· Repair may cost around $2,000 – could consider a grant (deadline for Neighborhood Grant was Monday), or everyone working together to restore signage.

· Plan to remove the sign that is deteriorating near the 7/11 when the weather cooperates.

6:40 Reports & Committee Updates

● President’s Report

● All of the alcohol licenses have been approved to date.

● Garth’s will be serving coffee now.

● Discussion on Family Occupancy to follow.

● Treasurer’s Report

● Checking account has $5,085. Thus far in 2023, we have received over $1K including advertisements and donations.

● Standing Committees

o Social: Chair: Bethany Nelson

o Discussion of renting out an ice rink for Vilas neighborhood event and discussion to invite Regent, Greenbush or D-M. "Final Skate at the Shell.” Perhaps request a donation for admission and put towards the repair of the signs. (The last day The Shell will be open is April 19).

o Charity drive went really well over the holidays. Bethany unable to move it forward again without help. Bethany will reach out to Dundgeon-Monroe’s garage sale and find out if others in the Vilas Neighborhood would want to join.

o Sarah B. adds book club will take place tomorrow night. Klara and the Sun will be discussed.

o Zoning: Chairs: Ben Biltz and Wendy Fearnside (move occupancy/family def’n to end)

o Demo moving forward on Chabad House.

o Urban Design Committee is looking to tweak ordinances in the area so the Zoning Committee will be keeping an eye on things.

o Membership: Chair: Mary Clare Murphy (no update)

o Edgewood: Chair: Craig Stanley (no update)

o Transportation. Chair: Mike Rewey

o Mike wants to get another committee member. Mike wants to look into the snowplows clogging up the sidewalks.

o Missing sidewalks on a few surrounding streets and can be troublesome for people. Mike notes that the city will be looking at sidewalk access to bus transit locations.

● Liaisons & Appointments

o Joint Area Campus Committee (JCAC): Appointee: Doug Carlson (no update)

o Vilas Ink Editor: Bonnie Gruber

o Thanks to Doug for getting all of the ads this issue. Bonnie has started to get the articles together. If you have anything to add, please let her know by Friday, February 24. Any questions or suggestions, please also let her know. Thanks also to Pat who has been very helpful.

o Bear Mound Park. Liaison: Eileen Thompson

o Block Captains Coordinator: Roz Woodward (no update)

o Listserv. Co-Moderators: Brad Ricker and Ankur Desai (no update)

o District 13 Alliance Liaison: Lee Lazar (no update)

o VNA Website Webmaster: Leon Maurer (no update)

o Vilas Park Liaisons: Wendy Fearnside and Ann Rivlin

o Wendy notes that there was supposed to be a meeting to discuss the ‘Swiss Cheese’ park, but the neighborhood input meeting has been deferred due to better examination and coordination with the Ho-Chunk Nation regarding the native mounds surrounding the area.

o Zoo Liaisons: Bonnie Gruber and Ann Rivlin (no update)

7:00 Alder Update (Tag Evers, District 13)

o (move occupancy/family def’n to end)

o Heritage Plan meeting took place this morning and focused on viewpoints in and around the watershed to protect the rustic and natural beauty of Lake Wingra should any future development take place.

o Tag notes his work in the Dark Sky, along with Ann Rivlin.

o At this point, we are finalizing a survey. Discussion about moving the statue indoors because it needs to be covered in the winter. The fountain no longer works. Restoring it to its original status is cost prohibitive.

o New development proposal on the table for Jensen Auto Shop on Regent Street (corner of Vilas and Greenbush). They are going to request five stories. Looking at doing a mixed-income housing for teachers and nurses and also fixed-income housing. Tag believes it could help activate new projects to serve community. Doug asks about the 15 feet requirement for development. Tag will be looking into it. Doug also asked about the old chiropractic building. Tag will also look into this.

7:10 Discussion of Change to Occupancy Limits via Family Definition (Ald. Evers & Zoning Cmte)

· Ben notes this went in front of Plan Commission and passed unanimously as written. Two more committees to go.

· Doug submitted two comments on behalf of VNA, as well as personal comments. Doug will refile our statement to the Common Council noting this is not accomplishing our goals and we would like this examined further.

· Brad encourages the VNA to take a position as this is moving forward so quickly.

· Wendy concerned with much of the proposal. Many potential adverse impacts that need to be considered.

