MHCA Area Directors' meeting minutes

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

Also present: Jeff Maxted, Shelly Schmidt, Paul Haskew, Bob Armstrong, Carousel Bayrd

1. Minutes: The minutes of the October 28, 2008 and the November 25, 2008 meetings, as well as those of the Annual Meeting, were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer’s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing total cash and bank accounts of $3,974.25. He indicated that this is a smaller balance than is typical. Board members pointed out that it was late in the two-year membership cycle, giving rise to some discussion about the upcoming membership drive. J. Eisenhauer volunteered to assist with the membership drive. There was also discussion of financial matters regarding the neighborhood planning effort. There was also some discussion of the financing of the neighborhood planning project.

3. Election of officers: D. Lamb indicated that the current officers were willing to continue to serve and asked if there were any other nominations. Motion was made and seconded to elect Denise Lamb President, Craig Robida Vice-President, Ron Rotter Treasurer, and Charles Bunge, Secretary. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.

4. Election of Board member: D. Lamb introduced Paul Haskew and announced that he was willing to serve as Area Director for Area 6. Motion was made and seconded to election him to this position. The motion passed with no dissenting votes.

5. American Transmission Company high-voltage line: D. Lamb introduced Bob Armstrong, who spoke about a petition that had been circulated, opposing routing the transmission line on the south side of the beltline. He also shared other information about this matter and urged Board members to contact the Public Services Commission with their views on the matter. He indicated that public hearings about the routing would be held March 24 and 25.

6. Bike path off Tocora Lane into University Research Park: D. Lamb indicated that she had received one negative comment regarding a proposed bike/pedestrian path connecting the end of Tocora Lane with Science Drive. She asked if any other Board members had heard comments pro or con. Board members reported being unaware of widespread opposition to the proposal, and the Board took no position on the matter.

7. Tokay Blvd. and Bison Prairie Gateway maintenance: J. Sweet announced that a group of Midvale Heights residents had formed a “Green Team” for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing the Tokay Blvd. plantings and the Bison Prairie Gateway. She asked other Board members to sign up to participate in this effort. J. Gary announced that she was volunteering to become the coordinator of upkeep and maintenance of the Bison Prairie Gateway. J. Sweet indicated that she hoped to find a coordinator of upkeep and maintenance for the Tokay plantings from among the members of the Green Team.

8. 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.

9. Update on the neighborhood plan and HyVee grocery store proposal: D. Lamb indicated that the planning committee continued to work on the neighborhood plan, including meetings with City staff to work out details of the plan. The committee spent a great deal of time considering and reacting to the proposal for a HyVee grocery store at Westgate. The Urban Design Commission had approved the plans for the store, and it was scheduled for consideration by the Plan Commission on February 9. D. Lamb asked Board members if they had heard any comments from neighborhood residents pro or con. Board members reported hearing some such comments and expressed their own views, but the Board did not take a position on the matter.

10. Southside Cub store closing: Carousel Bayrd told the Board that neither HyVee nor the Willy St. Coop had any interest in locating in the Cub grocery store that had announced its closing. Board members discussed various options that might exist or develop to provide access to groceries for residents of that area.

11. Other business: C. Bayrd indicated that another round of spraying for gypsy moths in the area was coming up and that information would be distributed in the same way that it had been in the past. Bob Armstrong announced that he was working on a seminar on rain gardens, to be held in May. He said that he planned to get information in the newsletter about this.

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

Charles Bunge, Secretary

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

Also present: Nancy Gutknecht (and others who stayed on after the Annual Meeting)

1. Election of officers: The Board decided to elect officers at its next meeting.

2. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele, who had presented at the Annual Meeting a $500 personal check for neighborhood watch expenses, as well as a plaque for Greg Bell, was unable to stay for the Board meeting, and there was no City report.

3. County report: Carousel Bayrd gave a brief report County issues. She reported that she was generally pleased with the recently passed County budget.

4. Midvale Neighborhood Garden art project: D. Lamb introduced Nancy Gutknecht, who described an art project for the area of the Midvale Neighborhood Garden. She requested $300 in support of this project. Board members commented that they thought that this was a very worthwhile project. Motion was made, seconded, and passed to provide $500 in support of this project.

