McKnight Council Board Of Directors

AGENDA & MINUTES September 20, 2011

2011-10-22T15:23:00.001-04:00

McKnightNeighborhood Council, Inc.

Board ofDirectors Meeting

Tuesday, September20, 2011: 6-8 pm

RebeccaJohnson School, Music Room

55 CatharineSt., Springfield MA

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:15 pm: OPEN MEETING, WELCOME

o Introduction, Board of Directors

o Audience Introductions

6:15—6:30 pm: GUEST

o LaurieWilliams from the Mason Square Health Task Force speaking on plans to developa substance abuse recovery center in the Mason Square area and seeking inputfrom neighborhood residents about its location and how it would operate in thecommunity.

6:30 – 6:45pm: OFFICERS’ REPORTS

o PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (WalterJ. Kroll)

o VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (DemetriosPanteleakis)

o SECRETARY’S REPORT: (BenSwan, Jr & Elizabeth Lederman, admin staff)

· Minutes of August 16, 2011 meeting (seeattachment)

o TREASURER’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens)

· Monthly financial report

6:45—7:15 pm: New Business

o MNC liability insurance—discussion about theneed and cost of Directors & Officers insurance which the Council does notcurrently have in place

o Open to the Floor

7:15 – 8:00pm: COMMITTEE REPORTS – Anycommittee updates (5 minutes each)

o StandingCommittees

· Rail Trail (Liz Stevens)

· Public Safety (Walter Kroll)

· Housing &Code (Demetrios Panteleakis)

· Communications (Marianne Winters)

· Good Neighbor (Ceil Lewonchuk)

o Ad HocCommittees

· Community Center (Demetrios Panteleakis)

· Debate (Jesse Lederman)

8:00 pm – Close Meeting

NextMcKnight Neighborhood Council Meeting

Tuesday, October11, 2011 6:00-8:00 pm Rebecca Johnson School

Approved October 11, 2011

Minutes McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting: September 20, 2011

MeetingCalled to order 6:05 p.m.: (WK verifiedquorum present)

Board Members Present (7): Walter Kroll (Pres), Ben Swan, Jr,(Secy/Clerk), Liz Steven, (Treas),Ceil Lewonchuk (Asst Secy), Gregory Hession, Ed Kelly, Stephen Thibeau, {ElizabethLederman, Adm. Staff}.

Board Members Not Present(6): DemetriosPanteleakis (Vice Pres), FrankBuntin, Katie Foster, Arthur Jones, Donna Jordan, Jesse Lederman

NeighborhoodMembers Attending: W. Clark, Stephen Gray, Madeline Kroll, KatWright, Victoria Lewis, Brandi Gamble, D. Lucas

Guests: Zaida Govan

Welcomeby WK; board member introductions; audience introductions.

OFFICER’SREPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Walter Kroll)

o WKreporting on the MNC sponsored debate for the mayoral candidates on September13 at AIC—debate format was strong and candidates were well engaged. Lack of media support for the event, butcovered by Republican and Reminder with good write-ups. Plans in progress for final mayoral debateand possible debate for at-large city council race.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Demetrios Panteleakis)

o DP absent—no report.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Ben Swan; ElizabethLederman, staff)

o Minutes of Board Meeting,August 16, 2011, submitted for acceptance. BS absent during this portion ofmeeting; Asst Secy/Clerk, CL called for corrections or additions. None offered.

MOTION: (CL moved) to accept aspresented; (EK seconded); (WK call fordiscussion) ;(WK called the question); carriedunanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens)

o LS reported that she is working with the newbookkeeper Amy Grabowski to understand the books and how the expenses arehandled and reported. She asked forsuggestions about what board members wanted to see in the monthly financialreport. GH observed that the reserveneeds to show in the report, and that any grant monies we are handling forother organizations should be distinguished as a separate account, as is donewith escrow accounts. Further discussionled to motion as follows:

MOTION: (BS moved) that MNCexecutive board committee take up discussion on financial report format andfinalize details; (EK seconded); (WKcall for discussion) ;(WK called the question); carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

o WK reported that MNC liability insurancedoes not include Directors’ & Officers’ insurance. Discussion about whether the Board wants thiscoverage and what situations could arise which would warrant it. General consensus reached that because MNC isso small, and the scope of its activities is modest and generally covered bythe liability policy, that there is little risk involved. Agreement that the current liabilityinsurance is sufficient for any litigious situations which might arise.

NEW BUSINESS—OPEN TO THE FLOOR

o Kat Wright reported that the AARP issponsoring a project on “walkable communities”. A workshop is taking place on Tuesday October 18 which involves a sitesurvey which rates sidewalks and streets in various areas of the city as totheir walkability. They will besurveying five sites. Suggestspossible participation by MNC.

GUEST PRESENTATION

o Zaida Govan (standing in for LaurieWilliams, who was originally scheduled) speaking on plans by the Mason SquareHealth Task Force to develop a substance abuse recovery center in the MasonSquare area and seeking input from neighborhood residents about its locationand how it would operate in the community.

· Project is called the Mason Square RecoveryInitiative

· Mission—to provide aftercare services toclients who are coming out of substance abuse treatment who live in thecommunity—as stated “to be a resource for the recovering community”.

· Organization has a $25,000 implementationgrant with plans to supplement with monies from Ludlow correctional facilityand other potential community partners.

