BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES – Meeting of August 8, 2022

PRESENT:  Claire Adler, President; Steve Richman, Vice-President;  Shakirra Clark; Jeff Hornstein, Joe Mikuliak; Matt Ochs; Don Phillips; Matt Ruben; Kevin Wilkins.

ABSENT:  Janet Finegar, Secretary; Alex Boland; Chastity Houston; Caitlin Marrazzo; Barbara Saverino.

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

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

President’s Report: Claire Adler. 

• There will be an I-95 meeting with representative Mary Issacson's office, via zoom August 15.  PENNDOT will be presenting their analysis of the BID’s proposal for a viaduct under the highway. Details will be in the next email. It seems likely that PENNDOT will propose a cut through Poplar, possibly using eminent domain for construction staging, but with a pledge to turn over the property they acquire east of 95 to the community for parking, community space, etc.  

• Spring Garden connector is moving forward, we will continue to be involved in what that looks like.

• Hiring committee: A PTSSD application is on the docket for October and an additional fundraising campaign is in planning. Jeff will put out the job posting and the Board will have some preliminary discussions with possible donors. Jeff will send a formal, fundraising pitch draft. 

• 2^nd Street Festival was a big success, special thanks to Don and Steve. Need to have a follow up discussion about process for the person who takes on the festival next year. 

General fund account was hacked again. Steve is handling the process of dealing with the bank.

Treasury Report: Steve Richman. Written report distributed and reviewed.

Lara is back and will be handling all the day to day financial responsibilities. The full scope of her ongoing duties is still being determined.

TREASURY REPORT – AUG 2022

A. 2021-22 Budget: July Financials - table attached

• For the ten months ending on July 31, All Program and All Funds:
  • Income: $139,376     $11,976 more than budgeted
  • Expenses: $138,360     $6,220 less than budgeted
  • Net Income: $1,016      $18,196 more than budgeted
  • For the ten months ending on July 31, General Fund & Liberty Lands accounts:
    •  Income: $136,497      $11,997 more than budgeted
    • Expenses: $124,003     $6,697 less than budgeted
    • Net Income: $12,494      $18,694 more than budgeted

B. Variance from Budget: Explanation

• Through ten months the variance from the combined GF & LL budgets is $18,694 (slightly more than last month) and largely attributable to the following positive and negative factors:
  • One-time insurance reimbursement of almost $8,000;
  • Higher than anticipated income from the plant sale (+$2,500), music fest (+$3,300) and community center rentals (+$4,000);
  • Lower than anticipated income from grants (-$2,800) and the Annual Appeal (-$3,000);
  • Lower than anticipated expenses for program services (-$2,000), communications (-$6,500) and staff (-$4,000); and
  • Higher than anticipated expenses for repair and maintenance (+$8,000).

C. Other Items

• Treasurer Position
  • Our current bylaws require one year of prior service on the Board to run for an officer position. Interest has been expressed in the Treasurer position by at least one resident of the neighborhood who has not served on the board.
  • Since no current or past Board member has yet indicated an interest in running for Treasurer, the Board, at its July meeting, decided to support an amendment to the bylaws that would permit a resident of the neighborhood to be a candidate for an officer position, subject to the approval of 75% of Board members voting.
  • Staffing
    • Lara is continuing to function as our bookkeeper, handling the day-to-day management of our financial activities, with oversight provided by the Vice President. Her scope of responsibilities and schedule remain to be finalized.
  • FY’23 Budget
    • As in previous years, a draft of the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year will be presented at the September Board meeting and the final budget will be adopted at the October meeting. The intent is that the draft budget will be a “current services” (aka “baseline”) budget. It will not reflect new initiatives other than the expectation of new PTSSD grants for continuing events and activities. New initiatives can be incorporated into the budget when we vote on a final budget in October or subsequently as budget amendments.
    • Committee Chairs are encouraged to input into the budget preparation process by forwarding requests to the Vice President over the next two weeks.

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Jeff Hornstein. “To accept the Treasury report as presented. Passed 9-0-0

Liberty Lands Committee Report. Written report attached and reviewed.