5. American Transmission Company high-voltage: D. Lamb indicated that the proposed route for the transmission line along the Beltline highway has been altered to bring the line closer to Odana Hills Park and the homes in that area, also requiring the construction of an access road through the park. Discussion followed. Carousel Bayrd expressed the opinion that, if the transmission line is to be built along the Beltline, it should be buried. A resident of the area near the park indicated that residents of the area are planning to initiate a petition opposing the new plan. Board members asked him to keep the Board informed and to tell the Board how MHCA can be helpful to their efforts.

6. Adjournment: Motion made, seconded, and passed to adjourn the meeting.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Prior to the October Board of Directors meeting, there was a 30-minute presentation from representatives from HyVee, as well as management from the Westgate Mall. Plans were unveiled for an 80,000 ft. 24-hour grocery store to be located south of TJ Maxx, replacing current occupants. HyVee is an employee-owned company with 54,000 employees in 8 states. It was noted that there are currently 31 tenants at Westgate.

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Sherwood, F. Stautz, J. Gary, MJ Armstrong, C. Robida

1. Minutes: The Minutes of the September 15, 2008 meeting were approved as distributed. F. Stautz moved approval with a second from J. Gary.

2. Treasurer's Report: R. Rotter reported a balance of $9,500.00 in the treasury.

3. Neighborhood Watch: C. Robida reported that he would be scheduling a Question and Answer session with our neighborhood officer in January or February at the new Sequoya Library. This would be a good chance for neighbors to come and ask questions of the Madison Police Department. An announcement will be made in the January newsletter.

4. Annual Meeting: D. Lamb reported that the Annual Meeting is scheduled tentatively for Monday, November 17. She hopes to confirm and e-mail board members. An announcement will be made in the November newsletter. She is still waiting to confirm Jim Sewell, Wisconsin Historical Society as the speaker.

5. Neighborhood Plan: D. Lamb reported that she and Charlie Quagliana met with Mark Bugher of the Research Park for fiscal support of the Neighborhood Plan. He was asked for $10,000 to support the plan and they hope to hear mid-December if the funding will be granted. The third public meeting of the Neighborhood Plan will be moved from November to January. D. Lamb reported that the committee hoped to have a draft for the city in February 2009.

6. Announcement:
-Santa visits will be announced in the next newsletter and a special mailing will happen.
-The Mayor's Roundtable will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Warner Park Rec. Center.
-The November newsletter should be distributed the week of Nov. 3.
-It was noted the "soft opening" of the Sequoya Library branch will be Nov. 10 with a grand opening slated for the end of November.
-MJ Armstrong discussed a recent letter regarding the transmission lines. She will pursue further discussion with Carousel Bayrd.
-A need to recruit area directors for the board still exists.

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

Craig Robida
Vice President (substituting for Charles Bunge, secretary)

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

Also present: Kris Schutte, JoAnn Prange

1. Minutes: The minutes for the June 24, 2008 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer's report: R. Rotter was unable to attend the early part of the meeting. D. Lamb distributed a report showing a cash and bank balance of $13,665.74. During a brief discussion of the report, Board members remarked on how successful the annual neighborhood picnic had been and asked the Secretary to send thank-you letters to the Christine Sveom, Ruth Monson, and Steve Graham, who coordinated the picnic.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no County report.

5. Garage Sale: J. Gary distributed a financial report for the 2008 neighborhood garage sale, showing $151.46 income over expenses. Board members commented on how successful the sale had been. J. Gary indicated that her three-year commitment as coordinator the project was at an end and asked the Board to find someone else to serve as coordinator.

6. Bison Prairie Gateway: D. Lamb introduced Kris Schutte, who reported on progress toward erecting an informational sign at the Gateway. Rita and Reiny Meihsner and Greg Bell, former members of the committee coordinating this project, moved out of the neighborhood. The Vital Signs firm had submitted a sketch of a design for the sign, which did not match the committee’s intent. After discussion, the Board encouraged K. Schutte to pursue the matter and to keep the Board informed. C. Bunge summarized a report from Greg Bell regarding the repair and repainting of the bison statues at the Gateway. Greg Bell recommended that Bill Grover be reimbursed $150 for time and expenses on this project. Motion made, seconded, and passed to reimburse Bill Grover $150.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida reported that a mailing had gone out to all residents in the neighborhood providing information on the Nine-House Model for establishing a neighborhood communication network. Another meeting of the Neighborhood Watch Committee was to be held on October 8.

