Tangletown Neighborhood Association along with Fuller Park

are pleased to present the annual

Tangletown 4th of July event

Sponsors for the live music for this event are
Tangletown Gardens and Diamond Lake ACE Hardware
who we gratefully thank.

As usual, this event will take place on the 4th of July, which is a Saturday this year. We'll kick off at 10:00 am with a short parade leaving the southwest corner of Washburn High School parking lot, weaving through the neighborhood, and ending at Fuller Park. In the park we'll have food, prizes, and a special return performance by now-Los Angeles-based Lynhurst (formerly Abdomen).

An event like this isn't possible without the support from our neighbors, and at this time we're recruiting for volunteers to help out with day of festivities. There are many roles to choose from including selling tickets, taking tickets at games and food tables, staffing games, assisting with face painting, setup and teardown. We encourage families to volunteer together, and the more volunteers we get the shorter the shifts can be.

Please email july4th@tangletown.org if you're able to help with this great event. Any contribution of time is much appreciated, and please pass this message along to your neighbors/block lists. See you in a few weeks!
Ryan Fisher - Tangletown Neighborhood Association

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Board Meeting, June 15, 2009
Fuller Park
Draft

1. President Ryan Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

2. The agenda was approved as amended (to include the home tour).

3. The minutes for the May meeting were approved.

4. Home tour: Sarah Cortwright reminded the Board that the tour is September 20th, and homes are needed for the tour. She asked Board members to contact her with possible homes, and she will follow up.

5. The Board approved funding another self-defense class at Washburn scheduled for October.

6. We need an editor for the website and newsletter. The Board discussed the possibility of having a “team” of several people to do these tasks. Sarah will check on outsourcing the layout of the newsletter.

7. We have had several requests to out advertising in the newsletter. If we accept paid advertising, we can’t use NRP funds for the newsletter. Sarah and Mary Jane will check with other neighborhoods about advertising.

8. Tom reported that there have been 15-20 applications for NRP loans. If they are approved, we will probably use all the funds so allocated. Once they are paid back, we can re-loan them or use them for other purposes.

9. July 4th. We have had requests from neighborhood businesses to participate. Perhaps this is a place for the Richfield Swim Club. Ryan will be in charge of organizing. Lynell will organize the raffle donation team. Mary Jane will share the letter she used last year.

10. Ellections. Ryan Fisher, president; Mary Jane Mitchell, vice-president; Bruce Bruemmer, secretary; and Mary Davidson, treasurer.

11. There was no treasurer’s report.

12. Carole provided an update on Fuller Park activities. The Ice Cream Social was a big success. She will get volunteers to run the games for the 4th. The Bloodmobile will be at the park on July 11th. One can sign up online or at the park. A number of parks are showing outdoor movies this summer. Carole has schedules at the park desk.

13. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.

Mary L. Davidson, Secretary


Members absent: Woody Dixon, Jerry Doyle, Steve Bieringer, Mark Haugen

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Board Meeting, May 18, 2009
Fuller Park

1. President Ryan Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

2. The Board approved the minutes of the April meeting.

3. Brian Elliot spoke on behalf of Congressman Ellison. He reiterated the Congressman helps people navigate the federal government. He invited residents to call 612-522-1212 between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM with questions.

4. Councilman Scott Benson provided a local update.
There is a meeting to address the 46th street transit station on June 1, 2009 from 7-8 PM at Martin Luther King Park.
Congressman Ellison is trying to get money for the Lake Street Station.
Legislature: Minneapolis has a $1.4 billion budget. Of this $88.7 million comes from the State. The General Fund pays for most services ~$363 million. In the 2009 unallotment the governor has cut $7 million covered by Burne Grants and is proposing a $35 million cut to moneys to the city.
Closed pension funds have been hit really hard by the current economy. There is no money coming in. The city has been paying these pensions with bond issues.

5. Mary Jane Mitchell reported on the garage sale. By all accounts, the garage sale was successful. 54 families participated. Tangletown made about $400. The decision was made not to specify items for sale at each site because it makes the map too hard to read. Next time we will be sure to notify the city so that the sweepers come at a different time.

