05-20-09 Envision Connection Project Executive Board Minutes
Envision Connection Project
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2009
Present: Sharon Glover, Helene Johnson, Linda Loomis, Philip Lund, Dean Penk,
Marshall Tanick, Blair Tremere and Luke Weisberg (GVCEF Representative)
Absent: Jim Heidelberg
Staff: Jeanne Andre
The meeting began at 7: 1 0 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Boomers and Civic Engagement
Philip Lund and Helene Johnson gave a brief overview of a conference they attended
about engaging the boomer generation as it hits retirement. The focus of the event was
to identify how to plug into the boomer generation to enhance the quality of life through
service. Philip reported that corporate volunteerism was also addressed and he met
several volunteer coordinators. The Board expressed interest in seeing if the Serve
America Act would support an AmeriCorps worker in the role of volunteer coordinator.
Approval of Minutes
TanicklJohnson moved to approve the minutes of April 23, 2009. Motion carried.
Marshall Tanick requested that a letter of thanks be sent to Dick Crockett of the Edina
Foundation.
Proposed Community Foundation/Non-Profit
The group had a wide ranging discussion on the documents for a Community
Foundation prepared for consideration by the Board. The discussion focused more on
the global issues of strategy and process than on the documents. Issues discussed
included communicating with and involving the City Council and other members of the
community and the best timing and sequence for related activities. Jim Heidelberg sent
written comments for consideration. Further discussion occurred regarding the draft
Mission Statement and how and if a proposed foundation would relate to Envision and
the Connection Project. The members stressed that Bridge Builders could be either
individuals or groups and support should be available for both.
The Board directed staff to incorporate the Mission Statement into the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws and send electronic copies to the members for review. Luke
Weisberg volunteered to develop a question and answer format document that could be
used to communicate with others about the proposed foundation and solicit broad
support. Luke will work with others from the Board who have an interest in this
approach. The goal will be to circulate a draft to Board Members for individual
comments by June 12. Luke will then consolidate the comments he receives to prepare
a final draft for Board discussion at its July meeting. It was suggested that this
document may help in developing a Case Statement for the proposed foundation.
Envision Award
Blair Tremere reported that he had submitted a Visi nomination to the City's Web Site,
but has not had a response. Staff will check to determine if the nomination is available,
Envision Connection Project
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2009 - Page 2
and if not get an email copy of the nomination from Blair. Members have agreed to
review the nominations as a subcommittee prior to regular Board Meetings.
Bridge Building Activities
Quarterly Meeting - The next Quarterly Bridge Builder Meeting is scheduled for June
13. Marshall Tanick agreed to call and email folks about the meeting and bring
refreshments. Dean Penk agreed to convene the meeting. Jeanne Andre will send out
the information regarding folks who expressed interest in Bridge Building activities to
Board Members.
Lilac Planting - Linda Loomis reported that the lilac planting group met and decided to
limit the planting area to Highway 55 between Winnetka and Glenwood. The rationale
for the change is to keep the planting area more compact and closer to the Welcome
Center, which will be at the Spirit of Hope Methodist Church. A delay in planting east of
Glenwood will also better coincide with the 2010 Pavement Management Program,
which includes the Highway 55 frontage road.
Dog Park - Annie Cleveland is getting estimates on fencing for some of the areas
under consideration, including the Humane Society, Theodore Wirth Park by Wirth Lake
and Blaser Park (north of Meadowbrook School).Park and Recreation Director Rick
Jacobson is setting up a meeting with the Humane Society to discuss using a portion of
its property for a dog park.
Buckthorn Busting - Blair Tremere reported that he has had good feedback on a
proposed educational session to help residents identify buckthorn and learn best
practices to remove it. He is considering an event at Brookview Community Center that
would have an educational component combined with a barbeque.
Golden Valley Days 2009
The group congratulated Philip Lund and Luke Weisberg on a great event, in spite of
the weather. Luke reported that attendance was down but still healthy and spread
throughout the day. There was good traffic for the community booths and interest in
Bridge Building activities.
Future Meetings
The next meeting will be on June 18..
The meeting ended at 9: 10 pm.
Jeanne Andre, Assistant City Manager