Minutes August 10, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting: August 10, 2010

Called to order 6:15 p.m.

PRESENT: *Walter Kroll (Pres.), *Tony Anthony (VicePres.), *Frank Buntin, *Chip Gorra, *Ed Kelly *Jesse Lederman, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, (Clerk/Secy.), *Gregory A Hession, *Ben Swan Jr., Judy Blair, LeRoy Blair, Elizabeth Lederman, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)

10 Board members present; Board members not present: *Katie Foster, *Arthur Jones, *Donna Jordan, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Marianne Winters (Treas.),

Guests: Sgt. James Brown, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept.; Pete Merzbacher, UMass urban gardening; Lonnie E. Ryans, Springfield Public Schools; Michael Tully, Springfield Parks Dept.; Laurie Williams, Springfield College student

 PRESENTATION: Mike Tully, Parks Dept., reported on status of Rebecca M Johnson School playground project, distributed plan drawings. Bids open Aug. 25, ground-breaking in Oct, completion in May or June 2011. RMJ School will have first use; public use to be worked out between the school and parks dept. Carly Youngblood (Capital Assets) is more familiar with the project, MT will ask her to attend a future MNC meeting. LS noted that the grant requires $30,000 to be raised by the community.

NEW BUSINESS: Robin Taimanglo, 34 Westminster St., bought next-door lot from city, will attend Sept. MNC meeting to describe proposed use.

 PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Walter Kroll):

 Asked that members work things out in committee and report to the full board, so that this meeting will be for sharing of ideas, receiving or inquiring about information from the City, businesses for review, and homeowners’ concerns.

 Committees: Asked that every board member serve on at least one committee. This year’s committees will be as follows:

• CODE/HOUSING – Tony Anthony, Chair; Denise Moccia, Greg Hession, Jesse Lederman
• YOUTH – Jesse Lederman, Chair; Frank Buntin, Arthur Jones, Walter Kroll
• FINANCE/FUNDRAISING – Marianne Winters, Chair; Greg Hession
• PUBLIC SAFETY – Walter Kroll, Chair; Ben Swan Jr., Ed Kelly, Jesse Lederman
• COMMUNICATIONS – Marianne Winters, Chair; Donna Jordan, Chip Gorra
• GOOD NEIGHBOR/ WELCOME – Ceil Lewonchuk
• AD HOC committees: HEALTH & GREENSPACE – Katie Foste
• TRAIL & M.S.LIBRARY – Liz Stevens

 Suggested that MNC honor those people who served on the council in the past as part of our agenda at each meeting.
 Announced that MNC policy regarding applicants for permits, waivers, etc., will now be handled by the Vice President to find out information and identify any questions before that person comes before this council; this procedure will save time at the public meeting and will be a pro-active effort rather than passive reliance on the applicant. The procedure and application will be published on the website; there will be time given to the Vice President to gather information before such applicant is placed on an agenda for hearing before this board.
 Hiring administrative staff: KW will write an ad and send it to MNC email list; check cost of ad in newspapers; Hiring committee will be WK, TA and MW.
 SECRETARY’S REPORT (Liz Stevens, Kat Wright, staff): Minutes of Board Meeting, July 13, 2010: TA moved to accept; JL seconded. Motion passed.
 TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas., not present): No report at this time. TA moved to table discussion of the treasurer’s report until such time as the board can review said report; BS seconded. Motion passed.
 OLD BUSINESS:
o BLOCK PARTY: Set Saturday, Sept. 18; Rain date Sept. 25; Organizing committee is Chip Gorra, Walter Kroll, Elizabeth Lederman.
o D.A. CANDIDATE FORUM: All 6 candidates have agreed to participate; confirmed date Aug. 24, from 7:oo to 8:30 pm, at Sprague auditorium, AIC; KW will write and send out press release; Craig Greenberg, PR head at AIC would like copy of any MNC publicity sent to him; MNC ad hoc committee to make final arrangements.
REPORTS:
 YOUTH COUNCIL (Jesse Lederman, Chair): JL reported MNYC work to oppose the toxic incinerator includes surveys, postcard petitions, calls to Governor’s office, press conference tomorrow (Aug. 11) at City Hall, asking City Council to revoke its permit (granted 2 years ago); JL said he would be speaking at the press conference for the MNYC.
• BS moved that MNC oppose the building of the Springfield incinerator plant; DM seconded. Discussion: members cited high rates of asthma and serious concern that such a plant would be toxic; JL offered a friendly amendment, which BS accepted, worded thus: that MNC oppose the incinerator proposed by Palmer Renewable Energy or any similar construction/demolition waste incinerator. Motion passed unanimously.
• To follow up, WK will write a letter from the MNC board to City Council asking them to revoke the permit, in light of further information on the nature of the project. MNC will send a press release out to state our opposition to the incinerator.
 PUBLIC SAFETY (Walter Kroll, Chair):
• We have T-shirts for Neighborhood Watch; WK recognized Sgt. James Brown as the backbone of Neighborhood Watch; proposed combining Neighborhood Watch and SPD Beat Team Management meetings to leverage resources, save time and effort for residents
• Noted petty theft on rise in McKnight; empty houses should be boarded and secured, break-ins reported and followed up; will ask for city list of bank-owned properties, city ordinance that property manager has to live within 5 minutes to maintain it;
• Still need street captains and active neighborhood walks to be a visible presence; urged that violations be reported, after 15 minutes call again and ask for watch commander; follow up with WK and Sgt. Brown; Never had an issue not addressed.
 HOUSING/ CODE (Denise Moccia, Chair):
• Wondered if next step on 111 Dartmouth Terr. (since we have received no reply from owner to our letter) would be reporting to Code Enforcement via their website.
• CG reported trash build-up at Westminster & State, at Family Dollar, Subway, McDonalds – this is the business’s responsibility to clean up; can be reported; EK reported he delivered a bag of McDonalds trash collected on his lawn to McDonalds, he also set up 2 trash bins on the island across from his house, but one was stolen.
• CG reported overgrown yard at Westminster and Bay; City has secured the building, next step is City’s “clean and lien” as this is one of 1000 properties city has to get to.
• KW suggested establishing an ad hoc committee to push for a city-wide anti-litter campaign; TA urged effort to get City Council to start a public service campaign against littering through education and working with business owners so they don’t leave the neighborhood; FB agreed it is an education process for kids and adults
• BS moved that MNC offer a letter to the neighborhood councils, the City, Mayor’s office, School Dept., DPW, City Council, etc. to bring to fruition an anti-litter campaign; WK seconded. Discussion: CG offered to produce an ad video. Motion passed.
 MASON SQUARE LIBRARY (Liz Stevens, Chair): Window display of furniture being purchased and plan drawings of the new children’s area to be built once the Urban League moves out; UL sign cannot legally be removed until the tenant is out of the building; Library Dept. still plans to re-open in November 2010.
 RAIL TRAIL/ RMJ PLAYGROUND (Liz Stevens, Chair): Looking at a couple of grant sources, MSHTF wants coalitions to apply for only two grant opportunities according the Springfield Partners; MNC is looking for collaborators including Gasoline Alley and Gardening the Community garden on Albany St.; at Saturday meeting, will identify further potential collaborators; grant application is due sometime in October.
 COMMUNICATIONS (Marianne Winters, Chair): Fall newsletter due out Sept. 15, theme is housing and economics.
 FINANCE & FUND RAISING (Marianne Winters, Treas.): MW not present; no report.
NEW BUSINESS (Open to floor):
o Litter: Sgt. Brown will ask that Sheriff’s Dept. cleaning crew be tasked to clean up litter in McKnight
o Humanics in Action, Springfield College annual student neighborhood service project: LS asks that MNC pick a project ASAP so she can contact Springfield College, WK will coordinate on the day; Date is probably Thursday, Sept. 23 or 30.
8:00 pm ADJOURNMENT: JL moved to adjourn, DM seconded. Motion passed.

