MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY February 23, 2021, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, D. Lamb, E. Mackey, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, W. Weber, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Nan Lager, Mara Eisch (alder candidate), Kris Schutte
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
1. Introductions including introduction by Mara Eisch, candidate for Alder District 10..
2. Alder Candidate Forum: Cardin confirmed the Zoom candidate forum for District 10 Alder on 3/10/21 at 6:00 pm. Raihala will co-host and Kreimendahl will be timekeeper.
3. Legislative Reports: None.
4. Anti-Racism Committee: Committee members presented multi-faceted effort for the Anti-Racism Project to include:
The 911 informational flyer, as edited, to be published on website and in newsletter
A Newsletter article drafted by Raihala on Project purpose and activities
A website resource page for educational, government and action links on Anti-Racism, and
A speaker series on Anti-Racism topics, initially via Zoom
Motion/second to approve the Project’s proposed activities. Motion carried.
5. Minutes: Approval of previous meeting’s minutes was tabled.
6. Treasurer’s Report: Rotter cited expenditure for the Odana Prairie plants. Also received bid for second ash borer inoculation at Slater Park for $1030.50. He will shop around for cheaper price. Motion/second to approve the existing bid. Motion carried.
7. Announcements:
Good Neighbor Project pause of activities now includes cessation of weekly email newsletter. They will be seeking a new editor as well as a program coordinator for when they resume.
Tee Ball League decision on season with social distancing for 2021 is pending.
Jarvis is temporarily suspending his efforts in website management due to family death.
Bison Prairie has a new manager/gardener Kimbrin Cornelius.
Mackey will continue to investigate the Adopt-Ice possibility for an ice rink at Segoe Park.
Comment to thank Good Neighbor Project for all of their much appreciated community-building efforts. Schutte will relay the Board’s thanks.
Meeting was adjourned about 7:58 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

Midvale Heights Community Association Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 23rd 2016 – 6:45 p.m. – Sequoya Branch Library

Area Directors present: Denise Lamb, Tim Trapp, Wendy Weber, Ed Rogers, Jenny Chipault, Steve Fitzsimmons, Jonn Lager, Kay Reuter-Krohn, Chuck Kreimendahl, Peter Schell, Greg Fischer, Jim Thoreson, Tom Jarvis
Other neighbors present: Nan Lager, Marcel Wuethrich, Dave Blouin

1. Call to Order & Introductions - E Rogers
2. Prior Minutes Review/Approval - Board
   1. Move to approve the minutes. Seconded. Minutes approved.
3. Treasurer’s Report - J Lager (R Rotter absent but he passed report to J Lager last night)
   1. Passed out hard copy, balance of ~$45,000
   2. E Rogers notes that there's an ongoing issue that our neighborhood association needs an insurance policy and it looked according to email that insurance lapsed, but good until June 1 2016, right?
      1. J Lager says the company will find someone else to cover us. R Rotter has filled out the forms and sent them to C Kreimendahl.
      2. This came about with regard to supporting West side police station. He had been in touch with them and had a few questions regarding liability and errors and emissions insurance and turns out we had a liability policy
         1. N Lager says we got it after t-ball started
      3. C Kreimendahl relays that company that was covering us year-to-year is no longer in the business but the agent will reassign us based on paperwork R Rotter is completing
      4. E Rogers was looking into how a neighborhood association can receive a grant from the city and one of the preconditions is that association has policy with total value of $1 million
         1. J Lager says ours is $2 million. Agent will come back to us with a proposal from the company that R Rotter will relay. Currently pay $621/year
4. Legislative Reports - Maurice Cheeks/Carousel Bayrd
   1. Not present
5. Midvale Elementary Playground
   1. P Schell was approached by members that are part of Midvale Elementary PTO and they are trying to raise money for the playground there so the question was what, if anything, could the neighborhood association do and P Schell looked into it a bit and has a summary. Midvale Elementary playground is kind of old and it's got a weird cement thing that is crumbling and it has playground equipment with paint peeling off. There's photos on the Midvale-Lincoln PTO website. Goal of raising $70,000 or $75,000 and so far they've raised about half of that. Think the fundraisers have been going for about a year now. Don't know whether that means they can replace half or less, not sure of their goal.
      1. D Lamb says they've been running ads in the newsletter for the past couple of years (Bucky Books, rummage sale, etc.). Anything they've sent to D Lamb she has put in the paper. Happy to print anything they send us that makes sense based on timeline.
      2. J Thoreson asks if they want a financial contribution
         1. P Schell says they didn't ask outright
         2. D Lamb says we have given money for the garden at Midvale. Warning, Van Hise is redoing their playground soon, too
            1. W Weber asks about demographics of the schools
               1. D Lamb thinks half of Midvale kids go to each school
               2. J Thoreson thinks Van Hise is bigger
                  1. Hamilton is Middle School, Van Hise is pretty small
               3. Probably more of a need at Midvale than Van Hise.
               4. E Rogers and J Chipault and D Lamb think should give to both
      3. C Kreimendahl suggests they advertise at our picnic, etc.
         1. P Schell says they suggested that they could be a cause that members could donate to on our membership form, not sure it's correct use of form or not.
      4. S Fitzsimmons says for Target credit cards you can put in code for Target purchases to give to a specific cause then 5% goes to school. Maybe put a how-to into the newsletter.
      5. P Schell didn't know if MHCA is in the habit of giving funds. This is something that would affect our neighborhood. Seems appropriate
         1. D Lamb brings up garden - how much did we donate?
            1. P Schell can contact R Rotter about how much has been donated in the past.
      6. P Schell suggests putting something on Facebook.
         1. E Rogers says Pete or his wife can go ahead and do that. E Rogers says Facebook obscures the author and posts it as from "Midvale Heights". E Rogers can send anyone who wants log in to our Facebook page that log in information. Or just email E Rogers and he'll post whatever we want on the Facebook page
      7. C Kreimendahl says his suggestion was that we can give them access to an audience but it's their fund-raising project.