· Tag shared that this is likely to pass. Tag surprised that the delay wasn’t seriously considered. Tag and Alder Vidaver (D5) will be meeting with staff on Friday to identify process to track impacts. Tag less concerned about impacts in areas such as District 13. Tag is more concerned right now about how housing challenged teachers, nurses, single mom have difficulty because the rents are so high. Tag will vote no on this.

· Tag has identified four areas that he is hopeful that the city will start tracking to measure the impacts.

· Wendy feels there are two major areas of impact- making the neighborhood more transient, and an increase in the number of party houses, unkempt properties and related problems, which would not be the majority. The solution has to be broader than the number of people in the house.

· Bonnie wants us to talk about the neighborhood in a positive way and focus on the environment and families. One thing we should be promoting is programs to make purchase of homes affordable for those who haven’t been able to buy homes in the past.

· Tag shared an example from a Greenbush Association meeting and how they would like to be more welcoming to renters. He encourages Vilas to do the same.

· Doug encourages everyone to file comments and make your voices heard.

· Discussion of assaults: perpetrator has not been caught. Tag shared safety steps with neighbors. Tag also reached out regarding updating the street lighting. Police continuing to monitor and look for suspect.

Adjourn at 7:58PM.

Future Meeting Dates: (6:30 via Zoom)

· Weds. April 12; Weds. May 24 (then fourth Weds. through October)

Chris Conrad

January 27, 2023

VNA Meeting Minutes - January 25, 2023

Chris Conrad

January 27, 2023

VNA Council Meeting Agenda - January 2023

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

6:30 p.m. via Zoom

Term Ending 2023 Term Ending 2024

Doug Carlson, President Bonnie Gruber

Rachel Bennett, Treasurer (not present) Lee Lazar (not present)

Regan Botsford, Secretary Leon Maurer

Wendy Fearnside Michael Rewey

6:34 Call to Order

Meeting Rules: Stay on mute unless talking.
Approval of December Meeting Minutes (Mike motioned, Leon seconded with minutes passing by a vote of 4-0).
Join the listserv: Send an email to VilasNA+subscribe@groups.io
Website: vilasneighborhood.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vilasna
Donations: (Dues no longer required) https://www.vilasneighborhood.com/take-action

6:35 Liquor License Application for 1859 Monroe St. (Presentation by Annemarie Maitri, Bloom Bake Shop and proposed new cafe)

To clarify, the liquor license is a transfer as Bloom currently holds a full liquor license.
The new restaurant will be closed by 10PM in accordance with the license.

A good estimate would be that liquor sales will be at 20%.

Some French influence, regional fare
Wed-Sunday (9-3 / 5-8) probably add Tuesday
It will have its own name and identity. Named after mother’s mother, Lallande- tribute to her mother’s family who created an obsession to food and taking care of people.
At this point, no intention to have live music.
Back space holds the perfect opportunity to create a covered patio. This would not move forward this year- open for discussion when the time is right. Separate process when appropriate (would go to Plan Commission for conditional use, etc.).
Annemarie has always taken the time to listen to the neighborhood and find out if that is something people are interested in.
Thanks to Annemarie for everything she does for the neighborhood. Exciting new venture.
Doug will forward the ALRC application around and the Council will vote from there.

6:50 Alder Update (Tag Evers, District 13)- Alder Evers not available.

6:51 Reports & Committee Updates

President’s Report

It’s been an active six weeks, two liquor licenses from December 14 meeting- both passed. Gallo Taco’s LLC had a 10PM closing condition added by ALRC. The One and Only passed with their requests. Full liquor license with liquor in addition to beer and wine.
Edgewood decision made by the judge.
TOD: passed Common Council and did include historic districts. Change in family definition still in discussion.

Treasurer’s Report

Healthy budget position right now.

Standing Committees

Social. Chair: Bethany Nelson - Doug reports on Bethany’s behalf that crafts, cookies and cocoa and holiday party were a little lighter in attendance than expected but did well. The auction did so well thanks to Bethany and Sarah B.- will need additional hands in the future.

Sarah B.: Reminder about book club. First book, Klara and the Sun on February 23.

