AUGSBURG COLLEGE LIQUOR LICENSE
Steve Peacock, representing Augsburg College, addressed the board with a heads-up about the college’s desire for a change in the state’s liquor laws that would allow the college or its caterer to obtain a liquor license from the City of Minneapolis. Jay Benanev, director of government relations at Augsburg, passed out an informational flyer outlining the request and its rationale. Beer and wine had been served at social functions, such as weddings, dinners and small gatherings “for as long as anyone can remember,” according to the flyer. In April 2008, Augsburg came to discover it did not have a license to do so. It has stopped serving liquor at these events while it seeks to amend the state law. “Nothing will change,” said Benanev, about the way Augsburg serves alcohol; it will mirror its past practices.

LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE BRIAN COYLE CENTER
Center Director Jennifer Blevins asked the board for a letter of support addressed to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). The issue surrounds the lease agreement between the MPRB and the Pillsbury United Communities, which operates the center. She is concerned that MPRB is trying to shed as many of its partnerships as possible due to the budget crisis. The center has been invoicing MPRB for maintenance, program and staffing costs, said Blevins, and with “everything on the table” for budget cuts, the neighborhoods that are vocal will stand a better chance of preserving programs.

While several board members voiced support for the center, its programs and the letter, Board Member Jim Ruiz asked that the matter be tabled until MPRB Commissioner Scott Vreeland could address WBCC. After some discussion, the motion to send the letter went on to pass, with Ruiz voting nay.

CENTRAL CORRIDOR SUBSTATION UPDATE
Jessica Hill, community outreach coordinator for Central Corridor Light-Rail Transit (LRT), addressed the board regarding the location of three power substations and signal bungalows that will be located in the Cedar-Riverside area. She shared copies of a slideshow that outlined their locations throughout the CC. The Cedar-Riverside placements: a signal bungalow at Washington and Cedar Avenues originally slated to be on the south side of Washington Avenue will be located on the north side instead, Hill said, to free up land for future development, once the exit ramp is removed. A substation/signal bungalow will be at 35W and Third, in a ditch on the west side that is a Minnesota Department of Transportation right-of-way. The third substation/signal bungalow will be under a bridge on the north side of 19th Avenue.

NEW MEETING STRUCTURE
New Board President Ben Marcy had the layout of the tables changed up for future board meetings. “I think that will be of benefit to us,” Marcy said, to allow board members to more readily look across at one another. The tables at which the board members sit are configured in a three-sided rectangle/U shape; a small table is situated in front of the U, and the attendees sit in rows behind the small table. In addition to the physical change, the first 15 minutes of each board meeting will now include an open discussion in addition to the board approving minutes and the day’s agenda. A sign-up sheet will be placed on the small table with columns for “name,” “affiliation,” and “subject to discuss.” A speaker can address the board either from the table or from a chair set near one side of the U.

BOARD NEWS
Three new board appointments were approved: Tsegaye Shibeshi, homeowner, was appointed to a two-year appointment; and Tim Marass and Andrew Lee, both renters, were appointed to one-year appointments. Abia Ali, who was approved as treasurer in absentia at the Dec. 17 meeting, expressed her interest in the position and accepted.

The 2009 calendar for board meeting dates was approved. Meetings will be 6–8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Excepted is the month of September, when the meeting will be the fourth Wednesday to accommodate the observance of Ramadan.

MEET THE CANDIDATE
Charles Carlson, a Democratic candidate for the Minneapolis City Council, introduced himself to the WBCC and those in attendance. He announced a meet-n-greet, complete with complimentary cupcakes, scheduled for Wed., Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Cupcake, 3338 University Ave SE.

ENGAGEMENT WITH CEDAR-RIVERSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (CR-NRP)
Marcy said he was “very optimistic” about the two boards (CR-NRP and WBCC) working together. A joint meeting is being arranged for either Feb. 9 or Feb. 11. Potential topics include combining a website, sharing office space and streamlining committee work.

DISTRICT COUNCILS COLLABORATIVE OF ST. PAUL—MINNEAPOLIS (DCC) UPDATE
The need for renewal of WBCC’s membership in DCC and the appointment of a representative were addressed. A motion was passed to continue WBCC membership in DCC. Board member Tim Marass volunteered to replace Jim Ruiz as the WBCC representative. Lee also expressed interest in being involved.

OFFICE SPACE
WBCC office space at the Coyle Center is $100 monthly. Board member Doris Wickstrom suggested that the West Bank Community Development Corporation (CDC) might have free office space available. Board Secretary Sophia Ginis suggested looking into sharing space with CR-NRP. Marcy will talk to John Bueche of CR-NRP and Tim Mungavan of CDC and gather information so the executive board can make a recommendation.

LAND USE COMMITTEE (LUC)
Ginis and Lee volunteered to begin training with Wickstrom to become part of the LUC. Wickstrom also recommended a staff person be hired to coordinate LUC information for the WBCC board and advocated for the formation of a fund-raising committee. A motion was approved to explore the potential for hiring a staff person to further WBCC’s role in community engagement through the LUC.

SAFETY COMMITTEE UPDATE
Russom Solomon updated the board. He cited three items of interest: the creation of a task force to have a say in the city’s policing plan;,creating a long-term safety plan, and the potential for a meeting with the Minneapolis Police Department on Jan. 28. As far as crime, Solomon said, “It’s a quiet time of the year. It’s cold.” Abia commented that it would be good to have a safety plan in place before summer comes.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORT
Council Member Cam Gordon apprised the board of a potential 10–20 percent cut in local government aid (LGA) monies. The goal is for zero layoffs, Gordon said, but the city is also trying to keep its monetary reserve. A few board members expressed concern that the Dania Hall project was suffering a “lack of coordination,” for which Gordon apologized and reassured the board that the process would be “fair, open and transparent.” A community meeting regarding the project is scheduled for Jan. 27, 7–8:30 p.m., at Cedar Apartments Community Room, 630 Cedar Ave. Ali added that NRP data is available outlining the interests of the neighborhood; Gordon said that such data was needed.

Next meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6–8 p.m.
Brian Coyle Community Center, 420—15th Ave. S, Minneapolis
Contact:
West Bank Community Coalition
420—15th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612.876.9351
www.wbcc.org

last revised: February 25, 2009

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