September NLNA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2024
Board Members present: Jeff Hornstein, President; Barbara Saverino, Vice-President; Cristina Grisanti, Secretary; Janet Finegar; Mariel Lewis; James O’Neil; Matt Ruben; Sung Whang; Francesca Yepikhina; Meesh Zucker;
Board Members not present: Donna Turi, Treasurer, Ryan Carillo; Shakirra Clark; Kevin Wilkins;
Also present: Sydney Rexroad (NLNA Executive Director)
The meeting was called to order by the President at 6:37 p.m.
Motion: By Sung, seconded by Francesca. “To approve the minutes of the August Board meeting as presented.”
Passed - Unanimously
NLNA Leadership Reports
President’s Report: Jeff Hornstein.
The CBA with the building at 2nd and Poplar has been signed regarding their new signage on the 5th floor (“No Libs”)
PTSSD negotiations are in process with new CEO, Exec Committee staying up to date on latest updates and information to ensure we are doing whatever we can to ensure local civics continue to be supported
Treasurer's Report: Donna Turi (not present)
Executive Director’s Report: Sydney Rexroad.
Upcoming Events:
Cannonball (All Month in Liberty Lands)
Book Club (Sept 30)
Board Meet & Greet (Oct 10 - Laser Philly)
Fallfest (Oct 13)
Liberty Lands Trick or Treating (Oct 27 - Membership Committee)
Fallfest has the following lined up: Stage performances, pumpkin bowling, face painting, bobbing for Federal Donuts, toddler play, doggie bobbing, NLNA tent
Need to order merch for FallFest
Board member sign ups needed
Family fun zone sponsor
Sydney focused on fundraising and provided a detailed update
The Lawrence Foundation - Barbara (draft) and Matt (review)
The board to introduce Sydney to potential donors and foundation contacts
Board Discussion
Several ideas discussed regarding ways to generate revenue:
Increased focus and attention on merchandise sales & opportunities for new designs (2nd St Fest devil, Liberty Lands theme, “Northern Liberties”, poop chute stickers, etc.) - Suggested recruit a committee around merchandising
Neighborhood pride month - looking at March or April (already have the easter egg hunt, ideas for having local businesses round up for the month, themed with a NL mascot (bell, tree, TBD)
Round Up Opportunities:
Giant - Jeff
Target - Matt
CVS
McDonalds
Acme (Corp)
Menagerie - Francesca
Yards (Round Up or Signature Beer)
I Love Northern Liberties - Additional ideas:
Give businesses stacks of cards and signage for neighbors to sign up via QR code at the businesses
Board members to recruit additional members
Need to create signage for businesses
NLNA Committees
Project
Playground Renovation Committee -
ongoing fundraising planning, training on Monday, 9/23
Functional
BID Liaison - No update other than the message agreed upon in the previous board meeting had been communicated.
Community Center Operations - Status Report
Looking for snow removal contractors and keeping our contractor/servicing list (painters, plumbers, etc.)
Liberty Lands Committee - Francesca has been working to ensure that cars are not parking in the crosswalk nor blocking the garbage access for pick up
Zoning Committee - September Minutes
Motion: By Matt, seconded by Francesca. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of: '1001 N. 2nd St. - CMX2.5 - Jessica Simms'”
Passed Unanimously
Election Committee
Motion: By Jeff, seconded by Francesca. “To authorize the Election Committee to postpone the special election for the one vacant board seat until the next general May election'.”
Passed Unanimously
NL Action Committee - No report
Impact
Clean Streets & Beautification - Dough Boy Workday (Janet/Liz), Your Fav Trash Guy (support clean up day)
Community Engagement / Membership - Liberty Lands Trick or Treating
Public Safety & Transportation - Met with Councilman Squilla to discuss current construction issues and safety concerns
Old Business
None
New Business
Suggestion to Liberty Lands tree tenders as to which branches should be removed to improve safety
The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:01 p.m.