MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, S. Schmidt, J. Gary, J. Lager, N. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn

1. Proposed development at Segoe and Odana: Representatives for the development company were again in attendance to present site development plans for the corner of Segoe and Odana. Concepts of size, massing, mixed used (commercial use rather than retail) presented –critical site to develop as buffer to Hy-Vee at Westgate. Plans discussed including market rate apartments--60 apartments in 4-story building on the Segoe side of site next to current 2-story apartments. Commercial building will be at the corner with walk-way between the apartments and the commercial building. Plans to have the apartments ready to open in fall 2011 with efficiency, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments ranging in the $600 – $1250 price range. Recommendations to keep the apartment building 2-3 stories and look into senior apartments. Neighbors on Odana voiced concern about the parking lot and size of the building in proximity to their homes. Developers would like to return to the April 27 meeting to continue to present their plans.

2. Minutes: The minutes of February 23 meeting were approved as distributed.

3. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter reported no changes to January treasurer’s report.

4. Babysitting Co-op update: S. Schmitz reported that six families attended a Tuesday evening gathering at their home to meet other families with children. Monthly potlucks, the first Tuesday of the month were scheduled to get to know each other. Plan to proceed slowly.

5. Plans for June annual picnic: J. Gary and D. Lamb met with picnic coordinators to discuss plans for the June 24 annual picnic. They are recommending: that the board buys brats, hotdogs, soda, and everyone in attendance bring salads and desserts; ask the block captains to promote the picnic and try to increase attendance; an article will be in the May/June newsletter to promote the picnic plans and a flyer will be distributed to promote the garage sale and picnic with a request for RSVP. Also recommended that we promote with signage the week of the picnic. More discussion at the April meeting.

6. Green Team: N. Lager announced spring clean-up will be scheduled and proposed April 24th to support Earth Day ( 40th anniversary). Signs will be put up and will post on the web site. New project includes the clean up of trash from the 8 parks/playgrounds in the neighborhood. J. Sweet will keep track of who has volunteered for each park. J. Gary, J. Sweet and N. Lager will meet on Sunday, March 28 with T. Jarvis to update the website. The bison prairie clean-up will be scheduled after the Tokay clean-up. J. Gary announced that she has a volunteer to mow the prairie and she has also purchased native plants. There is an Earth Day celebration Sat. April 24th at Westmorland Park.

7. Apartment Association: D. Lamb will contact apartment owners’ association and invite to a future meeting.

8. Proposed development of Segoe and Odana: D. Lamb asked for advice on how often to meet with developers. Motion was made, seconded and passed to coordinate meeting with developers, neighborhood plan steering committee, interested board members and neighbors prior to board meeting.

9. Book donated by Library to MHCA: R. Rotter shared the book Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum; he will read and bring to next meeting to share with others interested in reading. Also received an invitation with the book to a donor reception on Tues. April 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Kay Reuter-Krohn (acting secretary)

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

Also present: Timothy Kritter, John, Bieno, John Walsh, Shana Weber, Gregg Schimanski, Mike Slavney, Jon Hoffman, Charlie Quagliana, Cathy Rotter

1. Minutes: The minutes of the January 26 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a treasurer’s report showing total cash and bank accounts of $18,924.63, along with other financial information. He reported that the number of residents who had paid their membership dues was about the same as in past years. The membership directory had been mailed to members, and Board members reported having received their copies.

3. Proposed development at Segoe and Odana: John Bieno, Timothy Kritter, John Walsh, and Shana Weber presented information regarding early planning for mixed-use development at the corner of S. Segoe Rd. and Odana Rd. They indicated that they envisioned a combination of multi-family residential units and offices, with underground parking. They hoped to have the project started in the fall of 2010, with a fall 2011 opening. In response to questions and comments from Board members and from Jon Hoffman and Mike Slavney, the presenters indicated that they planned to meet the guidelines of the neighborhood plan. They promised to keep the Board informed and to work with the neighborhood to make the development an asset to the area.

4. Proposed addition of an apartment at Ascot Hill Apartments: Gregg Schimanski, owner of an apartment complex on Ascot Lane, presented plans for making a one-bedroom apartment out of underused space in one of his buildings. His intent was that the apartment would be occupied by a resident manager. Board members asked questions, and Mike Slavney suggested that the project would be improved by reconfiguring the parking spaces near the proposed apartment. Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the MHCA Board supports the project, contingent on the reconfiguration of the parking spaces.

