10. Doug Tanner opposed 11. Lars Olson ( the only neighbor besides myself that went on the trail ride portion of the public meetings to see the route) supports the plan 12. Jim ?? plan is fraught with safety issues opposed 13. Wayne Kafra opposed 14. Joel Bruckner serious concers opposed 15. Al Stansbury opposed 16. Peter Hucksman would like a bike trail but not willing to give up land in his front yard that he thought he owned ( better talk to your title company, you may be able to sue) 17. Archie Thomas opposed 18. Lorraine Rogers opposed Public hearing is now closed ( had to split part 1 as it was too
[mpls] MPRB meeting 7-6-2005 part 1 1/2of ?
So sorry but 1 was too big so I had to split it 6:10 pm OPEN TIME ( okay... does anyone know what part of the agenda we are at, no wonder the cable viewers get confused ) Laura Stonebarker: Appeals to the MPRB to ban smoking in the fenced in areas of the wading pools and on the tot lots ( after an incident of a child stepping on a smoldering butt and being burnt) Stephanie Gozum and her son 6 year old Gabriel ( Liz was in the hall and so her notes were forwarded to me ) Hi, I'm the mother of a 6 year old boy... Gabriel. I am here to give him a voice... As a child's voice often goes unheard. The wilderness area on Nicollet Island proposed for demolition is very important to Gabriel. Gabriel loves everything about nature found in that park prairie land... my son and i go on nature walks daily... snake hunting, catching crickets, exploring and mapping the prairie land. Gabriel knows more about snakes, crickets, spiders, wildflowers, and toads than most adults... Why?? Because he observes, feels, hears, he experiences nature in the park sanctuary... passion and inspiration exploring nature... inspiring him to go home and watch national Geographic instead of cartoons... inspiring him to read and learn... to identify the bug he saw.. to find out what garter snakes eat... to learn about the differences in reptiles and amphibians... passion to learn. Nature in downtown Minneapolis... parkland... where else can you go to experience nature in its unadulterated form downtown? I argue no where in downtown Minneapolis. Park land.. My son Gabriel knows every inch of this area... Ask hi about: Snake rock... and the baby garter family that lives there Cricket fields Baby toads Red foxes Bunny families.. and where heir homes are the spiders.. wolf spiders... garden spiders The birds... goldfinches, nuthatches, redwing blackbirds, finches, mourning doves, killdeers, blue birds that live on the insects in the fields The leafhoppers.. the very unique animals, insects, and wildflowers that are found on the island... wild catnip and the purple, yellow, pink, lavender, orange, white wildflowers... Stunning A few days ago Gabriel and I were walking to snake rock. It was just before a summer storm when the air was changing and fragrant with a bouquet, the fields blowing wildflowers in full bloom like a watercolorist palate. Gabriel and I just stood and breathed in the air... I said to him, Gabriel: just look how beautiful this is... Gabriel's reply, Mom. of course it is... it's God's creation... and he made it perfect. God loves all his creatures. Wisdom.. from a 6 year old child in it's purest form... My son, a city boy, nature lover... If you want to provide something for the inner-city kids... provide them the opportunity to experience nature... Teach them to respect and preserve God's creations... and put the Astroturf stadium somewhere other than on park land. do it for the kids... All the city kids... ( there was a rumor that Gabriel had one of his many collected snakes in his backpack for show-n-tell ) Edna Brazaitis : Shows a copy of the Nicollet Island Master Plan from the 1990's. There is no football field shown in this rendition and there were representatives from DeLaSalle on the planning committee at the time. ( A copy is available at Pierre Bottineau Library ) Steve Rosenberg: Discussed how unique Nicollet Island is and that many residents of the coop make less than 50% of the Metro Median Income. Tammy Wong: Ms Wong a single mother and small business woman was there to support having a field close to the school for the kids that attend that can not be driven to practice because their parents are working etc... Kate Carlson: Gave statistics on the student body of DeLaSalle 30% students of color, 30% from single parent families, 1/2 get need based financial aid. Nikki Carlson: (Kate's mom) Claims the mission and goals of the MPRB are consistent with those of DeLaSalle in both wanting to form public and private partnerships Ethan Lassiter: Wants the DeLaSalle field so that there are more fields in the city as there are many in the suburbs. Linda Lincoln reading a letter from her husband ( who is very involved with Minneapolis soccer leagues ) He would like to keep Nicollet Island as is and any claims that Minneapolis is suffering from a shortage of soccer fields is false. He schedules many leagues and tournaments in the city and never has had an issue with a shortage of fields. Christine Viken : $65,477 is the amount the Van Dusen mansion paid in property taxes last year. By building a competing event center on Lake Calhoun the MPRB would be giving a competitor that would not be contributing towards the tax base an unfair advantage. Any enterprise can seem profitable if you eliminate costs that its competitors must absorb. What comes next after this event center? The
[mpls] MPRB meeting 7-6-2005 part 3 of ?
Planning Committee Continued Commissioner Hauser thanks everyone for attending and agrees that a new master plan is needed Commissioner Erwin asks that in planning the the staff consider moving the trail away from the fence, increase planting in the buffer, work with all 3 groups, consolidate and make better trails to keep folks on them, and states that all the groups will be great helpers and to work together. all the others toss in their 2 cents worth and the substitute motion is passed. 8:00 pm and back to the regular meeting for a presentation Paul Hokeness, District manager for the Lakes district makes a special presentation to Dottie Speidel a long time activist for arts in the parks at Loring Park who has just donated a very fine piano for use in the center. Ms. Speidel ( who has been patiently waiting for a while) states that they turn out this evening demonstrates the love people have for their parks. Next DM Hokeness introduces Diane Moe, who has been hired as the Cultural Arts Director for Loring Park. Ms Moe is rejoining the MPRB staff. She announces that on Wednesday July 18th at noon they will be starting the Music in Loring Park series Commissioner Berry Graves mentions the positive comments she is getting from MacPhail about the new program at Loring and Commissioner Mason asks if Ms. Moe will also be managing the Sculpture Garden as she saw some reference to it in her materials. DM Hokeness says she will eventually be handling the Sculpture Garden as it is considered her fields like the more traditional fields at the other park centers. 8:10 and we are back to Planning again Tim Brown lead staff on the St. Anthony Parkway bike trail master plan and Greg Ingraham (outside consultant) give a presentation on the proposed trail , part of which will be repair and upgrades to the 30 year old existing trail and part of which will be a continuation of the trail from Ulysses ST NE to Stinson BLVD (this is the controversial section ). The trail is then planned to be extended in another project south along Stinson to 18th where it will connect with a planned city trail and also a trail along an old RR grade that goes diagonally through the region. A power point presentation shows how the plan would be done and if the trail is kept off of the street it will go along the parkway on what many citizens consider to be their front yards ( though the MPRB actually owns the land). Tim stresses that the plan is in the loop for funding ( Federal matching dollars ) and too many delays will put the project off indefinitely. Commissioner Dziedzic wants to change the plan to satisfy the neighbors and feels that another meeting will take care of the problem and makes a motion to do that Commissioner Olson asks if the plan can just redo the existing stretch up to Ulysses and stop ( not the way the grant is worded ) There is some discussion over whether delays will mess up the funding and if the dollars will be available again in the future to which no one can make a guarantee. Director of Planning Reitkirk also mentions the fact that the schedule for the matching dollars on the MPRB front would also be an issue. Tim stresses that the plan could be passed and then the trail could be altered during the construction phase to meet the neighborhood requirements and that it is MPRB property but that Met Council Approval is needed soon to keep the project on track. Commissioner Dziedzic then complains about the notification process (see Scott Vreeland's post about what the proper procedure should have been ). Commissioner Berry Graves mentions that if they vote to make the trail narrow they should remember the death that led to the wider trail decision years ago. Commissioner Erwin makes a friendly amendment to Commissioner Dziedzic's motion that another community meeting be held and then come back to the board at the August 3rd meeting. THE MEETING FOR ALL INTERESTED PARTIES WILL BE AT COLUMBIA MANOR, 3300 CENTRAL AV NE, TUESDAY JULY 19TH AT 6:30 PM per Commissioner Dziedzic who was kind enough to provide me with the information when I called later in the week. Scott Brink from the City of St. Louis Park gives a presentation on the trail connector they would like to build on MPRB property to join together some bike trails. Commissioner Dziedzic asks about their notification process motion to approve passes. Planning finally adjourns at 9:00 pm Stay tuned for the Legislative Committee and the report from Rice, Pederson and Campo lobbyists Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