· Planning to locate the facility in a house(as opposed to a storefront) in a residential section of Mason Square; site asyet undetermined; will have offices and community space; two paid staffsupplemented with volunteers.

Discussion revealedthat this project is still in early planning stages. Concerns voiced around the preponderance ofgroup homes and similar services already located in the residential McKnightarea, particularly on St James Avenue. ZG stressed the uniqueness of this project as an integrated aftercarefacility, and pointed to a similar model that operates successfully inHartford. Agreed to provide moreinformation in later planning stages. Board indicated willingness to hear more about the proposal as itdevelops.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

STANDING COMMITTEES

o Rail Trail (Liz Stevens)

· LS reporting thatland appraisal is almost completed.

· Participated in arail trails report that is airing on PBS local station WGBY channel 57 in October. Spent two hours on McKnight trail with cameraman shooting footage.

· Participating in1^st Annual Rail Conference on November 12.

· Mass Mutualgrant—they have indicated they want MNC to proceed with application

· SpringfieldCollege declined MNC request to provide AmeriCorps volunteer to assist inorganizing volunteers for rail trail work

· Humanics Dayscheduled for September 27 with 4-5 student volunteers from SpringfieldCollege. Plan is to access rail trailfrom Albany Street and clean out a dumping area that has developed because of abreach in the fence that surrounds the abutting lot. City has been contacted about repairingfence.

o PublicSafety (Walter Kroll)

o Reported on the closing of the River Inn property bythe City for code violations. Ownershave one year to bring it up to code or lose the property.

o Watch officer Charlie Ramos reporting an overallincrease in armed assaults and gang activity.

o Urged continuing vigilance re radiator, pipe, andmetal theft in abandoned and vacant houses. Police have been able to successfullyintervene when immediately alerted.

o Housing& Code (Demetrios Panteleakis)

· DP absent, GHreporting—committee continues to develop resident’s letter alerting to codeviolations. Letters will be submitted toBoard to sign off on before sending. Housing stock list to be developed for serious offenders requiring Cityinterventions as in abandoned and/or bank owned properties not being properlyadministered.

· EK raised problemdeveloping in neighborhood regarding unscrupulous realtors possibly takingadvantage of first time home buyers and what measures could be taken to assistthese individuals. Consensus thatvictims themselves need to contact the Attorney General in these matters.

· 78 Bowdoin Streetbeing illegally advertised for sale as a three-family in a single family zoningarea. Zoning commission is now involvedand following the issue.

· 380 Bay—LS reporting that this property withserious environmental issues will be part of the focus of the EPA CARE grantmeeting in which MNC is sponsoring later this fall.

o Communications (Marianne Winters)

o MW absent, LS reporting—LS reporting that fallnewsletter is now in planning stages.

o GoodNeighbor (Ceil Lewonchuk)

o CL reporting she will now be visiting new residents towelcome them, give them official Council flyer, and inviting them to come tothe monthly meeting.

AD HOC COMMITTEES

o Debate (JesseLederman)

· JL absent—WKreiterated that a mayoral debate, and possibly an at-large city council debatewill be undertaken before the general election in November.

WRAP UP—FINAL BUSINESS, OPEN TO FLOOR

o BrandiGamble-Eddington, requesting memorandum of support in her efforts to acquireownership of the vacant lot abutting her property at 42 Thompson Street, whichis in the process of being sold by the City.

· Background—lot previously owned by HAP as apreferred developer. HAP returnedproperty to the City after BG made inquiries about it. It is now available for purchase; either byauction or RFP (not clear which). BG hasbeen caring for the property since building her home on abutting lot in2005. Buddhist Temple and also bar onState Street interested in acquiring lot for parking.

· Discussion—Request in accord with MNC policy ofsupporting residents who have invested time and expense in caring for vacantlots which abut their properties. Alsoof importance, lot is a boundary property abutting the commercial district onState Street—residential boundaries of the neighborhood need to be kept intact.

MOTION: (LS moved) that MNC issuea memorandum of support to Brandi-Gamble Eddington in her efforts to acquirevacant lot parcel #11525-0007 on Thompson Street; (BS seconded); (WK call for discussion) ;(WKcalled the question); carriedunanimously.

· EL directed to issue memorandum

8:00 ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: (LS moved) to adjourn; (EK seconded); (WKcalled); motion carried.

NEXT MNC MEETING: Tuesday, October11, 2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL,55 Catharine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submittedby Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 10/11/2011.

AGENDA & MINUTES August 16, 2011

2011-10-22T15:11:00.000-04:00

McKnightNeighborhood Council, Inc.

Board ofDirectors Meeting

Tuesday,August 09, 2011: 6-8 pm

Rescheduledto August 16, 2011

RebeccaJohnson School, Music Room

55 CatherineSt., Springfield MA

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:10 pm: OPEN MEETING, WELCOME

o Introduction, Board of Directors

o Audience Introductions

6:10—6:25 pm: GUEST

o Erica Walch from the Springfield Public Forum lecture series is presenting details about this year's programming and some exciting newfeatures.

