Regent Neighborhood Association (RNA) Board Meeting
August 23rd, 2006, 7 PM
Meeting Notes - DRAFT
Present: Kevin Corrado, David Gundersen, Joel Robbin, Julie Shirley, David Worzala, Larry Jacobsen, Troy Rost, Karen Carlson, Niedemeyer, Jean Parks, Ron Rosner, David Brown (Guest from Akasha)
Bank
balance of $12,000. Revenues
include advertising (3,700), garden tour (1,600), Fourth of July (1,800), and
membership dues (3,200). There is
a $5,000 obligation for the neighborhood plan and approximately $1,600 for the
directory.
Kevin discussed the
Fieldhouse Station planning process and shared that the RNA should monitor but
doesnŐt need to take formal position at this point. Membership meeting is planned for October 11th. The focus of the meeting will be
development and having a constructive relationship with developers. Kevin will be attending the November 11th
all-city neighborhood.
David
Worzala gave an update on four issues:
1.
Met with Akasha
House and resolved two strategies.
There is potential for improved management and administration. David met with neighbors of Akasha. Second option is talking to the leaders
of the church to find out if the church is aware of the neighborhood concerns.
2.
Health and Human
Needs passed a quality health care commission to raise wages and create a
registry for home health workers.
3.
Board is making
Section 8 a part of the non-discrimination act. David is currently a sponsor but he has concerns about the
extent of the federal contract requirements.
4.
Budget hearings are
on Sept 14th and 19th.
Robbie
Weber gave an update on the following:
1.
Robbie spoke with
Akasha House and determined that the house is an allowable use.
2.
Fieldhouse station
is still being evaluated, Bob
Sieger has presented the same project a couple of times. The Alders who have seen the
presentations have made it clear to Sieger that the plan is out of synch with
the city-wide comprehensive plan.
People can contact Robbie if they want additional information.
3.
Robbie is still
trying to find out about the University Ave development
4.
Steve Brown is
waiting for the neighborhood plan
5.
Spooner Street
calming approved by ballot and should be constructed this year
6.
Highland calming
has not been approved by ballot
7.
Several road
projects 25-2600 block of Regent should begin soon, Kendall is on the docket
but only with preliminary surveying
8.
There is discussion
of returning Old University to two-way traffic with parking
David discussed the idea
of stating goals at the beginning of the year in order to communicate
activities. In addition, clear
goals allow the RNA to identify annual successes. The group discussed several possible goals, such as
promoting more block parties and addressing the parking issues around Madison
West. Joel raised the issue of
having fewer standing committees and more ad hoc committees to address annual
goals.
Action
Items. Caren will write a blurb for the newsletter promoting local
block parties. Kevin will
distribute a request for priorities from Committee Chairs, Area
Representatives, and the listserv.
Action
Items. Ron Rosner will work with David on a revision of the
by-laws. The roles of Area
Representatives will be re-examined.
Kevin
reviewed David WorzalaŐs report for David Brown. David would like to see communication between the
neighborhood and Akasha. The key
question is who needs to talk with whom.
Action
Items. The Akasha House will put together a newsletter piece
talking about the work and activities of the house. In addition, the Association will approach Akasha with opportunities
for engagement (flag program, adopt a calming) If you have opportunities for
youth service, please contact David Brown at 236-0729.
No
Joint West meetings scheduled. A
bike path is being planned.
PDI
is being offered a contract and the city has received and will review the
contract next week. Start date is
expected to be October 1 with a 6-month timeframe.
Panel
meeting at the October 11th RNA community meeting should be a nice
lead-in to fall meetings discussing the plan. Old University Ave will be the priority for the plan.
The
Neighborhood Walk About to students in the neighborhood is scheduled for
Wednesday September 13th, 2006 from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Larry
gave an update on the Spooner-Breese Corridor survey.
There
were several issues addressed in the survey:
Larry
shared the report findings and very well-done report. Larry would like to move ahead with several key
strategies. Robbie recommended
calling the management, owner of the buildings, and the building inspection
staff for key issues.
Action
Items: Robbie will send out a reminder on actions that can be taken
if there is poor home up-keep.
The
directory should be out by October.
There are between 425-430 members, including businesses. Akasha, LomobardinoŐs have joined as
businesses.
Meeting adjourned at
8:56 PM
Respectfully submitted
David Gundersen, August
23rd, 2006