Re: [Mpls] Building Height
TB wrote... We have acres of parks, lakes and a river that will never be built on and provide both open spaces and recreational opportiunities. You are making some pretty big assumptions here. I don't know if you have been watching the MPRB in action lately but protecting our open spaces is not that high on their list of priorities ( see just about any previous posting about the DeLaSalle athletic facility ). Last night's meeting was so packed that it was standing room only because of the MPRB's plans to provide recreational opportunities, a bike trail in NE along a portion of St. Anthony Parkway and the bike and x-country ski trails coming close to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, but also the ever present issue of DeLaSalle. Hopefully I will be able to get the minutes of the meeting that lasted from 5-10:10pm up soon, but if you can catch a rebroadcast on cable you can watch me lose my temper on camera :-). Liz Wielinski Columbia Park http://www.parkboardreform.org http://www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Park Agenda and Eloise Butler update
My limited understanding of the agenda process is that the President of the MPRB as well as the Superintendent ( with help of staff ) set the agenda for the regular meeting. The chair of each committee ( Planning, Admin and Finance, Operations and Environment, Recreation, Legislative and Standards and Conduct) sets the committee agenda with staff. If you are not a chair you can ask to have something brought before a committee but that is at the discretion of the chair. The present chair of the Planning Committee is Commissioner Fine. ( the website could certainly be more specific about this whole agenda procedure) Most (but not all i.e. DeLaSalle) projects follow a planning format http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=35 There is a chart you can click to see. Many involve community meetings ( if your address is within 3 blocks of the project you should get mailed notification as well as your neighborhood association receiving something) and then a presentation before the planning committee with a chance for community input. The date of the meeting is sent to those in the radius as well as anyone who attends one of the earlier meetings.This was the process used for the St. Anthony Parkway Plan on tomorrow's agenda. So watch your mail for those little colored postcards and if you are concerned about other projects around town try http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=33 This is the list of current projects and the contact person is listed. Though there is a list of current projects, it would be nice to have a link to see what is coming down the pipeline so there are fewer of the surprises that create such havoc. I know there is a list of sorts as Director Reitkirk of the Planning Department was kind enough to let me know that the building in my park would not have any renovations until 2007 at the earliest ( and I asked about that last year) and with funding being an issue that date was tentative at best. What I found curious was how Solomon Park jumped into the list so quickly ahead of how many parks? I know that some projects have to be coordinated with federal $$ ( like the Grand Rounds) but just because the MPRB traded some land and ended up with Solomon Park doesn't mean it should jump ahead of Jordan Park , whose delays Commissioner Olson mentions frequently. The MPRB is not known for its transparency in operations, especially where budgeting and planning are concerned. I am hoping that the folks running as reform candidates will do something about this after they are elected in November. The MPRB gets a huge chunk of my property tax dollars and I would like more detailed information about how it is spent Liz Wielinski Columbia Park ( who got 2 postcards for the St. Anthony Parkway Plan at the MPRB tomorrow, one for resident and one to Liz who attended 2 of the 3 meetings) http://www.parkboardreform.org http://www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Gurban Talks About Permit Reversal
In the Minneapolis Observer, Park Superintendent Jon Gurban is quoted saying It should help focus things not on personalities, but on the issues,. The problem with this statement is that Jason Stone and other truly reform minded candidates have been talking about the issues and the Big 5 incumbents come up short. Commissioner Kummer chose to align with the Dziedzic /Fine machine as did Marie Hauser and Jon Olson. The fact that they supported bad projects with huge cost overruns, and land give aways are just the issues that should be brought to the public's attention. During the next few months while the campaign season starts going into overdrive you will see the majority on the current board try to get through projects like DeLaSalle before they lose the 5 votes that their reciprocal agreement scheme needs. No doubt Crown Hydro's attorneys are drafting their reciprocal agreement to bring before the board prior to the end of the year. The list I am looking forward to seeing is the Superintendent's proposed budget cuts for 2006. What will take the hit this year? Will they want to shut off the fountains? Oops, already did that and private parties are now paying those bills. Maybe they could cut back on office space. Nope need those off-site places to put the 3 new $90,000/ year district managers. Cut the advertising and PR budget. So sorry, need a PR consultant at $65,000- $70,000 to clean up after the Superintendent. I guess they could just go back to the wading pools, grass cutting, porta-pottie, and park supervisor dollars. I for one have to say that I agree with Superintendent Gurban (is that ice I hear forming in the nether-world?) that yes LET'S FOCUS ON THE ISSUES. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] My take on Stonegate and other SWJ stories of note
Just thought the candidates would like to know that at the MPRB meeting the question of the permit came up and if one went to 80 parks at 80 different times would they need 80 permits ? The answer was YES, so sorry no blanket permit. So give up any notion of campaigning you can just spend your time filing permit applications. And good luck with that as there isn't really anywhere on the form to list that you will be campaigning and passing out literature. I was at Windom Park in 2004 at their big Carnival and school board candidate David Dayhoff was handing out lit all over. I didn't see Commissioner Dziedzic go up to him and tell him to stop, or call the Park Police and he was also at the event. I guess that enforcement is arbitrary and only the Park Board reform candidates get our Superintendent's attention. So look out Tracy Nordstrom, Tom Nordyke, Rochelle Berry Graves, Annie Young, Jim Bernstein, Scott Vreeland and Peter Vevang or you too could feel the Wrath of Jon just like Jason Stone. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Park Board policy on campaigning
This is the outline of the policy presented by one of the district managers recently hired by the MPRB Paul Hokeness. From what I could see the rules were made by the district managers to answer questions presented by staff at the recreation centers. I doubt that the freedom of speech issue came up but the MPRB does have an attorney, Brian Rice and he could have been asked to give an opinion. New Business ( from the June 1, 2005 MPRB meeting ) Campaigning in the Parks Commissioner Young brings this up now to have a standard set of rules for the upcoming political season. GM Siggelkow when checking into this found that it had come up and the 3 district managers had set a policy Lakes District Manager Paul Hokeness give the presentation... 1) Follow building guidelines and if questions check with district supervisors 2) Political Parties may use rooms other than the gyms free of charge and may pass lit within the room but no fundraising (fee if room is used outside of regular center hours or for gym) 3) staff is discouraged from voicing opinions on park property or on MPRB time 4) give facts/ do not offer opinions 5) use common sense and if in doubt ask a supervisor 6) at festivals and celebrations the candidates may purchase a booth like all other participants but may not freely wander the crowd handing out materials The fact that no one questioned this at the time doesn't mean that the policy is lawful. Commissioner Young was just trying to make an even playing field for campaigning. The fact that the place you will find people who are interested in park issues is at the parks seems to make rule 6 a little too much and Superintendent Gurban's response was overkill. For the record I am not a Gurban fan and I support Jason Stone and all reform candidates to the MPRB. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park for more information check out www.mplsparkwatch.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Taking the Recreation out of Minneapolis Park Recreation Board
