AGENDA & MINUTES May 10, 2011

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:15 pm:  OPEN MEETING, WELCOME

o   Introduction, Board of Directors

o   Audience Introductions

6:15 – 6:45 pm:  GUEST

o   Burt Freedman is one of the founders of the Springfield Public Schools ECOS outdoor environmental learning program.  Burt is presenting an update about the City's plans for the Phaneuf Center where ECOS is housed in Forest Park.  The new plans call for a renovated facility which can be used by community groups throughout the city

6:45 – 7:00 pm:  OFFICERS’ REPORTS   

o    PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Walter J. Kroll)

·         Minor Home Repair Opportunity for Neighborhood Residents—update

·         Spirit of Springfield—375^th Anniversary Celebration—Parade May 14^th—update

·         McKnight Annual June Block Party—scheduled for June 18th

o    VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (vacant post)

o    SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens & Elizabeth Lederman, admin staff)

·         Minutes of April 12, 2011 meeting

o    TREASURER’S REPORT:  (Marianne Winters)

·         Re-structuring bookkeeping system--update

7:00—7:30 pm:  New Business

o    Annual meeting scheduled for June 14 & Upcoming Elections at June 18^th block party

·         Election by Board of Directors of the 2011 Election Chairperson

·         Announcement of the Nomination Committee to select slate of officers

o    Open to the Floor

7:30 – 8:00 pm:  COMMITTEE REPORTS – Any committee updates (5 minutes each)

·         Youth (Jesse Lederman)                                                           

·         Public Safety (Walter Kroll)                                                       

·         Housing/Code (vacant chair)

·         Communications (Walter Kroll)

·         Finance & Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)

·         Good Neighbor (Ceil Lewonchuk)

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS:

·         Mason Square Library (Liz Stevens)

·         Rail trail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens)

§  Keep Springfield Beautiful Day—report on Rail Trail Clean up

·         Health & Green Space (Katie Foster)

8:00 pm – Close Meeting

Approved June 14, 2011

Minutes McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting:  May 10, 2011

Meeting Called to order 6:05 p.m.:   (WK verified quorum present)

Board Members Present (9):  Walter Kroll (Pres.), Liz Stevens, (Clerk/Secy.), Ben Swan, Jr, (Asst Clerk/Secy), Marianne Winters (Treas.); Gregory A Hession, (Asst. Treas.), Frank Buntin, Jesse Lederman, Ceil Lewonchuk, Denise Moccia, {Elizabeth Lederman, Adm. Staff}.

Board Members Not Present (5):  Katie Foster, Chip Gorra, Arthur Jones, Donna Jordan, Ed Kelly

Neighborhood Members Attending:    Kathryn Wright,  Stephen Thibeau,  Steven Gray

Guests:  Burt Freedman, John Lysak

Welcome by WK; board member introductions; audience introductions.

GUEST PRESENTATIONS

°         Burt Freedman—one of the founders of the Springfield Public Schools ECOS outdoor environmental learning program—presented an update about the City's tentative plans for the Phaneuf Center where ECOS is housed in Forest Park.

·         The presentation included an architectural rending of the proposed facility.

·         The new plans call for a renovated dual-use facility which can be used by community groups throughout the city and still serve as the program basecamp for ECOS.

·         The School department will continue to fund ECOS, and the city would maintain the building.

·         Revenue will be generated by groups who use the facility as a venue for their events.

·         Renovations to be funded initially as a bond issue project.

·         Burt described this as a project whose time has come, and that the project has been in line for funding for a number of years.

·         Residents are urged to lend their support by calling and writing the Mayor’s office.

MOTION:  (JL moved) to send a memorandum of support from MNC; (LS seconded); (WK called); motion carried unanimously.

