MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY November 26, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: E. Mackey, J. Cardin, C. Kreimendahl, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, G. Fischer, R. Rotter, W. Weber, J. Lager
Also present: Carissa Wegner
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. Introductions followed.
1. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Rotter presented November financial report disclosing a balance of $43,991.52.
2. No legislator’s reports.
3. Officer Elections: the following slate of nominees were approved by motion
President: Elizabeth Mackey
Vice President: Joy Cardin
Treasurer: Ron Rotter
Secretary: Chuck Kreimendahl

4. Carissa Wegner of Piper Dr. offered to serve as Area 7 Director. Motion/2nd to appoint her. Motion carried.
5. Annual Meeting/Membership/Participation: low attendance at meeting was discussed. Suggestions for sponsoring additional events, especially to promote membership. Trivia Night; Wine Tasting; Block Parties; Monarch Garden event; Children’s art project; School connections/events; home/garden show tour. Also what about additional speaker events aside from annual meeting?
6. Website: Jarvis said that he would keep the website as is for now as he has no time to make the major changes that would be necessary to convert system (per our previous authorization to spend funds to do so). Should advertise in newsletter for computer tech help.
7. Minutes: those from October were approved by motion as submitted.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY October 22, 2019, 6:30 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Board Members Present: E. Mackey, G. Poulson, C. Kreimendahl, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, S. Rudman, G. Fischer, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: about 35 audience membersMackey called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
1. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway appeared as guest speaker, covering city developments regarding budget, transportation, police, affordable housing, employment, growth, traffic and youth services, while also fielding some questions from the audience.
2. It was announced that the City is hiring census workers, with info available at the libraries.
3. Elections: Odd-numbered area directors were nominated and duly elected as follows:
1-Chuck Kreimendahl, 3-Jim Thoreson, 5-Denise Lamb, 7-(vacant-no nominee), 9-Ron Rotter, 11-Ed Rogers, 13-(vacant-no nominee), 15-Kay Reuter-Krohn
4. Alder Zac Henak spoke about proposed budget cuts/savings/amendments, traffic safety, parks improvements, golf course study, housing development, City-County liaison, committee reorganization, Westgate and flood control, some of them in response to audience questions.
5. County Board Supervisor Carousel Bayrd provided detail on county budget, criminal justice, her WORT radio show, youth services, immigration, mental health, lakes and the wheel tax, as well as taking audience inquiries.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY September 24, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: E. Mackey, G. Poulson, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, S. Rudman, G. Fischer, B. Nyquist
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Zac Henak, Steve Fitzsimmons
Mackey called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Introductions followed.
1. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Cathy Rotter presented Ron’s September financials displaying a balance of $44,820.22.
2. Motion/2nd to renew our annual $500 donation to Midvale Lutheran Church for room use by Good Neighbor, Board and other. Motion carried. Fitzsimmons will handle the paperwork. Church has a new building use form that may be needed for irregularly scheduled meetings.
3. Alder report: F-35s have been the hot topic at City Council meetings. Edgewood sports field use passed the Planning Commission. Schroeder Rd. Michael’s custard is for sale; City may purchase that land for Beltline exit re-engineering. Press conference about Madison Forward transit plan is contingent upon obtaining lots of funding. Free feminine hygiene products will be available at Madison Library as a pilot program. Electric service will be installed at Segoe Park within 6 months. Benches at Westmorland and Nakoma Parks are being repaired. First meeting of golf committee forum is 9/30. Watershed studies of nearby six District neighborhoods by City Engineering include Odana Pond and Orchard Ridge. Midtown Police meeting will include Zac on 9/26. Stop sign requests must go thru Traffic Engineering. City reps met County Board reps about Dunn’s Marsh recreational path improvements. A new designer has been contracted for Doyle Square. School planning includes a school in Allied Dr. Neighborhood as a long-term goal with City/Schools partnership. Budget amendments are completed (but not detailed here); include Reindal Library and firetower remodel. Mackey raises question of sponsorship of B-cycle depot at Sequoya by area businesses.
4. Annual meeting is set for 10/22 with Mayor Conway-Rhodes as speaker from 6:30 to 7:15 with remainder of meeting to follow. We will use index card questions from audience. Coffee/treats per prior meetings. We may need to recruit a director from Area 7 as odd-numbered areas are subject to this year’s Board elections.
5. Motion/2nd to approve August minutes as submitted. Motion carried.
6. Announcements: Jarvis announced current membership at 444.
MHCA server/tech options: Jarvis and Nyquist reported research about options are not yet complete. However, free non-profits hosting via Dream Host is one option; will probably also need multiple MHCA accounts to accomplish email upgrade. Motion/2nd to authorize use of free hosting and email. Motion carried. They will report back on changes/progress.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY August 27, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: G. Poulson, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, W. Weber, G. Fischer, B. Nyquist, J. Lager
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Zac HenakPoulson called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. Introductions followed.
1. Minutes from 6/25/19 reviewed. Motion/2nd to approve. Motion carried.
2. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Rotter presented July and August financials. Discussion of membership dues totals and newsletter costs. Review of largest expenditure items including picnic and concerts.
