Board of Directors Meeting – August 5, 2019

PRESENT:  Matt Ruben, President; Claire Adler, Vice-President; Steve Richman, Treasurer; Kristen Ainscoe; Avery Amaya; Melanie Coffman; Michael Coyne; Jacek Ghosh; Joe Mikuliak; Don Phillips; Amy Sweeney; Renya Wasson; Kevin Wilkins.

ABSENT: Janet Finegar, Secretary; Barbara Saverino.

ALSO PRESENT:  Liz Reed (resident and co-coordinator Liberty Lands), Stephanie King (resident and representative of Kearney Friends), Keiko Glover (resident and representative of Kearney Friends)

The meeting was called to order by the President at 7 p.m.

Motion: By Avery Amaya, seconded by Jacek Ghosh. “To approve the minutes of the July Board meeting as presented.” Passed 11-0-0

Stephanie King and Keiko Glover from the Kearny Friends Association (the parent/community support association for the neighborhood public school) presented the Board with a slate of requests for direct financial and political support for the school from the NLNA to help build a strong community school. Among their requests were a fixed monetary donation from the NLNA to the school in compensation for funding reductions associated with tax abatement; assistance with fundraising for special projects such as library and auditorium renovations; and a public statement from the NLNA against de facto segregation of schools. There was significant discussion among the Board about the points they raised and an appropriate response.

Matt suggested the issue be tabled pending further discussion by the Board at the next meeting.

President’s Report: Matt Ruben:

• State Sen. Fernase wants to do a town hall meeting in Northern Liberties after Labor Day. Matt proposed September 24^thor 25^thas dates and will report back.

• Matt presented an update on the Germantown Avenue sewer project. The Water Dept. has said that the project must cross 2^nd Street and they want to close it fully from Girard Avenue to Wildey from January to June 2020.  NLNA has tried to fight to keep one lane open (which is more expensive) but the Water Department is resisting. Matt proposes bringing reps from PWD, Streets, and the contractor to the 9/26 general meeting to present/get yelled at publicly, with an internal meeting between the BID and NLNA first. There was some conversation about this as an opportunity to experiment with making 2^nd a 2-way street.

• There was a lot of support for a proposal to include a mini-exhibit of photographs from 5^th Street block parties during the 60s and 70s at the next Meet-and-Greet.

Treasurer's Report
Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed.

TREASURER’S REPORT – AUGUST 2019

2018-19 BUDGET PROJECTION: LL & GF – JULY ESTIMATE 

PROJECTED INCOME:  $220,331 – this would be about $47,700 more than the amount we budgeted

         Significant Assumptions: 

• Receipt of two major grants -- $40,000 from DCED for the LL fence, and $10,000 for LL from the Smart Family Foundation -- will account for most of the difference.
• Corporate donations (for Clean Streets) will likely fall short by $7,000, while donations from individuals should exceed budgeted levels by nearly $4,400.
• Rental income will exceed projections by $1,500, largely attributable to newly occurring payments from NLArts.
• Income from fundraising activities will probably fall short of expectations by nearly $4,000; while the Annual Appeal and the Plant Sale together have brought in about $3,000 more than budgeted, the Music Fest and Winterfest combined fell short by nearly $4,500 -- and Clean Streets will be short as well by another $3,000; the projection also assumes we will bring in $10,000 from 2nd St. Festival, the amount we budgeted.
• Grants from Penn Treaty will exceed the budgeted amount by nearly $3,000, largely due to an unanticipated grant for park clean-up day.

PROJECTED EXPENSES:  $204,079 – this would be about $33,600 more than the amount we budgeted

         Significant Assumptions: 

• Spending on capital improvements will exceed estimates by about $44,000, mostly attributable to the construction of the new Liberty Lands fence.
• Spending on equipment and furnishings will exceed budgeted levels by $4,400 due to the need to replace several appliances in our apartments and purchase trash receptacles for the yard.

