Minutes–January 8, 2007
January 8, 2007
7:00 PM, Bunn/Hollis Residence, 1731 West Carmen Avenue
Vice-President Linda Wallace called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM. Also present were Ben Hollis, Julia Bunn, Vereen Nordstrom, Katie Robinson, Chris Bayard and Maggie and Keith Finnegan
Approval of Minutes
The last meeting was Novermber 13, 2006. Motion by Nordstrom, seconded by Robinson, approving minutes. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Nordstrom reported a year-end balance of $2357.42 in all accounts, there being $1931.12 in the General Fund and $426.30 in the Landscaping Fund. The pet parade had $706 in income (not including donations of prizes and expenses of $846.13 for a cost of 4130.13. A promised check of $200 from Chase has not been received. The event generated $265 in membership dues.
Vereen added that mosts of the seeds and fertilizer for the embankment were donated by Steve Christy.
Committee Reports
Greening
Co-chair Julia Bunn reported the following:
- Greening/Cleaning day in Spring to be announced.
- Julia suggests we expand our efforts to the embankment south of Winnemac, and extend ASNA’s membership to this part of the neighborhood. A new member who lives in this area on Ravenswood, Maggie Finnegan, agreed it would be a good idea, as the area currently has no such organization.
- Julia is also looking for someone else to do the grant writing this spring for funding to support ongoing beautification of the embankment.
Membership/Communications
Chair Linda Wallace noted that the fall newsletter was published. One person called regarding an article in the spring issue on problems with roots getting into pipes written by John Gavin-the kind of helpful communication we hope to promote. Also noted:
- New website upgrade by Noel Suarez looks fantastic.
- Considering door-to-door Spring membership drive, but looking for input as to whether this is effective use of time, and ideas for how else to increase membership levels.
- Idea 1: have each of us send link to our website to a neighbor.
- Idea 2: Give free raffle tickets to new members who show up for Mid-Winter Blahs party on February 11.
Social Committee
Chair Kate Robinson reported the following:
- Midwinter Blahs party will be held at T’s bar on Clark and Winnemac from 3 – 6 PM on Sunday, February 11, 2007.
- Kate will call Noel re: nametags, T’s re: Sofo certificate as raffle.
- Maggie will ask Wooden Spoon for raffle prize donation.
- Chris Bayard will get Bulls tickets for raffle,
- It was noted that there has been a lot of positive feedback on having the Neighborhood Party on “neutral ground” on Ravenswood.
Other Business:
Property Taxes, Nominating Committee, Empty Lot
- The State Assembly is winding down. It still has not acted to renew the property tax cap. The new Assembly will be seated shortly. Letters to our elected representatives-especially State Senator Ronen-are still a good idea.
- Nominating Committee to choose new candidates for ASNA office chosen:
Julia Bunn, Chris Bayard, Kevin Thompson, Linda Wallace
- Nominating to take place at Midwinters Party on February 11. Voting will take place at the March Meeting which will be held at the home of Linda Wallace at 7 PM on March 12.
- Katie Robinson will find out more from the Alderman’s office re: the vacant lot formerly the Ritter property, and report back.
- It was agreed that a stop sign at the corner of Carmen and Ravenswood should be a priority. There have been two accidents in the block between Foster and Carmen in the last month. Linda Wallace will draft a letter from ASNA to the Alderman.
Adjournment
Motion by Ben Hollis, Bunn seconds, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 12 at the Wallace/Forell residence at 5113 N. Ravenswood.
UPDATE (CHANGE OF MEETING VENUE):
The next meeting is scheduled for March 12 at Noel Suarez’s residence at 1706 W. Carmen Ave.