Agenda and Notes SD31 Business Meeting Conference
Andover Community Center – Meeting Room A
15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
April 8, 2025
Call to Order: 6:30 PM
Registration Opens: 6:00 PM
Minutes
I. Opening Business
1. Call to Order at 6:30
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Adoption of Agenda approved
4. Appoint of Temporary Chair for Elections Wayne Grimmer
5. Reading of the Affirmative Action Statement read by Wayne
II. Election of State Party Officers
- Election of SD31Chair
Leslie Pendergast nominated, elected unanimously
- Election of SD31 First Vice Chair
Andy Hillebregt nominated, elected unanimously
- Election of SD31Second Vice Chair
Alyson Gullette, nominated, elected unanimously
- Election of SD31 Outreach and Inclusion Officer
Nichole Hayden, nominated, elected unanimously
- Election of SD31 Secretary
Betsy O’Berry, nominated, elected unanimously
- Election of SD31 Treasurer
George Drew, nominated, elected unanimously
- Election of SD31 Deputy Treasurer
No nominations, position open
The State Central Committee now has two openings.
There are now 5 open director positions.
These positions will be filled at the next executive meeting.
This part of the meeting was adjourned at 6:52
Leslie back to chairing
Addendum: Wesley and Cheryl Volkenant are no longer serving in capacity as finance representatives and will be removed from the SD Bank accounts. George Drew as treasurer will remain on the accounts and Leslie Pendergast as chair will be added.
III. Officer Reports
- Chair Leslie
Three buses were sent to the State protest rally
25,000 people were at the Capitol
Other people attended the Anoka
- Vice Chair Alyson
Reported that more people than expected attended the Anoka County protest
The protest was peaceful, there was a lot of traffic, waves from cars, young people, variety of signs,
incredible day
- Outreach Officer Charlie
There was a big mailing last week. Sent out 3800 letters. 6500 letters so far this year.
144 zones, 186 active members, talking to 4988, 45% of all of the Democrats in the SD,
3800 homes, 8600 voters, 18000 overs total. The stamps and printing have been donated in kind by the network. $3032 donated. In the hole $1200. Crew of 14 people put together the mailing.
Nichole reported May 17 will be an Advocacy Fair at the Rum River Library. We did Outreach to over 200 local organizations. Organizations cannot solicit at the library. Attendees can offer email address. Deadline until Wednesday prior to the event. Open House style. No signage is allowed at the library.
- Treasurer
Current balance is $11,303
IV. Allied Group reports
- Anoka County DFL
Betsy reported Anoka County is not dependent on redistricting. Convention last Saturday with Richard Carlbom keynote speaker. About 100 people attended. Election of officers, 4 incumbents and Janelle Calhoun new Outreach Officer. Some changes to the constitution. Then social time with treats. Opportunity for various districts to connect. Anoka County is an important county. We have flappable seats. Next meeting will be April 21, at 7pm third Monday of the month, in person meeting, will be electing directors and setting up committees. We need to improve communication within the county.
- Anoka County Senior Caucus
Mel reported caucus meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Davanni’s. We have 100 people on the mailing list. Our meetings have about 35 attendees. We lost elections in School Boards. Parents’ Alliance has memberships in 48 states. St. Francis School Board lost members in the last election. District 11 is tied. Almost didn’t pass a budget. It’s not a non-partisan election any more. We had the School Integrity Project speaker. Summer social in Duluth. Mel convinced the state organization that the School Board elections are a senior issue.
- CD6
Wayne reported May 3 Business Conference at the Teamsters. Wayne will be stepping down for CD 6 chair.
CD8
Leslie reported that they have not had meetings. The chair stepped down. There are some changes.
- SCC Updates
Betsy reported they meet 4 times of year. A new election of officers. Richard Carlbom was elected to replace Ken Martin. Richard has been very active in Minnesota DFL. We kept Marge Hoffa as 1st Chair who has been active in participating in DFL activities throughout the state. Incumbent Shivanthe was reelected. Incumbent Secretary Cerie was reelected. New Outreach Officer Quentin Ochama.
V. Old Business
- Committee Informational Update
Leslie reported they had a meeting with 5 committees at the library.
Events
Have had 2 meetings
Parades and fairs are coming up (11 events)
Wants to have some branding at the events (tables, tent…)
Needs budget money about $700
Betsy moved to approve up to $1000, Mel seconded, passed
Alyson inventoried the contents in storage
Anoka County DFL has a storage unit.
Park clean up in Andover, want to be visible, need pictures on the website
Hidden Creek North, needs cleaning up now. Alyson proposed April 26 at 11am.
She asked City Hall to move the sign to a more visible place.
Outreach (Advocacy)
Nichole is looking for volunteers to help with the Advocacy Fair at Rum River Library on May 17 at 10am. Please email her at nicholehayden@edinarealty.com
Communications
Electoral Services
Website
VI. Closing Business
- Announcements
Connexus Election, incumbent is running (again).
Mel recommends to vote for the non-incumbent.
Andy H is running for chair of CD 6.
- Adjournment at 7:50
Respectfully Submitted
Lynn Fiscus, Acting Secretary