5. Babysitting co-op: S. Schmidt had to leave the meeting early, but D. Lamb reported that work toward the establishment of a neighborhood babysitting co-op was progressing.

6. The Road Home support: Cathy Rotter informed the Board that The Road Home is a project that supports finding homes for homeless people. The project is always in need of furniture for the homes. To facilitate donations of furniture by area residents, Cathy and Ron Rotter plan to have a truck at their home to receive donations, and to pick up large items from residents’ homes. There was a consensus among Board members that the Association should support the project, including having an article in the Association newsletter. Board members also suggested that participants in the annual garage sale should be urged to consider giving unsold items to this project.

7. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that she hoped to get the next issue of the newsletter to the printer around March 1.

8. Outreach to apartment building owners and residents: D. Lamb expressed the need for MHCA to gain participation in its activities by owners and residents of apartments in the neighborhood. She indicated that Gregg Schimanski was willing to share some ideas with the Board. She also suggested getting someone from the apartment owners’ association to share ideas with the Board. She had the name of Nancy Jenson, and Board members encouraged her to explore having Ms. Jenson meet with the Board.

9. Green Team: J. Sweet announced that the City will plant red roses in the Tokay Blvd. median.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:00.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

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

Also present: Nan Lager

1. Minutes: The minutes of the November 24 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report, budget discussion, neighborhood plan final accounting: R. Rotter distributed a treasurer’s report showing total cash and bank accounts of $22,460.46, along with other financial information. He pointed out a column of figures representing projected 2010 spending levels for various Association activities. C. Bunge pointed out that the “General Fund” figure in this column represented unbudgeted or “reserve” funds and that part of the budgeted amount for the library donation would not be paid until 2011. D. Lamb submitted a bill from Vierbicher Associates for $1617.50, which she said would be the last expense for the project. Also, $2,000 was outstanding from the City grant, which the City should pay when they receive final copies of the plan from Vierbicher Associates. She indicated that, after all expenses for the project had been paid, MHCA would owe the Westmorland neighborhood association some $3,000 as a refund on the amount that the association had advanced for the joint project.

3. Babysitting co-op: S. Schmidt reported that she and Jeff Maxted had talked to other parents in the neighborhood about the idea of a babysitting co-op sponsored by MHCA. They wrote a letter about the idea and got it out to a sample of parents. There had been a positive response. Board members supported the idea and encouraged her to move ahead on it, including putting an article in the Association newsletter about it.

4. Membership Committee: S. Schmidt reported that she had had one email response to the newsletter item about membership benefits and a membership committee. The sender proposed a plant trade among members who had extra plants at spring planting time. Board members discussed briefly the idea of a membership benefits card, along the lines of the Wisconsin Public Radio card. P. Haskew volunteered to be on the Membership Committee. D. Lamb indicated that she would write a charge for the committee and that she would try to get additional members for the committee.

5. Gypsy moth spraying: Carousel Bayrd, who was unable to attend the meeting, sent information regarding spraying for gypsy moth control in the neighborhood, which was distributed to Board members. An information session on the spraying had been announced for February 1 at 7:00. Policies and procedures for this year will be similar to those of past years. Board members discussed the matter briefly, including how to request expansion of the areas to be sprayed.

6. Membership directory: R. Rotter indicated that the 2010-2011 directory was ready to be dropped off at the printer. He distributed photocopies of the printer-ready pages. Board members thanked him for all his hard work on the directory and promised him that he would not be expected to do the next edition.

7. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that February 15 would be the deadline for content for the March-April issue of the MHCA newsletter. She also indicated that she would be preparing and mailing bills for advertisements in the newsletter for the 2009 year, hoping to gain some of the revenue lost, due to the lack of a newsletter advertising manager.

8. Building addition on Ascot Lane: D. Lamb reported that the owner of some apartment buildings on Ascot Lane had provided her with some information on his plans to build a resident manager’s apartment onto one of the buildings, which would require a zoning variance. She distributed some drawings of the proposed apartment and reported that the owner is willing to meet with the Board, in an effort to inform the neighborhood about the project. Board members expressed the view that there seems to be nothing to object to in this project.

