Board Minutes

Members Present - Amy Brown, Jack Burke, Jodi Christensen, Marc Cove, Larry Eberhard, Mitzi Hobot, John Larson, Ted Lillie, Herb Lohse, Rich McNamara, Sheila Morrow, Ric Pace, Stacie Penn, Tony Schwartz, Rick Timm, Craig Waldron, and Michele Willard.

City Update – Craig Waldron updated the Board about Oakdale activities. He said that options for the Par 3 Golf Course were discussed. The proposal consists of expanding Cedric’s Landing and allowing quite a bit of park/open space adjacent to the homes that currently abut the golf course. The developer is scheduling a neighborhood meeting. He will use visual aids and encourage feedback from the surrounding neighbors. The Heritage Farms development on 15^th Street was discussed. The developer has proposed 18 single-family homes; however, the City has encouraged the developer to consider only 16 homes. The Park and Planning Commission discussed possible changes to the ordinance regarding used car sales lots. Staff members continue to work with the potential of a TIF district to finance a number of public improvements that have been requested in the area of the former Oakdale Golf and Tennis. A neighborhood meeting was held regarding the Delaney Green single-family residential development at Stillwater Blvd. Craig also discussed the Furlong Park large item junk pick-up.

Craig noted that the City would like the OBPA’s assistance in sponsoring a business seminar by SCORE. The cost of the seminar is $500. The City is willing to contribute $300. He inquired if the OBPA was willing to contribute $200.

TONY SCHWARTZ MOVED, AND THE MOTION WAS SECONDED, TO PROVIDE $200 TO SPONSOR THE SCORE SEMINAR.

MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE – Marc Cove said that the school district will have five graduation ceremonies, and proms are also coming up. Contract negotiations begin this summer and planning for next year has begun. The district is moving towards making reading, writing, arithmetic, and science its priorities. Although one million dollars had to be trimmed from the school district’s budget, the district still has a budget of $104,000,000.

OLD BUSINESS

Board Members - Jodi noted that three new at large members were appointed. They include Amy Brown, Rich McNamara, and Patty Kamas. Jodi noted that one additional board member is desired.

Aging Seminar – Jodi noted that the aging seminar is scheduled for April 26 at Hope Church. If you are interested in attending, please contact John Larson. Currently, 36 people have registered for this seminar.

NEW BUSINESS

Donation Requests – John Larson noted that the Board hadn’t received any additional requests for donations.

Board Position – Jodi said that the Board needs to find someone interested in serving as vice president, and eventually president.

In 60 Seconds – Tony said that he is requesting to speak about the St. Paul Chamber at the OBPA meeting. He said that the St. Paul Chamber does not compete with the OBPA, but instead is complementary to the OBPA.

Ted said that as past president of the OBPA and current Chair of the Board of the St. Paul Chamber, the St. Paul Chamber fights to protect businesses at the State Legislature and is a complementary organization to the OBPA. Marc agreed, stating that as a business owner it is important to work with the surrounding area. Ric said that he would have no problem with Tony speaking about the Chamber at an In 60 Second spot.

May Scholarship Meeting – Stacie Penn noted that Patty Phillips, I.S.D. 622 Superintendent, plans to speak on the topic of the District’s quality students. She said that the Co-Action committee made decisions on recipients for $30,000 of scholarships. She said that the OBPA is providing scholarships to two Tartan students, one North student, one Hill Murray student, and one returning adult student. She noted that Mitzi Hobot won a scholarship from Platinum Bank.

Gold Plate Dinner – Sheila reported that donations for the Gold Plate Dinner are coming in very slowly. In addition, ticket sales are slow, with only 25 tickets sold thus far. She encouraged members to buy tickets now and make donations soon, to ease putting additional strain on those organizing the event. A sports memorabilia company will be selling sports memorabilia and donating a portion of the profits to the OBPA. Ric said that prizes include an I-Pod. Ric noted that Klondike Kate is performing at the Oakdale Idol Gold Plate Dinner. The contest winner will receive a cash prize. Ric noted that he not only needs the name of the person ordering the ticket, but the others attending and the name of their business for badges.

Kids Day America – Jodi inquired if the Board would be willing to donate a boys and girls bike worth approximately $100-120 for Kids Day America. She noted that last year Steve Holloway raised approximately $1,000 for the OBPA Holiday Helping Hands Program through this event. The Board agreed to that donation.

Summerfest – Michele said that she has entertainment reserved for the Summerfest Parade. The royalty will participate in decorating the trailer.

OBPA June Picnic – Marc said that in past years, members of the OBPA have indicated a willingness to sponsor some of the food for the picnic. He said that if you wish to sponsor anything, please let him know. Sponsorships include the ice cream station, beverages, and food.

Eggs & Issues – Rick Timm announced that Eggs & Issues is scheduled for June 7 from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. at Oak Marsh. He has received commitments from Marc Cove, Bill Pulkrabek, Mayor Sarrack, and Nora Slawik. He would like Betty McCollum to also attend. Marc said that he is meeting with her in a couple of weeks and he would be willing to invite her personally. Rick asked him to do that. John Larson is the emcee for the event. Rick said that the OBPA owes $300 minimum to Oak Marsh for the event.

Golf Tournament – Tony said that the golf tournament is scheduled for Monday, August 13 at Oak Marsh. He needs lots of sponsors. There may be limited hole sponsorships this year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Treasurer’s Report – Jack Burke reported that the Board currently has $2,500 in unpaid bills, after writing checks for the $6,000 in scholarships. Stacie reminded Jack that the scholarships aren’t paid until September. The Gold Plate Dinner next month should provide necessary funds. In addition, dues are due at the beginning of July. He suggested that perhaps we need a little more cushion next year. Jodi said that the OBPA also has a $1,200 credit at the Prom, for which the organization will receive a refund. Jodi will ask the Prom to send the OBPA a check.

Membership - Michele displayed a ribbon that the OBPA had ordered to assist with Board Member recognition at General Meetings. Mitzi noted that the OBPA website is now available. She said that she has been sending out a significant amount of literature, but hasn’t heard of anyone joining. She said that she has sent out approximately 15 directories during the past two weeks. Michele said that she hadn’t been able to update the website in the way she should be able to. Rick will contact the webmaster. Michele should receive any type of materials you would like on the website. She would like to be able to update the site monthly.

In 60 Seconds – There will not be any In 60 Seconds spots in May or June, due to the scholarship meeting and the picnic.

Guest Speaker – Superintendent Patty Phillips will speak at the May Scholarship meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Signature Card - Michele noted that the signature card needs to be updated for the checking account. It was decided that Michele, John, and Jack should be on the signature card.

Business of the Year – Craig reminded Jodi that a committee needs to be formed to decide next year’s business of the year. Ric Pace, Jack Burke, and Carmen Sarrack will serve on this committee. The City will have a plaque made for the business of the year and it will be presented at the Business Appreciation Breakfast during Summerfest.

Next General Meeting: Thursday, May 3 at Oak Marsh

Next Board Meeting: Thursday, May 17 at Hillcrest Golf ClubADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Minutes submitted by,

Laurel Janisch

Minute Secretary