Zoning. Chairs: Ben Biltz and Wendy Fearnside

TOD legislation did pass with historic districts being included. FD ongoing, timeline- schedule changed- Planning Commission on Feb 13, housing strategy on Feb 23, Common Council on February 28.
Wendy- she feels like it’s rushing it. The occupancy could have a greater impact on the neighborhood because of pressure for student rentals.
Doug- requesting questions from everyone, Alder Evers and Vidaver- presidents of four areas- meet on Sunday and talk about next steps and questions. One possibility of drawing some overlay district around campus. Options have been put on the table. Do intend to file questions- council and zoning email. Regent and Greenbush submitted statements very similar to ours. Collective concern. Alder Evers has been helpful in communicating and organizing.
Getting rid of owner occupied- doesn’t matter if it is owner occupied or rental. No cap on the number of individuals and relationships re occupants and they will allow two kitchens in a single family home or unit. Could impact the economics of larger older houses. Wendy feels like it deserves some analysis. Good plug to submit Qs to Doug by Friday.
Andrew- what can we really do about it to take a stand if that’s what we wish to do. Concerned to hear that the timeline and then suddenly switched out. Questions that we are requesting to show that the city hasn’t done their analysis.
One question that Doug posed- why and over what period of time was the current zoning extended to other parts of the city? That may lead in the direction of some overlay district. Power comes in numbers with our neighbors and through Alders. Depending on where this goes, we may have to call another special meeting.
Doug will share the document Friday/Saturday. Will call a special council meeting if need be.
Doug noted that Alder Evers worked on some different TOD angles on mitigating concerns for upconverted to be sure it was family owned. Did not pass. More information from the last council meeting.
Jon Standridge- Edgewood College has four or five houses, Edgewood on a number of occasions has asked if students could live there- nuns in houses now and close to retirement. Those houses will go quickly. Sisters are considered family if five nuns- exempt for religious orders.
Outstanding question re housing prices.
Mike R. concerned that zoning is reversal from encouraging owner-occupancy. Doug would appreciate statement from Mike.
Council members who co-sponsored the “Family” definition change.

https://madison.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5950461&GUID=4FEF97E5-09F5-4F96-954F-6871605829B9

Membership. Chair: Mary Clare Murphy (no update)
Edgewood. Chair: Craig Stanley (no update with exception of previously discussed ruling)
Transportation. Chair: Mike Rewey

Committee not quite running fully- Sally Lehner (thank you, Sally) will be the liaison. If anyone is interested in joining, please contact Mike.
Mike is actively looking throughout the neighborhood and has found most crossings surprisingly handicap accessible. Mike surveying additional issues and lack of signage concerns.
Regan mentioned safety concern regarding pedestrian crossing on Monroe at Van Buren. Mike looking into it more.
Let Mike know if there are any concerns.
Ben- gentle reminder to neighbors to shovel your sidewalks.

Liaisons & Appointments

Joint Area Campus Committee (JCAC). Appointee: Doug Carlson
Vilas Ink. Editor: Bonnie Gruber

Doug is helping with advertisements. Bonnie welcomes any suggestions, contributions or articles. Interesting information for our members deadline is February 24.
Question about Vilas Directory. How can we update and concern for privacy in the future- making sure we keep it locked if online.

Bear Mound Park. Liaison: Eileen Thompson (no update)
Block Captains: Coordinator: Roz Woodward

Thanks to Roz for her regular updates.
Roz is happy to distribute current directories to new families.

Listserv. Co-Moderators: Brad Ricker and Ankur Desai (no update)
District 13 Alliance. Liaison: Lee Lazar (no update)
VNA Website. Webmaster: Leon Maurer (no update)
Vilas Park. Liaisons: Wendy Fearnside and Ann Rivlin

THE FOLLOWING MEETING THAT WAS DISCUSSED IS NOW ON HOLD. THANKS TO ANN AND WENDY FOR THEIR WORK.
https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/projects/vilas-henry-park-west-playground-improvements
Nature-based play area. The meeting is really the start of the process. Preliminary design process. Hot topic- neighborhood very concerned about it- making sure it’s a nice play space and also kids playing at the shoe and running back and forth. Also, an area of concern during the Master Plan Process that the Vilas Park holds significant Phase 1 archaeological survey and in partnership to the Ho-Chunk.
Question- will there be lighting- that has not been discussed, Ann would be surprised. No path between each- priority to maintain a natural feel.
Wendy- notes that public would be involved in the planning process of play structures.