6:25 – 6:45pm: OFFICERS’ REPORTS

o PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (WalterJ. Kroll)

o VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (DemetriosPanteleakis)

o SECRETARY’S REPORT: (BenSwan, Jr & Elizabeth Lederman, admin staff)

· Minutes of July 19, 2011 meeting

o TREASURER’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens)

· Monthly financial report

· Submission of 2011-12 budget for approval

6:45—7:15 pm: New Business

o Scopeof Service for 2011-12—review and approval

o Approvalof Corporate Seal—Vote of Corporation Authorizing Execution of Contract

o SteveThibeau seeking clarification of easement issue relating to the now dissolvedMcKnight Homeowners Association

o Opento the Floor

7:15 – 8:00pm: COMMITTEE REPORTS – Anycommittee updates (5 minutes each)

· Rail Trail (Liz Stevens)

· Public Safety (Walter Kroll)

· Housing/Code (vacant chair)

· Continued work on committee formation andtasks

8:00 pm – Close Meeting

NextMcKnight Neighborhood Council Meeting

Tuesday,September 13, 2011 6:00-8:00 pm RebeccaJohnson School

Approved 9/20/11

Minutes McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting: August 16, 2011

MeetingCalled to order 6:05 p.m.: (WK verifiedquorum present)

Board Members Present (9): Walter Kroll (Pres), Demetrios Panteleakis (Vice Pres), Ben Swan, Jr, (Secy/Clerk),Liz Stevens, (Treas), CeilLewonchuk, (Asst Secy), Gregory Hession, Ed Kelly, JesseLederman, Stephen Thibeau, {Elizabeth Lederman, Adm. Staff}.

Board Members Not Present(4): FrankBuntin, Katie Foster, Arthur Jones, Donna Jordan

NeighborhoodMembers Attending: Deborah Pace, Susan Bernardy, Stephen Gray,Brandi Gamble, Michael McLaurin, JamesParciak

Guests: Jose Ramos

Welcomeby WK; board member introductions; audience introductions.

OFFICER’SREPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Walter Kroll)

o Openedmeeting, noting that regular meeting had been rescheduled from August 09because the building was locked and the meeting could not take place.

o Readmission statement of Council from bylaws, which describes purpose and overviewof goals.

o Gavebrief synopsis of Springfield Forum presentation that Erica Walch shared beforethe cancelled meeting from last week, since she was unable to return for thisweek’s meeting.

o Announcedthe chairmanships for each of 2011-12 committees, noting that chairs wereassigned according to expertise and interest, as follows:

· Public Safety—Walter Kroll

· Housing/Code—Demetrios Panteleakis

· Rail Trail—Liz Stevens

· Communications—Marianne Winter

· Good Neighbor—Ceil Lewonchuk

· McKnight Community Center—Demetrios Panteleakis

· Debate Committee—Jesse Lederman

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (Demetrios Panteleakis)

o DP reported Frank Fitzgerald is working up an appraisalvalue for the church property for sale on Clarendon & St James (previouslydiscussed as potential site for community center). City has been made aware of MNC’s tentativeinterest in property, but noted building does have significant codeconcerns.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Ben Swan; ElizabethLederman, staff)

o Minutes of Board Meeting,July 19, 2011, submitted for acceptance. BS absent during this portion ofmeeting; Asst Secy/Clerk, CL called for corrections or additions. None offered.

MOTION: (LS moved) to accept aspresented; (CL seconded); (WK call fordiscussion) ;(WK called the question); carriedunanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens)

o LS offered overview of FY 2010-11 year end budget, noting that RailTrail appraisal had been completed and paid for.

o Discussion about $7,630 reserve that MNC has on the books—used foroperating capital to cover gap between CDBG billing and reimbursement.

MOTION: (DP moved) to accept year endreport as presented; (EK seconded); (WK call for discussion) ;(WK called thequestion); carried unanimously.

o Presentation of FY2011-12 CDBG yearly budget for Board approval.

o Discussion of Bay Streetgarden project and MNC role as fiscal agent.

MOTION: (JL moved) to accept FY2011-12 CDBG budget as presented; (DP seconded); (WK call for discussion) ;(WKcalled the question); carriedunanimously.

New Business

o WK presented CDBG Scope of Service for2011-12 for review and approval. Discussion around whether MNC has to accomplish each goal in order tofulfill the contract. Consensus reachedthat accomplishment can be long term, and that activities taking place towardthe goal which are documented fulfill the contract even if the goal is notsuccessfully achieved.

MOTION: (DP moved) to accept FY 2011-12 CDBG Scopeof Service as presented; (LS seconded); (WK call for discussion) ;(WK calledthe question); carried unanimously.

o WK called for approval of CorporateSeal—Vote of Corporation Authorizing Execution of Contract in relation to theCDBG contract.

MOTION: (GH moved) That theBoard hereby authorizes Walter Kroll to execute any document necessary toobtain CDBG funding on behalf of the Board of Directors.; (DP seconded) (WK call for discussion) ; EKcalled for clarification; further discussion on nature of what was beingauthorized with DP observing that this was an expansion vote and not a limitingvote. (WK called the question); carriedunanimously. (BS directed to completedocument and imprint corporate seal—to be delivered to Ed Whitley atNeighborhood Services by staff EL.)

o Steve Thibeau seekingclarification of easement issue relating to the now dissolved McKnightHomeowners Association and access to a Verizon service pole servicing homes onWelcome Place and Brown and Yale Streets. ST requesting letter from MNC stipulating that it was not the intent ofMNC to dissolve any easements acknowledged in the MHA covenants when it votedto dissolve that entity. Lengthydiscussion around the issue and the legal nature of easement rights and theauthority of the Council or any neighborhood council in such matters.

