BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES Meeting of August 5, 2013

Board Meeting Minutes
Written By

PRESENT:  Don Phillips, Vice-President; Steve Richman, Treasurer; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Michael Coyne; Larry Freedman; Lystra Harris; Monika Kreidie; Katrina Mansfield; Sharon Richman; Frank Robertson; Chris Somers; Anne Waginger; Logan Welde

ABSENT:  Matt Ruben, President; Rick Angeli

The meeting was called to order by the Vice President at 7:02 p.m.Motion: By Anne Waginger, seconded by Frank Robertson:“To approve the minutes of the July Board meeting as presented.”  Passed 6-0-1President’s Report: written report attached and reviewed (see below).Treasurer's Report: Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed (see below). Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Anne Waginger. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”  Passed 12-0-0Community Center Committee Report: Larry Freedman: phase 2 construction proposal reviewed.Larry presented the basic architectural plans developed by Tim McDonald for the phase 2 elements of the community center. The plans include meeting and office space on the first floor, a basement area, and ideally a second floor with a large “classroom” space which would also be available for rental as well as community use. The space between the two buildings would be green space maintained by and available to the neighborhood. The Board reviewed the draft plans and budget and voiced its approval of the plan.Zoning Committee Report: Larry Freedman; written report attached and reviewed (see below).Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Anne Waginger. “To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 233 Poplar Street, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation for 233 Poplar Street.  Our committee and neighbors are concerned about the impact of the overall height, parking and balconies in your plan. We would like you to return with a plan that: eliminates the 1st floor balconies of units #1 and #2; screens all east facing balconies to a height of 42” to obscure the view of the neighbors; gives assurance that balconies cannot be used for storage of any kind or for trash, either in cans or bags; and, eliminates the 4th story (eliminating Units #11 and #12). In addition, we will need a copy of documentation accorded in deed and agreement that confirms permanent use of the easement as a driveway for your residents as well as the parking access approval from the Streets Department Traffic Engineering.'”  Passed 12-0-0Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Anne Waginger. “To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 223-25 Poplar Street, i.e.: 'The change of CMX2 commercial to entirely residential is problematic for our community.  Across the street the construction of a hotel was approved by the ZBA. Around the corner, an old building is currently being renovated for use as the headquarters for an international architectural firm. We think these factors change the value of commercial properties on Poplar Street. The mixed commercial/residential use agrees with the NLNA master plan. Please return with plans that use the first floor of each building for commercial purposes.'”  Passed 7-4-0Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Anne Waginger. “To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 887- 89 Orkney Street, i.e.: 'We cannot support the project as presented. The neighbors felt the structures were too high. Please return with a plan for one single family dwelling compliant with RSA5 requirements including open space and height or build on the three lots.'”  Passed 11-0-0Motion: By Chris Somers, seconded by Frank Robertson.“To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1030-1040 N. 2nd Street, i.e.: 'We are concerned about the lack of  a clear unobstructed walkway.  Please maintain a 5-foot walkway along 2nd Street at all times.  El Camino Real outdoor tables placed directly opposite a tree should only be 2 tops (like Bar Ferdinand).  At Bar Ferdinand, remove table(s) by the fire door. Eliminate the 4 tables in the driveway. It is important to maintain 8 feet of unobstructed walkway along Liberties Walk. A double row of tables and a special cooking and serving area hampers pedestrian access.'”  Passed 11-0-0Old BusinessLarry updated the Board on negotiations with SoundGarden (Front and Spring Garden). Following a meeting at Councilman Squilla's office between the owners and Larry and Matt (where they discussed issues of event hours, parking, and occupancy), the community representatives agreed that SoundGarden should be required to get a liquor license for their business. The current business model is a very large B.Y.O.B., which means it has very little regulation – regulation for clubs is generally done through liquor licensing. Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Lystra Harris. “To recommend to the owners of SoundGarden that they obtain a liquor license and special assembly license for their business with our agreement as part of the conditional liquor license agreement.”  Passed 11-0-0New Business Motion: By Anne Waginger, seconded by Janet Finegar. “To approve the expense of up to $250 to purchase a new dehumidifier for the Community Center.”  Passed 11-0-0Several 2nd Street residents noted that the Festival cleanup did not happen appropriately and that there were not sufficient trash cans. Don will contact the Philadelphia Folksong Society to see what happened and note that more cleanup is needed.Frank raised the issue of the recent flooding on American and Wildey. It was suggested that the Water Department could be a speaker at a forthcoming general meeting. A speaker from the Streets Department, especially regarding 2nd Street traffic, was also suggested.The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:19 p.m. Addenda:

President’s Report, August 2013

1. PLANNING AND POLICY-RELATED ISSUES

  • Mission – Don is nearly ready to put the neighborhood survey online.
  • Casinos – Old Richmond Civic Association voted to publicly support the Wynn Casino proposal.
  • Central Delaware Master Plan – No update.
  • AVI/Real Estate Taxes – The PA Senate did not take a final vote before adjourning, on legislation that would allow the City to age-test and means-test Gentrification Protection. Word is that they will take this up again next month, and it likely will pass. If that doesn’t happen, the City still has the legal authority to implement Gentrification Protection, but would not be able to exclude high-income residents from the program. This would increase the overall cost of the protection by an estimated $3M a year. Because the City’s legislation caps the total amount of money that can be spend on Gentrification Protection each year, the lack of means-testing would make it more likely that homeowners would get a pro-rated percentage of the protection, rather than the full protection.
  • The NLNA submitted first-level review forms to OPA for 700-702 N. 3 The NLNA submitted first-level review forms to OPA for 700-702 N. 3 (over-assessed in our view), and 704 N 3 (assessed as a building, but has been a vacant lot for years). We received letters from OPA acknowledging receipt of our forms; but we have not heard back from them on the actual merits. OPA has said everyone will hear back by August 31. I will attempt to contact them in mid-August if we do not hear from them by then.

2. FUNDRAISING/FINANCES/ADMINISTRATION

  • Administration, Budget, and Finances – Finance updates in the Treasurer’s report.
  • Street/Sidewalk Cleaning – We have restarted this, thanks in part to a large donation Larry secured. Lara Kelly also reports we got a green-maintenance grant of $5,000 from the Water Dept., which we can integrate into our larger cleaning efforts. Katrina has produced a marketing brochure, and we hope to get local businesses directly on board as well.
  • Events – The 2nd St. Festival, though not organized by NLNA, featured two NLNA tents, and volunteering for the event was spearheaded at the board level by Don, who is to be applauded for that. A preliminary estimate of NLNA fundraising from the event might be available from Don at our meeting.
  • Spring Garden Greenway – No update.

3. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPER RELATIONS

  • Piazza etc. – We continue to get some Piazza and Liberties Walk related complaints, primarily about trash. The new owners have not been responsive to our emails in the past few weeks.
  • Finnegan’s Wake – No update.
  • Club Aura – Neighbors continue to report any issues (and there appear to be some, mostly related to patron behavior outside the establishment during and after closing time), and to stay in communication with city and state enforcement officials.
  • Sound Garden Hall – Larry will provide an update, during the Zoning Committee report or during Old Business, as he and Don (who will be chairing our meeting) see fit.
  • Parking – No update.

4. OUTREACH/EVENTS/GENERAL MEETINGS

  • General Meetings – No update. Our next meeting is September 26. I encourage board members to start thinking now about agenda items, especially ones for which we could invite special guests who would help boost attendance. I'd also like us to explore integrating local businesses further, perhaps with food, drink, and/or product samples from a local business at each general membership meeting.
  • “Changing Neighborhoods” Event – Lutheran Settlement House (1340 Frankford Ave) is having a public discussion Wednesday, August 7, at 6:30PM, about changes in NL, Fishtown, Kensington and Port Richmond. I strongly urge board members to attend. In addition, they are launching an online “Survey Monkey” survey. This will overlap with the NLNA survey Don has put together. For the moment I have not linked to the Lutheran Settlement House survey in neighborhood emails; but we will need to link to it sooner or later. I welcome board members’ thoughts on how to do that without siphoning off potential participants in our survey.

5. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY

  • Internet – The email list continues to grow towards 2,200, and to generate maintaining a 25-30% “open rate” on emails, which is very good. The Facebook group also continues to generate interest, with about a 25% increase in membership over the last few months. It’s now approaching 500.
  • Web site – No update – no news is good news. It’s running smoothly. Katrina has created a litter report form.

6. OTHER ITEMS

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

 

TREASURER’S REPORT – AUGUST 2013

 A. 2012-13 Approved Budget: Oct 1 – July 31 Financials - tables attached

  • For the ten months ended on July 31,  income was $124,910 -- $37,200 more than projected.  Expenses totaled $84,169, about $5,800 less than expected.  Net income was $40,741 – about $42,900 more than projected. NLNA benefitted from higher than anticipated donations, fundraising, rentals and grants, and from lower than expected administrative and maintenance expenses; combined, these offset some unanticipated capital improvement, utilities and insurance expenses.
  • Significant variations from budgeted projections during the first eight months included the following:
  1. Income from fundraising activities is $14,700 above budgeted levels.  Significantly, the $43,600 that has been raised is nearly $5,000 more than the amount budgeted for the entire year.  The Annual Appeal raised just over $18,700, more than double the amount budgeted; the Winterfest, $7,300 ($3,300 more than expected), the plant sale, $5,900 ($900 more than budgeted), while the Springfest raised $5,900, $400 above expectations.  In addition, we received a $3,000 donation from the PTSSD -- $1,500 each for the spring and fall fests – and we received $12,000 in corporate donations for Project Clean Streets.  Finally, Liberty Lands’ revenue now totals more than $9,200, exceeding expectations by about $4,900; grants, donations and rentals each have brought in over $2,000 while dues/user fees have raised about $1,750.  Finally, NLNA received an unexpected donation earlier in the year from the United Way of $4,635.  In total, income received during the first ten month totals nearly 115% of the amount anticipated for the entire year.
  2. Spending for administrative support, programming, maintenance and supplies was lower than budgeted by $9,500.  More than $2,000 of this savings is attributable our ability to secure the summer movies in the park at no cost.  Most of the “under-spending” (about $4,700) relates to less time charged to staffing our office and Quality of Life program.
  3. These amounts were partially offset by unbudgeted spending of:  almost $1,200 for a new alarm system and security camera; $1,100 for additional electrical and HVAC in the commercial rental space; nearly $1,100 for prior year liberty lands utilities’ costs; $800 in additional insurance costs; and $1,350 for street cleaning.

B. Other Items of Significance:

  • NLNA expects to receive $5,000 from the PWD for a green stormwater infrastructure project at two sites – 3rd and Fairmount and 2nd and Spring Garden. The grant will provide funding for one year to maintain these sites.
  • Our request for a reduction in the interest rate on our mortgage has been approved by the bank.  Our rate will drop from 6.125% to 4.75% and remain at that level for five years.  The new rate should take effect this month.  First year savings will total $1,800.
  • We should shortly be making the final payment -- $60,617 – on the Take Me To The River Grant project. Funding is included in this year’s budget and appropriate documentation has been received to substantiate this payment. With this payment the project will be fully closed out.
  • The Finance & Administration Committee has begun preparation of the 2013-14 budget recommendations. A draft budget should be ready for presentation at the September meeting with final approval scheduled for our October meeting.

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

July 23, 2013

Present: S. Richman, D. Phillips, M. Coyne. F. BenavidesThe meeting started at 7 PM.1. Status of Mortgage Interest Rate Adjustment:

  • Steve advised that Third Federal Bank has approved a new interest rate of 4.75%, which reduces our monthly payments by about $150. This rate is ¼% lower than anticipated.  The new rate should start as of August 2013 and will last for 5 years. No fees were assessed by the bank in connection with this modification of our loan agreement.
  • The Committee discussed two options -- continue paying the mortgage at the current amount, enabling us to pay off the loan more quickly, or depositing the savings in our reserve account.  It was agreed that it would be prudent to await the outcome of budget development for 2013-14 before any further discussion on the matter. In addition, we agreed that the uncertainty of our tax liability for next year suggests a cautious approach to our finances in the short term.

