MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

Present: J Thoreson (Presiding), P Haskew, J Gary, D Lamb, P Schell, T Jarvis, G Poulson, J Lager, K Reuter-Krohn

Special Guest: J Sweet

Also Present: N Lager, K Rotter

Special presentation was made to long-time board member and green team leader Jean Sweet. A commemerative plaque was prepared and given to Jean. Cake was enjoyed by all present.

1. Call to order. J Thoreson opened the meeting and those present introduced themselves.

2. Minutes. The minutes of the January 24, 2012 were approved as distributed.

3. Elected official’s reports. Neither Alder Solomon nor Supervisor Bayrd are able to attend this meeting.

4. Newsletter report. D Lamb indicated that we will try a new printer for the next issue. Lakeside Printers will be tried. They have a good reputation working with non-profits and should provide good turn around. It is recommended that we reduce the printed copies to 650. The May-June issue will be the membership issue and it needs to be distributed to all residents.

5. Little Libraries. D Lamb reported that there were 4 Little Libraries in our neighborhood. She wondered if there were other possible residential locations or possibly in our local parks. To locate a new library box a neighbor needs to “adopt” the library box. The boxes can be built and installed for about $ 500. Some of the boxes are specially decorated and some contain special collections.

6. Green team. N. Lager is working with the city to get roses planted in the median area near Woodside Street in honor of Jean Sweet. Jean will be recognized by the Parks Department ‘s annual event for volunteers.

7. Lighting for SW path. It was reported that C Kreimendahl represented Midvale Hts. at a meeting called to discuss adding lighting along the SW path. Some residents in the Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood are opposed to adding lights. Westmorland representatives support more lighting. A proposal from the City will be forthcoming.

8. Incidents. J Thoreson reported that there was a “tagging” incident on Fairway Street. Also some issues in Odana Hills Park relating to late night noise and alcohol consumption.
9. Polling Place. G. Poulson reported on the primary election that was held at Odana Hills Golf Course. A possible new polling place for future elections is being explored by the City Clerk.

10. Bison Prairie. J Gary reported that there will be a controlled burn at the Bison Prairie sometime in April. Work crews are needed in May to do edging, tilling, mulching, weeding and planting. The 10th anniversary celebration will be August 19th .

11. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned.

G. Poulson, Temporary Secretary

Present: C. Kreimendahl, G. Poulson, J. Thoreson (presiding), P. Schell, D. Lamb, P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Gary, F. Stautz, S. Schmidt, J. Lager

Also present: Nan Lager

1. Call to order and introductions: J. Thoreson opened the meeting, and those present introduced themselves.

2. Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of November 22 were approved as distributed.

3. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a treasurer’s report showing a cash and bank account balance of $21,985.92, along with other information on the Association’s finances. Questions and discussion regarding balances in various accounts followed.

4. County Supervisor report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no county report.

5. Alder Report: Brian Solomon was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no alder report..

6. Recognition award for Jean Sweet: D. Lamb distributed a draft of wording for a Common Council recognition award for Jean Sweet and asked for comments and suggestions. Discussion followed regarding timing of the award and other matters. Nan Lager indicated that she would nominate Jean for a “Spirit of Service” award for volunteers.

7. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that she had changed printers for the newsletter. She indicated that she needed more copy for newsletter issues. She agreed to notify Board members of copy deadlines, so that they would know when to write and submit items.

8. MHCA website: T. Jarvis asked the Board for advice regarding putting information about lost pets on the MHCA webpage. Board members agreed that he should not establish a general pet registry on the website, but that he should put information regarding lost pets on the webpage. Also, that he should email information regarding lost pets to MHCA members. There was some discussion of other matters concerning the website, including the advisability of buying the domain name for another several years.

