PRESENT:  Claire Adler, President; Steve Richman, Vice-President; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Shakirra Clark; Caitlin Marrazzo; Joe Mikuliak; Matt Ochs; Matt Ruben; Barbara Saverino; Kevin Wilkins.

ABSENT:  Jacek Ghosh, Treasurer; Alex Boland; Jeff Hornstein; Chastity Houston; Don Phillips.

ALSO PRESENT: Bruce Hill, Liberty Lands Chair. Chris Nitta, PTSSD Board 

The meeting was called to order by the President at 7:08 p.m.

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Caitlin Marrazzo. “To approve the minutes of the March Board meeting as presented.” Passed 9-0-0

• Steve introduced Chris, the newest member of the PTSSD Board to the NLNA Board. 

• Bruce introduced himself to the Board. 

President’s Report: Claire Adler. Written report attached and reviewed.

• In addition to the written items, Claire reported that the project at 2^nd and Callowhill will be holding a groundbreaking on May 17 (PA primary date). 

There was a suggestion that the May General Meeting be held May 19: the Election Committee will consider. 

NLNA President’s Report, April 11, 2022

1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY

• Parking: Tomorrow 4/12 much of Poplar and the block of 2nd St by Poplar will be partially closed for the filming of an advertisement. 
• I-95: We will host the PennDOT project team between the April and May general meetings for a public neighborhood meeting. This meeting will be virtual because the team is unwilling to come in person.
• Rec Center Playground Update: A group of NLNA representatives met with Clarke, Squilla, Parks & Rec, and the Rec Center on March 22. NLNA representatives were able to do a clean up on April 2. Clarke’s office is working on getting money; we will continue to pressure them to provide regular updates and complete this project.
• COVID Precautions: The city brought back its mask mandate beginning today, 4/11 with enforcement starting on 4/18 based. The NLNA will continue to follow city regulations.

2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

• Strategic Planning: The committee to strategize for an executive director of the NLNA met twice since our last meeting. We worked on scope, purpose, and goals, and are working to bring a fundraising professional in to provide some low-budget advice.

3. EVENTS AND OUTREACH

• April General Meeting: April 28 at the community center. Board nominations will be taken.
• Plant Sale: April 30th. Flyers, social media, and newsletter with information and requests for volunteers have gone out.
• Kearny Kidfest: June 4 12-3pm to celebrate Kearny’s 100th anniversary.
• Music Fest: June 18. Will also include a flea market. Don Phillips and Larry Freedmen are working with some new volunteers.
• 2nd St Fest: August 2. Applied for PTSSD funding for this.

4. OTHER ITEMS

• Board Polls – Ratification of any online board polls since last month’s board meeting.

Treasurer's Report: Claire Adler. Written report distributed and reviewed.

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Steve Richman. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.” Passed 8-0-1 

Steve provided a brief update on the research he and Jacek have done into our insurance policies. Questions raised included coverage for sports-related injuries, alcohol use at our various properties, and the coverage for the NLAC. They have not received answers about any policies other than the one for Liberty Lands: that policy was for the NLAC and the insurer has agreed to add the NLNA to the policy as an additional insured. There is some information that we are covered for alcoholic beverage use but Steve will further research that. Finally, it is clear that we should tighten up our policies with renters to be sure that groups using the community center (or Liberty Lands) for athletic activities have insurance and our groups are listed as additional insured. Finally, Steve said that he intends to make sure that both the NLNA and NLAC are listed in all our insurance policies. 