      8. K Reuter-Krohn says there is money in the budget for school projects for $500 but still makes sense for R Rotter to research what we've given in the past
         1. P Schell will research and bring it back to the board for approval if we decide to give money
6. Odana Prairie Restoration (Marcel Wuethrich)
   1. Marcel lives on Agnes Dr and he would like to initiate a prairie restoration project this spring at Odana golf course. There is a little non-mowed area near the parking lot and Odana woods that is just grass and mostly weeds and he's hoping that he can get funds to restore it. Background: as some of us might be aware, the US and other industrial countries have lost pollinators and some countries now hand-pollinate their crops. In the period between spring 2014 and 2015, Wisconsin has witnessed a 60% decline in honeybees so we're not an exception to the global phenomenon. Other insects affected as well, e.g., monarch butterflies. Something that we can all do in order to halt that decline. Obama and Mayor Soglin have initiated pollinator protection task force. PPTF in Madison has gathered data about what the city is doing and they came up with recommendations. Report they produced was approved by city of Madison. There are recommendations for homeowners and the public for what they can do to support pollinators. Homeowners encouraged to plant natives to provide habitat for natives and pollinators, also birds. Works really fast. In the report, they also described so-called demonstration areas and these demonstration areas they are thought to restore native habitat for pollinators and also educate the public. Have to educate the public in order for the public to recognize that these habitats have value. He's seen pictures of grocery stores with and without pollinators and it's amazing what will go away. He passes this area on his bike every day along the Southwest bike path. It's sunny. Will be easy to establish flowers. And it's facing parking lot of golf course and connected to bike trail so people can see it. There's even a mowed path going through that area so people can explore it by foot. He's been in contact with City Parks manager and he's responsible for that area that is part of golf course and Parks manages this area and he supports restoring native prairie there and he agrees that we can annually burn the prairie. Lot of Kentucky blue grass and queen Anne's lace (invasives) so trying to destroy much of that by burning it. He has a lot of seeds gathered from his own garden and would like to buy some seeds. He needs to get a burn permit from Madison fire department, which is $50. City parks agreed that they would mow it the first 2-3 years monthly because if you burn it then weeds germinate so by mowing it monthly can knock down the weeds and allow seedlings to germinate. Prairie flowers invest most of their energy in first couple years into roots so they can withstand drought. So after 2-3 years we can cutback and mow once or twice during the growing season.
      1. C Kreimendahl says there's a plan for Wisconsin that's been in the news lately that's been criticized a bit for not doing much - how does what you're proposing tie in to that?
         1. Not direct connection. He will be lead on this and this was initiated by him. This is a larger area so it can't be maintained by hand-weeding so City Parks will offer support. He is a member of The Prairie Enthusiasts and has knowledge of how to restore prairies. Doesn't happen overnight, but he knows it can be done.
      2. C Kreimendahl brings up bison prairie gateway. We had a neighbor and member of our board that helped maintain that and we invested a lot of money over the years and that's been hard to maintain lately
         1. M Wuethrich brings up Dudgeon Monroe area along bike path that also looks nice. Can be done.
      3. E Rogers doesn't know what city agency he worked with but bike path is streets and Odana golf course is parks.
         1. M Wuethrich says he has the written commitment from the Parks that he can do the restoration
      4. E Rogers says we did a survey in the neighborhood a couple of years ago asking what we should be doing with our parks and we left some blank space and we hadn't listed anything about pollinators on our checkboxes but we had people chime in about pollinators and butterflies so if he's looking for hands, E Rogers can direct him to a few names.
      5. M Wuethrich planning to burn in April and plans to take photos and will write up something for the neighborhood newsletter so people know more about it so can indicate there that there is opportunity for people to participate. Hopefully over the course of years there would be a group of volunteers
         1. D Lamb says we can't get anyone to take care of bison prairie so not sure we can commit
            1. J Chipault expands and says it was largely one person for a while and we have been looking for someone to take over for a long time
               1. M Wuethrich asks what's the alternative, do nothing?
      6. W Weber thinks we're now more aware of the importance of it. And M Wuethrich would also educate people and bring people in and people would use that information in their own gardens
      7. C Kreimendahl asks if he knows what the value of plants put in when they did the bike path (e.g., phlox); not sure they are of value to pollinators.
         1. M Wuethrich doesn't know value of those and who put them in. He seems a lot of dame's rocket, not native. Looks like phlox
         2. D Lamb says there were people from the board and neighborhood that were involved in picking out plants and doing plantings along bike trail. Laura Brown maintains retainment pond.
      8. M Wuethrich mostly wants to inform us, and if there's any financial support that would be great. $100 would buy seed. There are also plugs and there's Dane County cost share program that you can order plants by mid-March that are subsidized and one plant is only $1.90 and they have a good assortment of plants. That's also a possibility that he could buy some plugs for this program, which goes faster than if start with seed. Pick up May or June in Fenn Oak area on east side. Plants produced by agricultural facilities in Janesville and Evansville
      9. E Rogers says we generally have a system where we reimburse and we have a tax ID number since we're a nonprofit
      10. M Wuethrich provides contact information: 608.772.9427, marcelwuthrich at gmail.com. He also consults with people and helps them make choices and helps them do things for a small fee. This is a hobby, he has a different full-time job, but people can contact him for advice.
      11. P Schell thinks it's really great that he's enthusiastic. One question - fast-forward 5-10 years, does it require constant maintenance then?
