ASNA 5-14-07 Meeting Minutes
ASNA Meeting Minutes, 5-14-07
Meeting location: Noel Suarez’s home, 1706 West Carmen Avenue
Present: Chris Bayard, Julia Bunn, Gary Forell, John Gavin, Ben Hollis, Kathy Leszczynski, Kate Robinson, Noel Suarez, Kevin Thompson, Laurie Daley
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chris Bayard.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the April 9, 2007 meeting were reviewed. Kate moved to approve the minutes, and the motion was seconded by all other attendees.
Treasurer’s Report
Gary presented the updated treasurer’s report, which revealed balances of $2,195.12 in the General Fund and $1,326.30 in the Landscaping Fund (which includes a $200 donation to greening and a $300 bill for Ravenswood Parkway maintenance). The revised Mid-Winter Blahs Party amounts are $283 in receipts minus a $398 bill from T’s, for a loss of $115 on the event. John inquired whether ASNA will need residents to volunteer to cover one month of watering and mowing the Ravenswood Parkway, as has been done in the past.
CAPS Meeting
Chris suggested that the upcoming June meeting focus on community issues with a CAPS meeting featuring representatives from the 311 program, as well as Alderman Schulter’s greening volunteers program. Kate suggested that this meeting take place after the July 14 block party, perhaps in September, as we can publicize the meeting at the block party and in the upcoming newsletter. We should be thinking of questions to pose to the various reps at this CAPS meeting.
Recycling
Chris indicated that Andersonville will be taking part in the City’s pilot bin recycling program since our community has such a high rate of blue bag recycling. This new program is set to begin this coming August, with Chris being our representative in the program.
Spring Clean-up Day: Chris suggested that we get a big dumpster for ASNA residents to make it easy for them to dispose of hazardous waste such as cell phones, batteries, oil, etc.
Expansion of ASNA Boundaries
It was unclear as to where ASNA would expand its boundaries and whether it would affect its current by-laws. Kathy suggested various levels of ASNA memberships including family, senior, and friends of ASNA (to include residents just outside of our current boundaries without changing the by-laws). Gary suggested that ASNA volunteers deliver flyers regarding the CAPS meeting and have a table at that meeting with ASNA information in an effort to increase membership and appeal to those wishing to join ASNA who are residing outside of our current boundaries.
Speed Bumps/Stop Signs
Kathy indicated the need for speed bumps in the north-south alley between Carmen and Winona Avenues, as there has been drag racing in that alley. Apparently, speed bumps have been slated for Winona Avenue (the street, not the alley). ASNA will try to stop the installation of the speed bumps on the street and re-petition for them to be installed in the alley. John indicated the need for a stop sign at Winona and Paulina Avenues. Kevin indicated that there is stop sign installation in the works for the Carmen-Ravenswood corner. Due to ASNA efforts, stop sign installation at the Winnemac-Damen intersection will become a reality. Kevin will check the status of same with the alderman’s office.
Committee Reports
Social “ Chairperson Kate had nothing new to report but indicated that the July 14 block party is on schedule and will take place on Ravenswood Avenue. Some ideas for the party included kids games, relays, jump rope contests, and three-legged races. ASNA would welcome any additional block party ideas, and these may be submitted to Kate.
Greening “ Co-chairperson Julia indicated that Stephen Christy hired maintenance people for the spring clean-up and that he suggested we have a Mulch Day on the Ravenswood Parkway. This will take place on the June 2 weekend. It was suggested that volunteers pitch in monetarily for watering the parkway. Julia has received donations of some 2′ pagoda dogwoods that may be used to beautify the embankment.
Membership/Communications “ Chairperson Kathy reported no new members. The ASNA newsletter will be coming soon and will include a Meet Your Neighbor section, in addition to an article on dog owner courtesy/responsibility. Chris suggested we also include a greener living tips section. Any and all ideas for the newsletter should be submitted to Kathy Leszczynski.
Community Development “ Kevin and Greg are moving to Seattle; ASNA needs someone to fill this position.
John moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Kate seconded the motion. The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007, at John and Trudi Gavin’s home, 1714 West Winona Avenue, at 7:00 p.m.
–Laurie Daley