MOTION: (BS moved) that MNCauthor a letter stating simply that MNC did not intend to limit access to theaforementioned utility pole when it dissolved the MHA. (LS seconded); (WK call for discussion) ; GH observed that it was MNC’s intent todissolve the MHA, and that the recorded document of the dissolution was thecontrolling factor such that the easement was dissolved despite itsquestionable status to begin with; and DP observed that the right of easementrested with the utility company as a matter of federal law; (WK called thequestion); Yea, 3; Nay 5; Abstentions,1; motion defeated. (Council recommended that ST pursue a courseof action with the regulatory commission to resolve the problem.)

NEW BUSINESS—OPEN TO THE FLOOR

o DP asked the Board to please considercalling the proposed community center, the Center for Civic Engagement, ratherthan just a community center. Agreementthat the suggestions would be taken under consideration at an appropriatefuture date.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

STANDING COMMITTEES

o Rail Trail (Liz Stevens)

· Three grantapplications in progress—WMECO, Mass Mutual, and Kodak. Presented information to State StreetAlliance as a step toward obtaining the Mass Mutual grant. Some discussion about the possibility ofhaving the area incorporated as a Business Overlay District which would accruesome advantages in moving the Rail Trail project forward.

· In process ofidentifying Rail Trail related project for Springfield College’s Humanics Dayvolunteers.

· Still pursuingrequest for Americorp volunteer from Springfield College to help with the RailTrail.

o PublicSafety (Walter Kroll)

· Reported onsuspicious activity around the neighborhood, including young man door knockingto ask for money for baby formula.; and drug and gang activity in Oak GroveCemetery.

· NeighborhoodWatch has been conducting regular walking patrols on Bowdoin Street on Thursdayand Friday evenings.

· Urgedparticipation in monthly Watch, and Sector F police beat meetings.

o Housing& Code (Demetrios Panteleakis)

· GH (interimchairman) reporting on first meeting. Described housing problems as falling into three categories: city owned,bank owned, and privately owned properties. Problems with city and bank owned properties can be addresseddirectly. Committee will be developing afriendly letter template to begin dialogues with the owners of privateproperties to open positive dialogues about housing related problems. Goal is to establish a polite standard. Boardto approve letters before sending them out.

AD HOC COMMITTEES

o Debate (JesseLederman)

· JL reporting thattentative date of August 23 offered to all three mayoral primarycandidates. Sarno campaign slow torespond definitely despite consistent overtures. Tosado and Pepe campaigns confirmed. Question as to whether to cancel the debate ifSarno does not respond soon or if he declines, since the tentative debate dateis drawing near.

MOTION: (BS moved) to wait until 10 am tomorrow(August 17) for a response from Sarno, and if one is not received to cancel thedebate (WK seconded); (WK call for discussion) ; JL commented that even if Sarno does not wantto debate, it is the responsibility of MNC to put the candidates before the people,even if only two of them step up to the plate; LS commented that as a voter shedid not know anything about Tosado and Pepe and would like to hear from them; (BS amended motion) to go forward with thedebate, even in the absence of Sarno, if the other two candidates agree; (GHseconded) (WK called the question); carried unanimously. (DPvolunteered to contact Sarno campaign to expedite answer.)

9:00 ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: (BS moved) to adjourn; (JL seconded); (WKcalled); motion carried.

NEXT MNC MEETING: Tuesday, September13, 2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL,55 Catharine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submittedby Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 09/20/2011.

AGENDA & MINUTES July 19, 2011

2011-10-22T15:05:00.000-04:00

McKnightNeighborhood Council, Inc.

Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, July19, 2011: 6-8 pm

RebeccaJohnson School, Music Room

55 CatherineSt., Springfield MA

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:15 pm: OPEN MEETING, WELCOME

o Introduction, Board of Directors 2011-12

o Acknowledgements to Any Retiring Directors Present

o Audience Introductions

6:15 – 6:30 pm: OFFICER’S REPORTS (from 2010-2011Board)

o PRESIDENT’SREPORT: (Walter J. Kroll)

· McKnight Annual June Block Party details

· Bowdoin Street Fire Meeting Summary from June 21special meeting

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

· Minutes of June 14, 2011 meeting

o TREASURER’SREPORT: (MarianneWinters)

· Year end budget overview and details onfinalization of new bookkeeping system

6:30 pm—6:45 pm: BOARD INSTALLATION & OFFICER ELECTIONS

o Installationof Electees to Board of Directors

o Electionof Officers

· Presentation of Slate by Nominating Committee

· Call for nominations from the floor

· Balloting and tally

· Elected officers installed

6:45 pm—7:00 pm: NEW BUSINESS--Open to the Floor

7:00 – 8:00pm: PROJECT AGENDA & COMMITTEEPLANNING FOR 2011-12

o What does the Council want to accomplish thisyear?