          1. M Wuethrich says do have to do something because if let nature take care of it then eventually will get shrubs and trees and will turn to woods so have to mow or burn. Native plants are deep rooted whereas introduced plants have shallow roots. So every time you burn you put the native plants into favor. His plan is to burn it once a year (spring or fall). Window in fall is shorter for burning but allows you to seed in the fall and most of the seeds need cold-moist cycle before they germinate. Most flowers come up right when snow is melting so if burn in spring might fry them.
      12. Is there a cost to burning other than permit?
          1. No, have volunteers. Have someone from green space crew from Westmorland and they bring burn equipment and things. Eventually he might get trained.
      13. P Schell says there aren't many homes right by bison prairie so perhaps people didn't take ownership and he would kind of worry about the location along the golf course but there are at least some houses that look directly on it.
          1. M Wuethrich asks what can we lose? Even if someone abandons it 5-10 years down the road then there would be more natives there which would be a step up from where it is currently.
      14. P Schell asks if it is mowed
          1. Sometimes
      15. J Lager asks how big of an area it is
          1. M Wuethrich thinks 1/2 acre to acre. To south bordered by parking lot, to east bordered by paved connector, to north bordered by woods, and to west bordered by irrigated turf grass.
      16. S Fitzsimmons asks how much money he would need
          1. M says maybe $250 would pay for burn and buy seeds and plugs.
             1. P Schell makes a motion to fund $250. Seconded.
          2. C Kreimendahl says his individual opinion is if we put $250 in this year and $250 next year, over time that becomes a lot, so wondering what total budget is over lengthy period of time. No doubts about sincerity and commitment. Isn't there a seed company or plant company where $500 to them is meaningless and they get PR from sponsoring space.
          3. M Wuethrich just met a week ago with city and so this is the start and haven't looked for funds yet. Have about 10 grocery bags full of seeds from his own yard. So his plan is continuously put in seeds from his own seed bank. Knows other people who collect seed in prairies so can get from them as well. Will take a continuous supply of seeds over years. There's going to be a pool of seeds from volunteers. Knows people who are retired and all they do is collect seeds and donate seeds.
          4. S Fitzsimmons asks if city offers any money for beautifying neighborhoods.
             1. E Rogers says there are neighborhood grants that are offered every year and the deadline has passed this year (or coming up soon) and they have workshops to explain grant process
                1. D Lamb says they have less money and they have narrow facet and lots of hoops to jump through. D Lamb and J Chipault went a couple of years ago and decided it wasn't worth the fuss. Plus our neighborhood is not very needy compared to others so we don't compete well.
                   1. J Chipault agrees but says if they focus on pollinators in future years, then this would be a great fit
          5. N Lager suggests checking with gardening clubs for volunteers
          6. J Chipault clarifies that this $250 is for this year only, right?
             1. Yes, and the work is free.
          7. Motion on the table is to fund $250 toward burning permit and seeds or plugs.
             1. Motion passes.
          8. Could someone email M Wuethrich
             1. N Lager can be contact between the board and M Wuethrich.
          9. D Lamb says May/June would be the next newsletter.
7. 4th of July Celebration - Dave Blouin
   1. D Blouin was formerly president of neighborhood board at Westmorland. He coordinates the adopt-ice program and is now running the July 4th program. Passed around flyer from last year and flyer from 1943. 4th of July event started in 1941, which coincides with Westmorland neighborhood association so this year is their 75 year anniversary. Sunset Village and Midvale Heights were co-sponsors of 4th of July celebration as early as 1953 and as late as 2001 and other neighborhoods kind of come and go with their contributions of cost. Often, MHCA took 2/5, Westmoreland took 2/5, and Sunset Village took 1/5. It used to make money but it hasn't made money in years. It's a big part of what we give back to the neighborhood. It comes from dues paid by members. Have Halloween party, Valentines' day, films in the park, etc. 4th of July is the big one. It also was a huge City of Madison July 4th party because it included fireworks until 1987 and then not long after that Elver Park Farms got organized. 1987 was first year didn't have fireworks, which was a function of the costs and the liabilities. Event had gotten quite large at that point and now it's smaller and more of a family event. Starts with kids parade now and over by mid-afternoon, with a band, kids games, food, and in most recent few years he reintroduced beer. No beer tent, neighborhood buys beer and gives it away - 2 16 oz glasses per adult. Got rid of beer tent around 2000 because it ended up being a pen of beer-drinkers and smokers and they were an aside from the rest of the event. This year, because it's the 75th, proposing to make it a bigger event with more going on and increase activities, also increase costs. Going to do, for sure, ceremony on the night of July 3rd (Sunday). Bucky's sets up tents tables and chairs and on night of 3rd so will do potluck picnic and big band concert and during intermission they'll do a little ceremony recognizing July 4th event coordinators and past neighborhood presidents. Sarah White is author that history committee worked with to write and edit history book and she'll do short history presentation of their neighborhood. Big band will do a set of music from around the 1940s for first set (era of beginning of neighborhood) and second set would be more modern. Open to all neighborhoods. On the 4th there is a bare bones version and a big wish list. Don't have side-by-side comparison for these options yet but not too far along because meeting with both us and with Sunset Village so can figure out what on their wish list could go into an expanded event. Right now, instead of one band, two bands and instead of stopping at 2pm, going as late as 4pm in the afternoon, and brining back vintage games tied to July 4th celebrations of the past (bingo, egg in spoon, gunny sack races, raffle, volleyball tournament, perhaps softball but now put tents on baseball field). Wish list: pony rides, Ferris wheel, vintage car show in hockey rink area, beer tent (can bring in funds but needs security and a license). What Parks has done is offered every neighborhood a free event and they'll waive most fees or cut in half fees but the main criteria is it has to be 250 people or less. This doesn't qualify as a special event. Their kids' Earth Day event they're taking advantage of that and getting fees waived. Dunk tank, kids bounce houses. But insurance got crazy; cheapest rider for a bounce house is $1000. But perhaps rider would cover other liability for other events. Current budget for overall event has been around $5,000 annually (security, tents, helium, bands, chairs, licenses and fees, beer [[essentially paid for via tip jar]]). Take in ticket fees from kids games, donations around $3,000. They budgeted another $1,000 loss so they were ok with losing more than $3000. But costs up much more than 3,000 because two bands, etc. But more people attending if other neighborhoods advertise. Always held on July 4th, rain or shine, so people kind of already know about it but might get up to 50% more attendance if we advertise more. Build in enough contingency plans.