6. NRP Housing Program. A mailing will go out soon explaining the program. The deadline to apply is June 15.

7. The Minneapolis Schools Changing Options Plan is leading to greater dialog among the neighborhoods.

8. Plans are underway for the 4th of July festivities at Fuller Park. Our favorite local group, Lynnhurst, f/k/a the Abdomen, will play again.

9. Treasurer’s report. The checking accounts are getting straightened around. The main issue is to verify the expenditures from the NRP account so that the current balance can be available to TNA’s NRP program.

10. There will be ongoing events at Fuller Park this summer. The first is the always popular Ice Cream Social on June 11.

11. Ryan provided an update on the role of the TNA board. The Board meets the third Monday of the month at Fuller Park.

12. Eight people have volunteered (and been elected) to serve on the 2009-2010 Board, in addition to returning board members:
Bruce Bruemmer, Steve Bieringer, Lynnel Voigt, Tom Steichen, Tony Proell, Jane Elias, Dick Fiala, and Mark Haugen.
The Board will elect officers at the next meeting on June 15, 2009.

13. The Board approved making the offices of President and Vice President two year terms.

14. Karl Greeman advised the neighborhood of his plan to open a new restaurant on Nicollet next to the cleaners. It will be called SIP the Wine.

15. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary L. Davidson

Absent: Meredith Johnson

Minutes
Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Board Meeting
Monday, April 20, 2009
Fuller Park

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of March meeting minutes

4. Earth Day event review – Tom Balcolm reported that the event was small in numbers but that much garbage was collected. There was good business sponsorship by Tangletown Gardens (provided gardening gloves at their cost), Diamond Lake Hardware (trash bags), Kowalskis (pastry treats), and coffee (Starbucks?).

5. Lyndale Ave. Bridge update – Tom Balcolm reported that a preliminary meeting was held that was well attended. In mid-May another meeting is scheduled and will give people the opportunity to tour the bridge. The project is budgeted for many millions of dollars and Hennepin County is in charge of the project. Lyndale Ave. will be closed from April to November. They are collecting design ideas now – light fixtures, etc… Any thoughts/ideas
regarding this project should be directed to Tom Balcom.

6. Crime Prevention Update – Amy Lavender – There is a precinct Open House on Thursday, May 14th. There will also be a precinct wide block leader training on May 12. There has been a decrease in violent crimes in Minneapolis as a whole. There were 4 burglaries reported in Tangletown.

7. Minneapolis Public Schools Changing Options Plan – Sarah Cortright reported about the issue of re-establishing boundaries in MPS. We will plan to NOT send a representative from the TT Board at the meeting on Wednesday.

8. Garage Sale – Mary Jane Mitchell – 25 responses so far – last year there were 50 homes but many came in at the last minute. Tom Balcom is working on the maps for the event. There is an ad placed in Star Trib in the annual garage sale calendar which comes out April 21. There was also an ad placed on Craigs List and in the Southwest Journal. There are 10 sandwich boards that MJM located that will be placed on prominent intersections. Signs were divided among TT Board members to be posted in area businesses.

9. Treasurer update and getting TNA books in order revisited – Jerry is waiting to hear from the bank regarding NRP statements Also, the cost is to be determined for the records regarding what will be owed.

10. Increasing TNA Board membership/neighborhood participation – Jerry will bring juice; Ryan will bring cups; Mary Jane will bring cookie dough to make cookies in the kitchen at Fuller. Sarah to contact someone regarding composting. A drawing will be held for gift cards/prizes from local businesses.

11. Adjournment

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Board Meeting, March 16, 2009
Fuller Park
Draft

1. The president, Ryan fisher, called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

2. The Agenda was approved.

3. The minutes of the February meeting were approved.

4. The Board approved final revisions to the By-Laws which will be posted on the Tangletown website.

5. Tangletown will sponsor an Earth Day event on April 18. Tangletowners are asked to meet under the Nicollet Avenue bridge at 9:00 AM.. The first 50 volunteers will receive free work gloves. Bags for trash will be provided, along with some refreshments. Details will be in the Newsletter. The Board approved contributing $250 from NRP funds for this project.

