Attending: Jeanette Winegarden, Daryl Anderson, Tom Reisetter, Mike Prophet, Mary Brammer, Jill Lankford, Jana Nelson, Kate McElligatt, Courtney Blake
Guest: Rose Lorenz
Absent: Lynn Nielsen
Rose Lorenz was invited to speak to the Board about Good Neighbor Properties. She related that Hugh Pedersen initiated the idea of buying houses to prevent their deterioration. He recruited about 10 key individuals who were supportive and able to make a financial commitment. Rose felt that “having a vision is key”. The vision of this group was to “make an impact on the College Hill Neighborhood” by offering rental units that are of value (good quality) to students. Occupancy was limited and costs were fair and reasonable. This type of property group has not been beneficial financially—it has been a “break even” venture. There needs to be a minimum investment of $5,000 or more. Incorporation is essential for limiting the liability of individuals. Good Neighbor Properties is incorporated as an LLC. Rose discussed other considerations: operating agreements, member rights and responsibilities, interest rates (commercial loans charge higher rates), cash reserves, and tenant issues.
Mary introduced the new student member of the Board, Courtney Blake. Courtney is the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee and is a junior majoring in Public Affairs.
Members were asked to read the copies of the minutes provided, and contact Kate with any corrections.
Jana reported that our account is at $6,566.96. Jana will be placing part of the money into a savings account.
Old Business:
Homecoming—The route was changed this year due to the barriers. It may be changed back next year. A great deal of trash was collected during the clean up on Sunday. Most of the volunteers were members of groups (Scouts, Lutheran Church, etc.). The newspaper asked for pictures which we did not have available. We need to have a designated photographer for these types of events. Jeanette would like to see the landlords involved in the clean up. Kate was asked to write a thank you note to Ken Showers for use of the car in the parade.
Tree Lighting Ceremony—Kate is organizing with the help of Karin Leonard and several Board members and friends. The date is December 7 and Mary has reserved the Seerley Park picnic shelter. Mary will investigate the rental of a cherry picker to decorate the large pine tree.
Planning and Zoning Meeting—Daryl, Loree, and Mary met with the Planning Committee and discussed opening up the Overlay Ordinance for possible revisions. Zoning of the business district was also discussed. The current zoning is C-3, however, a new commercial zoning district designation and definition may be advantageous.
Streetscape Hearings—The city will look at the results of the brainstorming and then determine possible options. These will be communicated to the design group, and this group will develop a plan and recommendations, including costs. When this is received, the city will make some decisions.
Entry Signs—Mary is investigating the cost of signs. She passed out one example of a possible design.
President’s Activities—Mary will contact the fire chief about the congestion from 20th-22nd on Merner Avenue. Waterloo has a police officer assigned as a liaison to the neighborhood organizations. Mary has asked our chief about assigning an officer to work with the CHNA. Mary has contacted Mark Riplinger about areas that need trees. The city does not like to plant trees between the street and sidewalk if they are not requested by the property owner. The cell tower was pulled off the City Council agenda. Reportedly, the location is still being negotiated and the requested site may be behind Tony’s. The Lincoln School Neighbors have asked for information about how to start a neighborhood association. France Crouter passed away on Friday. She was able to view a video of the garden on Seerley prior to her passing. Mary is requesting that Board members who have not submitted short biographies submit them to her by November 11. She would also like newsletter articles for the December issue.
New Business:
Mary would like Board members to start planning for the newsletter that will go out in March to all residents of the Overlay. This will be our “recruitment newsletter”. She needs ideas and names of people with design skills.
The December Board meeting will be a party at Mary’s house on December 2nd. Wine and cheese will be provided. The meeting will include an informal discussion of where the organization has been and where it is going.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kate McElligatt
Board Secretary