TREASURER’S REPORT – MARCH 2022

A. 2021-22 Budget: March Financials - tables attached

• For the six months ending on March 31, All Program and All Funds:
  • Income totaled $89,114 – $3,671 more than budgeted
  • Expenses totaled $92,284 –  $4,903 more than budgeted
  • Net Income totaled $3,170 –  $1,232 more than budgeted
• For the six months ending on March 31, General Fund plus Liberty Lands accounts:
  • Income totaled $75,020--  $4,107 more than budgeted
  • Expense totaled $78,996 –  $4,929 more than budgeted
  • Net Income totaled $3,976--  $ 822 more than budgeted
• Variations from budgeted projections through March
  • On the Income side
    • The income of $89,114 is increased by $7,943 (insurance claim for water damage at the CC). $11,215 in Covid-19 relief funds (Penn Treaty) were also carried over from last year.
    • Overall fundraising (annual appeal, festivals, events) is currently $3,947 under budget.
    • Individual donations are currently $477 above budget.
    • Recurring donations are currently $748 under budget.
    • LL Event Rentals are $ 864 under budget.
    • CC Event Rentals are $ 502 over budget.
    • LL Potty memberships are $515 under budget.
  • On the Expense side
    • Licenses, Registrations & Certification Fees are $537 over budget.
    • Program Services are $778 over budget.
    • Repair & Maintenance is $5,582 over budget – offset by insurance claim of $7,943.
    • Professional Services are $602 under budget.
    • Supplies & Materials are $497 under budget.
    • $11,215 in Covid-19 relief funds (Penn Treaty) was expended as part of Op Santa.

B. Other Items

• Annual Appeal - March
  • 61 recurring donations totaling $776.
  • 1 Individual donation totaling $25.
  • 1 CC Event Rentals totaling $900.
• Liberty Lands - March
  • 2 recurring donations totaling $15.
  •  4 Community Garden Plot fees totaling $206.
  • 2 LL Rentals totaling $178.
  •  7 Potty memberships totaling $332.

Education Committee: Written report attached.

NLNA EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Committee met on April 6 at 6:30pm  
Attendance: Maria Bell, Keiko Nazakawa, Mary Galgon, Jeff Hornstein

• Main item: Kearny Kids Day at Liberty Lands, Sat June 4, noon-3pm
  1. Purposes: celebrate Kearny’s 100 th year, show the families that NoLibs supports Kearny, raise profile, let people know there are kindergarten seats available
  2. Logistics
     1. Time of the day: noon-3pm
     2. Donated food - pizza, cookies
     3. Donated beer
     4. Tables
     5. NLArts - entertainment
     6. Literature about the school - what's new
        1. New library
        2. Modernized classrooms

• Future projects
  1. Polling of parents - pre-K kids - via NLNA lists?
  2. Pre-school programs in the area - where do NL families send kids for pre-K?

• Asks of NLNA
  1. Support for purchasing banner
  2. Advice about what vendors to hit up for food and beer donations
  3. Does NLNA have tables?
  4. Is there a rig for a banner across the stage?

Liberty Lands Committee Report: Janet Finegar. Written report attached and reviewed.

Liberty Lands Report   April 2022

Park Management

• Gary has looked into finding a new potty contractor and determined that the rate we're paying now is pretty competitive. He and Ken will look into adding a vent to the shed to reduce odor and swapping out the unit at the same time.
• Maria just updated the public gardens list: there are a few gardens still looking for tenders but most have tenders now. 

Events and Public Use:

• Michaela has been talking to a few different people interested in holding events at the park. It currently looks like OurNation will hold an art festival on 5/28; the NLNA Music Festival will be 6/18, and a Fringe Festival performance will be in early September.
• Party reservations have been coming in steadily: Rachel has updated the online information for 2022.
• The March 19 All Parks workday was quite successful, despite there being a very agitated man at the park who seemed distressed by all the people there. He did eventually leave after a conversation with police officers. 
• This is a good time to schedule weeders club and the spring Love Your Park workday. 
• Al is moving away from Philadelphia soon, but reports that they have two steady volunteers to take over the community compost program. 

Community Garden: 

• The community garden held a spring workday with a delivery of compost the first weekend of April. MaryClaire and a few gardeners are working on how to fix the fence and faulty gates. 
• MaryClaire also raised some issues about park budgeting pursuant to doing the community garden budget: these are issues to continue thinking about as we start the FY23 budget this summer.
• The City Harvest plot is planted out with the first seedlings of the year. 

Organization: 

• There is no progress/update on the ongoing issues with the water bill.
• Hannah has begun IG/FB posts for the park account. We still need to get her access to the park@nlna.org email
• Janet has been adding various historical documents to the Volunteers google drive. Anyone else who has documents that may be useful to new volunteers (or to preserve historical information) is invited to share those docs to the drive.
• We probably need someone to officially take on directing new volunteers (this may fall under communications once Hannah can access the email) and keeping the list of volunteers updated (this might fall under secretary?)
• Next meeting by zoom Tuesday at 7: https://zoom.us/j/96263511406?pwd=VDltcEJxQ0VNTFpRMk9NWndSOUJFZz09

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

• There was a question regarding the karate rental as to whether we have a policy of asking rentals to sign waivers holding NLNA harmless for injuries.

