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).
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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.
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.
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)