6. Washburn reports that the first self-defense class is full and a second one will be offered on April 27.

7. Plans for the annual garage sale are in full swing. Mary Jane Mitchell has again volunteered to coordinate this effort. Details will be in the Newsletter.

8. Tom Balcom reports that the NRP committee continues its efforts to complete a final plan for the loan program. More information will be in the Newsletter.

9. Norman Foster reminded the Board that Newsletter info is due.

10. The treasurer, Jerry Doyle, reports that we have $7,459.47 in NRP funds and $7,060.98 in the TNA account.

11. Ryan Fisher led a discussion on what we can do to increase Board membership and Tangletown neighbors’ participation in general. The Board agreed to try to make the annual meeting a special event.

12. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

All board members were present.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Davidson, secretary

The 2009 Spring Newsletter is now in the mail and was delivered in early April.

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Meeting, Monday, February 16, 2009

7:00 P.M. Fuller Park

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Agenda. Moved and approved

3. Approval of January meeting minutes. Posted on the website. Moved and approved.

4. Neighborhood Revitalization Program update
Final review of NRP Housing Loan Program document.
$400 loan fee must be paid out of NRP funds else we cannot qualify for low interest rates based on Federal lending laws.
Some board members were not impressed with the marketing materials that CEE had produced for other neighborhood programs thinking it might get thrown out with junk mail. Suggestions included making the logo larger, make it more eye-catching, and perhaps work with a graphic designer to produce a more polished mailing.
Targeted mailing was suggested to go out in envelope letter mailing.
Board voted to approve the final version of the document (with minor grammatical updates). Document is approved with all board members present in favor.


5. Treasurer Update and Getting TNA Books in Order Revisited
Jerry Doyle and Ryan Fisher met with NRP representative Peg Mountin to discuss TNA accounting practices and unaccounted for expenses. The city is missing accounting records dating back to 2004. We are in the process of searching for receipts and expenses to bring both of our ledgers up to date.
We found that we have access to much more funds to be used toward noon-food non-fun programming.
Forms and guidelines have been located that had been used in previous years for record keeping which will be used now into the future.
Financial accounting procedures will be better documented for future use.
Jerry did not have account balances available at the time of the meeting, but will email those to the Board.

6. Newsletter
Articles for the next newsletter must be in to Norman by the next Board meeting, March 16, to be mailed March 23.
Mary Jane will write an article regarding the Garage Sale May 1 and 2.
Meredith will write an article regarding the Home Tour house solicitation and volunteer request.
Ryan will write an article regarding 4th of July volunteer opportunities.
Ryan will write an article regarding the May 18 annual meeting.
Ryan will contact Washburn staff, police liaison, and Councilmember Benson’s office for newsletter submissions.
Sarah will contact Creekside Commons for updates on their housing project.

It was recommended that we consider creating an event to held at Fuller Park or elsewhere in the neighborhood for the afternoon of May 2 to coincide with the garage sale event. Unsold items could be brought in for donation to ARC, Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc, and we could make this a social event for the neighborhood. This will be brought for discussion over email.

Jerry spoke with Ron Lischeid who we’ve worked with in years past for our 4th of July event serving hot dogs. Ron is wondering if we’d be interested in working with him again this summer, which we agreed that we would be. Ron is offering extended sales to bring in a corn roaster, soda, and bottled water. The Board felt it would be a good idea to consider expanding food offerings.

7. Bylaw Discussion
Not enough Board members present to make decisions on Bylaw updates. Next meeting we will approve the final version of the Bylaws as they currently stand in order to have them in place ahead of the annual meeting.