 

 

 

Minutes July 13, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council
Board Meeting: July 13, 2010
Called to order 6:10 p.m.
PRESENT: *Gregory A Hession (Pres.), *Katie Foster, *Donna Jordan, *Ed Kelly *Walter Kroll (VicePres.), *Jesse Lederman, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, *Ben Swan Jr. (Clerk/Secy.), *Marianne Winters (Treas.), Tony Anthony, Frank Buntin, Jr., Stacey Drew, Sandra Hession, E. Henry Twiggs (City Councilor, Ward 4), Karen Twiggs, Tricia Walsh, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)
Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m. 11 Board members present; Board members not present: *Jeri Gardiner, *Chip Gorra, *Arthur Jones,
Guests: Urban Green Project: Megan Plante, Eric Kells, UMass; Michael Tully, Springfield Parks Dept.; Rich Veer, Bev Veer.
Basketball First Game Monument: Aaron Williams, John Doleva, CEO Basketball Hall of Fame. Petitioners re 118 Albany St: Wassim Elkadri, Omar Elkadri, Joe Martini.
Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept., Sgt. James Brown.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Pres. GAH reported
 Noted letter of resignation from K.Wright, effective Sept. 30, 2010
 Report of election taken June 19, 2010, is included in the agenda packet; Slate of Officers submitted by the Nominating Committee is also included in the agenda packet
 Moved installation of new board members and hearing guests up on agenda.
INSTALLATION OF BOARD MEMBERS elected June 19, 2010: The following were installed and took their places on the board: Frank Buntin, Gregory A. Hession, Walter Kroll and Elizabeth Stevens. Installation conducted by Board member Katie Foster.
PRESENTATION: Urban Green Project, natural resources survey of urban trees being conducted by UMass, Springfield Parks & Arbor Allies. After slide presentation advocating for urban trees, presenters asked for neighborhood residents to participate by plugging in potential tree-planting location information to a GoogleMap site; Will hold a mapping workshop July 28 at RMJ school library; Also working on website and will share information, instructions, etc.
PRESENTATION: Basketball First Game monument update, Aaron Williams stressed his goal to create economic stream for the Mason Square neighborhoods and the city of Springfield. Plans for events on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 – Nike is sponsoring the whole thing, and is in control of all the arrangements; Nike will ‘wrap’ the old firehouse, handle security, publicity, etc. as a preliminary to their “World Basketball Festival” in New York City later this summer. Mike Tully showed design & placement of the main monument at State & Hawley, and of smaller related monument across State at Sherman streets. John Doleva laid out the configuration of full-size courts, 3-on-3 courts, food & beverage area, special activities, and schedule for Aug. 8. TA asked about an annual event, asked for sharing of contact information for donors and vendors; JD said Nike might fund similar, smaller event for up to 3 years, is willing to share information. BS asked about abutting businesses, JD said Nike will control all food and beverages; negotiating with city and MassMutual for parking. AW noted there might be a need for volunteers to serve water.
INSTALLATION OF BOARD MEMBERS elected June 19, 2010: The following were installed and took their places on the board: Tony Anthony, Ben Swan Jr., Installation conducted by Katie Foster.
PRESENTATION: Used car sales & service at 118 Armory St.: Petitioner Wassim Elkadri asked MNC for a letter of support to be sent to City Council on his petition on two special permits – (1) to transfer ownership and operation of a used car sales and service business, and (2) on his petition to operate a motor vehicle service station (automotive repairs) at that location. It is noted the location is just outside the border of McKnight Neighborhood in Metro Central. Wassim Elkadri is a recent UMass graduate in mechanical engineering; his brother Omar Elkadri is a master mechanic; they live on Nottingham St. Location now has a 15-car permit for used car sales, can have up to 25 cars in the lot. Hours would be 9-6 Mon-Fri, 9-4 Sat. Plan no expansion. Will not offer towing, but will provide road service in neighborhood. Standard used oil collection in barrel that is removed by a service. Anticipates no problem with traffic. The City approved the layout plan submitted; City Council tabled application to give neighborhood council chance to review.
LS moved to support the business at 118 Armory Street and for the President to write a letter to City Council in support of both counts (both applications); JL seconded. Discussion: Question raised and debated on whether to vote on this petition today or to table it until MNC can review the plan, check on whether taxes are paid up, and whether there are any code violations. City Councilor E. Henry Twiggs, present, explained the City Council places restrictions via special permits on how someone operates his business, not on the state of the building. City Council tabled this application to give the neighborhood council a chance to review. LS amended her motion to add, “contingent on obtaining information by Friday, July 16, 2010, that taxes are paid to date and that there are no code violations." After much discussion among the board, LS called the question: Motion carried: Aye 12 votes; Nay 0 votes; Abstention 1 vote.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (Ben Swan Jr., Kat Wright, staff): Minutes of Board Meeting, June 8, 2010: JL moved to accept; TA seconded. Motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.): No report this time. (See Finance & Fund Raising)
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: KF submitted Nominating Committee recommended Slate of Officers; there were no nominations from the floor. The 13 Board members present voted the following offices: President Walter J. Kroll; Vice President Tony Anthony; Secretary/Clerk Elizabeth Stevens; Treasurer Marianne Winters; Assistant Secretary/Clerk Ben Swan Jr.; Assistant Treasurer Gregory A. Hession.
REPORTS:
 MASON SQUARE LIBRARY (Liz Stevens, Chair): Springfield Urban League has announced they will leave 765 State Street on September 30, 2010, but are still negotiating the amount of the use and occupancy fee the City is charging. The Library Department is on schedule to re-open on November 1, 2010
 RAIL TRAIL/ RMJ PLAYGROUND (Liz Stevens, Chair): LS led a group from Forest Park on a trail walk last week; is planning another walk next Saturday; Anne Richmond has reported on some excellent possible funding possibilities (to be announced later).
 FINANCE & FUND RAISING (Marianne Winters, Treas.): This committee will meet and look again at the FY11 budget and restructure as necessary. MW noted that MNC finally received a letter from the IRS confirming MNC’s 501(c)3 non-profit status, which means we can now apply for grants and receive donations tax-free, and donors can claim a tax deduction.
 YOUTH COUNCIL (Jesse Lederman, Chair): JL reported MNYC decided to develop a website on the history of McKnight neighborhood, hold a 1-year anniversary block party in August for young people, continue organizing against a biomass plant, and co-sponsor with MNC a debate of candidates for District Attorney.
 HOUSING/ CODE (Denise Moccia, Chair): DM reported hearing a “general dissatisfaction” in the neighborhood that there are too many renters and “disappointment” that McKnight has not received historic style street lights.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Councilor E. Henry Twiggs announced he is holding a public meeting to hear Ward 4 questions and concerns, 4 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2010, at Highland House community room, 250 Oak Grove Ave.
Mr. Twiggs also asked that MNC consider using the SciTech jazz band for a fund raiser, and that he would be willing to co-sponsor such an event.
OLD BUSINESS: Authorization to sign contracts for MNC – GAH moved that Walter J. Kroll, President, be the authorized agent for McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. to sign any contract, including the contract with the City of Springfield for CDBG funding; BS seconded. Motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT:
8:05 pm – GAH moved to adjourn meeting; KF seconded. Motion passed.