9. Other business: D. Lamb referred the Board to articles in the media about a group that wished to plant fruit trees in open areas in the city. The group had applied to do such a planting in Wingra Park, but their application was denied. A member of the Association had asked D. Lamb to seek the Board’s support for overturning this denial. Board members expressed the opinion that they did not have enough information to take such action, and the Board took no action on the matter. F. Stautz asked the Board if any members had experienced difficulties regarding large-item pick-up by the City Streets Department. He had noted a problem in the transition to alternative-week pick-up. One other Board member had been aware of such difficulties.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 7:55.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

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

1. Minutes: The minutes of the October 27 meeting and the 2009 Annual Meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Election of officers: A motion was made and seconded to re-elect the current officers. Current officers indicated that they were all willing to serve, though some of them indicated that this would be their last term. Motion passed with no opposing votes.

3. Treasurer’s report, budget discussion, library donation: R. Rotter reported that the Association’s financial situation was about the same as shown in his October report. C. Bunge distributed a report estimating income and expenses for 2010 and 2011. Members discussed additional expenses that might occur. Board members agreed to adopt a 2010/2011 budget at the January Board meeting. Motion was made and seconded that $10,000 be contributed to the Sequoya Branch Library endowment fund over a three-year period. R. Rotter indicated that he felt that some recognition should be given to Mike Pressman and the T-ball program, which has generated significant funds to allow this contribution to the library endowment. G. Poulson, as chair of the endowment committee, made a commitment to gaining such recognition. Motion passed, with no opposing votes (G. Poulson abstained).

4. Membership directory, benefits of membership: R. Rotter indicated that the Association directory was nearly finished. After proof reading and printing, copies will be mailed to the membership. R. Rotter said that he was not willing to produce the directory again. D. Lamb expressed the opinion that the Association needs a membership chair and perhaps a membership committee to handle the membership drive and to produce the directory. A discussion of benefits derived from membership in MHCA was delayed until a future meeting.

5. Green Team: J. Gary reported that volunteers had placed boulders in the garden at the Bison Prairie Gateway. She circulated pictures showing the placing of the boulders and of the garden in general.

6. Environmental challenge: D. Lamb reported that MG&E has issued a challenge to Madison neighborhoods to be involved in environmental projects. She asked the Board’s permission to get further information on this challenge and to apply for participation if it seemed appropriate. By consensus, the Board gave her the go-ahead.

7. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that the January-February issue of the MHCA newsletter would be out early in January and encouraged members to email her content.

8. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 7:50.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

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

Also present: Nan Lager, Shelley Schmidt

1. Minutes: The minutes of the August, 25 and September 22 meetings were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $26,848.46, along with other information. D. Lamb pointed out that some $4,000 was still owed to the Westmorland neighborhood association as a refund from the neighborhood plan project. Also, she reported that there would be some expenses for printing of the final version of the neighborhood plan. There was some discussion of the budget for the next two years, including discussion of the Sequoya Branch Library endowment committee’s request for a $10,000 contribution over three years. There was consensus that the Board should adopt a budget at its November meeting, including a decision on the Sequoya Branch endowment request.

3. Annual Meeting: D. Lamb announced that arrangements were in place for the MHCA Annual Meeting on October 29. All incumbent Directors for odd-numbered areas agreed to be nominated to serve in 2009-2011.D. Lamb introduced Shelley Schmidt, who had agreed to be nominated for Co-Director for Area 11.

4. Garage sale update: J. Gary distributed a report on the recent annual neighborhood garage sale. Board members agreed that the sale went very well and that this is a good service by the Association to the neighborhood. Registered sales were held by 65 residents. Income over expenses amounted to $76.91. J. Gary thanked the many people who helped with the sale, including Abby Hammes and Jenny Herritz, next year’s co-chairs.

5. Green Team: J. Sweet and Nan Lager reported that the cleanup day for the Tokay plantings went well, with around 15 people participating. The Lagers planted bulbs afterward. The garden open house at 4805 Tokay went well, too. J. Gary announced that there would be a cleanup day at the Bison Prairie Gateway on November 7.

