VNA Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
Council Members
Sarah Bahauddin (mid-meeting)
Rachel Bennett
Benjamin Blitz
Regan Botsford
Doug Carlson
Wendy Fearnside
Bonnie Gruber
Pat Scheckel
Guest Speakers
Alder Tag Evers
Flavia Fontana Giusti
Bethany Nelson
Call to Order (at 7:01PM)
Doug Carlson presided over the meeting as President Sarah Bahauddin had a previous engagement for the beginning half.
Minutes from 12/15/2021 approved.
Reminder about the listserv (VilasNA+subscribe@groups.io)
Website: https://www.vilasneighborhood.com/
New website thanks to Flavia Fontana Giusti (https://www.facebook.com/groups/vilasna)
Reminder that dues are no longer required for membership but appreciated: https://www.vilasneighborhood.com/take-action
Alder Report: Alder Tag Evers
https://www.cityofmadison.com/council/district13
Phone: 608-424-2580
Email: district13@cityofmadison.com
Tag discussed the South Madison Plan and noted that the council decided to amend the plan. This project involves a higher degree of density to reduce carbon emissions. This, in turn, will allow for more home ownership opportunities which Tag supports.
He noted that Vilas is not part of South Madison, but part of District 13.
Lake Monona Waterfront Project- committee will soon be formed to discuss optimal strategies for upgrading the waterfront. This includes the Monona Terrace to the northern section of Olin Park.
Tag submitted recommendations for this committee including Claire Oleksiak of Vilas.
Wendy and Tag discussed how this project will be done in tandem with the John Nolen drive construction. Tag shared that three firms will put forth their best ideas and then a selection will be made.
More information: https://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/projects/john-nolen-drive
Negotiations with the new grocer continue- arrangements have been made to make Pick ‘N Save open following their lease.
Traffic Speed and Vision Zero- goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities in the city of Madison with speed limits reduced to 25 MPH in many areas.
Police do not have the capacity to monitor 24/7.
Architecture of the streets also plays a role including narrow roadways, creating bike lanes and creating speed bumps.
Reminder to be mindful of how fast people are driving to prevent accidents.
MMSD Update: The school district has been hit hard with COVID personnel and staffing shortages. MMSD recently put out a call for volunteers in many capacities. Tag urges those who have the time to volunteer to do so. One day a month could make a big difference. More information can be found here: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/partnerships/volunteering
Snow Emergency Zone: Tag noted that there’s no longer a need to deal with alternate street parking. He notes that the clean streets/clean lakes rules have not changed. Those rules do not go away even during a snow emergency so plan accordingly.
This block of time throughout the year allows the street service persons to do their jobs in the four hour time block, including leaf collection. During winter, it allows for the snowplows to get all the way to the curb.
Brad Ricker shared his story and there was continued discussion about planning ahead regarding these blocks. Setting a reminder on the calendar could be helpful.
Glenway Golf Course: to be named the Glenway Golf Park, this comprehensive reconstruction project is more ecologically based with less chemical treatment, an older style/rustic course. The new project also will create new recreational opportunities for families outside of golf including movie nights, yoga, etc. This will be a welcoming space for those who haven’t been exposed to golf previously and a welcoming family space. Goal to open in May/June 22. More information can be found https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/projects/glenway-golf-park
A reminder that it is closed for the season. This allows for the construction project to move forward.
In response to the complaints, the parks department put up additional signage to educate the community regarding the restrictions. Tag notes he hasn’t seen as much activity in recent weeks.
Existing Business
Vilas Ink.: Pat shared an update on the Vilas Ink It will be headed to the printer on February 25. A note of thanks to Pat for moving the newsletter forward.
Wendy mentioned including a reminder regarding dues in the newsletter.
Social Report: Bethany shared how wonderful it was to receive all the donations over the holidays for the drive- notably five area nursing homes benefitted from the neighborhood’s generosity. The holiday gatherings were also very fun. Another thanks to Bethany for all of her support.
Book Club is January 27 at 8:00PM via Zoom.
Books will be picked for the coming year, so if anyone is interested and hasn’t yet participated, it is encouraged.
Reminder that there’s an opportunity to volunteer on the social committee. Please contact Bethany or Sarah with any interest.
Generously Garth from Garth’s restaurant wants to stay connected with the VNA and partner in the future.
Donation requests: The council discussed two recent requests for donations that recently came in. After much discussion, the council concluded that there is not the capacity to entertain donations. We can publicize events and share information.
Snow sculpture event: https://sites.google.com/view/madisonsnowsculpture/home
Facebook Update: Flavia shared her update on the Vilas Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/vilasna). Neighbors are encouraged to sign up and join. Currently, there are 76 members- off to a good start. Events will be posted accordingly. Many thanks to Flavia for creating this shared space.
Zoning Committee: Ben noted that the demo permit for the Chabad House on Monroe has been approved.
Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe putting in a request for live music. Mostly acoustic/jazz/classical. Greenbush neighborhood supports this request. Ben reminded the council that we don’t need to take a position.
Notably 1124-1134 Regent (currently housing part of Budget Bicycle) the Harvey House group is looking to renovate the space and build out a restaurant with an outdoor patio area. Alcohol permit request to come later. Buildout includes a take out window on Charter Street.
Please reach out to Ben or Wendy if interested in joining future meetings. Thanks to Ben and Wendy for their work.
Vias Zoo Update: Bonnie shared an update from the meeting she attended last week. The planning process for the northwest portion of the zoo was discussed. They are finishing up the first phase/schematic design. The next phase will include design/engineering. The plan is to widen the entrance that faces the corner of Drake and Randall, and to make a plaza there.
Bonnie noted the zoo is also working to make some of the animal pens more flexible to ease the seasonal transition for their residents.
There is also discussion of a pavilion building at the far west edge of the zoo that would serve similar to the tents already installed. Topics to be explored- increasing number of animals in park, sustainability, climate justice and inspiring action to help these endangered animals.
There was continued discussion about this construction project. This project is only for the zoo inside the fence. Thanks to Bonnie for her work here.
D-13 Alliance: No updates
JCAC: No updates
Edgewood Liaison Committee: No report
Treasurer Update: Rachel and Pat met last week to transition the position. The copy of the budget should have arrived in everyone’s inboxes. There was a discussion regarding finalizing the budget. Three small updates were made (budget $250 for Good Neighbor Fest, $200 from VNA Tailgate to Social/General, Reduce holiday budget from $2K to $1,500).
Motion to approve budget passed unanimously.
Meeting concluded.
Next Meeting of the VNA Council will be held on February 23, 2022 at 7PM.