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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charles Bunge, Secretary