The issue of giving the land away could come back and haunt the Park Board just like the sale of the Fuji-Ya site. With the Fuji-Ya site the legislature kept a substantial amount and the rest of the money derived from the sale was shared with strings attached. The MPRB is short $2.5 million a year in their forestry budget ( per the Minneapolis Tree Commission ) , and their usual sources of income other than our property taxes, LGA, Metro Park dollars, funds from the LCMR, and fees from non MPRB teams etc... are all under attack ( even the golf courses are running behind with all of this rain ). The Park Board will regardless of their decision probably spend quite a bit defending itself in a lawsuit filed by one side or the other with the DeLaSalle issue, meanwhile something is going to have to give. Cuts will probably fall pretty hard on the RECREATION side of the budget as the other parts have been pared to the bone. How will this new field help? Maybe if DeLaSalle was paying the going rate for leasing that property I would breathe easier. And in case you didn't notice it isn't being called a lease, that would involve a super-majority vote. As to bringing religion into the picture, I believe Chris Johnson in his post included private not just religious institutions in his examples. He could have also included charter schools ( quasi -private ) in the equation and I'm sure many are located next to parks as well. Speaking of the 2006 budget... how is that looking Commissioners? Liz Wielinski T-ball mom ( yes, I am trying to keep recreation available ) Columbia Park Who would like to thank the Skyway News for sharing DeLaSalle's proposal with the public as it was not available to the audience at the June 1 meeting. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] LCMR, one source of money for the MPRB
Was reading the sports section of the STRIB and ran across an article that will be of note to some who watch what's happening at the MPRB. http://www.startribune.com/stories/531/5438973.html This committee was one source that usually had money for the MPRB. I am looking forward to hearing Brian Rice's legislative report at the end of the special session regarding this. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB 6-1-2005 Highlights and more Part 3
We continue with the commissioner questions about the proposed reciprocal use agreement with DeLaSalle... [all comments in brackets are those of the typist] Commissioner Hauser asks if the MPRB will need to reimburse the Met Council Open Space dollars? Director Reitkirk replies that it MAY not be necessary but a commitment to replace them may be necessary as well as possibly the tennis courts [ who pays ???] Commissioner Hauser asks if the fencing will be necessary ( yes is the reply) Commissioner Young suggests as she did at a previous meeting that mediation would be a better path than a reciprocal use agreement. This would be a tacit agreement to go forward on the project. She believes there are too many unanswered questions at this point to approve the motion. She also mentions that there is no proposal before the Met Council and no information on historical or environmental impacts. She believes that this is a slippery slope from public to private and that the MPRB needs to be cautious as there seems to be some concerns about members of the MPRB itself and conflicts of interest. Commissioner Erwin states that the Land Use comments were very good. There is already a field so the MPRB has fulfilled its part except to have a written agreement. If DeLaSalle wants a larger field they could put the field in front and move parking to the rear. He does not feel he can make an informed decision at this time having received the 60 page information packet just moments before the meeting [ a tried and true Big 5 maneuver] Commissioner Erwin offers a substitute motion...That the MPRB enter into a reciprocal use agreement for the current field and tennis courts only. Commissioner Hauser ask for the substitute motion to be repeated. Commissioner Mason wonders if it is necessary as the field and courts are already there Commissioner Hauser wonders if the field in place is regulation size Jay Pomeroy ( Landscape Architect and Engineer for DeLaSalle ) states that the adjacent field from the back wall of the building is just over the 160' x 360' regulation size but is basically useless. Director Reitkirk jumps in to say that the sketches are still very preliminary and the final design would still need to be approved in September Commissioner Erwin insists that many more questions need to be answered before any steps are taken GM Siggelkow states the the 12 points are not site specific but it would get the ball rolling and that site issues would go through a public process Commissioner Mason states that DeLaSalle is not a third party in the agreement, that it involves only the MCDA and the MPRB and that more information is needed. Mr Norton of Kennedy Graven concluded that the MPRB needed to consider many items and that the board hasn't. Commissioner Dziedzic offers a substitute motion to the substitute motion [ which become the tongue twister of the evening] because we need to start somewhere and this is it [ I believe you are not obligated to do anything actually ] Substitute to the Substitute motion That the MPRB authorize staff to enter into negotiations for a reciprocal use agreement with DeLaSalle for an Athletic Facility that will then have a public hearing in July. Commissioner Erwin wants a design available before there is a use agreement for it Commissioner Young claims it is nearly identical to the original motion and that July is too soon and that the Met Council and the Historical Society still haven't ben contacted Commissioner Dziedzic says it's 6 weeks Commissioner Hauser claims the original motion is about a general agreement about what is important to the children and people of the city and about land use and that site specifics aren't necessary just other details [ and your point here is...] Commissioner Young states it is about land use and what ever happened to separation of church and state A vote is called on the substitution to the substitution Hauser, Dziedzic, Fine aye, Young and Erwin nay, There is a scuffle amongst the board and some knowledgeable folks in the audience over Robert's Rule's and voting on the other motions that ends in the negotiated agreement being on the July 20th agenda for a public hearing Commissioner Mason asks if this is now moved to the full board for a vote (no) Will the Agreement when voted on (in July) need 6 votes ( no, it isn't a land sale or long term lease ) [ 30 year tie up of land sounds like a long term lease to me] Glad that outside counsel was used and how much did it cost and will the board be revealing any possible conflicts of interest? Commissioner Dziedzic: Worked one year at DeLaSalle President Olson: Proud parent of a 2004 DeLaSalle grad Commissioner Berry Graves: Proud grandparent of a 2004 DeLaSalle grad Commissioner Hauser: Proud parent of multiple DeLaSalle grads Commissioner Fine: Relative who is an Island resident
[mpls] MPRB 6-1-2005 Highlights and more Part 4
comments in [brackets] are those of the typist 7:15 pm Admin and Finance Committee 7.1 That the Board Approve the Agreement between the MPRB and the Suburban HRPD related to the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center and North Mississippi Regional Park This agreement realigns who does what in the park shared with Hennepin County. The County will be providing the staffing and programs at the center and the MPRB will be doing all the maintenance of the parkland and buildings. passes 7.2 The board adopts a resolution ordering East Nokomis Parkway improvements ( per GM Schmidt this is standard operating procedure) Study Report on the US Pond Hockey Championships GM Siggelkow would like the board to authorize staff to hold discussions with the US Pond Hockey Association to hold their tournament on January 20-22, 2006 on Lake Calhoun (okay is given) Having a location in progress will allow the Pond Hockey group to write letters to sponsors to raise funds. St. Paul has had some small tournaments in the past and there is a meeting about this issue at the ECCO meeting Thurs. Commissioner Young confirms it will not conflict with the Loppet Commissioner Berry Graves mentions that the MPRB can not guarantee the weather. Admin and Finance is adjourned. Regular Meeting is reconvened... Reports of Officers Superintendent Gurban gives a glowing report on how the new floating docks at Nokomis and Calhoun will save time and money as they went in like a breeze in an hour and a half. Commissioner Dziedzic asks if there are ports-potties near all the docks Superintendent Gurban verifies that they are near the floating docks but is not sure for all docks in the system Commissioner Kummer mentions there was a nice photo of the new