NLNA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – March 5, 2018

In Attendance:  Matt R., Steve R., Monika K., Barbara S., Anne W., Don H., Jeremey L., Joe M.,  Donald P., Chris S., Ira U. (A quorum was present.)Minutes were approved by a vote of 9-0-1President’s report (see attachment) the following items are in addition to attached written report:

1. Historical Certification of the St. Agnes church at 4^th& Brown is moving forward. The next step is a meeting with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
2. Plans are being laid for a candidates’ night.
3. The May general meeting will have a “meet your local educators” theme.
4. The online poll regarding the community center fence was confirmed by unanimous vote.

Presidents Report

1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND POLICY
   1. Construction Impacts – Nothing major or persistent at this time.
   2. Waterfront Issues – The next stakeholder on Mark Squilla’s Central Delaware Zoning Overlay bill is slated for March 9. I am guessing this could be the last one before introduction of the bill sometime this spring.
   3. Zoning Issues – No update on the affordable/mixed-income housing bill.
   4. Property Taxes – Mayor Kenney has 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.
   5. Business Improvement District (BID) – The final BID plan was introduced in December by Councilman Squilla on behalf of Council President Clarke. At Clarke’s request we’ve added another public meeting for this Wednesday, March 7 (7PM at the NLNA space). We have a public hearing date in April. Then there will be a 45-day objection period after the committee hearing. If we get through that okay, then the BID is a go.
2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Community Center Yard – We appear to have secured funding for the Fairmount Avenue fence and gate. Details at our meeting. Community Center Mortgage – Any update from the Treasurer. Office Management – Updates from Operations.
3. EVENTS AND OUTREACH General Membership Meetings. The Feb 22 meeting saw a packed house for the US Postal Service agenda item. We have upcoming meetings April 26 (hopefully PA State Rep candidates), and May 24. The April and May meetings also will have NLNA board nomination and elections.

Treasurer’s Report (see attachment) – approved by unanimous voteTREASURER’S REPORT – MARCH 2018

1. 2017-18 Budget: FebruaryFinancials- tables attached

• For the five months ended on February 28^thAll Funds Income was $76,884; this was $3,600 more than projected. All Funds Expenses totaled $138,677, which was $30,600 less than anticipated.  With regard to 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. 
• Although expenses were lower than expected, Current Year All Funds Net Income was still negative – at -$61,800 – although this imbalance was $34,200 smaller than projected. These amounts include about $73,000 in grant expenses outside the General Fund and Liberty Lands.
• 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):   $76,800 -- $3,500 more than anticipated.
2. GF & LL Expenses (rounded): $65,700 -- $3,300 less than anticipated.
3. GF & LL Net Income: $11,100 -- $6,800 more than anticipated.

• Significant variations from budgeted projections through December include:

1. Lower than anticipated income from donations (- $1,700). Corporate and individual donations fell short of expectations.   These shortfalls were more than offset by the Fall Fest, which raised $500 more than anticipated, the Annual Appeal, which is running nearly $200 ahead of projections and Winterfest, which 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. Lower than anticipated expenses for equipment and furnishings (-$900). Expenses for our new alarm system came in below the amount we set aside.
4. Lower than anticipated spending for program services (-$2,250), professional services (-$2,200) and repair and maintenance (-$900).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 $6,400, 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 $30,000, are anticipated to be made in March and April.
• Additional Grants– An application will be submitted to Penn Treaty for funding to install a new fence on Fairmount Avenue. In addition, an application was submitted to PA DCNR for grant funding to help pay for the new fence.  Together, the grant funding will total $34,000 and fully cover the costs of the fence. The State grant was initially offered to us by Senator Farnese a year ago.  In the interim it was reassigned to another State agency and processing was delayed.
• Co-Sponsorship of POPI Grant – Some months ago the Board agreed to co-sponsor a grant application by the Philadelphia Overdose Prevention Initiative (POPI) to the Open Society/Solidago Foundation for funding to address quality of life issues along Girard Avenue tied to the Goldman Methadone Clinic. To our surprise, the grant was awarded to the NLNA, not to POPI.  Over the past month we have been working with POPI and the foundation to clarify our role. We made it very clear that we would only accept the money if our responsibility was limited to financial management, not program operation.  We believe we have finally reached agreement with the foundation to accept our conditions and are waiting to receive paperwork clarifying that.