      1. D Lamb asks about selling food
         1. D Blouin says they don't, but volunteers grilled and made food and Boy scouts sold popcorn and beverages and then some point 20 or so years ago they brought in catering companies (Big 10, Pizza Pit, and been doing Pizza Extreme). Owner of Pizza Extreme grew up in Westmorland, they give a bit to feed volunteers but they keep most of the profit. His committee looked into bringing food carts and right away food carts didn't want to be there if Pizza Extreme would be there and vice versa. So sticking with Pizza Extreme. They have one food cart with two windows and the lines are long so asked him to bring in second cart so they'll bring in second cart for gyros, subs, and more vegetarian options. Waiting for final menu list from him. If that still doesn't look good, then bring in food carts but the permit for more than one food cart is >$800. Pizza Extreme covers permit costs so working with Pizza Extreme to iron out those wrinkles. Not doing fireworks again. Almost $600 just in permits and you need to hire someone that knows what they are doing and is licensed. And E Rogers relayed that part of reason stopped was because of scaring zoo animals. Also park is more wooded now. Need another tent for bingo. Pony rentals are $1000 for 4 hours. Bounce house is $200-300 rental. Ferris wheel is $2500 and volunteers have to help build it and take it apart. Takes a minimum of 6 sturdy guys. Insurance rider is an extra $1000, which they'll need almost no matter what. Key things are help with volunteers and fund raising. If have more games and more events, need more helpers and also need fundraising help (via cash or via finding sponsors etc.), talked about having t-shirts made listing sponsors. Another thing he used to do is manage advertising in newsletter so with those relationships in place could reach out to advertiser for various fundraising needs (did so with two books published) and they got recognized in books and got good will from neighborhood. Also asked for ads purchased in directory that comes out every two years. They try not to ask for help too often, usually just for special projects. Anticipating reaching out in next 6 weeks or so asking for sponsorship help from these advertisers. Would at least generate banner with their names and think it makes it sense to put their names on a t-shirt. Also don't want to poach advertisers outside the neighborhood (Commons, Village Bar corners, few on Monroe St), deliberately did not reach out to Westgate or University Drive or beltline. That's where we could help - could you ask your business base for simple donation of say $100 or donations of prizes. Raffle, bingo, t-shirt sales, direct sponsorships, could make quite a bit of money. Deficit looks like $3500 for bare bones expansion and more like $,8700 for wish list. No one is saying this is the new norm. Would like to see all three neighborhoods involved but don't need to continue to make it this big.
      2. C Kreimendahl suggests that we co-sponsor and not sure what that involves, membership participate and volunteer, some amount of money, trying to think of how many of our residents would attend (~100). C Kreimendahl thinks it's been a while since we've been involved with this as a neighborhood. So thinking about gauging our financial contribution based on the number of participants.
      3. D Blouin kind of looking to see if there were objections to going all-in. Did say up-front that he wasn't going to ask for specific cash contributions. Or are there any ideas we have for this event that aren't already on the list. Wanted to meet with us, get a sense of our support and come back with more concrete proposal as soon as possible. Can we commit to promotion, advertising, help with fundraising contacts, and volunteers support.
         1. Only limit C Kreimendahl can see on that is that a week or two before that we have our picnic which will suck up some of our volunteers.
            1. D Blouin says even with the full expansion, don't think we'd need 50 volunteers, just another couple dozen. Knows he'll get more volunteers from within Westmorland because it's an anniversary event. Usually can get 80-100 volunteers easily from within neighborhood and in neighboring neighborhoods.
      4. D Blouin asked about size of our picnic
         1. About 200
      5. This event goes on rain or shine.
      6. C Kreimendahl offers motion that we co-sponsor the event and provide volunteer, advertising support, and some unspecified financial contribution.
         1. Seconded
         2. Motion passes
         3. D Blouin will distribute list of activities and budget to E Rogers before our next meeting. Ideas are welcome.
      7. Dunk tank: there's a photo from Paul Soglin's first term as mayor when he agreed to sit in the dunk tank at Westmorland Park smoking a cigarette. This was when he was running for reelection and asked if he would sit in the dunk tank and he said yes. Maybe he'll do it again.
         1. J Chipault suggests, at the least, blowing that picture up big. People would love that.
      8. C Kreimendahl asks if there's a set meeting schedule
         1. Meeting this Saturday and again the weekend after March 7. Been meeting in this room Saturday morning at 10. Will forward the meeting schedule because he'd love it if reps from other neighborhoods came to those meetings.
      9. J Chipault asks if he's looking for a sense from us as to whether or not we want to go whole hog. Have we answered that for him?
         1. D Blouin will price it all out anyway. Sometimes hard to find people to do things on the 4th of July. Bands are easy to get though because they can play during the day and then still do a gig at night. If you think about anything else, pass it through E Rogers. We wouldn't' do anything this big very often but would love it if this is a re-start of having neighborhoods co-sponsor the event. The party used to go to midnight and not trying for that, want a family event, have a nice event going.