Liberty Lands July 2022 Meeting

Present: Maria Bell,  Janet Finegar, Bruce Hill,  Joe Mikuliak, Sydney Rexroad, Gary Rosard, Jeff Stomel, Mary Claire Sullivan.  

• TRASH/WORKDAY:
  • Bruce, Gary, and Tom have had several meetings. Gary's proposing removing half of the existing ten trash containers and moving around the better of the remaining ones. This will be the focus of the workday on the 20th: cleaning and repairing the containers to remain and breaking down the ones to be removed, including painting/repairing the poop bag containers. 
  • Critical to this is that there be new, good signage for the containers. Agreement that signs that encourage carry in/carry out (possibly of specific items like pizza boxes) should be placed at entrances and more clear “don't trash your park” signs should be on the containers. Some discussion of recycling and a proposal that a dedicated recycling container should be fully separate from the trash containers to reduce contamination.         
  • Some conversation about gradually replacing the wooden corrals with something metal or big belly-like, perhaps with corporate sponsorship. 
  • Some conversation about what to do with the main corral on American Street. Tom would like it to have a roof/cover to discourage household trash. Bruce suggesting to re-build at half the size; reduce can storage/total number of cans; get rid of broken/extra cans. Plans need to consider what to do with trash  created by parties. 
  • Jeff and Sydney are organizing the workday and starting marketing of it immediately. Job lists other than the trash corral focus and the usual weeding/cleanup and lists of necessary materials, tools, etc. would be good a.s.a.p.  
  • Bruce thinks he can organize a haul-away of trash created by the workday (and also things like the futon on the compost pile). 
  • Following the 2nd Street Festival, we'll pull some t-shirts from the basement to give out at the workday: Bruce reiterated a desire for nametags! 
• SIGNAGE:
  • most of the signs need to be re-designed and re-made. Suggestion that we should remove the two large bulletin boards (because not maintained). 
• VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
  • Sydney and Jeff met with Claire from the NLNA and are going to use the  NLNA’s Constant Contact system to create a new park volunteer list. Sydney put together a survey monkey sign up form that can capture people's specific interests and also eliminate confusion about the many contact addresses. She'll get it online to replace the various contact addresses there now and leaders can know to look there for who's signed up. Most critically, she'll create a QR code for that form to replace paper signup sheets at 2nd Street Fest and other NLNA events. 
• OTHER:
  • Janet and Bruce need to meet to begin work on the FY23 park budget.
  • Bruce requests a direct email or call for anything specific (not reply all) 203 803 9528
  • Joe raised the question of what our policy is about people camping at the park. There was a general agreement that it is NOT allowed, but that there doesn't seem to be an existing issue right now. 
• NEXT MEETING:   Tuesday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center Yard

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

August 2022 Operations Committee Report 

• A special thanks to Steve who continues to serve as VP, Treasurer and assisting with the operations of the NLNA - truly above and beyond. Rachel has been flexible, creative and responsive as we dealt with Lara's departure and moving forward as an organization as well as renters and repair (expected and unexpected). This work would not have been possible without their efforts. 
• Rental Update
  • Tenant is in apartment and lease has been signed.  Steve and Rachel assisted him with the renovations approvals/troubleshooting.  
  • NLArts will be using the center for a second summer camp starting August 15 (part of our annual contract)
  • Rental rates - Rachel will be reviewing our current center/yard rates and Liberty Lands for a discussion at our September committee meeting (Wednesday, September 7 at 7 PM).  While we have Action Karate, Mister John Music and NLArts, as consistent renters, there is inconsistency in current rental structure for events versus classes (there is also less work required for NLNA for classes and renters who use our space on a regular basis like the ones listed above).   We are looking to balance being a neighbor asset (and used for events) as well as a revenue generator for NLNA.  The discussion is being set for now so we can ensure any changes are communicated in a timely manner.  

• Maintenance Agreement - work in progress.  Looking to set up a meeting the week of August 15.
• Old Business 
  • Bench in yard.  Bill Russell and Joe Mikuliak reviewed it and are working on a proposal to address the water that pools on the bench as well as the repair and protection of the bench.  
  • Window broken at center - thank you to Rachel for getting the window boarded up, getting a bid to replace and looking at the security camera film for information. 
• Request/Reminder 
  • Please use the calendar on the NLNA website when planning meetings and events and check out the process. 
  • Also, please leave the center as you found it - remove food, put tables and chairs back, etc.

