Below are the individuals running for the Eight (8) open seats for a two-year term of service on the NIBNA Board in the 2022 election, listed in random order.
- Christopher Villegas
- Sarah Ridens
- Patricia Kelly
- Carole Merrill
- Lisa Hondros
- Scott Parkin
- Barry Clegg
- John Larkey
- Cory Parkos
- John Chaffee
- Michael Sichmeller
- Mike Andrus
- Junior Kraus III
Additional information on each candidate is below or can be downloaded in PDF format here.
Please note:
- Voting will occur at the Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 27, 2022, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, via Zoom.
- In order to vote or attend the meeting, you must pre-register in advance via Zoom, using this link.
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- In the candidate information, basic grammar and spelling errors have been corrected, but the words are the candidate's own.
- Additional nominations are allowed during the course of the annual meeting.
Christopher Villegas
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (rent)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
Being a renter in two different buildings in Nicollet Island East over the past 7+ years, I have seen a lot of changes in the neighborhood. Oftentimes, I feel like there is a gap between long-term residents and short-term residents as well as business owners. Everyone has different needs, goals, perspectives, and ideas on how to cohabitate in an urban environment. With my experience in living in multiple neighborhoods around the Minneapolis area (Uptown, North Loop, NE) I feel like I can bring a fresh pair of eyes and perspective on how to bridge each sector of the neighborhood together. As a small business owner, I know the importance of making sure other businesses are successful, residents feel safe and happy, and visitors feel the need to come back.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Education about the area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- Branding of the Area
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
I have traveled all around the world and one thing is consistent with major cities. There is always that one neighborhood that is talked about by residents, travelers, and influencers. Not that we need to be similar to Chelsea in NYC, but it would be nice to be known throughout the Twin Cities as an example of how other communities would like to be structured. I could see NE as a destination location within Minneapolis between residents and those visiting the city.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
I have been a renter in apartment buildings for more than 10+ years in multiple neighborhoods around Minneapolis. I have worked in a corporate setting for years and have gained a lot of professional skills and experience as it pertains to communication, execution, feedback, results, and retention. I'm a total extrovert and love meeting new people. One of my biggest strengths is creating and maintaining relationships with people.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I love this neighborhood, which is why I continue to rent and work here! Because my level of happiness is so high, I want to replicate that feeling for other residents and business owners.
Sarah Ridens
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
I love this neighborhood and want to do my part to ensure it evolves and thrives. I use the bike system, love our parks and trails and appreciate the variety of businesses and restaurants we offer within walking distance.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Area Business Relations Branding of the Area NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies
and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
Capitalize on the walkability and variety of things to see/do/experience in NE. Safety and security are top priorities; by being out and about, frequenting our businesses, and enjoying the parks and trails - this urban neighborhood feels more like a small town where neighbors have care and concern for each other and their living spaces.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
I am a past president of the VL Board of Directors and organized National Night Out events at Chute Park several years ago. I also bring skills in organization, communication, project management, problem-solving, and negotiation.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I want everyone to be as happy in this neighborhood as I am. If there are opportunities for improvement, I want to be part of creating that change. If there are great things to celebrate, I want to be part of organizing that party. If there are less exciting operational things that just need to get done, I can add value. I don't have any political aspirations - I just want to do my part to add value and help this neighborhood thrive.
Patricia Kelly
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
I have experience with neighborhood organizations thanks to my years staffing the Minneapolis City Council. I understand they play a valuable role in building community and ensuring livability, as well as being a bridge to City Hall and other neighborhoods in the vicinity that have shared concerns. I think I bring positive experience and attitude to the table and represent our neighbors fairly.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Education about area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
Liveable, walkable, having needed services, clean and attractive.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
See above
Carole Merrill
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (rent)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
I have been a Board Member since 2017; elected President in 2019. I hope to continue to serve the community by helping to implement the initiatives identified in the NIEBNA's 2022 Work Plan, as well as explore new ways to foster community engagement.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies, and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
Prioritize the pedestrian realm! Cars have reigned supreme - from requirements for parking garages in new high-rise development to the failure to institute traffic-calming measures on 1st Ave NE and E Hennepin Ave. Create public gathering spaces. Public art projects, e.g. murals, and colorful street design paintings at intersections. The latter has proven to slow down traffic in other cities.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
Before moving to Minneapolis in 2017, I held leadership positions on 2 non-profit Boards in Portland, Maine. I was the Executive Director - and sole staff - of a 501(c)(3) architecture and design organization. The 15-member Board of Directors were - are -all volunteers. In addition to administrative duties, I organized and managed a variety of large-scale events, including design charrettes and lectures. I wrote one successful ($25,000) grant to fund an interactive exhibition and lecture on strategies to mitigate the risk of sea level rise on the Maine Coast.