3. Alder report: Henak relayed status of Edgewood athletic field dispute that is with Planning Commission but remains very contentious. Questioned about crosswalk beacons near HyVee and Odana Ct.-they will be constructed this fall. In other traffic news, Waite Cir./SW bike path drainage will be redone which will involve repairing and widening the bike path next year. Segoe Park is getting an electrical hookup. There is a referendum pending on city-wide high school stadium lights. Allied Drive School is proposed, which would affect Verona and Madison Schools. Block 88/Judge Doyle Square plans remain uncertain. Air Force F-35s at Truax are being studied by city personnel. Neighborhood Council of District 10 neighborhood associations will meet again sometime this fall. Mendota Mental Health facility is expanding. The Golf Task Force is in the works this fall/winter to review golf course future uses.
4. MHCA server/tech options: Jarvis reported Mail Chimp’s change in policy limiting email users/counts that may affect MHCA. Wants to purchase hosting our website on a commercial server. Would be expensive to have someone recreate our website (without Tom’s TIKI programming system). Nyquist will assist with investigating server/email options.
5. Membership: Jarvis announced current membership at 425 with significant response to our post card reminders. Kreimendahl will organize a directory mailout meeting so that they get sent by 9/3, if possible.
6. Segoe Concerts: Lamb noted slightly decreased attendance but even the rain/indoor crowd was reasonably significant. May not need generator next year if Segoe has electric. Food carts were unreliable, so next year will have to rethink.
7. Announcements: Annual meeting is set for 10/22 with Mayor Conway-Rhodes as speaker.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 8:15p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY June 25, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: J. Chipault, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, J. Thoreson, E. Mackey, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, G. Fischer, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Cathy Elwell (First Church of Christ, Scientist); John Shillinglaw
1. Chipault called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m.
2. Minutes from 5/28/19 reviewed. Motion/2nd to approve. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Tabled in Rotter’s absence.
4. Flooding and Native Landscaping: Shillinglaw is a resident interested in MHCA residents planting prairie plants for flood damage and runoff control. He described other benefits including habitat for bees, etc. He was urged to consider a newsletter series, a plant exchange (perhaps on garage sale weekend), publicizing on Next Door, yard signs, coordinating with Marcel and Nancy with their prairie projects, and being a Good Neighbor Project meeting speaker.
5. Legislative reports: None.
6. President Replacement: With Chipault moving from MH soon, she will step down as President. Nomination/motion/2nd to seat Mackey as interim President. Motion carried.
7. Membership: Kreimendahl and Paul Haskew will assist Tom in preparing membership drive materials incl. directory and Discount Card.
8. Announcements: Picnic was a success and well-attended. HyVee returned $175 for unneeded or unused foodstuffs. Leftovers went to men’s shelter on the east side.
Raihala reiterated the final setup for the Segoe Concerts. Will be four food carts and a porta-potty each Friday. Lamb will send reminders to vendors. A bagpiper volunteered to do music pre-show and at intermission some Friday. Raihala will check with Rotter about signs for the nearby roads.
Chipault reminded Board that the early August swim meet in adjoining district may cause some parking problems in MH western edge.
Jarvis identified email forwarding problem that results in message blocking by some ISPs or email administrators. New server would not help the problem. May want to set up separate accounts for all Board members via MHCAArea#@gmail.com. Tabled to review in August with more input from absent Directors. Discussion about renting a server to replace our using Jarvis’.
Thoreson said that the Hilltop/Hillview decrepit abandoned house is up for sale.
Cardin announced that police horses would be at next Good Neighbor meeting on 7/9 at 5:30.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY May 28, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: J. Chipault, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb., E. Mackey, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, S. Rudman, W. Weber, E. Rogers, B. Nyquist, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Zachary Henak
1. Chipault called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
2. Minutes amended with typo corrections. Motion/2nd to approve. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Ron reviewed treasurer’s report which divulged that funds/assets on hand were $48,760.97. He announced that T-ball money was rolling in from the record number of kids participating over 200.
4. Legislative reports: Henak covered his ongoing meetings with Westgate developers now that TJMaxx is moving across Whitney Way. He also attended the Orchard Ridge meeting regarding the proposed apartment complex at the Babe’s property. Some residents fears/concerns were allayed. He said he would check on the Segoe Park improvements to see if they were done by 7/1, or at least would not interfere with the Segoe Park Concerts. Recent city project accomplishments affecting the area include the Beltline pedestrian bridge repair, Allied Dr., dissolution of the Allied Dr. Task Force, Dunn’s Marsh development and creation of Opportunity Zones.
Reminded folks that road improvements roll on a 2-4 year planning to fruition calendar. See tips on the city streets website. There is ongoing Wingra watershed/recreation path planning.
Henak will convene a joint neighborhood meeting with representatives from all 6 neighborhoods in his alder district on 6/29, to facilitate communication among the groups. Also, a golf course committee is in the works at the order of the mayor to deal with long-range golf course use/planning.
His office hours are 45 minutes prior to each MCHA meeting at the Sequoya Library.
5. Membership: Newsletter and membership form are getting finalized soon. Tom will seek website volunteers who know the PHP program to assist him with membership duties/tracking. He would like Board members to respond to his upcoming online registration test request.
6. Picnic: Set for 6/20 with rain date on 6/27 (and in Midvale Lutheran Church if rain on 6/27). Cardin reminded folks to volunteer to set up picnic and scoop ice cream. Raihala/Henak will check availability of mounted police or firefighters at picnic.
7. Announcements: Suggestion to invite mayor to speak at October meeting.
Lamb reviewed the final setup for the Segoe Concerts in July with bands, vendors, permits, ads/notices, porta-potty, signs and rain location.
Lamb said May/June newsletter was at the printer. Membership Messenger will be coming in June. Will again need volunteers later to stuff envelopes with directories and discount cards.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
BOARD MEETING MINUTES

