Horner Park Advisory Council
Minutes
July 1, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm by President Peter Schlossman. The meeting was at the Horner Park Field House.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the June 2013 meeting were approved, pending changes.
Report of the Treasurer
MB checking $11,188.44
MB savings $14,868.50
Paypal $1,129.08
Total $27,186.02
The Quickbooks account reconciles with the bank statements. There are outstanding expenses and receipts for the concert committee.
River Project
Peter asked for an additional meeting with Nicole Roach in a letter sent last month but has not received a reply.
John Friedmann raised a concern about the number of trees marked by USACE for removal. His concern is that the beauty and grace of the majestic and well-established trees will significantly alter the look of the park.
Dog Friendly Area (DFA) – No Report
Website Committee
John complemented Sarah on the web site and her responsiveness is getting new material onto the site.
Peter will ask Sarah to include a link to the Horner Park Jazz Band and announce the date of movie in Horner Park on the web site.
Garden Committee – No Report
Concert Committee
John O. reported that we are half way through the season. The concert on the 30th was rained out halfway through.
Park Briefs
Buffalo Park
The pear tree lost a limb. Sue Davenport is a tree keeper for the park and John O. would like to work with her to get permission from the city to trim it before it splits.
She is planting the corners tonight and may need additional funds.
John has called Barb Wood. He wants to buy a twin crab tree to match a Crab Tree purchased a couple of years ago. There is a donor who wants to plant a tree in memory of her husband. John also wants to plant two other trees and plant them with a community effort. Peter raised a concern about the proximity to other trees and may need a professional service to plant them.
John F. suggested trying to save some of the trees that will be pulled at Horner Park.
Sunken Gardens
Jerry Giese (former president of HPAC) is interested in creating a seating area. Jerry will try to find someone to spearhead this effort.
Ravenswood Manor Park
An Emerald Ash tree has been damaged by some type of striking weapon.
John O. is going to look at the possibility of getting lights next year for the concert.
Jacob Playlot
Construction of the new playlot will not begin until September.
The effort to obtain the CTA lot for Jacob is moving forward.
Horner Park
In 1992 they redid the Horner entrance. On the north side there are 2 trees, on the south side there is 1 tree; the second tree on the south side was destroyed in a car accident. John O. is asking that we advocate for a replacement tree. There are other problems, such as missing bricks, that need immediate attention.
Emerald Ash Borer
Peter will write a letter to Alderman Mell expressing HPAC support for the tree inoculation program. Kevin and Peter will give John Friedmann the $250 check this week to be given to the treatment company, Tree Guru.
New Business
John was approached Jim Peters to help plan the 100th anniversary of the RMIA, which will occur next year.
Next year will also be the 25th anniversary of HPAC, so some time of festivity needs to be planned.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45. The next meeting will be Sept. 9, 2013 at 7:00 at Ravenswood Manor Park, weather permitting.
Attendance:
Peter Schlossman – President
Kevin Anderson – Treasurer
Lisa Cleveland – Co-Secretary
John O’Connell – Head of HPAC Concert Series Committee, Friends of the Parks Representative
John Friedmann – Emerald Ash Borer
Larry Hodak – Neighbor
Respectfully submitted: Lisa Cleveland, Co-Secretary
