Attending: Ginny Buran, Max Ellis, Chris Finlay, Colin Harris, Brad Klein, John Kostouros, Jay Lindgren, Jason Lord Tricia Markle
The meeting was called to order at 7:05PM.
Introductions & Announcements
• Board members and attendees introduced themselves.
• Markle highlighted joint efforts by LHENA and CARAG volunteers to promote low sidewalk salt use to businesses in order to prevent salt from running into the lakes and rivers.
Agenda & Minutes
• Motion, seconded to approve the agenda and November 21 meeting minutes,. Approved.
Bryant Square Park, Jason Green
• The BSP skating rink and warming house will be open through February, weather permitting.
• BSP has several programs going on now including women’s self-defense and meditation.
• Contact Bryant Square Park at (612) 370-4907 for more information.
Crime & Safety Update, Jennifer Neal (Crime Prevention Specialist)/ Kathy Waites (5th Precinct Inspector)
• Neal and Waites addressed concerns about a violent robbery along W. 32nd Street that took place in December. The victim was stabbed multiple times, but is recovering from her injuries. A crime when someone is robbed and then violently attacked is very rare and could be a result of mental health problems, drug use, or a gang initiation. Neighbors were encouraged to attend a Personal Safety Workshop on January 22 to learn more about how to carry oneself to avoid becoming a victim and basic self-defense techniques.
• CARAG is considering expanding the Safety Lighting grant program to include subsidies for security cameras and upgrades to locks and doors. Neal and Waites noted that cameras have been useful in identifying suspects after a crime, but they do not prevent it. Some neighborhoods in the 3rd Precinct purchased cameras for use by MPD, and Neal will provide info to CARAG about that initiative.
Bryant Square Park Dolphin Mosaic Project, Sharra Frank
• Workshops will begin February 7 to start the mosaic project and is expected to conclude by May when the wading pool is finished. CARAG has found a structural engineer to design the concrete pad and determine how to secure the dolphin to it.
• Frank presented design options for covering the concrete dolphin with mosaic tile. Attendees provided input generally preferring bright colors, tying it in with the water-themed mosaic, and patterns that convys movement. Frank will look into Native American imagery for patterns, as well.
Neighborhood Revitalization Committee:, Jay Lindgren
• The committee is proposing a Plan Modification to Strategy 1.1.1 Safety Lighting changing the text to allow additional security improvements such as home security cameras and upgraded doors/ locks. Motion, seconded to put this change up for consideration at the February 20 CARAG Neighborhood Meeting after promoting the vote over the next month. Approved.
• The MPRB and CARAG created a “Maintenance Agreement” document describing that CARAG will take on ownership of the BSP dolphin mosaic sculpture, as well as maintenance and liability for it. This agreement is nearly the same as the one created for the mosaic panels on the exterior of the recreation center building. Motion, seconded to approve the document as proposed. Approved.
CARAG Board Retreat Follow Up
• Markle highlighted draft 2018 goals conceived during the CARAG Board Retreat in December. She will refine them over the next month and present final versions in February.
• The CARAG Board will pursue a name change for the organization and neighborhood itself in 2018. Over the next month, a Name Change Task Force will be established made up of CARAG neighbors to research potential names, solicit input from the community, and then propose a new name. The Lake Calhoun name change and the confusion caused by the name CARAG are the main reasons for the initiative.
Treasurer’s Report, Scott Engel/ Brad Klein
• The CARAG Operations and NRP Administrative account reports were not available.
• Engel presented the 2016 Federal 990 Tax Form for review by the Board. Motion, seconded to approve the document to be filed by February 15, 2018. Approved.
• . Engel and Kostouros visited Tru Stone Financial to research moving CARAG bank accounts due to the closure of the Bremer Bank location at Calhoun Square. Tru Stone, which is a credit union, is able to provide free checking and superior online banking. Motion seconded to move the CARAG bank accounts to Tru Stone Financial and to designate Tricia Markle (President), Brad Klein (Treasurer), and Chris Finlay (Vice President) as account signatories. Approved.
• The Hennepin and Lake Community Wine Tasting Fundraiser was a big success for CARAG raising a record $4,500+ for the organization.
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:30PM.
