NLNA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – April 2, 2018

 PRESENT: Matt Ruben, President; Barbara Mulckhuyse, Vice-President; Steve Richman, Treasurer; Janet Finegar, Secretary;  Monika Kreidie; Jeremy Lindemann; Joe Mikuliak; Don Phillips; Chris Somers; Ira Upin.ABSENT: Michael Coyne; Donald Hoegg; Ben Mann; Barbara Saverino; Anne Waginger. ALSO PRESENT: Claire AdlerThe meeting was called to order by the President at 7:05 p.m.Motion: By Monika Kreidie, seconded by Chris Somers:“To approve the minutes of the March Board meeting as presented.”  Passed 8-0-1NLNA President’s Report, March 2018

1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND POLICY

• Construction Impacts – Nothing major or persistent at this time.
• Waterfront Issues – The last stakeholder meeting on Mark Squilla’s Central Delaware Zoning Overlay bill was March 9. At this point, I don’t know if he’ll move the bill forward this spring, or wait until next fall.
• Property Taxes/City Budget – Mayor Kenney proposed a 6% hike as part of a package to full close a $980 million funding need for the School District over the next five years. No update beyond that at this time.
• Business Improvement District (BID) – The March 7 meeting with Council President Clarke went very well. The City Countil hearing is Monday (April 9), and then begins the 45-day objection period. So around Memorial Day weekend we will know if we can have the BID or not. *** PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD: Owner-occupied residences within the BID are 100%
• EXEMPT from any assessment/payment requirement. ***

2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

• Community Center Yard – Details at our meeting.
• Community Center Mortgage – Update from the Treasurer.
• Office Management – Updates from Operations.

3. EVENTS AND OUTREACH

• General Membership Meetings. April 26 is Candidates Night for the 175th PA legislative district, and for the new 2nd US Congressional District – and also NLNA Board nominations. We will be having a separate Candidates Night on May 3, for the 181st PA district, co-sponsored with South Kensington Community Partners and other local groups, held at Al-Aqsa
• Islamic Society space at 4th & Jefferson.

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

Motion: By Barb Mulckhuyse, seconded by Jeremy Lindemann. “To ratify any and all Board polls taken during the past month.”  Passed 9-0-0Treasurer's Report: Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed.TREASURER’S REPORT – APRIL 2018

1. 2017-18 Budget: March Financials - tables attached

• For the six months ended on March 31st All Funds Current Year Income was $88,200; this was $5,000 more than projected. All Funds Expenses totaled $161,700, which was $18,400 less than anticipated. 
• When we add in prior year funds (mostly grant funds), which total $95,000, income rises to $183,200, yielding a positive balance of $21,500.  This is $4,600 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):  $86,800 -- $5,000 more than anticipated.
  2. GF & LL Expenses (rounded):  $76,000 -- $3,300 less than anticipated.
  3. GF & LL Net Income:  $10,800 -- $8,200 more than anticipated.
• Significant variations from budgeted projections through December include:

1. Higher than expected income from fundraising activities (+$1,800 net). The Annual Appeal and Fall Fest each raised $500 more than anticipated and Winterfest raised almost $2,200 more than anticipated.
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. Higher than expected income from renting community center space (+$700).
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 (-$2,700), professional services (-$3,500) and repair and maintenance (-$2,100).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.
• Capital Grant from PTSSD – Work continued on the construction of the pavilion and the surrounding landscaping. In total, more than $71,000 has been spent on yard work since October 1, 2017, almost $110,000 in total.  Additional disbursements, totaling about $25,000, are anticipated to be made in April and May.
• Additional Grants – An application was submitted to Penn Treaty for funding to install a new fence on Fairmount Avenue. A decision by Penn Treaty is expected later this month.  In addition, an application was submitted to PA DCNR for grant funding to help pay for the new fence.  The grant is being facilitated by Senator Farnese’s office. Together, the grant funding will total $34,000 and fully cover the costs of the fence. 

Motion: By Monika Kreidie, seconded by Don Phillips.“To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”  Passed 9-0-0 Liberty Lands Committee Report: Janet Finegar: written report attached and reviewed.April 2018 Liberty Lands Report

