VNA Council– November Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 - 7:00 pm via Zoom
Term Ending Fall of 2021
Hans Borcherding
Jim Corkery - Secretary
Wendy Fearnside
Karie Krantz
Term Ending Fall of 2022
Sarah Bahauddin - President
Ben Biltz
Bonnie Gruber
Pat Scheckel - Treasurer
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes
Representative Reports
1. Alder Tag Evers
a. Recently passed 2022 operating budget
b. Monroe St library hours will be extended to 5 days a week
c. ADU proposed ordinance changes are under review – there will be an opportunity for public engagement
d. S. Madison plan – reviewing draft
2. Representative Francesca Hong (76th Assembly District)
a. Final session of the year took place last week; may be called back to session to vote on redistricting
b. Voted on gerrymandered republican maps last week
i. Democrats all voted against but still passed
ii. Governor will veto
iii. Will likely go to the courts 11/30
iv. If interested, follow Law Forward for updates
c. Gave a few other general legislative updates
d. Contact information: rep.hong@legis.wisconsin.gov
New Business:
Chabad House Proposal – 1713 Monroe St – Rabbi Avremel Matusof
International organization for Orthodox Jews
Current building on Regent St used for services, prayers, gatherings, and holidays
Purchased 1713 Monroe St with plans to develop a 2-story building (with basement) to include classrooms, offices, synagogue, community rooms, kitchen, and social hall and more
This space is primarily used on weekends
Willing to open the space for community use when available
Do not anticipate parking will be an issue; they gather on Saturdays but their religion prevents them from driving on this day
Hoping to get demolition permit from the city in January
Hoping to start construction some time in the spring
Will attach architectural drawings to meeting minutes
VNA council voted unanimously to support the demolition permit and agreed this will be a great addition to the neighborhood
Existing Business:
4. Social Report – Bethany Nelson
a. 12/12/21 – Vilas neighborhood party at Garth’s from 12-2pm
i. Cash bar, light snacks/food, all ages welcome
b. A holiday light walk is being planned with a cookies & cocoa stop – stay tuned
c. We will be supporting the Heritage Senior Living center’s giving tree this holiday season for their 144 residents
d. If there are any neighbors in need this holiday service, please contact Bethany (all requests will be kept confidential)
e. A silent auction/raffle is being planned to help the neighborhood’s holiday initiatives – stay tuned and let Bethany know if you are willing to help with any donations or soliciting donations
f. Bethany would like to form a Social Committee – please let her know if you are interested in being part of this committee
g. Contact info: bethanynelsonjd@yahoo.com
5. Zoning Committee – Ben Biltz
a. Proposed ADU Ordinance Changes will go in front of the Plan Commission 11/22
i. Public comments are welcome – contact Tag Evers or the city to submit
b. Lucky’s 1313 responded to our position in opposition to their proposed expansion. They responded asking for our specific concerns. Ben replied and has not heard back from them.
6. Sarah gave a recap of the VNA Council’s work in 2021
Election Results
7. There were 128 ballots received and the following 4 people were elected to the VNA Council:
a. Rachel Bennett
b. Regan Botsford
c. Doug Carlson
d. Wendy Fearnside
Adjourn