8. Neighborhood Social Networking - E Rogers
   1. E Rogers says we have a fantastic mechanism for communication to our members: messenger, email blast, Facebook page... so in terms of one-way messaging, we are ok. Perhaps one way we haven't had as much success is fostering inter-neighbor communication. Our Facebook page can accommodate this but it's not typically done. We don't have a list-serv right now, which is an email mechanism where people sign up and every email gets bounced to everybody. Some neighborhoods do this. We also now have a website called NextDoor.com. It also offers to do this where they set up some system of verification so that if you live in a neighborhood you can communicate with their neighbors on this site. For things like finding a babysitter and finding someone to shovel. Our neighborhood watch has been one of our strongest ways to allow people to communicate. A couple years ago we talked about whether we wanted to promote Nextdoor.com. We decided not to because we don't understand how they make money; advertizing or selling information? That was in 2013. Lately though, of their own volition, neighbors have been signing up and S Fitzsimmons has been talking about it in his neighborhood watch emails. Does anyone have ideas of what, if anything, we should be doing to foster inter-neighbor communication. Nextdoor exists but it's not influenced by us.
      1. J Chipault uses Nextdoor and likes it. Only posted once, to indicate that had garden rocks on the curb
      2. S Fitzsimmons brings up crime is posted on Nextdoor. Sometimes two-way list servs have negative comments and that destroys community feel
         1. J Chipault hasn't noticed much negativity on Nextdoor. Even if about sensitive topics like policing, people remain pretty civil
            1. T Trapp says they know you are who you say you are because it needs to verify you live where you live.
      3. T Jarvis says his concern is we end up with three different ways to get communication out. They don't have to be a member to get Facebook information and Nextdoor. T Jarvis does the website but not Facebook or Nextdoor.
         1. E Rogers thinks that he likes the balance we struck for outgoing messages. We would not have the ability or inclination to take over Nextdoor, but as far as do we want to promote it, that's why he's bringing it up. There's 240 Midvale Heights households on Nextdoor, including 3 in this room, and we were previously saying there's a prohibition of mentioning it or cheerleading it. What is our stance now? Do we promote it as a way for neighbors to communicate with each other.
            1. T Trapp thinks it's an opportunity for us to have a presence. Not sure how we could promote or leverage.
         2. S Fitzsimmons says it's a way to share information with our community. We don't have to do anything but we could be in support of it.
         3. E Rogers says stick with status quo for now which is we can promote it in crime digest emails and T Jarvis shouldn't feel in any way obligated to monitor it.
9. Announcements - Board
   1. We still need an annual picnic coordinator and garage sale coordinator. So if know of anyone or if you yourself could do some leg work to maintain a tradition that's over 10 years old now.
   2. C Kreimendahl shares that Kids Club House is over, they aren't doing that anymore.
   3. If find someone has moved in to your neck of the woods, the modus operandi is to pick up new neighbor packet from C Kreimendahl
   4. E Rogers just heard from Fred Riser who is state senator and he should be able to come to our October meeting. Got back to E Rogers right away.
   5. D Lamb mentions concert series. Parks dept is making it easy. All four concerts are one event and it's free and amplification fee will be half price ($50 for all the concerts). 15 bands on a list. Approach is to send out blind cc to everyone who has been interested. Don't want four bands that all play the same music and also looking for people who are willing to keep Saturday night open for rain date. What happens if we get rained out both nights? D lamb will talk to people to figure out a payment schedule that makes sense for that scenario.
   6. T Jarvis says new member in Area 15 joined yesterday. T Jarvis has membership cards and directory for them.
   7. S Fitzsimmons asks if can do one fundraising thing would go to Shopko and ask for donation to police department of stuffed animals.
      1. Good idea.
10. Meeting adjourned 8:49

Notes recorded by J Chipault, secretary

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY January 26, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, D, Lamb, C. Wegner, L. Raihala, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, W. Weber, E. Rogers, G. Fischer, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Janine Veto, Cathy Rotter, Nan Lager, Yannette Figueroa (alder candidate), Janine Veto, Bonnie Roe, Ben Hofer, Kris Schutte, Zach Henak, Lee Alliet
Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
1. Introductions.
2. Area 13 Director Election: Motion/2nd to elect Janine Veto as Area 13 Director (given by-law requirements). Motion carried.
3. Alder Candidate Forum: Cardin announced her effort to schedule a Zoom candidate forum for District 10 Alder on 3/10/21 at 6:00 pm. There will be time for participant questions. Cardin will welcome anyone who wants to help organize and publicize.
4. City Report: Henak has announced he will not be seeking another term as alder. He reported on numerous City/Council developments. Permitting for alternatives to traditional lawns such as rain gardens will be simplified under a proposed ordinance. City/County Liaison Committee has only met once in two years, so effort to dissolve that and other inactive committees. For Golf Courses, Glenway redesign proposal would add walking paths etc. to promote multiple uses and may result in closure in 2021 for minor reconstruction. Rent Assistance grant of $7.5 Million will be disbursed in large part by Tenant Resource Center, but also 11 other stakeholders. Early Education Coordinator has put forth new plan to certify child care providers in light of difficulty of site visits and hiring during pandemic. Homelessness effort focuses on increasing use of First St Garage Men’s shelter beyond current 60-70 users and implement AODA user rules, utilizing excess capacity at Family/Women’s shelter, and dealing with encampments which currently do not abide by the location restrictions set by emergency order. Alder communication are being ramped up to include Facebook pages. Odana Area Plan in before planning committee with upcoming 1/27 virtual meeting. Edgewood stadium lights proposal was shot down. Pontiac Trail reconstruction was postponed until 2022 by Transportation. Council Reorganization will appear on non-binding referendum this year with four questions. Next year will feature a binding referendum about size, pay, etc.