8. Neighborhood Plan: D. Lamb distributed a budget and payment schedule for the neighborhood plan project. She indicated that the project committee has plans for raising funds to offset the match required by the City grant and other expenses connected with the project. She urged Board members to attend the second public workshop on the project, scheduled for September 17.

9. Tokay plantings: J. Sweet introduced JoAnn Prange and gave some background on the Tokay plantings and Bison Prairie Gateway projects. She reported that volunteers who had kept these projects going had moved out of the neighborhood or had other reasons for not being able to work on the projects anymore. She and JoAnn Prange proposed the establishment of a committee or taskforce to oversee the greenspaces in the neighborhood, including the Tokay plantings, the Gateway, and neighborhood parks. J. Sweet indicated that this committee or taskforce should have a liaison on the Board. Board members reacted positively to this proposal and made several other suggestions for recruiting volunteers to work on the Tokay plantings, including signs in the median, a table at the Annual Meeting, and a recurring article in the newsletter about volunteer needs.

10. Annual Meeting: D. Lamb reported that Mary Jane Armstrong was working on arrangements for the Annual Meeting, which would include a presentation by Jim Sewell on the architecture of ranch-style homes. A date had not yet been set.

11. Association web site: T. Jarvis reported that he sometimes received requests to place notices on the Association web site. He indicated that he had placed only such notices that seemed to have relevance to the neighborhood and asked if he should continue using his judgment in this way. The Board indicated that he should continue to do this.

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

Charles Bunge
Secretary

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

Also present: Greg Bell, Shelley Schmidt, Jeff Maxted, Mary Jane Armstrong

1. Minutes: The minutes for the May 27, 2008 meeting were approved, with one correction. In item 7 the date of July 11 should have been June 11.

2. Treasurer's report: R. Rotter distributed a report, showing a cash balance of $23,649.65. He indicated that this included large deposits from the T-ball program and that no expenses had yet been reported for this program. D. Lamb turned in a bill from Vierbicher and Associates, the consulting firm for the neighborhood planning project. She commented that MHCA would be reimbursed for this payment from the City grant for the project.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd made a brief report concerning matters related to Dane County. Board members asked questions and made comments regarding the County’s 911 center. There was also discussion of the options for the high voltage electric transmission line that would pass through or near the neighborhood. C. Bayrd indicated that she would keep the Board informed on both matters.

5. Annual Picnic: D. Lamb and other Board members reported that plans for the neighborhood picnic were in place. Greg Bell reminded the Board that there would be a brief ceremony thanking Rita and Reiny Meihsner for their hard work for the Association and the neighborhood.

6. Neighborhood plan: D. Lamb made a brief report regarding progress on the production of a neighborhood plan. The joint committee overseeing the project planned to mail a four-page flier to all residents of the neighborhood, informing them about the project. Staff from the consulting firm had conducted interviews with persons in the neighborhood who might otherwise be missed in mailings, meetings, etc. D. Lamb outlined plans for the neighborhood meeting on July 16 and urged Board members to attend. She indicated that a budget for the project would be submitted to the Board in the fall, but that in the meantime the City grant and the $5,000 already authorized by the Board should cover necessary expenses.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida reported that the June 11 meeting concerning the neighborhood watch program was not as well attended as previous meetings, but that the meeting was quite productive. There was high interest in a variety of projects. Another meeting was scheduled for July 30. When more firm decisions had been reached on projects to pursue he planned to submit a budget request to the Board. In the meantime, a motion was made, seconded and passed to authorize the neighborhood watch committee to spend up to $1,500 on neighborhood watch planning and activities.

8. Gateway project: Greg Bell reported that a meeting had been scheduled to review final plans for the informational sign at the Gateway site. He also reported that Bill Grover planned to assess the Bison statues for needed repairs and sealing. He indicated that the necessary work could be carried out during the summer, with minimal cost to the Association.

9. Newsletter procedures: D. Lamb informed the Board that she had received comments from neighborhood residents, including at least one block captain, that they were receiving their newsletters late. Also, some residents reported that newsletters were seen blowing around the neighborhood. She raised the possibility of mailing the newsletter, either to all residents or only to members of the Association. After discussion, there seemed to be a consensus that the use of block captains to deliver the newsletter should be continued. Jeff Maxted, a block captain, indicated that it might improve timely delivery of the newsletter if block captains were informed when to expect each issue, so that they could arrange to get it delivered quickly, or so that they could inform their Area Directors if they were going to unavailable at delivery time. D. Lamb agreed to try to put into place procedures for such notification.

