Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group

Spotlight on the Board

Aug 27, 2002

In this issue of Close to Home, we are providing some additional information about the missions of the various FRNNG committees and task forces. We can use your help with these committees and projects! If there is a committee and mission that appeals to you, please contact the committee/task force chair or the FRNNG office (721-5424) for more information.

2002-2003 Board
President-Willie Bridges
wbkn@att.net
1st Vice President- Mary K. Johnson mkjohnjs@tc.umn.edu
2nd Vice President- Thomas Ellis
tomcass@aol.com
Treasurer- Patrick Aylward
patalyward@earthlink.net
Secretary- Susan Tabor
susan.tabor@allina.com
Field Neighborhood Rep- Paulette Wilson
paulette.wilson@usa.xerox.com
Regina Neighborhood Rep- Nancy Kaiser
nkaiser@mtn.org
Northrup Neighborhood Rep- Karen Pratt
krpratt@aol.com
Business Chair- Kate Heffernan
khfnn@aol.com
Communications Chair- Gary Johnson
garyjoh@attglobal.net
Community and Safety Chair- Herb Gysler
hgysler4264@msn.com
Housing Chair- Stearline Rucker
srucker@visi.com
Education Chair- Open Position
Parks Chair- Open Position
Program Chair- Open Position


Business Committee/Phase 2 Task Force
Enhancing and supporting the business community that strengthens the neighborhood.
May/June actions:
?• Chicago & 48th Streetscape Project: Approved ordering trash containers, bicycle racks from the city, and installation of plants for planter near Animal Hospital. Approved expenditure of $12,570 for 14 benches for Chicago Ave.
?• Phase 2: Approved Sean McGuire as Phase 2 NRP Business Task Force representative to Phase 2 Planning Committee. Kate Heffernan to draft Business survey question for neighborhood-wide survey.
?• 2002-03 Budget: Developed, approved and recommended committee budget projection to FRNNG Board.
?• Paint & Fix: Approved/recommended to Board payment of $876 grant for new awnings at 4800 Chicago.

Communication Committee
Improving two-way and timely communication within the neighborhood between residents, FRNNG, McRae Park, churches and businesses that contribute to FRN Neighborhood's quality of life.
May actions:
?• Close to Home: Recommended renewal letters be sent to past subscribers.
?• Phase 2: Developing Communications survey questions for neighborhood-wide survey.
?• 2002-03 Budget: Developed, approved and recommended committee budget projection to FRNNG Board.

Housing Committee/Phase 2 Task Force
Creating a safe and healthy environment for all FRN residents by developing housing strategies to rehabilitate existing housing stock and affordable rental housing, promote the racial, cultural and ethnic diversity of the FRN Neighborhood and create opportunities for older homeowners to remain here despite changing circumstances.
May/June actions:
?• Home Loan Program: Approved CEE doing promotional mailing to neighborhood; approved drafting letter to CEE approving recent and future marketing efforts.
?• 48th & 5th Ave. site (NW corner): Approved June 17 neighborhood meeting with Powderhorn Community Council to hear ideas for housing redevelopment plans.
?• 2002-03 Budget: Developed, approved and recommended committee budget projection to FRNNG Board.
?• Phase 2: Approved Alan Martinucci as Phase 2 Housing Task Force Chair and representative to Phase 2 Planning Committee.

Phase 2 Planning Committee
Reaching out to all sectors of the neighborhood to develop Phase 2 Action Plan for next five to 15 years of neighborhood improvement projects.
May/June actions:
?• Developing plans for neighborhood opinion survey and several focus groups for underrepresented sectors of FRN.

Community & Safety Committee/Phase 2 Task Force
Creating a safe and healthy environment for the neighborhood by implementing strategies to prevent crime, promote cohesiveness, and foster a sense of community and safety both on our individual blocks and throughout FRN.
May/June actions:
?• Phase 2: Approved Jolene Brown as Task Force Chair and Jim Elwell as Task Force representative to Phase 2 Planning Committee. Developing Community & Safety survey question for neighborhood-wide survey.
?• 2002-03 Budget: Developed, approved and recommended committee budget projection to FRNNG Board.

Phase 2 Education Task Force
Developing Phase 2 strategies to enhance learning environment of Field and Northrop schools, improve perception of schools and encourage involvement with schools for prospective home buyers. Co-Chairs: Principal Kathy Alvig, phone: 721-5424 and Principal Dave Dooley, phone: 721-5424. Task Force meetings bi-monthly. Call for next date and location.
May/June actions:
?• Approved Gerry Sell as Task Force representative to Phase 2 Planning Committee
?• Brainstormed a preliminary list of school-improvement projects.

Phase 2 Parks Task Force
Developing Phase 2 strategies to create an inviting and appealing atmosphere at McRae Park that encourages use and promotes a park-centered sense of community in the neighborhood. Interim Chair: Alice Anderson, phone: 825-3268. Committee meets monthly. Call for next date and location.
June actions:
?• Brainstormed preliminary list of park improvement projects
?• Developing Parks survey question for neighborhood-wide survey.