6. Electronic communication: D. Lamb expressed interest in communicating with MHCA members and neighborhood residents electronically. Board members suggested various possibilities, including using the communication capabilities of the MHCA website. R. Rotter mentioned that many members had provided their email addresses on their membership forms. D. Lamb and T. Jarvis agreed to meet and to see what was possible using these email addresses and the capabilities of the website.

7. Membership directory: R. Rotter indicated that he was coming along on producing the directory. Board members suggested dropping the numerical street guide part of the directory to save the tedious work required to produce it and the expense to print it. Other Board members expressed the opinion that this was a valuable part of the directory. Nan Lager, Shelley Schmidt, and Board members volunteered to help produce the directory, with a target date of Thanksgiving for completion.

8. Meeting regarding Hilldale Target store: D. Lamb and F. Stautz reported on a meeting they had attended regarding a Target store at Hilldale mall. Board members asked questions and offered comments on the matter.

9. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that the November-December issue of the MHCA newsletter was nearly ready for printing. A report on the Annual Meeting would be included.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:20.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: G. Poulson, J. Sweet, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew,
C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Jeff Maxted, Shelley Schmidt, Libby Maxted.

1. Roll call: D. Lamb ascertained that a quorum of Board members was not present and adjourned the meeting.

2. Informal discussion: Although no formal action could be taken, the Board members present agreed to hold informal discussion of several items on the agenda.

a. Annual Meeting: D. Lamb announced that plans were in place for the Annual Meeting on October 29. It would be held at Westwood Christian Church at 6:30 p.m. She would arrange for refreshments. An article about the meeting would appear in the newsletter, which was soon to be distributed.

b. SWANS update: D. Lamb and C. Bunge reported on the meeting, called by the South West Alliance of Neighborhoods and Dane County Council of Public Affairs on August 26. They distributed handouts from the meeting and reported that no action was taken to adopt the “Madison Residents Bill of Rights” or “The Madison Community Code of Conduct and Behavior,” which had been proposed by the sponsoring groups. There was brief discussion of what MHCA might or should do to promote community in the neighborhoods in the area.

c. Green team: J. Sweet reported that Janice Gary had fallen and broken her hip, but that she was recuperating in good spirits. She reported further that Janice requested that other Board members keep an eye on the Gateway area. A cleanup day for the Tokay median was scheduled for October 24, the same day as another garden tour.

d. Neighborhood plan: D. Lamb reported that the City Council had adopted the Midvale Heights-Westmorland Neighborhood Plan on a 19-1 vote. Board members expressed appreciation to D. Lamb and the joint committee for their hard and effective work on the project.

e. Other matters: P. Haskew reported that it was very hard and dangerous for pedestrians or bikers to cross Whitney way from the bus stop at the intersection of Odana Ln., Whitney Way, and Medical Cir. Board members encouraged him to see what might be done to improve this situation. Jeff Maxted asked if it would be possible for MHCA to facilitate a baby-sitting co-op, beyond the listing in the Association directory. In discussion on this matter those present agreed that the Jeff and the Board should pursue making the Association more useful to young families in the neighborhood.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: J. Sweet, D. Lamb (presiding), C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Sherwood, F. Stautz, J. Gary, J. Lager

Also present: Gary Poulson

1. Minutes: The minutes of the June 23, 2009 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $28,719.88, along with other information. He indicated that some money was still owed for expenses for the neighborhood plan project. Around 400 members had paid their dues. Income from the t-ball program was down this year. During discussion of the Treasurer’s report, R. Rotter reported that a staff member of the sign company had indicated that it would cost around $3,200 to replace the neighborhood sign at Segoe and Odana and that she doubted that there would be any City money to cover this cost. R. Rotter and D. Lamb said that they would gather further information about this matter.

3. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb reported that the neighborhood plan had been reviewed by a number of City committees. All had approved the plan, some with compliments on its quality. The plan would be before the City Council for approval on Tuesday, September 1. D. Lamb encouraged Board members to attend the City Council meeting and to register in support of approval of the plan

4. Garage sale update: J. Gary reported that 63 residents had registered to hold garage sales. The map for the sale had been completed and packets of information would soon be assembled.