2. Status of Payments for Spring Garden Project:

  • Steve and Michael have reviewed the file, with particular attention to the outstanding bill from PIDC/ PAID for $60,617.  Steve was able to confirm that NLNA has received all funds it is due from DVRPC, including the most recent payment of $53,772, which is to be applied toward the bill from PIDC/PAID.  Steve was in contact with both DVRPC and PAID. Both agencies confirmed that all work has been completed to their satisfaction, all contractors have been paid and that payment by NLNA of $60,617 will complete our obligation.  Accordingly, Steve will authorize payment and the check will be cut in August.

3. NLNA Fire and Liability Insurance:

  • Fernando reported that following various brokers’ recommendations, the process should be started (closer to when the policy renewals are due) sometime in August.  He will follow up and try to get this done so that the new quotes can be incorporated into the new budget. Fernando noted that we are probably not going to get a substantial discount because, contrary to what we thought, as a commercial entity NLNA cannot bundle policies as homeowners do. We agreed we can provisionally use current premiums and then adjust them as new quotes are obtained and a broker is selected.

4. Real Estate Issues (Tenant leases):

  • Steve mentioned that NLNA continues to have some difficulties with one tenant, to whom a letter was sent in June tendering a three month notice; so far there has been no response. It was agreed that we may need to seek legal counsel before proceeding further.
  • A question was brought up, whether we should consider increasing the rent for our other residential tenant. The general consensus seems to be that the current rent for that apartment reflects fair market. We agreed for now to budget both apartments at current levels.

5. Review of 2012-13 Finances:

  • Steve reported that based on current financials NLNA will end the fiscal year with a substantial positive balance.  A portion of this amount, estimated at slightly under $9,000, will be carried over to next year to finance Project Clean Streets.
  • This program will require additional funding to carry it through the entire year.

6. 2013-14 Budget Development:

  • We will use the same format for presentation as last year.
  • With regard to property taxes we will assume the proposed assessment pending the outcome of the appeal and/or input from Matt.
  • We agreed to budget Spring Garden maintenance, Clean and Green and Project Clean Streets in Quality of Life.
  • We agreed that this year’s (very good) income from the various events was possibly unusual. Therefore we should look at an average and use more conservative figures for next year’s budget.
  • We will continue to assume $3,000 from PTSSD for the fests but budget the United Way donation at a reduced level.
  • We need input on the following: Liberty Lands (Janet); Clean Streets, Clean and Green, Town Watch (Kat); Community Center capital improvements, legal expenses (Larry); fundraising events (Rick, Janet, Don, others).
  • Our intention is to have the preliminary budget recommendations presented to the Board at the September meeting.

7. Date for next meeting: tentatively set for August 22The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM. 

ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday 7/29/13

Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Charlie Abdo, Ken Grono, Chris Issacson, Joe Mikuliak, Sharon Richman, Michael SimonsMembers absent: Jonathan Sher, Tim McDonald, Ira Upin233 Poplar Street – I2 – Rustin Ohler:  Return visit with a new proposal for this site.[In January 2013, an 18 unit (27 bedrooms) apartment house with only 9 parking spaces that negatively affected the seven homes adjacent to this property was unanimously rejected by the Zoning Committee.] The new proposal is for 12 units with 10 parking spaces and 17 bike stalls. Every unit has a small balcony. The common roof deck was eliminated. A/C compressors will be located on the roof. The Poplar Street side is 3 stories high. The fourth floor is set back and is 46’6” to the top of the parapet. The project façade uses a combination of dark brick, metal and cement board panels.  Windows are again planned for the party wall.  The ZBA will have to determine if this will be permitted.  Access to the parking area will require the use of an easement between the east side of the building and the rear of the homes on N. American Street.  Neighbors expressed concern about the proximity of the balconies facing their properties.Motion: Thank you for your presentation for 233 Poplar Street.  Our committee and neighbors are concerned about the impact of the overall height, parking and balconies in your plan. We would like you to return with a plan that: - eliminates the 1st floor balconies of units #1 and #2; - screens all east facing balconies to a height of 42” to obscure the view of the neighbors; - gives assurance that balconies cannot be used for storage of any kind or for trash, either in cans or bags; and, - eliminates the 4th story (eliminating Units #11 and #12). In addition, we will need a copy of documentation accorded in deed and agreement that confirms permanent use of the easement as a driveway for your residents as well as the parking access approval from the Streets Department Traffic Engineering.Vote: 7-0

