MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY June 27, 2023, 6:45 pm
Meeting held in person and via Zoom.
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, R. Rotter, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, G. Fischer, W. Weber, D. Beilke, J. Veto, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Nan Lager
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m.
2. Legislators’ Reports - None.
3. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve May minutes with corrections. Motion carried.
4. Treasurer’s Report: Rotter distributed report and cited balance of $38,182.57. He also reviewed the historical picnic costs.
5. Picnic Post-op - Kudos to coordinators and all who helped. Discussion of food (pro)portions and quality. Veto offered to coordinate again next year.
6. Segoe Concerts - Food carts have committed to attend. Some members volunteered to help out setting up etc. Covenant Church remains as weather backup. Nearby neighborhoods are having music nights, including Westmorland.
7. Good Neighbor Project - Roe has publicized National Night Out picnic event on 8/3 at Westmorland Park, coordinating it with the Madison Police Dept. Motion/2nd to pay $500 toward event expenses. Motion carried. She plans subsequent GNP informational meetings, with the first possibly concerning combating fraud.
8. Membership: Jarvis reported he’s creating a computer program to allow others besides himself to enter registration information. 58 members signed up so far.
Roe may use MailChimp mailing list for Good Neighbor Project. Discount cards should include no name or ID# for simplicity. Fischer is continuing to contact businesses for Discount Card. We will need August group get-together to prepare directories for mailing. Cardin said she’d proof the Directory intro.
Announcements: Next MHCA-sponsored Blood Drive in November needs volunteers. Email contact is Cathy Losby.
Green Team: Weber said Marcel is doing Odana Prairie tour on 7/22.
Some residents are involved with Four Lakes Welcome Corps to provide refugee services via a State Dept. sponsor program (see website https://www.fourlakeswelcomecorps.org/).
Meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY May 23, 2023, 6:45 pm
Present: J. Cardin, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, R. Rotter, T. Jarvis, G. Fischer, W. Weber, D. Beilke, J. Veto, J. Lager, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Bill Tishler, Cathy Rotter, Bob Park, Carl Wacker
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Rotter presented the report submitted by Rotter. Shows balance of $45,502.23. T-ball income is still rolling in.
3. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve April minutes. Motion carried.
4. Legislators’ Reports - Tishler said Midvale Heights is pretty quiet. Property assessments rose dramatically - had Town Hall meeting on 5/22 - see Madison alder blog for details (https://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district11/blog). Prior Town Hall was on street safety where it was announced (1) Odana Rd will have pedestrian flashing lights east of Midvale Blvd. and (2) concern about bike safety on Segoe Rd south of Mineral Point Rd. due to cars in bike lane.
West Area Plan had multiple council-level meetings, but there is still a question about whether the new plan will supersede existing neighborhood plans.
He visited residents about the Play Streets pilot permits, which were now proposed for Sunday evening block parties. Nakoma and Westmorland are also seeking such permits.
He fielded our complaint about the City mowers removing and disposing of the Tokay Blvd median clean-up signs, and will investigate propriety of the mowers’ behaviors.
Next Town Hall will be about Greenways, Dark Skies initiatives and the new expanded urban chicken rules.
5. Membership: Board engaged in group editing of the Membership Messenger with updating for current programs/activities/events. We might not list individual businesses with Discount Card info. R. Rotter will organize Area packets of Messenger to deliver to Area Directors for distribution to block captains.
WIDE-LP radio would like us to distribute their door hangers or inserts with Messenger. Instead, we will include a blurb in the Messenger.
6. Picnic Update - Veto said two Port-a-Potties were ordered. She will gather info for the picnic post card mailing. Will meet with Cathy to assign food/item pickup. May have donation jar at picnic to help defray costs.
7. Concerts - Lamb may order a Port-a-Potty. Some ongoing problems with arranging food carts. Bands names will be listed in the Messenger.
8. Announcements: Blood Drive on 6/8 needs volunteers for some shifts and three dozen baked goods. Email contact is Cathy Losby.
Green Team: Weber will try to get a social green group together. Also trying to organize a coffee session at new University Park Apts. Marcel needs three tools for Odana Prairie. Motion/2nd to approve $500 for those costs. Motion carried.
Jarvis noted that the MHCA website is now a recognized Google Workspace with our conversion to Google-based website/email.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY January 24, 2023, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via Zoom due to room unavailability and pandemic.
Present: J. Cardin, K. Walter, J. Walter, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, D. Beilke, W. Weber, C. Kreimendahl
Also Present: Alder Bill Tishler, Rynn Kerkhove
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
1. Introductions
2. Library Planning: Rynn Kerkhove explained the planning process going on for the five west side libraries for their roles/uses/services Can pick up a Tell Us packet from library and meet with friends to discuss questions/ideas to be submitted by April. Target date for initial plan draft is Fall 2023, from which there will be a feedback opportunity.