10. Area Directors: D. Lamb indicated that she had experienced difficulty finding people willing to serve as Area Directors. She asked Board members to think about this problem, for consideration at later meetings. She introduced Mary Jane Armstrong and nominated her for election as Area Director for Area 13. The nomination was seconded, and she was elected without a dissenting vote.

11. Reports and announcements: Greg Bell announced that the recently completed spraying for gypsy moth suppression was considered a success. Some 60 residences were not sprayed because of requests by residents. T. Jarvis announced that he had been contacted by Bob Armstrong, who was willing to conduct seminars on building rain gardens.

12. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:35.

Charles Bunge
Secretary

Present: J. Eisenhauer, J. Sweet, D. Lamb (presiding), C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, C. Robida, J. Gary, J. Lager

Also present: Christine Sveom, Greg Bell

1. Minutes: The minutes for the April 22, 2008 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer's report: R. Rotter reported that the financial situation of the Association was essentially the same as in April. Money from the T-ball program was starting to come in.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no County report.

5. Annual Picnic: Christine Sveom reported that planning for the annual picnic was well underway. Fliers containing information about the picnic and the neighborhood garage sale were ready to be mailed. The date for the picnic was June 26 from 6:00 p.m. until dusk, with a rain date of July 1. A guitarist would provide entertainment, and there would be games for young people. During discussion of the picnic, Board members suggested recognizing Rita and Reiny Meihsner for their many contributions to the Association and the neighborhood, and the President agreed to do this. Board members also reported that there would be information tables for the neighborhood planning project, the garage sale, and the neighborhood watch program.

6. Neighborhood plan: D. Lamb reported that a schedule of meetings regarding the neighborhood plan project had been firmed up. The joint steering committee would meet each first Thursday. The first public meeting was planned for July 16, and the second one for September 17. The final version of the plan would be completed by November 19.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida reported that some 35 people attended the second meeting concerning the neighborhood watch program. Another meeting had been scheduled for July 11. Those in attendance at the second meeting expressed interest in a variety of activities to enhance security and safety in the neighborhood. The grant application to the City for funds to support neighborhood watch activities had been resubmitted, with the support of Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele. [Note: C. Robida later informed the Board that the grant had again been denied.]

8. Gateway project: Greg Bell reported that the new plantings around the neighborhood sign had been completed. The prairie burn and thistle treatment, for which funds had been approved, proved to be unnecessary and were not done. There was a meeting planned for May 28 with Vital Signs to settle details regarding the informational sign at the Gateway site. The sign should be installed by the end of June. There was a brief discussion about a dedication ceremony for the sign.

9. City zoning rewrite: D. Lamb reported on her attendance at a meeting regarding a total reworking of the City’s zoning code. She expressed concern that the meeting was sparsely attended and that representatives of neighborhoods would not have enough input to the process. She suggested that Board members stay informed on this process.

10. Reports and announcements: Greg Bell circulated a map showing the area that had been sprayed for gypsy moth suppression on May 22. C. Bunge distributed copies of the revised Association by-laws to those who wanted them. R. Rotter distributed copies of a 1949 newspaper article about the construction of his residence by Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Bakke.

11. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:05.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association
Board of Directors Meeting
April 22, 2008

Minutes

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), R. and R. Meihsner, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, J. Sherwood, Floyd Stautz, C. Robida, J. Gary, J. Lager

Also present: Carousel Bayrd, Charlie Quagliana, Jane Armstrong

1. Minutes: The minutes for the March 25, 2008 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer=s report: R. Rotter was unable to attend the meeting. J. Lager distributed a report showing a cash balance of $16,912.79.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd presented a brief report concerning matters related to the Dane County Board. She reported that her lead committee assignment was Public Safety and that she was on the City/County Liaison subcommittee.

