COLLEGE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING 8-7-03

Attending: Sue D., Rose L., Mary B., Kate M., Guy S., Jana N., Tom R.,

Guests: Christine Wait, Rich Anderson

Absent: Jeanette Winegarden, David Glenn-Burnes, Lynn Nielsen

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Rose L. Resident Christine Wait addressed the Board regarding the Wesley Foundation’s exploration of the placement of a cell tower on their property. Some of her concerns were: the business community rejected placement on 23rd Street, it will be an attractive nuisance to college students, there are possible health concerns, and it does not add anything positive to the neighborhood. Placement would be on a very small lot, taking up current parking spaces. These towers can fall in winds over 80 mph and could hit a home. The cell phone companies are only interested in making a profit, and some of these companies fail. Companies may want to add height to a tower after it is installed. (This is a summary of Christine’s major points.) This issue has not come before Planning and Zoning yet, but may soon. There was a discussion as to whether the CHNA Board should act on Christine’s request for support in opposing the placement of a tower in a residential area. Rose suggested that a task force study the issue and make a recommendation to the Board. Members who volunteered were: Kate M., Guy S., and Mary B. They will need to meet and report back within the next two weeks.

Rich Anderson spoke to the Board regarding Basil Reppas’ project which went before Planning and Zoning recently. The project was not approved due to the fact that the proposed building did not conform to existing codes and variances would need to be granted by the Board of Adjustment. Rich had been contacted by the Reppas’ and questioned whether the CHNA Board had opposed the project. Individual CHNA members spoke before P and Z regarding the project but made it clear that they were speaking out as individuals. The Board has not taken a position, however, we would expect that the developer would request variances in this case (or conform to existing codes), which would be the proper procedure. Rich would like to see the CHNA work more closely with landlords, and this is also the Board’s intention. A number of our current members are landlords.

Minutes of the July meeting were reviewed and accepted. Rose indicated that the Board has been invited by P & Z to make a presentation at an upcoming meeting. Rose, Loree, and Sue will be attending the August 13 meeting and will give a historical perspective, referencing the recommendations of the outside consultants which presented the city with a plan for the Overlay a number of years ago. We would like the city to take a look at density issues and to consider commissioning another aerial map of the city to look at the increase in paving as it relates to flooding. We will be asking the city to hire an outside consultant to look at the 1993 plan in terms of where we have made progress, where more work needs to be done, and at enforcement issues. Discussion of how to work with P & Z to positively promote the neighborhood, as opposed to reacting to concerns, was held.

The Board is in need to a “communications” person who would be willing to collect articles for the newsletter, send press releases, help with the website, etc. Loree R. is interested in doing this but would like help. We will suggest that she ask for volunteers at the picnic.

There was a discussion about the importance of members speaking out as individuals and making it clear that they are not representing the organization, unless the Board has formally taken a stance.

Sue and David attended the Chamber of Commerce luncheon for new members, and had an opportunity to speak for a few minutes. The Chamber has a link to out website on theirs.

Loree has expressed concern over the appearance of the Hill business district. Out of town guests had commented on the dilapidated appearance of many properties. An additional concern is the “big black hole”. It was suggested that Board members meet with the mayor and John Page, as well as UNI officials about these concerns. Rose suggested that the Board write a letter to business owners asking for voluntary cooperation. She will draft a letter.

Mary requested that the CHNA become a supporter of the Hearst Center for a cost of $100. They have been very supportive of our efforts and worked with us on the youth jazz concert in the park and the upcoming picnic. A motion to this effect was made, seconded, and passed.

Mary reviewed the plans for the picnic. Board members are to be there at 5:00 p.m. for the Chamber of Commerce ceremony and photo, and to set up. Board members should bring extra lawn chairs if they have them. The Hearst Center is the location if it is raining.

Leafleting information was distributed by Kate. The goal is to get the Overlay leafleted by next Wed. Mary will drop off the leaflets to the designated person on Saturday.

Our participation in the College Hill Arts Festival was discussed. The consensus was that this was a success and we should participated again next year.

Kate is working with Tom Romanin (UNI) on identifying rental properties and their owners in the areas close to the campus. Kate has completed block-by-block maps and is giving this information to Tom. Guy is involved with UNI’s planning for Homecoming also. Mary would like someone to ride in the parade representing CHNA on October 11. Tom Reisetter is checking on the use of a convertible.

Mary proposed a new program for recognizing owners who improve their properties. She would like to recognize them in the newsletter, on the website, and with a special letter. She will also take and post a photo of the property on the website. She suggested recognizing Mike and Emily Klassen, Gale Bonsall (for improvements to the apartments on Campus), and The Other Place(for the new facade). Members are encouraged to nominate owners for this recognition. A motion to implement this program was made, seconded, and passed.

Jana questioned whether the Association should work as “an arm of the police” in addressing student behavior problems (loud parties, kegs, etc.). The university is working with their Public Safety Department and the Cedar Falls Police to address these issues, especially as they pertain to Homecoming. Our role thus far has only been to assist the university with accessing information which is public.

THE NEXT BOARD MEETING IS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4 AT 5:30 PM AT ST. STEPHENS .

The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.

Kate McElligatt, Secretary