MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

• DRAFT*** TUESDAY March 26, 2024, 6:45 pm ***DRAFT***

Meeting held in person and via Zoom.
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, C. Gibbons, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, D. Beilke, W. Weber, J. Okech, C. Wacker, G. Fischer, J. Veto, K. Reuter-Krohn, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Bill Tishler, Matt Wise, Cathy Rotter
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. Minutes: February minutes approval. Motion/2nd. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Rotter reported showing a balance of $47,421.45. T-ball income and expenses are starting up. Pressman said an extra city permit charge is applying to T-ball.
4. Alder Report: Tishler noted that neighbor feedback for the Segoe Rd/Berwyn Dr. intersection redo should instead close off the short block of Laub Ln. He will contact Streets Dept. Also, the Westside plan input date has been extended.
Some have expressed speeding concerns especially on main arterial roads. He has asked police to prioritize enforcing limits there.
City budget talks are progressing but no referendum decision or cost/details yet.
Finally, ADUs are coming to allow for non-owner occupied units on single-family lots. ADU is accessory dwelling unit as a secondary unit of the lot (aka, granny flat).
5. Sidewalk Gaps: Wise discusses resolution for City Council for filling sidewalk gaps. Motion/2nd to approve slightly amended resolution. Motion carried.
6. Welcome Packet: Committee by Gibbons presented sample welcome bag to include ground coffee, membership form, ice cream coupon, MHCA website magnets/stickers (which have been created) and map. Discussion to allow for new residents up to three months back to receive these.
7. Neighborhood Exchange Website: Pilot program as previously proposed would give us “test run” for $500 (refundable) for them to develop an MHCA page/site. Okech suggests doing a risk/benefit analysis. Board members should visit MHCA and Westmorland sites to get a sense of content and presentation.
8. Green Team: Weber cited successful talk by Susan Carpenter of UW Arboretum about native plants. As a followup, Sarah Savage will discuss restoration of residential native plants on 4/4. Marcel will do another Odana Prairie presentation/tour this summer. Tokay median cleanup is set for the second week of May.
9. Picnic: The permit has been requested and is coming.
10. Good Neighbor Project: Drone demo is on 4/7 at 7 pm.
11. Blood Drive: Set for 4/11; volunteers should contact Red Cross.
12. Segoe Concerts: Bands are all set.
13. Newsletter: Beilke noted deadline for submissions of 4/25.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY February 27, 2024, 6:45 pm
Meeting held in person and via Zoom.
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, J. Thoreson, C. Gibbons, L. Raihala, T. Jarvis, D. Beilke, C. Wacker, G. Fischer, J. Veto, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Bill Tishler, Matt Wise
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. Minutes: January minutes approval. Motion/2nd. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer’s Report: This was provided in writing only, showing a balance of $47,645.83.
4. Alder Report: Tishler noted that an academic colleague is writing up a history of Madison including Midvale Heights.
He’s having a book discussion about “Arbitrary Lines” on 3/20 at 7 pm.
Then on 4/11 at 7 m there is a meeting on City Plowing Practices/Salt Use at Sequoya Library.
5/15 is a Sequoya Commons historical condo review.
6/10 at 11 am is the City Parks’ reopening ribbon cutting at Oak Park Heights (Piper) Park. Playground equipment installation is completed.
Provided update on Hilldale Post Office, which the developer is not trying to shut down after all. It will remain, though may move into a new building in the future.
West Area Plan is posted on District 11 website. Three public hearings happen in March. Plan would split Midvale Heights from Westmorland, so previous joint plan is merely being archived.
Budget talks ongoing at City, contemplating perhaps up to 250 staff cuts. Referendum may be necessary about staffing–Library and Parks might be particularly at risk.
Road “Diet” (lane reductions) for Mineral Point Rd are likely delayed to 2026. Financial is transferring $2 million to fix sidewalks in District 11.
5. Sidewalk Gaps: Wise discusses missing sidewalks in MH neighborhood. Needs community support, even though funding may be tough for large gaps. He’ll draw up a resolution of support for MHCA to vote on at next meeting.