dock in the paper Superintendent Gurban then hands out hot off the presses the 2004 Superintendents report. They are available to the public on Monday a your local Park Center or Library. Commissioner Erwin is glad to hear that the cost went from $22 a copy to $1.50 for printing. Commissioner Mason asks if the sailing center at the south end of Lake Calhoun will be on the next meeting in June's agenda and the superintendent says there have been some delays and it will come up at a later date. Commissioner Dziedzic ask how many of the Commissioner Reports are available (2000) and if there are enough (probably) He then points out that there is a budget available on the last page for the public to see. [ 18 lines folks not exactly the specifics some are looking for, it is even called the condensed budget ] GM Siggelkow reports that a settlement has been reached with the seasonal workers and hopes to have them soon with the 49ers and the Teamsters. GM Schmidt reports that the 2004 annual resources report is done ( 1 thick booklet ) and is available online [ YEAH ] and that since 1991 water quality has been improving and is considered to be at pre-European Settlement levels Commissioner Young asks if the attachments commissioners get with their agendas are available on-line yet. (no) 2.1 and 2.2 are passed ( new HVAC at Wirth Chalet and the seasonal worker's contract) 7.1 ( a catwalk at Mill Ruins Park for which Hennepin County is paying) passed Unfinished Business Youth Athletic Fees ( for non rec center sports leagues ) Games $16/ hour Practices $8/ hour It has been suggested by the Superintendent that teams with a hardship be allowed to work off the fees Commissioner Berry Grave states that the rules for this must be straight forward and even for all. There ensues some discussion when Commissioner Dziedzic mentions that there are free Lupient Park passes for youth who do service work for seniors and such in Northeast and Commissioner Berry Graves wonders if this is also available at North Commons? GM Siggelkow states it is a Lupient Family funded program. New Business Campaigning in the Parks Commissioner Young brings this up now to have a standard set of rules for the upcoming political season. GM Siggelkow when checking into this found that it had come up and the 3 district managers had set a policy Lakes District Manager Paul Hokeness give the presentation... 1) Follow building guidelines and if questions check with district supervisors 2) Political Parties may use rooms other than the gyms free of charge and may pass lit within the room but no fundraising (fee if room is used outside of regular center hours or for gym) 3) staff is discouraged from voicing opinions on park property or on MPRB time 4) give facts/ do not offer opinions 5) use common sense and if in doubt ask a supervisor 6) at festivals and celebrations the candidates may purchase a booth like all other participants but may not freely wander the crowd handing out materials Petitions and Communications Commissioner Dziedzic praises the golf courses and speaks about the upcoming coaches dinner. Jim Lupient waterpark FREE
[mpls] MPRB 6-1-2005 Highlights and more Part 1
All messages in [ brackets ] are comments of the typist.. [4:45 Pre- meeting band concert in the parking lot for visitors and press by the DeLaSalle students] 5:00 Planning committee is called to order by Commissioner Fine who announces that there will be public input allowed on the DeLaSalle action item and there are sign up sheets in the hallway. Commissioner Young would like to have a plan for this open speaking time so the meeting doesn't go to midnight Commissioner Fine would like to see how many speakers sign up first Commissioner Dziedzic claims he will be making an amendment to the motion if it passes 4.1 That the board approve the schematic plan for the Berger Fountain Rebuild ( this is the dandelion fountain in Loring Park ) Mike Kimble of the MPRB planning department, Merry Keefe of the Save Berger Fountain Group, facilitator to the various neighborhood groups and Robert Cook, architect make the presentation for the new fountain. The dandelion appearance of the fountain will remain, but the splash pools, plaza, orientation toward paths and the greenway and the mechanics will be changed. It was also suggested that the shuffleboard courts be moved. There would be new seating, new lighting for the basin and fountain, and the fountain would be re-engineered to be re-circulating. The various organizations involved would do $1,000,000 in fundraising and would hope to eventually use the Park Foundation as the fiscal agent ( a task currently done by the Friends of Loring Park). The current plan is that after the schematic is approved to build a model to help further fundraising. Commissioner Erwin mentions that the fountain currently costs $15,000 per year for water and electricity and understands the new design will reduce that cost to $7500 a year and thanks the various groups for their effort to save the signature fountain. Commissioner Young asks if $1,000,000 will be enough. Ms. Keefe states that $1,000,000 will cover the fountain and plaza redesign and that further fundraising will be done to complete other areas of the plan and that they will work with the MPRB staff on future items. PASSES 4.2 That the Board approve the terms for the implementation of a Reciprocal Use Agreement with DeLaSalle High School Judd Reitkirk Director of Planning gives some background on Nicollet Island complete with old photos and ariel view maps 1977 The Central Riverfront Master Plan is developed 1978 the Met Council Approves $4.5 million for Open Space land acquisition 1980 the MPRB decides to keep the housing on the Island and the Met Council approves and additional $5.4 million for land acquisition 1983 a Contract for Acquisition and Transfer of Lands for Redevelopment by Public Bodies by and between the MCDA and the City of Minneapolis, by and through its Park and Recreation Board is signed [This is the key document and DeLaSalle is not one of the parties on the title page so hardly a major player] The Met Council then approves the Nicollet Island Master Plan [ $ 9.9 million in Met Council Open Fund Money which may need to go back ] Commissioner Dziedzic asks if housing was in the plan? Director Reitkirk says the original plan did not include housing. [Not specific if it was the draft plan or master he is referring to at this point ] There is some confusion as to what comes next as Director Reitkirk planned to next defer to the DeLaSalle architect and engineer who in turn defer to Brother Michael Collins who begins his speech. He is interrupted by Commissioner Fine who wants to know where they are in the agenda [There is no public input listed on the agenda and Commissioner Young's asking to have a plan was ignored so Commissioner Fine is winging it here ] It is determined that the staff portion of the presentation is complete and that Brother Michael does have some time to spare before his duties at DeLaSalle for the evening call him away so the meeting moves on to the DeLaSalle architects. Kevin Halbach of KKE architects and Jay Pomeroy Landscape Designer and Engineer of Anderson-Johnson Associates, Inc make their presentation. Mr. Halbach states that their are many issues involved and that he sees himself as not only the architect for DeLaSalle but also for the neighborhood and the people of the city and the MPRB and would like to include them as well. The design shown is described as a multipurpose field for softball, soccer, football etc The area outside of the field and bleachers would include pathways and pedestrian lighting. The main change will be the closing of Grove Street. There would also be plantings and landscaping, Brother's Park, recreation and bleacher seating for up to 750 people and would address ADA requirements and safety and security issues. Mr. Pomeroy then speaks to the loss and possible relocation of the tennis courts and the relocation of the batting cage to a small softball
Re: [Mpls] City Debt
Who was on the Board of Estimate and Taxation at the time of the vote? Were they like Bob Fine the MPRB's voting member linked to Brian Rice who represents the Police and Fire Pensions and likely to be swayed to do what benefits the retirees over the taxpayers I guess I would need more information then Rep. Kahn has provided as to who is tied to what in the decision to fork over more benefits and bonuses to these groups of retirees. If the stock market goes into a dive and I am not diversified my 401k sinks and the taxpayers of Minnesota don't bail me out or give me extra bonus checks. I also do not have the services of Mr. Rice and his team of lobbyists to convince the legislature to help me out. I am not under the impression that this is unfair... these groups use their pension dollars to fund lobbyists and candidates' campaigns in order to get benefits they assume will outweigh the costs of the PAC and lobbyists. I just don't think that we the taxpayers should be told we are in the wrong because we would prefer not to bail them out. If the city managed the pensions and screwed up then yes, they should fund the short fall, but from Mr. Jensen's posts it seem that the union members appointed their pension managers. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Still not convinced REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Art-A-Whirl
