Horner Park Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes
Jerry Giese, as president, called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Larry Brown acted as secretary for this meeting.
Previous Minutes: Alan Mueller moved to accept the October minutes with minor changes. The motion was seconded by Anne Rozmin and was passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Elaine Taylor delivered the Treasurer’s report. The balances are as follows:
- Checking Account: $ 1,889.19
- Savings Account: 4,128.99
- CD’s 0
- Totals 6,018.18
Anne Rozmin motioned to have $ 1,000.00 moved from the Concert Fund into the General Fund. Motion was passed by acclimation.
Announcements: The American Red Cross sent HPAC a letter of thanks for the funds raised by our 2001 Talent Show. A poster which accompanied the letter will be placed in the Horner Park field house. These donations were given to the Red Cross in the support of the September 11th fund. This Talent Show and fund-raising event was produced by Alan Mueller. Also, on a humourous note, Anne Rozmin received a thank you letter from David Doig, General Superintendent, CPD, for her personal contribution to the CPD of $ 150.00. Anne had told Mr. Doig at a recent CPD Budget Meeting that she would gladly pay an extra $ 150.00 a year in her taxes for the CPD parks. It was noted that Mr. Doig didn’t send the check back. A special congratulations to both Jennifer and Mike Emerson and Laurene von Klan on their newest family members. We welcome our newest friends of HPAC. James Emerson (7lbs. 4oz.) and Vladimir von Klan (4 years old).
Council Business: Larry Brown as Secretary motioned to amend Article II Section 1 of the HPAC Bylaws to include Jacob PlayLot. Elaine Taylor seconded the motion and the motion was passed unanimously. Rokko Jans followed up on the outcome of the recent 17th District CAPS meeting. The council had last month suggested that the dog owners take up their complaints about ticketing in Horner Park with the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Rokko also reported still seeing CPD squad cars driving in the park. Terry Sweeney will look into this and report back to the council. Rokko also inquired as to why there are so few trash cans at Horner Park. Anne Rozmin read a letter dated April 4, 2001 from HPAC to David Doig, General Superintendent, CPD, which went into detail on the council’s position against the “Pack In/Pack Out” system that the CPD is using. Jerry Giese will work with Terry Sweeney to get input from Alderman Mell in regards to these issues.
Garden Committee: Susie Novak reported that she has planted new bulbs in Buffalo Park.
Concert Committee: no report
Park Briefs: Terry Sweeney, Horner Park Supervisor, was in attendance representing the Horner Park Staff.
Ravenswood Manor Park: Several of the shrubs surrounding the pergola have recently been vandalized. Anne Rozmin will inspect and advise Susie Novak as to what should be done to save them.
Horner Park: Terry Sweeney reported that the retaining wall on the play lot will need a backhoe to complete the repair which will be scheduled when available. The position of sports activity director will not be filled in 2002. The CPD will review when their next budget is completed. The funds were unavailable to fill this position in 2002.
Buffalo Park: The cost for the council ring should be available by the December council meeting. Elaine Taylor and Anne Rozmin will contact Bob McQuire, Director of Planning, CPD, to establish a time frame for construction with hopes of completion by Memorial Day 2003. A tree located near Manor and Sunnyside Avenues is in poor condition and will need to be replaced.
Jacob Park: Barry Fidlow reported that the fresh mulch put in the play lot looks great. Barry inquired who has responsibility for the property between the park and the CTA Brown Line. The council was in agreement that the property is owned by the CTA and is going to be used as a staging area for the upcoming renovation of the Brown Line. The council suggested that Barry contact the Greater Rockwell Organization (GRO) and also Alderman Schulter for guidance on community input for the restoration of the park and its play lot.
Sunken Garden Park: Jerry Giese reported that the requested mulching has been postponed until after a sewer project is completed in the park.
Horner Park Riverbank Initiative: Cynthia Fox, FOCR, has been assigned by The Friends of the Chicago River (FOCR) to attend our monthly HPAC meetings. Cynthia reported that FOCR has received a permit from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to perform work on any MWRD land adjacent to Horner Park.
Adjournment: Jerry Giese thanked all those in attendance and the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Larry Brown
Roster of those in attendance: Jerry Giese, President; Alan Mueller; Anne Rozmin, Vice President; Cynthia Fox, FOCR; Larry Brown, Secretary; Larry Hodak; Elaine Taylor, Treasurer; Barry Fidlow; Terry Sweeney, Park Supervisor, CPD; Mike Emerson.
Susie Novak Rokko Jans John O’Connell Jacob E. Peters
