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Attendance: Greg Huth, Lynea Derwis, Theresa Martin, Jeff Kipp, Bruce Page, John Jenkins, Terrell Cole, Paul Ciupa, Sue Allen, Larry Avila, TJ Lewarchick, Alice Ratka
Excused:
Staff: Robyn Sandys, Tom Collins
Council: Tony Brancatelli
Guest: Beverly Harris, resident

Lynea Derwis called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM. Members introduced themselves.

Minutes from the Feb 22, 2011 Board meeting were reviewed. Sue Allen offered a motion to accept the minutes. Motion seconded by Alice Ratka. Motion approved by the Board.

Treasurer's Report
Theresa Martin presented financial statements and briefed the Board on OBCDC's financial position. The following was noted/discussed:

• OBCDC's cash position is $37,045. A negative net income is reported for the month, mainly due to holding the W. 50th property. It was reported that this property is now under contract with a buyer.   T.J. Lewarchick noted that the house sale will not completely eliminate the negative balance.
• Accounts receivables are $135,904. Accounts payable are at $53,299. Income for the first 8 months of budget is at 56%; Expenses are at 61%.

Lewarchick offered a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report. John Jenkins seconded the motion. Motion approved.

Jenkins offered a brief Greenspace report, due to his need to leave early (see staff/committee report).

Councilman Report
Ward 12 Councilman Tony Brancatelli was present. he noted the following activities that Old Brooklyn CDC and residents should be aware of:

• Flats Oxbow officially closed
• Free ID tags and vaccines for dogs on April 2
• Approx. 9% CDBG cut this year. Larger cuts possibly looming for next year.
• Council advocating for cutting some city programs and moving more work to third party agencies (RAH was cited)
• Efforts underway to examine and amend SPA boundaries/labeling.

Brancatelli and Tom Collins then briefed the Board on the Bradley Landfill issue. The owners must fix EPA violations before they can operate for landfill or surface mining. Progress is being made on easement situation for residents. OBCDC will continue to monitor the situation and work to advocate on behalf of residents and educate residents on all possible outcomes.

Robyn Sandys presented the organization's application for Year 37 funding from Community Development Block Grant. The budget overview was offered and the narrative portion was summarized. Sandys acknowledges the proposed cuts but anticipates a slight increase in funding due to additional funds allocated for code enforcement work. This additional work may justify additional staff for code work. Board discussed CDBG application. Allen offered a resolution to accept the application and authorize Sandys to submit on behalf of OBCDC. Derwis seconded the motion. Motion approved. (see attached resolution).

The Board also discussed crafting contingency plans in case significant CDBG cuts are realized in future funding cycles.

Staff & Key Results Reports:

Community Relations/Marketing
Sandys reported the neighborhood-wide WiFi launch will be April 30th. OBCDC is already logging significant traffic on OldBrooklynConnected.com. More info to follow.

An interview is scheduled regarding funding from Neighborhood Connections for Pop UP Pearl. Sandys is optimistic regarding grant funding for this event.

Kipp commented on the neighborhood branding effort. The committee is working on concepts and implementation plans and will share updates with Board when ready. A proposed sponsor package is also being worked on to solicit year-long sponsorship from supporters for all marketing and neighborhood events.

Commercial Services
Greg Huth reports that this committee met recently. The commercial directory is being worked on. Additionally, the committee is looking to find a way to acknowledge top businesses in the neighborhood annually.

It was also noted that the TWE contract has been signed by the organization.

Our People
Staff and select Board members have visited potential new office space. Sandys recommends that property at 2339 Broadview is good option for OBCDC - offering ample space, affordability, visible location, and cooperative landlord. She will continue to negotiate for best OBCDC terms. Martin made a motion for Sandys to approve the hiring of Rakauskas Architecture to perform services for the necessary renovation and build out of this office space upon confirmation of Landlord concessions and an agreeable lease term for OBCDC. Paul Ciupa seconds. Motion approved.

Allen made a motion for the Board to move into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Derwis seconded the motion. Motion approved by the Board.

Public Comment - None

The meeting was adjourned by Huth at 8:05 PM.

Minutes submitted by Jeff Kipp.