• Communications’ spending will be $3,000 less than the amount budgeted. These funds, carried over into the budget for a marketing initiative, will again be available in 2019-20.
• Fundraising expenses (mostly for the Spring Music Fest and Winterfest) will be $2,500 less than budgeted; these expenses were funded by Penn Treaty grants and will have to be returned.
• Spending for Professional Services will be about $6,000 less than anticipated, mostly related to office coverage.
• Programming expenses will be about $2,400 less than budgeted as spending on Clean Streets will fall short of expectations.
• Spending for Property Taxes will come in about $1,400 under budget.

SUMMARY IMPACT – net income of $16,252, about $14,000 more than the amount we budgeted

• We budgeted $20,200 for new programming (expanded office coverage); these funds remain available for deposit into the Reserve Account or to carryover to next year.
• Carry-out for Clean Streets ($10,845) will be nearly $2,000 less than budgeted.
• We will also carry-out $3,000 in the GF (marketing) and $10,000 in LL (Smart Family grant) to next year for one-time spending that did not occur this year.

In addition to reviewing the written report, Steve presented the Board with a proposal to hire a part-time office employee (in addition to Lara) during the coming year. This will be further discussed at the budget Board meeting in September.

Motion: By Joe Mikuliak, seconded by Kristen Ainscoe. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.” Passed 12-0-0

Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Jacek Ghosh. “To approve spending up to $2,000 to repair the community center sidewalk.” Passed 12-0-0

Communications & Marketing Committees Report: Kristen Ainscoe: written report attached & reviewed 

NLNA Marketing Report, August 2019

1. BUDGET PROPOSAL

Signs (one-time) $900

Website Management (recurring). $

Hospitality (one-time) $250

Social Media Ads (recurring) $25/$300

Donor Products (one-time) $1000

Promotional Gift Cards (one-time) $500

2. SIGN KIT

We are requesting about 20 minutes next meeting to review the sign kit.

Kristen noted that report is not quite complete as the committee is still trying to locate someone  to do a website redesign and that there will be a printing expense to add. She encouraged Board members who want to be involved in the development of the signage to attend the committee meetings. Marketing will make an extensive report and presentation at the September Board meeting.

Liberty Lands Committee Report
Liz Reed: written report attached & reviewed.

• There were no major fireworks incidents this year.
• There was bedding/belongings left in the park this past week very close to playground equipment. A few parents were upset and unsure of how to proceed, and one finally posted on the Liberty Lands page. It was taken out with the trash on Friday 8-3.
• Weeders Club has been poorly attended this summer. Only one person showed up each time (besides Liz), but Liz has had amazing help watering new trees and the public gardens from Rachel Kimmich.
• City Harvest continues to do better than recent years, due to the efforts of Maria (and probably an influx of new gardeners this year)
• Everyone loves the new fence and vandalism is definitely down.
• The fence company never came back with the additional lock for the one fence, so a combo lock continues to be used.

Membership Committee Report: Michael Coyne:

The committee is planning on scheduling a Neighborhood Meet-and-Greet in September.

Operations Committee Report: Barbara Saverino: written report attached and reviewed.

• Thank you to all who provided thoughts and suggestions regarding the yard being open and accessible to our community.  Working with Steve, I believe we have created a plan that will balance our current volunteer and compensated individuals.  The yard is being used by NLArts for part of August (12 -30th) and will not be open to the public nor will there be any other groups or individuals renting/using the center.

Yard at Northern Liberties Community Center
(proposed with hours 10 AM to dusk )

• Sunday - Don open and close
  • Monday - Lara open and Amy close
  • Tuesday - Lara open and Amy close
  • Wednesday - Amy open and Lara close 
  • Thursday - Amy open and Don close 
  • Friday - Lara open and Amy close 
  • Saturday - Don open and close 
  • Can you let me know your thoughts? I would like to follow up this week (August 4th) with Kristen regarding social media/messaging.
• Next Operations Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14 at 7 PM.
• Doughboy/Madison Memorial Park: The Heinz-Roat family would like to donate their flagpole to the park. Guidance is most appreciated.

Regarding the donation of a flag pole, Barbara noted that there will be an installation cost and cost to maintain and raise/lower the flag. She will further investigate it. 

Public Safety Committee Report: Melanie Coffman:

There have been some more package theft posts on the FB page, but many more neighbors are chiming in with resources and the link to the NLNA website. 

Zoning Committee Report: Joe Mikuliak; written report attached and reviewed.

