Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors Meeting
Date/Time: Monday February 22nd, 6:00-8:30pm
Location: Eastside Enterprise Center – 804 Margaret Street
Learning Session: 6:30 – 7:00 PM
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Margaret Park Update- Jennifer Herman
Margaret Park; J. Herman gave an update on how the Margaret Park project is going. The new additions are; more tables and grills, soccer field, half-court basketball court if funding is there, new restrooms, gardens, and other items to make the park more inviting for the community. Todd G. had some concerns about the lack of basketball courts. Jeanelle F. brought it up to board’s attention that plans and budget were pretty much set in stone.
2. Rush Line Corridor Presentation- Andy
Rush Line; Andy from Rush Line came and spoke about their idea of connecting the outer communities to be connected by a train line from Union Depot in St. Paul to the town of Forest Lake, MN thirty minutes north of St. Paul. An outreach session to the community about the second phase will happen on March 14th from 4-6pm at Arden Hills Library.
Board Session
Board members present: Tong Thao, Breann Tierschel, Jacob Lambert, Elizabeth Matakis, Jessica Johnson, Pa Chua Vang, Shannon Prescott, Quintin Koger Kidd, Holly Windingstad, Jeanelle Foster, Henry Garnica, Tabitha Benci Derango, Todd Gramenz Board members w/ excused absence: Rob Sebo Lubke, Rafael Espinosa, Osman Egal, Laura Kidd Board Members absent: Chris Lollie
1. Introductions & Call to Order- Tong Thao
a. Approval Of Minutes- 1/25/16
Intro and Call to order;
Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Q. Kidd to approve 1-25-16 minutes with amendments from Tabitha
J. Foster second the motion
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Q. Kidd to add by-law discussion to work plan discussion on agenda, ___________ second the motion, motion carried.
Q. Kidd made a motion to add executive reports to agenda
Second Todd G.
Motion carries.
b. Approval Of Agenda
Approval of Agenda;
Motion made by Q. Kidd to approve
Second made by Liz M.
Motion carries
2. Staff Updates
A. N. Pressley informed the board about different stats and percentages from 7th street live, 2015 canvassing and election, also what information the community had to share with us, on what was a concern in their eyes.
B. D. Abbott-Foster talked about the new police chief meeting that was hosted by DBCC but was facilitated and organized by BLM St. Paul. The next forum meeting is set up for March 2nd from 6:00 – 8:00pm at ESEC.
C. D. Juan gave an update on the six vacant properties that exist and some of the strategies that DBCC is going to assist in this project that is being led by PED.
3. WEQY Update – Brenda Reid, Shay Glorius L. Martin
a. B. Reid and Glo gave their update to the board on the progress of the radio station and the current, past and future plans for shows and community involvement.
T. Benci Derango motions to have the radio station present at March’s Learning Session and to have a discussion about the radio station for at least 20 minutes.
H. Windingstad seconds the motion
Motion is carried
4. Unfinished Business- Tabitha Benci Derango T. Derango wanted more information on financial documents and more information about the Neighborhood Honor Roll. D. Foster gave report in both areas.
a. Financial Documents Tabitha noted that with the creation of the Financial Committee and other efforts by the board has put many of the community’s mind at ease, in reference to an earlier document presented to the board.
b. Discussion on Neighborhood Honor Roll Deanna- Explained what Neighborhood Honor Roll, will be on annual agenda, radio station volunteers were recognized
5. Finance Committee Formation – Breann Tierschel B.Tierschel gave her report on the first meeting for the Finance committee. Thoughts and ideas will be brought back to the committee and further discussion, on which board members will have a roll, will be brought back to the next board meeting.
J. Foster made a motion to have these ideas taken back to the next finance meeting. E. Matakis second the motion. Motion is carries.
Jeanelle- motion to create Finance Committee
Elizabeth- second
Motion carries.
Jake- Motion to allow Q. Kidd to search for pro bono auditor to work with Deanna on the audit
Quintin-Second
Motion carries.
6. Current Grants Commitments-Deanna Abbott-Foster
7. Work Plan Workshop- Jeanelle Foster ( was not presented)
8. March Agenda Items- Tong Thao (was not presented)
9. Announcements
10. Adjourn
Quintin- Motion special meeting dedicated to working on the work plan.
Tabitha – second
Motion carries
Jeanelle- motion on adjourn
Second- Quintin
Motion carries

Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors Meeting

Date/Time:         Monday February 22nd, 6:00-8:30 PM

Location:              East Side Enterprise Center- 804 Margaret Street

Learning Session                                                              6:30-7:00 PM

1. Margaret Park update 6:30 – 6:35 PM
2. Rush Line Corridor Presentation 6:35 – 7:00 PM

Board Session                                                                   7:00 – 8:30 PM

1. Introductions & Call to Order               (5 minutes)                                           Tong Thao
   1. Approval Of Minutes – 1/25/16
   2. Approval Of Agenda
2. Staff Updates (10 minutes)
   1. Community Outreach 2015 Nicole Pressley
   2. Police Chief Selection Committee Deanna Abbott-Foster
   3. HRA Owned Properties Dezmond Juan
3. WEQY Update (10 minutes)                      Brenda Reid, Shay Glorius L. Martin
   1. Radio policy review for approval
4. Finance Committee Formation (5 minutes)                                         Breann Tierschel
5. Current Grants Commitments (10 minutes)                                      Deanna Abbott-Foster
6. Work Plan Workshop (45 minutes)                                      Jeanelle Foster
7. March agenda Items (5 minutes)                                         Tong Thao
8. Announcements
9. Adjourn

Next meeting: March 21, 2016

Board Minutes
11/16/2015
Board Members Present: Jacob Lambert, Sage Holben, Elizabeth Matakis, Rob Sebo Lubke, Tong
Thao, Jessica Johnson, Alex Bajwa, Henry Garnica,
Board Members w/ Scheduled Absence: Breann Tierschel
Board Members absent: Rafael Espinosa
Meeting Called to Order at 7:44 pm by Elizabeth Matakis
Minutes from 10/19/15 approved by Rob Sebo Lubke, second by Jacob Lambert
Approval of agenda
● Approved
Motion to add motion to support Wilson Ridge Development to the agenda.
● Approved
● Motion to write letter of support for Wilson Ridge Apartments to rezone to RM3,
with emphasis on how increasing density will be good for transit development.
○ Motion by Alex Bajwa, second by Jacob Lambert
○ Approved
Grand Round Update : Kathleen Anglo & Kevin Nelson
Not much has changed in terms of design since the last meeting. Hudson road would remain
open, as well as Pacific Street. The Ruth street is currently very wide, the plan is add more green
space to close the space pedestrians need to cross. The Draft Master and Implementation Plan
will be available Mid-December. $9 Million to complete the full plan on Johnson Parkway, the
plan is to implement it in phases. Rob asked about improving pedestrian mobility, especially on
signal lighted intersection. The recent overlay on Johnson was intended to improve pedestrian
mobility but the Grand Round will improve it further. Bidding for construction will approximately
be in Jan 2017.
Executive Director Update
● Staffing Update:
○ Dezmond Juan has been hired as the Lead Organizer.
○ Trahern Crews and Suchann Yang are part time contracted from now until
December 21 st to ensure we have great outreach and campaigning for board
members.
● Canvassing update:
○ Many residents has been concerned with safety, predominantly with sidewalks
that are either unlit or have not been repaired.
○ Would get us access to data that would be more useful. Also allowed us to build us
a better database to better target emails. Board members would have access to
contacting constituents to discuss issues in the neighborhood.
○ Work Plan Update
■ Canvassing the neighborhood, working towards canvassing every part of
DB. Nov. 23 rd there will be a candidate forum, info is on the website.
● Working on candidate recruitment as well.
○ Ordered lawn signs for our candidates. With support from staff, the candidates can
canvass their neighbors to hand out lawn signs and to get more votes.
● Radio Station:
○ Candidates may be interviewed on WEQY, they will be repeated during certain
times during the day. Radio interviews will begin Dec 1 st until Dec 23 rd .
○ There are also 50 WEQY lawn signs available if would like them.
○ More discussion on Radio Station will be added on next month’s agenda.
● Financial Update
○ All grants through Otto Bremer has been confirmed, but not in the bank yet.
○ There are a couple more grants expected to come in at $40k
○ Sage requested a bi-monthly breakdown of radio station, contracts, consultants,
personnel, and program partners. Elizabeth Matakis suggested that we would do
learning session for interested board and community members. Deanna briefly
went over the expenses under personnel and operations. By 2016, we will start
receiving regular updates on the East Side Enterprise Center. In the 1 st quarter of
2016, we will see 3 separate budgets, 1 for DBCC, 1 for WEQY, 1 for ESEC. Tong
reinforced the importance of staying up to date with our budget and being fiscally
responsible since we are in control of 2 very big projects, ESEC and WEQY.
Annual Dinner & Elections Update:
Next board session will be the Annual Meeting and Elections. 6 applications are in, we need 5
more including the Metro state student. 9 seats available, the other 2 will be appointed by the
board, but they must still go through normal election process. If you would like flyers, board roles
and responsibilities, please contact Nicole.
Committee Reports:
Land Use:
Congregate Living Text Amendment , the city will change zoning code for congregate living
facilities, the hearing will be held before the planning commission on Friday 1/22/16 8:30am at
City Hall.
Sage formally resigns as the chair of the land use committee.
Letter of Support sent and letter appeal sent for the demolition of properties within the historic
district. The properties will go back for HPC hearing.
Motion to adjourn at 9:00 – Approved