· Last years goals & tasks (see CBDG worksheetattached)

· This year’s projects

o Evaluation & Re-organization of CurrentStanding & Ad Hoc Committees

· Standing Committees & Chairpersons

§ Youth(Jesse Lederman)

§ PublicSafety (Walter Kroll)

§ Housing/Code(vacant chair)

§ Communications(Walter Kroll)

§ Finance& Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)

§ GoodNeighbor (Ceil Lewonchuk)

· Ad Hoc Committees & Chairpersons

§ MasonSquare Library (Liz Stevens)

§ Railtrail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens)

§ Health& Green Space (Katie Foster)

8:00 pm – Close Meeting

NextMcKnight Neighborhood Council Meeting

Tuesday, August09, 2011 6:00-8:00pm Rebecca Johnson School

Approved August 16, 2011

Minutes McKnight Neighborhood Council

Board Meeting: July 19, 2011

MeetingCalled to order 6:05 p.m.: (WK verifiedquorum present)

Board Members Present (10): WalterKroll (out going Pres.), Liz Stevens,(outgoing Clerk/Secy.), Ben Swan, Jr, (outgoing Asst Clerk/Secy), Gregory Hession,(outgoing Asst. Treas.), Katie Foster, Ed Kelly, Jesse Lederman, Ceil Lewonchuk,Demetrios Panteleakis, Stephen Thibeau, {Elizabeth Lederman, Adm. Staff}.

Board Members Not Present(3): FrankBuntin, Arthur Jones, Donna Jordan

NeighborhoodMembers Attending: Tricia Love-Walsh, Susan Bernardy, StephenGray, Brandi Gamble, Lenora Monroe, Michael McLaurin

Welcomeby WK; board member introductions; audience introductions.

OFFICER’SREPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (outgoing, Walter Kroll)

o Reporton spring block party held June 18—well attended; keeps improving with previouscontributors returning; start thinking forward for good ideas for the fallblock party.

o Report on Bowdoin Streetfire meeting and follow up measures. Neighborhood Watch now conducting walking tours on Thursday and Fridayevenings from 7 to 830 pm—WK, EK, ST and Officer Ramos participating;networking with street residents and providing public visibility. Teams are wearing McKnight Watch shirts.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: (vacant)

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

o Minutes of Board Meeting,June 14, 2011, submitted for acceptance. LS called for corrections or additions. None offered.

MOTION: (EK moved) to accept aspresented; (LS seconded); (WK call for discussion) ;(WK called the question); carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: (outgoing, MarianneWinters)

o MW absent; no report presented.

OFFICER ELECTIONS & BOARD INSTALLATION

o LS, chairman of the nominating committeefor officer elections, presented the slate of officers, as follows: President, Walter Kroll; Vice President,Frank Buntin & Demetrios Panteleakis; Secretary/Clerk, Ben Swan, Jr; Treasurer, Elizabeth Stevens; Asst Secretary/Clerk,Ceil Lewonchuk; Assistant Treasurer, none.

o Nominations opened to the floor—noneoffered.

o Ballots distributed to Board members;voting ensued; ballots collected and tallied by EL.

o LS announced the results as follows for2011-12 Officers: President, WalterKroll; Vice-President Demetrios Panteleakis; Secretary/Clerk, Ben Swan, Jr;Treasurer, Elizabeth Stevens; Asst Secretary/Clerk, Ceil Lewonchuk.

o Newly elected President Walter Krollofficiated in swearing in the new 2011-12 Board, who promised to work toadvance the values and initiatives of the MNC, and to play well together.

NEW BUSINESS—OPEN TO THE FLOOR

o Lengthy discussion on River Inn propertylocated at Thompson & State Street—recent machete attack by someone wholives there—continued public nuisance. WK cited need for holistic approach to the problem—continuing to putpressure on the City, specifically code enforcement, and possibly the Dept ofTransitional Assistance who provides vouchers for the residents of the propertyunits. DP suggested petitioning the Cityto fence the opens lots adjacent to the property to discourage activity inthese areas and to change the foot traffic pattern into the neighborhood. Agreement that public safety committee needsto speak to surrounding businesses and the temple to garner support andincrease momentum on the issue.

o DP citing litter from Subway and DollarStore continues to plague Westminster Street residents.

o SG citing seriously deteriorated pavementat Thompson & State Street.

o ST reporting that MNC non profit statuswith the state needs updated.

o ST raising question of what constitutesresidency in the neighborhood and therefore membership on the Council. General agreement that the bylaws leave itopen to some interpretation. DPsuggested that the City standard of residency for department heads as thelegal, permanent domicile might be the best default standard. WK to check with the City for moreinformation.

PROJECT AGENDA & COMMITTEE PLANNING FOR2011-12

WK presenting planning format—what people want todo this year will determine committee structure—committees from previous yearevaluated and re-organized. Results asfollow:

o StandingCommittees & 2010-11 Chairpersons

· Youth ( Jesse Lederman)—Committee deactivated (not dissolved)

§ Discussion—sinceMcKnight Neighborhood Youth Council has completed its major project on thebiomass incinerator, three members have graduated from high school, leaving onlytwo members. Since there has beenlimited interest from other neighborhood youth for community action projects, YouthCouncil members have chosen to step back and work on other committees for now.

· Public Safety(Walter Kroll)— Committee Continued

§ Committee volunteers—Ed Kelly, Walter Kroll, JesseLederman, Michael McLauren, Ceil Lewonchuk

· Housing/Code(vacant chair)—Committee Continued

§ Disscussion—historic preservation still primaryconcern in neighborhood; also undervaluation of McKnight properties in themarket; need to continue to educate residents to vigorously pursue code issuesand 311 reporting; need to establish aconsistent “point man” to dialogue with City departments.

