ASNA Chicago

ASNA 5-14-07 Meeting Minutes

by Laurie Daley on May 25th, 2007 at 3:30 pm cst

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

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ASNA Meeting Minutes, 4-09-07

by Laurie Daley on April 23rd, 2007 at 10:37 am cst

ASNA Meeting Minutes, 4-09-07

Meeting location: Chris Bayard/Kate Robinson home, 1752 West Carmen

Present: Julia Bunn, Gary Forell, Ben Hollis, Camilla Krueger, Kathy Leszczynski, Kate Robinson, Laurie Daley

The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Kate Robinson.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the March 12, 2007 meeting were reviewed. Gary moved to approve the minutes, and the motion was approved by the meeting attendees.

Treasurer’s Report

Gary presented the updated treasurer’s report, which revealed balances of $2,285.12 in the General Fund and $1,426.30 in the Landscaping Fund (including a $300 donation to greening). Gary has a $200 donation check, as well as a $295 Mid-winter Blahs Party check in the amount of $295 to be deposited. T’s bill for the MWB Party amounted to $398, for a loss of $103 on the event.

ASNA 2007 Calendar

The annual ASNA block party is set for Saturday, July 14, 2007, on Ravenswood. Howl-o-Ween is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2007, with a rain date of Sunday, October 28. The ASNA Holiday Party is set for Saturday, December 8, 2007.

Kathy inquired as to whether we should pursue a community garage sale this year, and, if so, on what date. It was stated that there was not much participation last year in this event.

Update on Sinkus Property

We reviewed blueprints from the buyer of the property for one of the two lots. They are planning to build a single-family home. The issue of petitioning to better secure the site now seems a moot point.

CAPS Meeting

Kathy suggested that the CAPS meeting be held in June, and she will include notice of the meeting in the upcoming newsletter. It was suggested that the meeting take place at a public forum such as The Methodist Home. Chris Bayard will speak with the CAPS representative to determine an appropriate date for the meeting. This CAPS meeting will take the place of the June ASNA meeting.

Spring Clean-up Day

We have been unable to determine the spring clean-up date, as no one has heard back from Alderman Schulter’s office, nor is the date posted on their website. Camilla and Laurie will try to find out the date.

Expansion of ASNA Boundaries

Stephen Christy suggested that we focus our expansion efforts down Ravenswood to Ainslie and not west of the Ravenswood train tracks. So as not to require a change to the ASNA by-laws, it was also suggested that we might consider inviting others beyond our boundaries to become – friends of ASNA .

Committee Reports

Social : Chairperson Kate Robinson had nothing to report at this time.

Greening : Co-chairperson Julia Bunn reported that the Ravenswood parkway got hit by a car that ran off of the road leaving a rut in the planting area. This revived the topic of a stop sign being placed there. Kate will check the status of the stop sign petition with Kevin Thompson. Julia mentioned possible spring planting dates that were good for Co-chair Stephen Christy of April 28 or May 5. Julia suggested it take place on May 5 and all in attendance agreed. Kate stated that Stephen Christy is planning to move a tree in front of Jesse’s Auto Body to beautify that area, and that he is also working with the owners of the Clark Station to fix the muddy patch by the station.

Membership/Communications : Chairperson Kathy Leszczynski reported that ASNA recently acquired one new member and that she and Linda Wallace met to brainstorm other ways to recruit new members. They suggested a – refer a neighbor  plan whereby current members in ASNA would welcome new neighbors into the association. After inviting the neighbor to become a member, we could let Kathy know, and she would send a welcome letter to them. On the topic of communication, Kathy asked if anyone would consider writing an article for the upcoming newsletter.

Gary moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Ben seconded the motion. The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 14, 2007, location to be determined.

–Laurie Daley

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ASNA Meeting Minutes, 3-12-07

by Noel Suarez on March 27th, 2007 at 10:08 am cst

ASNA Meeting Minutes, 3-12-07

Present:

Noel Suarez

Sue Becker

Kathy Leszczynski

John Gavin

Russ Leander

Gary Forell

Kevin Thompson

Greg Ratliff

Chris Bayard

Kate Robinson

Mandy (new member from Ravenswood-Winnemac townhome assn.)

Laurie Daley

The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Kevin Thompson.   Nominations for ASNA offices were read by Kevin; all nominees were voted in.   Chris Bayard, new president; John Gavin, new vice-president; Gary Forell, new treasurer; and Laurie Daley, new secretary.

Calendar : The upcoming year’s ANSA calendar of events was decided upon by members present at the meeting; Chris recorded all events and their proposed dates.