Motion: By Stephen Richman, seconded by Kristen Ainscoe. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 901 N. 5^thSt, i.e.: 'To support the variances for this project with the following proviso: On the deck above the third floor, the applicant install a continuous, permanent planter along the Poplar Street side. The planter must be on the entire length of the deck and a minimum of 36 inches high by 24 inches deep. Before a letter of support is written, the Zoning committee chair must see stamped plans with the planter shown and a copy of the refusal that agrees with your presentation.'” Passed 12-0-0

**NB: By Board Poll on August 10, the following line was added to the above motion: “Alternatively, the applicant may set back the deck 2 feet for the entire length on the Poplar Street side of the building with a 12” parapet.”

Motion: By Donald Phillips, seconded by Kevin Wilkins. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 332-334 W. Girard Ave., i.e.: 'To support the special exception for a restaurant/bar at 332-34 W. Girard Ave. after additional information is reviewed and with provisos. The restaurant/bar will be built according to plans presented to neighbors and the NLNA RCO on July 29, 2019 which show tables for 42 people and eight seats at the bar. However, these plans did not have the trash and recycling storage area in the basement, something you agreed to. Amended, stamped plans showing the basement trash and recycling storage area must be shown to the chair of the RCO before a letter of support is sent to the ZBA. Provisos:  1) The bar is an accessory use to the restaurant.  2) Normal restaurant/bar closing time of 2 a.m. will not be exceeded.  3) Tables cannot be moved to clear the floor for nightclub activities. 4) Trash and recycling must be stored in the basement in non-metal containers. They will be picked up and emptied after 7 a.m and before 12 noon every day. They should not be left on the sidewalk or street after 12 noon. We suggest a lift be installed in the sidewalk bilco door to allow safer removal of these containers. 5) The sidewalk in front of and alongside the restaurant/bar must be kept clean. We suggest an exterior water faucet be installed to allow easier cleaning of the sidewalks. 6) Adequate sound screening be installed around mechanicals on the roof. A special assembly license is on this refusal but no information about this was presented. No signage information was presented. No outdoor seating was requested. The Zoning Committee did  not support these three things pending review by neighbors and the RCO.'” Passed 12-0-0

Motion: By Amy Smith-Sweeney, seconded by Melanie Coffman. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 905 N. Lawrence St., i.e.: 'We like the look of the addition and request official stamped plans, in color, drawn to scale, and with materials called out. The Committee requires the 4th floor addition, including any porch and railings, be set back six feet from the facade with no door or gated access to that six feet.'” Passed 12-0-0

Old Business:

Don reported that politicians Mark Squilla, Malcom Kenyatta, and Mary Isaacson attended the 2^nd Street Festival and worked beer taps for us. He asks Board members to send him ideas for changes to the Festival set up through email.

New Business

• Kevin proposes changing the time of Board meetings to 6:30-8:00 (or 8:30 if there is extra discussion). It was agreed to try the change in September.
• Joe Mikuliak noted that the Story Slam will occur this Wednesday and requested approval to buy an extension cord and microphone stand and offer a monetary $50 prize. This was approved.
• Don Phillips reminded the Board that the NLArts gala fundraiser will be Aug 29^that Liberty Lands.
• Kristen Ainscoe reminded the Board to email her for any events where there's need of NLNA signage.
• It was noted that the September Board meeting will include review of the draft budget, and will be on a different date because of Labor Day (note: date will be Sept. 11).

The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at  8:30 p.m.

Addenda:

NLNA Zoning Committee Minutes July 29, 2019 

Members present: Larry Freedman chair, Joe Mikuliak rec. sec., Kenny Grono, Charley Abdo, Sharon Richman, Ira Upin, Abbey Spector     Members absent: Chris Isaacson, Melissa Magness, Christine Furman, Jared Foreman, Jonathan Sher 