5. Anti-Racism Committee: Cathy Rotter presented the five-part proposal (circulated in written form prior to meeting) from the ad hoc Anti-Racism group to include anti-racism steps for MHCA. These included resource lists for the newsletter and website, relevant questions for the upcoming alder forum, distribution/publication of the DMNA 911 flyer and a speaker’s series. Discussion followed about flyer and proper balance between people calling when unnecessary and not calling when appropriate. DMNA apparently has met with police rep to discuss. Consensus that we should wait until next meeting and possibly edit flyer based on new information.
6. Ice Rink: Discussion of Adopt-Ice suggestion from Elizabeth Mackey for Segoe Park. Rogers noted prior effort years ago which floundered given necessity of funds and volunteers. Alliet has investigated with City Parks to learn that up-front costs are significant and must be borne by MHCA. Possibly consider for next year.
7. Segoe Concerts: Lamb reported that she has reserved park for concert dates so we will need to decide this spring if concerts can occur. She said food carts were disastrous due to unreliability, so proposes alternative of working with a restaurant to provide meals that meal can pre-order and purchase that we would have someone deliver to the park.
8. City Grants: Cardin announced availability of city neighborhood grants.
9. Odana Prairie: Marcel Wuethrich appeared to request funds for additional plants to enhance the Prairie and increase diversity. Motion/2nd to fund $600 to cover plant purchases and burn permit. Motion carried.
10. Other Announcements: Rotter gave brief treasury report noting minor expenditures and balance of about $33,000.
Tee Ball League season is not yet decided for 2021.
Meeting was adjourned about 8:38 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY November 24, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, J. Thoreson, L. Raihala, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, G. Fischer, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Janine Veto, Bianca Tomasini, Cathy Rotter, Julie Whitaker, Darin Harris, Megan Garvey, Laila __, David Hoffert
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m.
1. Anti-Racism Committee: Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association members appeared to outline their history/purpose since organizing back in June. They published a guide for 911 use without racial profiling. Zoom community meetings followed. The Committee’s weekly meetings have focused on public safety and black/minority homeownership/eviction prevention. Rapid Response group subcommittee responds to new issues that come up. Ongoing reexamination of purpose. Efficient meetings with tight agendas. Also group relationship building among individual members. Monitoring of projects by antiracism leaders/groups in Madison. Was not officially part of DMNA initially but now is. They’ll provide us a copy/template of the 911 Guide for us or others to use or adapt. Also willing to share their agendas. Working with District 13 Alder Tag Evers. They have a listserve that they monitor for provocative or racist comments for the purpose of educating commentators, but without “diving” into Next Door conversations. They’ll have upcoming workshops that they are promoting. The eviction prevention project for undocumented residents is spearheaded by Tenant Resource Center and Roots of Change. Home ownership project is seeking to provide downpayment assistance and welcoming $1200 individual donations.
Cardin will set up MHCA Zoom meeting in mid-December for those interested in discussing our committee formation or other actions.
2. Officer Elections: Motion/2nd to nominate and elect the following slate:
President - Joy Cardin; Vice President - Lori Raihala; Treasurer - Ron Rotter; Secretary - Chuck Kreimendahl. Motion carried.
3. Area 13 Director Appointment: Janine Veto was introduced and appointed to fill vacant Area 13 seat.
4. University Research Park: There may be public meetings by the developer for mixed use residential rental/research facility proposal for State Journal had a related article.
5. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve October annual meeting minutes. Motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY October 27, 2020, 6:30 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, W. Weber, G. Fischer, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Zach Henak, Carousel Bayrd + about 5 other (Zoom) participants
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
1. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve September minutes. Motion carried.
2. Cardin updated info on voting sites for the general election.
3. Research Park Noise: Paul Haskew, as Research Park Council rep for MHCA, relayed the two neighbor complaints to the Park occupants. One was related to a heating/cooling equipment problem, which the owner is remedying with baffles/fencing by next spring. The two buildings were the Fuji and Ultratech businesses. Motion/2nd for resolution to inform the businesses at Research Park about complaints that noise is not at an acceptable level and we request that the noise problems be fixed. Motion carried. Mackey/Haskew will follow up on this.
4. County update: Bayrd outlined criminal justice progress including mental health first responders for 911 calls (pilot project), opening of Crisis Center for mental health, bail reform and alternatives, and fine/fee review before committee. On CoVid, CARES funding has gone for eviction prevention, food, clothing and PPE. At Westgate, pushing for affordable housing funds for 78-unit apartment building.
5. City update: Henak reported that 2020 golf course revenue was up. Parks is looking at alternatives for the tent camps for homeless in the three parks. Police budget had amendment to retain 4 officers. At Westgate, reiterated effort to obtain affordable housing funds, siting of electric car charging station and curbside pickup at HyVee, details of the mental health pilot commencing 6/2021 and ongoing study of new jail to gauge best size.
6. Area Director Election: Current even-numbered areas’ directors were nominated and reelected by voice vote. Officers will be elected in November.
7. Treasurer’s Report - Rotter said there was no news except that the website domain name was renewed. Balance on hand $34,156.55.
7. Announcements: Cardin asked if the membership drive was postponed until 2021, which it is. Lamb said Nov/Dec newsletter draft was coming next week. Kris Schutte reported that Good Neighbor Project will make available via YouTube the recent CoVid doctor’s talk from October.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY September 22, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, E. Rogers, G. Fischer, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Kris Schutte, Cathy Rotter, John Alliet, Zach Henak
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
1. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve August minutes. Motion carried.