5. Neighborhood plan: Charlie Quagliana made a brief report regarding the neighborhood planning project. The Vierbicher firm had been chosen to be the planning consultant for the project, at a cost of $40,000. C. Quagliana estimated the total cost of the project to MHCA to be $11,250 ($5,000 of which had already been approved by the Board). According to the terms of the grant from the City, part of this amount could be in-kind contributions, such as the time neighborhood residents who provide expertise to the project. The planning committee had made some contacts with potential donors of funds to support the project. The committee planned to work up a definite budget for the project and to present it to the MHCA Board for approval. The committee hoped to have a draft plan prepared by November 2008. Questions, discussion, and thanks to C. Quagliana and the committee followed the report.

6. Association website: T. Jarvis distributed a report containing statistics regarding visitors to the Association website. He reported that he had made progress on the re-design of the website. He asked Board members to look at the site and give him suggestions for further improvements. Board members made suggestions regarding how the website, including email lists, might be used for communicating with residents of the neighborhood.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida reported that some 25 people attended the first meeting concerning a neighborhood watch program. Another meeting had been scheduled for May 14.

8. Annual picnic: C. Robida and J. Gary reported that Ruth Monson, Steve Graham, and Christine Sveom had volunteered to coordinate the annual picnic, which was scheduled for June 26. A flyer announcing the picnic and the neighborhood garage sale would be prepared for mailing to the residents of the neighborhood.

9. Gateway project: R. Meihsner reported, on behalf of Greg Bell, that he requested approval of expenditures for another prairie burn ($100), new plantings around the neighborhood sign ($75-$80), and another treatment for thistles ($50-$75). It was moved, seconded, and passed that up to $300 be approved to cover these expenditures. R. Meihsner reported that the firm of Vital Signs had been engaged to produce the informational sign at the Gateway/bison site. A subcontractor would be used to construct the stand for the sign, for which payment would be required soon. R. Meihsner would ask the Treasurer to cut a check from funds already approved by the Board for this project.

10. Resignations from the Board: R. and R. Meihsner announced that they would be moving out of the neighborhood soon and would be leaving the MHCA Board. J. Sweet recounted some of the ways that they had contributed to the work of the Association and the betterment of the neighborhood, and the Board thanked them with a round of applause. D. Lamb reported that Holly Brassington had submitted her resignation from the Board.

11. Change in Association boundaries: D. Lamb reminded the Board that it had agreed to the desirability of including Odana Hills Golf Course and Odana Hills Park within the Association boundaries, so that these open areas could be included in the neighborhood plan. C. Bunge distributed a proposed By-Laws amendment that would accomplish this and moved its adoption. Motion seconded and passed, with Directors from 11 districts voting in the affirmative.

12. Reports and announcements: M. Silbernagel distributed some information regarding progress on the new Sequoya Branch Library, including the choice of a contractor to complete the interior of the quarters. D. Lamb reported that the developer’s proposal for Phase II of Sequoya Commons would be considered by the City Urban Design Commission on April 23.

13. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:45.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association
Board of Directors Meeting
March 25, 2008

Minutes

Present: J. Sweet, M. Silbernagel, R. and R. Meihsner, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, J. Sherwood, Floyd Stautz, C. Robida (presiding), J. Gary, J. Lager, K. Reuter-Krohn

1. Minutes: The minutes for the February 26, 2008 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer's report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing a cash balance of $16,692.79. During discussion of the report, Board members agreed to think about how to market the history book, including another article in the newsletter.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd was not able to attend the meeting, and there was no County Board report.

5. Neighborhood plan: During a brief discussion of this matter, Board members raised the issue of expanding the boundaries of the Association area to include the Odana Hills Golf Course and the adjacent bicycle path. There was consensus that this matter should be pursued. Board members also expressed the need to be better informed regarding the projected total cost to the Association of the neighborhood planning effort, as well as the need to be appropriately involved in budgeting for this cost.

6. Association website: T. Jarvis reported that he had not made as much progress as he had hoped on the re-design of the MHCA website. He asked Board members to look at the site and give him suggestions for further improvements.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida announced that the first meeting concerning a neighborhood watch program for the neighborhood would be held on April 1 at the Sequoya Branch Library. He reported that a number of people had contacted him indicating plans to attend the meeting.

8. Newsletter: Board members remarked on the marked improvement in the printing and paper quality of the last issue of the Association newsletter.

9. Gateway project: R. and R. Meihsner reported that the person who had been engaged to produce the informational sign at the Gateway/bison site was not able to do the work. They had begun work with a new firm, which had promised to finish the sign in several weeks. The exact placement of the sign was still to be determined.