• Barbara added to her report that the Mailbox Store will be changing hands in May. It was generally agreed that his community service should be recognized at the May General Meeting. 

NLNA Operations Committee

• March and April Update ---- the Committee has decided to move our meetings to the first Wednesday of the month at 7 PM to be more timely/in line with board meetings
• March Board meeting recap
  • Barbara shared an update from the NLNA's March board meeting. Main topic was the requested follow up regarding opening the NLNA office as the city continues to roll back COVID regulations.  
    • Action:  The Office is open. The hours are 9 AM - 2 PM Monday through Friday. The door on 3rd street will be unlocked.  Signs requesting mask wearing to enter will be on doors. Barbara will ask Katrina to update the website homepage and about us page.
• Office Update
  • Rachel continues to work with the Painted Bride on the upcoming rental.  
  • Plant sale benefitting the NLNA will be on April 30.
  • Lara is working with Terry (plumber/contractor) to remove and replace the final heater.  He will also provide a quote on painting of fence and exterior. 
  • Mulch of yard.  See if anyone wants to help lead the project.  
  • Rachel may need some assistance with a request for occupancy numbers for rentals moving forward 
  • Request to re-do signs.  Will elevate to board.  
  • Jacek will do outreach to begin bids for stucco and flashing.
  • Barbara follow up on bench
  • Window cracked - Lara will contact Monika regarding the previous contractor.  
    • Action:  Lara will get another quote for painting.
    • Update:  Terry (plumber) has replaced the water heater - more energy efficient.  Rachel is doing outreach to Chris Somers to begin preparing to rent out the apartment.  Rachel is also going to work on rental/private event signage for the yard.  Sprinklers will be serviced for the season.  
• Since our last meeting:
  • Mailbox Store - lease to new owner has been completed. Thank you to Jacek, Steve and Claire for their work.
  • Playground - a meeting was scheduled for March 22 at 3 pm with representatives from Councilman Clarke's office and others from the city. NLNA representatives attended.  If this does not move forward, can we create an online petition to Councilman Clarke?  
  • Stucco quote - Jacek has received a quote.  Contractor raised the point that flashing needs to be done or we will need to replace it again in a few years.  
  • Mulch in Yard - Working with Janet for a work day on April 23 as part of prep for Plant Sale.  Volunteers needed 
• Operations Committee's May meeting date is being scheduled due to a conflict with May 4. 

Public Safety Committee Report: Matt Ochs. Written report attached and reviewed.

• There was some conversation about the disappointing changes to the PDAC structure. It was agreed that if PDAC cannot be used any longer to communicate with the police, we will need to set up a direct line of communication with the district captains.  

• Joe Mikuliak reported: At the March in-person PDAC meeting, the community liaison officers and the two new, police appointed co-chairs said PDAC will mainly be a fundraising organization for police beneficial activities. Neighborhood policing issues would be heard at PSA meetings. There, representatives of organizations and individuals would share the 40 minute meeting. And the district Captain does not attend. Several PDAC members asked whether we were still going to be an advisory committee or something else. In a nice way, I brought up that the "A" in PDAC stands for advisory not auxiliary. In years past, the NLNA president met with Captain of the 6th district irregularly about local police issues.  There was no PDAC. I talked with Captain Craig after the PDAC meeting. I said we would talk with neighbors about police issues and bring them to him.  He seemed interested in this. Could policing be part of the April general meeting?  If so, we should ask for first-person specifics and not hearsay. Is this change to PDAC something worth bringing up with our city council people? Would someone like to take my place at PDAC Meetings? 

Zoning Committee Report: Joe Mikuliak. Written report attached and reviewed.