8. Increasing TNA Board Membership/Neighborhood Participation
Tabled

9. Adjournment


2008 - 2009 Board
Present: Ryan Fisher, Mary Jane Mitchell, Jerry Doyle, Meredith Johnson
Not Present: Sarah Cortright, Mary Davidson, Chris Burns, Woodie Dixon

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Board Meeting, January 19, 2009
Fuller Park
Draft

1. President Ryan Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

2. The Agenda was approved as modified.

3. The November minutes were approved.

4. Jean White, Coordinator of Washburn Community Education, spoke to the board about the self-defense program. She asked for our help in funding it. The Board approved allocating $250.00 to the Washburn Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Girls.

5. NRP update. Kristin Rigg, a member of the NRP implementation committee, updated the Board on the work of the committee. She provided the Board with an overview of the Housing Loan Program. Any modifications of the proposal will be provided to the Board by email during the month so that a vote can be taken at the February meeting. Norman will put an article about the loan program in the next newsletter.

6. The Board was provided with copies of the Neighborhood Policing Plan for Tangletown. Strategy includes: Disseminating information on what to do in case of theft, including cancellation of documents to prevent identity theft; reminding neighbors to lock their doors and keep their garages closed; assisting law enforcement by gathering and forwarding information regarding mobile drug dealing to the Crime Prevention Specialist, Amy Lavender, 612-673-5407.

7. Treasurer’s report. Jerry reported that there is $7459.47 in the Tangletown account. There is a discrepancy in the NRP account, and Jerry is working with NRP to get that cleared up.

8. The Community Engagement Commission asked Tangletown to support its wish to work with NRP to select membership. The Board voted against support. There is a meeting on Feb. 21, 2009 to select members for the commission. Mary Davidson agreed to attend this meeting.

9. The Board had a general discussion about how to increase Board membership and neighborhood participation. The garage sale will again be the first weekend in May. Mary Jane Mitchell has agreed to co-ordinate again this year.

10. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.



Respectfully submitted,

Mary Davidson, secretary

All members were present.

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Meeting, Monday, November 17, 2008
Fuller Park
Draft

1. Ryan Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

2. The Agenda was approved.

3. The minutes of the October meeting were approved.

4.. Changes to the Bylaws were discussed.
The following changes were approved.
a. Article II, Section 1. subd. 4 was amended to read :”To be educational and advisory in nature.” (To make the provisions grammatically parallel.).
b. Mary Jane moved and Woody seconded amending Article IV, Section 4 to read: “Section 4. Election and Term of Office. Directors shall by elected by TNA members at the annual meeting to be held in June. Directors are elected to two year terms, with half of the seats up for election in even numbered years, and the remaining half up for election in odd numbered years.” An election to fill an unexpired term shall not be so counted. The Directors shall hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified. The term of office of a Director shall commence immediately following the respective election by the membership.
c. Mary Jane moved and Sarah seconded amending Article V, Section 2, A-D to read as follows: A. The President shall serve two years; B. The Vice–President shall serve two years; C. The Treasurer may serve two years; D. The Secretary may serve two years;”
d. Mary Jane moved and Woody seconded that Article VI, Section 2 be amended to read as follows: ”Section 2. Participation. Any individual who meets one of the four criteria above is a member and may participate in any TNA event. Other than for display purposes, no one shall bring placards or banners promoting special interests at a TNA meeting.”
e. Mary Jane moved and Ryan seconded amending Article VI, Section 3. to read as follows: “Voting. All members shall have the right to vote for Directors at the annual meeting.”
f. Ryan moved and Mary seconded the deletion of Article Vi, Section 4.
g. Ryan moved that the Title of Article VII be amended to read: “Meeting of TNA Members”
h. Ryan moved and Mary Jane seconded the deletion of Article VII, Section 6.
i. The language of Article VII, Section 4 was changed to read : “Section 4. Presiding Officer. The President of the TNA Board shall be the presiding officer of meetings of the membership. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside. In the absence of both persons, those present may elect a President Pro
Tem for that meeting.”
j. Ryan moved and Woody seconded that Article VII, Section 7 be amended to read: “Robert’s Rules of Order will be the authority for all questions and procedures at any meeting of TNA.”