§ Committee volunteers—Greg Hession, Jesse Lederman,Steve Thibeau, Brandi Gamble, SteveGray, Walter Kroll, Demetrios Panteleakis, Michael McLaurin, Ben Swan, Jr. GH to organize initial meeting.

· Communications (Walter Kroll)— CommitteeContinued

§ Discussion—Marianne Winters not present but hascommitted to continuing to work on this committee, which includes newsletter& web site activities

§ Committee volunteers—Marianne Winters, Ed Kelly,Elizabeth Lederman

· Finance & Fund Raising (MarianneWinters)—Committee Dissolved

§ Discussion—fundraising can be folded intoproject-specific activities under the purview of general board activity orthose of specific committees, e.g. rail trail grant applications, etc.

· Good Neighbor (Ceil Lewonchuk— CommitteeContinued

§ Committeevolunteers—Ceil Lewonchuk

o Ad HocCommittees & 2010-11 Chairpersons

· Mason Square Library (Liz Stevens)—Committee Dissolved

§ Discussion—Mason Square Library successfullyreacquired in 2010 by the City and reopened to the public in April. Mission accomplished. Library now has its own support committeewith outreach to surrounding neighborhood councils.

· Rail trail/RJS playground (Liz Stevens)—Committee Modified

§ Discussion—Rebecca Johnson Playground nowcompleted. Mission accomplished. Rail trail work continues vigorously. RailTrail committee moved from ad hoc committee status to standing committeestatus.

§ Committee volunteers—Liz Steven, with Liz reportingthat she has acquired a lengthy list of volunteers who signed on at Rail TrailInformation table at the spring block party.

· Health & Green Space (Katie Foster)—CommitteeDissolved

§ Discussion—General agreement to put collective effortsfor green space and support efforts to improve health into the Rail Trail thisyear.

o Discussion about how to establish committeechairmanships for this year. Bylawsconsulted, and it was determined that it is the responsibility of the Presidentto appoint committee chairpersons, and the person may be either a member of theBoard, or from the general membership in the neighborhood. WK to evaluate and decide later onchairpersons.

o Two new ad hoc committees established, asfollows:

· McKnight Community Center Committee—Committee Created

§ Discussion—Church on the corner of St James &Clarendon for sale; prime spot for needed community center. DP reports it may qualify for historicfunding credits, and will look into design and appraisal avenues to evaluateproject.

§ Committee volunteers—Demetrios Panteleakis, Ben Swan,Jr, Jesse Lederman, Walter Kroll, Stephen Gray, Michael McLaurin.

· Debate Committee—Committee Created

§ Discussion—Committee needed to continue consistentlysetting up debate forums during election season.

§ Committee volunteers—Jesse Lederman, April Perez,Demetrios Panteleakis, Walter Kroll.

8:20 pm ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: (BS moved) to adjourn; (DP seconded); (WKcalled); motion carried.

NEXT MNC MEETING: Tuesday, September13, 2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL,55 Catharine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submittedby Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 08/09/2011.

AGENDA & MINUTES June 14, 2011

2011-10-22T15:00:00.000-04:00

Board of Directors Meeting

SpecialAnnual Meeting FY 2010-2011

Tuesday, June14, 2011: 6-8 pm

RebeccaJohnson School, Music Room

55 CatherineSt., Springfield MA

AGENDA

6:00 pm – Open Meeting

Welcomefrom McKnight Council President Walter Kroll

Community Pot Luck & Social

6:30 pm: Walter Kroll, Introducing Guest Speaker,Aaron Williams

6:30—7:00 pm: LocalVideographer Aaron Williams presenting updates on his current work-in-progress,

A History of Mason Square

7:00—7:15 pm: Introductionof the Board of Directors

Audience Recognition

Election Update &Candidates’ Remarks

7:15—8:00 pm: Annual Year End Reports

OFFICER’S REPORTS

o PRESIDENT’SREPORT: (Walter J. Kroll)

o SECRETARY’S REPORT: (LizStevens & Elizabeth Lederman, admin staff);

§ Approvalof Minutes from May 10, 2011 meeting

o TREASURER’S REPORT: (MarianneWinters)

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ad Hoc Committees:

o MasonSquare Library (Liz Stevens)

o Railtrail/RJS Playground (Liz Stevens)

Standing Committees:

o Youth(Jesse Lederman)

o PublicSafety (Walter Kroll)

o Housing/Code(Walter Kroll)

o Communications(Marianne Winters)

o Finance& Fund Raising (Marianne Winters)

8:00 pm –Close Meeting

NextMcKnight Neighborhood Council meeting: Tuesday, July 12. 2011, 6:00-8:00 pm

Rebecca Johnson School, Music Room

Approved July 19, 2011

Minutes McKnight Neighborhood Council

Special Annual Meeting: June 14, 2011

6:00pm—Welcome and Opening Remarks by President Walter Kroll

Board Members Present (10): WalterKroll (Pres.), Liz Stevens,(Clerk/Secy.), Ben Swan, Jr, (Asst Clerk/Secy), Marianne Winters (Treas.); GregoryA Hession, (Asst. Treas.), Donna Jordan, Ed Kelly,

Jesse Lederman, CeilLewonchuk, Denise Moccia, {Elizabeth Lederman, Adm. Staff}.

Board Members Not Present(4): FrankBuntin, Katie Foster, Chip Gorra, Arthur Jones

NeighborhoodMembers & Guests Attending: Toonumerous to list, see sign in sheets. Approximately 60 people in attendance.

