WPCC board approves election bylaw and calendar changes

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At its Sept. 29 board meeting, the Waite Park Community Council formally adopted a bylaw change related to board elections and also approved changes to its meeting calendar for the remainder of the year.

The board of directors gave notice in July of its intent to amend its bylaws, clarifying that nominations to board seats may be made "from the floor" of its annual meeting, a long held practice that was not reflected in the organization's bylaws. The board also added a provision that it will provide a virtual or dial-in option for members who cannot attend elections in person.

Both changes were initiated to comply with new city rules for neighborhood organizations that receive city funding.

The board scheduled a series of work sessions in October to complete its application for city funding in 2023 and 2024. The application asks for details on the organization's progress engaging underrepresented groups in the neighborhood. It also requires a proposed budget for the two-year period.

The Waite Park Community Council is expected to be allocated $11,198 per year from the City of Minneapolis in 2023 and 2024, with $1,198 per year reserved for work related to improving engagement with underrepresented groups.

Board members will meet virtually on Oct. 11, in-person on Oct. 23, and, if necessary, virtually on Oct. 25 to complete the funding application and budget. Members who wish to attend may contact info@waiteparkcc.org for more information.

The council also voted to cancel its regularly scheduled board meetings in late November and December, and replace them with a single meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8, 7pm on Zoom. Agenda and login information will be posted to waiteparkneighborhood.org a few days before the meeting.

Other discussion items at the Sept. 29 meeting:

  • The 2022 Waite Park Fall Festival was another success, with attendance estimated around 1,500 people. Thank you to our sponsors Turbo Tim's, Stinson Wine Beer and Spirits, Eastside Co-Op, and Larsen Dental, as well as Ready Meats for donating hot dogs and Fair State Brewing Cooperative for hosting an afterparty fundraiser.

  • The neighborhood engagement survey concluded with around 300 responses. The survey consultant was compiling results to share at the Equitible Engagement Committee's meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

  • One property in the neighborhood (3300 Buchanan) appears on Hennepin County's tax forfeited property list. WPCC Vice President Nick Stroozas plans to attempt contact with owner and explore whether board should make recommendation to city on the resolution ahead of board's October meeting.

  • The board discussed holding a neighborhood wide forum in November featuring an elected official or a panel focused on a specific topic. President Dan Haugen will reach out to Councilmember Elliott Payne's office.

The Waite Park Community Council's next regularly scheduled board meeting will take place 7pm, Thursday, Oct. 27, on Zoom.