5. Green Team: J. Sweet indicated that she would submit something to the newsletter about a fall garden tour. J. Gary reported that the Bison Prairie Gateway was coming along nicely. Board members asked about progress on the informational sign that was planned for the Gateway. R. Rotter reported that he had the stand that had been prepared for the sign. J. Gary indicated that, after the garage sale was over, she would work on bringing this project to completion.

6. SWANS report: D. Lamb reported that an organization calling itself South West Alliance of Neighborhoods, along with Dane County Council of Public Affairs, had developed a “Residents’ Bill of Rights” and “The Madison Community Code of Conduct and Behavior” to address problems in southwest Madison neighborhoods. The two groups were holding a public meeting on August 26 to discuss these documents and to get neighborhood groups to sign off on them. D. Lamb encouraged Board members to attend this meeting. She said that she would report back to the Board on this matter.

7. Library endowment request: D. Lamb reviewed the discussion of this matter from the last Board meeting, including the endowment committee’s request for $10,000 from MHCA over three years. Board members agreed that, in view of the fact that the Association’s two-year budget period was just starting, decisions on this matter should wait until the budget situation clarifies.

8. Annual meeting: D. Lamb indicated that she had been having trouble securing a meeting place for the MHCA annual meeting on October 29. She had reserved space at Queen of Peace Church and was going to look over available space at Westwood Christian Church. She asked if all Board members from odd-numbered areas were willing to run for re-election. None of the Board members present indicated unwillingness to run.

9. Area 2 Director: Gary Poulson was nominated to be Area 2 Director. He was elected with no dissenting votes. D. Lamb welcomed him to the Board.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:05.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: J. Sweet, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, C. Robida,
J. Gary, MJ Armstrong, J. Lager, K. Reuter

Also present: Carousel Bayrd, Terri Goren, Nadie Pfotenhauer, Jean MacCubbin, Jane Roughen

1. Minutes: The minutes of the May 26, 2009 were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s Report: R. Rotter distributed a report, showing a balance of $28,479.48. Thus far, $6,675.00 has been taken in with membership dues and we have 267 members.

3. Library Foundation Presentation: Members of the Madison Public Library Administration, Madison Public Library Foundation, Friends of Sequoya and Sequoya Capital Campaign Committee/Endowment presented to the board of directors. The individuals thanked MHCA for their past and ongoing support of Sequoya Library branch. According to their records, check-outs are up 7.6%, visits are up 16.2%, library registrations are up 113% and the meeting room space is 569% It was indicated they are raising $100,000 for their endowment, in which interest will pay for programming and resources. They requested a three-year pledge of $10,000 from MHCA.

4. County Board Report: C. Bayrd indicated that budget was the big discussion item and that they negotiated a 5% pay cut for all Dane County employees. She has heard several stellar comments about the new 911 Director.

5. Picnic/Garage Sale: J. Gary indicated the MHCA summer picnic would be held this coming Thursday, June 25 and that the same committee from last year was working on it again this year. She noted that she had received 10 garage sale registrations thus far.

6. Tocora Bike Path: D. Lamb noted that the City Council did pass this, and it is slated for the city’s fall schedule to be completed.

7. Green Team-Bison Prairie Project: J. Gary presented an update on the interpretive sign for the Bison Prairie Gateway. MJ Armstrong and C. Robida are going to become involved in finding a designer to work on this project and bring it to its completion. Planned dedication is for spring 2010.

8. Neighborhood Plan: The Neighborhood Plan is to be presented at the City Council’s July 7th meeting and then be referred to numerous city committees. D. Lamb expects the plan to be approved by the City Council in September.

9. Annual Meeting: Neighbor Mike Slavney will be the featured speaker, discussing the zoning code rewrite at the MHCA Annual Meeting, scheduled for the 5th Thursday in October, October 29. There was discussion about having the annual meeting at the Sequoya Library branch location.

10. Sequoya Commons Update: It has been heard that the developer cannot get funding for Phase II of the project. Westmorland is going to be contacting the developer about the current state of Phase II property.

11. Area 2 Director: D. Lamb indicated that Gary Poulson is possibly interested and she also heard a new neighbor to this location may also be interested. She will pursue.