6:00 pm—6:45 pm: Community Potluck & Social

GUESTPRESENTATION

° Aaron Williams presented an update on his videowork in progress on the history of Mason Square. He explained the importance of not losinghistory, and how the identity of a neighborhood and community can be infusedwith the dignity and vitality of its past as it moves ahead and evolves into amore robust and creative future. Heshared interesting facts about the Square’s history, took questions from theaudience, and described his continuing work in putting together his currentvideo work. He continues to welcomecontributions of material from the community, and invites people to volunteerto help with the project with expertise, support and contributions.

BUSINESS MEETING

(WK verified quorumpresent.)

o Introduction of the Board of Directors

o Recognition to Ed Whitley from Neighborhood Services

o Recognition to Ward 4 Councilor Henry Twiggs and his wife—CouncilorTwiggs praised the MNC Council and its work; mentioned that he and Rep Swanwill be a holding meeting to provide FEMA information to homes and businessesin Ward 4 that were impacted by the tornado

END OF THE YEAR OFFICER REPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Walter Kroll)

o Remarkson upcoming Block Party and Board Elections happening on Saturday June 18. Five individuals have turned in nominationforms. Some seats are still open,encouraged write in votes from interested persons; and the importance ofvolunteering your own particular talents and interests for committee work.

o Announcedpublic safety meeting with police and fire officials to discuss numerous fireson Bowdoin Street for Tuesday June 21.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: (Liz Stevens, ElizabethLederman, staff)

o Minutes of Board Meeting,May 10, 2011, submitted for acceptance. LS called for corrections or additions. None offered.

MOTION: (MW moved) to accept as presented;(JL seconded); (WK call for discussion);(WK called); motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters)

o MW reported that accountant Amy Grabowski is finishing updating thebooks, and that the end of the year report will be posted on web sitesoon. Once the books are done, theCouncil will seek bids from accountants to handle the books on an ongoingbasis. Benefits include a stable andsustainable financial structure, which will also free up the treasurer toconcentrate on fundraising.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

MASONSQUARE LIBRARY (Liz Stevens, Chair)

· LS reported that the Library successfullyreopened on April 13 completing the work of this committee; and that she andKat Wright were stepping back. A non MNCbased committee directly associated with the library is now in the planningstages, and will include representatives from each of the surrounding MasonSquare neighborhoods.

RAILTRAIL/ RJS PLAYGROUND: (Liz Stevens, Chair)

· LS reported that steady progress has beenmade this year on the Rail Trail. Plansare moving swiftly toward securing the land appraisal, which will be followedby the environmental assessment and engineering survey.

· Councilor Twiggs providing letter ofsupport for project, and in process of getting letter of support from StateStreet Alliance to submit to grant sources

· Need working group to regularly walk thetrail for maintenance and clear

· RJS Playground almost complete; serves dualpurpose of school playground and public park after hours; also has rail trailaccess.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

YOUTH: (Jesse Lederman, Chair)

· Call for members ages 13-18. See flyer in newsletter.

· Described completion of project to educatethe public on the dangers of toxic incineration and the Youth Council’s work tohelp stop the biomass incinerator in Springfield—partnering with Stop ToxicIncineration, Arise, and neighborhood councils. Permit revoked by City Council on May 21.

· Currently working on idea to stagethree-day concert festival at Thompson triangle in August.

PUBLICSAFETY: (Walter Kroll, Chair)

· Recognition to Officer Charlie Ramos,Sherriff’s department liaison to Neighborhood Watch

· Reported on the strengthening of thecommunication network which has taken place over the past year between theWatch, the Sherriff’s Department, and the Springfield Police Department—whichhas created the fundamental groundwork necessary for being able to respondeffectively to safety problems when they occur—an example being the upcomingmeeting on the Bowdoin Street fires.

· Past year highlights included sponsoringthe DA debates, participation in the Blue Knight programs and Safe NeighborhoodNights

· Two block party events, co-sponsored withWatch, have successfully brought neighborhood residents out to connect witheach other and have provided visibility for both the Watch and the Council

HOUSING/CODE:(Walter Kroll, Chair)

· WK reported on continuing work ofeffectively funneling housing and code issues as they arise to the appropriatecity departments so they can be addressed

· DM reported on the process of following taxtitle properties to auction, which has included properties at 62 Bay Street and46 Welsley. 79 Thompson and 74Yale. 380 Bay Street continues to be aproblem; currently has 13 years of back taxes.

· Audience discussion on 69 Bowdoin Street,which the city has targeted for demolition. GH advises that city attorneyLisa Desousa is the person to contact for any discussion since the matter isnow under the purview of the housing court.

COMMNICATIONS: (Marianne Winters, Chair)

· MW reporting that web site will beexpanding and promoting business directory in coming year

· WK reporting that newsletters available attonight’s meeting, were mailed out today to all neighborhood residents

GOODNEIGHBOR: (Ceil Lewonchuk, Chair)

· CL reports that the welcome packet from JimBoone continues to be given to each new resident

NEW BUSINESS—Open to the Floor

o Bowdoin Street residents presented concernsabout the recent series of fires on that street. Lengthy discussion on how to make the streetmore secure. Suggestions includederecting a blockade on the street restricting the flow of traffic—a solutiondescribed as successfully employed at Marengo Park in the Forest Park sectionof the city. DJ will confer with MarengoPark resident to learn specifics. JLexpressed concerns about community perceptions and repercussions given theproximity of the adjacent housing project. WK observed that the situation required a patient examination of thevarious elements contributing to the problems the street was experiencing; and encouraged residents to attend theupcoming Tuesday meeting with police and fire department to discuss fires.

