Horner Park Advisory Council
Minutes
March 3, 2014
The HPAC meeting was called to order at the Horner Park Fieldhouse at 7:02pm. A quorum was determined to be present.
Previous Minutes:
The minutes of the February 2014 meeting were approved, pending changes.
Treasurer’s Report:
The following funds are in HPAC accounts:
Checking $8,351.16
Savings $14,872.24
Paypal $2,819.87
Total $26,043.27
The bank balances are reconciled with HPAC books.
Riverfront Restoration: No report
Dog Friendly Area (DFA):
There was a discussion of a possible dog parade at the Manor Bash. A proposal was made for Erica to get involved to further promote the Dog Friendly Area.
Erica provided a binder of documents regarding the DFA.
Farmer’s Market
The committee met last Wednesday. Four people attended; five are on the committee. They submitted an application for a permit on February 26th; it can take up to 60 days for approval. Gretchen contacted Campbell Risk Management regarding insurance; they gave an estimate of $250. For another $50, they will insure the Manor Bash. The Manor Bash may need to be insured separately though because RMIA is not included in the insurance policy. Gretchen will follow-up and pass the information to Peter. The next step is contacting farmers and setting up contracts. Peter asked that a parking plan be developed. The market will begin the weekend after July 4th, the day still to be determined.
Park Briefs:
Horner Park:
The fence is being put up for the USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) redevelopment effort. Some of the poles are bent at the top, but the contractor can only work a few minutes at a time because of the weather. The fence probably will not be complete until March. The contractors are still meeting daily and moving forward. Peter reported a positive article appeared in the newspaper. Gretchen offered to put a link to it on the website.
Tom reported that once the fence is up, a design of the area will be posted inside the fence.
Tom is going to find out if they are going to put tags on trees, identifying the type of tree, how old it is, etc.
There was discussion about whether a green curtain would be attached to the fence blocking the view. The curtain may be needed to meet regulation requirements. Tom said he will check with the contractor to see if other alternatives are available.
Kevin asked that entrances and exits to the site following existing paths whenever possible.
Tom thanked HPAC for the Valentine’s Day contribution. Kevin made the contribution using a gift card, so that all accounting information is on-line. About 60 people attended the dance.
There were 2 water main breaks on Montrose but the park did not close.
Spring registration is underway. Tom is working on summer classes.
Avon Breast Cancer Walk is May 30-June 1.
Last month, Tom asked HPAC to write a letter of support for a fitness center in the field house. Peter read aloud a letter expressing our support for the formation such a center. A motion to give the letter to Tom passed unanimously.
Baseball has been holding winter clinics. Once the fields have thawed, Tom will evaluate the condition of the fields.
Peter reported that Dana Fritz at Alderman Mell’s office put in a request for a new bus stop.
There is a new kiosk; if we have anything to post, Tom said he would post it for us.
Ravenswood Manor Park: No report
Jacob Park:
Tom is working on a Grand Opening date and obtaining a sign. There is a request to fund planting on the east side of the river in celebration of the centennial.
John O is going to apply to the commissioner for water permits. Luke would like a permit for Wilson Bridge.
The following people have keys to the fire hydrants: Sue-Buffalo, Sarah-Manor, Nate-Jacob, and Luke-Sunken Gardens.
Buffalo Park: No report.
Sunken Gardens:
Luke has requested $100 each for Sunken Garden and Buffalo for plants.
Concert Committee:
The 20th season at Ravenswood Manor Park begins June 13 with a Jazz violin and a Jazz guitar. There will be 9 nights total. There will be a Hawaiian hula-thon and a Tahitian fire dance. June 28 is the Manor Bash.
John is ready with the fliers and is having a party at his house on Sunday at 3 pm to stuff envelopes.
Website Committee: No report
Garden Committee: No report
Stewardship Committee:
Earth Day in the Park is April 26, 9-12am. There is a new website: chicago.eventful.com
Earth Day Captains are: Sue-Buffalo, Sarah-Manor, Nate-Jacob, and Luke-Sunken Gardens, Gretchen-Horner.
River Day in the Park is May 20, 9-12am. There will still be a river day clean-up at Sunken Gardens and Jacob but not at Horner because of the construction.
Gretchen asked that something be done on river day at Horner because Bateman School is studying ecology. She asked if the USACE could talk about erosion. Tom suggested that she send him email to begin the process.
New Business:
Announcements:
The next regular HPAC meeting will be held Monday April 7, 2014 at 7:00 PM at Horner Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Lisa Cleveland
Attendance:
Peter Schlossman – President
Larry Brown – Vice President
Kevin Anderson – Treasurer
Lisa Cleveland – Co-Secretary
John O’Connell – Head of HPAC Concert Series Committee, Friends of the Parks Representative
Erica Beutler – Dog Friendly Area
Tom McManamon – Park Supervisor
John Friedmann – Emerald Ash Borer
Steve Heffron – neighbor
Gretchen Helmiech – neighbor
Larry Hodak – Neighbor
Carol Maher – Neighbor
Jim McDonough – Neighbor
Luke Ross – Park Steward
Jim Cornelison – Grand Tour
