Sunday, August 05, 2007

OHNO Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes — May 29, 2007

What is the OHNO BoD doing?

OHNO Board of Directors Meeting
June 20, 2007
Susan and Chuck Pelto Residence

Attendees: Susan Pelto, Janet Dash, Kerri Farmer, Chuck Pelto, Angela Giron
Absent: Georgine Booms, Heather Norton
Others: Yolanda Butler, Carolyn Lowrey, Susan ?, Steve Nawrocki

I. Call to Order 7:07 PM

II. Minutes from May 29, 2007 accepted as corrected.

III. No Treasurer’s report

IV. Committee/Solutions Team Reports

Mineral Palace Park – Yolanda Butler reported on Park assessment currently under way and to be completed by June 29.

Social – Carolyn Lowrey and Angela reported the block party will take place Sept. 9 in Mineral Palace Park at the picnic shelter near Court Street.

A sign-up sheet was distributed for contributions/help
Some sponsors include SRDA, Housing Authority, hopefully others will sign up.

The board approved $250 from the budget for the party start-up.
Carolyn and Angela will coordinate with the Finance Committee in efforts for money and donations.

Action Item – Susan will rewrite the fundraising letter from last year.

Membership – Angela reported no luck in getting forms filled out. Suggested we put one in the next newsletter. Still taking Welcome Wagon ideas.

Historic Preservation – the group met yesterday and includes Dave Cockrell and 2 reps from Rosemount.

Other members include Susan, Chuck, Janet, Yolanda, Deb Darrow, Mary Tonney, Yvonne Cleaver, and Kermit Clay.

There are many tasks to complete including writing nominations, collecting money to pay the application fees, and going door to door with a packet of info for homeowners.
Packet will include a list of frequently asked questions about Historic Districts, how to get a COA and it’s cost, a timeline of hearings, and a letter of support to sign if they are agreeable.

Apparently Parkview is concerned about their properties being in a Historic District and is negotiating with the city to include the requirements of a COA into their PUD.

Communications – Chuck noted a 40% increase in production from 300 to 420 newsletters. We cannot continue to get free printing from the Peltos.

Two options are proposed: 1) electronic pdf version for internet folks and 2) a grey-scale front and back bare-bones newsletter for distribution door to door. Chuck requests comments be made on the blog.

It was suggested we need a website just for OHNO rather than using the blog. It might be more practical to advertise on a web site.

Questions were raised about how to distribute the electronic newsletter – we currently have about 50 email addresses. Block captains should provide their input.

Finance – the group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Kerri’s house – 1913 N. Grand at 7 PM. So far only three members: Kerri, ?, and ?.

They’ve discussed meeting with businesses and setting up classified ads

Action Item: Kerri will write an article for the next newsletter about advertising.

A four-page newsletter delivered to all households would be better for attracting advertising

Several cost structures were discussed in addition to blog ads/web ads. We get 800/900 hits per day on the blog currently.

Action Item: Chuck will research blog advertising.

Code Enforcement – Heather was not available but the board decided we need a committee to work with her. This will be addressed at the next meeting with Heather.

Treasurer – Georgine was not available but the board would like to see an itemized report in the future with expenses and income outlined.

V. Old Business
Non-profit Status – Kerri reported on the different forms of 501c’s and the board discussed what might best fit our situation. All other neighborhood organizations are 501c(3)’s but the definition of a 501c(4) is more suited to OHNO.
The process requires filing the application, articles of incorporation, and a form 1023 along with a fee.
Action Item – Kerri will find out how much it costs to file.
We must submit evidence that we improve the social welfare of the community.
Discussion to continue at another meeting.
Intern – No longer an item this year.

VI. New Business
Donation suggested to Temple Emanuel for their generosity in allowing us to use their meeting place.
Action Item – ask Michael what they might need, or print a banner for them. Will also display a banner at the Block Party thanking them for their support.

VII. Announcements
Art in the Park on Sunday June 24 from 12 – 4 PM.
Next BOD meeting is July 18th.
Next OHNO meeting is Aug. 7th

VIII. Adjourn at 8:57 PM

Respectfully submitted by Janet Dash

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