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

Craig Robida
Vice President (in place of Charles Bunge, Secretary)

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, J. Gary, J. Lager

Also present: Alice Punwar, Gary Poulson, Carousel Bayrd

1. Minutes: The minutes of the April 28, 2009 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $25,532.35, along with other information. He indicated that 162 households had paid their membership dues and that money from the t-ball program was coming in. Time constraints had kept him for billing for advertisements in the newsletter for some time. D. Lamb indicated that she would try to find someone else to do this billing. R. Rotter indicated that he would mail a copy of the membership form to each household in the neighborhood (except for those who had already joined).

3. History book materials: D. Lamb introduced Alice Punwar , who edited the Association’s history book. She told the Board that she had been storing the raw materials and files for the book project and asked the Board to find a more appropriate place for them. R. Rotter volunteered to pick up the materials and to store them, at least temporarily. C. Bunge volunteered to check with staff of the Wisconsin Historical Society to see if its library or archives would be interested in the materials. J. Sweet reminded the Board how important Alice Punwar had been to the success of the history book project, and the Board responded with a round of applause in thanks.

4. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb reported that the draft neighborhood plan had not yet been submitted to the City Council by City staff. The joint steering committee had been asked to choose its top recommendations and to rank them. Some 40 persons responsed to the architecture survey that was included in the newsletter. Opinions expressed on the survey were divided. Use of the data would likely await the results of the zoning rewrite project by the City.

5. Green Team: J. Sweet reported that the tour of Eric Sandgren’s garden on May 9 was a success. J. Sweet and J. Gary had obtained some free annual plants from Olbrich Gardens and would add them to plantings on Tokay Blvd. J. Gary reported that crushed red granite had been applied to the Bison Prairie Gateway with good effect, and that more weeding and mulching was needed.

6. Midvale Blvd. street work: D. Lamb reported that the City Board of Public Works had dropped the proposal to place lighting in the median of Midvale Blvd and to assess property owners for it. The bicycle lanes were still part of the plan, even though there was opposition to them among neighborhood residents.

7. Bike path off Tocora Lane: D. Lamb indicated that a public hearing would be held on June 3 regarding the City’s proposal to build this path across Research Park property off the end of Tocora Lane. Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the MHCA Board supports the proposal. D. Lamb indicated that she would send a letter to this effect to the Board of Public Works and that she would testify at the hearing, as well.

8. Garage sale and neighborhood picnic: J. Gary announced that she would coordinate the garage sale one more time if no one else was found for the job. Planning for the picnic was proceeding. A mailing, with information about both events would be mailed to all neighborhood households.

9. Area 1 and Area 2 Directors: D. Lamb announced that these Board seats are still vacant. Board members asked Gary Poulson to consider being Director for Area 2. He said that he would consider this.

10. County report: Carousel Bayrd made a brief report on matters before the County Board.

11. Other matters: D. Lamb told the Board that she was considering having the City’s zoning rewrite project as a topic for the MHCA annual meeting. Board members responded positively to the idea. Board members commented on the unsightly condition of the construction site for phase 2 of Sequoya Commons. Motion was made, seconded, and passed that the Board requests that the owners of the unsightly vacant property at Sequoya Commons provide some beautification or screening for it if construction on the site is to be delayed. D. Lamb indicated that she would send a copy of this motion to the developers of Sequoya Commons, the alders for Midvale Heights and Westmorland, and the Westmorland neighborhood association.

11 Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:40.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, F. Stautz, J. Gary, M. J. Armstrong, J. Lager

1. Minutes: The minutes of the March 24, 2009 meeting were approved with one spelling correction in item 9 (“Graham” for “Grahan”).

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $15,494.95, along with other information. Referring to a page of financial information on the neighborhood planning project, he pointed out that the City had reimbursed expenses for the neighborhood planning project, with more to come. He indicated that, eventually, MHCA would likely need to return some of the money the Westmorland neighborhood association had advanced for the project.

3. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb reported that the joint steering committee for the neighborhood plan had met to go through the input from the March 12 public meeting on the draft plan. The committee was conducting a brief survey regarding possible additional content in the plan about remodeling of residences and related matters. She indicated that a final draft of the plan had been submitted to the City for submission to the City Council. From there, it will be referred to various offices and committees for review and comment, before it is considered for adoption by the City Council.

