Woodburn Commission

Woodburn School Redevelopment Commission Minutes of Thursday August 30, 2018 Members present: Chris Haddox, Marti Shamberger, Ron Dulaney, Carol Wilson, Kate Levine- Freeman, Evan Fedorko. The meeting was called to order by Chris Haddox at 6:05 p.m. at Woodburn School. No minutes from July meeting that was cancelled. Guests: Krista Soderholm and Angela Channell, of the Monongalia Area Homeschoolers Association, Danielle Trumble, Woodburn Neighbor and Paul Brake, City Manager. Members of the Commission and guests introduced themselves. The Mills Group Building Assessment was previously discussed by the commission concerning focusing on safety items and cost effectiveness in keeping the original building or new construction. A subcommittee of Chris Haddox, Ron Dulaney and Bob Merrow informally discussed the costs with local contractors to get an idea of costs for replacing the building, which ranged from $2.6-$4.5 million dollars. Paul Brake discussed the possibilities of funding a project from grants sources (the City has a grant writer), benefactors, establishing a Friends of Woodburn 501 3© group, or a Private/public partnership. Opportunities with applying for the Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) thru the City maybe a source of funding for short term improvements (i.e. elevator, lift, etc.) Mr. Brake suggested having an immediate and long term plan for the building. The suggestion was also made to check with others using the property of possible national and local funding sources, as well as how the site could be used with the possible Blue Zone proposal. Angie Channell discussed the lease of possibly using the rooms downstairs in the building as a lending library for curricular resources (Morgantown Area Resource Center) for the Mon Homeschoolers Association. She has been working with City Attorney Ryan Simonton to get the lease finalized so they could move in as soon as possible. The Commission felt that the homeschool association would be a compliment to the other non-profits in the building. It was noted that City Council would have to approve the lease, which would take two readings in October. Establishing a Friends Group was discussed. Looking at other Friend’s Groups involved with the City buildings (i.e. Met Theater, BOPARC) would be a resource on how to get started. A WVU Landscape Architecture Class is interested in a site planning exercise at the Woodburn site. Evan asked for input on the mission statement that he had sent out. The mission statement would be used on informational material about the property. The next meeting will be September 27 at 6 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m.