BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES – Meeting of July 6, 2020

PRESENT: Claire Adler, President; Steve Richman, Vice-President; Renya Wasson, Treasurer; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Caitlin Antrim; Shakirra Clark; Joe Mikuliak; Matt Ochs; Don Phillips; Matt Ruben; Barbara Saverino; Amy Sweeney; Kevin Wilkins.
ABSENT: Jacek Ghosh; Chastity Houston. 
ALSO PRESENT: Lara Kelly, NLNA coordinator; Capt. Fisher, 26^thPolice District

The meeting was called to order by the President at 6:32 p.m.

Captain Fisher joined the meeting to introduce himself to the Board. He began by saying that he'd been advised by Internal Affairs that he cannot speak about the events of June 1, 2020 at the 26^thDistrict while there is an ongoing investigation. He quickly reviewed some of the recent thefts and crimes in the area. He emphasized the importance of neighbors reporting even apparently “minor” property crimes to aid police in their investigations. He gave his email address to the Board to facilitate communications. (Police.CO_26@phila.gov) Don asked if there was any advice the Captain can give neighbors about the massive increase in fireworks being set off, and the Captain said that unfortunately it is a national problem and the only recourse is to call 911 to report them. Steve asked if there are any street patrols planned through the summer in the community. The Capt. answered that there are not scheduled foot patrols in the district and that the force is spread fairly thin right now, so that officers are only in cars. Matt asked about a past program where the Fishtown neighborhood was paying officers to do foot patrol on the commercial corridor: the Captain said that the program had functioned only for about a month and was done through overtime (so that it did not affect staffing). The Captain then left the meeting for other duties. 

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Joe Mikuliak. “To approve the minutes of the Board meeting as presented.”  Passed 13-0-0

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

There was some discussion of the June 30^thpublic meeting with the 26^thDistrict and the available records of that meeting. The Board also discussed the BID's StrEats event this weekend and suggested that we might have a presence at future events if they occur. 

Claire reviewed the list of standing committees and their members/chairs. 

Renya reviewed the new NLNA Google Drive and the way that Board and committee members should use it to store and access documents. She also reminded the Board about the newly structured Paypal link for NLNA.org, which includes a drop-down menu that allows people to specify one of eight permanent programs or two short-term programs. The leaders of programs such as events or sales should remember to let Renya know in advance so that these can go in those rotating slots. 

NLNA President’s Report, July 2020

1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY

• Permitting and Zoning: L&I is now taking limited, restricted in-person appointments for license renewals and applications. The Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA) will restart online hearings the week of July 13th and Civic Design Review (CDR) has already restarted. More from the Zoning Committee
• PWD Street Closure: 2nd Street is closed to pedestrian traffic between Girard and Germantown, but vehicles can access the Acme parking lot going south on 2nd Street from Girard. Full information on closure and parking restrictions is here: http://www.explorenorthernliberties.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2nd-street-closing-square.jpg
• Philadelphia in Modified Green Phase: The Green Phase has been mostly pushed back due to a slight increase in cases. Certain activities such as small indoor gatherings of up to 25 people resumed on June 26th as part of the Yellow Phase, and on July 3rd, other businesses and activities were allowed to restart, such as schools, shopping malls, and outdoor recreation activities. Other Green Phase activities are currently on hold in Philadelphia, including indoor dining and gyms. Recycling pick-up resumes its weekly schedule on July 6th.

2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

• Google Drive: Renya Wasson has organized and created standard procedures for the NLNA Google Drive that she will review with everyone. The Drive will make internal administration and operations run more smoothly.
• Committee Administration: The Executive Committee has been working on a document outlining all of our committees: what they do, who’s on them, and when they meet. This document will be sent out to the board before the July board meeting for review. Please send edits, thoughts, or comments to me.
• Zoom: Thank you to Kevin Wilkins for letting us use his Zoom account for the election and zoning meeting. We are looking into getting our own account for future events.