3. Alder Report: Bill Tishler said that zoning change on BRT route will come before the full council. Also discussed West Area Plan (which covers west of Midvale Blvd) whose planning process will begin in February-he hopes to make sure it incorporates existing neighborhood plans. Council will also consider the ordinance change that redefines “family” for residential housing.
4. Mayoral Forum: At Sequoya on 1/30 will also be available via Zoom. Cardin will moderate the Q/A format. Roe did the publicity without charge.
5. New Resident Letter: Some discussion about possible welcome letter for new University Heights (HyVee) apartment tenants, but no action taken/decision made. But will get them copies of membership newsletter.
6. Email/Website: Most info has been moved to the new website. Switch to Google email for Board members must wait for complete migration of website operability. MailChimp still in use for now. Scams continue for email and phone text for Board members, so beware.
7. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve November minutes. Motion carried.
8. Treasurer’s Report: R. Rotter reported fisc showing $38,397.94 in funds. No bills or income since year end. History boo donations delivered to local schools and six other books sold. Trees in Piper Park need $1017 EAB inoculation by forester. Motion/2nd to approve this amount. Motion carried.
8. Announcements: MHCA Picnic on 6/22/23 will be coordinated by J. Veto.
Summer Nights concerts: bands are getting hired.

Blood Drive: MHCA sponsors the March 3 Red Cross drive.
Green Team: Public meeting on 2/4 on the Inflation Reduction Act benefits for local environment. Also City making median plots available for free. Earth Day cleanup will be later this year, in May.
District 7 Director: possible candidate being pursued.
Piper Park Playground: Renovation scheduled for 2023.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY November 29, 2022, 6:45 pm
Meeting held in person and via Zoom due to pandemic.
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, K. Walter, J. Walter, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, D. Beilke, G. Fischer, C. Kreimendahl
Also Present: Alder Bill Tishler, Bob Park, Carl Wacker, Peter Schmidt, Cathy Rotter
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m.
1. Introductions
2. Alder Report: Bill Tishler reported he’ll seek re-election to District 11 alder seat (so no town hall meetings during campaign). Ordinance change will redefine “family” for residential purposes (see city website FAQ). Also discussed new West Area Plan which covers west of Midvale Blvd and will supersede prior neighborhood plans (including ours). City budget passed–hooray for South Side grocery and Robin Greenway storm damage funding.
3. Introductions
4. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve September and October minutes. Motion carried.
5. WIDE-LP Radio: Bob and Carl on behalf of Friends of WIDE-LP sought $500 for expenses to support their $2000 annual budget. Motion/2nd to approve $500. Motion carried.
6. Treasurer’s Report: R. Rotter presented report showing $39,278.51 in funds.
7. Officer Election: Current officers were re-nominated for another term. Motion/2nd to elect as follows:
President Joy Cardin; Vice President Lorie Raihala; Treasurer Ron Rotter; Secretary Chuck Kreimendahl. Motion carried.
Discussion of additional residents with opening of apartments at University Heights (HyVee). Will we need a new area (and director)? Consider welcoming new residents there with MHCA recruitment invitation, and perhaps a meet-and-greet event.
Also Carissa Wegner has resigned from Area 7, so please forward any suggestions for appointing a replacement to Cardin.
7. Santa Visits: not clear if this is being organized this year-defer to Schell family on this.
8. Announcements: Suggestion to donate history books to local school libraries. Raihala will check into.

Our meeting space at Sequoya Library is harder to reserve now. Stay tuned for future location and/or Zoom format. Cardin previewed the January meeting as featuring the Library Planning effort.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY November 23, 2021, 6:45 pm
Meeting held at Sequoya Library and via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, B. Roe, J. Thoreson, J. Walter, K. Walter, D. Lamb, L. Raihala, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, W. Weber, G. Fischer, J. Veto, J. Lager
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Nan Lager, Ken Skog, Peter Schell, Gwen Schell, Bob Park, Kathy Losby
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m.
1. Introductions
2. Officer Election: Nominations made for Joy Cardin, President; Lorie Raihala, Vice President,; Ron Rotter, Treasurer; Chuck Kreimendahl, Secretary. Motion/2nd to approve and elect those nominated. Motion carried.
3. No legislative reports.
4. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve September and October minutes. Motion carried. (It was later determined that September minutes had not been submitted, so will have to approve at future meeting.)
5. No treasurer’s report. There is a new WI tax exemption number.
6. Blood Drive: Inquiry from Kathy Losby about partnering with Red Cross for blood drive at library in March. Consensus that we should do so.