Is there anything else you want to add?
NIEBNA represents the residents of the Nicollet Island East Bank neighborhood, yet many folks who live here have no idea who we are and/or what we do. I would work to promote/market Nicollet Island East Bank, our name, and our activities!
Lisa Hondros
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
Vibrant neighborhoods are critical to a successful city, and I want to do what I can to make our neighborhood a welcoming and exciting place to live. Serving on the NIEBNA Board allows me to work with others to identify and implement neighborhood priorities, as well as ensure that our neighborhood voices are heard when decisions are made by government agencies and elected officials that will impact our community.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Education about area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
I support the vision of our neighborhood’s Small Area Plan which emphasizes enhancing the public realm, improving pedestrian and bicycle connections to the riverfront parkland, and increasing density while preserving the historic character and unique architecture of the neighborhood.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
Legal training, organizational skills and experience with community engagement. I have served as NIEBNA’s treasurer since 2013. Experience with nonprofits: Trust for Public Land (Minnesota Advisory Board member), Friends of the Falls (board member), Friends of the Mississippi River (volunteer). I was an active parent volunteer while my kids attended Marcy Open School and served as chair of the Marcy site council.
Is there anything else you want to add?
My interests in parks and historic preservation first motivated me to join the NIEBNA Board. Working with residents of other central riverfront neighborhoods, I helped form the St. Anthony Falls Alliance. We advocate for implementation of the Master Plan for the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park and include members from the North Loop, Downtown/Mill District, Marcy Holmes and St. Anthony West.
Scott Parkin
Connection to the neighborhood: I own a business here
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
This neighborhood's history, sense of place, and the wonderful people that live & work here have inspired me to contribute to its preservation and improvement for the better part of my adult life.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Education about the area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- Area Business Relations Branding of the Area
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
I share the same basic vision that most of us do — a neighborhood that is safe, prosperous, clean, green, engaged, known for fun & meaningful events, and with a strong sense of pride in its unique history. I'd like to see this vision taken further. We could be the most beautiful, lush, and prosperous neighborhood in the City of Minneapolis. A place with a recognizable name and brand, epic events, cool signage, amazing decorative lighting, its own interpretive pop-up museum, and stunning new public art. A truly world-class destination for residents and visitors alike that still maintains our local and neighborly feel. Sesame Street on steroids. How we get there is the question. I predict the neighborhood will double in population in the next 10 years and our 10-or-so remaining empty lots will be developed. Meanwhile, the city's funding will steadily decrease. This will require a new level of leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy that I feel I can contribute to.
My specific areas of interest are as follows: Smart and assertive advocacy for resident and business needs when so many transit and development projects are proposed each year; Developing new funding sources for our own specific goals - separate from the city's "one-size-fits-all" approach; Seeing homeowners and businesses working TOGETHER as they do successfully in the North Loop; Working with the Park Board to finally finish the "Gap" on Main Street between Hennepin and 1st; Preparation of a full-scale neighborhood-wide revisit, re-acquaintance, and revision of our Small Area Plan on its 10th anniversary in 2024; Introduce fellow Board members to Main Street America as a possible funding source (more detail below); Finalizing the branding & placemaking initiative that we made so much progress on in 2020, and Applying for the Minneapolis "Great Streets" Grant for enhanced funding.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
Non-Profit/Board experience: Current Director of NIEBNA, Past-President of our business association (NEBA), Past-Vice President - of Downtown Mpls Neighborhood Association, Past-Director - of Minneapolis Association of Realtors, Past-President - of Cobalt Condominium Association, an active member of Main Street America. I've founded and managed a 501c3 non-profit organization and served on many boards and committees. I have a good working understanding of Robert's Rules and have experience working with and managing Boards, committees, budgets, fundraising, and staff. I host National Night Out annually as well as Historic Walking Tours of East Hennepin in partnership with Preserve Minneapolis for the last 12 years.
Is there anything else you want to add?