Minutes May 11, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council
Board Meeting: May 11, 2010
ANNUAL MEETING
PRESENT: *Gregory A Hession (Pres.), *Katie Foster, *Chip Gorra, *Ed Kelly, *Walter Kroll (VicePres.), *Jesse Lederman, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, *Ben Swan Jr. (Clerk/Secy.), *Marianne Winters (Treas.), Tony Anthony, Susan Bernardy, Frank Buntin, Jane Buntin, W. Clow, Olivia Douglas, Stacey Drew, Archie Emmanuel Jr., Stephen Gray, Sandra Hession, Mattie Jenkins, Samantha Kroll, Elizabeth Lederman, Jay Love Lederman, Curtson Martin, Karan Parkin, Jasmine Peluyera, Carmelo Perez, City Councilor Ward 4 E. Henry Twiggs, Karen Twiggs, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)
Meeting called to order 7:15 p.m. 11 Board members present; Board members not present: *Jeri Gardiner, *Arthur Jones, *Donna Jordan
Guests: Tim Allen, City Councilor Ward 7; Sgt. James Brown, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept.; John Doleva, Basketball Hall of Fame; Neil Greene, McKnight Trail Project Coordinator; Erica Greene; Poeta Greene; West Greene; Brian Hanlon, sculptor, Basketball Monument Project; Roger Harpin; Omega Johnson, Old Hill Neighborhood Council; Darryl Moss, Mayoral Aide; Adrienne Osborn, Upper Hill Residents Council; Janet Stupak, Springfield Library Dept.; Aaron Williams, Basketball Monument Project
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Pres. GAH
 Announced the Nominating Committee: 2 Board members, Katie Foster and Ed Kelly; 3 non-board members, Steve Gray District 1, Stacey Drew District 2, and Todd Crosset District 3.
 Asked for a motion to nominate Kat Wright 2010 election commissioner, JL so moved, MW seconded. Motion passed.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (Ben Swan Jr.):
 Minutes of regular board meeting of April 13, 2010: LS moved to approve; BS seconded. Motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.):
 Monthly report & Proposed Budget Amendment (FY2010): MW moved to approve monthly financial report and proposed amendments to current year’s budget to reflect needed adjustments in expenses and income; LS seconded. Discussion: Change date of reports to show July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010; Change title of amendments to say Proposed Budget Amendments, May 11, 2010. Both changes accepted by MW. Motion passed.
REPORTS: Note: fy2010 YEAR END REPORTS ARE ATTACHED
 COUNCIL PROJECTS (Greg Hession, Pres.): Noted the availability of the ANNUAL REPORT document outlining on-going projects of the MNC as a whole:
1. Advocacy to get 52 Westminster Street rehabilitated
2. Progress on McKnight Trail (linear park) project; introduced coordinator Neil Greene
3. Seven-year advocacy for the Mason Square Library to be restored
4. Request for a City grant to rehabilitate 74 Yale Street (long-term advocacy)
5. Requested a City grant to expand MNC organization to hire additional administration staff
6. Continue to look for a way to establish a community center in McKnight
7. Remind that MNC is run by all volunteers (except for 2 part-time paid staff)
 PUBLIC SAFETY (Walter Kroll, Chair): Second Annual Block Party coming up June 19th, at Thompson Triangle Park; Neighborhood Watch is growing, neighbors continue to sign up;
 YOUTH (Jesse Lederman, Chair, McKnight Neighborhood Youth Council): Reviewed year’s activities; June 12th City of Homes 2010 Violence Free Summer Kickoff scheduled in Court Square, downtown.
 HOUSING / CODE (Denise Moccia, Chair): Emphasized progress on 52 Westminster St.; MNC has a rehabilitation grant proposal in for 74 Yale St.; continues to monitor houses in bank foreclosure, calling banks to maintain their properties, asked for neighbors be aware of those properties and to keep them looking OK.
 MASON SQUARE LIBRARY: (Liz Stevens, Chair, Mason Square Library Advisory Committee): 765 State Street property now belongs to the city; architect’s designs are state of the art for libraries, and are posted on the Springfield Library Dept. website; Library representative present said the progress on the MSL will be uploaded regularly on the Mason Square page of the Library’s website.
 McKNIGHT TRAIL PROJECT (Liz Stevens, Chair; Neil Greene, Project Coordinator): LS reported on a successful clean-up of the trail from Bay Street to St. James Ave. on Saturday, April 10; Steve Gray came with his bobcat, 9 people worked.

NEW BUSINESS:
 None brought forward

7:45 pm: This ended the business portion of the Annual Meeting. Pres. Hession at this point turned the meeting over to the principals in the Basketball Monument Project for their presentation.
GUESTS: Basketball Monument Project: Aaron Williams, John Doleva and Brian Holman presented the case for and the proposed design of a monument to be erected in Mason Square to commemorate the site of the world’s first basketball game played; the rendering of the proposed monument was done by Mike Tully, Springfield Parks Dept. The monument is to be placed on the wide tree belt in front of the Mason Square Library at the corner of State and Hawley, with a complementary plinth diagonally across State at the corner of Sherman. BHOF events planned for Aug. 8, 2010, start of Enshrinement Week, include unveiling, youth basketball games, road race. Looking to the neighborhoods to organize other activities (music, food, etc.).
8:30 pm – GAH adjourned meeting
APPROVED June 8, 2010

Minutes April 13, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council
Board Meeting: April 13, 2010
PRESENT: *Gregory A Hession (Pres.), *Walter Kroll (VicePres.), *Jesse Lederman, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, *Ben Swan Jr. (Clerk/Secy.), *Marianne Winters (Treas.), Sandra Hession, Elizabeth Lederman, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)

Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m. 8 Board members present; Board members not present: *Katie Foster, *Jeri Gardiner, *Chip Gorra, *Arthur Jones, *Donna Jordan, *Ed Kelly [Board member Keith Bozeman has moved out of the district & resigned.]
Guests: John Judge, Springfield Development Director; Darryl Moss, Mayoral Aide; Melvin Edwards, City Councilor Ward 3 and President of Keep Springfield Beautiful
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Pres. GAH reported
 501(c)3 Status – Had telephone conversation today with IRS representative who said MNC’s 501(c)3 status has been reinstated, as of November 2009; MNC still requires a letter of confirmation and a certificate of the status in order to move ahead with fundraising and grant applications.
 Proposed City Ordinance – Has written a draft, to be discussed later in the meeting.
 52 Westminster Street proposal – Letter of support for Mr. Panteleakis’s project has been sent to him for inclusion in his application to the City.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (Ben Swan Jr.):
 Minutes of regular board meeting of March 9, 2010: LS moved to approve; DM seconded. Motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.):
 Monthly report: No adjustments proposed today but will be proposed before end of FY10; last amendment was done in February 2010 and changes approved by Ed Whitley of Neighborhood Services; money is available to the end of FY10 for two newsletters, and both the June 12 and June 19 events; Weed & Seed revenue shows more received than initially stated, earmarked for Mason Square Coalition information magnets. Date in title line corrected from 2000 to 2009. LS moved to accept the report with corrections to date and W&S amount; DM seconded. Motion passed. Report attached.
 McKnight Trail grant from Mason Square Health Task Force: Some money has been moved to pay a fundraiser for the Trail Project, Anne Richmond has taken on that role; MSHTF is now figuring out a process to go forward with all their grants, therefore there will be a gap in funding from July 1, 2010, until probably the second quarter, or perhaps not until Jan. 1, 2011; noting that the 7 years worth of money is in place to be dispensed, Treas. MW proposes to ask MSHTF in writing to extend our grant one quarter at a time so that we do not have to interrupt the Trail work and risk losing our consultant.
 FY2011 Preliminary Budget for CDBG share and matching funds proposed: MW noted personnel changes to include an Administrator and add a Bookkeeper in order to stabilize the financial functions; has received an estimate from Amy Grabowski (a STCC business incubator graduate) to provide 3 to 5 hours average per month for $280/month; Added matching funds from other sources for Administrator position; noted both are as independent contractors, so no taxes or fringe benefit costs are attached; Reduced number of newsletters supported by CDBG funds to 3; possible fourth newsletter to be paid for from other sources (perhaps W&S). LS moved to accept the CDBG program budget for FY2011 as presented; WK seconded. Discussion: Some MNC items and activities will be built into an overall budget with other funding sources; CL offered council’s thanks to MW for a job well done. Motion passed. FY11 CDBG budget attached.
 Scope of Service – MW presented FY2011 program plan based on the FY2010 Scope of Service, the MNC 2009 Strategic Plan and the MNC 2008 Revitalization Plan; Objectives and Activities updated to year two of implementing the plans. WK moved to accept the Scope of Service and submit it to the City with MNC FY11 application for CDBG funding; LS seconded. Motion passed. FY11 Scope of Service attached.
 Status of CDBG grant applications to rehabilitate 74 Yale Street, and for MNC organizational development: No word yet. Guest John Judge said they are beginning to notify applicants of decisions in a couple of week.
GUEST: John Judge, Springfield Development Services Director, was introduced and described his department’s responsibilities, activities and projects in the city, and answered questions from board members. (Rough notes attached)
OLD BUSINESS:
 WMECo property on Bowles at Bay Street: BS, WK & Katie Foster met with representatives of WMECo at the site; WMECo shared copy of a report by Fuss & O’Neil who tested the soil, cement and a pipe and found no toxins except asbestos in the pipe; WMECo does not want to own the property, and are ‘waiting for an offer’ – MNC has to take the next step. WMECo is willing help volunteers clear the land. ME, of KSB, will look into it.
 KEEP SPRINGFIELD BEAUTIFUL – MNC has chosen the following streets and lots for cleaning: Catherine Street, Monmouth Street, Bay Street, The Dingle and McKnight Trail from Bay to St. James. Guest Melvin Edwards gave some details of May 1, 2010 event: no dumpsters on site in staging areas (e.g. RMJ School), for gathering only. People bringing trash will be directed to Freeman’s business. There will be a dumpster at Clifford and Bay to collect trash and brush already cleaned from the McKnight Trail. Fundraising events, dinner and 10K race. KSB is working on ways to collect electronics, batteries, pharmaceuticals, mattresses – mostly later in the year.
 McKNIGHT TRAIL PROJECT: LS reported on a successful clean-up of the trail from Bay Street to St. James Ave. on Saturday, April 10; Steve Gray came with his bobcat, 9 people worked. Report attached.
 MASON SQUARE LIBRARY: KW took opportunity to ask City Councilor Edwards what can be done to get the Urban League to vacate the library building in time so repairs and renovations can be done; process seems to be dragging out, city could be more assertive but instead is now looking at charging “use and occupancy” fees after May 31 – a date by which the Urban League should already have left. CC Edwards backs our position but is frustrated over how the City Council can move the matter forward to the right conclusion.
NEW BUSINESS:
 PROPOSED NEW CITY ORDINANCE: LS explained her proposal that MNC advocate for an ordinance that would require any applicant for license, permit, zoning change or other city approval to prove all taxes are paid, all licenses and permits are in order and current, before such applicant will be allowed to petition before any board or commission of the city, and that neighborhood councils affected have access to the same information. Pres. GAH presented a first draft of such an ordinance; asked for ideas to improve the draft, offering an additional clause saying the Planning Board shall not approve any application not accompanied by complete information; MW asked if we could not use such an ordinance to increase neighborhood councils’ say, in that the Planning Board has to provide an explanation of its decision if it is different from the neighborhood council’s recommendation. Draft ordinance is attached; GAH tabled further discussion, asked that ideas be emailed to him.
REPORTS: All reports were tabled, considering the lateness of the hour. Housing committee report attached. Flyer for MNYC June 12 rally attached.
9:30 pm – GAH adjourned meeting
APPROVED MAY 11, 2010

ANNUAL MEETING & BHOF ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING
McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc.
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010
NEIGHBORHOOD GET-TOGETHER -- Visit with folks from all around McKnight
POT LUCK BUFFET (starts at 6:30 pm) -- Bring a dish, Share a dish
REPORTS ON MNC ACTIVITIES FOR THE PAST YEAR -- Check out our accomplishments on your behalf
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010 - 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. -- In the Cafeteria at REBECCA M. JOHNSON SCHOOL - 55 Catherine Street
Special Announcement:  Basketball Celebration in Mason Square
Aaron Williams (Bay Area resident) and John Doleva (CEO, Basketball Hall of Fame) will reveal exciting plans for events in Mason Square to kick off the annual Enshrinement Week this summer
AND establishing a permanent monument in Mason Square to commemorate the VERY FIRST BASKETBALL GAME EVER PLAYED
All McKnight residents are always welcome