The fun of Northeast's own Art-A-Whirl begins this evening and runs through the weekend. Come get a map and check out the many studios etc... open to the public for perusal and of course shopping. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] pension funds and political connections
George Janssen wrote: But, Rep. Kahn and other politicos would continue to receive their political contributions and other largess from the fund. This windfall would end if they did they did the right thing for the MPRA members and the Minneapolis taxpayer and removed all the MPRA funds to the state for administration. The MPRA would be kept self managed by the 70 or so politicians who receive donations from this fund strictly for self serving purposes. There is only selfish reasons for keeping this fund from joining the 48 other fire/police funds administered under PERA. The Minneapolis taxpayer be damned! Wonder how these funds are linked? Check out the link below. http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us/lobby/lbdetail/lb6485.html And some more links for fun... http://www.cfbreport.state.mn.us/dyncfb1/index.htm http://www.cfbreport.state.mn.us/dyncfb1/index.htm http://www.cfbreport.state.mn.us/dyncfb1/index.htm In fact go to the site and check out all of your local political types that serve in a state office here. http://www.cfbreport.state.mn.us/dyncfb1/index.htm After the primary I imagine that Hennepin County will have the reports for the candidates for city offices which list individual donors over $100. Pre-primary are when the first forms are due. This will be the link... http://www16.co.hennepin.mn.us/cfrs/welcome.do Follow the money Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Upcoming 8th Ward Forum - A Question of Money
Having put together 2 pre-primary DFL forum in Wards 2 and 3 I think that the cost is excessive, but if it is a fundraiser for these non-profits it should be billed as such rather than as a candidate forum. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Treasurer SD59 DFL REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] Old Guard vs. New
Nikki Carlson wrote... I just want to say I hear the term old guard constantly from the Rybak campaign and from the so-called park reformers. I am in favor of MPRB reform and have many friends in the DFL who would be considered as McLaughlin supporters ( and therefore by someone's term Old Guard) who are also very interested in Park Board reform ( and no Nikki they don't live on Nicollet Island and some are even DeLaSalle alumni) I would say you are stereotyping. What has happened during the last 2 1/2 years at the MPRB has annoyed many people and some of them like myself just happen to be very vocal. In fact Commissioner McLaughlin and I have spoken more than once and though I respect him I could not give him my endorsing vote because he does not share my opinion of the MPRB (other than we both think it should remain an independent board). This year my KEY issue is MPRB reform and therefore I could not go McLaughlin. Old? New? I guess I'm Middle. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park by age last of the boomers REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] DFL Convention
For all of you who need caffeine to get through the day, stop and get your java on the way to the convention as the coffee provider backed out at the last minute. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park on the arrangements committee REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Who the heck should get the nod for MPRB commissioners
From David Tilsen's article in THE PULSE http://www.pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=1825 They will also endorse candidates for three at-large Park Board seats, and then break up to endorse for the six district seats. I have always thought that the major job of the Park Board was to fight off the constant effort of people to get their greedy hands on ourthat is the Park Boardsland. The fact that we have as much public land in the city as we do is a major contributor to the quality of life. We can thank tenacious Park Board members of the past for this. This land does belong to the citizens of Minneapolis from the past and into the future and keeping their greedy hands off is the quality needed most in our commissioners in this day and age of developers and corporations first. I would certainly hope that at the DFL convention this weekend the candidates will include the statement I will not sell parkland or give it away in a long term lease in their introduction. Liz Wielinski Columbia ParkREMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB and the Twins Stadium
From the Minneapolis observer Interesting bit of information from Annie Young today: It seems that Hennepin County officials are bribing the Park Board to endorse the stadium plan, promising an additional $1 million in park funding if they climb aboard. Young did not say whether she would vote for such an endorsement, but noted that A million bucks is hard to turn down when youre broke. Gee Whiz... does this $1 million come with any strings attached say for rebuilding Parade Stadium??? This would certainly explain why Jon Gurban the Superintendent of the MPRB was asking ( at the city council last fall) to attach $$$ for a Parade stadium re-build to any professional stadium bill that went through. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of hearing the MPRB Superintendent speak, I did at the Longfellow Community Council pancake breakfast, the Superintendent has a plan. He would like to build Minneapolis some gathering spaces... like the Parade Stadium and Minneapolis Armory of his youth in the 1950's. In an era of individual stores for everything building a place that caters to everyone is going to be quite the challenge. Is this $1 million the seed money for the Superintendent's field of dreams? Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] re:MPRB on May 4th
Chris Johnson wrote... Cirque Du Soleil has been talking to staff since last year about using the Parade Stadium field as a location for their performances. The proposal is Cirque will lease the field from August 22 to October 28, 2005 and pay the Park Board $50,000 for that use. The Park Board will do some initial site preparation, and then Cirque will spend another $225,000 on doing site preparation, such as adding gates, removing ball field lights, etc. Rietkerk says this is an advantage for the Park Board, because of plans for installing an artificial turf field at this location, and would have to do construction preparation work like removing sprinklers and fences anyway. He says this will save some money because Cirque will do some of that work. When Cirque leaves town, they will do nothing further to the site. It will be left in whatever state it is in -- unusable for recreation. All parking will be handled on site using the existing lots to the east and west of the field, except for perhaps a few performances where larger crowds might result in some overflow parking, which the Park Board is trying to work with Dunwoody to accommodate across Dunwoody Blvd in their parking lot there. The plan is to close the Vineland entrances to all of those lots during Cirque performances, and have all traffic enter/exit from Dunwoody. Note that Cirque Du Soliel gets ALL of the parking revenue thus generated, until it exceeds $225,000, after which they share it with the Park Board. A typical Cirque performance expects 350 to 375 cars, and there is parking on site for 500. Cirque's performance tent seats about 2500 people. and Commissioner Vivian Mason supports Erwin, and says that not enough notice to neighborhoods (residents, institutions like the Walker, and businesses) was done [in fact, none]; that they learned about it through the newspaper and then contact her [its Mason's district], often irately. She asks if staff has yet contacted the neighborhood, and the answer is no. She asks if there are costs for dismantling bleachers and fences, and who pays them. The answer is that the Park Board will be paying for that. As usual the staff comes to the commissioners with little or no information on the costs involved in one of their cooperative projects with a private business. Notice how quick they were to bring out the they will receive. If I were a commissioner (wishful thinking :-) I would like to know an estimate of the NET gain to the MPRB. Also doing a little math 500 cars X 68 days (lets say 1 performance per day) x $5.00 per car = $170,000. In order for the MPRB to get any parking revenue if they max out parking for 68 performances it will cost over $6.62 to park your car ( if I lived in the neighborhood I'd be concerned about parking too as people will be looking to save a few $$$ by parking in front of my house) . I imagine there may be a few sold out performances and that in this town paying over $10.00 to park for an event is nothing but I feel we will be once again subsidizing an event attended mostly by suburbanites. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Not a fan of any circus but the MPRB REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Hey Peter! Hey RT! Hey Aaron Hey Ed!