• The March 24 workday was pretty successful despite less than ideal weather in the week before. We got a giant pile of compost moved around the park, and a bunch got spread on public gardens, trees, the City Harvest plots, and the Edible Forest. Other accomplishments: we spread some wood chips in the community gardens path (more left to spread!); laid a brick alleyway in Laurel Annex; repaired a wheelbarrow and made plans for overhauling and organizing our wheelbarrow stock; organized the old shed a bit; made plans for seed organization for City Harvest; picked up tons of trash, including some awful problematic stuff; put a ton of rubble and woodchips down the sinkhole in the Ianotti's plot; and identified five “trees” (some dead, some nearly dead, some just totally non-productive) in the gardens to be removed.
• Seth tossed the compost pile from hell in the evening and pulled out a large pile of brush from it. In a few weeks, when it's dried out some, we will have a bonfire to get rid of it (and the last few xmas trees). The rest can keep composting for a while. There's a huge pile of big rocks at the compost pile that also need to be moved around to their final destinations. Anyone who wants some: they're fair game.
• Reservations for the spring have begun to pour in.
• The Farmer's Market is scheduled to begin on April 7 with some greens and a few vendors. Please help support our neighbors and friends at the market!
• April 21 will be the next workday: sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Company, who is giving us money for the park as well as refreshments for the workday. Come enjoy!
• April 29 is a free dance performance and workshops at the park for World Dance Day.
• June 2 will be the Spring Music Festival.
• We've hired Julie Stone as our weeder for the season: she'll do around 3 hours a week of weeding around the outside of the community garden through the warm months and (let's hope!) that will keep that area significantly more under control.