In the last year I have helped with the following projects in the neighborhood: Hosted National Night Out, organized a neighborhood clean-up event, organized a Chute Square clean-up, started the process of creating a volunteer group to oversee & shepherd the Square, cataloged and completed utility box wraps, cataloged and audited our trash-can contract with the city, given 4 historic walking tours, hosted 5 ribbon cutting events for new businesses, and we're now nearing completion of installing interpretive plaques on 40+ historic buildings. I joined Main Street America and attended their annual conference in Virginia. Main Street America (MainStreet.org) is a 40-year-old network of more than 1,200 US neighborhoods helping revitalize historic commercial districts through preservation-based economic development - it's a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.) I'm looking forward to more of the same involvement in 2023!
Barry Clegg
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
I have served on NIEBNA's board for many years. I am familiar with what it has accomplished and the challenges it faces. We have to negotiate the decline in funding from the City and redefine NIEBNA's role and options for operating and program resources going forward. I am interested in joining this effort.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Branding of the Area
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies, and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
I think the small area plan best reflects my vision for the neighborhood. I see us becoming more dense, becoming more bike friendly, two-way streets, and an identity we share and an image that we project to residents and visitors.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
I am a lawyer (and have served as NIEBNA's pro bono counsel) and CPA (retired).
John Larkey
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
The Nicollet Island - East Bank community is where Meghann and I have consciously chosen to live for the past 20 years - first in the Village Lofts, and now in the Lourdes Square Town Homes. The NI-EB community is our home, and I am committed to keeping our community safe and welcoming to all residents and visitors, retaining the unparalleled urban beauty of the Island - the most recognizable aspect of our neighborhood and the unique, rich cultural, artistic, and architectural history of the East Bank, and collaborating with business owners to ensure vibrant, responsible businesses thrive in NI-EB.
I have been an active NIEBNA member since 2014, when I had the privilege to work with a diverse cross-section of Nicollet Island-East Bank community residents, businesses, and partners representing almost 20% of the entire community to establish NI-EB neighborhood planning goals and priorities for the future, as outlined in the NIEBNA Small Area Plan, and which were accepted by the Minneapolis City Council in Oct 2014.
While we have achieved many of the priorities established in the NIEBNA Small Area Plan, including improving pedestrian safety, attracting high quality, diverse, mixed-use development to under-utilized properties, increasing emphasis on public amenities and strengthening NI-EB's role in the regional economy, with an emphasis on unique businesses, there is still much work to be done! In particular, unfinished business yet to be completed includes, increasing safety for residents and visitors (including a return of two-way streets), continued enhancement of community amenities and access to our world-class park system along the river, and now, in a post-pandemic, "new-normal" world, increasing community engagement and civic involvement to ensure that Nicollet Island-East Bank continues to be the destination community where people actively choose to live, work and play, and call this community home as we do.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Area Business Relations
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies, and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
While there is much to be celebrated in NI-EB, there is still more to be done, my specific vision for NIEB (and priorities for NIEBNA) includes the following:
- Improve Community Safety - this is a priority quality of life issue for all residents, the NI-EB business community, and our visitors - all community stakeholders have a vested interest in increased safety. Specific tactics include: increasing eyes on the street (expand community watch efforts; partner with city/county to ensure individuals have access to basic service needs; promote increased sworn officer training, presence, and engagement; ensure local business proprietors operate responsibly; enhance pedestrian, transit, cycling and automotive traffic - including a planned return to two-way streets)
- Expand Community Engagement - this effort will encompass ALL stakeholders, specific opportunities to pursue include: expanding NIEBNA's piloted community walking group to a year-round, volunteer-led effort; growing the building ambassador program participation to all multi-unit establishments; actively supporting our local business community organizations, in particular, the Northeast Business Association (NEBA) to jointly promote to residents and visitors to visit NI-EB through 5 regularly programmed events/year to highlight various aspects of the community including Apr - Earth Day Clean-up Celebration (along the River / Island); Jun - NI-EB Dog Parade (commercial corridor); Aug - Neighborhood Night Out Celebration (Chute Park); Oct - Octoberfest (Riverplace Courtyard, or Syrdyk's / Kramarchuk's parking lot); Dec - Holiday Market Celebration (Riverplace interior,
or Nicollet Island Pavilion); expand collaboration with other key stakeholders, including De La Salle High School, Park Board, City / County staff, and our adjacent neighboring communities (Marcy - Holmes, St Anthony East, St Anthony West, and Beltrami). - Enhance Quality of Life Amenities - in addition to infrastructure items previously identified within the Increased Safety item above, allocate NIEBNA resources (in partnership with business community members where makes sense) on other community amenities including enhancing park / River access and amenities (including Nicollet Island Pavillon), add trash/recycling containers (and pet pickup bags & "smoking poles") where needed; increase plants/greenery; increase access/seating in public spaces and parks; increase public beautification (art/design), enhance signage (both informative - e.g., parking facility locations, and cultural - historical points of note)