Until you have 50 states agree that they will no longer try to outbid each other for pro sports teams by offering to subsidize sports facilities to make their city/state offer a better quality of life the entire point is moot. Where there is competition there will be sweeteners in every deal. That is why charter schools and privates schools exist... they offer something better though depending on the family and most importantly the student better is a relative term. The map of Hennepin County shows me that there are quite a few wealthier suburban communities that fall in its boundaries and I can assure you that the piddling amount of sales tax my family generates will be quite a bit less than families in Maple Grove or Edina. So if we can't fix the entire system maybe we should go with the best deal available we can generate. This may or may not be it. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB highlights from 4-6-05 Part 2
6:15 Planning Committee Commissioner Young would like to amend the agenda to include a Bryn Mawr discussion. There is some squabbling over the new rules which do not allow this and it became a study item as did the MPRB master plan. She also would like to add DeLaSalle and Commissioner Olson says that is already being handled by himself and the Superintendent. 4.1 Staff and the Friends of the Wildflower Gardens make a presentation on the upgrade to an area in the bird sanctuary in the Eloise Butler Wildflower Gardens and Bird Sanctuary for which the Friend's are providing the money for the materials. 4.2 A presentation is given about the new light fixtures to be installed by public works along the Grand Rounds parkways ( about 100 lights per year, of a total 2343, and parts from the replaced lights will be used to extend the life of those remaining) The lights will be funded in 3 parts $6000 apiece installation and $1200 per fixture by public works and $600 per fixture by the MPRB (and why they could not find an acceptable $1200 fixture that would have cost the MPRB nothing was never addressed which would have been nice). 4.3 Retention of URS to provide consulting services for the Edgewater Park Master Plan Implementation, for a fee not to exceed $112,075.00 Discussion of Bryn Mawr and Bassett Creek Valley master Plan Commissioner Erwin said he knows of at least 4 plans for the area and could we have a review at some point to see how or if the plans fit together. Commissioner Mason asked that if a discussion is to be held during the next meeting that the neighborhood be invited. Commissioner Young asks that receipt of the letters at least be sent. The discussion then moves on to a Master Plan for the entire MPRB system. Commissioner Erwin makes a motion for a sub-committee to be formed to work on the MPRB Master Plan Then the discussion turns to whether it should be a sub committee or special committee or a working group.. Regular Meeting called back into session at 7:10 pm. The agenda is amended to include a discussion of some police incidents specifically Hidden Beach and appointing members to the Master Plan group. Commissioners Young and Berry Graves asked why the need for satellite offices in Longfellow and Wirth House as the new headquarters was suppose to centralize staff and now they want to create field offices. The superintendent was asked to bring information about this to the next meeting and he requested it come before the board during the first meeting in May. A motion passed, 7 for 2 against ( Fine and Dziedzic) to suspend the rules to add the Hidden Beach and Master Plan items to the agenda. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Gurban noted that with the loss of Teen Teamworks funding and money from the Youth Coordinating Board for Phat Summer that MPRB summer youth employment took a $200,000 hit. Commissioner Hauser was willing to give up her travel allowance and Commissioner Mason asked about using money from the Innovation Fund ( what is the deal with that fund?? does it or does it not exist and what are the rules for its use?? it's a half million dollars that is just hovering around and the public is curious) Commissioner Mason also asked why she is no longer receiving the MPRB police statistics that used to come with the superintendent's predecessors reports? She would like it back. Whenever there was a significant incident in a park the commissioner for that district was notified and that has also stopped happening, and she heard from either the press or the neighbors for the last 2 happenings in her district. Superintendent Gurban then made a fiery statement regarding how safe our parks are and that to his knowledge no changes have been made and recommended a Public Safety report from the Park Police Chief. GM Siggelkow reported that the MPRB was open for golf GM Schmidt reported on Earth Day, Saturday April 23rd ( check minneapolisparks.org for a site near you) and about the $60,000 from the Twins and another $20,000 from them for field improvements ($80,000 total GO TWINS) The MPRB paid some bills and the vote on the Sea Salt concessions at Minnehaha Park passed with Mason voting NO and Berry Graves and Young Abstaining Report on Summer Lunch Programs by District Manager Jon Oyanagi, River District manager Due to changes in the MPS food distribution system the school lunch program was suspended after the summer of 2003.This was due to a change in how the meals were delivered and the extra costs associated with that ( early openings, transportation, refrigerated storage needed etc...) This led to a decrease in number of children coming to the facilities where the free lunches had been offered. Though the MPRB would like to offer the lunches again the issue of how to get the food from the MPS facility to the parks was discussed and suggestions ( have the Park Police deliver or maybe ask
Re: [Mpls] Skyway News and Southwest Journal stories of note
In the article about the new Lakes district manager Paul Hokeness, he describes the Park Board as being set up in three districts that operate as self contained park systems . I asked during OPEN TIME at the MPRB a few months ago just how these independent but interdependent districts would be allocated funding and where enterprise revenues from their districts might be spent and was never given an answer. After reading the budget book for 2005 I found that the new district managers were being paid for out of the recreation budget and though they will be overseeing forestry, maintenance, administration and a variety of other details those budgets were not tapped for a part of their salary. If the General Manager for Operations can have a portion of his salary paid out of the equipment budget I do not think that the recreation budget should take the full hit for the 3 new district managers ( who are each paid about the same amount as 3 starting arborists, which could have been 9 more people working on the dutch elm problem). The reorganization the MPRB is undergoing is far from complete and I am looking forward to hearing just how all the details and dollars are allocated. Hopefully there will be reports on this as the year progresses. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Positions for City Candidates
Rep. Kahn, I think that the ideas you hold near and dear to your heart may not be in total agreement with the other members of the cities legislative delegation. In fact you could probably triple the size of the list by adding what they would like for their constituents as well. What I missed from your list was the address that was not included. My representative Diane Leoffler from 59A was not included. And since I know she rarely sees this list will not notice, I have. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park 59A REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] MPRB highlights from 4-6-05 Part 1
OOPS - sorry to those who read these I've been busy. 5:00 Legislation and Intergovernmental committee Mid-session legislative report from Brian Rice, Maryann Campo and Kirk Pederson MPRB lobbyists The gist of the report was that the governor was not into funding individual city projects so all of Minneapolis got just the planetarium. The rest of the time seems to have been spent trying to keep the money from the sale of the Fuji-ya property and avoiding a funding fight with the non-metro area parks. As to the Fuji-ya sale, the MPRB gets to keep the $750,000 to create the parking facility under the development, and $875,000 of the sale price. It has been earmarked by the legislature for specific projects. $25,000 must be matched and used to start planning for the East Phillips community center and the balance must be matched and spent on the Above the Falls plan ( I think specifically towards land acquisition). Commissioners asked about using the money toward other projects higher on the MPRB priority list and were told the money was specifically allocated and could be taken back if not used for its intended purpose. There were also discussions about LGA which seems to be set for the current level, but it is still too early for it to be completely safe. Commissioner Berry Graves commented that all youth employment money seemed to be drying up and that addressing public safety through other means was not as effective as keeping youth working and too tired to cause trouble. There seems to be an effort by many Minneapolis legislators to work on youth employment funding and the MN Twins and the Timberwolves are being approached by Mayor Rybak to fund Phat Summer programming. A thank you was also mentioned for the MN Twins who gave $60,000 to for the MPRB rookie leagues and fields. Adjourned 5:40 Administration and Finance committee 7.1 MPRB to enter into an agreement with the Bryn Mawr neighborhood for $3500 for the removal of invasive species (buckthorn et al) at Brownie Lake. ( The MPRB runs the power tools and the Bryn Mawr volunteers drag the brush) 7.2 MPRB enters into an agreements with Sea Salt to operate the Minnehaha Concession using the terms negotiated with the Tin Fish. (The Tin Fish is going to concentrate on Lake Calhoun ). The menu will be more seafood and less hot dogs and burgers but there will be ice cream and popcorn still available. The MPRB will be putting in an employee restroom and upgrading the ventilation system for the grill ( at what cost anyone) Commissioner Young asks if there is a schedule of what the concessions used to earn so that comparisons can be made as to how much these contracts are really earning the MPRB. Then there was some discussion of why the new tenants want to offer cooking classes which a few of the commissioners mentioned they ought to take. Adjourned 6:00 Regular Meeting and OPEN TIME Victor Grambusch of Nicollet Island / East Bank Neighborhood Association Recommended that since a discussion held at one of their meetings went so well that they are offering their