May 2024 Committee Agenda

Ventura Village May Committee Agenda 

Engagement: 

1) Report from Equitable Engagement working group 

– Partners and budget balance 

2) Ongoing engagement activities open to all residents with a social component: – Bi-monthly Franklin Avenue clean-up with breakfast (Sat or Sun) 

– Graffiti removal with breakfast (Sat or Sun) 

– Monthly movie night (in the park?) with snacks 

– 311 phone tree 

Budget for food, maximum allowance is $15 per person for engagement events that are open to all residents. 

3) Ventura Village commitments to work with partner organizations – volunteer opportunities to implement MOUs. 

4) Communications 

– Website 

– emails (too many?) 

5) Policy to permanently not have July committee meetings and August board and general meetings. 

6) Board training (in-house or consultant) 

Crime: 

1) On-going strategies to reduce crime (especially at Franklin and Chicago) 

a) Temporary suspension of use of bus stops at Chicago and Franklin to gage impact on crime 

b) Removal of benches at Peavey Park Thrones area 

c) Citizen volunteers to help police book arrests 

d) Meeting of all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive program that pools resources  to change the perception and behavior of people at Chicago and Franklin 

e) Geographic trespass 

f) Deputizing private security officers to help police book arrests 

g) Mental incompetency 

2) CERT team activity at Chicago & Franklin 

3) Block clubs 

– Use to sign-up new members 

– Organizing with Kali & Banyon 

– Events 

4) Recent increase in burglary  

5) People hanging out under Highway 55 Bridge over Franklin Avenue blocking the sidewalk, posing traffic danger, and massive amounts of litter. (Acknowledge improvements at Franklin light rail station) 

6) Street, alley, and other lighting options 

Housing:

1) Minneapolis Solar Program (Minneapolis staff attendance not yet confirmed. We have asked Council Member Osman to help get staff to attend either the May, June, or July meeting.) 

2) Update on Dundry apartment building