4. Green Team: J. Sweet reported that the Tokay median cleanup and mulching went very well, with at least 40 volunteers participating. She received a donation of $100 from a Tokay resident and MHCA member, Richard Greiner, who was no longer able to work on the cleanup but who appreciated the beauty of the plantings. J. Gary reported that she and others were planning to walk through the Tokay plantings to see what replacements and additional plantings were required. Grant Hambrick had volunteered to help with trees in the plantings. The Bison Prairie Gateway plantings were growing well and needed work there would go forward.

5. American Transmission Company high-voltage line update: D. Lamb reported that the MHCA resolution regarding the transmission line had been turned in to the PSC. Several MHCA members made statements at the public hearings on the matter.

6. Midvale Blvd. Street work: D. Lamb reported that she had gathered further information on the proposal by the City Engineering Division regarding the resurfacing and drainage work on Midvale Blvd. from Mineral Point Road to Hamersley/Nakoma Rd., including a letter from the Division to property owners, notifying them of assessments for curb and driveway work, as well as for street lighting in the median. A public hearing on the matter was scheduled for May 6. Motion was made, seconded and passed that the Board of Directors of MHCA opposes the proposal by the City Engineering Division to assess residents along Midvale Blvd. for street lighting as ill-advised and unfair to these residents. D. Lamb indicated that she would see that this action was transmitted to appropriate City officials.

7. Bike/ped path off Tocora Lane: D. Lamb and C. Bunge reported that the University Research Park Design Review Committee had reviewed the City’s proposal to build this path across Research Park property. The committee voted to advise the Research Park Board that it would not oppose this proposal. Next steps included public hearings by the City and action by the Research Park Board to grant any request by the City for an easement to build the path.

8. Annual neighborhood picnic: J. Gary announced that information about the picnic would appear in the next issue of the MHCA newsletter and that a special mailing about the event would be sent to neighborhood residents.

9. Newsletter: D. Lamb announced that the May/June issue of the newsletter would be out by May 1.

10. Area One and Area 2 Directors: D. Lamb announced that John Eisenhauer had resigned from the Board, so that a new Director for Area 2 should be recruited. She also reminded the Board that a new Director for Area 1 was still needed.

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

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Sherwood, F. Stautz, C. Robida, J. Gary, M. J. Armstrong, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Jeff Maxted, Sherwin Rudman

1. Minutes: The minutes of the February 24, 2009 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $3,948.35. He pointed out that he had checks ready to deposit that would raise that amount significantly.

3. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb reported that some 60 people had attended the public meeting on the draft neighborhood plan. She also reported that the City would be providing the entire $40,000 of its grant for the project, but that $8,000 would be withheld until the plan was approved by appropriate City units. The planning committee was still discussing the appropriateness of some guidelines concerning remodeling of homes in the neighborhood and was considering some sort of “mini-survey” of neighborhood residents on the matter.

4. Neighborhood Watch: C. Robida urged Board members to attend the talk by the Neighborhood Officer for the Midvale Heights area on Thursday, March 26, at the Sequoya Branch Library.

5. Green Team: J. Gary, reported that an organizational meeting of the Green Team had been held. Nan Lager had agreed to be co-coordinator with Jean Sweet for the Tokay Blvd. plantings. Saturday, April 18, had been scheduled as clean-up and mulching day for the Tokay plantings, with April 25 as a rain date, and May 9 was the date for a garden tour at the home of Eric Sandgren. J. Gary also reported that she had been in contact with Kris Schutte regarding the informational sign planned for the Bison Prairie Gateway. Kris asked that some Board members look over her design for the sign and provide feedback on it. C. Robida and M. J. Armstrong volunteered to do this.

6. American Transmission Company high-voltage line: D. Lamb introduced Jeff Maxted, who distributed copies of a resolution that he and others had drafted opposing construction of a high-voltage power line in the Midvale Heights neighborhood. During discussion of the resolution, several editorial revisions were incorporated into the draft. Motion was made, seconded, and passed to adopt the resolution, as revised in discussion,and to present it to the Public Service Commission.

