11-19-09 Envision Connection Project Executive Board Minutes
Envision Connection Project
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2009
Present: Sharon Glover, Helene Johnson, Linda Loomis, Philip Lund, Dean Penk
Marshall Tanick and Blair Tremere
Absent: Jim Heidelberg and Luke Weisberg (GVCEF Representative)
Staff: Jeanne Andre
The meeting began at 7:00 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Approval of Minutes
Tremere/Glover moved to approve the minutes of October 15, 2009 as presented. Motion
carried.
Proposed Community Foundation/Non-Profit
Dean Penk and Philip Lund reported on the October 20 meeting of the Golden Valley
Community Events Fund (GVCEF) to discuss whether that group would like to collaborate
on the establishment of a community foundation. They noted that GVCEF seems more
open to this action now then in the past, but it may wish to delay involvement until the
foundation has operated for a few years. The GVCEF already has funding for the 2010
event, so its upcoming fundraising would be for the following year.
Dean Penk called Dan Blumb of the Golden Valley Human Services Foundation, who is
able to meet on Tuesday, November 24. Dean will set up a meeting with Dan, Linda
Loomis, and another GVHSF member for a preliminary discussion prior to presenting this
topic to the GVCEF at its December meeting. Members will also check with Luke
Weisberg to see if he has set up meetings with any of the other stakeholders. The goal
will be to firm up a presentation to take to the Council/Manager Meeting in February.
Joint Conference of the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits and the Minnesota
Council of Foundations
Helene Johnson attended this conference and reported that it presented a new trend -
non-profits and foundations working with public entities on public/private partnerships. A
lead agency serves as the convener for all providers to identify ways to collaborate with
others to accomplish the objective. Foundations are also changing guidelines to support
more direct operations under these difficult financial times.
Bridge Building Activities
October 17 Bridge Builder Training - The training went well. Helene Johnson
distributed the summary of the group process/brainstorming. The focus is now on follow
up. Jeanne Andre will get Bridge Builder nametags for the new participants. A letter will
be sent from the coaches to invite members to the next Bridge Builder Quarterly Meeting
and ask if they need assistance from coaches. There is interest in following up on the
volunteer day discussed in the main exercise, which Jolly Jennifer wants to promote. Blair
Tremere will call Jennifer to see if she can attend the January Bridge Builder Meeting and
spearhead future discussions about a volunteer day.
Envision Connection Project
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2009 - Page 2
Members discussed whether a spring of fall date would be better, and whether to join an
existing program such as the October Make a Difference Day. The City of Hopkins has
sponsored a volunteer day and could be approached for advice.
Quarterly Meeting - Marshall Tanick reported that the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery would
be available for the next quarterly meeting, tentatively set for January 30, if Jennifer is
able to attend. It would follow the typical tour and meeting format, but could also serve as
the kick-off for folks who want to be involved in a volunteer day. If Jolly Jennifer is unable
to attend on January 30 the group will consider changing the date.
Lilac Planting - The Lilac Planting group has not convened for 2010 planning. Due to
Metro Council sewer work on the north side and the City pavement management program
on the south side, it is likely the planting will occur west of Boone Avenue.
Ice Cream Social - The group supports maintaining the third Thursday in July for the
event and asked Jeanne Andre to request the Park and Recreation staff to set aside July
19, if possible, for the Third Annual Ice Cream Social.
Dog Park - No news about the dog park.
Library After School Program - The program started up again a few weeks ago. It will
be able to serve up to 30 kids this year. The YMCA is not able to provide treats this year,
so donated treats would be welcomed.
Buckthorn Busting - Blair Tremere is still looking at putting together an educational
program to inform residents about buckthorn. Linda Loomis suggested he approach the
Bassett Creek Water Management Commission Education Committee for sponsorship.
Jeanne Andre noted that the current CityNews identifies some buckthorn busting projects
initiated this year.
Garden Club - Linda Loomis reported that the evening garden club continues to meet
and is considering doing a plant sale as part of Valley Days.
Other Business
Philip Lund asked to discuss an idea he has for developing a performance bandshell at
Brookview. The project previously proposed by the Rotary and Women's Club is no
longer being promoted by either group. He reviewed a process he has previously used to
develop such projects with volunteers. He is an architect and would donate his services to
design a bandshell if he can be hired to coordinate volunteer services to construct it. He
recently completed a successful project of this nature in Prior Lake. The members
encouraged him to bring forward a proposal for Council consideration.
Future Meetings
Jeanne Andre asked the members to check for conflicts with proposed meeting dates
next year. The May 20 date frequently has conflicts. She will check the dates of the 2010
Valley Days Festival. The group would like to meet prior to the festival to organize for the
event. Blair Tremere asked that the group consider changing its regular February 18
meeting date to February 25. The next meeting will be on December 17.
The meeting ended at 9:10 pm.
Jeanne Andre, Assistant City Manager