CLOSING BUSINESS & REMARKS

o CL reported on her very positive experiencewith the Lutheran volunteers who removed the overgrown wisteria from her porchas part of the Minor Home Repair Project on June 4.

o BS announced that MNC had received energysaving light bulbs from Weed & Seed which he would distribute to residentsafter the meeting closes.

o WK thanked everyone for coming andparticipating, and encouraged everyone to attend the spring block partyscheduled for June 18.

8:00 pm ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: (BS moved) to adjourn; (JL seconded); (WKcalled); motion carried.

NEXT MNC MEETING: Tuesday, July19, 2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL,55 Catherine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submittedby Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 07/19/2011.

AGENDA & MINUTES May 10, 2011

2011-05-30T09:45:00.000-04:00

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

MeetingCalled to order 6:05 p.m.: (WK verifiedquorum present)

Board Members Present (9): WalterKroll (Pres.), Liz Stevens,(Clerk/Secy.), Ben Swan, Jr, (Asst Clerk/Secy), Marianne Winters (Treas.); GregoryA Hession, (Asst. Treas.), Frank Buntin, Jesse Lederman, Ceil Lewonchuk, DeniseMoccia, {Elizabeth Lederman, Adm. Staff}.

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

NeighborhoodMembers Attending: KathrynWright, Stephen Thibeau, Steven Gray

Guests: Burt Freedman, John Lysak

Welcomeby WK; board member introductions; audience introductions.

GUESTPRESENTATIONS

° Burt Freedman—one of the founders of the SpringfieldPublic Schools ECOS outdoor environmental learning program—presented an updateabout the City's tentative plans for the Phaneuf Center where ECOS is housed inForest Park.

· The presentation included an architecturalrending of the proposed facility.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUTHCOUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORT (out of order)

° JL reporting that the Springfield City Council is holding special hearingon May 17 at 430pm in City Hall to amend or revoke the special permit for thePRE biomass incinerator. All residentsencouraged 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 thisissue.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Walter Kroll)

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

o Spirit of Springfieldparade plans for Saturday, May 14. WKand SG tentatively participating with vintage cars; Youth Council membersplanning to march.

o Block party withNeighborhood Watch partnering scheduled for Saturday June 18. In addition to cookout, activitiestentatively in place include bounce house, photo booth, sidewalk art, and ropebubbles from Board members. MischaEpstein Is signed on for face painting, Olander Worthy is being contacted aboutproviding hula hoop activities. Preservation Trust and a representative fromthe 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 foracceptance. LS called for corrections oradditions. DM cited entry under NewBusiness, a discussion about 69 Bowdoin Street, “WK observed that MNC is onrecord as not being interested, but we could call the city and request a ceaseand desist.” Request to strike “MNC is on record as notbeing interested”.

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

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Marianne Winters)

o MW reported that accountant Amy Grabowski is in the process oftransferring information from Quicken to Quick books; and that the budgetamendment regarding the change in the auditing and accounting component hasbeen sent to Ed Whitley.

NEW BUSINESS

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

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

MOTION: (MWmoved) that EL serve as election chairperson. (GH seconded); (WK call for discussion); (WK called); motion carriedunanimously.

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

NEW BUSINESS—Open to the Floor

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

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

o KW announced the tentative formation of anew Mason Square Advisory Committee now that the library has reopened—to bemade up of representative from each of the five neighborhoods. Meeting to discuss details on May 27 from6-7pm at the Mason Square Library.

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

o Discussion of building at 380 Bay andbusiness operating illegally. WKreported that Code Enforcement is looing into it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

HOUSING/CODE:(Walter Kroll, Chair)

· WK reported that variance request denied byZBA for 128 Marion Street to turn two family intothree family dwelling.. Two otherproperties on Marion operating illegally as three family dwellings. WK will also bring this to attention of CodeEnforcement. New owners at 1111 Dartmouth Terrace haveasked permission to put in fence. DMreports that Historical Commission will visit property to assess need.

PUBLICSAFETY: (Walter Kroll, Chair)

· Continuing to work on problem of bank ownedproperties and safety issues. Workingwith City Stat to verify ownership and identify responsible parties. Owner or property manager required to livewithin five miles of property. Neighborhood needs access to accurate database in the interest of publicsafety.

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

· Demolished property on Worthington andArmory has not been cleared. Continuingto report to city.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

RAILTRAIL/ RJS PLAYGROUND: (Liz Stevens, Chair)

· LS reported on Keep Springfield Beautifulclean-up on rail trail. Nineteenvolunteers cleaned area between Bay and State Street—ten bags of trash and amountain of stuff deposited on tree belt for city to remove.

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

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

CLOSING BUSINESS & REMARKS

o DM reporting that the grant she submittedon 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; WKreporting that it is in the works now.

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

NEXT MNC MEETING: Tuesday, June14, 2011

REBECCA JOHNSON SCHOOL,55 Catherine Street

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Submittedby Elizabeth Lederman, Administrative Staff, 06/14/2011.