BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES – Meeting of May 7, 2018

PRESENT: Matt Ruben, President;  Steve Richman, Treasurer; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Michael Coyne; Donald Hoegg; Monika Kreidie; Jeremy Lindemann; Ben Mann; Joe Mikuliak; Barbara Saverino; Ira Upin; Anne Waginger. ABSENT: Barbara Mulckhuyse, Vice-President; Don Phillips; Chris Somers.The meeting was called to order by the President at 7:05 p.m.Motion: By Jeremy Lindemann, seconded by Monika Kreidie:“To approve the minutes of the April Board meeting as presented.”  Passed: 9-0-1NLNA President’s Report, May 2018

1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND POLICY

• Construction Impacts – Nothing major or persistent at this time.
• Waterfront Issues – No update on the Central Delaware Overlay amendment bill process. The major issue most recently is the proposal for a WaWa with gas station at Front and Spring Garden, but that will be covered in the Zoning Committee report.
• Property Taxes/City Budget – Some neighbors are very upset about OPA’s 2019 reassessments. We have been providing assistance to some who are filing First-level Review requests. I am hoping to schedule 1-2 “office hours” in the NLNA office during mid-May, so interested neighbors can walk in and get help.
• Business Improvement District (BID) – May 24 is the end of the 45-day objection period. Any updates or details at our meeting.

2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

• Community Center Yard – The Penn Treaty SSD has awarded us our requested $20,000 grant for the Fairmount Ave fence. We are still awaiting $14,000 in state funds and anticipate that very soon.
• Community Center Mortgage – Update from the Treasurer.
• Office Management/Oversight – This will be discussed in the Operations Committee report, and in Old or New Business.

3. EVENTS AND OUTREACH

• General Membership Meetings. The April 26 meeting was well-attended and full of content: 175th District Candidates, PA Senator Larry Farnese, NLNA board nominations Water Dept. update on stormwater ugrade to Rec Center playground area, and an in-depth discussion and Q&A with representatives from OPA. May 24 is NLNA board elections and principals from several area schools.
• The 181st District Candidates Night on May 3, co-sponsored with South Kensington Community Partners and the Arab American CDC, was sparsely attended, primarily due to another forum for the same candidates at the same time. We did, however, get to meet and talk with the candidates, and the handful of area residents present got an up close and personal opportunity to pose questions and receive detailed answers.

4. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY

• No significant changes from last month’s report.

5. OTHER ITEMS

• Board Polls – Ratification of any online or online board polls since last month’s board meeting ($500 for No Circular Sticker order)

Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Jeremy Lindeman:“To ratify any and all Board polls taken in the last month.”  Passed: 11-0-0Treasurer's Report: Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed. TREASURER’S REPORT – MAY 2018

1. 2017-18 Budget: April Financials

• For the seven months ended on April 30th All Funds Current Year Income was $99,114; this was about $3,800 more than projected. All Funds Expenses totaled $182,501, which was $11,900 less than anticipated. 
• When we add in prior year funds (mostly grant funds), which total $104,000, income rises to $203,100, yielding a positive balance of $20,600. This is $3,800 more than anticipated. 
• With regard to ALL Funds Expenses, the budget projected that most of the costs of the yard project would be paid by this point. Schedule delays have slowed those expenditures, which are being paid from prior year PTSSD grant funds.
• Excluding grant fund activity yields a more accurate representation of our financial position.Thus, if we limit the calculation to income and expenses from the General Fund and Liberty Lands accounts, our financial position after the first three months of the fiscal year is as follows:
  1. GF & LL Income (rounded): $97,700 -- $3,700 more than anticipated.
  2. GF & LL Expenses (rounded): $88,700 -- $4,500 less than anticipated.
  3. GF & LL Net Income: $9,000 -- $8,200 more than anticipated.
• Significant variations from budgeted projections through December include:

1. Higher than expected income from donations and fundraising activities (+$1,800 net). The Annual Appeal (+$800), Fall Fest (+$500) and Winterfest (+$2,200) each raised significantly more than anticipated. These were partially offset by shortfalls in corporate contributions for Clean Streets and income from recycling initiatives.
2. Higher than expected grant income (+$3,350). A grant from Penn Treaty for tree chipping ($2,100) and a larger than anticipated grant for Winterfest (+$1,300) account for the difference.
3. Lower than expected income from space rentals (community center: -$200; Liberty Lands:-$500) and user fees ($-750).
4. Lower than anticipated expenses for equipment and furnishings (-$800). Expenses for our new alarm system came in below the amount we set aside.
5. Lower than anticipated spending for program services (-$3,000), professional services (-$2,600) and repair and maintenance (-$2,700).This difference is almost entirely due to slow billing (mostly Clean Streets) and seasonality. 

• While lower spending in the above and several other categories totaled about $9,000, spending for other items such as utilities, signage, inspections, lighting and alarm monitoring partially offset this total.

