College Hill Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes

August 12, 2004

Attending:  Mary Brammer, Tom Reisetter, Jeanine Winegarden, Jana Nelson, Kate McElligatt, Mike Prophet, Daryl Anderson

Absent:  Lynn Nielsen, Jill Lankford

Guests:  Loree Rackstraw, Dave Zarafis, Mary Meyer, Terry  Helinski

There were no minutes to review because the last meeting was a discussion/planning session.

Jana gave the Treasurer’s report.  Our bank balance is $6, 280.61.  Twenty members have renewed recently for a total of $370.  Bills were presented for renewal of our liability insurance, food and decorations for the art festival and flowerbed dedication, and postage for the July newsletter and the dedication invitations.  Tom moved that these bills be paid and Jeanine seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  Mary moved that the CHNA renew its membership with the Hearst Center.  The motion was seconded and passed.  Mary moved that the association commission a permanent plaque for the Frances Crouter Garden at a cost of up to $155.  Jeanine seconded the motion and the motion was passed.  Mary reported that she had investigated the cost of orange vests with the CHNA name imprinted and the cost was $7 a piece.  The members discussed the option of buying 10 or 20.  Daryl suggested that each board member buy one.  Jana suggested buying the vests using money from the treasury.  The option of T-shirts was also discussed.  Mary will investigate the options further.  A decision was tabled until more information is available.

Mary suggested that members be thinking about additional beautification projects.  The city will be funding a study on the Hill area.  Daryl suggested waiting to make further plans and trying to tie in with the city’s plans.  Mary reported that she has looked into signs marking entrances to the College Hill Neighborhood.  She  discussed this idea with Marty Ryan and he seemed receptive.  The signs could be metal or could be banners.

The newly revised by-laws were distributed and Jeanine reviewed the changes which have been made.  Several of the changes provoked discussion and questions.  It is suggested that we add standing rules regarding membership fees, lobbying, promotion, and media contacts.  The issues of rotating terms for Board members and number of Board members was discussed.  Currently the by-laws indicate that we will have 5-7 Board members in addition to the four officers.  Daryl moved to accept the by-laws as written and Mike seconded the motion.  The motion was passed.  The by-laws will be presented to the general membership for approval at the August picnic and meeting.  Mary will send copies out electronically to members and will also have copies available for distribution at the membership meeting.  Tom asked the Board to express our gratitude to Jeanette for her work on updating and revising the by-laws.

Mary reported on discussions with the city regarding renovation of the parking lot behind University Book & Supply.  The city engineer has been directed to redesign the plan.  The actual work will be completed next spring.  The CHNA has advocated for more landscaping than was originally planned.

The flowerbed dedication honoring Frances Crouter was discussed.  It was well attended and was covered by the media.  Dave Wieland is donating the bricks and the labor to lay a permanent border.  Lynn Nielsen and some neighbors would like to create another flowerbed at the eastern end of Seerley.  We would be responsible for maintaining the bed.  Daryl suggested contacting the Hearst Center gardener to help with maintenance.  Mary has appointed Lynn to form a committee to develop a proposal.

Plans for the annual membership picnic were reviewed.  Tom, Mary, and her husband will arrive early to start the grills.  Mary is bringing food and paper products.  Board members are asked to come at 5:00 to help with the set up.  Kate volunteered to bring the drinks (water and lemonade).  Following the meal, there will be recognition of Board members and committees, as well as information on upcoming activities.  Loree is taking care of the publicity.  Mr. Zarafis suggested contacting Jim O’Connor at UNI with any news releases.  The mayor, city council, and planning and zoning officials have been invited to attend.

Ideas for improving and expanding the newsletter were discussed.  Mike had some suggestions.  Mary will contact student organizations in the Overlay and put them in contact with Tom Olgilvie, our editor.

Some work has been done on the density study over the summer.  Jill Lankford and a student worked on this project during July.  Mary has also been working on this and Kate will help if needed.  Mary hopes to be able to present preliminary results at the picnic, however, this is a long-term project. 

The city has passed ordinance amendments on demolition and site clearance. This will address the “hole” on the Hill.  The amendments will be voted on two more times.   The initial vote was unanimous.  Loree presented pictures of this dangerous eyesore to city officials and the city council, which were displayed at the Board meeting.

Mary attended the Chamber of Commerce reception and won the prize of a Board meeting with a free lunch at the PIPAC Center.  Bena’s will be the site of the October 7 Board meeting.  There will be a social hour at 5:30 with a cash bar, followed by a dinner off the lunch menu, and a business meeting.

Mary has been meeting or plans to meet with the UNI Public Relations Office and the UNI Public Safety Director, Bill Witt (who has some ideas on housing revitalization), and Stephanie Clohesy (for a possible consultation).  Mike and Mary are in contact with Gale Bonsall and John Page on a change of zoning request for a small parcel of land on Campus and 19th Street.  Mike reported that a large garage has been placed on the parcel.  Detached garages apparently do not need to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission because they are not covered by the Overlay ordinance.  Mike and neighbors have questioned the fact that the garage is a two-story metal pole building and is being used for storage.  Daryl volunteered to help look into this further.

Bill Witt is interested in  “Neighborhood for Families Renewal Program”, which lobbies for funds for renewal of homes.  Mary will keep in contact with Bill and will update the Board as more information becomes available.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kate McElligatt

Board Secretary