5. Tom Bolcom was unable to attend the meeting, but advised Ryan that he has put a committee together and will be meeting on December 8. Mary Jane volunteered to be the Board liaison with the committee.

6. Jerry was absent, so there was no treasurer’s report.

7. It was agreed that we would meet at a local restaurant for our holiday party. Ryan will set the date and poace by email.

8. Sarah moved and mary Jane seconded that the meeting be adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submeitted

Mary Davidson, secretary

Tangletown Neighborhood Association
Regular Meeting, Monday, October 20, 2008
Fuller Park
Draft


1. President Ryan Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

2. The agenda was approved.

3. The minutes of the September meeting were not reviewed.

4. Home Tour Report Meredith Johnson reported that the 2008 Home Tour was a success brought in $370, less expenses for floral arrangements for the homeowners participating. We had the same number of people in attendance as last year, despite the cool weather and having only three homes this year. Suggestions to attract more people to offer their homes for the tour next year included advertising in the newsletter further in advance and offering a history of their house, if available.

5. Washburn High School The board heard from three speakers representing Washburn High School: Marylynn Boone, parent liaison and associate educator, Minneapolis Police Officer Antoine Beeks, who serves as a school resource officer and police liaison, and WHS principal Carol Markham-Cousins. Ms. Boone and Officer Beeks informed the board that every issue so far this year has been handled. The park police and the city police work together very efficiently in dealing with incidents in and around WHS. The main issues involve minor youth fights within the school boundaries. At sporting events, there are always four officers plus eight WHS staff members who help provide security. The officers patrol three to four blocks in all directions around the high school. There has been only one incident of tagging this year and it was cleaned up within hours. Principal Markam-Cousins said the school is very committed to being a good neighbor. She also said that they are working on cultural changes, starting with the little things. “The Wiz” school musical will include kids from local grade schools to get them thinking about WHS. Sixty percent of the staff this year is new. R.T. Rybak has recognized WHS as the most innovative high school in Minneapolis.

In response to expressed concerns about litter, trash, and smoking, Ms. Boone said that six trash cans have been ordered to be placed around the periphery of the school. The WHS parent council is being resuscitated and will meet Thursday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. Bridget Hermann is the contact.

Comments and questions from board members and TNA residents: The flyers inviting neighbors to the WHA Fall Festival were well-received. Residents would like to see an increase in the connection of WHS and the neighborhood – perhaps have students help at TNA events, such as the 4th of July festival and wear their school jerseys to show their pride in their school. The TNA newsletter should have a WHS column, perhaps written by the students, telling about what’s going on at WHS. Would WHS be open to the TNA Board hosting an event for WHS to provide information about the high school, recruitment issues, soliciting volunteers to mentor, tutor, help with events, underwrite the yearbook. School leaders could be invited to the TNA meetings to discuss issues. How about a phone tree to alert neighbors to possible problems? Block leaders could get more involved.

6. Neighborhood Crime Amy Lavender, crime prevention specialist with the Minneapolis Police Department, said that crime is down 17 percent this year, possibly related to the Code Four programs. The recent rash of burglaries in Kingfield and Tangletown has been solved and a suspect is in custody. Ms. Lavender presented the “Dear John” Program to reduce car to car drug dealing and other suspicious illegal activity by making state vehicle registration information accessible.

7. NRP Tom Balcom gave an NRP update. The NRP committee needs a liaison from the TNA board to serve on the NRP Housing Sub-Committee. Mary Jane Mitchell volunteered to work on this. Tom is interested in finding ways to involve more businesses in the process. There are 34 “Slow Down” signs still available and can be picked up at Fuller Park community building.

8. Sandwich Boards Ryan Fisher announced that he has purchased two new sandwich boards for use in promoting TNA events. We will also look into obtaining the other boards from previous officers

9. Holiday Party We will plan this via email.

10. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Present: Ryan Fisher, Meredith Johnson, Sarah Cortright, Mary Jane Mitchell, Jerry Doyle, Woody Dixon, Chris Burns
Absent: Mary Davidson
Submitted by Mary Jane Mitchell in Mary Davidson’s temporary absence