Trustees in attendance: Sue Allen; Paul Ciupa; Steve Henstridge; Greg Huth; Christine Kowalski; David Lawhun; Jim O’Connor; Dane Reich; Lynea Reindel; Matt Reitz;

Excused absence: John Appledorn; Abe Bruckman; Alice Ratka;

Staff: Robyn Sandys;

Matt Reitz called the meeting to order at 6:09 pm, followed by introductions.

Matt Reitz moved to temporarily suspend the written agenda to allow the guest speakers to have the floor. Motion approved.

Guest Speakers: Colleen Gilson, Executive Director Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition and Sammy Catania, President of the Board of Tremont West Development Corporation.

The speakers discussed the ways in which they worked with their respective Boards, staff members, and the members of the CDC. They also spoke about their approach to recruitment and election of Board members. They answered questions from the OBCDC Board.

Minutes: The minutes of the April 15, 2008 Board Meeting and the May 13, 2008 Executive Committee Meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted

Councilman Report:

Councilman Cummins was not present.

Councilman Kelley was present and reported the following:

The Memphis School site received a low ranking (30th) from the State when the State determined eligibility for low income housing credits.

Plans are moving along for the establishment of a Sears Service Center in the former CVS location in the PearlBrook shopping center

The Board of Zoning Appeals denied a zoning variance request for a proposed tatoo parlor on Pearl Rd. near Leopold Avenue.

Funds will be available for an extension of the swimming pool area at Loew Park.

Executive Director Report: The Executive Director presented her report which is found in the narrative that accompanied the meeting agenda.

In response to a question concerning meeting the deductible on the employment practices liability insurance, the Executive Director said that we should have sufficient revenue from membership dues, and business directory and newspaper ad sales to cover the expense.

The Executive Director passed out copies of: the 2008 Old Brooklyn Business Directory; a copy of the article about Old Brooklyn and Brooklyn Centre which appeared in Live Cleveland; and flyers for upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and Safety Fair & Community Service Expo.

Committee Reports:

Fund Raising: Jim O’Connor said that the next meeting is on May 22nd at 6:30 pm at the CDC. He spoke about marketing promotions for the upcoming housing fair and emphasized the need for sponsorships.

Code of Regulations: Greg Huth reported that the Committee is meeting regularly with the goal of presenting its work to the Board in July.

Board Development: Lynea Reindel reported that the advertisement for Board membership applications on the front page of the Old Brooklyn News generated responses but that she had not yet received them from the staff. Following the meeting she advised the Secretary that she had received two (2) responses to the ad.

Announcements:

John Jenkins said that the Ben Franklin Garden Committee would meet May 22nd at 6:30 pm at the CDC. He also asked for and received from the Executive director assurance that the $5,000 grant the Garden received will be used for the purposes stated in the grant application.

Mary Kay Reich passed out postcards which are being used to promote the upcoming Brooklyn Centre Garden Tour.

Adjournment:

Matt Reitz moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm. Motion approved.