 Liberty Lands (see attachment)Liberty Lands Report – March 2018Very brief report this month: sorry.The sidewalk/fence project is moving along, albeit slowly.Liz pruned the sour cherry tree in the gardens, and she and Janet got the fence back on the community garden (from where it was removed for chips in January). We will be planting 4 new sour cherry trees this spring (probably in April) within the park itself – these are being dedicated to a neighbor who died in the fall.The first workday of the season will be March 24. We'll be spreading a lot of woodchips in the garden and soggy spots in the park, and there are a variety of other small tasks as well.There will be a dance performance with workshops on World Dance Day (April 29), and it looks like Bread and Puppet Theater will be performing a circus at the park on Sept. 15. Two theater companies are also thinking about performances this year, so the stage is getting some nice use.Election Committee is being formed for the spring election of NLNA officers.Operations (see attachment) the following items are in addition to the written report;

1. The will be a workday set to clean up the basement. Board members are encouraged to participate.
2. A committee was formed to investigate and report on viable options for the flooring in the common space of the community center.
3. The board agreed to allow the residents on the 2^ndfloor to break their lease if they provide two months notice.

NLNA Operations Committee Report – March 5, 2018The NLNA Operations Committee met on February 28, 2018 and we have the following updates to report:Community Center maintenance - we would like to schedule a board volunteer tiddy the basement event followed by happy hour or brunch on a Saturday or Sunday in March. The back door to the yard needs to be replaced because of water damage and recommend  a new door with a window. It was also suggested that we add a security camera or 2 in the yard.Anne is looking into a new floor for the main room which is really showing wear and tear and we hope to add a chair rail with a darker grey bottom and same lighter grey upper.Lara has hired a maintenance man, Nijual who had his first work task last week and everyone was impressed.The committee is working on a Community Center open and close checklist that will be stored on  google for everyone to access when needed. Don is writing a rental survey to be completed by renters and reviewed by the Operations Committee.Barb and Lara have been looking into databases for NLNA office needs.The 2nd floor Apartment renters have asked to be released of their lease a few months early. Their lease is due to end on August 31st, but will be looking to move out around June 30th since they are in the process of purchasing a home. The 3rd floor renter’s lease will expire on April 30, 2019. Zoning Reports (please refer to the attachments for details) actions taken by the Board are as follows:

1. From 2/26 meeting
   1. 848 N. Leithgow St.  — motion to support by Ira, 2^ndby Jeremey, passed unanimously
   2. 628 N. Bodine — motion to support by Don H., 2^ndby Monika, passed unanimously
   3. 626 N. Delaware Ave — this was for information only- no vote needed.
   4. 1143 Germantown Ave — this is a “by right” development- no voted needed.
2. From 2/27 meeting;
   1. 410 Fairmount Ave — the motion from the committee was amended to state ( in item 2) to Loading and unloading will be limited to the inside of the garage. Motioned by Ira, 2^ndby Chris and passed unanimously
   2. 721-25 N. 3^rd St.  — Motion to support by Monika, 2^ndby Ira and passed with a vote of 9-1.

The list of names presented by the committee was approved unanimously by a board vote. It was noted that there are several vacancies and that an effort will be made to recruit additional members.

Old Business

1. Prototypical fencing was demonstrated to and approved by the board. A motion by Monika and 2^ndby Anne to being moving on the fencing project by committing up to $31,000 from the reserve fund for this project. It is expected that funds pending will cover this outlay. This motion passed 9-1.
2. Enhanced Street Cleaning- a discussion around expanding this community service took place and it was referred to Lara for further exploration.
3. Doughboy Park- On may19th will be a dedication ceremony at the site. Details to follow.
4. Work remains to be done on the bridge and some additional signage.

 ADDENDA:Zoning Committee - Monday 2/26/18 Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Christine Furman, Kenny Grono, Chris Isaacson, Joe Mikuliak, Sharon Richman, Jonathan SherMembers absent:  Charlie Abdo, Melissa Magness, Michael Simons, Abbey Spector, Ira Upin848 N. Leithgow Street – RSA5 – Jon Thomas: A return visit with a proposal for a single family dwelling (rear yard/parking refusal).

Motion from January 2018:

Based on the strong consensus of the near neighbors, we oppose the plan as presented. There was no demonstrated hardship for not complying with code requirements.

This proposal did not comply with zoning requirements.  The garage remained in the front of the house.  The rear setback compromise was to increase the previously proposed 6’ setback to 7’ for all floors.

Motion (Joe) - 2nd( Jonathan): Vote  5-0-1

We cannot support the plans as presented.  We cannot support anything less than a 9’ rear setback above the first floor. However, we do support the garage in the front of the house.

628 N. Bodine Street – CMX2 – Rustin Ohler: A proposal for 2 residential units (no commercial), open area.

The rear depth of the lot is per code, but because the lot is irregularly shaped there is a 3% shortage of open space. This is not a commercial street.

Discussion: Neighbor behind would like the pilot house moved from the the north side to the south side of the roof.

Motion (Joe) - 2nd(Christine): Vote  6-0

We support your request to have an entire residential structure instead of one with a commercial first floor with the proviso that the pilot house is moved from the north to the south side of the roof. We do prefer to have a single family structure at this location.

626 N. Delaware Avenue – CMX3 – Michael Mattioni:  A proposal for a multi-use building for car sales and residential.

Motion from January 2014

Thank you for your presentation.  We like the use of the property for a car showroom, a café and multi story apartment building in this area, but we are not prepared to fully support your project at this time.  We need more information about:

• parking (1 guaranteed space for every 2 apartments);
• the number of stories and units as relates to parking availability;
• signage and lighting that does not disturb neighbors;
• the restaurant – number of indoor and outdoor seats, liquor license, hot cooking, etc.;
• car showroom – that it operates only as a showroom and not a full service dealership with repairs, test drives and outdoor lot.

Please return with answers to our questions and further refine the drawings of the building that would be erected and a more defined parking plan for the restaurant and car showroom.  Also, please explore reusing elements of the buildings, such as the façade, in the new building.

Motion from October 2016

We do not support this request under any circumstances.  We have previously rejected this proposed use on January 27, 2014. Additionally, this use does not adhere to what is specified in the Central Delaware Overlay.

The proposed structure is 192’ high (allowed because of unspecified earned bonuses), 15 stories high, car showroom on several floors, 97 residential units above the showroom, residential entrance on Fairmount Avenue, 29 parking spaces for residents, 100 spaces for business use, only valet parking (stacked cars), car entrance on Beach Street, a  bike storage room, roof top deck and community room, gym.  Architect is proposing that the building will be LEED Gold certified.  Hours of car showroom: Monday-Friday 9-9, Saturday 9-6.

SUMMARY: Please return with more information and note the following specified provisos.

• This location is for new car sales only.
• There will be no tractor trailer unloading at this location. (Cars can only be unloaded at 2^ndStreet location and then driven to the showroom.)
• There will be no test drives originating from this location. (Test drives will only begin at 2^ndStreet location.)
• Provide a lighting and signage plan for the property.
• Provide a list of all façade materials that will be used.
• On-street parking cannot be used for car business.
• There must be no less than 29 residential parking spots in the building, but we prefer that 48 residential parking spots be made available.
• Please specify all the things in your proposed plan that will give you the additional height bonuses.
• Finish off the south wall (mural, etc.) so it isn’t a massive blank wall.

1143 Germantown Avenue/1101 N. 2^ndStreet – CMX3 – Tower Investments: CDR (Civic Design Review) – No zoning required for a commercial/residential project.

1197 units in 8 buildings (60’, 90’ and 130’ heights): 40%- studios, 40% - one bedroom units, 20% - 2  and 3 bedroom units (fewer than 30 townhouses).

Our concerns:

• Duplex units on Hancock Street – impact of structure massing and parking on nearby residents
• Hardscaping quality and long term durability (Example: Liberty Walk is eroding)
• Decorative elements - fountains/artwork/sculpture
• Possibility of adding green rooftop(s)
• Specify the environmentally friendly qualities of your design

Zoning Committee - Tuesday 2/27/18 Members present: Joe Mikuliak(acting chair), Christine Furman, Kenny Grono, Chris Isaacson, Sharon RichmanMembers absent:  Larry Freedman (chair), Charlie Abdo, Melissa Magness, Jonathan Sher, Abbey Spector, Ira Upin410 Fairmount Avenue – RSA5 – Ed Fink: A proposal for an office (refusal for multiple main uses and professional office).

An existing building with a garage in the front will be used for a business/professional office.

Discussion: Neighbors did not want customers or workers using the narrow street for loading or parking purposes.

Motion  (Kenny) - 2nd(Christine): Vote  4-0

We support the use of Building B as a business or professional space with the following provisos:

1. Use of the space will be limited to employees working there and customers.
2. Loading and unloading will be limited to the garage, not the street.

721-25 N. 3^rd Street – RSA5 – Alex Duller:  A proposal for a 3-family dwelling.

This involves 2 existing buildings. The northern building will add a third floor over an existing garage to create 2 units. The southern building will be a single family house that will have sole use of the garage in the northern building. Each unit is 38’ high with a roof deck and pilot house.

Discussion: Neighbors did not want a multi-family unit added to the block to increase density, noise and parking problems.

Motion  (Chris) – 2nd(Kenny): Vote 4-0

We cannot support these plans as presented. We prefer that you build by right.

We submit the following names to the NLNA Boardfor reappointment to the Zoning Committee:

• Larry Freedman (Chair)
• Charlie Abdo
• Christine Furman
• Kenny Grono
• Chris Isaacson
• Melissa Magness
• Joe Mikuliak
• Sharon Richman
• Jonathan Sher
• Abbey Spector
• Ira Upin