by Sonya Jongsma Knauss and Jan Christensen

Jim Wilson announced that current plans for 2004 Block Grant Funding includes continued funding for the community organizer for YMCA CDC — Riverwest. The group asked for an update on how the $111,000 was spent that was allocated for the NMIDC project on Holton Street. Jim Wilson will follow up on this inquiry and report at the next meeting. The RNA non-profit application is complete and was filed with the State of Wisconsin this month. RNA will hold nominations for elections in October. Nominees cannot nominate themselves. Open positions include Co-Chair (1-year position), Co-Chair Elect (2 year position). Also open are Secretary, Treasurer, and three to five at-large Board Members, all two-year positions. Elections will be held at the November meeting. The RNA looked at a Freeway Resolution drafted and submitted by Ald. Mike D’Amato’s office for the neighborhood association’s consideration. As the spirit and letter of the document matched the position paper the RNA passed earlier this year, it was moved and quickly passed that the RNA approve the document and insert its name into the proper places. Discussion was held concerning a document distributed by the Watertower Park Trust concerning holding down property taxes. Volunteers offered to inquire into the issue and report at the next meeting. A resident attended the meeting to complain about unfair treatment from his landlord. He catalogued a list of complaints he had endured in his rental unit at Center and Holton, and asked RNA members what he could do. He also noted the lack of police presence or of city trash cans in the area. Other residents noted the lack of trash cans in the neighborhood compared to the East Side and Brady Street areas. A list will be compiled and submitted to Ald. Mike D’Amato to request city assistance in placing more trash cans. Sonya Knauss moved that the RNA amend its bylaws to allow it to make decisions during the meeting in which they are discussed. The motion will be voted on at the next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m., October 14 at the YMCA CDC office at 604 E. Center St. Riverwest Cuirrents – Volume 2 – Issue 10 – October 2003
by Sonya Jongsma Knauss and Jan Christensen