Operations Committee Report: Monika Kreidie:New office hours have begun and will be posted at the office and website soon. Jeremy has a draft of a new rental agreement nearly ready to go.Zoning Committee Report: Ira Upin; written report attached and reviewed.Motion: By Monika Kreidie, seconded by Janet Finegar. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 447 Poplar Street, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We cannot support 5 units at this location. We can only support 3 units with 2 bedrooms in each unit. Additionally, there must be commercial trash pick-up for these units. Use of the backyard for restaurant purposes requires a return to the NLNA Zoning Committee for approval.'”  Passed: 9-0-0Motion: By Joe Mikuliak, seconded by Jeremy Lindemann. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1102-34 N. Germantown Avenue, i.e.: 'We support the project as presented with a maximum height of 58’ with a 6” maximum for the parapet. We would like to understand the differentiation of the materials between the two buildings. Additionally, we prefer to have the utilities underground.'”  Passed: 9-0-0Motion: By Barb Mulckhuyse, seconded by Don Phillips. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1102 N. 2^ndStreet, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We appreciate the changes that were made.'”  Passed: 9-0-0 Motion: By Don Phillips, seconded by Monika Kreidie.“To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 863 N. 5th Street, i.e.: 'We support this project as presented for use only as open space with the proviso that any change in use will require a new application.'”  Passed: 9-0-0Motion: By Barb Mulckhuyse, seconded by Monika Kreidie. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 501 Brown Street, i.e.: 'We support this project as presented with the proviso that the parapet wall on Brown Street is moved back 5 feet.'”  Passed: 9-0-0 Motion: By Barb Mulckhuyse, seconded by Joe Mikuliak. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 705 N. 3rd Street, i.e.: 'We support this project as presented with the following provisos: 1) This will be used as a professional office and not for business or retail purposes. 2) There will be a maximum of 2 employees and 2 customers at any given time. 3) Hours of operation will be 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.'”  Passed: 9-0-0Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Monika Kreidie. “To ratify the recommendation of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 302 Poplar Street (including 3rd Street through to Orianna Street), i.e.: 'We will not support single-family townhouse buildings over 38' feet. Please maintain the horizontal glass along the bottom and top of the 5-story façade on 3rd Street. The narrowness of the windows on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors along 3rd Street and the top floor of the single houses over-emphasizes the height of the buildings and seems institutional and claustrophobic. Additional parking spaces could be provided through stacking cars or by providing below-grade parking. The use of solar options should be investigated. Please provide a shadow study to show the impact on Orianna Hill Park.'”  Passed: 9-0-0Don Phillips suggested that the Community Center should have a lot-line map of Northern Liberties to use for reference during meetings. Don will ask Larry Freedman and Ken Grono to contact the Planning Commission to request a printout for the neighborhood.Old BusinessDon Phillips reported that PTSSD provided a sponsorship grant for the June 2 Music Festival.Ira Upin updated the Board on the yard project. A few pieces of the project remain to finish, including putting the aluminum panels onto the pavilion cover.Barbara Saverino sent word that she is arranging the May 19^thdedication for the re-installation of the statue at Madison Memorial park.New BusinessMonika Kreidie and Joe Mikuliak reiterated that the NLNA needs a marketing plan. It was agreed that we need a Board member to take this on as a project (and a hope that a new Board member might be interested).The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:18 p.m.Addenda:Zoning Committee - Monday 3/26/18Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Charlie Abdo, Christine Furman, Kenny Grono, Melissa Magness, Joe Mikuliak, Sharon Richman, Ira Upin      Members absent:  Chris Isaacson, Jonathan Sher, Michael Simons, Abbey Spector,447 Poplar Street – RSA5 – Richard DeMarco: A proposal to relocate lot lines for a five unit building above restaurant (multi-family not allowed in RSA5, rear yard, open space). Proposes 3- 2 bedroom apartments and 2-1 bedroom apartments.  Exact square footage of each apartment could not be determined. Discussion: Apartments are too small to encourage long term residency.Motion (Ira) - 2nd (Melissa): Vote  7-0-0   Thank you for your presentation.  We cannot suport 5 units at this location.  We can only support 3 units with 2 bedrooms in each unit.  Additionally, there must be commercial trash pick-up for these units. Use of the backyard for restaurant purposes requires a return to the NLNA Zoning Committee for approval.1102-34 N. Germantown Avenue – CMX2.5 – David Orphanides – Zoning and CDR: A proposal for a 67 unit residential building(refusal for no commercial first floor, rear yard and height). Height request is for 58’ + 6” parapet with no pilot houses (as opposed to permitted 55’ high + 42” parapet + pilot houses).  No commercial space is planned along American Street.   Commerical space is limited to Germantown Avenue (>4,000 sq. ft.). There re 21 parking stalls and 21 bike spaces.  The small park at the corner is open to the public.Group Motion: Vote  7-0-0    We support the project as presented with a maximum height of 58’ with a 6” maximum for the parapet. We would like to understand the differentiation of the materials between the two buildings.  Additionally, we prefer to have the utilities underground.1102 N. 2nd Street – David Orphanides:  A return visit for the CDR presentation (civic design review – zoning already approved). The exterior design aesthetics changed and the number of units was reduced from 110 to 84.  There are 37 parking stalls (only 20 required). Commercial space is on the corners of 2nd and Girard and 2nd and Germantown.  Exterior is red brick. There are no pilot houses. Discussion: Concessions were made.Group Motion:  Vote 7-0-0    Thank you for your presentation.  We appreciate the changes that were made. Zoning Committee - Tuesday 3/27/18 Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Charlie Abdo, Christine Furman, Chris Isaacson, Melissa Magness, Joe Mikuliak, Sharon Richman, Abbey Spector, Ira Upin Members absent:  Kenny Grono, Jonathan Sher863 N. 5th Street – RSA5 – Chris Widell:  A proposal to subdivide 1 lot into 2 for use as an open space (lot size).Motion (Melissa) - 2nd (Ira): Vote  8-0-0    We support this project as presented for use only as open space with the proviso that any change in use will require a new application.501 Brown Street – RSA5 – Jim Robertson:  A proposal for a single-family dwelling with parking (parking prohibited). House is 34’8” high with a roof deck and pilot house. The garage is front-loaded on Brown Street where every house on the block has a front-loaded garage. House entrance is on 5th Street. Façade materials: brick veneer and shiplap concrete panels.Discussion:  Neighbors did not want to lose the green space on the corner or a modern looking house adjacent to their more traditional houses in that part of the neighborhood. Neighbors had no issue with the garage on Brown Street.Motion (Melissa) - 2nd (Christine): Vote 7-1-0   We support this project as presented with the proviso that the parapet wall on Brown Street is moved back 5 feet.705 N. 3rd Street – RSA5 – James Charles:  A proposal for a first floor office use in a 2 residential unit building (office not allowed).  Discussion:  A nearby neighbor was concerned about the potential for noise.Group Motion: Vote  8-0-0  We support this project as presented with the following provisos: 1) This will be used as a professional office and not for business or retail purposes; 2) There will be a maximum of 2 employees and 2 customers at any given time; 3) Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.302 Poplar Street (including 3rd Street through to Orianna Street) – CMX2 – Herc Grigos:  A proposal for townhouses, residential building, parking and corner commercial space.  13 @ 4-story single houses w/one car garage and roof deck – 10 along Poplar Street, 3 along Orianna Street. 5-story structure with 25 units; Height - 57’; roof deck (3,000 sq feet), 21,000 sq feet commercial space on 1st floor along 3rd Street; commercial trash pickup; single elevator. 13 parking spaces for 25 units. Green roof on 5-story building; compressors on roof. Façade Materials: corrugated metal, standing seam metal, split-faced cinder blocks. 2’ x 9’ windows on 5-story building. 2’ x 7’ windows on top floor of single family housesCommittee Consensus:  General concern about the height of houses on Orianna and Poplar Streets. Prefer 38’ high houses. Maintain the horizontal glass along the bottom and top of the 5-story façade on 3rd Street. The narrowness of the windows on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors along 3rd Street and the top floor of the single houses over-emphasizes the height of the buildings and seem institutional, and claustrophobic. Additional parking spaces could be provided through stacking cars or by providing below-grade parking. The use of solar options should be investigated.