3. EVENTS AND OUTREACH

• Outreach and Spending for Mutual Aid: We continue our efforts to use our $25,000 grant from PTSSD to aid the community and local businesses. In June, we did a second round of deliveries to needy families. We extended the business side of the program to include retail businesses in addition to restaurants. Other uses of the grant currently in the works: helping out Kearney families with technological needs for remote learning, extra COVID-19-related trash collection at Liberty Lands, and assisting the BID’s effort with reopening kits for businesses.
• 2nd Street Festival: Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, 2nd Street Festival, one of our biggest fundraisers for the year has been officially cancelled.
• Easy StrEats: On Saturday, July 11th from 12pm-8pm the BID is hosting a car-free event to allow restaurants to open up more space in the streets. Cars will only be towed in the areas used for dining, but the BID is asking that people move their cars during the event. The BID is employing people to hand out masks and maintain hand-washing stations. This is not a festival and social distancing and masks are required. If it is safe and successful, this may become an ongoing event.

4. OTHER ITEMS

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

Draft: Existing Standing Committees

• Executive: Oversees the administration of the Association, including processes,standards, and structures, such as the coordination of other committees. Committee Members: Officers - Claire Adler (President), Steve Richman
• (Vice President), Renya Wasson (Treasurer), Janet Finegar (Secretary)
• Finance: Oversees the financial operations of the Association, including bank accounts, budget, financial reporting, tax filings, internal controls and asset management. Prepares the annual budget for Board approval; monitors income and expenses; selects the Association’s accountant/auditor and reviews all work products prepared by such individual; and examines the Association’s internal financial and administrative processes to resolve identified deficiencies. Committee Members: Chair: Renya Wasson + Steve Richman, Don Phillips, Jacek Ghosh + 1 more (preferably the chair of Fundraising)
• Fundraising: Develops and helps coordinate (with other committees) events and other initiatives that generate revenue for the Association. These have included the Annual Appeal, the Spring Music Fest, Winterfest, the plant sale, 2 nd Street
• Festival and the Fall Festival. The committee also develops and distributes a fund raising calendar. Also does grant development. Committee Members: Chair: Vacant, Jacek Ghosh, Chastity Houston, Sasi Judd + 1-2 others
• Liberty Lands: Oversees the maintenance, preservation and improvements to the 2.1-acre multi-use park owned by the Northern Liberties Action Committee. This includes: organizing volunteers, planning workdays and cleanups,
• maintaining the playground and community garden, managing park events and
• park use, and planning fundraising. Committee Members: Chair: Janet Finegar + Liz Reed, Garden Coordinators
• Membership: Encourages neighbors to participate in the programs, activities, and leadership of the NLNA. Organizes periodic “Meet ‘n’ Greet” events for new residents, prepares and distributes informational brochures, and recognizes
• residents and business owners who have contributed to the quality of life in Northern Liberties. The committee is also responsible for maintaining a list of Association members, contributors, and businesses, as well as tracking
• attendance at meetings. Committee Members: Chair: proposed co-chairs: Paula Gansky + Shakirra Clark) + Shelly Marcus, Sasi Judd, Michele Brown, Mary Galgon, Aisha Loeks
• Operations: Oversees the NLNA Community Center, which houses the NLNA’s office and serves as the hub of the neighborhood. The committee manages ongoing operation of the center and adjacent grounds, including maintenance and upkeep of the building and its furnishings, building and IT security, tenant relations, rental of center space to community groups for meetings, events and programs, and capital improvement and repairs. The committee is also responsible for securing necessary operating permits, interfacing with utility companies and other vendors, website management, and maintaining Association files (electronic and paper). In addition, the Committee maintains the Association’s master calendar.  Committee Members: Chair: Barbara Saverino + Jacek Ghosh, Lara Kelly, Amy Smith Sweeney
• Public Safety: The mission of the committee is to promote neighborhood safety. It facilitates communication between neighbors to share information about crime in the neighborhood; partners with police by gathering and sharing CCTV camera locations and crime footage; works with the District Attorney’s office by supporting neighborhood crime victims, attending hearings, and writing Victim Impact Statements; organizes Town Watch patrols; and educates neighbors about eyes and ears practices and how and when to call 911 and 311. Committee Members: Chair: Matt Ochs + Joe Mikuliak + 2-3 others
• Quality of Life:The dual mission of the committee is to improve neighborhood cleanliness and promote environmentally sustainable and green practices throughout Northern Liberties. Programs and activities include: managing the Clean Streets program; maintaining Madison Memorial (Doughboy) Park; organizing recycling events for disposal of unwanted electronics and Christmas trees; educating neighbors about sustainable practices, distributing recycling containers, running composting workshops, organizing tree planting, conducting seasonal neighborhood clean-ups, and exploring new, expanded recycling opportunities. The committee also works with neighborhood businesses to reduce trash in the commercial corridor, and it conducts targeted fundraising for Clean Streets, including organizing events and campaigns. The Quality of Life Coordinator oversees street cleaning, resolves trash issues and problems resulting from building construction (e.g. blocked sidewalks), and works with City agencies on issues such as sewer cleaning, snow plowing and street repairs. Committee Members: Chair: Vacant Vice chair: Lara Kelly + 2-3 others
• Zoning: The committee reviews applications for zoning changes (variances), reviews liquor license approvals or transfers, and considers other development issues, including proposed zoning changes and neighborhood development guidelines. In fulfillment of its responsibilities the committee holds public meetings and acts as a liaison among residents, developers and the Board. Motions adopted by the Zoning Committee become official NLNA positions when ratified by the NLNA Board of Directors. Committee Members: Chair: Larry Freedman, Vice Chair: Ira Upin, Charlie Abdo, Christine Furman, Kenny Grono, Chris Isaacson, Melissa Magness, Joe Mikuliak, Sharon Richman, Jonathan Sher, Michael Simons, Abbey Spector, Scott Sperri + Matt Ochs to join
• Communications and Marketing: The proposal is to bring more structure and emphasis to existing efforts to publicize NLNA activities. The focus of this function would be to promote NLNA services and events in the community and the City utilizing both print and electronic media. Specific activities would include: developing content for social networking sites; advertising NLNA events, promoting NLNA’s image (i.e. branding), and developing and selling promotional items (tee shirts, sweatshirts, bags, mugs, etc). Proposed Chair: Caitlin Antram + Chastity Houston, Brett Cohen, Kat Mansfield

