COLLEGE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 4, 2003

Attending:  David Glenn-Burns, Mary Brammer, Loree Rackstraw, Jeanette Winegarden,
Sue Doody, Kate McElligatt, Lynn Nielsen, Rose Lorenz, Jana Nelson

Absent:  Guy Sims, Tom Reisetter(?)

The August minutes were approved as printed and distributed.
 

Jana gave the Treasurer’s Report. Our balance is $3400.  Mary and David
submitted bills for the picnic.  We have received a number of renewal
memberships.

Mary felt that we could have done a better job of getting information out
about the picnic.  Over 100 persons attended.  Next year, we need an
amplification system.  Kate agreed to send thank you’s to Mary Huber for
the Quartet and face painting, and to Dick Brammer for grilling and
helping out as needed.  There was a discussion about scheduling the picnic
for a week later next year.  This would allow more college students, and
possibly even more families to attend.
 

CHNA representatives Sue and Mary attended the last Planning and Zoning
Commission work session.  The Association is asking the city to revisit
the 1993 Overlay Plan, and to take another look at density issues and
flooding/paving issues.  The Commissioners were interested in reviewing
the recommendations made in the 1993 report.  The Association is hoping to
work with Marty Ryan on a plan and deadlines.  The CHNA  subcommittee
(Loree, Mary, Rose, and David) will meet to “sharpen our focus” prior to
meeting with Marty Ryan.  David suggested that at least one person
associated with UNI be involved.  Representatives from the College Hill
commercial district should also be involved.  Mary has contacted Renee
Romano at the Chamber of Commerce to request their support in improving
the appearance of the commercial district.
 

Mary is putting “Properties to Recognize” on the website.   There are
three on at this time.  She would like more nominations recognizing
property owners for improvements they have made.
 

Loree reported that Kamyar Enshayan is running for City Council to
represent Ward 4 (Joe Turner’s seat).  Darrell Porter is running for the
at-large position.  Darrell has lived in and owned a business in the
College Hill neighborhood.  Mary is generating a list of our
issues/concerns.  She will pass this out to Board members and request
feedback prior to the Candidates’ Forum.  There are nine candidates
running for offices at this time.  There was a discussion of how to best
conduct a fair and impartial forum.  A decision was made to contact the
League of Women Voters to ask if they can provide a moderator.  David
agreed to make this contact, and will also write a letter inviting the
candidates.  After the forum, we were planning a social hour with
refreshments.  If the League is unable to assist us, David will contact
the Chamber of Commerce.  Kate and Jana suggested Al Hays, a UNI political
science professor as a back-up.  The purpose of the forum is to address
neighborhood issues raised by neighborhood residents.
 

David gave an update on the cell phone tower issue.  Nothing new has
happened.  US Cellular approached the Wesley House last spring.  If the
Wesley Foundation receives a firm proposal, it will be taken before the
Board of Directors.  There will be an opportunity for residents to ask
questions and express opinions.  The CHNA subcommittee that was formed to
study this issue will meet if the Wesley Foundation and/or US Cellular
submit a site plan to the city for approval.
 

Loree has agreed to act as our “communications coordinator” Loree has
developed a list of newspapers, radio stations, etc.  She will write news
releases and send them out as needed.  If Board members or committees have
something they want to disseminate, it should be sent to Loree. She will
post these items on our message board for comments prior to release.  We
hope that Tom Olgilvie will continue to produce the newsletter.
 

Homecoming plans were discussed.  Tom Reisetter has the use of a
convertible.  David Glenn-Burns will ride in the car.  Guy and Tom will
also be riding in the car.  Mary will submit the application for the
parade.
 

Mary is distributing the postcard packets to new members.  Jana will give
names and addresses of new and  renewing members to Mary monthly.
 

St. Stephens has requested proof of insurance (due to use of their space
for our meetings).  David has this and will provide it.
 

David reported that the Wesley Foundation is hosting a block party from
6-8 p.m. on Tuesday.  There will be food and a movie.  The neighborhood is
invited.
 

We have been invited to a breakfast event at UNI on Wednesday at 7:30
a.m. at the Unidome.  It is being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.  Rose
will attend on the Board’s behalf.
 

The Association has joined the Hearst Center at the supporter level.  We
were given a print by John Page.  Mary will keep the print until the Board
makes a decision on what should be done with it.
 

Mary attended the recent  Council Administration Committee meeting. There
was discussion of a proposal to eliminated drink specials at bars.  The
meeting was attended by bar owners, city staff, city council members,
other interested parties.  Bar owners made some general complaints against
the university and the police department dealing with other issues.  Mary
spoke as a concerned citizen and a member of a neighborhood watch group
formed due to vandalism in her neighborhood after the bars close.  There
have been frequent incidences of inebriated students both walking and
driving home from the Hill, endangering themselves, other drivers, and
pedestrians. Tony T. has announced that he is trying to break the Guiness
World Record for the most cases of beer sold in a day on Saturday,
September 6.  He has distributed flyers.  Renee Romano wrote a letter to
each council member and to Mayor Crews on this promotion.  Mary would like
to see the Board take a position on this.  Sue related that the University
is for “responsible fun”.  She moved that the Board adopt a position that
supports “having fun responsibly as acceptable behavior”.  Kate seconded
the motion.  A discussion was held.  The vote was called and five members
voted in support of this position, with two voting “no”.
 

The next meeting is Thursday, October 2, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Stephens.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kate McElligatt, Board Secretary