services as a facilitator of discussions regarding the DeLaSalle issue. Arlene Fried Ms. Fried attempted to obtain a copy of the minutes of the Standards and Conduct Committee meeting of the October 20, 2004 meeting where Commissioner Dziedzic's conduct at a previous meeting was called into question. Since this meeting started before 5:00pm it was not recorded by the new system (DVD of the broadcast) and the audio tape machine had not recorded this earlier segment. She was dismayed and recommended a more diligent maintaining of records. (Maybe all public meetings should be schedule to begin at 5:00 when the broadcast starts). Linda Hune Ms. Hune believes that treatment of the Elm Trees would be dollars spent wisely to combat dutch elm and would like the MPRB to help facilitate making the preventative measures available to home and multi unit dwelling owners through group discounts or possibly by making payments through their tax bill. She believes preventative measures would be cheaper than removal and replanting over time. Kathy Standing Would also like a preventative method used on Elm trees. New studies are showing the methods to be effective and that the present system is like putting out a fire with a juice glass. The MPRB should be finding a major donor to get a prevention/protection component into their Dutch Elm program. Mary Lou Hill Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association The Bryn Mawr neighborhood has contacted the MPRB on both August 3, 2004 and February 21, 2005 about the possible and prospective uses for Bryn Mawr Meadows. Both of the letters were regarding whether the MPRB would follow the Basset Creek Valley Master Plan and the Bryn Mawr Land Use Plan. they would like at least an acknowledgment that their letters were received and would like a clarification of the MPRB's
Re: [Mpls] This Week in The Minneapolis Observer
Well, I checked out the link to the Observer http://www.mplsobserver.com/news.php?action=fullnewsid=112 and once again the MPRB (park board) is in the news. They are fighting the city over the stormwater fees. I guess the fight is over who's budget will take the hit. As usual the citizens will ultimately pay but now we get to pick up the tab for the MPRB to hire another consultant. If the city and the MPRB want to have these turf wars the least they could do is quit involving expensive outsiders. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Minneapolis Ethical Practices Board seeking candidates
Ethical Practices Board Vacancy: Ethical Practices Board Contact: Burt T. Osborne, Asst. City Attorney, (612) 673-2473, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Appointed by: Appointing Committee comprising: The Honorable Kevin S. Burke, Chief Judge of Hennepin County District Court [EMAIL PROTECTED] Alex M. Johnson, Jr., Dean of the University of Minnesota Law School [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thomas M. Mengler, Dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Law [EMAIL PROTECTED] Application Procedure: Application forms are available from the office of the City Clerk, Room 304 City Hall, 350 Fifth Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1382, 673-3358. Hearing impaired persons may call TDD 673-2626 between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday, or Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 to reach any of the numbers listed here. Completed applications are returned to the City Clerk. Applications are sent to the Appointing Committee for consideration. The Appointing Committee will forward the names of the finalists to the Mayor and the City Council for comment. The City Council will schedule a public hearing to solicit public input on the finalists. The Appointing Committee shall make the final decision on the appointments. Purpose: The Ethical Practices Board is a new board of the City of Minneapolis. Its purpose is to promote high ethical standards and conduct, and to foster a healthy ethical culture throughout Minneapolis city government. Because this is a new City board, the board members selected through this initial appointment process will be responsible for establishing rules and procedures governing the Board and the Boards meeting schedule. The Board shall investigate allegations of improper conduct of a department head, an elected official, or officials appointed by the Mayor or City Council to boards, commissions and similar agencies and shall have the power to recommend discipline for violations of the Ethics Code. The Board may recommend changes to the provisions or administration of the Ethics Code and give opinions on interpretation of the Code. The Board shall prepare and submit and annual report to the Mayor and City Council detailing the ethics activities of the Board and the City during the prior year. The Citys Ethics Officer will serve as staff to the Board. Membership: The Ethical Practices Board Member who is appointed to this position will complete a term that will expire on January 2, 2006. Prior to that date, the Appointing Committee may consider reappointment for another 3-year term. The Appointing Committee may remove a board member for cause at any time during the board member's term of office. No member of the Ethical Practices Board may be a local official or city employee; the related person of a local official or city employee; a candidate for elected public office; a person who, for compensation, represents the private interests of others before the City Council or Mayor; or a paid campaign worker or political consultant of a current local official. In accordance with the residency requirements of the Citys Open Appointments Process, board members shall be either residents of the City of Minneapolis, or an officer or director of a business or organization that pays property taxes to the City of Minneapolis. Information: For more information about the activities of the Ethical Practices Board, call Burt T. Osborne at (612) 673-2473. Vacancies: One position is currently vacant. Persons may apply on their own behalf or nominate another person. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, May 6, 2005. Note: This information is available in ASCII disk, cassette tape, Braille or large print upon request. Forwarded by Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Park Board Meeting, 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 6
The turf is to be used to make an indoor soccer field at Parade Stadium. The interesting part ( not mentioned to those who don't go to the meetings and read the supplemental reports provided) is that it is to be paid for from the enterprise capital funds that are earmarked for new income generation. No commissioners spoke up at all and this passed through on a voice vote. Was this not the slush fund of $500,000 that couldn't even get a reading in committee at the last meeting? How can they tap into something that technically doesn't exist??? Another fun tidbit. The MPRB approved a new light pole for the parkways around the Grand Rounds. Because the city's public works department handles these they had a few caveats to what could be picked. The electrical costs of $6000 per pole will be paid for by the city ( they are replacing 100 per year for about 2300 lights total eventually) and the city gave the park board a budget of $1200 per pole for the actual fixture. They picked a pole that costs $1800. The MPRB will pay the difference from their budget. NOT ON SINGLE COMMISSIONER ASKED WHY THEY COULDN'T FIND AN ACCEPTABLE $1200 DOLLAR FIXTURE THUS COSTING THE MPRB NOTHING. Maybe one doesn't exist that meets specs but the question still should have been asked. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Ward 3 Candidate Forum
Just another friendly reminder for all interested parties.. Senate District 59 DFL invites you to attend a public question and answer forum for the candidates seeking the DFL endorsement for the Ward 3 City Council seat. Tuesday March 29th at 7:00pm at the Bottineau Recreation Center, 2000 NE 2nd ST Minneapolis. For more information please contact Liz Wielinski at 612-788-5688 Liz Wielinski Columbia Park SD59 DFL Treasurer REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Ward 3 Candidate Forum
Senate District 59 DFL invites you to attend a public question and answer forum for the candidates seeking the DFL endorsement for the Ward 3 City Council seat. Tuesday March 29th at 7:00pm at the Bottineau Recreation Center, 2000 NE 2nd ST Minneapolis. For more information please contact Liz Wielinski at 612-788-5688 Liz Wielinski Columbia Park SD59 DFL Treasurer REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Re: Strib Takes the Low Road
I am sorry to hear that Ms. Carlson didn't care for my cute reference to the De La Salle letter jackets. I was sitting in their midst and found them to be polite and concerned for their school. My concern has nothing to do with whether the students at De La Salle need a football stadium or if the neighboring community is not playing fair or nice. My concerns are about public dollars and how they are spent. Barry Clegg pointed out all of the hoops the MPRB will have to go through in order for the land to go to DeLaSalle. Last year there was a presentation by the Rice-Michaels law firm that showed they had earned about $70,000 in lobbying fees and another $330,000 in legal fees for around $400,000. http://www.mplsparkwatch.org/node/view/156 meanwhile last year the MPRB attempted to cut the summer park supervisors out of many local parks most in North, Northeast and Near South Minneapolis. A citizen protest kept them funded, but the JUMP IN mailer that lets the people know what services their local parks have to offer was cut. What services would you like to tell the citizens of Minneapolis you are willing to sacrifice so that the attorneys fees for this De La Salle debacle can be paid. I think the handwriting is on the wall that there will be a lawsuit if De La Salle gets it's 6 votes and I am not willing for the kids in any neighborhood to give up their wading pool, summer park supervisors, or anything else for private school students to have a practice field.In fact I'm sure that even Tony Scallon (a majority five supporter ) would be happy to agree that the MPRB should be working with the public Charter schools before jumping into any deals with private schools. I hope everyone considers just how much this FREE deal is going to cost in terms of cut services and programs. They might be closer to home than you would like. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Strib takes the low road