Zoo. Liaisons: Bonnie Gruber and Ann Rivlin

Discussion about improving signage for cars pulling out of parking lot.

7:30 New Business

Damaged Vilas Neighborhood signs & repair/replace options

One sign on the corner of Drake/Grant near Vilas Park near stop sign is in good condition; a second sign in neighborhood rain garden where Mound, Campbell and Oakland come together- showing wear; and the old one on the corner of Randall and Regent (7/11) is broken. Would need a major repair.
Leon willing to assist in getting an estimate in cost.
Discussing various options, maybe clean it and reinstall it. Open to any ideas - something that we should consider.
Ben notes Rocky’s will be replaced by an Italian Restaurant. (aka ‘Spaghetti’s Corners’).

Adjourn at 8:01

Future Meeting Dates: (6:30 via Zoom)

Weds. Feb. 22; Weds. April 12; Weds. May 24 (then fourth Weds. through October)

Chris Conrad

December 16, 2022

VNA Meeting Minutes - December 2022

Chris Conrad

December 16, 2022

VNA Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - December 2022

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Term Ending 2023 Term Ending 2024

Doug Carlson, President Bonnie Gruber

Rachel Bennett, Treasurer Lee Lazar

Regan Botsford, Secretary Leon Maurer

Wendy Fearnside (absent) Michael Rewey

7:02 Call to Order

Meeting Rules: Stay on mute unless talking.
November Minutes unanimously approved.
Join the listserv: Send an email to VilasNA+subscribe@groups.io
Website: vilasneighborhood.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vilasna
Donations: (Dues no longer required) https://www.vilasneighborhood.com/take-action

7:05 Existing Business

Proposed Tacos & Tequila LLC (currently named, Gallo Taco Bar) at 1925 Monroe w/ liquor license.

Overview from owners: Ben Roberts own Pasquel’s Cantina, with Julie and Alin present tonight.

Ben is proposing to open a craft taco tavern (former Berke & Benham Seafood). To clarify, he is not opening up a bar or a nightclub. Rather a restaurant that will serve tacos, with craft beer and select margaritas.
On the list of concerns are parking, hood exhaust and related smells, and carry- out liquor.

Parking: topic for everyone on Monroe Street. Ben is hopeful that they have people who are within walking distance and will do whatever they can to encourage taking advantage of public parking and being mindful of neighbors.
As far as hood exhaust- most problems with hood exhausts are associated with hoods that are old and not maintained- this will be brand new so not a problem. Also, not a lot of fried food.
Regarding carry-out, they will offer single serve beverages in a sealed container.
Hours will be 11AM-9PM on weekdays and 11AM-10PM on weekends.
Ben is excited to be back in the neighborhood. Tables for larger groups along with two tops and another larger seating area.
B&B utilized about 1/3 of the space, Gallo’s will take up about 2/3.

Q&A: Class B liquor license. Hoping to be at ALRC a week from tonight (12/21).
Council action: Rachel makes a motion in support of Gallo’s liquor license. Motion approved.

Proposed “One & Only” restaurant at 1923 Monroe w/ liquor license.

Overview from owner Stephanie Dalbesio

The intended hours of operation Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm, and Fri/Sat 10am-midnight.
She intends to request class C alcohol license, i.e. including liquor (Brasserie V had class B beer and class C wine).
There is no plan for outdoor seating, music or carry-out alcohol.

Stephanie plans to present to ALRC meeting on January 18.
Example menu was sent via email to VNA council today.
Diego Saenz invites Stephanie Dalbesio to speak to DMNA prior to ALRC meeting
Doug Carlson reiterates that any attempt to mitigate loud noise at night on nearby streets (such as note on receipts asking patrons not to slam car doors on Madison St) would be appreciated.
Council action: no action is required tonight because restaurant is awaiting sellers’ permit after which they can formally submit application, and then the VNA could vote to support or not