901 N. 5th St. – 5th Street at Poplar Street and St John Neuman way. RSA5 - Rooju Terry - A proposal to add decks (Discussion - deck placement and open space.) This was a preliminary presentation; there was no refusal or ZBA hearing date. Drawings of the property with the three proposed decks were shown to neighbors and the committee. This single-family home has no yard. Two of the decks are more like porches with an entrance door from the adjacent room. There will be no pilot houses. All railings on the deck will have vertical elements to make the railings harder for children to climb. New deck above the 1st floor covers most of a concrete driveway, about ten feet in length. Deck above the 2nd floor is compliant; no variance requested. New deck above the third floor is over 500 square feet. It is set back five feet from 5th Street but not set back at all from Poplar Street 

Motion by Ira, 2nd by Sharon   We can support the variances for this project at 901 N. 5th Street with the following proviso: On the deck above the third floor, you install a continuous, permanent planter along the Poplar Street side. The planter must be on the entire length of the deck and a minimum of 36 inches high by 24 inches deep. Before a letter of support is written, our committee chair must see stamped plans with the planter shown and a copy of the refusal that agrees with your presentation. You are welcome to return to the ZC before your ZBA hearing for a community hearing if you want to.  (Passed 6-0) 

Post ZC meeting negotiation 

The applicant requested the option of setting the deck back two feet from the Poplar Street side of the building facade instead of installing a planter two feet wide. The ZC chair requested this be added to the NLNA motion by the board. 

332-334 W. Girard Ave. – Girard and Orianna. CMX2 - Richard DeMarco – A proposal for a restaurant. (special exception review.) Refusal shown, no ZBA hearing scheduled.  The building’s owner said his prospective tenant needs ZBA approval before signing the lease for the nearly complete restaurant. A pizza house was there before and the new  restaurant will have a European-American menu and a bar. It will have tables for 42 people and eight seats at the bar.  Eight nearby neighbors attended. They had questions about noise and trash.  The owner agreed to keep garbage and recycling in the basement instead of on the sidewalk. He will arrange daily pickup after 7 a.m., use plastic hopper boxes - not metal dumpsters and said his HVAC units and vent fans will be in noise isolation boxes.  He asked for hours of operation to be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. There is no outdoor seating on the refusal. A special assembly license is requested. The restaurant operator was not there to answer questions. 

Motion by the group   We can support the special exception for a restaurant/bar at 332-34 W. Girard Ave. after additional information is reviewed and with provisos.  The restaurant/bar will be built according to plans presented to neighbors and the NLNA RCO on July 29, 2019 which show tables for 42 people and eight seats at the bar. However, these plans did not have the trash and recycling storage area in the basement, something you agreed to. Amended, stamped plans showing the basement trash and recycling storage area must be shown to the chair of the RCO before a letter of support is sent to the ZBA. Provisos: 1) The bar is an accessory use to the restaurant.  2) Normal restaurant/bar closing time of 2 a.m. will not be exceeded.  3) Tables cannot be moved to clear the floor for nightclub activities.  4) Trash and recycling must be stored in the basement in non-metal containers. They will be picked up and emptied after 7 a.m and before 12 noon every day. They should not be left on the sidewalk or street after 12 noon. We suggest a lift be installed in the sidewalk bilco door to allow safer removal of these containers. 5) The sidewalk in front of and alongside the restaurant/bar must be kept clean. We suggest an exterior water faucet be installed to allow easier cleaning of the sidewalks.  6) Adequate sound screening be installed around mechanicals on the roof  A special assembly license is on this refusal but no information about this was presented. No signage information was presented. No outdoor seating was requested. We do not support these three things pending review by neighbors and the RCO  (Passed 6-0-0)

905 N. Lawrence St. - RSA5 - Chris Sincavage/Matt Bacine - A return visit for a proposal to add a 4th floor to an existing structure. No refusal or ZBA hearing scheduled This is their second “preliminary” presentation ahead of their application. Inadequate, contradictory drawings were presented showing a glass and corten steel structure atop this 1850’s single-family home. The new height will be 42 feet. The new porch and roof are not set back from the street as requested by the Z.C at the last presentation 

Motion by Kenny grono, 2nd by Joe Mikuliak  Thank you for your presentation. We like the look of the addition. Please return with official stamped plans, in color, drawn to scale, and with materials called out. We require the 4th floor addition, including any porch and railings, be set back six feet from the facade with no door or gated access to that six feet. (Passed 6-0-0) 

Meeting adjourned