YOUTH COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORT (out of order)

°         JL reporting that the Springfield City Council is holding special hearing on May 17 at 430pm in City Hall to amend or revoke the special permit for the PRE biomass incinerator.  All residents encouraged to attend this hearing, and urged to contact Ward 4 Councilor Twiggs, along with the at-large councilors, and voice their opinions to them on this issue.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Walter Kroll)

o   Minor Home Repair Opportunity—update—Pastor Hazelwood from Lutheran volunteer grout inspected the three properties who submitted applications on April 20.  Will get back to us.

o   Spirit of Springfield parade plans for Saturday, May 14.  WK and SG tentatively participating with vintage cars; Youth Council members planning to march.

o   Block party with Neighborhood Watch partnering scheduled for Saturday June 18.  In addition to cookout, activities tentatively in place include bounce house, photo booth, sidewalk art, and rope bubbles from Board members.  Mischa Epstein Is signed on for face painting, Olander Worthy is being contacted about providing hula hoop activities. Preservation Trust and a representative from the EPA CARE grant teams also possible participants.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT::  (vacant)

SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens, Elizabeth Lederman, staff)

o   Minutes of Board Meeting, April 12, 2011, submitted for acceptance.  LS called for corrections or additions.  DM cited entry under New Business, a discussion about 69 Bowdoin Street, “WK observed that MNC is on record as not being interested, but we could call the city and request a cease and desist.”  Request to strike “MNC is on record as not being interested”.

MOTION: (BS moved) to accept as amended; (DM seconded); (WK call for discussion); (WK called); motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters)

o   MW reported that accountant Amy Grabowski is in the process of transferring information from Quicken to Quick books; and that the budget amendment regarding the change in the auditing and accounting component has been sent to Ed Whitley.

NEW BUSINESS

o   Annual Meeting scheduled for June 14 monthly meeting—to include community potluck.

o   Board of Directors’ elections for 2011-12 scheduled for June 18 at Block Party.  WK called for nominations for election chairperson. 

MOTION:  (MW moved) that EL serve as election chairperson.  (GH seconded); (WK call for discussion); (WK called); motion carried unanimously.

o   WK announced appointment of nomination committee to select slate of officers from newly elected Board:  Liz Stevens and Greg Hession representing the current Board; and Kat Wright, Mike Stevens, and Caroline Cunningham representing the three districts.

NEW BUSINESS—Open to the Floor

o   SG continues to voice concern about Bowdoin Street property and difficulty of working with city.

o   SG volunteered that he has acquired a number of paintings by local artist Mrs. Del Padre and would be willing to exhibit them at the block party—also considering a display of vintage cars he owns.  Suggested investigating a replica Duryea owned by a Putnam teacher to display at block part.  CL will check on this.

o   KW announced the tentative formation of a new Mason Square Advisory Committee now that the library has reopened—to be made up of representative from each of the five neighborhoods.  Meeting to discuss details on May 27 from 6-7pm at the Mason Square Library.

o   DM questioned who owns vacant lot beside Napoli’s on Bay Street—very overgrown and trashed.  WK advised calling 311 and letting city sort out who owns the lot.

o   Discussion of building at 380 Bay and business operating illegally.  WK reported that Code Enforcement is looing into it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

HOUSING/CODE: (Walter Kroll, Chair)

·         WK reported that variance request denied by ZBA   for 128 Marion Street to turn two family into three family dwelling..  Two other properties on Marion operating illegally as three family dwellings.  WK will also bring this to attention of Code Enforcement.  New owners at 1111 Dartmouth Terrace have asked permission to put in fence.  DM reports that Historical Commission will visit property to assess need.

PUBLIC SAFETY: (Walter Kroll, Chair)

·         Continuing to work on problem of bank owned properties and safety issues.  Working with City Stat to verify ownership and identify responsible parties.  Owner or property manager required to live within five miles of property.  Neighborhood needs access to accurate database in the interest of public safety.

·         River Inn Apartments on State Street long-term and major public safety issue.  McKnight resident assaulted recently by tenant.  Ongoing problems need specifically addressed with city until area is cleaned up.  Will begin concerted effort to bring situation forward as a public nuisance.