9. Other business and announcements: P. Haskew announced that he had checked on having “Yield” signs installed at intersections on Ames St. The City Traffic Engineer will check on the feasibility of doing this. G. Poulson indicated that he would pursue the matter of locations for polling places for neighborhood voters. C. Kreimendahl and others reported on a meeting about lighting on the bike path in the neighborhood and adjacent neighborhoods. While such lighting is called for in the neighborhood plan, Board members felt that the Board should not take a position on the matter at this time.

10. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: C. Kreimendahl, G. Poulson, J. Thoreson, P. Schell, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Gary, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Nan Lager

1. Call to order and introductions: D. Lamb opened the meeting, and those present introduced themselves.

2. Minutes: The minutes of the Board meeting of September 27 and of the Annual Meeting were approved as distributed.

3. Treasurer’s report: There was no formal treasurer’s report. D. Lamb reported that the Association had received the final $2,000 from the City for the neighborhood plan project. Because the Westmorland neighborhood association had contributed more to the project than MHCA, some $3,000 would need to be paid to Westmorland to close the books on the project.

4. County Supervisor report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no county report.

5. Alder Report: Matt Phair was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no alder report..

6. Recognition award for Jean Sweet: D. Lamb indicated that it was possible to get a Madison Common Council Civic Recognition Award for people who have given outstanding service to the community. She recommended that MHCA seek such an award for Jean Sweet, in recognition of all the many ways she has served the neighborhood. After some discussion, D. Lamb agreed to pull together some wording, to send it out to the Board for comment, and otherwise to pursue the matter. Board members suggested that planting a tree on the Tokay median would be appropriate, as well, and the Board agreed with this idea.

7. Organizational matters: D. Lamb asked the Board to consider whether or not some changes in the procedures for electing officers of the Association were needed, especially whether or not the Vice-President should automatically become President at the annual election of officers. Board members expressed the opinion that past practices and procedures had worked adequately and that no changes were needed. There was also some discussion of the desirability of having more standing committees, such as a social events committee, a finance committee, and a committee to foster implementation of the recommendations in the neighborhood plan. There was broad agreement that such committees would be desirable, but no specific action was taken.

8. Green Team: Arising out of the discussion of having a social committee and more social events, J. Gary suggested that there be a social event celebrating the upcoming tenth anniversary of the development of the Bison Prairie Gateway. The Board agreed that this was a very good idea.

9. Ballot Box tool: D. Lamb indicated that this online survey service might be a way for MHCA to gather information on opinions and ideas of members. After discussion there was consensus that this was probably not a useful tool for MHCA.

10. Election of officers: D. Lamb indicated that she did not wish to be nominated for President for 2012. She reminded the Board that the office of Vice-President was vacant. Charles Bunge and Ron Rotter indicated that they were willing to be nominated for Secretary and Treasurer. Chuck Kreimendahl was nominated for Vice-President, and he agreed to run. On the promise by D. Lamb that she would serve as informal “co-president,” Jim Thoreson accepted nomination for President. It was moved and seconded that this slate be elected as officers for 2012. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.

11. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

The MHCA Annual Meeting was held at Sequoya Branch Library on October 25, 2011, with some 30 persons in attendance. Denise Lamb welcomed those attending and invited them to enjoy refreshments.

Business Meeting (Denise Lamb, presiding)

Introduction: D. Lamb called the business meeting to order. She made a brief report on activities of the Association Board over the past year. Members present asked questions and made comments on her report and other neighborhood matters.

Election of Area Directors: D. Lamb presented the slate of nominees for Area Directors for areas l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15, consisting of the incumbents, except for the nomination of Jim Thoreson for Area 3. She invited further nominations. There were none. Motion was made and seconded that nominations be closed and that the slate be elected. The motion passed with no negative votes.

Other business: The following resolution was moved, seconded, and passed (with a round of applause): A resolution of thanks and recognition for Jean Sweet. Thanks for her many years of effective work as a Board Member for MHCA and as a member of countless committees and working groups. And recognition that our neighborhood is a better and more beautiful place to live, as a result of her hard work and leadership.

Also adopted with a round of applause was a resolution of thanks to Denise Lamb for her years of hard and effective work as President of the Association.