10. Neighborhood picnic: C. Robida reminded the Board of the need to find a new coordinator for the annual picnic and to establish a date for the event. [Note: After the meeting, C. Robida informed the Board via email that Ruth Monson had volunteered to coordinate the picnic, along with a neighbor, and that she would be meeting with C. Robida and J. Gary to begin the planning process.]

11. Reports and announcements: C. Bunge provided brief information on new developments concerning new quarters for the Westside Senior Center, which involved negations with the owners of Weston Place to have the center occupy space of the ground floor of that building. M. Silbernagel reported that the Friends of Sequoya Branch Library would be moving to Westgate Mall, with the first book sale at the mall scheduled for May 3.

12. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:45.

Charles Bunge
Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association
Board of Directors Meeting
February 26, 2008

Minutes

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

Also attending: Carousel Bayrd

1. Minutes: The minutes for the January 22, 2008 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer=s report: R. Rotter distributed a report showing a cash balance of $15,817.79.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd made a brief report concerning County Board matters, including comments on a recent hearing on the proposed power transmission line along the beltline highway. She also indicated that gypsy moth spraying in the neighborhood was planned for April or May.

5. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb made a brief report on the neighborhood planning project. The planning committee had prepared a RFP for a consultant to the project and submitted it to City officials for approval. The committee hoped to have the consultant hired by May.

6. Association website: T. Jarvis reported that re-design of the MHCA website, was progressing slowly. He asked Board members to look at the site and give him suggestions for further improvements.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida announced that the first meeting concerning a neighborhood watch program for the neighborhood would be held on April 1. Having accepted responsibility for chairing the neighborhood watch effort, he asked to be relieved of responsibility for coordinating the Association summer picnic. D. Lamb indicated that she would appoint someone else for that.

8. Newsletter: D Lamb announced that she had engaged a new printing firm to print the Association newsletter. She expected the March/April issue of the newsletter to be out soon.

9. Gateway project: R. and R. Meihsner reported that they had received a check for $700 from Robert and Carroll Heideman, to be applied toward the informational sign at the Gateway/bison site. They gave the check to the Treasurer and indicated that they would send the Heidemans a thank-you letter. They reported that they would be contacting the man who was designing the sign to see if he could finish the work and to take necessary further steps.

10. Reports and announcements: C. Bunge provided brief information on progress on the new quarters for the Sequoya Branch Library. D. Lamb reported on a meeting regarding Phase II of the development of Sequoya Commons. She felt that the developers had pulled back from some of the commitments they had made in earlier hearings and negotiations. D. Lamb indicated that she planned to attend the Mayor’s 2008 Neighborhood Roundtable and invited other Board members to attend. Some other Board members expressed interest in attending.

11. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:00.

Charles Bunge,
Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association
Board of Directors Meeting
January 22, 2008

Minutes

Present: J. Eisenhauer, M. Hoffman, D. Lamb (presiding), R. and R. Meihsner, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, F. Stautz, C. Robida, J. Gary, K. Reuter-Krohn

Also attending: Charlie Sweet, Carousel Bayrd

1. Minutes: The minutes for the November 27, 2007 meeting were approved as distributed.

2. Treasurer=s report: R. Rotter was not present, and there was no treasurer’s report.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd made a brief report concerning County Board matters, including comments on an impending hearing on the proposed power transmission line along the beltline highway.

5. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb made a brief report on the neighborhood planning project. She signed a contract with the City for the grant supporting the project. The Neighborhood Plan Committee was working on a request for proposals from potential consultants for the project. She indicated that MHCA will have to raise funds, beyond the $5,000 already authorized from the treasury, to support the project. She asked Board members to be thinking of ways to raise such funds.

6. Association website: T. Jarvis reported that he was making various changes to the MHCA website, which he hoped would make it more useful and effective. He asked Board members to look at the site and bring suggestions for further improvements to the next meeting. He expressed willingness to provide instruction to Board members on how to use the website. Board members suggested that ways be found to publicize the website and to encourage neighborhood residents and others to use it.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida reported that he was continuing to work with representatives of the Meadowood, Orchard Ridge, and Prairie Hills neighborhoods to develop a neighborhood watch program, even though they did not receive a grant from the City’s 2007 Allied and Emerging Neighborhoods program. He announced that he would be calling a meeting of the MHCA Neighborhood Watch Committee in the spring to plan further for the program.

