Regent Neighborhood Association (RNA) Board Meeting
March 22nd, 2006, 7 PM
Meeting Notes
Present: Kevin Corrado, Troy Thiel, Joy Drummond, Ron Rosner, Patty Wood, Mary Niedemeier, David Gundersen
Guests: David Worzala, Madison Metro Staff
Joy gave an unofficial treasurerŐs report in JoelŐs absence. We are solvent with a significant contribution to the planning process and newsletter. In addition, there will be a garden tour and membership solicitation. Kevin asked if there had been any discussion of changing the membership fees. Joy relayed that the by-laws must be changed to alter the membership fees.
Troy shared a letter from Bill Fruhling opposing the 1501 Monroe Street project. Troy also shared minutes from a meeting addressing alcohol-related problems. Madison West has been relatively quiet. Ron Rosner gave an update on a meeting of the Housing Committee. There is concern that the focus on the University Avenue corridor means that other parts of the neighborhood, and the work thatŐs been done by the various committee, will be neglected. Board wanted to go on record as supporting integration of the work thatŐs been done by the Planning Committee. Information on Olive Jones will go out in the next newsletter. Troy contracted the MullinsŐ family to get an update on the plans for the Lombardino area property. The property will likely be high density with utilization of the first floor still uncertain. The Board appreciated the MullinsŐ family efforts to keep the RNA updated on considerations. The RNA was requested to take a position on the Trader JoeŐs liquor license. Kevin inquired about the RNAŐs Safe Communities Coalition. We have been a member in the past and Joy will check to find out current status. Troy was also contacted by Akasha House to participate in a meeting.
Action Item: David Worzala is going to facilitate a meeting between the Akasha House leadership and the neighbors to discuss recent events.
Badger Prairie Health Care Center is going to be rebuilt. Badger Prairie is effectively the nursing home of last resort. David believes that the clients, who have serious mental health and/or physical disabilities, need the facility. The Courthouse has three courtrooms that are unfinished, pending future judgeships. The County Board will be recommending that those rooms be used for other purposes. The RNA is in the cityŐs Wi-Fi coverage area. David recommends that we promote use of the city Wi-Fi so we can create enough demand to generate active competition from the Internet Service Providers.
á Metro Presentation
Metro provides metro transit, paratransit service to surrounding municipalities and educational institutions. Metro services over 11 million trips per year. Metro was presenting on service changes proposed for the near west side. If you have questions about specific routes or want to see a listing of proposed service changes, you should visit mymetrobus.com. In addition, mymetrobus.com has an excellent trip planner.
á Lucky's Bar and Grille Beer Garden
The Vilas Neighborhood Association wants RNA support to limit the capacity of beer gardens. Joy shared that the RNA is on record as supporting density requirements and other standards. There is a perception that the ALRC is stacked against community members. Joel Plant is the Alcohol Czar for the city and
Action Item: Troy will contact Joel Plant and the Vilas Neighborhood Association about our position.
á Nomination Committee
David will distribute a list to the Board with prospective nominees. The Nomination Committee will then review and actively recruit a list of nominees. This list will be discussed at the April meeting.
á Neighborhood Plan
á The revised RFP will be sent out within the next few weeks. The next meeting of the Housing Committee will be Monday April 3rd in the basement of Monroe Street library at 7 PM.
á Co-Gen Advisory Committee
á Karen Carlson sent an e-mail to Board members. No action.
á Community Activities
á Planning is in process. Several people have expressed interest in helping with the Fourth. The May meeting is going to focus on ŇChange in the Neighborhood,Ó focusing on Monroe Street, the Regent Street Coop, Wi-Fi, LombardinoŐs, the Goodwill site, etc.
Action Item: David G will draft a meeting notification for the newsletter. David W will check with the UW Foundation about using their office.
á Joint West Committee
á No action.
á University Relations Committee
á David provided an update from Larry Jacobson. They will be reporting to the Planning Committee on results of their survey work.
á NIC/Zoning
á No action.
á Streets and Transportation
á Not action.
á School Relations
á No action.
á Membership
á Patty Wood suggested that the area reps and block captains should deliver Spring newsletter and also do direct solicitation for membership.
á Communications
á The newsletter will go out by later April. It was shared that there is no formal policy on the jurisdiction of the notices within the newsletter.
Action Item: The newsletter committee will establish a policy.
á Green Space
á There will be a garden tour on July 16th. Also working on the sign for the Triangle Garden.
Meeting adjourned at 9:07 PM
Respectfully submitted
David Gundersen, March 22nd, 2006