Ad Hoc Committees - formed as needed

• Election: The committee forms according to the by-laws every year three months prior to an election to administer the NLNA elections. The committee must include 2 board member who are not running for re-election and three
• general members. Committee Members (Election 2020): Paula Gansky, Kevin Wilkins, Barbara Saverino, Shelley Marcus, Rick Angeli
• COVID-19 Grant: This committee formed to administer the PTSSD Grant money received ($25,000 with $5,000 matching from the NLNA) to assist the neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee Members: Steve Richman, Janet Finegar, Don Phillips, Claire Adler, Renya Wasson, Matt Ruben, Amy Smith-Sweeney

Treasurer's Report: Renya Wasson. Written report distributed and reviewed.

Treasurer's Report Summary 

Overview: While the 'Summary' table suggests that we have current YTD net income of $23,936, our position is weaker than it appears. 

• We received $35K more in grants than was in our original budget.
• We are committed to spend $5K of NLNA funds on Covid Relief Efforts that have not yet been spent and were not in original budget 
• In addition to losing revenue (Spring Music Festival, 2nd Street Festival cancelled, no rentals of LL or Community Center, no Plant Sale, ...), we will soon face some extra costs such as AC repair 
• Fortunately, expenses are also less then budgeted, or our net income would be even worse. 

• As of 7/4, we have spent (or committed to spend) about $21K on our Covid Relief efforts. If we spend all of the PTTSD grant and honor our commitment to spend $5k, then we need to spend about $9K more on Covid Relief Efforts. 
• Next month the Finance Committee will present estimates of year-end net income. 
• Bottom Line: In the worst case scenario, between now and the end of the fiscal year on September 30th, if there is no revenue from: Plant Sale, Spring Festival, 2nd Street Festival or additional rental of community center/space, then the NLNA could face a $12k budget shortfall for events and rentals. Thanks to Steve's excellent management, NLNA has a a very healthy reserve fund of $150K ($25k in savings and $125K in CDs) to cover this shortfall. REQUEST: EACH COMMITTEE NEEDS TO SEND BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR (by August 1) 
• Favorable changes YTD: - $10K Grant from the Smart family for Liberty Lands - $25K PTTSD grant for COVID relief - Delay in hiring part-time office worker ($9,350) and web designer ($3K) 
• Unfavorable changes YTD: - Lost revenue described above
• Options for Board to Consider: 
• Delay new hires for office position and/or event open & closer

Do not start any new initiatives without grant funding

Motion: By Amy Smith-Sweeney, seconded by Steve Richman. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”  Passed 13-0-0 

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

There was some discussion of the rationale for continuing not to take reservations at the park despite the move to green phase. 