From April 23 Sequoya Library

Present:
Jonn Lager, Ron Rotter, Elizabeth Mackey, Gary Poulson, Gregory Fischer, Kay Reuter-Krohn, Tom Jarvis, Denise Lamb, Lorie Raihala, Sherwin Rudman, Ed Rogers.

Also Present: Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter, Cami Martin (Westmorland Neighborhood), Zachary Henak (District 10 Alder)

1. Poulson called the meeting to order 6:45pm. Introductions followed.

2. Treasurer’s Report. Ron Rotter reported T-Ball revenue was beginning to come in. Total Cash and Bank Account Balance: $46,140.29

3. Minutes from March meeting approved.

4. Cami Martin from Westmorland Neighborhood Association asked the MHCA to again co-sponsor the annual 4th of July Celebration with a $500.00 contribution. Motion carried.

5. Legislative Report: Newly elected 10th District Alder Zachary Henak didn’t have a report, but wanted board members to tell him what issues are important to the MHCA. The following issues were mentioned:

a. The latest plans regarding Westgate Mall. There have been rumblings of more stores moving out in the near future.
a. The “Stonehouse Development” that is planned for the property currently occupied by Babe’s restaurant.
c. Faster bus transportation to the neighborhood
d. Unsafe intersections including Segoe and Mineral Point and Whitney Way and Schroeder
e. Bad communication from Parks Department to neighborhood

6. Elizabeth Mackey reported that the Fit to Go program was scheduled for June 21 from 9am-12pm and July 26 from 12pm-3pm.

7. The Make Music Madison date is June 21. Ed Rogers wants someone else to coordinate/find performers for Segoe Park. There is an online system to do this. Elizabeth will ask her husband Andy if he is interested.

8. Denise Lamb and Lorie Raihala reported that the schedule is set for Summer Nights at Segoe. 7/5: All That Jazz jenn7/12: Cajun Strangers 7/19: Honey Pies 7/26: Breezy Hill Bluegrass

Motion to pay the bands $600.00 (an increase of $100.00) passed.