There being no other business, the business meeting adjourned to the program.

Program:

D. Lamb introduced Eric Christianson, who gave a talk on recent changes to Wisconsin election laws and their probable impact on voting in Madison. Questions and discussion followed. Carousel Bayrd and Matt Phair made brief remarks on matters before the City Council and the County Board, especially budget matters.

Charles Bunge
Secretary

Present: G. Poulson, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, J. Sherwood, F. Stautz, J. Gary, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Matt Phair, Greg Fischer, Jim Thoreson, Peter Schell

1. Call to order and introductions: D. Lamb opened the meeting, and those present introduced themselves.

2. Minutes: The minutes of the meetings of June 28 and August 23 were approved as distributed.

3. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter did not attend the meeting, and there was no treasurer’s report.

4. County Supervisor report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no county report.

5. Alder Report: Matt Phair made a brief report on City matters, including budget issues. He indicated that the speed bumps on Keating Terrace would be installed before the snow falls. Brief discussion of traffic matters in the neighborhood followed.

6. Annual meeting: D. Lamb reminded the Board that the Association annual meeting would be on October 25. G. Poulson indicated that the Deputy City Clerk would speak to the meeting about the new voter ID requirements for voting. D. Lamb announced that the neighborhood’s new alder, Brian Solomon, would attend and speak, as well. Board members from odd-numbered areas would be elected at the meeting, including Jim Thoreson, as a replacement for Jean Sweet, who has indicated her resignation from the Board.. G. Poulson volunteered to obtain liquid refreshments for the meeting, and D. Lamb indicated that she would obtain bakery treats.

7. Newsletter delivery: D. Lamb indicated that delivery of the newsletter to members only went reasonably smoothly. A supply of copies had been put at the branch library for interested non-members to pick up.

8. Green Team: J. Gary reported that cleanup day for the Tokay plantings was scheduled for October 29. Upkeep on the Bison Prairie Gateway was ongoing. The soil at the gateway had been tested and had good composition for the plantings. Jean Sweet had resigned from the Green Team.

9. New zoning map, 677 Segoe Rd., Verona Road construction: D. Lamb passed around copies of the portion of the new City zoning map that pertains to Midvale Heights. She indicated that Odana School Park would be zoned “conservancy.” Board members commented on the proposed zoning of other areas in the neighborhood. D. Lamb reported that the development project at 677 Segoe Rd. had been approved by the City Council. The required traffic study had been completed, and she would forward the report to Board members via email. She reported that she had been notified that the design phase of the Verona Rd. interchange project was to begin soon. Strand Associates will provide public outreach office hours, in order to inform the public about the project. She indicated that she would forward the announcement of these office hours to Board members via email.

10. Other business: M. Silbernagel nominated Peter Schell to serve as Co-Area Director in Area 4. The nomination was seconded and passed with no dissenting votes.

11. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the meeting adjourn at 7:30.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Minutes

Present: G. Poulson, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, J. Gary, J. Lager

Also present: Cathy Rotter, Matt Phair, Greg Fischer, Nan Lager, Peter Schell

1. Call to order and introductions: D. Lamb opened the meeting, and Board members present introduced themselves.

2. Minutes: Printed copies of the minutes for the June meeting were not available, and approval was delayed until a later meeting.

3. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing $26,817 in cash and bank accounts. He pointed out attachments that contained further information. There was brief discussion about the rising costs of the annual picnic and the large amount of money that the T-ball program had brought in.

4. County Supervisor report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no county report.

5. Alder Report: Matt Phair made a brief report on City matters. He indicated that he would still be the alder for Midvale Heights until redistricting took effect on January 1. He felt that the Mayor’s budget forums were going well. He reported that he had sponsored proposed ordinances to make landlords more responsive or accountable.

6. Membership drive: P. Haskew reported that some 490 people had signed up as members. Membership directories and member discount cards were in the mail. The hard work of P. Haskew, Greg Fischer, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, S. Schmidt, and others was acknowledge with a round of applause by those present.