Minutes March 9, 2010

Approved April 13, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council
Board Meeting: March 9, 2010
PRESENT: *Gregory A Hession (Pres.), *Katie Foster, *Donna Jordan, *Ed Kelly, *Walter Kroll (VicePres.), *Jesse Lederman, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, *Ben Swan Jr. (Clerk/Secy.), *Marianne Winters (Treas.),Stacey Drew, Sandra Hession, Elizabeth Lederman, Demetrios Panteleakis, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)
Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m. 11 Board members present; Board members not present: *Keith Bozeman, *Jeri Gardiner, *Chip Gorra, *Arthur Jones
Guests: Demetrios Panteleakis, Re: 52 Westminster St.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Pres. GAH reported
 Special CDBG grants – 2 applications were submitted: (1) To rehab 74 Yale St ($195,000), and (2) To increase organizational capacity ($58,687); Decision date is unknown, but is expected before start of next fiscal year, July 1, 2010.
 501(c)3 Status – Several inquiries were made; there is no answer as yet, status not yet secured.
 Mason Square Health Task Force - Liz attended meeting; deadline for grant application for FY11 has not yet been set.
 McKnight Community Center – Discussed by Executive Committee at March 1 meeting; consensus was not to take an historic home out of our housing stock, and to look for a more commercial property through process of intense evaluative effort over time; winning the organizational grant would allow hiring a project manager to oversee site selection process.
SECRETARY’S REPORT (Ben Swan Jr.):
 Minutes of regular board meeting of February 9, 2010, and special meeting of February 24, 2010: WK moved to approve both as written; LS seconded. Motion passed.
 Period street lights at triangles, terrace and magazine parks: BS will ask Rep. Swan if there might be state or federal funds available; noted that the city estimate was $10,000 per light, including installation.
TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.): MW presented monthly financial report
 Made note of need for board to vote on budget changes before end of this fiscal year,
 Noted rail trail committee decided to use the money set aside for stipends to instead pay a person (to be named) to focus on the fund-raising part of the project.
 If the two grants are awarded, the nature of this organization will change, with staffing; praised work of board members to write good grant proposals
 JL moved to accept the report; LS seconded. Motion passed.
PRESENTATIONS: - Demetrios Panteleakis : Comes before MNC to request a letter of support for his bid to renovate 52 Westminster Street as a single family home in accordance with Historic District guidelines; This in response to City of Springfield RFP that includes $100,000 grant for exterior rehabilitation of the house.
a. Mr. Panteleakis is a McKnight Neighborhood resident, at 126 Clarendon St. Professionally, he is a property development expert and attorney; His plan is to rehabilitate the property to its original profile on an 18-month schedule, and hold it until the market improves to the point where it will reach its true value (possibly up to 5 years); Plans to use as many local craftsmen and workers as possible; He has already done one home renovation on Westminster St.
b. Deed to single owner comes with a lien: the $100,000 grant from federal funds is to be forgiven 50% at time Certificate of Occupancy is granted; then at $25,000 per year; if buyer reneges, lien goes back and DP is still liable. DP noted other bids are for conversion to multi-family or condo.
c. DM noted although 70% of homes in McKnight are single family, only 40% are owner occupied; MNC needs to advocate for increasing the number of single family, owner-occupied homes.
d. MW moved the MNC write a letter of support to Mr. Panteleakis for his renovation plan as a single family home, noting he lives in the neighborhood, has a track record, will hold property for 5 years if necessary, has shared interest in stabilizing the neighborhood; LS seconded. Motion passed. GAH will write letter addressed to Maria Lopez-Santiago, Chief Procurement Officer, City of Springfield.
OLD BUSINESS:
 HUD / CDBG Special 5-year grants: Two grant applications were submitted to the City on March 1, 2010; required attachments included 4 policies approved by the MNC Board of Directors; such policies were submitted by executive committee and now need to be ratified by the full board; Pres. GAH read the policies one at a time; They are:
1. Fair housing: (See APPENDIX A) BS moved to approve; LS seconded. Discussion: JL offered a friendly amendment to add ‘sexual orientation’ to non-discrimination list, amendment accepted by BS. Motion passed.
2. Drug-free workplace: (See APPENDIX B) BS moved to approve; DM seconded. Motion passed.
3. Non-discrimination and non-harassment: (See APPENDIX C) LS moved to approve; MS seconded. Motion passed.
4. Equal employment opportunity: (See APPENDIX D) LS moved to approve; DM seconded. Motion passed.
 2010 ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION PLAN: KW reviewed schedule requirements (per MNC by-laws) for setting both events, and for appointing an Election Commission and a Nominating Committee.
1. Annual Meeting and Election Day: DM moved that Tuesday, May 11, 2010, regular MNC meeting date and time, be designated MNC Annual Meeting, and that Saturday, June 19, 2010, be designated MNC Election Day, in conjunction with MNC Neighborhood Block Party at Thompson Triangle Park; LS seconded. Motion passed.
2. Election Commission & Nominating Committee: Pres. GAH asked that members submit to him by email suggested names for appointment. Both bodies will be announced at next regular meeting; Chair of Election Commission must be elected by the Board of Directors.
 WMECo property on Bowles at Bay Street: There are 2 or 3 empty lots, plus the paved lot on the corner, where WMECo still has a utility box; WMECo has in the past indicated they would be willing to discuss a potential use for the whole property; WMECo might donate and MNC might acquire, or facilitate ownership; Suggestions include a bus stop, sitting park, and community garden; KF will contact garden people and can have a soil test done; MNC will ask WMECo to at least remove their equipment; BS will contact WMECo and will report back.
 380 Bay Street, status: DM reported this former car repair garage is still stuck in land court, has environmental issues (ground contamination) in front and behind building, soil will have to be tested, shacks in back need to be removed; MNC needs to know City’s plans for this property; possible conversion to a community farmers’ market (with shared parking worked out with Mt. Zion Church, which has 2 large lots adjacent).
 Rail Trail project, painting gas tanks: Tabled.
REPORTS:
• YOUTH COUNCIL (Jesse Lederman, Chair): JL reported
a. MNYC went door-knocking with a petition to oppose the City’s granting a package store license at 487 St. James Ave. (Blue Fusion site); WK reported he and JL attended meeting of Planning Board where application was heard, noted the site is not in McKnight Neighborhood but is proximate (in Bay Neighborhood), and that Planning Board had not received the MNC letter asking them to deny the license; GAH will hand carry the same letter to the License Commission for their meeting on the same application on Thursday, March 11.
b. MNYC wants to launch a ‘raise the flag’ initiative, designing and selling a McKnight Neighborhood “violence free” flag
c. Met with City Councilor Melvin Edwards, after which decided to scrap the May workshop idea for the time being and instead organize a larger city-wide community- building event in Court Square; scheduled next Friday to discuss with Mayor Sarno; Sat., June 12 is target date.
d. JL is now a member of the Mayor’s anti-violence task force.
• COMMUNICATIONS (Marianne Winters, Chair):
a. NEWSLETTER: Next issue due out April 15, deadline March 19; Theme is combined “Youth” and “Public Safety”
• FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING (Marianne Winters, Chair): No report
• HOUSING (Denise Moccia, Chair): No report
• MASON SQUARE LIBRARY / MSLAC (Liz Stevens, Chair):
a. Weekly updates from Library Dept. show that the Urban League has at last acknowledged they are aware they will have to move out in May.
b. LS is talking with staff at MSL about celebrating National Library Week in April (as MSLAC has done annually) with ‘celebrity’ readings inside the branch library.
• McKNIGHT TRAIL / RMJ PLAYGROUND (Liz Stevens): The neighborhood trail group has not had a second meeting; trying to organize a walk on East Longmeadow trail and talk with them about how they got their trail established; met with Mayor on land acquisition.
• TREE PLANTINGS: (Liz Stevens): Is compiling a list of planting sites for Spring planting, has talked to businesses and Cathedral Apartments on St. James Ave.; has asked Scott Hanson and Ed Whitley if trees can be set back where there is no tree belt; No date for planting has been set; KW will write press release asking for people who want a tree.
• PUBLIC SAFETY (Walter Kroll, Chair): (Written report attached)
a. Scheduled meeting with Paul Foster to present CitiStat info on McKnight showing crime & housing hot spots, tentatively April 15, 6:30 pm.
b. Block party scheduled in June at Thompson Triangle; LS moved to hold it on the same Saturday (June 19) as MNC board election, KF seconded. Motion passed.
c. There has been significant increase in break-ins in McKnight (up 100% from last February), including a number of stained glass windows taken from empty houses.
DM moved to adjourn; DJ seconded. Motion passed.
9:20 pm – Adjournment.
APPENDIX A: McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. Fair Housing Policy
McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. does not discriminate in the sale, lease or rental of any housing which it owns or develops, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. It is committed to conforming to all Fair Housing Act provisions, as interpreted by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
APPENDIX B: McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. Drug Free Workplace Policy
It is the purpose of McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. (the Company) to help provide a safe and drug-free work environment for our clients and our employees. With this goal in mind and because of the serious drug abuse problem in today's workplace, we are establishing the following policy for existing and future employees of McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc.:
The Company explicitly prohibits:
• The use, possession, solicitation for, or sale of narcotics or other illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication without a prescription on Company or customer premises while performing an assignment.
• Being impaired or under the influence of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol away from the Company or customer premises, if such impairment or influence adversely affects the employee's work performance, the safety of the employee or of others, or puts at risk the Company's reputation.
• Possession, use, solicitation for, or sale of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol away from the Company or customer premises, if such activity or involvement adversely affects the employee's work performance, the safety of the employee or of others, or puts at risk the Company's reputation.
APPENDIX C: McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy
McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. is committed to a work environment free from all forms of discrimination and unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. This policy applies to the working relationships between McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. employees and applicants, contractors, customers, vendors, and others with whom contact is necessary to perform company business.
APPENDIX D: McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. Equal Employment Policy
It is the policy of McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. to maintain a work environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, transgender, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or any other legally protected category with regard to any term or condition of employment. More specifically, it is the policy of McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. to make all employment decisions solely on the basis of an individual’s merit, qualifications and abilities, and without regard to an individual’s personal traits. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, training, performance reviews, promotions, discipline and termination.
This policy also applies to all work-related settings and activities, whether inside or outside the workplace and includes customer sites, business trips and business-related social events. McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc. property may not be used to engage in conduct, which violates this policy. McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc.’s policy covers employees and other individuals who have a relationship with the company (including outside contractors, vendors, etc.)
 NEXT MNC MEETING: April 13, 2010; 7 – 9 pm; REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL (music room), 55 Catherine St.; Submitted by Kathryn A. Wright, Administrative Staff, 3/25/2010

Agenda for April 13, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010: 7-9 pm
Rebecca Johnson School, Music Room
55 Catherine St., Springfield MA
AGENDA
7:00 pm – Open Meeting
7:00-7:45 pm
OFFICER’S REPORTS (15 minutes each)
o CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: (Gregory Hession, President) Including:
1. Draft of FY2011 Scope of Service required for basic CDBG funding (requires a vote of the board)
2. Appointment of 2009 Election Commission and Nominating Committee
3. Plans for Annual Meeting May 11, 2010, starting at 6:30 pm (Including pot luck buffet and guests Aaron Williams and Basketball Hall of Fame director John Doleva regarding a basketball monument in Mason Square)
4. Year-end reports due at Annual Meeting from each committee and action group
5. Status of 501(c)3 IRS designation
o SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Ben Swan Jr.) Minutes of March 9, 2010
o TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters):
1. Monthly report; budget adjustments, expenditures to end of fiscal year (6/30/10)
2. Presentation of preliminary FY2011 budget, for basic CDBG funding (requires a vote of the board), including staffing changes
3. Status of the two applications for CDBG 5-year grants (Rehabilitation of 74 Yale Street house; and MNC organizational development)
7:45 – 8:00 pm
INTRODUCTION: Guest John Judge, Springfield Development Director: Q&A
8:00 – 8:10 pm
OLD BUSINESS
o WMECo property on Bowles at Bay Street – Report on meeting with WMECo
o KEEP SPRINGFIELD BEAUTIFUL – SATURDAY, MAY 1: Vote by board needed on streets and lots to be cleaned: Suggested are Catherine Street, Monmouth Street and Bay Street, and The Dingle and McKnight Trail from Bay to St. James.
8:10 – 8:20 pm
NEW BUSINESS
o PROPOSAL: ADVOCATE to City Council for an ordinance to require any applicant for license, permit, zoning waiver, or other city approval be required to be signed off by every necessary city department that taxes, licenses, and permits are up to date and complete before any board or commission of the city will hear any such application; and further that such information be made available on a regular basis to neighborhood councils affected by such application so that they may be fully informed when hearing a petition for support.
o In the meantime, REVISE MNC policy on procedure for persons to apply for MNC support for license, permit, zoning waiver, new building, new business, etc., so that such persons get signed off from all necessary city departments before coming to our council for support, until such time as the city has an ordinance in place to require same.
8:20-8:55 pm
REPORTS – Any committee updates (5 minutes each)
o Youth (Jesse Lederman) – Plans June 12 ‘peaceful summer’ kickoff event
o Public Safety (Walter Kroll) – Plans for June 19 block party
o Housing/Code (Denise Moccia)
o Mason Square Library (Liz Stevens) – Urban League due to leave 765 State St. in May
o Rail trail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens) – Trail clean-up plans; Advocacy for the Trail with Mayor Dominic Sarno, SPD Commissioner William Fitchet, Development Direction John Judge, Parks Superintendent Patrick Sullivan.
o Communications (Marianne Winters) – Two more newsletters before 6/30/10; website update
o Finance & Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)
8:55-9:00 pm
NEW BUSINESS
o Open to the floor
9:00 pm – Close Meeting
Next McKnight Neighborhood Council meeting:
ANNUAL MEETING and Community Pot Luck
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Rebecca Johnson School, cafeteria,
NOTE EARLY START TIME – 6:30-9 pm

Minutes February 9, 2010

Approved March 9, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting: February 9, 2010

 

PRESENT: *Gregory A Hession (Pres.), *Katie Foster, *Ed Kelly, *Walter Kroll (VicePres.), *Jesse Lederman, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, *Ben Swan Jr. (Clerk/Secy.), *Marianne Winters (Treas.), Sandra Hession, Stephen Thibeau,, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)

 

Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m. 9 Board members present; Board members not present: *Keith Bozeman, *Jeri Gardiner, *Chip Gorra, *Arthur Jones, *Donna Jordan

 

Guests: Tony Taylor, applicant for beer & wine package store license, 487 St. James Ave.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Pres. GAH reported

•  CDBG special 5-year grants does not, as previously thought, include MNC normal operating CDBG grant; it is for special larger, long-term projects; to be discussed in second half of this meeting; A SPECIAL MEETING MAY BE CALLED TO VOTE ON WHAT PROJECT TO APPLY FOR (Board vote is needed to make the grant application)
•  GAH has not yet been able to set up a meeting with our City Development liaison, Ed Whitley to discuss CDBG special grants, however, noted informational meetings held by the City are scheduled on Feb. 17 and 18.
•  Noted Historical Commission hearing scheduled for Feb. 18 includes applications for repairs to two houses in McKnight
•  Tony Taylor is present, owner of Blue Fusion bar, who is applying for a license to sell beer and wine as a package store at 487 St. James Ave.; Mr. Taylor was informed that we cannot take up his request for presentation tonight, and that his establishment is in the Bay Neighborhood although McKnight does have an interest (members living in that area); Planning Board hears application on Feb. 17 at 6 pm, and License Commission on Feb. 25; GAH noted MNC is on record opposing new liquor licenses on St. James Ave.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT (Ben Swan Jr.): LS asked for a correction to the minutes of Jan. 12, 2010, which was done; DM moved that the minutes of January 12, 2010, be approved as amended; JL seconded. Motion passed.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.): Tabled until MW arrives.

 

PRESENTATIONS: - None scheduled

 

REPORTS:

 

• COMMUNICATIONS (Marianne Winters, Chair): (Written report attached)
a. NEWSLETTER: KW reported decision on changes to newsletter publication: Publish quarterly with each issue having a theme (April 15 - Youth and Public Safety; July 15 – Environment and Health; Sept. 15 - Housing and Economic; Dec. 15 – Community and Culture); Every issue to have bulletins, preview, announcements, website info and donations form; no ads will be sold until a person is designated willing and able to take on the responsibility.
b. WEBSITE: MW arrived to explain changes to make website easier to update (via blog platforms) for Council matters, public safety, youth council, rail trail (already in place), Mason Square Library, and housing.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.): MW now present, this report was taken up:
1. MW presented changes to original FY10 budget, MW moved to amend the budget to reflect those changes; LS seconded. Motion passed.
2. MW moved to accept the Accountant’s Compilation for FY 09; LS seconded. Motion passed.

 

REPORTS (continued):

 

• FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING (Marianne Winters, Chair): Has not met.

 

• YOUTH COUNCIL (Jesse Lederman, Chair): JL reported MNYC has met twice:
a. Biomass: Public health study being conducted; possible lawsuit by biomass plant contractor against MA DEP and Arise.
b. Public safety day-long event to be held Sat., May 15 or Sat., May 22; Planning meeting scheduled March 27; Looking to book 8 hour-long workshops with various organizations, have agreement from 3 so far.
c. Concern re impact of police brutality issues on anti-violence work of MNYC

 

• PUBLIC SAFETY (Walter Kroll, Chair): WK reported receipt of email from Paul Foster about City starting a CityStat program in McKnight, need to identify a street, will hold presentation meeting for neighborhood (about 2 hours); question whether it should be at regular or special MNC meeting (not resolved at this point); WK will ask Paul F about structure and format; Suggested streets to be studied – Catherine or Bay.