2. Mackey reported that the local voting site has been moved for this election to Odana Hills Golf Clubhouse. City is also doing two Saturdays of ballot drop-off in city parks.
3. Good Neighbor Project postcard: Discussion of propriety of postcard language especially as it related to 911 calls. Was it a safety issue or could it be interpreted as exclusive or racist. Dudgeon/Monroe has an anti-racism committee, instead of issuing a proclamation. Our draft proclamation was reviewed, but no action was taken. Suggestion to establish an MHCA anti-racism committee. No action was taken, but may invite D/M representative to November meeting (and publicize that issue for that meeting via newsletter).
4. Annual Meeting - Will be via Zoom on 10/27. Can handle up to 100 participants. Advertise on FB/website/Next Door/email (but keep Zoom password limited to email unless others respond w/request to get entry password). Speakers will be allotted 10 minutes each (Zac, Carousel and Shelia), with main speaker having 25 minutes plus questions. Even-numbered area directors are up for reelection.
5. Legislative Reports - Zach Henak highlighted the Community Safety Committee meeting that Thursday, on which date there was also a scheduled forum for the Public Safety Committee budget. On 10/21 would be a budget meeting for the City Finance Committee. The link to committees is on Zac’s website. The mayor’s chief of staff is leaving.

6. Treasurer’s Report - Rotter reported sale of two history books and expenditure of about $800 for the GNP postcard. Treasury balance is $31,455. Kris noted that the chosen printer was Printed Promotions Inc d/b/a Direct Mail Works on Copps Av. She supplied the text and they sent her a template and they did the final formatting.
6. Lamb will have this month’s newsletter prepared next week, so she welcomes any articles from Board members.
7. Announcements: November meeting includes officer election and there will possibly be a vacancy for President.

Jarvis says we have 468 members, and 514 email addresses, some within the same household.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY August 25, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb, C. Wegner, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, E. Rogers, G. Fischer, J. Lager
Also present: Kris Schutte, Nan Lager, Zach Henak
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
1. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve June minutes. Motion carried.
2. Mackey noted that the Madison PD would hold a Crime Meeting via Zoom. She will send out the link information via email.
3. Good Neighbor Project postcard: Cardin offered additions which would publicize voter registration/ballot info and our October annual MHCA meeting. Schutte outlined the draft of the post card she had circulated prior to meeting, and noted costs. She suggested self-delivery by our block captains to avoid postal costs, but Board declined that by consensus. Motion/2nd to increase the post card budget to $800. Motion carried.
4. Annual Meeting - Will be via Zoom on 10/27. Discussion about getting a speaker. Cardin will accept suggestions over the next few days and conduct a straw poll.
5. Treasurer’s Report - Rotter reported recent expenses of Board/liability insurance and tree inoculation. Treasury balance is $34,955.61
6. Lamb will have this month’s newsletter prepared next week, so she welcomes any articles from Board members.
7. Legislative Reports - Zach Henak updated the Westgate Mall development which will have primary access from Whitney Way. Next 9/1 Council meeting will hold vote on this project which the Planning Committee already approved. There is a Summit Woods apartment development in the works for the site of the old Post Office on Hammersley. He said the discussed the City/County health directive especially as it affects schools and day care. The Police Oversight Committee proposal is steaming ahead toward approval. City is approving loans to repair and improve downtown storefronts, especially those recently damaged. Zac gave a golf course recap about closing some of the City courses. There is also a Block Grant initiative to address homelessness.
8. Announcements: Marc Fink holds a virtual classical music concert in his driveway at 529 Edward every Thursday at 5:30 pm.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY June 23, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, W. Weber, G. Fischer, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Kris Schutte, Zach Henak, Cathy Rotter, Lois Jarvis
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
1. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve March and May minutes. Motion carried.
2. Good Neighbor Project postcard: Schutte reported that the card previously approved was on hold due to racial justice atmosphere. She wants more money to send a bigger postcard. Tabled pending specific text and cost information.
3. Legislative Reports - Zach Henak (congrats to new baby) emphasized that CoVid is constraining constituent feedback on all issues especially racial justice. Westgate Mall development is subject of 7/1 UDC planning meeting. Parks Dept. was unable to hire seasonal worker due to hiring freeze. Police Oversight steps before City Council depend on financing it and identifying duties. In response to shootings, police are being extra cautious about being in sensitive neighborhoods, where residents are concerned about safety. Any residents should telephone him with input on police or any other current issue.
4. Annual Labor Day Weekend Garage Sale is cancelled due to CoVid.
5. Membership: Motion/2nd to postpone membership drive until 2021. Motion carried.
6. State Senate election forum: Cardin suggested we sponsor a forum for the District 26 candidates as Fred Risser is retiring. She will check if others are planning same.
7. Treasurer’s Report - Rotter reported no recent expenses, so finances are as reported last month.
8. Announcements: Lamb will work on next newsletter this month.
Kreimendahl said he would email Area 13 members to recruit an Area Director.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Submitted respectfully by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY May 26, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, E. Rogers, W. Weber, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Tim Dirkx, Ken Skog, Kris Schutte, Zach Henak, Bob Park, Carousel Bayrd, Wendy Reichel
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
1. Legislative Reports - Zach Henak updated us on the Westgate development meetings. He welcomed comments, which included these issues: multi-parcel development status; parking/traffic; plan “legibility”; park access. Also discussed playground equipment at Odana School Park. Electrical outlet at Segoe Park would need upgrade and metering. MHCA traffic issues were mentioned; other residents may forward concerns and requests to Mackey who will forward to Henak.
