February Board Meeting Minutes

Call to Order: 6:30 pm by Council President Paul Sawyer. 
 
Presentation: Smart Trips – Transportation report from Tom Thao from Smart Trips. Smart Trips staff has been doing outreach in D1 about barriers to transportation. One issue raised was lack of knowledge and subsequent stigma about transit use. General sense of lack of access and resources to alternative transportation. Connections between transportation and other community issues were outlined – with those other issues as the more fundamental – access to food, jobs, health care, housing, e.g. Q&A on the report from the board.
 
Board Training Opportunities - Malik Holt-Shabazz from UM Center for urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) discusses a new “Board Representation Training” that they have developed.  The next session is Saturday, March 18 from 10am to Noon.  Also, April 24 to 28 a neighborhoods training (more comprehensive) is occurring.  The trainings are free and they are looking for referrals of people of color to participate.  Q&A about the program.
 
Cycles for Change – Monica Bryand presents on “Slow Roll”. It is a program to get those who do not see themselves as bikers to get out and give it a try.  They are concentrating on St. Paul this year including the Conway neighborhood.  They are looking to come each month with events to encourage biking (explore assets, restaurants, etc and build community).  Anyone can participate. There might be a few bikes available and are looking at having vouchers to give bikes to those who need/want them.  Q&A about the program.
 
Better Bus Stops Program – Caitlin Schwartz talks about the Better Bus Stops Program. A grant was received to create 150 new shelters and provide upgrades to another 75 including heating, lighting, etc.   There was also a community outreach and education component to it. They are on the final month of the program and are bringing together their findings. The District 1 area has 7 improvements from the grant. This process also fed into additional processes such as the bus shelter siting guidelines. All bus stops are also getting new signage with route maps, times, bus numbers, etc. Q&A on the report and grant.
 
P. Sawyer moves the meeting into a business session.  He announces that the Annual Meeting is next month on March 27 from 5pm to 8pm.  About half of the board has their term ending.  A sign up sheet is passed around for people to sign up and help that evening.
 
The second community workshop for Boys Totem Town will be held at BTT on March 25 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
 
Financial Reports – B. Leach notes that the financial paperwork ending December requires review/approval. Motion by B. Watkins to approve the Treasurer’s report. Seconded. Discussion.  Date correction to Fiscal Year Dates on the Treasurer’s Report without objection.  Motion carries on voice vote.
 
Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.