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Attendance: Lynea Derwis, Jeff Kipp, Theresa Martin, Bruce Page, John Jenkins, Terrell Cole, Alice Ratka, Sue Allen, TJ Lewarchick, John Sarver
Excused: Greg Huth
Staff: Robyn Sandys
Council: None
Guests: John Young, Barbara Tomasko, Charlie Collier

Jeff Kipp called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.

Minutes from the August board meeting were presented and reviewed.  Sue Allen made a motion to accept the August 23, 2011 minutes as presented. Motion seconded by TJ Lewarchick. Motion approved by the Board.

Treasurer's Report
Theresa Martin presented Treasurer's report for August. She briefed the Board on OBCDC's financial position. The following was noted/discussed:

• OBCDC's cash position is - $10,611. This is due to a delay in receiving reimbursement for the June CDBG request. Those funds have since been received.
• A new liability appears in our financial statements for the US Bank Visa bill.   It is only for $238. This will be explored and may just be an accounting entry issue.  
• Accounts receivables are $147,860.  Accounts payable are at $16,143.
• Robyn Sandys adds that the July CDBG reimbursement funds are expected by Oct. 5th.

T.J. Lewarchick made a motion to approve the Treasurer's Report. Lynea Derwis  seconded the motion. Motion approved by the Board. As directed, Martin also presented complete financial statements for June 2011 (to accompany a past report). A motion to approve the complete June 2011 Treasurer's Report was made by Terrell Cole. Motion seconded by Lewarchick. Motion approved by the Board.

Councilman's Report
None - Councilman Kelley is out of town.

Real Estate
Sandys reports that the home at 2506 Roanoke has been offered to OBCDC by the County Land Bank for $1700. She suggests OBCDC complete the purchase and plan to perform all necessary rehabilitation in order to sell. John Jenkins made a motion that the Board approve the purchase of 2506 Roanoke with the intent to rehab and sell. Motion seconded by Cole. Motion approved.   John Sarver inquired about the  option of re-selling the home to a vetted contractor for quicker turn-around.   It is acknowledged by the Board that this option may be considered.

Sandys reports that OBCDC is moving forward with the Altoona home using the NSP II program.  New bids acquired since the last board meeting reveal a much stronger opportunity for profit from this rehab project.    Total rehab cost is expected to be $103,000 and anticipated profit is expected to be between $10,000 - $15,000. Much discussion ensued regarding the risk and reward of utilizing this NSP II program.  The program is ending and this is the only home OBCDC will be able to renovate with this program.    Martin offered a motion to authorize payment for accumulated bills pertaining to this home up to $3500 using OBCDC's restricted Real Estate account. Motion seconded by Cole. Motion approved (with one abstention). Cole then offered a motion to proceed with the planned purchase and renovation of the Altoona home using the NSP II program, with all draws coming from the restricted Real Estate account and monthly briefings from Sandys regarding the financial status of this deal. Allen seconded the motion. Motion approved. It is also noted that, as per previous board action, the minimum threshold for the restricted Real Estate account is set at $30,000.

Our People
The final draft of the Personnel Policies Manual was provided to Board members via email prior to this meeting. All board members were requested to review it. A resolution was read by Kipp regarding the proposed acceptance of this new manual (see attached). Lewarchick made a motion to accept the resolution as read. Motion seconded by Derwis. Motion approved and new personnel policy manual is to be in effect Oct. 3, 2011.  Allen wished to thank all staff, board and volunteers that worked so hard to complete this task.

Sandys briefed the board on the consulting contract with former employee Lori Peterson. Cole made a motion to approve final payment of $655 to Lori Peterson for her consulting work on Bridging the Distance. Derwis seconded. Motion approved (with one abstention).

Derwis offered an update on board recruitment efforts. Six new candidates will be voted on next month including three guests at tonight's meeting: John Young (Speed Exterminating), Barbara Tomasko (Valley West Hair Design), and Charlie Collier (Grace Church). The other three are: Wilfredo Crespo (CFD), Lou Gentile (Wexler's), and Book Krobak (resident). The annual meeting is October 18th. It was also noted John Jenkins will be on the slate as a residential board member.

Sandys and members of the Executive Committee have a scheduled meeting in October with BVU to explore opportunities and possible membership.

Sandys noted that the office computer server needs replacing. She has obtained two bids that were comparable. Cole noted that the bids appeared to be reasonable. Martin made a motion to authorize the expense of up to $3000 to hire CGB Tech (OBCDC's current vendor) to replace existing server with a new server. Sarver seconded. Motion approved.

Green Space
Jenkins noted that the Committee is pursuing lots in the neighborhood that may be available. These lots would become property of OBCDC.

Cole and Derwis offered a brief update on the Bradley Road landfill situation. Presently, there is no action for the CDC to take..

Marketing
Kipp and Sandys reported on the recommendation to utilize Steelyard TIF funds to secure the services of a local marketing agency to assist in the branding, promotion and recruitment efforts within the neighborhood's commercial districts. The marketing committee met with 3 firms and has received 2 of the 3 bids so far. The committee will invite the firms back for a follow up presentation. Much discussion ensued regarding the need for this assistance and the importance of balancing research and marketing expenses with direct support to new and existing businesses. A motion was made by Ratka to authorize an expense of up to $35,000 of the TIF allocation to engage one of the presenting marketing firms - to be determined by the marketing committee - to work with OBCDC on branding, research, business attraction and retention, and support for Old Brooklyn commercial districts. Motion seconded by Cole. Motion approved (with one opposed and one abstention). The marketing committee will reconvene and coordinate next round of presentations. All board members will be invited to sit in.

Old Business
Jenkins inquired about the continuation of the Plain Dealer special section.  Sandys reports success in ad sales and has received much positive feedback. This effort will continue and is included within the marketing budget of OBCDC. Cole requests that any relevant research/data outcomes or measurables be noted to support success of effort.

Public Comment - None

The meeting was adjourned by Kipp at 8:25 PM.

Minutes submitted by Jeff Kipp