1. Other Items

• NLNA Mortgage – Discussions were held with BB&T Bank over the past several months about the possibility of converting our existing adjustable rate mortgage (with 11 years, 8 months remaining) to a 10-year fixed rate mortgage. As a result of these discussions the bank offered us this option under terms deemed favorable to us.  The Finance Committee recommended that we accept the bank’s offer and the Board concurred.  The new loan has yet to be finalized, though, pending an update of the appraisal.
• Existing Capital Grant from PTSSD – Work continued on the construction of the pavilion and the surrounding landscaping. In total, nearly $80,000 has been spent on yard work since October 1, 2017, $117,000 in total.  Additional disbursements, totaling about $20,000, are anticipated to be made in May and June.
• New Grants – Our grant application to Penn Treaty for $20,000 to install a new fence on Fairmount Avenue was approved in April. A check will be issued later this month.  In addition, our application to the PA DCNR for $14,000 in grant funding to help pay for the new fence is in processing.  The grant, facilitated by Senator Farnese’s office, is expected to be approved this month.  Together, the grant funding will total $34,000 and fully cover the costs of the fence. 

Motion: By Barbara Saverino, seconded by Don Hoegg. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”  Passed 11-0-0 Election Committee Report: Don HoeggTwo nominees other than returning Board members who have accepted, and several Board members do not intend to return. The committee continues to work toward the election on May 24. Liberty Lands Committee Report: Janet Finegar.Janet gave a brief update on the park, including that there were two workdays in April that were successful, and the usual programs of the summer (City Harvest, the Farmers' Market, party reservations, and the garden plots) are all underway and going well. Another workday will be held on May 19, and it will include an electronics recycling collection. June 2 is the Spring Music Festival – as usual, we need volunteers. On a related note, the Plant Sale was extremely successful, netting at least $3,800 and providing a great opportunity for people to see the Community Center yard. Membership Committee Report: Michael Coyne.There is a new neighbor meet-and-greet scheduled for Wednesday, May 30. Operations Committee Report: Monika Kreidie.A basement cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, May 20. Monika thanked everyone in advance for their participation. Zoning Committee Report: Ira Upin; written report attached and reviewed.Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Michael Coyne. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 980 N. 5th Street, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We cannot support a variance for a duplex at this location. We only support a single family home.'”  Passed: 11-0-0 Motion: By Don Hoegg, seconded by Monika Kreidie. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 721-25 N. 3rd Street, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We cannot support this project in an RSA5 zone as proposed. Build 2 single family homes by right.'”  Passed: 11-0-0Motion: By Joe Mikuliak, seconded by Don Hoegg. “The NLNA position is to not support the gas pumps at the Front and Spring Garden location.”  Passed: 8-1-2Old BusinessIra reported that the schedule from the metalworkers is that the roof will be completed by May 16^th. After that, the stone finds can be put in to replace the gravel. Fence replacement is scheduled to begin on Friday. The hope is that it will all be done in time for Kieran Timberlake's celebration of it on June 8. Steve raised that we need to create a plaque to recognize the donors for the project. Ira further pointed out that the Operations Committee needs to be certain that there is a person doing trash cleaning there regularly and a set of rules for renters to prevent them from damaging the property.New BusinessMatt reported that Barb Mulckhuyse, our current Vice President, is moving out of the neighborhood in the near future. He noted the precedent established in the past that Board members moving away are allowed to serve out their terms but are not eligible to run for another term after moving. The Board affirmed this.Motion: By Monika Kreidie, seconded by Anne Waginger. “That the NLNA change its check signing policy to say that checks may be signed by any two members of the Executive Committee.”  Passed 11-0-0Janet raised the issue of accepting donation of Leo Razzi's bench; the Board enthusiastically agreed and felt that in front of the Community Center would be a good location. Janet will coordinate with the representatives of Leo's estate.For the final issue of new business, the affected Board member was asked to step outside of the meeting.Monika reported to the Board that the Executive Committee approved lowering the rent of the (currently empty) 2^ndfloor apartment to $1,350 to bring it in line with comparable apartments in the neighborhood and also to keep it appropriately affordable (as per the NLNA's mission).Monika continued by proposing that the NLNA establish a part-time position, similar to a superintendent, for the Community Center, compensated at $200 a month through either payment or rent reduction. The person doing that job would be responsible for some maintenance and upkeep of the building itself and monitoring of rental uses of the center and the yard.Motion: By Ira Upin, seconded by Steve Richman. “The NLNA should reduce the rent for the 2^ndfloor apartment no more than to $1,500 and to $1,600 for the 3^rdfloor.”Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Steve Richman. “To table the motion.”  Passed 10-1-0After some discussion, it was agreed that the Board needs to review comparable apartment rents in the neighborhood in order to make an informed decision about what the rent should be. In addition, the Board requested data about comparable and appropriate salaries for the position and a draft job description for that position or for anyone paid to open and close the center for rentals. The Operations Committee was asked to provide that data before the next meeting if possible. As a final issue, the question was raised whether it is necessary to publicly advertise small-scale (and/or highly sensitive) jobs.The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:49 p.m.Addenda:Doughboy Statue Restoration DedicationSaturday, May 19  10:00 AMMadison Park, 2nd & Spring Garden

• Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) in conjunction with the Friends of the Doughboy continue to work on the restoration and maintenance of the park located at 2nd & Spring Garden Streets. The restoration of Over the Top, the WWI Doughboy statue in Madison Park, at 2nd and Spring Garden Streets is finished. The work included creating and attaching a missing bayonet as well as a missing plaque (with 400 names of those who served) making the statue complete once again.
• The renovation would not have been possible without the generous financial support of Penn Treaty Special Services District, Transport Workers Union Local 234, our elected officials and neighborhood friends. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Cuture and the Creative Economy and Kensington Memorial AMVETS have also been supporters of this project.
• Invitations have been sent to Penn Treaty Special Servcies DIstrict, City Office Of Art..., Restoration folks, Transport Workers, Amvets, Councilman Squilla, Rep. Brady and Mary Dankanis. Request for RSVP by May 14.
• Event and information is on website, included in NLNA weekly email and Facebook. Will contact newspaper that covered us in the past. Did outreach to city regarding the final cost and make sure we are good with deliverables for PTSSD grant. Waiting on feedback from DIGSAU (origiinal firm who worked on plan for park) to get thoughts on path/walkway. Then I will follow up on request to NLNA - we had talked about NLNA support at previous Board meeting.
• Next steps: work on agenda, who is speaking. A/V needs? Should we have some light food - coffee and pastry? Next steps for ongoing support of park and needs. Please let me know if there are questions and/or concerns or things I have missed.

 Zoning Committee - Monday 4/30/18 Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Charlie Abdo, Christine Furman, Kenny Grono, Chris Isaacson, Joe Mikuliak, Sharon Richman, Abbey Spector, Ira Upin      Members absent:  Melissa Magness, Jonathan Sher980 N. 5th Street –  RSA5 – Joe Beller: A return visit with a proposal for 2 residential units. Motion from January 2017Thank you for your presentation. We cannot support a variance for a multi-family home at this location. Several near neighbors attended the meeting and felt the block was best served by 980 N 5th remaining a single family home. The plans show a new 3 story structure in place of an existing 2 story structure to be demolished. This addition is shown built out to the party line on the 2nd and 3rd floors. This would negatively impact the light and air of the adjacent neighbors as well as the occupants of the proposed apartments. We do not support the reduction of open space below the required amount. The existing density of houses and apartments on the 900 block of North Fifth already exceeds the available parking. A single family home converted to apartments would further exacerbate this problem. The current proposal is to maintain the current structure and footprint and create a 2-family duplex.  The owners claim a financial hardship to maintain it as a single family residence. The house, which was purchased two years ago, has remained unoccupied and the exterior has fallen into disrepair. Discussion: The house is too small to split into 2 residences.  The 2 and 3 bedroom units proposed provide virtually no living space.Motion (Ira) - 2nd (Charlie): Vote 7-0-0   Thank you for your presentation. We cannot support a variance for a duplex at this location.  We only support a single family home.721-25 N. 3rd Street – RSA5 – Alex Duller/David Orphanides: A return visit with a proposal for a multi-family dwelling with parking. Motion from February 2018  Thank you for your presentation. We cannot support a variance for a multi-family home at this location. The new proposal includes the addition of a second parking space (using a mechanical stack) and shifting the pilot house away from the homes in the rear.  The consolidated property is further from the rear house than before but it still doesn’t comply with rear yard requirements. Discussion: Neighbors living on Bodine Street felt were concerned about the encroachment into their back yards and the loss of light and air.Motion (Joe) – 2nd (Ira): Vote  8-0-0    Thank you for your presentation.  We cannot support this project in an RSA5 zone as proposed.  Build 2 single family homes by right.79-99 Spring Garden Street (Front and Spring Garden) – CMX3 – Carl Primavera:  A proposal for a parking garage and Super Wawa (with gas pumps). Parking on this site is required to replace the lost parking on Festival Pier for the office building at Spring Garden and Columbus Boulevard. The garage would provide 350 spaces of which 250 spaces are dedicated to the office building staff. Wawa would be located on the first floor of the garage, however Wawa requires the addition of gas pumps as a condition of leasing the space.  Without Wawa as a tenant, the required parking would be provided on a flat lot. Discussion: The large turnout objected to extra traffic that would be created on Spring Garden Street and lack of consideration for what the neighborhood thought would be a desirable tenant.Attendee Consensus:  The group overwhelmingly voted to deny any support for gas pumps.