9. Announcements:
City contacted Nan Lager about the Tokay medians - from Midvale to Segoe. She was told it was too difficult to mow around multiple flowers beds. So there will be only one flower bed per median. Volunteers who help to dig up the surplus beds will be given first
choice to have any of the plants.

Denise Lamb reported the costs for printing the newsletter are going up (longtime printer went out of business and other options are more expensive). There was some discussion of putting the newsletter completely online. However, because they could impact advertising
and membership revenue this will not happen immediately.

Gary Poulson reported the Sequoya Library had the highest number of ballots processed in the city during the most recent election. (This includes in-person absentee ballots).

Joy Cardin reported the MHCA picnic is scheduled as usual on third Thursday in June (6/20). However, unlike the last couple of years, the picnic will not be moved into the Midvale Heights Church if it rains on that day. Instead, the rain date will be the following
Thursday 6/27. If it also rains on 6/27, organizers will move it into the church. This is because attendance is down considerably when it is moved indoors.

10. Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm

(prepared by Joy Cardin)

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
From April 23
Sequoya Library

Present: John Lager, Ron Rotter, Elizabeth Mackey, Gary Poulson, Gregory Fischer, Kay Reuter-Krohn, Tom Jarvis, Denise Lamb, Lorie Raihala, Sherwin Rudman, Ed Rogers.

Also Present: Nan Lager, Cathy Rotter, Cami Martin (Westmoreland Neighborhood), Zachary Henak (District 10 Alder)

1. Poulson called the meeting to order 6:45pm. Introductions followed.
   
   
2. Treasurer’s Report. Ron Rotter reported T-Ball revenue was beginning to come in. Total Cash and Bank Account Balance: $46, 140.29
   
   
3. Minutes from March meeting approved.
   
   
4. Cami Martin from Westmoreland Neighborhood Association asked the MHCA to again co-sponsor the annual 4th of July Celebration with a $500.00 contribution. Motion carried.
   
   
5. Legislative Report: Newly elected 10th District Alder Zachary Henak didn’t have a report, but wanted board members to tell him what issues are important to the MHCA. The following issues were mentioned:
   1. The latest plans regarding Westgate Mall. There have been rumblings of more stores moving out in the near future.
   2. The “Stonehouse Development” that is planned for the property currently occupied by Babe’s restaurant.
   3. Faster bus transportation to the neighborhood
   4. Unsafe intersections including Segoe and Mineral Point and Whitney Way and Schroeder
   5. Bad communication from Parks Department to neighborhood
   
   
   
6. Elizabeth Mackey reported that the Fit to Go program was scheduled for June 21 from 9am-12pm and July 26 from 12pm-3pm.
   
   
7. The Make Music Madison date is June 21. Ed Rogers wants someone else to coordinate/find performers for Segoe Park. There is an online system to do this. Elizabeth will ask her husband Andy if he is interested.
   
   
8. Denise Lamb and Lorie Raihala reported that the schedule is set for Summer Nights at Segoe. 7/5: All the Jazz. 7/12: Cajun Strangers 7/19: Honey Pies 7/26: Breezy Hill Bluegrass
   Motion to pay the bands $600.00 (an increase of $100.00) passed.
   
   
9. Announcements:
   1. City contacted Nan Lager about the Tokay medians - from Midvale to Segoe. She was told it was too difficult to mow around multiple flowers beds. So there will be only one flower bed per median. Volunteers who help to dig up the surplus beds will be given first choice to have any of the planting.
   2. Denise Lamb reported the costs for printing the newsletter are going up (longtime printer went out of business and other options are more expensive). There was some discussion of putting the newsletter completely online. However, because they could impact advertising and membership revenue this will not happen immediately.
   3. Gary Poulson reported the Sequoya Library had the highest number of ballots processed in the city during the most recent election. (This includes in-person absentee ballots).
   4. Joy Cardin reported the MHCA picnic is scheduled as usual on third Thursday in June (6/20). However, unlike the last couple of years, the picnic will not be moved into the Midvale Heights Church if it rains on that day. Instead, the rain date will be the following Thursday 6/27. If it also rains on 6/27, organizers will move it into the church. This is because attendance is down considerable when it is moved indoors.
   
