Horner Park Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes
Larry Brown – President, presiding, called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. Peter Schlossman acted as Secretary for this meeting. See roster below for attendance.
Previous Minutes: The minutes of the January 2010 meeting were approved with comments noted.
Treasurer’s Report: The following funds are in HPAC accounts: Checking: $7,177.39, Savings: $8,361.50.
Payments by HPAC in excess of $600 may require 1099 forms to be filed.
Council Business: See below.
Announcements: The Valentine’s Dance is Saturday Feb. 6th. The RMIA Winter Social is scheduled for Feb. 28. The Doggie Easter Egg Hunt is March 27th from 10:00 to noon. Earth Day is April 17th.
Concert Committee: The first meeting of the year was held and previous years’ expenses and revenues were reviewed. This year’s budget is expected to be $14,000 and the committee wants to include approximately $1,000 to hire a marketing person. The committee entertained a proposal to assist in marketing the events from Susan Baushke, to be presented at the next HPAC meeting.
Garden Committee: Susie Novak recommends cutting the grasses in front of the fieldhouse in early March.
Web Site: No report.
Volunteer Committee: No report.
Park Briefs:
Horner Park: A meeting regarding the riverbank project and the Irving Park Rd. underbridge connector is scheduled for Thursday Feb. 4 at 4:00pm. at Congressman Quigley’s office. Tom and John O’Connell have not heard from Colleen Gallagher whether CPD continues to support the project, or was involved in renewing interest from Army Corps of Engineers or Congressamn Quigley.
The Baseball Clinic was a success and had an attendance of 122 kids. Two of the five scheduled clinics were cancelled, but the T-ball clinic was especially successful. A total profit of $1,055 was made. Larry Brown thanked Tom McManamon for holding a successful clinic. Tom thanked Larry, John Lyman and HPAC for their support. Thank you letters to the donors, sponsors and scouts will be sent.
Tom McManamon requested funds from HPAC for dog treats for the Doggie Easter Egg Hunt. A motion to approve up to $100 for dog treats was made, seconded and approved.
The group discussed and agreed that having a banner to display at future events that HPAC supports would be worthwhile.
Horner Park Baseball Association (HPBA) has changed their name to Horner Park North-West Little League (HPNWLL). They are carrying forward all financial liabilities of HPBA. HPNWLL is planning a girl’s softball league this year.
Ravenswood Manor Park: No report.
Jacob Park: Sheila Pacione responded regarding the cancelled meeting with Alderman Schulter’s office.
Buffalo Park: No report.
Sunken Garden Park: No report.
Other business:
Flagpole Project: Larry Brown stated that the permit application was submitted to CPD by Christy Webber Landscapes. (Post meeting note: the permit application was not submitted until the week of Feb. 8,and CPD had not received it as of Feb. 16). Larry Brown discussed the deadline for completion with Reid Cleveland’s scoutmaster, and he stated that April completion is OK. Reid must complete a donor list and needs to organize his troop to participate in an activity equaling 80 hours of service. Reid stated that he needs the names of donors that gave through the PayPal account. The last construction estimate of the project was $9,683. The Boy Scouts have $765 of the money Reid raised and HPAC has the remainder – roughly $3,500. Kim Shepherd stated that the Ceriale Foundation committed $1,000 and is considering a commitment of up to $5,000 if HPAC will fund the balance. Christy Webber will need to provide accounting of their in-kind donation.
Vegetable Garden committee: Kevin Anderson reported that he was told that the previously agreed upon vegetable garden location was not approved by CPD. Tom McManamon will inquire at CPD who denied the request. Kevin requested a written response regarding the reason for the denial.
New Business: HPAC requests that CPD provide a statement regarding the legal liability of advisory councils with respect to events and projects undertaken in the parks. John Bernbom will draft a letter of inquiry for Larry Brown to send to CPD regarding this question and the status of bylaws revisions that were initiated last year by CPD.
Michael Herman at RMIA is interested in restarting the garden walk this year.
Graffiti has been reported in the park. It is believed to be by a single person. Information on how to report tagging in the park and neighborhood is being circulated in the community.
Peter Schlossman reported on a meeting held at Merle’s with Andrew of AEL Catering, representatives of RMIA and various Ravenswood Manor business owners regarding a potential expansion of Merle’s space and outdoor seating area in the parkway along Francisco. No direct impact on the park is expected, but the group is interested in HPAC’s plans for the kiosk in the future. A street festival was also discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:22 PM
The next regular HPAC meeting will be held Monday, March 1 at 7:00 PM at Horner Park.
Respectfully submitted: Peter Schlossman
Roster of those in Attendance:
Larry Brown, President; John Lyman – Vice President; Kevin Anderson – Co Secretary; Peter Schlossman, Co-Secretary; Tom McManamon – CPD; John O’Connell, John Bernbom, Allan Mueller, Reid Cleveland, Lisa Cleveland, Susie Novak, Matt Ports, Kim Shepherd, Julia Adams, Michael Holm.
