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Attendance: Larry Avila, Book Chrobak, Terrell Cole, Charlie Collier, Wilfredo Crespo, Lynea Derwis, Lou Gentile, Greg Huth, John Jenkins, Jeff Kip, TJ Lewarchick, Theresa Martin, Bruce Page, Barbara Tomasko, John Young

Staff:  Robyn Sandys

Council:  Kevin Kelly

Guests:  none

Greg Huth called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm

Minutes from the September board meeting were presented and reviewed.  Lynea Derwis made a motion to accept the minutes as presented.  Motion seconded by Lou Gentile.  Motion approved by the Board.

Minutes from the October special board meeting were presented and reviewed.  Theresa Martin made a motion to accept the minutes as presented.  Motion seconded by John Jenkins.  Motion approved by the Board.

Treasurer’s Report
Larry Avila presented the treasurer’s report for September.  He reviewed OBCDC’s financial position with the Board and discussed some follow up activities he will be completing.  The following was discussed: 

• There are no major issues to report.  The organizations’ cash position is $118,101.  The $42,000 cash in arrears has been received since the time of the report
• Expenses are at 34% of the budget and income is at 28% of the budget. 
• Met with Robyn and staff to look at the accounting procedures and internal controls of the organization
• Determined need to schedule regular audits of the WiFi lending library operation
• Next step will be devoted to the annual audit

Jeff Kipp made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion seconded by TJ Lewarchick. 

Lynea Derwis raised a question about what is the purpose of the WiFi lending library.  It is a program that allows members to “borrow” for one week one of the 3 antennas generally needed by residents to access WiFi in their homes in order to determine which to purchase. 

After discussion, motion was approved by the Board

Councilman’s Report
Councilman Kelley spoke to the Board about the fact that it is unsettling to him to see the US Bank branch and the site of the old OBCDC office at the corner of Broadview Rd. and Pearl Rd. vacant.  He encouraged the board to think about new uses for this and other buildings in the area if possible and cautioned about the increase in check cashing/payday loan businesses entering the neighborhood.  Councilman Kelley suggested looking to other neighborhoods in Cleveland who have succeeded in turning their neighborhood around and following their lead to find and support good businesses that will assist in the success of Old Brooklyn.

Councilman Kelley also shared that there were times in the past year where he was concerned about the strength of the wireless signal, but that an upgrade/change was made and it now seems to be as strong as it should be for residents/businesses to consider it their main source for internet access.  Discussion was had about the wireless program and the theory behind it for the newer members of the Board.

Discussion continued about various marketing ideas for the area to attract commercial tenants and the vision for the neighborhood.  Robyn offered that OBCDC was having their first meeting with Twist Creative on December 12 to begin the process of doing some of the things that were being discussed and encouraged all board members to attend the meeting to give their input.  John Jenkins noted that a study done in 2008 suggested numerous ideas for the area that were never done.  He also stated that the 2008 report showed a 13.4% commercial space vacancy rate and it was probably double that by now.  Councilman Kelley offered that the 2008 report was good for the data/numbers it provided, but that the suggestions presented were not viable for Old Brooklyn.

Real Estate
Residential:  Robyn Sandys reports that the house on Denley is complete and sold, and should close on December 8, 2011.  The sales price is $54,500.  OBCDC put in $38,000 in rehab and after closing costs should net around $12,000 - $13,000 for the organization.  Questions about the house were as follows:

• Lynea Derwis asked if there are before and after pictures available so board members can see what was completed.  For the Denley house the answer is no, but there are pictures of prior homes that were completed for anyone who wants to see the extent of the work being done to the houses
• Lou Gentile asked if the house would qualify for the city’s tax abatement program.  Robyn does not think it will, because they didn’t use “green” standards in the rehab.  Greg Huth and Lou Gentile did not think that was a requirement, so Robyn said she will double check.

Robyn Sandys further reported that there has been great progress on the Altoona house, and they are ready to submit their first draw request to the city.  The purchase of the Roanoke house is still in progress; waiting on the submission of the paperwork.  Robyn will begin getting estimates for work in early 2012 so that work can begin once the Altoona house is complete.