8. Newsletter: D Lamb asked for comments and suggestions regarding the recently distributed Association newsletter. Discussion and suggestions followed, including dissatisfaction with the quality of the printing of some copies. D. Lamb indicated that she would gather information on changing printers.

9. Reports and announcements: C. Bunge and M. Hoffman shared information on progress on the new quarters for the Sequoya Branch Library. They also indicated that the Friends of the Sequoya Branch had been informed that they could keep their current space for a few months longer than previously thought. D. Lamb shared information regarding an upcoming informational meeting on gypsy moth spraying. J. Gary and D. Lamb reported briefly on a study regarding “sustainable neighborhoods” that might interest Board members and might have useful ideas for the neighborhood plan. D. Lamb reported briefly on meetings she had attended regarding planning for changes in the Verona Rd./beltline interchange and indicated that she would continue to attend such meetings.

10. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:00.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association
Board of Directors Meeting
November 27, 2007

Minutes

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

Also attending: Floyd Stautz, Carousel Bayrd

1. Minutes: The minutes for the October 23 meeting and the 2007 Annual meeting were approved.

2. Treasurer=s report: R. Rotter distributed a treasurer’s report, showing a cash balance of $16,479.43, along with charts showing income and expenditures. He announced that the Association membership directory had been mailed to members. Board members indicated that they had received theirs.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no City report.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd made a brief report concerning County Board matters, including the fact that the County budget had passed, containing increased funding for human services.

5. Election: D. Lamb asked for a motion that a slate of nominees for officers, consisting of the incumbents, be elected as officers for 2007/08. Motion made, seconded, and passed. Motion was made to elect Floyd Stautz Area Director for Area 10. Motion seconded and passed.

6. Annual Meeting and neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb made a brief report on the Annual Meeting. Board members who attended commented that the meeting was very interesting and successful. She reported that the neighborhood planning project was proceeding and that she had received a draft contract for the grant from the City. She indicated that additional fund raising would be necessary. She announced that a member of the Association had called indicating the intention to make a donation to the Association, and that he had agreed that support of the planning effort would be a good use of these funds. Board members agreed.

7. Neighborhood watch program: C. Robida reported that he had met with representatives of the Meadowood, Orchard Ridge, and Prairie Hills neighborhoods to work up a proposal for a grant under the City’s 2007 Allied and Emerging Neighborhoods program. This proposal had been submitted to the City, with the ideas that any funds received would be divided among the four neighborhoods to support neighborhood watch efforts. In the course of the discussion the following actions were taken, by consensus or by motion: C. Robida was confirmed as the chair of the reactivated Neighborhood Watch Committee, with J. Gary and others (to be recruited) as members. C. Robida was authorized to act on behalf of MHCA as coordinator of the grant, if received, including the use of MHCA as the fiscal agent for the grant.

8. Reports: D. Lamb and J. Gary gave brief reports on their attendance at presentations at the Mayor’s Roundtable on neighborhoods. C. Bunge made a brief report on his findings regarding the future of La Brioche, including the fact that La Brioche was very unlikely to continue its location at the Midvale Plaza location and that it was likely to relocate on the near west side. C. Bunge reported that the Sequoya Branch Library fundraising committee had reached its initial funding goal. M. Silbernagel reported that the Friends of Sequoya Branch was still looking for space for storing gift books and for holding their book sales.

9. Newsletter: D Lamb and P. Baker asked for comments and suggestions regarding the Association newsletter. Discussion and suggestions followed. D. Lamb referred the Board to the draft statement of policies and procedures for the newsletter dated 6/07, which had been distributed earlier. C. Bunge indicated that some further editing had been done on the document. The Board approved, by consensus, the document as policies and procedures to guide the production and distribution of the newsletter.

10. Website advertising by churches: D. Lamb indicated that she had received a request from the Westwood Christian Church for some sort of presence on the MHCA website and asked the Board for advice. Board members suggested that a link for the church be made on the “Neighbors” webpage of the MHCA website. T. Jarvis indicated that he would do this and that he would contact the church with this information. He also announced that he was moving the website to a new computer server, with some changes in the website. Board members made suggestions for other possible changes and improvements.