223-25 Poplar Street – CMX2 – Jeremy LeCompe:  A proposal for 2 duplexes. Builder will need to seek a variance to use these 2 vacant lots for residential units.  Each of the 4 units will be comprised of two floors (basement + 1st floor and 2nd and 3rd floors) and provide 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.  No parking is provided.  Three stairs to the front door extend out into the sidewalk.  A flat window well for egress from the basement will be cut into the sidewalk under the front windows.  The existing trees will need to be moved to provide access to the window well and an unobstructed walkway. Neighbors preferred that the 1st floor be used for commercial purposes as provided for in the current zoning.

Motion:  The change of CMX2 commercial to entirely residential is problematic for our community.  Across the street the construction of a hotel was approved by the ZBA.  Around the corner, an old building is currently being renovated for use as the headquarters for an international architectural firm.  We think these factors change the value of commercial properties on Poplar Street. The mixed commercial/residential use agrees with the NLNA master plan. Please return with plans that use the first floor of each building for commercial purposes.Vote: 6-0887- 89 Orkney Street – RDSA5 – Jeremy LeCompe:  Proposal to create 2 lots from 3 small lots to construct 2 single family dwellings with frontage on Myrtle Street. Each lot is 17’ x 49’.  The inner house is 2440 sq. feet and will be 41’ high.  The 4th floor will be set back 8’ from Myrtle Street.  It will have a garage in the front.  The corner house is 1804 sq. feet and will have an exterior parking space behind the house. The builder will need to get a variance for the height (41’) and insufficient open space.  Neighbors expressed concern over the height of the proposed structures.  Nearby houses are only 36’.Motion:  We cannot support the project as presented. The neighbors felt the structures were too high. Please return with a plan for one single family dwelling compliant with RSA5 requirements including open space and height or build on the three lots.Vote: 6-01030-1040 N. 2nd Street – El Camino/Bar Ferdinand – Fatima Thomas:  A proposal for outdoor seating for these two restaurants. Based on the plans provided to the Zoning Committee, there are concerns regarding pedestrian walkways and restaurant exits.  More specifically, Bar Ferdinand shows a 4-top table in the direct path of a doorway opening.  Four 4-tops are located within a curb cut.  The El Camino Real plan shows 5’ from the trees to the end of the 6-top tables. That measurement is only from the tree trunk, not the span of the foliage and the planter wells.  In reality, there is only a 2’ span between the trees (foliage and well) and the tables.  The trees canopies are not high enough for a tall person to walk under.  The pets and/or strollers of customers make this area even more difficult for pedestrians to navigate.  A grate placed over the tree well to level the area with the sidewalk will not account for tree foliage extending beyond.   Note: the Bar Ferdinand plan only specifies a 2-top across from its tree.Motion:  We are concerned about the lack of a clear unobstructed walkway.  Please maintain a 5-foot walkway along 2nd Street at all times. -  El Camino Real outdoor tables placed directly opposite a tree should only be 2 tops (like Bar Ferdinand).  -  At Bar Ferdinand, remove table(s) by the fire door.  Eliminate the 4 tables in the driveway.  It is important to maintain 8 feet of unobstructed walkway along Liberties Walk.  A double row of tables and a special cooking and serving area hampers pedestrian access.Vote: 6-0

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