 

• HOUSING (Denise Moccia, Chair): (Written report attached) DM reported
a. Two of the 3 houses DM’s crew cleaned up last spring have now been (bank) auctioned; kudos to clean-up crew
b. Last city tax title auction had in McKnight only lots for sale, went for very little cash, could have been community gardens; Suggests council develop a plan to buy empty lots; bidders need $5,000 available to attend city auctions
c. Houses in foreclosure, banks not keeping properties up, DM is monitoring them, some are not livable; such properties can be reported for code violations
d. Contacted Darryl Moss re garage at 380 Bay Street; no word yet; ST reported owner has sued City over permits
e. DM has asked Bob McCarroll of Springfield Preservation Trust if MNC can have CDBG money set aside to fix and sell 74 Yale, in partnership with SPT.
f. All stained glass windows from 188 Florida St. house have been removed (stolen?), including very large front window.

• MASON SQUARE LIBRARY / MSLAC (Liz Stevens, Chair): Library Department and City Architect met to determine time frame, Urban League to be out May 2010, MSL reopen in Nov. 2010; LS and KW receive weekly updates from Library Dept; relocation specialist was able to meet with UL only once in 4 month grace period between 9/18/02 and 1/18/10 (date UL should have vacated the building); LS has written to Rep. Neal to use his influence with HT; LS asks MNC reach out to people who have influence to use it; MSL will be subject of ‘Hello, Springfield’ program (Tony Anthony to interview MA Rep. Swan and Ida Flynn (past President, Springfield NAACP), LS and KW (Date tba)
• McKNIGHT TRAIL / RMJ PLAYGROUND (Liz Stevens): Planning group of about 10-12 met on Feb. 3, looking for more participants who live in the neighborhood and want to be part of making the trail happen; LS proposed MNC invite people from East Longmeadow, working on the trail there, to come to an MNC meeting for consultation (they are ahead of us in the process).

 

OLD BUSINESS:
COUNCIL PRIORITIES based on 2008 Revitalization Plan and 2009 Strategic Plan, to submit for grant funding (HUD / CDBG special 5-year grants):

President GAH distributed RFP applications; reported City of Springfield will receive $4million overall; non-profit and for-profit organizations can apply for more than one grant each; list of project ideas was formulated and top 6 were selected (see below); City is offering two workshops for applicants, which MNC board members who want to write up the applications can attend (Tues., Feb. 16, and Thurs., Feb. 18); MW noted they are usually looking for budget detail in the first year only; MNC board must vote on project applications; Projects suggested are, by priority:

1. Housing rehabilitation – 74 Yale Street, top choice.
2. Organizational development – Need staffing in place to do whatever MNC takes on, an executive director, or volunteer coordinator, for example; should incorporate administrative costs with any proposal; would qualify under the Public Service area of the proposal; paid staff could leverage obtaining VISTA or other volunteers.
3. Community center – acquiring and rehabilitation thereof.
4. Rail Trail – Funds to do necessary tasks (e.g. a survey) not covered by current funding.
5. Land trust – Funds to buy and hold land for future private ownership or community use.
6. Historic street lighting – Each light fixture costs $10,000 to buy and install, according to Al Chwalek of DPW; suggested lights along St. James Ave. (about 50 lights), or to light triangle parks, Magazine Park, and terraces (e.g. Dartmouth Terr., where current lights shine above the tree canopy leaving the streetscape dark) (about 20 lights).
Other suggestions (in no particular order):
7. Pocket park - convert lot at Bay and Dartmouth (Mason lot).
8. Basketball monument in Mason Square
9. Community gardens on various empty lots in McKnight
NEW BUSINESS: None
WK moved to adjourn; DM seconded. Motion passed.
9:05 pm – Adjournment.

 

 

 

 

AGENDA 2010 March 9

McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc.

Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, March 9, 2010: 7-9 pm
Rebecca Johnson School, Music Room
55 Catherine St., Springfield MA

AGENDA

7:00 pm – Open Meeting
7:00-7:30 pm
OFFICER’S REPORTS (10 minutes each)
o CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: (Gregory Hession, President) Including:
1. Special CDBG grants – 2 applications were submitted; decision date unknown
2. 501(c)3 status
3. Mason Square Health Task Force – deadline for grant application for FY11 is unknown
4. McKnight community center – possible site update

o SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Ben Swan Jr.)
1. Minutes of February 9, 2010
2. Minutes of Special Meeting of February 24, 2010
3. Placing period street lights at triangles, terrace and Magazine parks

o TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters): Monthly report

7:30-7:45 pm
PRESENTATION:
o 52 Westminster Street: Demetrios Panteleakis, requesting letter of support on bid to redevelop this property as a single family home in Historic District. (This is in response to a special RFP called by the City of Springfield, with a grant of $100,000 attached.)

7:45 – 8:00 pm
OLD BUSINESS
o HUD / CDBG Special 5-year grants: Vote (retroactive) required on 4 council policies that were required attachments to the 2 grant applications submitted on March 1, 2010:
1. Fair Housing
2. Drug free workplace
3. Non-discrimination and non-harassment
4. Equal employment opportunity

o 2010 Annual Meeting and Election plan: Votes required:
1. Set date for Annual Meeting (Proposed May 11, 2010)
2. Set date for Election of Board (Proposed Sat., June12 or Sat., June 19)
3. Appointment of Election Commission, Chair must be elected by Board

o WMECo property on Bowles at Bay Street – clean up, future use?
o 380 Bay St. – status, clean up, future use?
o Rail Trail project: Painting gas tanks on Albany St. – status of inquiry

8:00-8:35 pm
REPORTS – Any committee updates (5 minutes each)
o Youth (Jesse Lederman)
o Public Safety (Walter Kroll)
o Housing/Code (Denise Moccia)
o Mason Square Library (Liz Stevens)
o Rail trail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens) – Report on 3/4/10 Mason Sq Health Task Force mtg
o Communications (Marianne Winters)
o Finance & Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)

8:35-8:50 pm
NEW BUSINESS
o Community gardens – survey of available or possibly available lots
o Volunteers to paint neighborhood electrical boxes, traffic light bases, etc.

8:50-9:00 pm
o Open to the floor
9:00 pm – Close Meeting

Next McKnight Neighborhood Council meeting:
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Rebecca Johnson School, music room, 7-9 pm

Minutes Jan 12, 2010, CORRECTION

Amount awarded for Rebecca M. Johnson School playground corrected to $500,000. Page 3 under REPORTS:

• RMJ PLAYGROUND (Liz Stevens, MNC liaison): City received $500,000 to build the playground at RMJ School; rally planned for Jan. 20, Wed., 9:30-11 am at the school; raffle ticket for B&B overnight prize will be drawn then.

KW 2/11/10

MNC Minutes Jan 12, 2010

Minutes approved February 9, 2010


McKnight Neighborhood Council
Board Meeting: January 12, 2010

PRESENT: *Gregory A Hession (Pres.), *Chip Gorra, *Donna Jordan, *Walter Kroll (VicePres.), *Jesse Lederman, *Ceil Lewonchuk, *Denise Moccia, *Liz Stevens, *Ben Swan Jr. (Clerk/Secy.), Tony Anthony, Sgt. James Brown, Caroline Cunningham, Stacey Drew, Sandra Hession, Elizabeth Lederman, Curtson Martin, Kat Wright (*Members of the Board)

Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m. 9 Board members present; Board members not present: *Keith Bozeman, *Katie Foster, *Ed Kelly, *Jeri Gardiner, *Arthur Jones,*Marianne Winters (Treas.)

Guests: Neil Greene, McKnight Trail Project coordinator; Darryl Moss, Mayoral Aide.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Pres. GAH reported
 CDBG meeting which began earlier and is going on concurrently in RMJ School auditorium: New system and regulations for distribution of CDBG funds, major change being a move from ANNUAL grants to 5-YEAR grants; Every agency must apply through an RFP process to fund a 5-year plan, looking a generally larger projects; Deadline for applications 03/01/2010; Suggestions for MNC application: Neighborhood building for office, meeting and program space; a full-time administrator employee; money to rehabilitate houses; seed money for a proposed McKnight Land Trust.