·         Demolished property on Worthington and Armory has not been cleared.  Continuing to report to city.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

RAIL TRAIL/ RJS PLAYGROUND: (Liz Stevens, Chair)

·         LS reported on Keep Springfield Beautiful clean-up on rail trail.  Nineteen volunteers cleaned area between Bay and State Street—ten bags of trash and a mountain of stuff deposited on tree belt for city to remove.

·         LS reporting that rail trail grant requests are in to WMECO, People’s Bank, and Mass Mutual.  Will be making presentation with Scott Hanson to State Street Alliance later this month in order to qualify for further consideration from Mass Mutual grant committee.  Next steps in rail trail development are land appraisal, environmental assessment, and engineering survey.

·         MNC to have table at May 21^st River Walk event to promote Rail Trail.

CLOSING BUSINESS & REMARKS

o   DM reporting that the grant she submitted on behalf of MNC for the Rabbi Guirion Award grant for $1000 was rejected.  EL to calendar and apply again next year

o   KW inquiring about status of newsletter; WK reporting that it is in the works now.

8:00 pm ADJOURNMENT:    MOTION:   (BS moved) to adjourn; (DM seconded); (WK called); motion carried.

NEXT MNC MEETING:                    Tuesday, June 14,  2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL, 55 Catherine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submitted by Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 06/14/2011.

AGENDA & MINUTES April 12, 2011

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:10 pm:  OPEN MEETING, WELCOME

o   Introduction, Board of Directors

o   Audience Introductions

6:10 – 6:25 pm:  GUEST

o   Deb Albury speaking on the new Fit Plus program that she will be offering to neighborhood youth.

6:25—6:45 pm:  GUEST

o   Al Chwalek, Director of the Springfield DPW, speaking on DPW related issues that will help to improve safety in the McKnight neighborhood.

6:45 – 7:00 pm:  OFFICERS’ REPORTS   

o    PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Walter J. Kroll)

·         Keep Springfield Beautiful—April events, see attached flyer

·         Spirit of Springfield—375^th Anniversary Celebration—Parade May 14^th

·         McKnight Annual June Block Party—scheduled for June 18th

o    VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (vacant post)

o    SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens & Elizabeth Lederman, admin staff)

·         Minutes of March  08, 2011 meeting

o    TREASURER’S REPORT:  (Marianne Winters)

·         Monthly financial report—see attached report

·         Update on re-structuring bookkeeping system

7:00—7:30 pm:  New Business—Open to the Floor

7:30 – 8:00 pm:  COMMITTEE REPORTS – Any committee updates (5 minutes each)

·         Youth (Jesse Lederman)                                                                           

·         Public Safety (Walter Kroll)                                                       

·         Housing/Code (vacant chair)

·         Communications (Walter Kroll)

·         Finance & Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)

·         Good Neighbor (Ceil Lewonchuk)

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS:

·         Mason Square Library (Liz Stevens)

·         Rail trail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens)

·         Health & Green Space (Katie Foster)

8:00 pm – Close Meeting

Minutes McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting:  April 12, 2011

Meeting Called to order 6:05 p.m.:   (WK verified quorum present)

Board Members Present (8):  Walter Kroll (Pres.), Liz Stevens, (Clerk/Secy.), Ben Swan, Jr, (Asst Clerk/Secy), Marianne Winters (Treas.); Gregory A Hession, (Asst. Treas.), Jesse Lederman, Ceil Lewonchuk, Denise Moccia, {Elizabeth Lederman, Adm. Staff}.

Board Members Not Present (6):  Frank Buntin, Katie Foster, Chip Gorra, Arthur Jones, Donna Jordan, Ed Kelly

Neighborhood Members Attending:   Mary Kirby, E. Henry Twiggs, Karen Twiggs, Cathy Paquin, Kathryn Wright, W Clark, Stephen Thibeau, Deborah Albury, Steven Gray

Guests:  Allan Chwalek, Spfld DPW, Charlie Ramos

Welcome by WK; board member introductions; audience introductions.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

WK presented Ben Swan, Jr with a memorial clock in honor of his long term service to the neighborhood, serving in the past as MNC president, and presently acting as assistant treasurer and serving as neighborhood liaison to the Police Beat team.

