Horner Park Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm by President Peter Schlossman. The meeting was at the Horner Park Field House and a quorum was determined to be present.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the July 2012 meeting were approved, with changes.
Report of the Treasurer
MB checking $5,493.31
MB savings $14,861.69
Paypal $398.58
Total $20,753.58
State forms have been downloaded for on-line submission.
All accounts are reconciled and consistent with records and bank statements.
Concert Committee
Finished 18th season on Friday night, Aug. 24. All pledges were collected with a surplus of approximately $2500. All producers are interested in returning next year. John O’Connell is going to spearhead the effort for next year.
Garden Committee -No Report
Nominating Committee
The nominating Committee met last week and have nominations for several of the roles: Peter Schlossman for president, Kevin Anderson for treasurer, Sarah Reiser and Lisa Cleveland as Co-Secretary. Theresa Hicks is considering the position of vice-president.
Buffalo Park-No Report
Sunken Garden
Barb Wood has offered trees to Sunken Garden. If only 1 tree is available, they want a Linden. Teresa has a 3 phase plan, which includes removing 2 flower boxes and a lilac bush and replacing with small trees.
Luke and Theresa are trying to get neighbors interested in Sunken Garden.
The people are interested in a naturalized and not park-like environment.
Theresa reported that the Horse Chestnut tree has been removed.
Theresa also reported several proposed changes and improvements, including:
Visibility to the river is limited because of the overgrown lilacs, so Linden trees are being considered.
A native shrub that blooms in the spring and fall is also being considered.
A tree replacement proposal was to replace with a shade tree.
How the bench is being used is up for consideration.
Theresa assessed the planters, which are popular with some neighbors, may be moved.
A sweetgum tree is being considered.
Theresa will put together a specific proposal for Barb Wood.
A motion was approved to authorize the Sunken Garden Committee present a proposal for upgrades and changes to Barb Wood as follows: Sweetgum in the north center, Hopcorn Bean in the southeast, and one or a cluster of Service Berry trees in the southwest. The Linden has already been approved.
Ravenswood Manor Park
There is a tree just north of the play lot that has 2 dead branches at the top. The tree is the tallest in the park. John O’Connell reported the problem to Tom. Tom is going to have landscaping look at it; the tree will probably be cut down.
Sarah raised the issue of garbage in the park. There was some discussion of whether children should be allowed to climb the trees.
One of the bollards is cracked and broken along Eastwood and needs to be replaced. The park district is probably responsible but John is wondering if HPAC could partner with the park to replace it. Peter asked if they are still needed.
John O’Connell noticed children pulling leaves off bushes. John asked the day care employees not to allow the children to mis-handle the foliage.
Jacob Play Lot
Jacob Play Lot needs a renovation. The equipment is over 20 years old. The park district needs citizens to be involved and contribute one third of the cost. Jacob Play Lot needs an interested individual to spearhead the project. John O’Connell is reaching out to community members to get them involved.
Ben Ranney asked for a resource with the park system who could help with design components. Tom said he would get the information.
Horner Park
There has been ball play against the small field house wall. Members of the Horner Park Little League were not cooperative when confronted with the problem. Erica suggested putting up signs to remind park users not to throw the ball.
Peter will let Tom know of the advisory councils displeasure. Tom should contact the Little League personal and let them know that they need to treat park resources respectfully.
Theresa has received permits to trim trees between Montrose and Irving Park. She said the trees are looking much better. She previously did this work, with permit, at Ravenswood Manor Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm. The next meeting is October 1 at 7:00 Horner Park Field House.
New Business
5k Walk/Run to benefit Goldie’s Place – Oct. 14
Attendance:
Peter Schlossman – President, Kevin Anderson – Treasurer, Lisa Cleveland – Co-Secretary, Erica Beutler, Theresa Hicks, John O’Connell, Sarah Reiser, Luke Ross, Rachael Brown, Patrick Monaghan, Diane Sutliff, Ben Ranney, and Tom McManamon.
Respectfully submitted: Lisa Cleveland, Co-Secretary