Liberty Lands report     July 2020

• There's not a lot to report because Liz and Janet both stepped way back from trying to control behavior at the park through the city shutdown and have been choosing to continue that through the last month of “reopening.” We have not held a steering committee meeting since March.
• At this time, we're continuing the policy of not taking any reservations for park use – neither parties nor business uses, although several gyms and yoga studios have contacted us to ask if they can use the space.The philosophy on not taking reservation is two-fold: 1) we can't possibly monitor or control safe use at the park, so we really can't “authorize” use by taking reservations without opening the park to liability, and 2) the park is getting massive use already without parties and classes. Limiting public use by reserving any part of the space feels unfair to those who can't pay for use, and also means that we're increasing use of the park at a time when it's strained to the limits. 
• Speaking of strained to the limits: the trash corrals are overflowing nearly every day despite our increasing to two pickups a week in mid-June. Last week we went to THREE pickups a week (two paid, one by the city) and will use some of the PTSSD funds for Coronavirus efforts to help cover that expense. The ongoing drought in the city has been very hard on the plants. Rachel Kimmich has been watering the younger trees (thank you!) and some of the gardens, but the whole park looks very dry and crunchy.
• The big storm in early June broke a street tree and one of the mature crabapples. Volunteers cleared the branches but both trunks remain to be removed, and there are still some broken limbs around the park that should be cleaned up. 
• The City's Community Compost program is trying to get started up again: Seth Donkochik came out last week and leveled the area just south of the playground for the new compost bins, and he is coordinating getting landscape fabric and gravel there so that the bins can be delivered. Al and Justine have been working on this project since last year and will get it up and running whenever it's possible.
• We were contacted by the Parks Alliance about a donation of 10 recycled-plastic benches from Giant: they want them at a park near one of their stores. We said yes and assume they'll be dropped off at some time soon. 
• City Harvest is having a very good year: between the dedicated CH plot (gardened by Maria Bell) and donations from other gardeners, we've already sent some 50 pounds of produce to Sunday Love to feed homeless people and hungry families. Collections are every Sunday around 2 p.m. and gardeners who have donations at other times are encouraged to take them to Bebashi on Spring Garden Street.
• The community gardens are also looking good, although there is a large sinkhole in one garden that needs to be dealt with as soon as such work is possible. The garden is out of cultivation right now.
• Ken Grono submitted an estimate of around $18,000 to repair the stage: we had discussed requesting PTSSD funds for this project, but will need to consider the status of the PTSSD itself and its funding before committing to the repair. For the time being, the quick repairs Seth made in December are holding up.

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

The Board expressed appreciation for Barbara's hard work through the recent period of restructuring organization at the Center.

Northern Liberties Neighbors Association Operations Committee    June 17, 2020

Attendees: Claire Adler, Lara Kelly, Monika Kreidie, Barbara Saverino and Amy Smith-Sweeney

Meeting was held via Zoom. Barbara shared proposed committee description that had been drafted and shared with committee via previous email.

• Operations Committee: The Operations Committee oversees the NLNA Community Center building and yard. This includes the management of the property (maintenance, rentals and processes) as well as the prioritization of improvements to the property. The committee usually meets on the 3^rdWednesday of the month at 7 PM.
  • ACTION: Please provide suggested edits/feedback by Friday, June 26.
• NLNA Community Center Building Overseer Update: As we continue to deal with COVID-19 and the aftermath and look for the being the best stewards of NLNA’s resources, we did not renew our agreement which expires on June 30th for building overseer for the Northern Liberties Community Center building. Committee discussed implication and recommendations on how to move forward to ensure building is maintained and accessible. Identified items that needed to be addressed immediately (trash and recycling) and near future (rentals and yard). Barbara will also be contacting Anne regarding rentals and check in. Suggestion made to review rental process and combine with open and close of center.
  • ACTION: Barbara and Lara work on outreach and description for trash and recycling. Monika will follow up on Center’s Alarm Contact list.
• Re-Opening of Yard: Committee had recommended that we re-open yard when city is in Green stage of COVID-19. Mayor has announced that we are on track for July 3rd for Green stage. In order to open yard, we need to make sure trash person has been confirmed and started, landscaping is done (weeding and maintenance of greenery as well as removing trash from beds in yard) and signs are hung. Also need to have a consistent plan for opening and closing the yard. Appreciate the volunteers who stepped up last year. Suggestion is to follow up with Mike (next door business and have the hours be consistent with his hours) - there would be compensation.
  • ACTION: Follow up with Mike. Follow up with Lisa (contact provided by Monika regarding landscape). Signs to be hung!
• The Operations Manual and list of projects/repairs will be discussed at July meeting. Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 7 PM.