Carousel Bayrd reported that Dane County received $95 million from the federal CARES Act to cover specific coronavirus costs such as public health. The HyVee developers are seeking affordable housing money for some of the apartments. She is hoping for additional federal money to replace lost revenue and remedy budget shortfalls.
2. WIDE Radio - Skog/Park/Dirkx outlined $825 neighborhood grant proposal with City of Madison to enhance neighborhood awareness of and participation in WIDE-LP’s programming. City suggested going through MHCA as WIDE/Friends are not a registered organization with the City. MHCA would not receive any of the moneys but would have some oversight and reporting responsibility. Motion/2nd to support grant proposal by Friends of WIDE-LP Radio on behalf of MHCA. Motion carried.
3. Good Neighbor Project (GNP)/MHCA Postcard - Schutte explained her proposal to send a large card to all MHCA residents to keep both of our organizations in the minds of our residents as we are somewhat less visible while we are staying at home, and not going to picnics, concerts, t-ball or GNP meetings , and to publicize property crime wave and precautions. Proposed cost for large card would be about $900. Much discussion followed regarding cost, value, timing, impact, and alternatives. Some question about tie-in to MHCA newsletter temporarily being online only and to other GNP publicity/information. Motion/2nd to authorize MHCA expenditure of up to $500 for smaller 4"x6" card with info about crime/GNP activities, MHCA suspension of summer activities and putting newsletter online temporarily, and WIDE-LP’s programming. Motion carried. Subcommittee of Schutte, Rotter and Lamb will draft it to be printed and sent out in June.
4. Treasurer’s Report - Rotter relayed that we have about $36,000 on hand, with no T-ball income this year, but far fewer expenses.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY April 28, 2020, 6:45 pm
Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, E. Rogers
Also present: Cathy Rotter
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
NO BUSINESS WAS CONDUCTED DUE TO LACK OF QUORUM.
1. There was a consensus that we suspend MHCA member registration until the epidemic restrictions are loosened so that we can gather as need be to perform registration tasks.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY March 24, 2020, 6:45 pm

Meeting held via video conference via Zoom due to corona virus epidemic.
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, G. Fischer, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
1. February minutes: motion/2nd to approve as published. Motion carried.
2. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Rotter relayed that there was an approximate cash balance of $38,0000.
3. The 2020 neighborhood picnic and proposed garden walk were both postponed pending easing of epidemic restrictions.
4. Suggestion to post on website and elsewhere that MHCA could match volunteers with needy residents for help with such things as grocery shopping.
Meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Chuck Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY February 25, 2020, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
(Secretary’s note: no minutes for the January 2020 meeting as the business meeting was postponed to hold the Westgate developer’s presentation.)
Present: E. Mackey, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Nan Lager, Ken Skog, Bob Park, Erika Throneburg, Jane KellyMackey called the meeting to order at 6:44 p.m. Introductions followed.
1. Lincoln Playground: Kelly and Throneburg presented plan and fundraising effort for playground renovation at Lincoln Elementary School, which many MH students attend for grades 3-5 as it is paired with Midvale Elementary. Hope to complete the project by this fall with a goal of $150,000 funds raised. Is seeking contribution from City as the area would be available as park/recreation space when school not in session. Motion/2nd to donate $5000, in line with past donations to other area schools. Motion carried.
2. WIDE Radio: Skog summarized written report of WIDE mission and activities. Also thanked for the last (2017) donation. Motion/2nd to donate $500 for operating costs. Motion carried.
Park laid out proposal for a media center in the Westgate residential/commercial development that is now before City Planning. Requests that MHCA support space for WIDE-LP to relocate there. Motion/2nd to support space for WIDE radio to broadcast from the new Westgate project buildings, as laid out in the 2/23/20 Bob Park memo.
3. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Rotter presented the January and February financial reports disclosing transactions and balances, with a 2/25/20 balance of $43,372.90. Also included historical list of school donations and charity contributions.
4. Minutes: those from November were approved by motion as submitted.
5. No legislator’s reports.
6. Midvale Heights Prairies Website: Mackey relayed suggestion from Nancy Kieraldo and Marcel Wuethrich that we cancel hosting of the htt ps:// midvaleheights prairies .org/ website, as neither one wants to continue to manage the site. Annual hosting costs borne by MHCA have been $230. Motion/2nd to discontinue website hosting. Motion carried. Note: you can see what it looked like, using the wayback machine.
7. MHCA Website: Jarvis reported some spam/phishing contact due to a resident member’s email being hacked, but no significant impact is expected. He put T-ball on the web page. He recommends keeping the server and website as is for now.

8. Biennial Membership Drive: Kreimendahl proposed returning our membership drive to a biennial term starting this year with membership dues remaining $15 per year, so payable as $30 on registration this year. This would save much effort and some expenses. Discussion of the details followed. Motion/2nd to have biennial 2020-2022 membership drive with $30 dues. Motion carried.
Motion/2nd to issue just one card per household. Motion carried.

9. Segoe Concerts: Lamb and Raihala have commenced plans for this July by seeking bands to book, arrange for food carts (in light of Let’s Eat Out shuttering) and advertising. Concerts will be the last four Fridays of July with no concert on July 3rd.
10. Lamb said she may be away when Membership Messenger is due out in May-June, but will prepare everything for someone else to do final printing.
11. Nan Lager stated that she is resigning from Green Team Chair position, but Deb Lawrence will take over. City will be replanting areas that were torn up during construction. Carissa Wegner is the liaison with the City for information and requests for this project.
Garden Walk proposed for this spring could rely on those residents who had hosted tours a few years ago. Nan will get contact information to Mackey for followup.
12. Mackey reminded all that next Board meeting (3/24) would take place at Midvale Lutheran Church due to Library scheduling difficulties.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Chuck Kreimendahl, Secy.