What galls me most about this situation, as with many that the MPRB enters into, is that the cost to the MPRB always ends up greater and the benefits derived are never spelled out adequately. Look at the boathouse plan with the U of M. The U of M gets to build on Park Board land and in turn will provide rowing lessons, cheerleading camps and some other such drivel. John Erwin, who has offered up the best ideas I've seen on the board during the past 2 years was trying to negotiate for staff from the U of M's horticulture department for the MPRB. This would have been a tangible, measurable trade but the drivel is what the MPRB voted to accept. The deal at Fort Snelling where the MPRB would get profit from the indoor skatepark and equipment for the skateparks in the neighborhoods has now ended in a lawsuit. The MPRB will most likely pay out $2.5 million in mechanics leins and who knows how much to the lawfirm of Rice- Michaels.The original contract had no protections ( and this was pointed out during a committee meeting by Bob Fine ) and was approved anyway (even by Fine). Look at the Fujiya...Rice-Michael's is over at the legislature racking up lobbying hours trying to keep some of the money from the sale of land that the state (who paid for the land) is now seeking. The business deals that come out of the MPRB are pitiful and I'm sure the folks at Rice-Michaels will be getting more billable hours when this Nicollet Island deal ends up in court. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Ward 2 DFL Candidate Forum
Senate District 59 cordially invites you to a public question and answer forum for DFL candidates seeking the DFL endorsement to the Ward 2 City Council seat. Departing Councilman Paul Zerby will act as moderator for this forum be held on Tuesday March 22nd at 7:00pm at the Van Cleve Recreation Center, 901 15th AV SE Minneapolis. For more information contact Harrison Nelson at 612-378-5877. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park Treasurer SD59 DFL REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Erwin joins Mason and Hauser in leaving the MPRB
Park Board Commissioner John Erwin announces he will not seek re-election... http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5294997.html Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Nicollet Island
Wednesday evening the MPRB was host to a bevy of black and gold letter jacket clad students of DeLaSalle High led by Brother Michael and John Derus armed with piles of letters to present to the commissioners. 3 young men (come on ladies, why so shy??) spoke to the benefits of having a home field. If you didn't catch them on the 10:00 pm news on WCCO 4 they will no doubt be on the cable station reruns. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] DFL Ward 2 Candidate Forum
A public question and answer forum for all three DFL Candidates seeking the DFL endorsement for the Ward 2 City Council seat being vacated by Councilman Zerby will be held on Tuesday March 22nd at 7:00pm at the Van Cleve Recreation Center, 901 15th AV SE Minneapolis. For more information contact Harrison Nelson at 612-378-5377. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Rules May Prevent Endorsement in 2nd Ward DFL Convention
This is the kind of game playing that not only frustrates the new people brought into the process but is also a bit of whining that the youngsters have figures out the game and are now using it in their favor to win against the establishment. I do not have a favorite in this race and am more concerned about parking issues the attendees might face at the Coyle Center on the day of the convention. No one likes to have a primary battle as it costs money, but even if someone earns the DFL endorsement (as Diane Loeffler did in 59A last year) that does not ensure that they will not face a primary challenge ( she did ). So have as many meetings as you need, but if you keep whining about the rules amongst yourselves you will be giving the well known green candidate plenty of punchlines for his campaign speeches. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Park Board Highlights 3-2-05 Part 1
Planning Committee Convened at 5:00 pm 4.1 Bridal Veil Falls Bridge Reconstruction The board had a presentation from Tim Brown (MPRB staff) Kelly Moriarity (MPLS Public Works Dept) and Greg Brown (contracted civil engineer to MPLS) The Board was presented with a variety of options ( 8 or 9) to replace the bridge and at the same time improve visibility of the falls, traffic flow, pedestrian and bike trails etc... some plans included rerouting traffic through the neighborhoods, others involved traffic circles and the approved plan calls for the road to be shifted to allow for a bigger bike, walking trail. By choosing this plan, which addresses the bridge over the falls and the widened trails, there is still the possibility for a scenic overlook and traffic circle to be added at some future date if funds become available ( Bridal Veil Falls is just north of the Franklin AV Bridge over the Mississippi on the east side of the river ). This plan was also chosen by the city and the neighborhood participants. Construction should begin in 2006. Study report items Bureau of Mines Property Judd Rietkerk, director of Planning for the MPRB gave a presentation about the 27 acre property located just south of Minnehaha Park on the Mississippi that on it's southeastern corner is not far from the MPRB's Neiman Sports Complex. The site also includes Camp Coldwater Springs and 11 buildings in various states of disrepair and possible pollution clean up problems. The property also comes with a host of protective covenants (because of the springs and the proximity to Historic For Snelling) including height restrictions due to the airport and a light recreational factor ( to which no one had a definition). Keeping all of these factors in mind Director Rietkerk gave 3 suggestions to the board as possible directions staff could follow. 1) Do Nothing ... watch how the process goes and maybe be offered the site after someone else does demolition and clean up 2) Search out partners with the intent of creating a joint venture (DNR possibly) 3) Feasibility Analysis ... cost estimates, reuse schemes, funding sources etc Commissioner Kummer suggested attending the hearings so as to look ahead but not to appear as if we came with the checkbook in hand Commissioner Erwin asks if demolition of the large building is necessary (estimated cost to demolish is $500,000) Director Rietkerk points out that having been vacant in this climate for a number of years will probably mean and extensive and expensive rehab if the building is kept and that the MPRB is not in need of more office space. Commissioner Erwin would like to pursue a combination of options 2 and 3 and asks again if the building could be saved and possibly lease out to which Director Rietkerk replies the building is in bad shape and any rents collected might revert to the federal government. He points out that if the MPRB does nothing they might be asked to take on the sight at a lesser cost than the $6 million the MAC had offered in a deal that did not go through. There can be advantages to not jumping in first. Commissioner Young brings up a nugget from the past in that at one time the MPRB had considered the site for their headquarters, believes in reduce, reuse and recycle and wonders about saving the building and also prefers the combo 2 and 3 option, perhaps the Historical Society or the Native American communities would be possible partners. Again the costs of rehabilitation vs. demolition are repeated (this time by Operations General Manager Mike Schmidt who toured the facility in 1998 and said the heating plants alone will be an expensive overhaul). Commissioner Dziedzic mentions having been through the site on a 1998 tour and asks some questions about the derelict officers quarters at Fort Snelling and if the site is polluted, then recommends making No Bid on the property. Commissioner Hauser also prefers the 23 combo and recommends the Urban Land Institute or the Brownfields group as possible partners Commissioner Kummer mentions that the possible fuel containers might be addressed with the states petrofund. Commissioner Berry Graves suggests keeping a judicious eye on the process. Commissioner Olson questions that if the site has all these problems shouldn't the buyer get a deal to which Director Rietkerk says for the MPRB's purposes it has a negative value and should come with resources. Commissioner Fine (who was also on the tour) agrees with the 23 options but states the property is important to the MPRB. The committee adjourned at 5:57 and the regular meeting was convened for open time. OPEN TIME Judy Blasak (sp) of Linden Hills the mother of an 11th grade daughter who plays soccer for DeLaSalle (with younger children coming up through the ranks) makes a plea for the MPRB to approve the plan for the DeLaSalle stadium. She comes as a citizen not an attorney or well connected political figure
Re: [Mpls] Precinct caucuses: your review
Per David's request ... I am the Precinct Chair for 1-1 and also with the help of many handled the Ward 1 caucuses at NE Middle School. The evening went well but I had hoped for a better turn out after last year. We are in City Council President Paul Ostrow's ward but in an open seat ward that usually brings up the totals (though not necessarily). As someone whose first Minneapolis caucus was in 2000 (the year of Saturday same day precinct caucuses and senate district conventions), 2nd was during a snowstorm in 2002, 3rd last year where attendance grew 5 fold and this year where all the precincts met at the same venue as a group first, I can't say that it's always the same old thing. The jury is still out on which method I like best. I had a first time attendee in my precinct and know of at least 2 others within the ward that were new to the process. We had resolutions in various precincts (from the 1/2% sales tax to the Park Board) and since they are Minneapolis specific were appropriate and should be forwarded to the Ward and City Conventions (hope the powers that be are seeing this). Though some folks may not have understood the wording (all the Whereas and we resolves) Commissioners Erwin, Hauser,Dziedzic and Kummer all mentioned them during the MPRB meeting this evening. It was kind of interesting, like the old game of telephone, the resolutions as worded (that I saw) and what the commissioners heard from people were VERY different but the fact people were discussing the issues was great. I had parents that attended precinct caucuses (though of my siblings only me, 1 of 5 participates) but as my neighbor Kay Pogemiller told me, her son started going in high school and kind of dragged the family into politics with him. Whatever your reason I'm glad you came and I hope to see you again. Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[MPLS] Snow Alert call but no e-mail
Is there anyone out there that can explain why I got a call to announce the Snow Emergency yesterday but not the usual e-mail? Liz Wielinski Columbia Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