11. Announcements: P. Baker announced that the submission deadline for the January issue of the newsletter was December 15.

12. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:35.

Charles Bunge, Secretary

Midvale Heights Community Association
Board of Directors Meeting
October 23, 2007
Minutes

Present: J. Sweet, M. Hoffman, M. Silbernagel, D. Lamb (presiding), R. and R. Meihsner, C. Bunge, T. Jarvis, R. Rotter, C. Robida, J. Gary, J. Lager
Also attending: Chardel Johntson, Thuy Pham-Remmele, Greg Bell, Judy Skog

1. Minutes: The minutes for the June 26 and September 25, 2007 meetings were approved, with two spelling corrections in item 13 of the September minutes (“Westwood” for “Westside” and “Johnston” for “Johnson”).

2. Treasurer=s report: R. Rotter distributed a treasurer’s report, showing a balance of $18,561.53, along with charts showing income and expenditures. He announced that the Association membership directory would be distributed soon.

3. City report: Thuy Pham-Remmele made a brief report on matters of City government. She indicated that she was attempting to get adequate funds budgeted for gypsy moth spraying. In discussion of her report Greg Bell provided information and handouts on gypsy moths, especially on the importance of destroying their egg clusters in the autumn.

4. County report: Carousel Bayrd was unable to attend the meeting, and there was no county report.

5. Neighborhood plan update: D. Lamb presented a report on progress on the neighborhood plan project:

• All the required paperwork for the grant from the City had been completed.
• The last scheduled neighborhood listening session was scheduled for Thursday, October 25, on the topics of safety and neighborhood watch.
• The response rate for the neighborhood survey was quite good for such surveys, and the data from the returns were entered by volunteers. Preliminary analysis would be presented at the Annual Meeting.
• The Planning Committee was preparing a "Request for Qualifications" to be used in hiring a consultant for the project.

6. Annual Meeting: D. Lamb announced that plans were in place for the Annual Meeting on November 8. The focus of the speakers would be on the neighborhood planning process. There would be sign-up sheets for people interested in various aspects or concerns of the planning process. T. Jarvis would have a slide presentation on the history of the neighborhood. The business meeting would include election of Area Directors from odd-numbered areas. The Board agreed that the flier announcing the meeting should be mailed as soon as possible and that refreshments should be purchased from La Brioche.

7. Newsletter: D Lamb indicated that copy for the November issue of the newsletter had been submitted and that Paul Baker was working on layout, etc. New editing software had been purchased. The issue would go to the printer around November 1. C. Bunge distributed a draft statement of policies and procedures for the newsletter, with the request that Board members read it over and be prepared to discuss, amend, and adopt it at a future meeting.

8. Neighborhood watch update: M. Silbernagel indicated that she had contacted Greg Schuler to see if he would be willing to provide leadership in establishing a neighborhood watch program for the neighborhood. He said that he was unable to do so. Several Board members remarked on the desirability of having such a program. G. Robida indicated that he was willing to work on this matter, which was to be at topic of discussion at the several upcoming meetings.

9. La Brioche: Board members and guests reported hearing from various sources that the La Brioche bakery might not be a tenant in the redeveloped Midvale Plaza. After various expressions of concern, C. Bunge distributed a draft of a proposed letter to the developer and the owner of La Brioche, asking for information and offering the Board’s help to keep the bakery in the plaza. With some suggestions for changes, the Board agreed that the letter should be sent and that C. Bunge should be the contact person, as Secretary of the Association.

10. Bison Prairie Gateway: Greg Bell gave a report on several matters related to the Gateway area (written report attached to file copy of the minutes). The Bisons’ artist, Bill Grover, examined the sculptures and spent some four hours with G. Bell, repairing cracks, with more to be done. Completion and installation of the interpretative sign, authorized earlier by the Board, was delayed. G. Bell suggested that the Association offer to pay Bill Grover $150 for his time and materials. Motion made, seconded, and passed to do this and to reimburse G. Bell $16.82 for expenses involved in seeding and Bison repair activities. Motion made, seconded, and passed to authorize G. Bell to see to timely repair of any vandalism that might occur at the Gateway site.

11. Mayor’s Neighborhood Roundtable: D. Lamb reminded the Board of the roundtable meeting on November 3. Several Board members indicated that they planned to attend.

12. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Charles Bunge, Secretary