- Last, but not least, NIEBNA sole exists to represent the BEST INTERESTS of the residents of Nicollet Island - East Bank and the support of a vibrant, diverse community of stakeholders that includes individual business proprietors, other NI-EB institutions (De La Salle, Our Lady of Lourdes, Ard Godfrey House, Nicollet Island Park) and commercial and private property owners.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
In addition to my understanding of the NI-EB community as a 20+ year engaged resident, and familiarity with NIEBNA as a resident-led community organization for the past 8+ years, in my professional life, working as a renewable energy developer and executive leader, I have extensive experience in levelheaded, rationale, decision-making, and motivating and enabling teams of individuals to come together to work through conflict to achieve common objectives - both of which are vitally important capability sets for NIEBNA at this time.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I would be honored to continue to represent the best interests of my Nicollet Island - East Bank resident neighbors, friends, and broader business community, and I genuinely appreciate the consideration of your vote for me, John Larkey.
Cory Parkos
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
To see the neighborhood prosper in history, art, culture, architecture, and connecting with the Mississippi River.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Education about the area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- Area Business Relations Branding of the Area
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
To be a welcoming neighborhood for locals, visitors & tourists and bring a happy inspiring vibe to the area.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
River Boat Captain, as well as Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) Ambassador & volunteer.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I love my neighborhood and consider it a dream to live here.
John Chaffee
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
Meet neighbors and keep up with new developments
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Education about the area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies, and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
Continue the mixture of old and new. Traffic calming.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
A 50-year resident of Nicollet Island; involved in preserving the historic homes from demolition. Past precinct chair. Construction background; can read and interpret development plans.
Michael Sichmeller
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (rent)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
7 1/2 years of residency in this wonderful neighborhood have given me a basis for understanding the community, and a home. I am invested in this place, this collection of people and businesses, and
streets and parks. And I would, again, be honored to help better this community.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Shared resources (exchanges, gardens, lending, etc.)
- Area Business Relations Branding of the Area
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies, and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
We are the heart of Minneapolis. We have the stepping stones of history and the power of diversity. When you recognize all that and work to empower it, you can achieve the most vibrant of communities. I see a neighborhood that is quintessentially Minneapolis: an admixture of cultures, building a place to call home together, and modeling, for the rest of the Cities, what a vibrant neighborhood can be.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
15 years of community organizing, from non-profit festivals to political campaigns. 15+ years of business and people management, including executive leadership of marketing agencies and divisions of Fortune 40 companies. Expert at experience design: what makes a great experience for our residents? Let's figure that out and make it so.
Mike Andrus
Connection to the neighborhood: I live here (own)
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
I am finishing my first term of 2 years on the board and would like to continue my support for the neighborhood.
What are some issues you are most interested in working on if elected?
- Beautification (trees, public art, parks, natural environment, graffiti removal, etc.)
- Adding amenities and services (stores, bike lanes, parks, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood
watch, etc.)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
A cleaner, more beautiful, and safer neighborhood.
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
I am finishing my first term as a current board member. I am currently on the COBALT condominium board as well as the Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I want to stay involved in improving the neighborhood where I have lived for the past 15 years and plan to stay for many more.
Junior Kraus III
Connection to the neighborhood: I own a business here
What makes you most interested in volunteering with NIEBNA?
Working with locals to help grow the neighborhood
What are some issues you are most interested on working if elected?
- Person-to-person connections (clubs, get-togethers, events, etc.)
- Safety (lighting, street safety, policing, neighborhood watch, etc.)
- Education about area (history, zoning, candidates, developments, etc.)
- Area Business Relations
- Branding of the Area
- NIEBNA Development (bylaws, organizational policies and procedures)
What's your vision for the neighborhood?
The next best place to live in the metro area
What skills and relevant experience do you have?
I like to organize events and network with the residents and business owners.