 Baystate grants: MNC is competing in a smaller pool, but for a larger amount of money; deadline and guidelines not yet released. (Perhaps in Feb. or March)

 GAH will set up a meeting with our City Development liaison, Ed Whitley to discuss both of the above ASAP.

 Youth Public Safety Forum, held on Friday, Jan. 8, brought out a lot of people, which has put MNC more firmly “on the map”; idea that neighborhood councils need to be taken more seriously was strengthened. Kudos to Jesse L. and the MNYC.

SECRETARY’S REPORT (Ben Swan Jr.): JL asked for a correction to the minutes of Dec. 8, 2009, which was done; LS moved that the minutes of December 8, 2009, be approved as amended; WK seconded. Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT (Marianne Winters, Treas.): MW being absent, Pres. GAH presented the budget adjustments; Treasurer’s report TABLED by consensus until next board meeting; Accountant’s Compilation Report not taken up.

PRESENTATIONS:
• McKNIGHT LAND TRUST: Tony Anthony proposed a revolving land trust in order to acquire, hold and dispense properties in the McKnight Neighborhood so that such abandoned, run-down, derelict or overgrown properties, with or without buildings, can be disposed to owners who have the means and desire to rehabilitate them, and thus return sound properties to good uses, private or public. The goal is to “empower ourselves” to take care of and market such properties in our own neighborhood; the objective is to sell them to people who will live in them. Discussion:

 Trust defined as a legal, corporate entity with a charter, by-laws, in this case non-profit, charitable organization, which would record a property in the county Registry of Deeds to a trustee for a named beneficiary

 Mission of this trust, as drafted, would be “To acquire, hold and dispose of property in McKnight consistent with the character of the neighborhood.”

 Different purpose than most other land trusts which are set up to conserve the environment of individual parcels, or to preserve the character of a neighborhood or use of the land; an example is the Springfield Preservation Trust, which does not own any property itself, and whose mission is to preserve built structures in the city. A different example is Concerned Citizens of Springfield that buys, rehabs and sells city properties.

 Questions raised on how to capitalize, how to define “character of the neighborhood” and maintain clear relationship with Historical Commission, how to manage any properties held in trust (by volunteers or by a property management company), how to remain differentiated from bad reputation of previous land-holding “McKnight Homeowners” organization.

 Pres. GAH appointed an ad hoc committee to examine the proposal, develop a clear mission statement, and get factual answers to all the questions raised. Committee to report back to Board of Directors.

• McKNIGHT TRAIL UPDATE: Neil Greene presented an update on his work:
 Has learned from the railroad that they are not being taxed, and they get fees for underground pipelines to carry jet fuel and Sprint cables; they are not willing to sell the property outright, but could sell surface rights; railroad has sold properties elsewhere.

 If it is determined that the railroad does have to pay taxes, that could be used as leverage to get them to sell the rights for a reasonable price.

 There probably exist many back issues, especially contamination; so far the railroad does no cleanup (although there is an effort by some to get railroads to clean up).

 May need an environmental assessment, particularly of wetlands, streams, drainage issues – in the case of wetlands, there are building restrictions and detailed requirements to precede.

 GAH and KF are doing tax and title research on the property; B&M Railroad was the last recorded owner, transferred to PanAm (but no records have been found); there is no parcel number for the rail corridor.

 WORK proceeds on establishing a WORKING GROUP (MNC councilors and or others who will take responsibility and “ownership” of the project); vital to success of the project for people in the heart of the McKnight neighborhood, particularly those who live along the trail, to take it on; there may be small stipends available, but no criteria for distribution has been yet determined.

 WORK proceeds on gathering information and getting support from the other neighborhood councils and other community groups as we get ready to approach the City of Springfield on land acquisition

 McKnight Trail delegation met with Development Director John Judge, and Senior Planner Scott Hanson in November; delegation is planning to meet with Mayor Sarno, and Parks and Planning departments on how to go about acquiring the land.

 MNC will search for grants (beyond the Baystate grant) to pay for the acquisition, but with the City as the negotiator, we have a better chance for getting the lowest price.

 LS reported she spoke to Rep. Richard Neal, who helped East Longmeadow get funds to purchase their section of the trail, and he said he would be willing to help McKnight.

REPORTS
• HOUSING (Denise Moccia, Chair): Noted 151 Bowdoin St. has been taken by a bank, house is in bad shape, yard is seriously overgrown; bank owned houses in McKnight are generally in bad shape, in violation of code, should be reported.

• YOUTH COUNCIL (Jesse Lederman, Chair): Reported that Public Safety Forum (Jan. 8, 2010) went well, approximately 150 people attended; MNYC was recognized by the City Council on Jan 11, and was invited to present the public safety issue to the City Council in February, and was invited to work with the Mayor’s violence prevention task force (MYNC suggests the City fund programs already in place instead of starting more initiatives); MNYC is planning a mid-May community workshop to combat violence.

• MSLAC (Liz Stevens, Chair): City registered the deed for the Mason Square Library, 765 State Street, on Sept. 18, 2009; Urban League was notified and given 4 months to relocate; state specialist has been assigned to do that, but did not meet with UL until early December, and is now awaiting completion of an inventory of UL personal property; UL has not yet begun to identify a new location; LS and KW spoke out at City Council meeting yesterday, Jan. 11, to get their help to move UL out swiftly and the library back in; Councilor Twiggs’ committee will look into it and keep the public aware.

• RMJ PLAYGROUND (Liz Stevens, MNC liaison): City received $5,000 to build the playground at RMJ School; rally planned for Jan. 20, Wed., 9:30-11 am at the school; raffle ticket for B&B overnight prize will be drawn then.

NEW BUSINESS:
• www.freecycle.org: TA noted on-line free exchange site, local or national (Springfield has its own group), to swap items.

• HELLO SPRINGFIELD: TA has recently become a producer for Comcast cable public access channel, planning a TV show to feature homes in McKnight, and other issues of neighborhood interest.

• MORINI PERFORMANCE COATINGS: 556 St. James Ave., CL reported opening on Jan. 25

There being no time left for further reports or new business, WK moved to adjourn; DM seconded. Motion passed.
9:05 pm – Adjournment.
Submitted by Kathryn A. Wright, Administrative Staff, 2/1/2010

AGENDA FEB. 9, 2010

McKnight Neighborhood Council, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, February 9, 2010: 7-9 pm
Rebecca Johnson School, Music Room, 55 Catherine St., Springfield MA
AGENDA

7:00 pm – Open Meeting
7:00-7:15 pm
OFFICER’S REPORTS (5 minutes each)
o CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: (Gregory Hession, President)
o SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Ben Swan Jr.) Minutes of January 12, 2010
o TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters) Budget revisions; Accountant’s Compilation

7:15-7:50 pm
REPORTS – Any committee updates (5 minutes each)
o Communications (Marianne Winters)
o Finance & Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)
o Youth (Jesse Lederman)
o Public Safety (Walter Kroll)
o Housing/Code (Denise Moccia)
o Mason Square Library (Liz Stevens)
o Rail trail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens)

7:50 – 8:50 pm (One hour)
OLD BUSINESS
Determination of Council priorities, based on 2008 Revitalization Plan and 2009 Strategic Plan, in order to submit specific projects for grant funding (HUD / CDBG Special 5-year grants)

8:50-9:00 pm (10 minutes)
NEW BUSINESS
o Open to the floor

9:00 pm – Close Meeting

Next McKnight Neighborhood Council meeting:
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Rebecca Johnson School, music room, 7-9 pm