6. Welcome Packet: Committee met and endorsed a gift bag for new residents which would include ground coffee, membership form, ice cream coupon, MHCA website magnet and map. Motion/2nd to approve $1000 for the gift bags. Motion carried.
5. Upcoming Events: Green Team activities were shared via email/newsletter by W. Weber
Picnic: Segoe Park has been reserved for 6/20 (and rain date 6/27). Veto will do the registration form.
Segoe Concerts: Raihala has four bands booked. Motion/2nd to raise compensation to $700 per band. Motion carried.
Youth Baseball: Registration is ongoing.
6. Announcements: Good Neighbor Project is having a police drone demo 4/7 at 7 pm at Midtown Police Station. Also a fraud specialist program will be scheduled on a different date soon.
Cardin referenced Sen. Kelda Roys letter to MHCA requesting joining a listening session. This will not happen because it is election season.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY January 23, 2024, 6:45 pm
Meeting held in person and via Zoom.
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, C. Gibbons, T. Jarvis, D. Beilke, J. Okech, C. Wacker, G. Fischer, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Jesse Czech, Conner Cowling
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. Introductions followed.
2. Neighbor Exchange website: Czech and Cowling described their private effort to develop a website administration group to assist neighborhood associations in running websites, possibly collectively with the City. Services would be priced at reasonable hosting/administration levels of perhaps $300/month. They may offer us and others a demo video with more details.
Discussion followed especially from Jarvis about his doubtful future as our tech guy. For now Okech may assist him with our existing website.
3. Minutes: November minutes approval. Motion/2nd. Motion carried.
4. Welcome Packet: Gibbons and Walters discussed streamlined process to get welcome materials to new neighbors. Lagers and Wacker agreed to work with them on this.
5. Upcoming Events: Segoe Concerts–Noted that Raihala is scheduling bands already. Questions about whether to raise band compensation.
WIDE Radio–Wacker reported that they are doing neighbor interviews which are set to air at 5 pm on Sundays. Will be available on demand also. Needs suggestions for more interview subjects/people.
Picnic–Cardin garnered consensus for 6/20 picnic date with 6/27 rain date.
6. Announcements: Blood Drive–Next one is April 11 at Sequoya Library.
Road “Diet”–City will reduce auto traffic lanes on Mineral Pt Rd between Midvale and Speedway. A road diet on this street would consist of reducing down to three travel lanes (one lane in each direction plus a center left-turn lane) with marked buffered bike lanes. All on-street parking would be permanently eliminated along this stretch. Additional public meetings to follow.
Hilltop Dr. Sidewalk–Neighbors were successful in lobbying to construct a missing sidewalk there at City’s expense.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY October 24, 2023, 7:00 pm
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, J. Thoreson, C. Gibbons, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, R. Rotter, D. Beilke, C. Wacker, J. Okech, G. Fischer, , J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Bill Tishler, Aaron Collins, Cecely Castillo, Kate Kane, CJ Ryan, about 20 additional attendees
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Election for Odd-Numbered Areas - Existing directors for odd-numbered areas were nominated. No other nominations. Motion/2nd to elect nominees. Motion carried.
3. Legislators’ Reports - Tishler reported project focuses included traffic safety, green spaces and new housing. Also reminded that neighborhood book club meets 10/25 at 7 pm at Sequoya to discuss “Paved Paradise” book.
Parks representatives appeared to explain the Piper (Oak Park Heights) Park mistaken removal of playground equipment. Plan is to continue construction of the new equipment and seek input this winter on alternative new climbing structure to be installed next spring.
Collins and Castillo identified features of county pending budget process which includes conservation land purchases and lake dredging. Also discussed building accessibility at parks, Madison Reading Project and upcoming County Executive election in 11/2024 and again in 4/2025. Budget funds are especially tight right now with housing and hunger/food as priorities.
4. Open Forum - Questions from audience followed. There are no resources for the City to expand the volunteer ice programs in the parks.
Meeting was adjourned to treats at 8:09 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

