Vilas Neighborhood Association
General Membership and Council Meeting Minutes September 22, 2021, via Zoom
DRAFT for approval at the October 20 meeting
Attendance Opening and announcements Sarah called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Without objection, minutes of the August meeting were approved.
The Good Neighbor Gathering and Monroe Street Festival will be Saturday, September 25. VNA contributed to both events.
Ald. Evers Tag announced that the Southwest Path will be closed for resurfacing between Harrison and Glenway beginning September 27.
The Lake Wingra Heritage Plan’s mission has three goals: • Water quality • Natural beauty • A heritage trail
Council members and others present
Sarah Bahauddin (president), Doug Carlson, Ben Biltz, Ald. Tag Evers, Hans Borcherding, Mary Clare Murphy, Wendy Fearnside Bethany Nelson, Bonnie Gruber, Jon Standridge, Karie Krantz, Rosalind Woodward, Pat Scheckel (treasurer)
Council member absent Jim Corkery, secretary
Two alternatives have been proposed for revising aldermanic district boundaries based on the 2020 census and 2022 Town of Madison annexation: • Alternative 5a. would expand District 13 to the north; the district would lose some of Greenbush neighborhood. • Alternative 6 would expand District 13 into Nakoma and the district would lose Bay Creek neighborhood. To comment, go to the Monroe Street Library between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, or to https:// cityofmadison.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html? id=c0600804d256473cbb8bd52d535ab872 The City Council will decide on the new districts by November 21.
Other business
-The VNA Council approved Mary Clare Murphy as election chair. A nominating committee is still needed
-The association needs a place for in-person meetings. Beth Israel Center and the Monroe Street Art Center might be possibilities.
-It was suggested that the October VNA Council and general membership meeting be Wednesday. October 20, instead of October 27. There was no objection.
Bylaws
-Pat moved and Rosalind seconded to approve the revised bylaws as presented. The motion carried.
Reports
-Pat reported that there is about $3,800 in the VNA account. The Halloween party budget is $400. Pat said the next Vilas Ink deadline is November 20.
-Bethany said the back-to-school event went over fairly well. The book club is continuing.
-Ben reported for the Zoning Committee, which proposed the following statement: The Vilas Neighborhood Association Council received a presentation by Steve Brown Apartments on Wednesday August 25, 2021, at its neighborhood meeting in regard to the conversion of “Hotel Red” into a multifamily apartment project. The presentation outline included their request for conditional use approval to create 50 apartment homes. Currently the hotel has 48 guest rooms. The VNA Council believes the proposed reuse is appropriate and recommends approval of this conditional use. VNA supports the change of use as well as the total number of units proposed. A motion to approve the statement was made by Wendy, seconded by Ben, and passed with six votes for, 1 member abstaining, and one absent.
-The Zoning Committee proposed the following statement concerning Berke and Benham Seafood on Monroe Street: The Vilas Neighborhood Association Council wishes to convey its support for Berke and Benham Seafood, LLC's application for a Class B combination liquor and beer license in conjunction with its seafood business. Berke and Benham Seafood has been a positive addition to our neighborhood. We believe that alcohol sales at the proposed 5% alcohol/95% food ratio described in the application would provide an appropriate complement to the retail seafood business and facilitate the occasional tastings and small parties that are part of Berke and Benham's business plan. Ben moved, Kari seconded, and the council approved the statement.
-Ben reported that because of problems getting materials, construction of the Lucky’s apartments has been put off until spring 2022. The Zoning Committee proposed the following statement The council discussed but took no action on the Lucky’s 1313 Brew Pub proposed request to change some restrictions on the liquor license.
-Results of the survey of neighborhood residents were reported.
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Gruber Acting Secretary