WEQY 104.7 FM has hit the airwaves!

WEQY envisions a socially, economically and politically powerful East Side by capitalizing on its rich immigrant history and diverse communities. WEQY will serve the East Side as a community anchor, connecting and sparking dialogue across cultures and generations, educating the public, and broadcasting the voices of the East Side.  For more information visit the WEQY website at www.WEQY.org. 

Benjamin James

A longtime resident of St. Paul with 25 years instructing theory and composition, songwriting, audio recording, radio broadcasting and voice coaching. Ben has been a tireless volunteer helping to establish the WEQY Radio 104.7 station.  Ben has spent many hours meeting as a member of our technical team, helping to design the studio, decide what equipment is needed and assisting with voice overs for all of our station ID’s and developing our production studio.

Thom Derus

Thom is a task-oriented problem solver and creative thinker, he enjoys a project that is challenging and was a member of WEQY’s technical team.  Thom’s primary objective is to be a professional Music Producer and DJ.   His secondary objective is to be financially free. In the meantime, he dedicates himself to his career as an IT Auditor.  Thom is also one of our on air DJ personalities “Dom Terrace” with Basic Beats heard every Friday night from 10 – 11 PM.

Shay Glorious L. Martin – DJ Huh What!

Aka Glo was born, raised, and currently resides in St. Paul.   Glo feels that he is fulfilling his life’s purpose by serving, encouraging, and helping to change the lives of African-American males and for him it’s not a job, it’s a calling. Glo has worked many hours in creating playlists and helping to shape the station’s format.  Glo is one of two co-host for the morning show “To the East” on air from 7 AM- 9 AM.

Nick Muhammad – Mastermind

Nick Mohammed is an organizer, leader and respected artist in the Twin Cities music scene. He’s spent a lifetime studying the political, economic posture of African American community in relation to the dominant culture. He believes in the growth, opportunity and development and will continue to work in the non­profit and private sector to effect systemic change.

Nick is our other co-host of the morning show “To the East” and was also instrumental in helping to strategize for the radio station as a member of our technical team.

Dayton’s Bluff Community Council nominates:

WEQY Radio 104.7fm Tech Team

Benjamin James, Thom Derus – DJ Dom Terrace, Shay “Glorius” Martin – DJ Huh What and

Nick “Mastermind” Mohammad.

Ben, Thom and Nick volunteered many hours on our technical team. They helped design the buildout of the station, deciding on equipment needed and setting up both the broadcast and production studios. “Glo” spends many hours shaping our playlist and show formats. Without these guys there would be no East Side radio station.

Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors Meeting

Date/Time: Monday January 25th, 6:00-8:30 PM

Location: East Side Enterprise Center- 804 Margret Street

Continuation Board Training 6:00-7:00 PM
1. Items continued over from 1.11.16
Section 5, Items D-H
Section 6, Items A-B
Board Session 7:00-8:30 PM
1. Introductions & Call to Order (5 minutes) Liz Matakis
a. Approval Of Minutes – 11.16.15
b. Approval Of Agenda
2. Board Address (10 minutes)
a. Council Member Jane Prince
3. Seating of New Board Directors (5 minutes)
a. Board Vote- 1 Year Terms
4. Elections Of Officers (10 minutes)
a. President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
5. 2015 Year End Work Plan & Financial Report (45 minutes) Deanna Abbott- Foster
a. Executive Committee Recommendation: Conduct Independent Audit for 2015
6. 2016 Work Plan & Budget Process – plan for input (5 minutes)
a. Interest areas – Economic Development, Community Engagement, Radio, Partnerships, ___
7. Bylaws Process Discussion (5 minutes)
8. Announcements (5 minutes)
9. Adjourn
Next Meeting: Monday February 22nd 7-8:30

Candidates clamoring to get a seat on community council

After some grassroots rallying, the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is looking to have what could be its most lively board elections ever.

In some recent board elections, there haven’t even been enough candidates to fill the seats, the council’s director Deanna Abbott-Foster laments.

But this year, that’s changed — there are 20 candidates registered for the 11 open seats. And with all the candidates campaigning and asking neighbors to vote, the voter turnout should be much higher as well.

Abbott-Foster says the high number of candidates comes out of an effort to make the council’s board more representative of its population — with the neighborhood being 60 percent people of color, the board doesn’t reflect that population, and instead is mostly comprised of white people.

With at least eight candidates of color on the ballot this year, odds are the council will gain more ethnic diversity.

Candidates compete for seats in four separate sub-districts, as well as one at large seat for Metropolitan State University students. To view all the candidates’ profiles, visit http://www.daytonsbluff.org/meet-the-candidates/.

To get the word out, candidates have been asked to hand out fliers with information about when they can vote. And all of the candidates have been given a chance to do a radio interview on WEQY 104.7, the East Side’s community radio station. Those interviews will air every day until the night of the Dayton’s Bluff District Council annual meeting, Monday, Dec. 21.

Abbott-Foster notes that in addition to getting residents excited in local politics, the effort also can help drum up enthusiasm for the 2016 election process. She’s hoping the district will have a higher-than-usual voter turnout for the 2016 presidential election.

Dayton’s Bluff is one of St. Paul’s 17 district councils. According to St. Paul’s website, “responsibilities of the councils include: planning and advising on the physical, economic, and social development of their areas; identifying needs; initiating community programs; recruiting volunteers; and sponsoring community events.”

Polls open all week

Hoping to make voting easier for the district council board election, polls will be open for an entire week before the election — Dayton’s Bluff residents can come into the East Side Enterprise Center starting Monday, Dec. 14, to cast their vote. Voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Dec. 14 through 17, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. District residents can also vote from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, Dec. 21, and at the annual meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Abbott-Foster says the council has been encouraging candidates to canvas and make lists of networks in their neighborhoods — some candidates are going a step further and making call lists to contact residents asking them to vote.

Candidates have been provided yard signs to hand out as well, and people are using social media to promote their campaigns.

For more information about the elections, visit http://www.daytonsbluff.org/about-us/board-elections-2015/.

Youngin on the council

Tong Thao, the youngest board member on the council at 25, says he’s encouraged by this year’s efforts to get a more diverse council.

He notes that he’s one of three people of color currently on the board of 13 members.

“It doesn’t reflect the community,” which is 60 percent people of color, Thao says.

“Almost nobody knows about the district council system, at least in my community,” he says. But, he figures that’s changing with this year’s push.

“This is our chance to kind of take our community and take ownership of it,” he says.

To do his part, he reached out to friends and acquaintances, in hopes of finding people he could encourage to run. He met with two people one-on-one and encouraged them to seek seats on the council, helping them understand why they and their community would benefit from being on the board. Now, they’re running for seats.

Read more. 

Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors Meeting
Date/Time: Monday November 16th, 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: East Side Enterprise Center- 804 Margret Street

Learning Session

6:30-6:45 PM
Organization: Saint Paul Public School Master Facilities Plan Review
Guest Speaker: Ashley Hightower
More Information: http://facilities.spps.org/fmp

6:45-7:00 PM
Organization: Ramsey County- Auto Theft Program
Guest Speaker: Melanie McMahon

7:00-7:15 PM
Organization: Saint Paul Park & Rec. – Dayton’s Bluff Rec. Center Update
Guest Speaker: Michelle Freeman & Bonnie Stokes

7:15-7:30
Organization: Wilson Ridge Development
Guest Speaker: Jackie Cherryhomes

Board Session 7:30-8:30 PM
1. Introductions & Call to Order (5 minutes) Liz Matakis a. Approval Of Minutes – October 19th
b. Approval Of Agenda
2. Grand Round (20 minutes) Kathleen Anglo- Park & Rec.
Kevin Nelson- Public Works
3. Executive Director Update (20 minutes) Deanna Abbott- Foster
a. Staffing Update
b. Work Plan Update
c. Financial Update
4. Annual Dinner & Elections Update (5 minutes) Liz Matakis
5. Committee Updates (5 minutes)
6. Announcements (5 minutes)
7. Adjourn
Next Meeting: Annual Diner & Elections, Monday December 21st 6:30-8:30

What do want to see in your community? What makes Dayton’s Bluff great? What are the issues that keep us from becoming the safe and thriving community that we all want for ourselves and our families? We want to hear from you.

The programming and initiatives of Dayton’s Bluff Community Council are informed and driven by community input and participation. This year we have spoken to residents about jobs, inequity in our school and parks, safety, and community beautification. Your stories are at the heart and soul of our work. We are proud to have organized a Hiring Kickoff that created a pathway for our residents to have priority in new local job. We are committed to taking action on issues of racial disparities that were discussed in the community dialogue series. And we will continue to support resident-led initiatives like community clean-ups and block clubs.

Our work is richer, stronger, and more effective when we have authentic community engagement. So, for the next two weeks, we will knocking on every door in Dayton’s Bluff to get your input and provide opportunities to get you involved in your District Council. With every voice heard, we can truly build the future together.

See you soon!

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, about 75 residents turned out to call for peace and security in the lower East Side in the wake of a rash of homicides in the area. The group marched down Minnehaha Avenue from the Hamm’s Brewery to Weida Park. (Patrick Larkn/Review)

Crowd condemns spate of gun violence
In the wake of five homicides in East Side neighborhoods in the past month, community members gathered to perform a peaceful march to decry the violence, and show community solidarity.

So, gathering in the golden hours of the day on Wednesday, Oct. 14, a group of about 75 marched from the old Hamm’s Brewery buildings on Minnehaha to Weida Park, chanting calls for peace and justice.

“We just want it to stop,” said Clarissa James, the sister of 37-year-old Synika George James, who was shot in Railroad Island while attending a vigil for another murder victim who was killed last year.

Clarissa James struggled to make sense of her brother’s homicide. She believes another person at the vigil was targeted, and is frustrated at the shooter’s disregard for human life.

Clarissa attended the peace march with her sister Chelsea, who said they wanted “to show people that we do care.”

Gina Sullivan, a friend of the James sisters, said she felt the death of Synika James and the other homicide victims shows a need for better gun control.

“There’s too many kids that can get access to a gun with a phone call,” she said. With such easy access, she figures kids bring guns into conflicts where before they might have fought it out with fists rather than gunshots.

Asia Loscheider, an East Side mother who helped organize the march, seconded that notion. With prevalence of guns, she notes, “it’s not fist play no more.”

“I want these kids to stop,” she added

She called for better pay for police officers and additional resources to help families keep their kids in check, such as more after-school activities.

Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Board of Directors Meeting

Date/Time: Monday October 19th , 7:00-8:30 PM

Location: East Side Enterprise Center- 804 Margret Street

Board Session 7:00-8:30 PM

1. Introductions & Call to Order (5 minutes)
a. Approval Of Minutes – September 21st
b. Approval Of Agenda
2. Annual Meeting & Election (35 minutes)
– Debrief
– Date change- allowed or bylaws change required
– Dates
3. Communication POA (35 minutes)
6. Q & A Session (10 minutes)
7. Announcements (5 minutes)
8. Adjourn
Annual Meeting TBD Next Board Meeting Monday November 16th 6:30-7:15 Learning Session 7:15- 8:30 PM Board Session, Enterprise Center