HISTORIC STARIN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES

April 22, 2010

Call to order at 7:08pm by President Jim Nies

Approval of January minutes. Motion by Doc Veale/2nd by Jane Ferencz to accept minutes of January meeting. Motion unanimously carried.

Treasurer’s Report

∑ Current balance $500.81

∑ Membership dues for fiscal year April 2010 – March 2011 are being accepted.

∑ Motion by Doc Veale/2nd Jim Winship; to accept treasurer’s report; motion unanimously carried.

“State of the Neighborhood Report”- Jim Nies

∑ Provided a summary of HSPNA accomplishments during the past year.

o Brochures printed, website developed

o 1st annual block party was held

o Playground group raised funds for new playground equipment for Starin Park.

o Neighborhood signs

o Chronic nuisance reporting form has been created; no complaints this year.

o HSPNA has developed a good working relationship with the city and university.

∑ Discussed a “Live in WW” Incentive program.

Neighborhood Signs- Jane/Bob Mertens

∑ A metal/polychrome sign has been designed.

o Discussion with the city as to location.

o City will split the cost which is estimated to be $1500.

∑ Silk screen (parking size) sign has also been designed.

o 23 signs will be located on the corners and in the middle of the blocks.

o City is covering the cost of these signs.

∑ A “Sign Fund” is being established to raise additional funds for the cost of the metal/polychrome sign.

Trees for Terraces- Roy Nosek

o City will be planting 50 trees this spring in vacant terraces in our neighborhood.

o Tree guards will be added by the city.

∑ Presentation by City Manager- Kevin Brunner

o Starin Road Extension was discussed. The extension will provide an additional transportation link in the city.

o Mark Fisher- Strand developers and Dean Fisher-WW Public Works director provided details

o The extension will run from Fremont to Newcomb and intersect at Executive Dr.

o The extension will be 4000’ in length, 39’ wide, curving to avoid wetlands.

o A 10’ multi-use asphalt path will be included.

o Construction will begin in July.

o Concerns were raised regarding possible increased traffic on Starin.

∑ Election of Officers: (Unanimous decision)

o President: James Hartwick

o VP: Jim Nies

o Secretary: Peggy Race

o Treasurer: Jessie Dugan

New Presidents Report- James Hartwick

∑ Block Captains

o With the exception of Fremont St., block captains will remain the same for the upcoming year.

o Looking for Volunteers for Fremont Street.

∑ Redefining R-1- Jim Winship

o Jim Winship provided an update on 2 ordinances being considered.

o The first ordinance, which would change R-1 housing to 2 unrelated adults, has passed City Council with a 6-1 vote spoke

o May 10-Planning Commission meeting- the issue will be addressed.

o Motion by Jim Nies/2nd Chris Grady: Vote to determine HSPNA’s position on overlay zoning.

o HSPNA holds a solid position on this matter with a 29-1 vote in favor of the zoning change.

o If the first ordinance passes, this would apply to the HSPNA area with the exception of Prairie Street.

∑ Restructuring of Committees

o Ad-hoc

o Rather than specific committees, groups will be developed to work on items as they arise. i.e. Signs, block party, etc.

∑ Block Party- Tentatively scheduled for the 1st Saturday in October.

∑ City-Wide Wellness Program (fashioned after a program in Albert Lea, MN) which has been shown to improve the quality of life.

∑ Next meeting will be held in August. Emails will be sent out notifying members of the date.

∑ Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.