7:35 Alder Update

Planning meeting was 2 days ago, voted 5 to 1 to include national and local historic districts in the TOD overlay. A motion was made to delay council action on voting in order to allow for more neighborhood input. Heather Bailey (preservation planner for Madison) wrote a memo which was quoted in part by Tag. He notes that if members are concerned about wanting to protect the look of the neighborhood, the way to do that is to make more areas a local historic district.
Doug clarifies with Tag that this will go to the Planning Commission on 12/9 and that the Council vote is scheduled to be on 1/17.
Meeting pending 12/19 on the occupancy/family definition topic. Sometimes thereafter we will have a Vilas-specific meeting.
Pat Scheckel asks Tag to describe the evolution of his views regarding the definition of “family” as noted in his recent blogpost. Tag explains that he remains a bit ambivalent but does see it from a different point of view, but does see it from both sides.
Ben Biltz, having reviewed Tag’s blog post, asks him to be sure that the planning commission doesn’t overestimate the power of enforcement of the noise complaints, as it is his experience that the police will come, tell the noisemakers to be quiet, and 5 minutes later the noise will return. He notes that other mechanisms will be important to reduce nuisances and Tag agrees.
Doug notes that the city has published a Q&A on the occupancy/family definition topic.
Bonnie Gruber notes that a house with multiple renters can outbid a family with 1-2 renters, and that a more restrictive family definition is more needed now than ever
On different topics, Tag discusses the recent Council meeting, where there was a deficit of funding for nonprofits. He proposed a budget amendment to add $159,000, which did not pass. Discusses positive results from CARES Program, currently housed within the Fire department, wherein mental health providers are sent to mental health calls (instead of officers). Also notes discussion with Chief Barnes: reduction in shots fired compared to last year, reduction in traffic accidents also, and Tag notes that he feels Chief Barnes is effective and we are making progress.

7:55 Reports & Committee Updates (Note: Full list here for Council discussion. Most no update)

President’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Standing Committees

Social. Chair: Bethany Nelson

Successful hot cocoa/cookies event, auction/donation for nursing homes, a party at Garth’s. Thanks to all who donated/assisted/contributed. Sarah Bahauddin is thanked for taking on book club, and notes that she is considering hosting in-person or possible hybrid virtual and in-person meetings.

Zoning. Chairs: Ben Biltz and Wendy Fearnside.

Ben notes that Mike Rewey has graciously agreed to start attending zoning meetings.

Membership. Chair: Mary Clare Murphy
Edgewood. Chair: Craig Stanley
(Proposed Committee) Transportation. Chair: Mike Rewey. Note, this would be an expansion of the previous bike/ped committee. Mike notes that this committee would include streetscape (street canopy), traffic, public works. He is familiar with these and would like to help make our neighborhood a better place to drive/walk/bike in. He would like to outreach to the neighborhood to discover what people are looking for.

Special Committees

Nominating (can be close to election)
Election (can be close to election)

Liaisons & Appointments

Joint Area Campus Committee (JCAC). Appointee: Doug Carlson
Vilas Ink. Editor: Bonnie Gruber
Bear Mound Park. Liaison: Eileen Thompson
Block Captains: Coordinator: Roz Woodward
Listserv Co-Moderators: Brad Ricker and Ankur Desai
District 13 Alliance. Liaison: Lee Lazar (replacing Dana Scheckel)
VNA Website. Webmaster: Leon Maurer (replace Chris Kelly)
Vilas Park. Liaisons: Wendy Fearnside and Ann Rivlin
Zoo. Liaisons: Bonnie Gruber and Ann Rivlin

8:15 Other Business:

Discussion of Updated Committees & Liaisons; Council Approval. Motion to approve all committees/liaisons made seconded, and council approval was unanimous.
Schedule & format for 2023 VNA Council Meetings.

Fourth Weds. of month for most months

Combo March & April due to spring break? Agreed to cancel March meeting and have April meeting 4/12
Third Weds. in Nov (15), & Dec (13) due to holidays?
Elections changed from November to October due to concerns from Mary Clare that the election in November was busy. This was brought up by Sarah, and Roz concurred that it was hard to contact block captains in mid-November.

In-person ASAP, virtual indefinitely, or virtual through April & re-visit? This was discussed and it was decided to remain virtual for now.

2023 VNA Proposed Budget and Approval: Budget was approved as written with amendments to add $150 cost of Zoom and $175 social event, i.e. ice skating at Shell in April. Discussion of donation to Bayview was had, but decided to not donate at this time due to uncertain costs of repairing Vilas neighborhood signs, which is to be discussed further in January.

8:25 Adjourn.

Future Meeting Dates: (TBD above; likely next meeting Weds. Jan. 25 @ 7:00 via Zoom)