Commercial:  Robyn Sandys presented the “Buy Old Brooklyn” challenge to the Board and reported that they have almost $400 in gift cards from local businesses as prizes.  She also brought up that Saturday, Nov 26th is “Small Business Saturday” nationwide in support of small businesses.  John Young, as a member of COSE, talked about an idea for a card to use when buying from merchants in Old Brooklyn. 

Robyn reviewed the latest meeting of “Old Brooklyn Buzz” that was held at Grace Church on November 17th.  She said they have formed 4 committees, with the largest working on how to spur commercial grown in the neighborhood.  Suggestions included workshops for business owners and a Cash mob – where a group of people decide to pick one store and pledge to spend a certain dollar amount at the store on that day.  The next meeting is December 1, 2011 at Gyro Guys at 6:00 pm. 

Our People
Greg Huth noted that a correction was needed to the recently revised personnel policy to correctly reflect the policy for payment of vacation time if an employee leaves OBCDC.  It was suggested that the proposed language be added, as amended, to read as follows:  “You will also receive a payout of accrued but unused vacation days in your final pay.  If you have used more vacation days than accrued, the value will be deducted from your final pay”

Jeff Kipp made a motion to accept the revision to the personnel policy as amended.  Motion seconded by TJ Lewarchick.  Motion approved by the Board.

Greg Huth presented an update on the BVU membership that was discussed at the last board meeting.  BVU quoted OBCDC $2,200 for the cost of membership and a board/staff retreat.  NPI has agreed to pay for ½ of the cost, and OBCDC would have to pay the other half. 

John Jenkins made a motion to approve the payment of $1,100 for the balance of the BVU membership and board retreat costs.  Motion seconded by Terrell Cole.

A question was raised about the benefits of membership in BVU and it was answered that membership gives OBCDC access to resources of BVU and discounts on seminars and round table discussions they provide.

After discussion, motion approved by the Board.

John Jenkins provided an update on the Code of Regulations committee.  They have received input from Robyn and have asked for input from others.  All Board members were encouraged to review and comment on the Code of Regulations, which can be found on the OBCDC website.  Robyn also provided the committee with codes from 3 other organizations for comparison.  The next meeting is December 6th at 6:30 at the OBCDC office and will be held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 going forward.  Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

TJ Lewarchick made a motion to go into Executive Session.  Motion was seconded by Jeff Kipp.  Motion approved by the Board.

Terrell Cole made a motion to exit Executive Session.  Motion was seconded by Jeff Kipp.  Motion approved by the Board.

Terrell Cole made a motion to approve the payment of up to $2,500 to purchase gift cards for full and part time employees and one contract employee for the holidays.  Motion was seconded by John Jenkins.  Motion approved by the Board.

Discussion was presented about having a board/staff holiday party this year.  It was suggested to have it on December 8, 2011 after the executive committee meeting.  Acropolis was suggested as a possible venue.  Robyn said she would look into have a get together there, if not would look for somewhere else.

Finance
Robyn presented an update on the Home Repair contract, and that OBCDC still has not received reimbursement from the city.  Staff is working with the city and resending information as it is requested.  Staff has also spoken with Daryll Rush of the city to see about getting a resolution.  Robyn offered the possibility of cancelling the Home Repair contract if the situation does not get better.  Will follow up with more discussion at January Board meeting.

Green Space
John Jenkins reported that the staff report should read that “plowing” was completed at the garden and also that the garlic was planted.  The plow contractor is retiring this year, and although they have found a replacement the committee is looking into purchasing their own plow.

Old Business
Greg Huth directed the Board to review the committees listed in the Board report and stated that they are a combination of committees found in the Code of Regulations and the Master Plan for the organization.  He asked all board members to review a description of the committees and what their responsibilities are in preparation for the January board meeting when appointments to committees will be made.

New Business
It was suggested that the December board meeting be cancelled due to the holidays. 

TJ Lewarchick made a motion to cancel the December board meeting.  Motion was seconded by Lynea Derwis.  Motion approved by the Board.

Theresa Martin made a motion to cancel the December board meeting.  Motion was seconded by TJ Lewarchick.  Motion approved by the Board.

The meeting was adjourned by Greg Huth at 7:50 pm

Minutes submitted by Theresa Martin