7. Membership drive: The Board confirmed the plan to put a copy of the revised membership form in the newsletter, followed by a mailing to all residents that did not sign up as a result of the newsletter insert. John Eisenhauer was not able to attend the meeting, so further discussion of the membership drive was delayed.

8. Bike/ped path off Tocora Lane: Some Board members had just attended a public meeting with Tony Fernandez, of the City Engineer’s office, regarding this matter. They reported that strong feelings were expressed by a number of people, both for and against the proposed paved path connecting Tocora Lane and Science Drive, through University Research Park. After brief discussion, Board members agreed that no further Board action on the matter was needed.

9. Annual neighborhood picnic: J. Gary announced that Ruth Monson, Steve Grahan, and Christine Sveom had again volunteered to coordinate the annual picnic, which was scheduled for June 25, 2009.

10. Area One Director: D. Lamb announced that Nina Goldberger had resigned from the Board, so that a new Director for Area 1 should be recruited.

11. County report: Carousel Bayrd gave a brief report on matters before the County Board.

12. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:00.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Present: J. Eisenhauer, J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), P. Haskew, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Sherwood, C. Robida, J. Gary, M. J. Armstrong, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also present: Jeff Maxted, Ferrine Spector

1. Minutes: The minutes of the January 27, 2009 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $3,375.85. D. Lamb pointed out that there should have been some additional revenue from newsletter ads, and R. Rotter indicated that he was behind in billing for ads.

3. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb reported that she and the planning committee were working on a revised budget for the planning project and that they were in contact with City staff to see how the project could qualify for the entire City grant amount of $40,000. Because the expenses for the project, beyond the fee for the planning consultant firm, had been low, the required match in expenditures by MHCA and Westmorland might be difficult to meet. The third public meeting, intended to consider the final draft plan, had been scheduled for March 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Midvale Lutheran Church A postcard mailing announcing the meeting was planned.

4. Neighborhood Watch: C. Robida announced that the Neighborhood Officer for the Midvale Heights area would speak at a public meeting on Thursday, March 26, at the Sequoya Branch Library.

5. Bike path off Tocora Lane into University Research Park: D. Lamb indicated that this there was still some opposition to the proposed bike and pedestrian path. Because of objections to the path from neighborhood residents, the City was going to schedule a public meeting on the matter. Members of the Board spoke in favor of the path and were encouraged to contact Alder Plam-Remmele to gain her support for the proposal.

6. Green Team: J. Sweet and J. Gary, interim co-chairs of the Green Team, reported that planning and member recruitment were in progress for maintenance and improvement of the Bison Prairie Gateway and the Tokay Blvd. plantings. J. Gary had accepted responsibility for coordinating efforts on the Bison Prairie Gateway, and J. Sweet was coordinating work on Tokay plantings, on an interim basis. Saturday, April 18, had been scheduled as clean-up and mulching day for the Tokay plantings, with April 25 as a rain date. In response to a question from a Board member, they reported that they had received no information about progress on the informational sign that had been planned for the Bison Prairie Gateway. In two motions, the Board approved expenditures of up to $150 for a burning permit and other spring maintenance and seeding for the Gateway.

7. American Transmission Company high-voltage line: The Board discussed various issues surrounding the routing of the high-voltage line. D. Lamb indicated that there would be an article on the matter in the newsletter, including announcement of meetings on March 24 and 25 for public comment on the matter. M. J. Armstrong and Jeff Maxted volunteered to serve on a committee to draft a motion on this matter, to be considered by the Board at its March meeting. D. Lamb indicated that she hoped that Bob Armstrong and Carousel Bayrd would work on the motion, as well.

8. Hy Vee Grocery store: D. Lamb announced that the Madison Plan Commission had approved the plans for a new grocery store at Westgate mall.

9. Membership drive: J. Eisenhauer shared with the Board some ideas he had for recruiting members for the Association. The Board discussed various issues involved in the membership drive, including ideas about the distribution of the newsletter. By consensus, the Board agreed to raise the two-year membership fee to $25.00. J. Eisenhauer agreed to draft revisions to the membership application form for presentation to the Board in March. The Board reacted favorably to the idea of putting a copy of the form in the newsletter, followed by a mailing to all residents that did not sign up as a result of the newsletter insert.

10. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:45.

Charles Bunge, Secretary