GUEST PRESENTATIONS

o   Ward 4 Springfield City Councilor E. Henry Twiggs, introduced Al Chwalek, Director of the Springfield DPW.   Council Twiggs explained that they had been working together on DPW related issues that will help to improve safety in the McKnight neighborhood. Director Chwalek went over a list of suggestions that had been submitted by residents and outlined the actions to be taken.

·         Pat Sullivan in the Parks Department has been sent the items involving lighting issues and mowing in triangle park areas; also requests for historical lighting around the parks, and for ornamental trash receptacle surrounds.

·         Items submitted to the Traffic Commission:  requests for stop signs on Buckingham and Sherman as they intersect Clarendon Street;  more speed limit signs on St James Avenue;  request for “Slow, Children” signs around the parks; and crosswalk markings.

·         Discussion of traffic light at St James & Dartmouth;  one of the oldest stop lights in the city which residents want to keep; request made to paint it because it is rusty.  Also discussion of the need for “No Right on Red” signage. 

·         Street maintenance and traffic line repainting:  Repainting of traffic line markings to begin in July.  Pothole repairs ongoing with average 3 day turnaround; call 311 to report. 

·         Street light outage, report to 311; WMECO responsible for changing; 3-4 day turnaround time

·         Rusted street light poles; DPW will look into repainting. 

·         Discussion of traffic snarls around State Street, Bay, and Magazine intersection; also on Bay and Catherine intersection; will pass on to traffic commission to look into.

·         Question of how to advocate for historical lighting in entire McKnight neighborhood; question to be directed to community development department.

o   Deb Albury presented information on the new Fit Plus program that she will be offering to neighborhood youth.  Program is developed with grant funds from Partners for a Healthier Springfield, and directed to McKnight youth as well as those children who regularly play at Magazine Park who are ages 10-17.   Deb outlined the program the goal of which is to engage kids in 60 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days per week.  One ongoing activity will involve developing a “Ten Thousand Steps” walking route from the Primus Mason lot to Thompson Triangle and then Magazine Park.  Other program components will include 6 six one-hour activity sessions at Magazine Park.  Some youth will be compensated with stipends from the grant for their work in the program.

OFFICER’S REPORTS

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters)

o   MW presented the budget for the period March 1-31, 2011, along with proposed budget amendments which included:

·         Fit Plus grant monies in the amount of $2000, with $1800 going to program expenses as per FIT Plus budget; and $200 to MNC for grant administration

·         Donation to provide start up costs for  house plaque program

·         Audit costs of $1500

·         Proposed monthly bookkeeping expense of $435 (for 4/1 to 6/30 @$35/hr for 4 hrs per month

o   Discussion: 

·         MW explained that hiring an outside bookkeeper would provide financial stability and continuity which would make the position of treasurer more viable for a volunteer board member, providing both sustainability and transparency for MNC as an organization

·         GH observed this would be a recurring cost @$35/hr for 4 hr monthly, amounting to $1680 annually

·         BS asked if this could be done more cheaply

·         MW reported that this figure was a quote from accountant Amy Grabowski, who was experienced in doing accounting for non-profits, and was a good candidate for the position

·         BS questioned whether this position should be put out to bid and that perhaps a less experienced accountant might charge less

·         LS observed that it was crucial to maintain accountability as many grants stipulated that recipient must have yearly outside audits; and that a professional funds handler with credibility was a necessity

·         BS allowed that the accountant must be capable, and that he was simply concerned about the cost.

·         MW suggested a middle ground of having Grabowski prepare last year’s books, and this year's books, and handling the final three months of the fiscal year; and deciding what to do for next year—which would give an idea of the actual monthly time required and an opportunity to iron out any glitches.

                MOTION:  (MW moved) to accept budget amendment as presented.  (LS seconded); (WK           called for discussion);  BS raised a point of order, asking if MNC had ever hired anyone without     putting the job out for bid; and whether or not there was a CDBG requirement for such?  BS      withdrew his objection and offered an amendment to the motion, as follows:  subject to the            CDBG contract requirement;   (WK called the question) motion carried unanimously.