7. Yoga Class: J. Walter suggested a community yoga class as a fundraiser for settling Afghan refugees in Madison. Consensus to go ahead, so he and Cathy will investigate.
8. Santa Visits: The Schells outlined plan to resume visits this year. The visits will be porch-only on Dec. 16. They requested volunteers for Santas/drivers. $1500 had been budgeted already and they expect costs to be less depending on number of neighbors signing up.
9. WIDE Radio: Skog/Park reported that they got $825 grant last year from City for outreach to community. They will increase outreach efforts this spring pending Covid. They welcome announcements/programming suggestions from MHCA. They still hope to move the location from a garage to a better site, but Westgate developer nixed having it at their new residential buildings. Seeking $500 donation for transmitter/other costs. Motion/2nd to give $500. Motion carried.
10. Green Team: Weber recounted event with Bob Lindmeier and guest speaker on climate change. Will plan another based on its success, possibly on recycling in early 2022.
11. Announcements: Jarvis said gmail requires security that we do not have with our current TIKI system. He will upgrade TIKI, and then switch over MHCA emails to gmail.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY September 28, 2021, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, J. Thoreson, C. Wegner, L. Raihala, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter , G. Fischer, J. Veto, W. Weber, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Nan Lager
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m.
1. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve August minutes. Motion carried.
2. Treasurer Report: Rotter reported fisc at $35,206 plus PayPal holdings from dues of about $7231 and $500 in the postal account for a total of $42,937.
3. Membership Drive: Jarvis identified 419 registered members with 7-8 new ones since directory publication. Area member numbers were discussed. For new neighbors, Kreimendahl will get the welcome packet index of materials including a welcome letter and registration form to all Area Directors.
4. Redistricting City Alders: Discussion of map proposals, one of which splits MHCA neighborhood, and one which doesn’t. Motion/2nd to communicate our desire to keep it together. Motion carried. Cardin will write the City.
5. Police Budget: Roe asks if we want to take a position against an initial proposed 5% cut to that budget, which also applies to all city departments. People are encouraged to write the Mayor to oppose cutting police budget.
6. F-35s: East Madison neighborhood associations are asking us to join in their opposition to basing the F-35 military jets at Truax. No action taken.
7. Annual Meeting: Details about the meeting will be in the newsletter including that it will be a hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting with presenters Shilagh Mirgain PhD and Joe Walter.
Announcements: Jarvis planned to convert our email to Google over the next month.
Raihala talked about garage door openers which could be set to avoid hackers/thieves.
Kreimendahl said he would relinquish his Area 1 directorship to Roe, but he will stay on as Secretary.
Meeting was adjourned about 8:03 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY October 26, 2021, 6:30 pm
Meeting held at Sequoya Library and via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, B. Roe, J. Thoreson, J. Walter, K. Walter, D. Lamb, L. Raihala, T. Jarvis, C. Wegner, R. Rotter, W. Weber, G. Fischer, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Yannette Figueroa Cole, Carousel Bayrd, Rob Starbuck, Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, Cathy Rotter, + about a few other participants
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
1. Introductions
2. Area Director Election: Current odd-numbered areas’ directors were nominated and reelected by voice vote (except not Kreimendahl in Area 1). Officers will be elected in November.
3. Joe Walter led a relaxing, rewarding session of “chair” yoga for the participants
4. Dr. Shilagh Mirgain spoke about surviving and thriving in the face of the Covid-era mental health challenges.
5. City update: County update: Figueroa Cole outlined some recent developments, especially the redistricting of city alder districts which would likely put Midvale Heights in a different district.
6. County update: Bayrd outlined some recent developments.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY August 24, 2021, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, B. Roe, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, E. Rogers, G. Fischer, J. Veto, W. Weber, J. Lager
Also present: Yannette Figueroa Cole, Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter, Joe Walter, Kathleen Walter
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
1. Board Directors: Peter Schell stepped down as Area 4 Director. Jim Thoreson will now represent Area 4 instead of Area 3. New nominees for Area 3 co-Directors are Kathleen Walter and Joe Walter. Motion/2nd to appoint/elect them. Motion carried.
2. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve June minutes. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer Report: Rotter reported that T-ball net income was about $4800 though some related bills need to be paid. Treasury level is at about $37,000 plus PayPal holdings from dues of about $6000.
4. Concerts/Generator: Segoe concerts were a success with good attendance. Food carts may need to be reassessed or replaced with restaurant take-out. Rented generator worked ok. Mot/2nd to purchase a one similar to the rental for $500. Motion carried. Rotter will make the purchase.