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

Larry stated that he needs more support

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Steve Richman. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 716 N. 3rd St., i.e.: ' Thank you for your presentation. Please return with a plan for the proposed use at this location with the following provisos: 1. No cooking or exhaust venting. No food prep. 2. Hours Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat, Sun 9am-3pm 3. No exterior trash storage. No metal dumpsters. Present trash plan for storage and pick up. 4. No pick-up for delivery. Walk-in customers only. 5. 10 seats, all inside. 6. Remove existing illuminated sign from the front of the building until approved.'” Passed 8-0-0

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Kevin Wilkins. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 433 Fairmount Ave, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. Neighbors are concerned that the assembly and entertainment may not be an appropriate use for this location. Please return with a plan that addresses the following concerns: 1. Hours limited to 10pm closing week nights and 11pm weekends. 2. Total capacity of 49 patrons. 3. No use of Olive St. Signage indicating no parking for patrons on Olive. 4. No live music. 5. No outside promoters. Owner must be present at all times. 6. No sound shall exit the premises. Present sound-proofing plan. 7. Demonstrate compliance with plumbing code regarding bathrooms and drainage. Indicate which sewer (Olive or Fairmount) will be used. 8. Security plan. 9. Trash plan. 10.Hours for scheduled deliveries and estimated number of deliveries. Plan should show how trucks can be completely within property boundaries during deliveries. 11.Venting plan to reduce odor.' 12. Bring a site plan showing the full site from Fairmount to Olive St ” Passed 8-0-0

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by the Board. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 180 W. Girard Ave., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We will send a letter of support for the proposed use at this location once the following concerns are addressed: 1. Please send a plan that demonstrates how the 2nd St façade will be activated through interior layout, signage, use of window decals as well as transparency. Illuminate signage should be sensitive to properties across 2nd St. 2. Indicate proposed signage and lighting for garage side of property, In addition, please investigate adding a second street entrance accessible during business hours.'” Passed 9-0-0

Old Business

Jeff was concerned about the move of the Indigo station from 6^th and Fairmount. They are suggesting it be relocated to 6^thbetween Fairmount and Brown on the west side.  Jeff will send a site plan. 

The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at  8:20p.m.

ADDENDA

Zoning Committee Minutes  Monday 8/1/22

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

716 N. 3rd St. - CMX2 - Zhen Jin - A proposal for a take-out restaurant (Special Exception review) Motion: Group: 7-0-0 Thank you for your presentation. Please return with a plan for the proposed use at this location with the following provisos: 1. No cooking or exhaust venting. No food prep. 2. Hours Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat, Sun 9am-3pm 3. No exterior trash storage. No metal dumpsters. Present trash plan for storage and pick up. 4. No pick-up for delivery. Walk-in customers only. 5. 10 seats, all inside. 6. Remove existing illuminated sign from the front of the building until approved.

433 Fairmount Ave - ICMX - Roger Perry – A Brewery (allowed) with eating and drinking (Special Exception) and assembly and entertainment (refusal)

Motion: Group: 7-0-0 Thank you for your presentation. Neighbors are concerned that the assembly and entertainment may not be an appropriate use for this location. Please return with a plan that addresses the following concerns: 1. Hours limited to 10pm closing week nights and 11pm weekends. 2. Total capacity of 49 patrons. 3. No use of Olive St. Signage indicating no parking for patrons on Olive. 4. No live music. 5. No outside promoters. Owner must be present at all times. 6. No sound shall exit the premises. Present sound-proofing plan. 7. Demonstrate compliance with plumbing code regarding bathrooms and drainage. Indicate which sewer (Olive or Fairmount) will be used. 8. Security plan. 9. Trash plan. 10.Hours for scheduled deliveries and estimated number of deliveries. Plan should show how trucks can be completely within property boundaries during deliveries. 11.Venting plan to reduce odor.

180 W. Girard Ave. - CMX3 - Rachael Pritzker – A proposal for a Veterinary Hospital (Animal Services not allowed)