   
   
10. Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm

Minutes by Joy Cardin

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY March 26, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: J. Chipault, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, W. Weber, G. Fischer, J. Lager
Also present: Cathy Rotter
1. Chipault called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Ron summarized past month’s expenses and reported funds/assets on hand were $43,045.29. He also reviewed last year’s picnic budget of $2900.
3. No legislative reports.
4. Alder Candidate Forum: Cardin reported that about 60 people attended the forum we hosted at Sequoya Library on March 18. The League of Women Voters moderator fielded numerous questions from the audience for the candidates to address.
5. Picnic Planning: Set for 6/20/19 at Piper Park (Oak Park Heights Park). Jolynne and Kristin are coordinating again and need 2-3 volunteers (Cardin and C. Rotter agreed to). The rain location is again Midvale Lutheran Church.
6. Announcements: Chipault heard from Shelia Stubbs about upcoming constituent sessions where residents could learn about the State budget and relate legislative concerns
Jarvis got a recent membership dues payment, which should be put into next year’s drive. He talked to Michelle about her coordinating the garage sale again and they are working on a map. Steve Fitzsimmons said they will be requesting funds for the new signs for the MHCA Good Neighbor Project. Steve was bestowed a WKOW-TV Jefferson award for his spearheading the WI Law Enforcement Memorial License Plate project (see https://wkow.com/news/2019/01/27/jefferson-award-winner-january-2019-steve-fitzsimmons/).
Kreimendahl is repairing the Mineral Point Rd neighborhood sign to be reinstalled this spring.
Chipault cited new businesses that wished to be part of our Discount Card program: Hilldale Fitness and Madison Chocolate.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 7:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY February 26, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: J. Chipault, C. Kreimendahl, D. Lamb, E. Mackey, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, S. Rudman, E. Rogers, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Zach Henak
1. Chipault called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. January minutes: Motion/2nd to approve with amendments to add alder candidate websites addresses and correct a misspelling. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Ron outlined past month’s expenses and reported funds/assets on hand were $42,116.90.
4. No legislative reports.
5. Alder Candidate Forums: There will be three District 10 Alder forums, one hosted by us at Sequoya Library on Monday, March 18, 7pm — 8pm. We will email a notice to members. Directors and others should email questions to Cardin, who will forward them to the League of Women Voters moderator. Chipault will contact Cardin/Raihala about any logistical arrangements.
6. Odana School Park: Chipault announced that the Parks Dept. is accepting comments on Odana School Park modifications including enlarging the dog run area (because attendance at their January meeting was low).
7. Membership: Westmorland wants to do a joint member discount card. Much discussion about assigning work, maintaining our member database and coordinating the two membership drives which are in different months. Kreimendahl will assist Jarvis by contacting businesses about renewing participation as vendors on the discount card. Chipault will report to Westmorland that we cannot commit to a joint card due to logistic concerns and lack of volunteers to accomplish it.
8. Storage Unit: Chipault relayed Westmorland’s offer to split costs for a storage unit to keep records, equipment and the like, which is currently spread among Board directors. Consensus that we do not need this and the expense would be unnecessary. Instead, we should develop a listing of who has what in MHCA.
9. Segoe Concerts: Lamb is contacting bands to confirm contracts for the four July Friday concerts.
10. Fraudulent Yard Cleanup Letter: Chipault revisited the issue about the one-time letter purporting to be from MHCA, which one resident received about not maintaining their yard/property. It was reported to the police as not being from MHCA, but the police identified it as a low priority matter.
11. Announcements: Lamb said she seeking a new print shop, which may be Kinko’s at a higher cost. She will request fewer extra copies because the many extras at the library are rarely touched. Jarvis said 264 members get a printed copy; others get it electronically.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY January 22, 2019, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY
Present: G. Poulson, C. Kreimendahl, J. Cardin, D. Lamb, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, W. Weber, E. Rogers, G. Fischer, K. Reuter-Krohn
Also present: Zach Henak, Krista McElray
1. Poulson called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Ron reported funds on hand were $43,343.43.
3. October minutes: Motion/2nd to approve. Motion carried. November minutes: Motion/2nd to approve. Motion carried.
4. No legislative reports.
5. Alder Candidate Forum: Zach Henak, candidate for District 10 Alder, reported that the Crawford-Marlboro-Nakoma Neighborhood Association is hosting a forum, possibly on March 4, for the two Alder candidates for District 10. Cardin and Raihala offered to assist them, and possibly contact Orchard Ridge about co-hosting a second forum. Motion/2nd to authorize such co-hosting. Motion carries.
Henak offered his background info and campaign vision. See Alder websites for details: https://www.zacharyhenakmadisonalder.com/ and https://www.kristinforalder.com/.
6. Inclusivity Forum: Apparently some informal contacts were made in follow-up to the discussion from the November meeting, but no contact happened to/from the putative coordinator, Colleen Butler of Inclusive Foundations. Some Board members expressed concern about trying to have just a one-time meeting/forum, and about the cost and effectiveness. No action taken.
7. Ash Trees: Rogers reviewed past efforts to inoculate four trees in Slater Park. They are due again. McElray volunteered to spearhead an effort to re-inoculate them by contacting City Parks Dept. Motion/2nd to authorize $1000 for this tree project. Motion carried.
8. Park Renovations: McElray presented the City Parks plan for replacing/moving playground equipment at Segoe and Slater Parks. Additional funds are needed for extra swings and a riding vehicle item, for which the local neighbors have launched a fund-raising effort. Although initial goal was $2500, they need $3035 for all the desired equipment. Motion/2nd to supplement any donations obtained independently to bring up the total to $3035. Motion carried.
9. Announcements: Lamb said there will be no Jan/Feb newsletter as no new editor has been found. Further, the longtime printer she used is out of business. She will aim toward finding a new printer and doing a Mar/Apr newsletter.
Fischer had attended the City Neighborhood Conference, which included a tour of the newly renovated Municipal Building.
Lamb will cover early planning for Segoe Concerts at next meeting.
Meeting adjourned by motion at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY October 23, 2018, 6:45 pm
SEQUOYA LIBRARY

