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RNA Council Meeting Minutes

December 2001 Meeting

Ridgewood Neighborhood Association December 2001 Council Meeting Agenda

December 4, 2001
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

7:00 PM
Joint NPG/RNA Council Presentation by Victor Mohoney (BSI Real Estate) concerning proposal for Gerke Property
Guest: Mrs. Leana Gerke

8:00 PM
Adjournment of NPG Team Meeting.

8:05 PM
Call to order
Roll Call of Co-Chairs, Officers, and Committee Members.

Jeff Barnhart--Present
Sue Zernicke--Present
Joe Campana--Present
John Fortier--Excused
Art Jensen--Excused
Bob Schaefer--Present
Scott Troyan--Absent
Jim Zernicke--Present
Kathy Vorndran--Excused Early
Jeanine Zwart--Absent
Gail Jahnke--Absent
Janet Masters--Excused
Jeremy Kautza--Absent

Guests--None

Volunteers:
Jeff Barnhart - time keeper
Sue Zernicke - scribe.


Treasurers Report

(1) Current balance of $4,704.72, with a reimbursement of $3,259.00 due from the City of Madison. We received a total of $15.00 in dues over the past month, $300.00 from The Nelson Group, and $154.00 from T. Wall Properties.

(2) General Liability Insurance status Treasurer reported that a check in the amount of $216.00 was forwarded to the agent, with the policy being in force effective November 21. All dues paying RNA members are covered by the policy.

(3) Membership Drive It was noted that it is time for an organized effort in collecting dues from members of the association. The dollar amount of the dues (currently set at $5.00/household) was discussed, with a suggestion that it be raised to $10.00/household. Other neighborhood associations are charging members several times more and have significantly more paying members. It was felt that in promoting the increase in dues, the council needs to emphasize the benefits received, i.e. monthly newsletter, social events, neighborhood activism resulting in improved property values, traffic flow and safety. Jeff will be available at the December 18th meeting to collect any dues.


Committee/Interest Group/other Chair Reports

Civic & Parks Gail Jahnke Absent

Newsletter and Website Susan Zernicke

(1) December Newsletter Schedule Sue requested clarification of the schedule for Decembers newsletter. Discussion followed on the appropriate timetable for disseminating information to the neighborhood and possible dates of publication. The committee felt that a December newsletter would be difficult to produce and distribute, and a consistent timetables importance was noted. A motion was made by Bob Schaefer and seconded by Jeff Barnhart to eliminate the December RNA newsletter. It was also suggested that an expanded monthly calendar be included in each newsletter to advertise upcoming events.

(2) Committee members discussed advertising policies and prices for the newsletter, with clarification made by Joe on the prices for specific ads. The following prices were set for ads:

$100 ½ page
$50 ¼ page
$25 1/8 page
$20 business card size
$100 full page insert (if advertiser pays for insert)
$150 full page insert (if RNA prints insert)

Sue will develop a handout illustrating the various sizes and prices; this handout will be available at the 12-18-01 meeting.

A motion was made by Joe Campana, and seconded by Bob Schaefer to split the Newsletter & Website Committee into two separate committees. In the past, one person was able to handle both duties; with the expanded newsletter and website, that is no longer feasible (although interaction/communication between the two committees is vital). The council will continue its search for a Website Chair by advertising in upcoming newsletters. The schedule for the January newsletter was discussed, with a target publication/distribution date of 1-15-02. (Note: The January meeting will be held on 1-8-02 due to the holiday.)

Bob Schaefer questioned the committee on the viability of an electronic newsletter. After discussion of the pros and cons, it was agreed that at the present time a paper newsletter would provide more visibility and readership than an electronic format.


Social John Absent

Traffic and Safety Bob/Jim

(1) Bob Schaefer provided an overview of the Public Hearing, sharing positive comments from the City. Speakers from the RNA made points pertinent to the entire neighborhood instead of focusing on just a small segment. City staff is reluctant to look at a large neighborhood because of the lack of manpower. It was noted by Joe that the RNA has already done some of the Citys work by obtaining a City Grant, raising matching funds, and orchestrating a transportation study and recommendations, which will be part of the NPG final report. The RNA has made more of a contribution than most neighborhoods. Bob also noted that our plan may be reviewed in January (1-13-02 meeting) by City staff who will do their own calculations. It was agreed that the council needs to encourage greater participation in projects of the Traffic and Safety Committee.

(2) Joe indicated that he had taped the Public Hearing last week and the speakers did an excellent job. He will bring this tape to the 12-18 meeting for viewing.


Neighborhood Watch Interest Group Janet - absent

No report available, but Joe Campana told the council that Janet has requested the use of the Sycamore facility for a meeting regarding this topic. She is also interested in contributing to the social on 12-18.


Eastside Neighborhoods Planning Council -- Joe

(1) Joe briefed the RNA Council on the upcoming meeting scheduled for December 6th. This will be the first step in getting all Eastside neighborhoods to come together and may include 10 to 15 different neighborhoods. A brief overview of the proposed speakers was provided.


NPG Project Report -- Joe

(1) The December 18th Holiday Showcase was discussed by the Council, with a decision made to have all possible committees of the RNA represented at the meeting. A table will be provided for each group, with a chance for each committee to solicit members and provide information to the general public.

(2) Current door prizes for the event include a $25.00 Best Buy gift certificate and a pewter piece donated by a jewelry store. Jeff is working with Videoville to obtain another prize. Sue will provide a childs door prize and arrange for the drawing. Joe will also make some additional contacts.

(3) Refreshments for the event were discussed, with the group discussing the possibility of providing food. A motion was made and seconded that the RNA purchase food for the event if no other contributions could be obtained. Although the Social Chair suggested a potluck, it was decided that it would be difficult to advertise this aspect now that the newsletter has been printed and distributed. Joe will contact Rosatis with the idea of purchasing pizzas at a discounted price. Soda may be purchased with funds provided by the RNA treasury.

(4) Sue will solicit decorations from local florists and provide CDs for background music.

(5) There will be a social gathering in one room with committee tables and summary pictorials of the NPG Project. In the other meeting room, there will be a presentation repeated at 6, 7, and 8 PM. Speakers will include Joe Campana (Land Use Plan Recommendations) and Bob Schaefer (Transportation Recommendations). We expect a City Representative to be present for comment, and a developer who will present a concept for the Gerke Property based on the NPG Study.


Other Business

Joe Campana announced that he will be running for County Supervisor in District 3 in the Spring Election. While our neighborhood is currently District 17, it will become part of District 3 after the election.


Next Meeting

The RNA Council agreed with the proposal to reschedule next RNA Council Meeting from January 1st to January 8th at 7 PM. The FINAL NPG Project Team Meeting is also tentatively scheduled on January 8 from 6 PM 7 PM in an effort to consolidate time taken for meetings.


Dismiss 9:10 p.m.

RNA Council Meeting Minutes will be published after they have been approved at the following month's council meeting. The webmaster is not responsible for typographical errors.