Membership Committee: Shakirra Clark. 

There was some discussion of tactics (and platforms) for soliciting membership donations. Thank you to Shakirra for stepping up as the new Chair of this committee. 

Public Safety Committee: Matt Ochs. 

Matt reviewed what steps he's taken so far to revitalize this committee in these charged times. Thank you to Matt for stepping up as the new Chair of this committee. 

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

Joe reported that there is not a motion for the Board to approve regarding Community Design Review of the project reviewed at 918 Delaware Avenue. The meeting resulted in a number of requests to the developer and Joe assumes that there will be changes and a new project soon. 

Zoning Committee 

The July 29th zoning committee meeting successfully used Zoom to hear a presentation, gather community input, and pass a motion. Larry and Kevin did a great job running it. I think about 25 people attended.  There was much discussion and heated agreement. The motion is attached for your review. Please look it over ahead of Monday nights board meeting when it will be discussed.

The presentation only contained one close up drawing - one of the six buildings' entrances. A pedestrian's experience of the facades, landscaping, parking area, and sidewalks we're left to the imagination. A letter has been sent to the developer asking for more information and sharing the issues brought up at the meeting.

In addition,The Zoning Board of Adjustment will begin hearing appeals for variances. Larry has informed zoning committee members that we will have a zoom zoning meeting at the end of July to ŕeview at least three presentations. Please think about how many neighbors would want to participate but cannot zoom. On Monday night, let's discuss whether we should arrange another option for their participation.

Northern Liberties Neighbors Association Zoning Committee Minutes  Monday 6/30/20

Members present: Larry Freedman, chair, Sharon Richman, Joe Mikuliak, Christine  Furman, Kenny Grono, Charlie Abdo, Abbey Spector
Members absent: Jonathan Sher, Melissa Magness, Ira Upin, Scott Sperry

1. 918 Delaware Ave (29-45 W Poplar St and 918-980 Delaware Ave) – CMX-3 – Ronald Patterson
   Presentation: Rustin Ohler, Harmann-Deutsch-Ohler
   6 buildings – 5 are residential, 4 contain commercial, 1 is all dwelling, 1 is first floor parking. Developer GY properties – developed Waterfront Square, 1136 N American, 1133 N 4 th St, 501 E Girard.

• One curb cut from Delaware Ave.
• City Planning is considering making half of Canal St on this block pedestrian.
• 162 bike spaces within site
• 144 parking spots, some inside, some outside.
• Green roofs and permeable paving
• 7 floors
• Materials consistent around
• Brick with charcoal metal infill, black storefronts
• Street trees around perimeter as well as within site
• Mostly glass commercial building curved at pedestrian Canal

Comments:
In addition to the comments below which will be presented to the CDR board, a neighbor who owns property to the rear, was concerned about access to his property if Canal turned pedestrian. This will be handled by connected interested parties.

Motion (group):

• The presentation lacked elements that are useful in a CDR presentation. The NLNA would like to see more detailed close up renderings of the different buildings, a rendering of the parking garage screening as viewed from Canal St, façade material and landscaping details, including tree type and size, and crosswalk locations.
• There is one ingress and egress without a turning lane from high traffic Delaware Ave. Traffic calming and/or a turning lane will be necessary.
• While the neighborhood generally approves of the modern warehouse aesthetic, and we applaud the use of consistent materials on all sides, we would like to see variation introduced in more ways than just the shape of the buildings. Varying height, color, etc, to create a less monolithic looking project. We also recommend large trees along Canal St.
• Canal St is an historic cobblestone street. The neighborhood’s expectation is that this street will not be damaged by construction and that any damage will be repaired in line with Historic Commission expectations.
• Lighting on the exterior should be architectural lighting that accentuates building but does not disturb neighbors.

Passed: 6-0

Old Business

Joe reported that TerraCycle is not yet able to suggest how they can resume the pickup program they had previously planned. For the time being, we will just have to wait and see if the program will occur.

Joe also reported that he is continuing to pursue a method for pressure washing the sidewalks under I-95, but that so far the estimates he's received have been prohibitively expensive.

The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:14pm

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