Present:
J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, R. Rotter, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn, D. Beilke, W. Weber, Carl Wacker, Christy Gibbons, Jimmy OKech, Bill Tishler

Meeting called to order at 6:46pm

1.) Appoint Secretary in Chuck’s absence. (Joy)
2.) Alder Report: Alder Bill Tishler was attending a Finance Committee to advocate for $250,000 budget to replace the pedestrian traffic light at Segoe and Sawyer once the city installs a new storm water pipe. Bill also updated us on efforts to designate bicycle paths on Mineral Point and Midvale Blvd, efforts to remove the city’s unenforceable (because of a court ruling declaring panhandling free speech) panhandling ordinance, a change the trespassing ordinance, and the next stage of the development in the old Westgate Mall property.
3.) Approved minutes from August meeting
4.) Treasurers Report - $47,000 in coffers. Bills for Directory and discount card printing and mailing still to come. Motion to reimburse Joy for monthly zoom invoice ($14.99) passed.
4.) Carl Wacker invited two neighborhood residents who were interested in serving as Area Directors on the MHCA board to the meeting. Motions to appoint Christy Gibbons to fill the Area 7 Director vacancy - and to appoint Jimmy Okech and Carl Wacker as Co-Directors for Area 11 passed. They will on the slate of candidates for the odd-numbered neighborhood areas elected/re-elected at the October annual meeting.
5.) Membership Drive Update. 365 residents joined by the 9/22 deadline. Tom will finish the copy for the directory, including updating the page of government officials. We discussed needing the updated participating businesses for the back of the card by the end of next week. Bonnie volunteered to help Gregory call business to confirm their continued participating if needed. Board discussed and supported printing the card without names/membership numbers/addresses on the front. Also making the expiration date the last day of September 2025. Ron agreed to check with Econoprint about printing the directory. A mailing meeting/party will be scheduled when printing is complete. Some discussion about why membership is down from previous years. Is it because we aren’t printing and distributing the newsletter? About 25 members did not provide email addresses, so they won’t get emailings. Should we consider printing and mailing news letter to members who request and pay a little more? Should we just do this for people who may not have computers? No resolution as we can’t implement a change like this right now.
6.) Annual Meeting Update - meeting will be October 24 at 7pm in the Sequoya combined conference rooms. Rooms are occupied until 7pm - so we probably won’t get down to business until 7:15pm. Attendees can have cookies/cider/visit until room is arranged. Joy and anyone else who wants to will bring refreshments. Will hold elections. And then have a brief program with our local government elected officials. Alder Bill Tishler has confirmed. So has one of our two County Board Supervisors - Aaron Collins. Supervisor Cecely Castillo has also been invited but has not confirmed yet. Neighborhood police liaison has a conflict and cannot attend.
7.) Next MHCA Sponsored Blood Drive November 7. Library is asking for months we would like to sponsor next year. Kathy Losby is willing to coordinate 3 of them. Board agreed to sponsor 3 during months Kathy is available. Spreading them out - we’ll do them in January 11, April 11 and December 12. Noon to 5pm.
8.) Any other business? - Denise was contacted by city parks about reserving Segoe Park for Summer Nights now. The 4 Fridays in July will be reserved, even those the first Friday is July 5/4th of July weekend.
9.) Adjourn

Next meeting is the annual meeting - 7pm Conference Rooms A and B - Tuesday, October 24.

November 11/28 meeting will be in combined study rooms - not a conference room.

No meeting in December

Submitted by Joy Cardin

MIDVALE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AREA DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY August 22, 2023, 6:45 pm
Meeting held in person.
Present: J. Cardin, B. Roe, J. Walter, K. Walter, J. Thoreson, D. Lamb, R. Rotter, T. Jarvis, L. Raihala, G. Fischer, J. Veto, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn, C. Kreimendahl
Also present: Cathy Rotter, Bill Tishler, Carl Wacker, Matt Wise
1. Cardin called the meeting to order at 6:47 p.m.
2. Legislators’ Reports - Alder Tishler noted that the University Park (HyVee) Phase Two building starts in early 2024. Developer is seeking affordable housing funds, so there will be a town hall-type meeting in the next three weeks.
Also bike track/path along Odana Rd is approved and will alleviate Charles Ln/Odana Rd intersection problems. New separated bike lane will be coming for Segoe Rd. And the stoplight will remain at the Regent St intersection.
Tishler is proposing a book club/talk session with guests discussing topics relevant to Madison life and City planning.
Board inquired about Rudi the Pig and the possible ordinance change to allow such pets.
He met with City Forester about trees in the Greenways, which are controlled by the Parks Dept. Public meet/greet Forester on 9/21.
3. Minutes: Motion/2nd to approve June minutes with corrections. Motion carried.
4. Treasurer’s Report: Rotter distributed report that showed a balance of $46,172.63. He also reviewed the historical T-ball income, and Segoe concert costs. Roe indicated that the GNP Picnic costs were split with Westmorland. Cardin said MHCA needs a non-profit Zoom subscription as wee cannot use hers any more.
5. Annual Meeting in October - Cardin cited Library room schedule conflict but we should be able to work around it with a slightly later start time. Otherwise, alternate meeting locations presented cost issues. Discussion of possible guest speakers.
6. Membership: Reminder postcards are going out. Jarvis will delay Directory preparation until mid- to late-September. Raihala will post membership prompt on Next Door.
7. Garage Sales: Numbers of sellers are down but Labor Day weekend sales will happen. Michelle who is coordinating will print out some maps for sellers to use to guide folks to all other sales.
8. Concerts: Discussion of Port-A-Potty expense. Lamb noted feedback about lack of variety of food carts.
Announcements: Matt Wise inquired about absent sidewalks along portions of Hilltop Dr.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Submitted by C. Kreimendahl, Secy.

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

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

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

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