                MOTION:  (BS moved) to accept treasurer’s monthly report; (JL seconded); (WK called the          question); motion carried unanimously.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Walter Kroll)

o   Report on plans for Keep Springfield Beautiful Day, Saturday April 30, 8am to 1pm.  Rail Trail clean up from Bay Street to the Rebecca Johnson School playground.  MW and BS observed need for Rev Green (whose church owns part of the property) to be present or to provide a note of permission to cover liability.  LS will handle; also flyering neighbors on Dawes Street to invite them to join in the clean up.

o   Spirit of Springfield parade plans for Saturday, May 14.  MNC will be participating with several vintage cars.  Youth Council will be marching in the parade.

o   Block party scheduled for Saturday June 18.  Plans for event and annual election continue.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (vacant)

°         WK asked for interested board members to volunteer for vacant vice president’s position.

 SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens, Elizabeth Lederman, staff)

o   Minutes of Board Meeting, March 08, 2011, submitted for acceptance.  LS called for corrections or additions.  None offered.

MOTION: (BS moved) to accept as presented; (GH seconded); (WK call for discussion) ;( WK called the question);  6 yea; 2 abstentions by members absent at last meeting; motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS—Open to the Floor

°         SG raised the problem of the scheduled demolition of fire-damaged 69 Bowdoin Street.  SG would like to save property and has materials to do so, but no cash.  Says current owner is willing to transfer deed to him.  Discussion around what it would take to save property.  DM observed that city wants a concrete plan and GH observed that the city has issued an order of demolition.  WK observed that MNC is on record as not being interested, but we could call the city and request a cease and desist.

MOTION:  (BS moved) to request the city to postpone demolition; (LS seconded); (WK call for discussion);  DM observed that the city will want money set aside and insurance; (WK called the question): 7 yea, 1 abstention; motion carried.

°         BS reported that Weed & Seed had contributed a supply of energy saving light bulbs which MNC can give out at the June block party.

°         JL proposed the idea that MNC consider the idea of having future MNC meetings in the community room of the newly reopened Mason Square Library.

°         KW  urged everyone to come to the Grand Reopening activities for the Mason Square Library on April 13, 14, and 15.  Activities include ribbon cutting ceremony, reception, and sock hop.  Also reported that the Advisory Committee to the library will be revived with a representative from each of the Mason Square neighborhood councils.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

PUBLIC SAFETY: (Walter Kroll, Chair)

·         WK reported that pipe thefts continue with abandoned houses being targeted; and gang activity and assaults have begun to increase as the weather improves.  Important to be observant and report; and encouraged residents to attend Watch meetings and monthly Police Beat meetings. 

YOUTH COUNCIL (Jesse Lederman, Chair)

·         JL reported the latest developments in the biomass incinerator fight include the state air permit hearing which was well attended by opponents.  City Council to review permitting in near future; hope to see project stopped at local level.

·         Youth Council continuing work on summer concert series at Thompson Triangle.  Looking for sponsors and local artists to perform.

COMMUNICATIONS (Walter Kroll, Chair)

·         WK reported that he has been meeting weekly with Bob McCarthy and newsletter is now under way.  Website is being transitioned to staff support EL from volunteer Karan Parkin.

FINANCE and FUNDRAISING (Marianne Winters,  Chair)

·         House plaques now available for purchase.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

RAIL TRAIL/ RJS PLAYGROUND: (Liz Stevens, Chair)

·         LS reported Mass Mutual is probably willing to fund rail trail grant; requested that MNC get support from project from the State Street Alliance first.  Have requested to be on agenda for June meeting of that organization

·         BS reported that he is eligible to receive a grant as a Mass Mutual employee to be given to an organization of his choice; will forward paperwork to MW and LS.

8:00 pm ADJOURNMENT:    MOTION:   (JL moved) to adjourn; (LS seconded); (WK called); motion carried.

NEXT MNC MEETING:                    Tuesday, May 10, 2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL, 55 Catherine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submitted by Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 05/10/2011.