7. Garage sale: D. Lamb reported that some 45 people had signed up to hold garage sales on Labor Day weekend, down somewhat from previous years. T. Jarvis produced maps again, and everything seemed to be in hand.

8. Newsletter delivery: D. Lamb indicated that the next issue of the newsletter would be out just after Labor Day. T. Jarvis projected copies of maps and lists he had prepared to enhance the delivery of newsletters to members only. For each issue of the newsletter the newsletter distribution coordinator would print a list of members, organized by area and block captain. Area Directors would receive a packed of newsletters, as in the past. They would distribute newsletters and membership lists to block captains for distribution to members. After discussion, D. Lamb said that she would have 750 copies of each issue printed, which would allow for copies to be placed at the branch library for interested people to pick up.

9. Green Team: J. Gary reported that she needed help getting rid of Queen Anne’s lace at the Bison Prairie Gateway. Nan Lager indicated that there would be a Tokay median cleanup day in October, the date to be announced in the newsletter.

10. New zoning maps: D Lamb indicated that there would be a meeting regarding new zoning maps for Madison on September 22. Some neighborhood residents were concerned about the zoning of the Odana School playground park area and the possibility that that area could be developed with commercial buildings.

11. 677 Segoe Rd. parcel: D. Lamb reported that the developer’s proposal for 677 Segoe Rd. had been approved by the Urban Design Commission. The proposal was on the agenda for the August 29 meeting of the Plan Commission.

12. Annual meeting: D. Lamb reminded the Board that the Association annual meeting would be on October 25. G. Poulson indicated that the City Clerk would be willing to speak to the meeting about the new voter ID requirements for voting. Board members thought that was a good idea, and D. Lamb indicated that she would follow up on this and that she would get out a postcard mailing to members announcing the meeting. Area Directors for odd-numbered areas would be elected at the meeting.

13. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the meeting adjourn at 7:55.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association

Board of Directors Meeting

June 28, 2011

Present: Gary Poulson, Mary Silbernagel, Denise Lamb, Paul Haskew, Tom Jarvis, Shelly Schmidt, Jonn Lager, Kay Reuter-Krohn Also Present: Nan Lager –green team

Minutes submitted by guest secretary Gary Poulson

Present: C. Kreimendahl, G. Poulson, J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, J. Gary, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Cathy Rotter, Matt Phair, Greg Fischer, Wes Meixelsperger, Jim Batt, Dorothy Batt, Mike Scott, Julie Furset, Patrick Doran, Larry Mosely, Leo Goebel, Pauline Goebel, Shana Feuling Weber, John Walsh, Timothy Kritter, John McCormick.

1. Call to order and introductions: D. Lamb opened the meeting, and Board members present introduced themselves.

2. 677 S. Segoe Rd. parcel: D. Lamb briefly recapped a meeting held between the development group and neighborhood residents May 16, in which the developers reported that they had changed the development plans to include three stories, 60 apartments, and 100 bedrooms, as well as other changes to respond to comments from Board members and others at the MHCA Board meeting of April 26.

D. Lamb invited comments from those attending the meeting, after which she invited Board members to express their views. Points made by speakers with concerns about the proposed development included the following: 1) The number of units and bedrooms proposed far exceeds the guidelines in the neighborhood plan and would bring too much density to the parcel. 2) This would result in too much added traffic at intersections that are already problematic. 3) The proposed building would be too large and would not fit in with other buildings and the general character of the neighborhood. 4) For the neighborhood association to approve a development with density so far beyond that outlined in the neighborhood plan would set a bad precedent and would weaken the usefulness of the plan to guide development in other parts of the neighborhood. 5) The developers have not provided enough detailed information, especially accurate visual representations and renderings, for neighbors to make informed decisions.

Points made by Board members and Alder Matt Phair in support of the proposed development included the following: 1) The proposed development has features that would make it an asset to the neighborhood as a whole, especially when compared to other possible uses of the parcel. 2) A traffic study could provide City officials with information that could help them address traffic problems in the area, including those associated with the proposed development. 3) Odana Rd. and Segoe Rd. are both arterial streets, making the density and increased traffic permissible, especially in view of the fact that the density guidelines in the neighborhood plan might be too conservative, given current economic conditions.

In response to questions, representatives of the developers said that they felt that they had made a good faith effort to respond to concerns raised at the Board meeting of April 26. They confirmed their commitment to reducing the height of the project from four to three stories, reducing the number of units to from 68 to 60, reducing the number of bedrooms from 108 to 100, funding a traffic study, and using building materials and architectural features that would make the project an attractive “gateway” building for the neighborhood.

A motion was made and seconded: That the Board of Directors of the Midvale Heights Community Association supports the proposed development of 677 S. Segoe Rd., as presented by the development group at this meeting and the May 16 neighborhood meeting. An amendment was moved and seconded to add the phrase, “with serious reservations regarding the number of units and bedrooms proposed. The motion to amend passed. The motion, as amended, passed on a voice vote.

2. Minutes: The minutes of the April 26, 2011 meetings were approved as distributed.

3. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter reported that he had been out of town and had not been able to prepare a treasurer’s report.

4. Membership drive: P. Haskew and Greg Fischer reported that some 20 businesses had signed up to participate in the member discount card. R. Rotter reported that completed membership cards were coming in and asked who should get the forms and who should deposit checks. P. Haskew and R. Rotter agreed to meet and work out details of these matters and others.

5. Annual picnic: D. Lamb announced that Christine Sveom had indicated that a postcard invitation to the picnic would be mailed soon. The Association will provide the main course. There will be some information booths and entertainment.

6. Garage sale: D. Lamb reported that Jill Carlson would coordinate the annual neighborhood garage sale and that she had recruited another volunteer to help.

7. Alder report: Matt Phair made a brief report about City matters. The Mayor anticipates a large budget deficit for next year and intends to gain the participation of city residents in addressing the problem.

8. Alder redistricting: Matt Phair, D. Lamb, and G. Poulson reported that the proposed redistricting maps that have the most potential for being adopted would split the Midvale Heights neighborhood between two districts. Alder Phair would no longer represent the neighborhood.

9. Green Team: J. Gary reported some difficulties with getting the Bison Prairie Gateway area mowed and clipped. She said that she would continue working on the matter.

10. Announcements: In response to a question, D. Lamb indicated that the neighborhood watch committee was inactive and that, to her knowledge, no meetings or activities were planned. G. Poulson announced that he would appear before the Madison Public Library Board to request that Sunday hours at the Sequoya Branch Library be extended to include September and May. The friends group would pay the costs.

11. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the meeting adjourn.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: C. Kreimendahl, G. Poulson, J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, J. Gary, S. Schmidt, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Cathy Rotter, Matt Phair, Greg Fischer, Ellen Bergfeld, Norman Flynn, Wes Meixelsperger, Judy Skog, Mike Slavney, Jim Batt, Dorothy Batt, Mike Scott, Julie Furset, Patrick Doran, Nicholas Keene.

1. 677 S. Segoe Rd. parcel: Ellen Bergfeld, Norman Flynn, and Wes Meixelsperger, representing the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, owners of the 677 S. Segoe Rd. parcel, introduced themselves. Their purpose for attending the meeting was to see how they might help the process of gaining the Board’s approval of a development plan for the site, so that the sale of the parcel to the developer might be finalized. Mr. Flynn, a consultant to the societies, had been in touch with the developer, and he felt that there was some room for compromise between the concerns of the neighborhood and the needs of the developer. Board members and others in attendance voiced their concerns, especially about the four-story height of the project and the density in the number of apartments or residents proposed. Various alternatives for the site were mentioned. At least one person present indicated that the proposed development was preferable to having the site sit empty or be developed with a lower quality project. Mr. Flynn indicated that the developers might find it financially feasible to bring down the height of the project to three stories and to bring down the density by lowering the number of bedrooms (but not the number of units from 64). He asked if the Board could make a commitment to support such a project. Board members indicated that they would have to see quite specific proposals for the entire project before they could agree to support it.

2. Minutes: The minutes of the February 22, 2011 and March 22, 2011 meetings were approved as distributed.

3. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter reported that there had been some income and some expenditures since his last printed report, but that the Association was still solvent. D. Lamb indicated that she was nearly ready for a final accounting regarding the neighborhood plan .

4. Membership drive: S. Schmidt and G. Fischer indicated that Paul Haskew had signed some 15 businesses for participation in a MHCA member discount card program. They passed around a sample card and promotional piece. Membership Committee members expected to add other businesses to the program. Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the Board approve the membership discount card concept as a benefit of membership. Discussion confirmed that the there would be annual, rather than two-year, memberships and that the newsletter would become a perquisite of membership. D. Lamb indicated that she would publish an information piece and a membership application form in the next issue of the newsletter. After a period of time for response to this, a mailing would be made to residents who had not signed up.

5. Annual picnic: C. Lamb announced that Christine Sveom had found a committee member to replace Ruth Monson and that the picnic was scheduled for June 23, 2011, with a June 30 rain date. Motion made, seconded, and passed that the same amount of money be budgeted for this year’s picnic as was spent on last year’s picnic.

6. Green Team: J. Gary and J. Sweet announced that the cleanup date for the Tokay Blvd. beds would be April 23. J. Gary shared information and pictures about the controlled burnoff at the Bison Prairie Gateway.

7. Alder report: Matt Phair reported he had been appointed to several City committees. He urged Board members to contact him with concerns and ideas. He and G. Poulson shared the information that alder redistricting might split Midvale Heights between two districts. An informational meeting on this matter was scheduled for May 12.

8. Announcements and information: Mike Slavney announced that the new City-wide zoning map will be available soon. D. Lamb indicated that Cindi Henige had lined up two volunteers to replace her as the coordinator of newsletter distribution. Judy Skog announced that the Community Car that had been planned for Sequoya Commons would not be placed there, due to the lack of financial support for the placement. D. Lamb indicated that she would place a notice in the newsletter that the 2011 neighborhood garage sale would not be held unless volunteers to coordinate it stepped forward. J. Skog volunteered to conduct a walking tour of neighborhood “green” projects such as alternative gardens and solar homes. Board members reacted positively to the idea of MHCA sponsoring such a tour. G. Fischer distributed some information on recent home sales in the neighborhood.

9. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded, and passed to adjourn.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Gary, M. J. Armstrong, C. Kreimendahl, J. Lager, S. Schmidt, F. Stautz

Also present: Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter, Matt Phair, Jim Riffel, Paul Hampton

1. Minutes: Approval of the minutes of the February 22, 2011 meeting was tabled.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing a cash and bank accounts total of $15,085.29, with an additional $50 just received in income.

3. Development of Odana/Segoe site: D. Lamb reported on city UDC referral of project, rather than approval. Discussion of neighbor input from informal meeting just prior to Directors’ meeting. Motion/second to authorize D. Lamb to write to developer to reiterate our ongoing concerns including density/height/parking/etc., indicating MHCA willingness to continue to work to get plan compliance. Motion carried.

4. Membership drive: S. Schmidt reported Committee recommendations including having an annual membership drive, possibly with a lifetime membership rate and providing coupons or discount card for local businesses as a membership reward. P. Haskew reported the preliminary results of investigation of coupon/discount research. Motion/second to change to annual membership drive with $15 annual member fee. Motion carried. Committee to report back next meeting on businesses interested in participating in coupon/discount program.

5. Green Team: N. Lager notified of April 30 Tokay Blvd. cleanup/gardening/mulching from 9a-12p. Volunteers with wheelbarrow needed. J. Gary reported Bison Prairie burn to be scheduled pending local approvals. Parks Division given kudos from J. Sweet for assisting MHCA and having well-run department.

6. Facebook: J. Riffel reported that Facebook page is growing and will manually post additional items from MHCA Website as they arise.

7. Announcements: Vintage Brewing at Whitney Way is seeking city approval for outside patron seating.

Volunteers came forward to do newsletter bulk distribution. Still need volunteers for picnic and garage sale.

Candidate forums for mayor and alder were well attended and successful.

Community car will locate a vehicle in the Sequoya Commons parking lot soon. More details available at next meeting.

Sequoya Commons apartment complex retail may include a restaurant and bakery.

Clarification that no formal action has yet been taken on newsletter publication/distribution changes.

8. Adjournment: Motion/second to adjourn around 8:00. Motion carried.

Chuck Kreimendahl, Substitute Scribe

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Gary, M. J. Armstrong, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter, Matt Phair, Dave Glomp, Greg Fischer, Chuck Kreimendahl

1. Minutes: The minutes of the January 25, 2011 meeting were approved with the following corrections: Under “Also Present,” change “Shell” to “Schell” and add Gwynneth Schell; change “Kene” to “Keene”; add Chuck Kreimendahl. In item 5, change “Dave Solliger” to “Steve Donneger.”

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing a cash and bank accounts total of $15,378.29, along with other financial information. D. Lamb indicated that MHCA still needed to settle accounts regarding the neighborhood plan with the Westmorland neighborhood association, but that the City still had not made final payment on the grant for the plan. She also indicated that she had collected some $250 in advertising revenue for the newsletter and that ad revenue could fund up to half the cost of printing the newsletter.

3. Election of Area Director: D. Lamb introduced Chuck Kreimendahl and indicated that he had expressed interest in serving as Area Director for Area 1. Motion was made, seconded, and passed to nominate him for the position. Motion was made, seconded to elect him to the position. Motion passed with no negative votes.

4. Development of Odana/Segoe site: D. Lamb reported that a dozen or so people who lived near the development site attended a meeting with her and the developers. The developers announced some changes to earlier plans, including a commitment to on-sight management of the apartments. There would be another meeting on March 1. P. Haskew indicated that he had attended the meeting. While he didn’t consider the proposed buildings to have the characteristics of an attractive gateway to the neighborhood, what the developers proposed was not a bad compromise. There was considerable discussion of the matter, but no formal action was taken.

5. Membership drive: P. Haskew reported on a meeting that he and S. Schmidt had regarding the membership drive. He distributed a summary of ideas that came out of the meeting, including having an annual membership drive and providing coupons for local businesses as a membership bonus. Board members discussed these and other ideas, including making the bonus coupons part of the membership directory. P. Haskew was encouraged to refine these ideas for the spring membership drive. A membership application form would be included in the May/June newsletter, with a follow-up mailing to residents of the neighborhood.

6. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that content for the March/April issue of the newsletter was due to her very soon. The newsletter would include an article about vacancies in coordinators for various neighborhood events and activities. D. Lamb announced that she had conducted a poll of the block captains in her area regarding delivering the newsletter to members only. They agreed that they saw no problem in this. Board members discussed other matters related to the newsletter, but decided to combine decisions on the matter with decisions on perquisites of membership and the membership drive.

7. Candidate forums: D. Lamb indicated that MHCA is cooperating with other neighborhood associations to sponsor a candidate forum for mayoral candidates on March 16. Neighborhood associations for Meadowood, Orchard Ridge, and Midvale Heights would cooperate on a forum for alder candidates on Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 to 11:30. She asked Board members to forward to her potential questions to be asked of candidates.

8. Green Team: J. Gary announced that she and D. Lamb had applied for a grant from the City to fund the development of a Native American garden at the Bison Prairie Gateway. Note: After the meeting, they received notification that the grant was not awarded. She also announced that there would be a controlled burn at the site at the end of April.

9. Adjournment: Motion was made, seconded, and passed to adjourn at 8:05.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: G. Poulson, J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, C. Robida, S. Schmidt, J. Gary, M. J. Armstrong, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter, Mike Maddox, Jim Riffel, Dave Glomp, Peter Schell, Gwynneth Schell, Nicholas Keene, Chuck Kreimendahl

1. Minutes: The minutes of the November 23, 2010 meeting were approved with the addition of Matt Phair to those in attendance and of Charles Bunge, Secretary to the elected officers.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing a cash and bank accounts total of $14,338.37, along with other financial information. He noted that the second installment of the gift to the Sequoya Branch Library Foundation had been paid. A brief discussion followed.

3. Development of Odana/Segoe site: D. Lamb reported that some 30 people had attended a public meeting on January 23. The developers had downsized their proposed buildings somewhat. Previously proposed commercial space had been eliminated. Two buildings were still proposed, as well as a height of four stories. In general, most people in attendance opposed the development in its proposed form for various reasons. D. Lamb stated that, in her opinion, the best option for the Association was to continue to try to gain concessions from the developers on issues such as density, and on-site management of the apartments, as the process moves along. There was considerable discussion by the Board, but no formal action was taken.

4. Facebook page for MHCA: D. Lamb introduced Jim Riffel and Mike Maddox, who proposed setting up a Facebook page for the Association. They felt that this would be a service to the neighborhood, providing a way for neighbors to get to know each other, serving as a news source, and allowing neighbors to organize into small groups for various purposes. They demonstrated an example of what such a page might look like. There could be a link from the Association’s web page. In discussing the proposal, Board members reacted positively and encouraged interested persons to explore the idea further and to come back to the Board for a decision.

5. Soccer at Odana Hills Park: D. Lamb reminded the Board that it had discussed a complaint from a neighborhood resident that soccer play was dominating Odana Hills Park, with attendant problems for the neighborhood. She indicated that she had talked with Steve Donneger of the City Parks Department. He indicated that they had received no complaints or reports of problems. He said that there were rules on park use and that they would try to enforce them. He said that he would send contact information on the leagues playing soccer there next year, so that D. Lamb could contact them to encourage them not to be a nuisance in the neighborhood. C. Bunge reported that he had contacted several residents living near the park, asking if they had any concerns about soccer play in the park. All of them reported that they thought that use of the park by soccer players was a good thing and that they were aware of only minor problems with traffic and parking. C. Bunge volunteered to contact the original complainant to inform him of the above actions. Discussion revealed that no other action seemed appropriate to Board members.

6. Newsletter, membership drive, advertising revenue: D. Lamb reported that she had collected money from newsletter advertisers and that she was turning it over to the Treasurer. S. Schmidt indicated that there was nothing to report on the membership drive. D. Lamb reported that she had conducted an informal survey of other neighborhood associations about their policies and practices regarding their newsletters. Policies and practices varied. Most respondents didn’t mail their newsletter and most thought it would not be a good idea to eliminate a paper newsletter. Cathy Rotter reported that the committee that had been formed to explore issues involved in making the newsletter an electronic publication (C. Rotter, R. Rotter, G. Poulson, and T. Jarvis) had met and proposed that the Association should transition to an online newsletter, with printed copies available at the library branch. Extensive discussion followed. There was consensus that the committee should bring a more specific proposal to the next Board meeting, so that the Board could vote on the matter.

7. Neighborhood Plan: D. Lamb reported that the required number of copies of the neighborhood plan had been printed. She indicated that MHCA would soon settle financial matters with the Westmorland neighborhood association.

8. Vacancies: D. Lamb reminded the Board of the need to find someone to coordinate the annual neighborhood garage sale and someone to be the newsletter distribution coordinator.

9. Alder candidate: D. Lamb introduced Dave Glomp, candidate for District 20 alder. She indicated that she would be contacting other neighborhood associations in the district to arrange a candidate forum before the April 5 election.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:30.

Charles Bunge, Secretary