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Barbara Saverino. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1007-13 New Market St., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We support the request for temporary variance (ending 12/31/2022) for an open air restaurant across the street from Jerry’s Bar. Hours: Mon: Closed Tues-Thurs: 3p-10p Fri: 3p-11p Sat: 9a-11p Sun: 9a-10p. Hard stop at these hours. 35 occupants max. No live or amplified music. Trash/recycling on property and using existing trash facilities at Jerry’s. (Catering possibility – 5 days a week/5 hours of alcohol.) No glassware.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Matt Ochs. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1102 Germantown Ave, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We support the restaurant use with the following provisos: Hours: MTW close 11p, Thurs. close 12p, Fri. close 1:30a, Sat. close 1:30a, Sun. close 6pm. Noise control: No sound to emanate beyond the property line. No outside speakers. Occupancy: cellar (2736 sf): 72, first floor (3743 sf): 158 Trash storage and pick up: Trash room on easement between this property and the property to the west. No metal dumpsters. Trash must be kept in soft containers. Trash will not be picked up between 11pm and 7am. Please send ventilation plan prior to the hearing. Please return to discuss special assembly license and conditional liquor license issues including security, loitering, no outside promotions, sidewalk clean up, queue control, and management (define always on premises, contact method).'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Caitlin Marrazzo. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 336-38 W. Girard Ave, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We approve the dog daycare use at this location as a 12 month temporary variance with the following provisos: Business hours: 7a-630p. No weekend hours. Trash pick up: Commercial pick up out front three times per week. No trash pick up between the hours of 11p and 7am. Total dog occupancy: 35 max. No rear yard use for dog exercise, only for dogs to relieve themselves. 2 dogs outside at one time. No barking dogs outside. No sound to exit the property including the exterior. Dogs supervised at all times. 1 person minimum per 20 dogs.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Caitlin Marrazzo. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1031 Germantown Ave., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We appreciate the efforts to provide below grade parking, and the project overall is attractive. We do not support the additional height. We acknowledge the effort made to reduce height after the previous visit, but maintain our compromise request that, inclusive of the highest point of parapet or railing, the height be limited to 42’ along Allen and Pollard, and 45’ along Germantown. We appreciate the wider steps at the public entry, and while the changes to the corner of Allen and Germantown don’t add commercial, the possibility of a live-work space is a positive for the neighborhood. Nevertheless, we would still prefer commercial use on the first floor of the property.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Matt Ochs. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1031 Germantown Ave. for Civic Design Review, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. This project creatively provides two car parking and a public component to a residential development. Please ensure that the public space is accessible (follows universal design) and remains open to the public. Overall, we feel the buildings are too high and that, inclusive of the highest point of parapet or railing, the height be limited to 42’ along Allen and Pollard, and 45’ along Germantown. We like the landscaping as presented for the interior, but we would like to see specific plan for street trees. We are concerned that the two way drive aisle will be hard to navigate and will reduce use of the provided parking. If a glass railing at the roof level is maintained, please use bird friendly glass or substitute picket railings. We appreciate the additional windows, but would like to see even more glazing at the corner of Allen and Germantown. Please vary the brick and metal color.'” Passed 7-1-0 

Old Business

• Matt gave some updates on the conversations about the streetscaping and I-95 planning that the BID has been involved in. There have been some successes in reducing the width of I-95 at Brown Street, and there is a lot of conversation about things that are desired by the community (parking under the highway, opening up Poplar Street, and other ideas). The BID continues to work on these objectives and may be turning to the NLNA for support reaching out to community members. 

• Claire noted that there will be an update on the website/email at the next meeting. Caitlin offered to help with that. 

New Business

• Janet asked about whether a Venmo use should be created for the plant sale: several problems were raised and it was agreed that providing a QR code for our paypal account would serve the same purpose. 

• Barbara suggested that Matt Ruben provide a BID update at each meeting. Claire clarified that he sends a report to her at the end of each meeting and that she includes anything relevant, but it was agreed that regular reports from the BID would be good at NLNA Board meetings. 

• Caitlin is hoping to do a story slam on June 11: Joe will reach out to Rachel to book the community center. 

The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:38 p.m.

Addenda:

Zoning Committee Minutes Monday 4/4/22

Members present: Larry Freedman, chair, Kenny Grono, Ira Upin, Christine Furman, Philip Hensley, William Smarzewski, Kristine Kennedy, Joe Mikuliak, Charlie Abdo, Sharon Richman  Members absent: Jonathan Sher, Matthew Ochs, Scott Sperry

1007-13 New Market St. (Jerry’s Bar outdoor dining) - RSA5 - Steve Pollack - To review a request for an open air restaurant - approved last year that ended December 31/2021.

Motion: Joe 2nd Christine: 8-0-0  Thank you for your presentation. We support the request for temporary variance (ending 12/31/2022) for an open air restaurant across the street from Jerry’s Bar. Hours: Mon: Closed Tues-Thurs: 3p-10p Fri:

3p-11p Sat: 9a-11p Sun: 9a-10p. Hard stop at these hours. 35 occupants max. No live or amplified music. Trash/recycling on property and using existing trash facilities at Jerry’s. (Catering possibility – 55 days 5 hours of alcohol.) No glassware.

1102 Germantown Ave. - CMX2.5 - Ron Patterson – A proposal for a restaurant (requires a special exception review)

Motion Kenny, 2nd Joe: 9-0-0   Thank you for your presentation. We support the restaurant use with the following provisos:

Hours: MTW close 11p, Thurs. close 12p, Fri. close 1:30a, Sat. close 1:30a, Sun. close 6p Noise control: No sound to emanate beyond the property line. No outside speakers. Occupancy: cellar (2736 sf): 72, first floor (3743 sf): 158  Trash storage and pick up: Trash room on easement between this property and the property to the  West. No metal dumpsters. Trash must be kept in soft containers Trash will not be picked up between 11pm and 7am. Please send ventilation plan prior to the hearing. Please return to discuss R special assembly license and  conditional liquor license.  Also requesting R special assembly license. To be discussed: Security, Loitering, No outside promotions, Sidewalk clean up, Queue Control, Management (define always on premises, contact method) 

336-38 W. Girard Ave. - CMX2 - Alex Duller – A proposal for animal services - doggie daycare grooming salon - no overnight boarding (requires a special exception review)

Group motion: 7-2-0. Thank you for your presentation. We approve the dog daycare use at this location as a 12 month temporary variance with the following provisos: Business hours: 7a-630p. No weekend hours. Trash pick up: Commercial pick up out front three times per week. No trash pick up between the hours of 11p and 7am. Total dog occupancy: 35 max. No rear yard use for dog exercise, only for dogs to relieve themselves. 2 dogs outside at one time. No barking dogs outside. No sound to exit the property including the exterior. Dogs supervised at all times. 1 person minimum per 20 dogs.

1031 Germantown Ave. - CMX2 - Ori Feibush – A return visit with a proposal for 20 single family dwellings with 2 car parking per home with proposed height of 45’ (SFD not allowed in CMX2, parking access not allowed and height limit of 38’ exceeded) Previous motion: Thank you for your presentation. We appreciate the efforts to provide below grade parking, and the project overall is attractive. We understand the lack of CMX-2 type commercial, but do not support the additional height. Please return with a plan that reduces the height, inclusive of the highest point of parapet or railing, to 42’ along Allen and Pollard, and 45’ along Germantown. Please create a more welcoming entry point to the public space and delineate public and private space. Additionally, redesign the corner of Allen and Germantown to include commercial to enliven this visible corner.

Motion: Group 7-0-1   Thank you for your presentation. We appreciate the efforts to provide below grade parking, and the

project overall is attractive. We do not support the additional height. We acknowledge the effort made to reduce height after the previous visit, but maintain our compromise request that, inclusive of the highest point of parapet or railing, the height be limited to 42’ along Allen and Pollard, and 45’ along Germantown. We appreciate the wider steps at the public entry, and while the changes to the corner of Allen and Germantown don’t add commercial, the possibility of a live-work space is a positive for the neighborhood.

CDR: 8-0-0

Thank you for your presentation. This project creatively provides two car parking and a public component to a residential development. Please Ensure that the public space is accessible (follows universal design) and remains open to the public. Overall, we feel the buildings are too high and that, inclusive of the highest point of parapet or railing, the height be limited to 42’ along Allen and Pollard, and 45’ along Germantown. We like the landscaping as presented for the interior, but we would like to see specific plan for street trees. We are concerned that the two way drive aisle will be hard to navigate

and will reduce use of the provided parking. If a glass railing at the roof level is maintained, please use bird friendly glass or substitute picket railings. We appreciate the additional windows, but would like to see even more glazing at the corner of Allen and Germantown. Please vary the brick and metal color.