5. Membership: Member directory is going to print with 404 registered members. Areas 10, 13 and 15 have the most registrants. 203 members want the newsletter in paper copy.
6. Newsletter: Paper copies will still be available for those opting therefor. Kelly will be delivering those to Area Directors in early to mid-September.
7. Legislative Reports: Figueroa Cole noted that two residents had petitioned the City to demolish existing houses so that they could build new ones. City budget discussions are ongoing. She will post updates on her Council alder page. Capital expenditures are up first. Operational budget will be in October. Redistricting maps were released for alder districts. City-County homelessness committee considering recommendations regarding encampments and tiny houses. Town of Madison annexation leads to policing questions there; Chief has a proposal to cover it. Seattle video on homelessness is available. She visits Reindahl Park periodically to assist homeless and gather info for policy-making.
8. Green Team: Weber identified the two-fold purpose of the team to make it more “green”, with initiatives to promote more natural spaces, environmentalism and sustainability. She has been working with the Sequoya Library on their LEED certification. Also Odana Prairie has signs to remind folks to not pick flowers there.

9. Annual Meeting: Cardin hoped that the 10/26 meeting at 6:30 p.m. could be in person, but will do via Zoom if need be. At that meeting, odd-numbered Area Directors will be elected. Newsletter will include an invitation. Suggestions for speakers were taken.
10. Good Neighbor Project: Roe said they needed to get communications out to interested members. Jarvis reiterated Mail Chimp problems, though GNP could still use it. The Board will be transitioned to Google Groups for Non-profits.
Announcements: None.
Meeting was adjourned about 8:21 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY June 22, 2021, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, B. Roe, D. Lamb, E. Mackey, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, E. Rogers, G. Fischer, W. Weber, J. Lager
Also present: Yannette Figueroa Cole, Kris Schutte, Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m.
1. Introductions.
2. Legislative Reports: Figueroa Cole reviewed the Midtown Police safety plan presented at a recent Zoom meeting. She responded to a complaint about ordinance on garbage can locations on residential property, which the City will review and update to reflect some residents’ lack of options and current practices. The Mayor announced use of federal Covid aid for housing, shelters, youth work programs, hotels, SBA, Monona Terrace, and rainy day funds. City employees want a bonus, but Mayor supports equalizing pay among departments with phased increases. Budget negotiations are looming. She’ll be gone on vacation in early July.
3. Cardin thanked Roe and Wendy Reichel for assisting with Midtown Police Safety event. The transportation chief also presented there about traffic department’s efforts to reduce injury/danger on the City streets. Tom put a video recording of the meeting on our website.
4. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve May minutes with clarification that the $2500 expenditure approved was for the Segoe Concerts. Motion carried.
5. Treasurer Report: Rotter noted that T-ball fee income appeared but the related expenses had not yet been paid. Treasury amounts to $42,725.99 with $6,357 from membership dues payments. Jarvis noted that $1140 of that was in donations to MHCA. The tree inoculations are happening at Piper and Slater Parks.
6. Picnic: Slightly higher expense quote for food at $2538.48. Motion/2nd to approve. Motion carried.
The weather cancellation deadline for HyVee is Wednesday. Rain date is July 1. Food will be delivered at 6, so volunteers are welcome at 5:30. Cardin will send out email picnic reminder and Next Door alerts about any weather postponement.
7. Concerts/Generator: MAckey priced $500 generators and $1000 inverter -generators. Bands had little feedback on generator needs. We could still use the inverter we have in the past. May rent a generator for this year.
Raihala/Lamb will follow up on advertising concerts and getting flyers distributed.
8. Newsletter: Lamb will try to get July/Aug newsletter out in early July. Get articles to her by this weekend. Will do paper copies via block captains for those not wanting it electronically. Will include garage sale signup.
9. Membership: So far 178 members have registered, about half want electronic newsletter. Postcards reminding of membership drive will go to all non-registered residents in late July.
10. Green Team: Weber reported that there was a meeting to discuss additional initiatives with environmental focus. Will have table at picnic to welcome participants and new ideas. She will contact Laura Brown about bike path invasives.
Announcements:
Good Neighbor Project update: Kris Schutte said they still need coordinators to revive GNP activities. Some past coordinators are available to train/orient new volunteers. Unclear how police are handling other GNPs throughout the City. Roe and Wendy Reichel have discussed continuing some of the same activities. Will have info at picnic/concerts. There is a police drone/dog demo event 7/19 at 6-8 pm.
Jarvis said that one member had prepaid for 2021, and has now paid again. Cardin will contact to clear up.
Cardin pointed out that the Library cannot host meetings yet, so August will be via Zoom.
Meeting was adjourned about 8:19 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.