Woodburn Commission

Woodburn School Redevelopment Commission Minutes of Thursday January 28, 2021 Members present: John Trumble, Marti Shamberger, Chris Haddox, Ron Dulaney, Ross Justice, Marly Hazen Ynigues and Evan Fedorko. Guest: Michelle Furlong and Danielle Trumble WAN President The meeting was called to order by Chris Haddox at 6:05 p.m. via ZOOM. The minutes were accepted as corrected. (No commission meetings were held in November or December) Marly Hazen Ynigues introduced Michelle Furlong as a local butterfly expert. Both met at the Woodburn school property, and identified an area in the front of the property for a butterfly garden. Michelle stressed that this project could be an educational as well as an opportunity to engage the whole community. Children could attend to help plant, paint rocks and maintain the garden. Hopefully more gardens could be planted across the community too. Tools, perennial plants and volunteers were identified to complete the project for this year. John Trumble volunteered the use of his rototiller and shovels. Marly had received a response from 6-8 people on FB that they would be interested in helping. Suggestions were made about various sources for seeds that could be used in the future. Michelle Furlong was thanked for her guidance on this project. Phase I of the property improvements has been completed with the installation of the elevator, and the accessibility issues being addressed. Phase II will begin Feb 1, 2021 with the construction of the bathrooms, electrical upgrades, Parking for tenants will be restricted to the bottom parking lot. Marti Shamberger noted that there are two vehicles that have been parked in the lower lot one for over a year and another for the last six months that were reported to the City. She will follow up with the City. Phase III will involve the building shell and the mechanical HVAC. The old furnace has not been used this winter. Pop Shop is currently using electric heaters when they have classes. The Boys/Girls Club still have items inside the building that will have to be moved for construction. The City has reached out multiple times to discuss back rent payments and the Boys and Girls Club future plans at Woodburn. After a discussion, commission members felt as stewards of a city asset, to send a recommendation to City Administration that the Boys and Girls Club be asked to vacate their space. Chris Haddox would draft a letter on behalf of WRC to send to City Administration. The other tenant of the main building, The Pop Shop has continued with programming. FODC has been active in their space. M.T. Pockets has not had any theatre productions due to Covid-19. It was noted that the city was working with the current tenants on rent arrangements. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. The next schedule meeting is February 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom..