Horner Park Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes
Jerry Giese, President, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Larry Brown acted as secretary for this meeting.
Previous Minutes: February minutes were not available. They will be approved next month.
Treasurer’s Report: Elaine Taylor delivered the Treasurer’s report. The balances are as follows:
- Checking Account: 4,300.03
- Savings Account: 4,148.96
- CD’s 0
- Totals $ 8,448.99
Elaine reported that Susie Novak’s 1099-MISC for income taxes had been completed.
Announcements: The Horner Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be scheduled some time between April 9th-11th. There will be a clean up at the Henry Horner Memorial Garden on Saturday, April 3rd, at 9:30 am. All council members were asked to attend. Friends of the River will hold their River Rescue Day on May 8th. Recently Dale Marie Grandys and Anne Rozmin were recognized for their hard work and dedication at a luncheon at Sherman Park. Dale was honored with a “Outstanding Employee” award. Anne was honored with a “Outstanding Advocate “ award. Congratulations to both of our fellow council members. The Friends of the Park is holding a reception for the new CPD commissioner Tim Mitchell at the Shedd Aquarium. Summer Day Camp registration will begin online on March 29th and in person on April 3rd. On March 26th at 7:00 pm Horner Park will be holding the annual Spring Showcase featuring many wonderful performances by the children who participate in classes at the park. Horner Park has been assigned new phone numbers. Phone: 773- 478-3499 Fax: 773-478-0144
Council Business: The council discussed then a motion was made by Larry Brown to have the street light located in Manor Park removed by the Park District. Susie Novak seconded and all approved. This light, originally part of Eastwood Ave. is no longer necessary as this part of Eastwood Ave. is now part of the park. The light, which constantly blinks on and off, has proved to be more of a nuisance than a benefit to the park’s lighting. A representative from the council has been asked to attend the ceremony honoring Jake Peter’s achievement of Eagle Scout. This event is being held at Queen of Angels on March 6th. Larry Brown or John O’Connell will attend.
Concert Committee: John O’Connell reported the date have been scheduled for the 10th Manor Park Concert Aniversery Season This year there will be 7 Dates. June 20th and 27th. July 11th and 25th. August 8th, Manor Bash. August 22nd and 29th. It was established that the Chicago Park District’s sponsored kids act for ManorBash will be at 2:00 pm.
Garden Committee: Susie Novak reported that she is currently researching grant money for the parks.
Park Briefs: Dale Marie Grandys, North Region Supervisor, was present and representing the Horner Park Staff and CPD.
Horner Park: Dale was to invite representatives from Gordon Technical High School and the Horner Park Baseball Association to attend an upcoming HPAC meeting. The council discussed the need to replace trees that have been lost in front of the Henry Horner Monument. Susie Novak had met with the CPD arborists back in October 03′. They at that time were willing to remove the damaged crab apple trees and replant new ones. Susie will contact them to arrange this project. The council was provided a letter addressed to Terry Sweeney from the Chicago Department of Transportation announcing the scheduled repairs to be preformed on the Irving Park Bridge, located at the South end of the park. These repairs will be made from February 25th through April 9th. Included was a color brochure describing the work to be done. John O’Connell has contacted VOA in hopes of securing an aerial view of the park to be used to evaluate the current layout of the baseball diamonds. Also the council asked Dale Marie Grandys if the CPD could locate any surveying data that they might have on the fields in the park. We currently are investigating if there would not be a genuine interest in upgrading these fields. The fields have not been upgraded in many years. There are many conditions that need to be addressed and the council will continue to try to work to find solutions to these issues.
Ravenswood Manor Park: The RMIA president, Brian Bassler, has made a suggestion that the kiosk located at the north end of the park be relocated behind the pergola nearer to the playground in hopes of providing an area that accessible. Also Brian has suggested that a barrier be installed to protect the Wild Life Garden (WLG). Both ideas were discussed and will be considered at a later date. Susie Novak will evaluate if any of the plants need to be replaced in the WLG. John O’Connell once again has expressed his intent on getting the sidewalks replaced in front of the pergola. We are all hopeful of this goal. The council was provided a copy of a media permit which was given to Paramount Pictures for filming of the movie “Weatherman”. Filming was in and around Manor Park on February 26th. This year Horner Park has two finalists that are competing for the Junior Citizen Award being held at Portage Park this evening. Terry Sweeney our Park Supervisor is not with us this evening as he judging the event. Good luck to the youngsters. The Cpd will be holding it’s annual Park Staff Training at Horner Park on March 23rd.
Buffalo Park: None
Jacob Park: None
Sunken Garden Park: None.
Horner Park Riverbank Initiative: None
The council would like to thank all those that came out on February 7th to honor Anne Rozmin at the Home Café. There were over fifty guests in attendance and all had a great time. Anne was presented by the RMIA with an inscribed rock plaque for her new home. The council raised funds to put on this event and also present a token of appreciation for all that Anne has done for the parks.
Adjournment: Larry Brown moved to adjourn the meeting Elaine Taylor seconded the motion and all agreed. Jerry thanked those in attendance and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Larry Brown
Roster of those in attendance: Jerry Giese, President; John O’Connell; Elaine Taylor, Treasurer; Susie Novak; Larry Brown, Secretary; Alan Mueller; Dale Marie Grandys, North Region Supervisor, CPD; John Lyman; Woody Haynes