1. Minutes taken from Midvale Heights Messenger newsletter write-up, with additions at the end:
   1. MHCA hosted its annual membership meeting at Sequoya Library on October 23, with MHCA board vice-president Gary Poulson emceeing the event. In our annual “state of the neighborhood” summary, he highlighted successful MHCA activities, but acknowledged some issues as well. Successes included repairing the Bison Prairie statues, funding playground equipment at Van Hise Elementary, prairie restoration work at multiple spots around the neighborhood, and the continuation of our Summer Nights at Segoe concert series. Poulson also noted a recent incident in which presumptive state representative Shelia Stubbs was approached by police while canvassing in Midvale Heights due to someone calling in her parked car as suspicious. The car was parked near a suspected drug house, precipitating the call. The incident received national media coverage and caused a lot of hurt and fear locally. We hope that a facilitated community discussion where all feel included, safe, and heard in the future will help us come to a more common understanding of each other’s lived experience in our neighborhood.
   2. We held elections for Area Directors of even-numbered areas this year, with most current board members on the ballot to continue for another two-year term. Gary Poulson is stepping down after over 20 years on the board, and Joy Cardin was elected to replace him for Area 2.
   3. Ron Rotter, another longtime board member, presented a thank you gift to Mike Pressman, who coordinates the successful youth baseball league that also helps fund MHCA activities. Mike noted that a past player was just signed to the Tampa Bay Rays.
   4. We heard from Carousel Bayrd and Mo Cheeks on topics at the county and city levels, including flooding, immigration, bail reform, city budgets, police and fire departments, and evictions. Our representatives were kind enough to linger and answer questions from the audience until the library shut down.
   5. But folks, if you weren’t at the annual meeting this year, you missed the chocolate! Sandwiched (nougated?) in between all the neighborhood news was our main speaker, Midvale Heights resident Megan Hile, chocolatier and owner of Madison Chocolate Company, located on Monroe and Glenway Sts., who brought freshly made chocolates along for the audience to sample. She told an engaging story about her journey integrating her background as a Spanish teacher into sourcing cocoa and coffee from Central and South America, then embracing the science of chocolate making as a “language arts person,” finding financing, and being her own general contractor for the shop when money ran short. In addition to serving and selling chocolate at the shop, there is a menu that includes quiche, gluten free waffles, other items, coffee, and, of course, chocolate. Megan told the crowd that the space is designed to encourage people to linger and connect. She welcomes neighbors to hang out at Madison Chocolate Company and “enjoy something to put a smile on your face.”
2. Additions that were not in the newsletter write-up:
   1. Jean Sweet passed away about a month ago. She served on the Midvale Heights Community Association board for a long time.
   2. Gary Poulson thanks Terese Berceau for her service as Alder and in the State Assembly. The Midvale Heights Community Association will be making a donation to the Sequoya library in her honor.

Newsletter write-up written by Jenny Chipault and edited by Denise Lamb. Additions submitted by Jenny Chipault