Regent Neighborhood Association (RNA) Board Meeting
September 27th, 2006, 7 PM
Present: Kevin Corrado, David Gundersen, Larry Jacobsen, Nancy Webster, Ron Rosner, George Hall, Patty Wood, Gregg Miller, Guest: Jeremy Levin, Bennie Witkowsky
Minutes from previous three meetings were approved as submitted.
Joel Robbin was unable to attend and Kevin provided an update. Note that $200 of the cash raised from the Fourth of July was not deposited immediately but was used to make change for the garden tour. The most recent bank statement shows a balance $14,303.36. We have not yet paid for the neighborhood plan except for $500 for mapping of neighborhood information. Kevin made note that we have not yet paid for the newsletter or neighborhood plan expenditures. There is a board commitment for $7,500 to the neighborhood plan and $500 for a neighborhood sign.
Kevin reported that various political and organizational entities have requested access to listserv and directory information. Nancy suggested that the Board recommend that the League of Women Voters be invited to encourage people to vote. Nancy Webster moved that when we receive political requests for use of our communication resources the Neighborhood Association will refer them to the League of Women Voters and assert our interest in maintaining a non-partisan position in the community. George Hall seconded. Ron disagreed with the need for the referral to the League and reminded the Board that there is a position that does not allow for use of the listserv or the directory. Nancy Webster also affirmed that the Directory committee had proposed in house use only. Nancy withdrew her motion with the understanding that the executive committee would develop a policy that captures the sentiments of the discussion.
Action Item: The Executive Committee will develop a position statement specifying that the listserv and directory are for internal RNA use only and are unavailable to external commercial and political organizations.
Kevin shared a request from the Vilas Neighborhood Association to participate in a meeting discussing the results of the
A West student contacted Kevin about attending neighborhood meetings.
No County Report
Robbie provided the following updates.
1. Robbie has been talking with Brad and Brian Mullins about when and what they are going to do with the 2500 block of University Ave. They told her they are talking to the Planning Department. Robbie was unable to confirm these contacts. The Building Inspection Dept took a look at the property and said there are a number of items that need to be fixed (such as broken windows), and they are sending requests to fix them to the owners.
2. Sarah Rider from Brownhouse (Steve Brown's outfit) called a couple of weeks ago to ask how the neighborhood plan was going. They are interested in moving forward with a new idea for the Princeton House. Robbie told her that the consultant was just being hired, so there was no plan to speak of at this time. She didn't give Robbie any specifics about what the new idea entails. They will set up a neighborhood meeting when they are ready. I suggested that not having a completely full-blown design might give neighbors a bit of comfort that there was still room for negotiation.
3. The streetcar consultants are starting to narrow down potential corridors of interest. Old University Ave and/or the RR corridor are strong contenders. This is just an investigation of strengths and weaknesses of different areas at this time, however, the UW pushing very hard to get a streetcar to serve at least to the Hospitals/west campus.
4. Robbie went on the walk about that Ron Rosner sets up every year. A reporter from the Badger Herald came along as well, and will likely write a story. He is doing a series on relations between the city and UW. Not focusing strictly on conflicts or neighborhood concerns, but on the broader relationship. He was very interested in our walk about.
5. There are numerous street repavings and reconstructions scheduled for 2007, and more in 2008-2009. Robbie will post the list to the listserv as an FYI. Old University Ave, Kendall, and 2500-2700 Regent are all supposed to get fixed in the next three years, but not all at the same time.
Nancy reviewed the charge of the RNA UW Relations Committee. She shared that there was clear concern on the livability and conditions in the Breese/Spooner corridor. Nancy shared the implications of the survey of those neighbors and the planned actions by the committee. The committee wanted to propose an action item to the RNA Board that Breese/Spooner be designated a Òtest areaÓ for enforcing city codes. Nancy stressed that the neighbors enjoy the students, but want to assure greater responsibility by property owners (some of whom are parents) and students for maintaining these properties. Larry shared that the survey was given to property owners and that they received 76 surveys back from 79 distributed. Larry made sure it was clear the survey was of attitudes not of actual violations. He also said that the RNA should not Òover-solveÓ the problem, and that many of these issues could be addressed by simple communication. Larry was asking that the Board discuss actions that can address the issues revealed by the survey. Troy Rost shared his belief in the unique nature of the Breese/Spooner corridor as an area where there could be a conversion from rentals to single family homes. Troy recommended that there be a concerted effort by the RNA to police this area. Robbie shared that taking specific actions with the city and the property owners will impact the behaviors. Troy proposed that there be a monthly policing by community members on targeted properties pointing out the short list of violations of zoning codes. Nancy identified cars, motor scooters, and motorcycles as a major problem. The housing committee has a large group of members that could be a part of addressing the identified issues. George suggested meeting with city staff to identify code violations and teaching a group of neighbors to document issues. Larry expressed his interest in seeing these properties conserved or restored. Troy also shared that requiring greater upkeep might encourage conversion to single family homes. Robbie raised the specter of property owners tearing down current buildings and putting in larger apartment and condo units. Kevin also suggested that we acknowledge property owners who do an effective job.
Action Items: Troy Rost will take the lead and coordinate with the RNA UW Relations Committee in developing a proposal for policing properties, including an inventory of code violations, possible training of local liaisons, and a protocol for Board communication of identified problems or successes.
Troy and Elaine Glowicki met to develop a general fundraising plan. The fundraising does not have a static target since additional planning may be required after the completion of the University Corridor planning. Troy discussed the phases of an effective fundraising campaign and the need for a foundational base of contributions. Troy discussed breeching the topic and trying to find volunteers at the October 11th meeting.
October 11th Meeting
Troy reviewed the panel for the October 11th meeting. Troy will send out a notice via the listserv describing the panel and some of the key questions that will be addressed.
There will be showing in June of former rentals that have been converted back to single family homes.
Randall centennial event is this Saturday.
There have been reports of loitering during the day and after school and reports of some illegal activities in the Allen-Regent area. Robbie reminded the Board that the city does not have a loitering ordinance so kids have the right to congregate. There was also discussion about having shelters and benches put up at the corner by Madison Metro. Troy suggested that the school and police give numbers to neighbors for who to call if there are issues. There were some break-ins into cars near Blessed Sacrament.
Zoning
The Walkabout was a success with 11 residents and 6 officers visiting students. Ron was concerned that there were too few community members and may not do it again.
Meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM
Respectfully submitted
David Gundersen, September 27th, 2006