Dog Responsibility : It was suggested that dog owners in the Andersonville South neighborhood area take more responsibility for picking up after their pets, as well as keeping their pets leased.   There were accounts of dog attacks, as well as dog excrement left on the sidewalks, parkways, and other public areas within our neighborhood.   Also, some people in the general public are using the fenced in condo-owned – park  at the corner of Ravenswood and Carmen as a doggie park and are not picking up after their pets.     A blurb to remind responsible pet ownership will be posted in the upcoming ASNA newsletter in addition to referencing a City of Chicago dog responsibility bulletin.

Empty Lots on Carmen Avenue : The fenced in – sinkhole  lots were discussed as a concern for public safety due to the inadequate fencing provided by its owner.   As former attempts to get the owner to provide a more substantial fence have failed, it was suggested that Alderman Schulter’s office become involved by way of a letter directly to the owner indicating the need for a more adequate enclosure to the undeveloped property.   Stephen Christy indicated that one of the two lots is being built on as of March 20, 2007.

Expanding ASNA Boundaries : It was suggested that ASNA expand its borders to at least Ainslie Street to the south, and Wolcott Avenue to the west, to accommodate more neighbors, especially those in the townhome development at Winnemac and Ravenswood, of which Mandy (present at this meeting) would be willing to recruit members.   It was also suggested that ASNA expand a bit more, perhaps to Damen Avenue, to include some more businesses.

Corner at Ravenswood/Foster : The southeast corner of Ravenswood/Foster is an eyesore.   Several attempts have been made to beautify the corner with plant life, as it is the gateway to the Andersonville South neighborhood; however, these attempts have failed.   The corner remains a muddy, cracked concrete mess.   It was suggested that the corner be paved so that it presents a neat appearance to those entering our lovely Ravenswood garden area.   Stephen Christy indicated that he is working with the owner of the gas station regarding the parkway.

Petitions : A petition was circulated by Kathy during the meeting for speed bumps in the North-South alley between Winona and Carmen Avenues.   Apparently, this alley is used for a quick shortcut and cars are traveling at inappropriately fast speeds.   Another petition was circulated for a stop sign at Carmen and Ravenswood.   It was suggested that a third petition be initiated for a stop sign at the Damen/Winnemac crossing to Winnemac Park.   People walking dogs and pushing strollers are endangering their lives attempting to negotiate the crosswalks at this intersection because auto traffic mostly ignores the crosswalks.   It was suggested that someone speak to the mom’s group at Winnemac Park to enlist their help, as well as talk to the residents and business owners of Damen Avenue, in an attempt to enlist their support.

Alley Graffiti : Gang related graffiti has recently been found in the Carmen Avenue alley, and Laurie mentioned that the Winnemac Avenue alley had been graffitied back in late January.   Chicago Graffiti Blasters cleaned up the Winnemac alley graffiti, and it was suggested by several members present at the meeting that it is imperative for graffiti to be cleaned up as soon as possible, whether by the City or private homeowners.   To this end, neighbors will notify other neighbors who might not initially notice the graffiti for various reasons such as not parking in their garage, so that it might be cleaned up immediately.

Good Neighbor : It was suggested and agreed upon by those present at the meeting that Vereen Nordstrom be awarded the good neighbor award this year for her years of dedicated service to the neighborhood.   Ideas for rewarding her included a tree being planted in her name and a plaque recognizing her service.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.   The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 9, 2007, location to be determined.

–Laurie Daley

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Minutes–January 8, 2007

by Linda Wallace on January 25th, 2007 at 4:13 pm cst

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.

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ASNA Minutes 2006-June-12

by Noel Suarez on June 19th, 2006 at 9:18 pm cst

June 12, 2006

7:00 P.M., Gavin Residence, 1714 W. Winona St.

President Kevin Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M. Also present were Allen Reed, Chris Bayard, Greg Ratliff, Kate Robinson, Trudi and John Gavin, Vereen Nordstrom, Camilla Krueger, Marv Anderson, and Gary Forell

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Forell, Reed seconds, approving minutes of May 8, 2006 meeting. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Nordstrom reported a balance of $1,089.45 in the main account minus $125 for the alderman’s recent fundraiser. There is a total of $2,689.45 in the landscaping account but that will be depleted once outstanding expenses are paid.

Committee Reports

Social

Chair Robinson reported that plans for the Neighborhood Party on July 15 are proceeding as detailed at the May 8^th meeting. Donations from businesses for raffle prizes will be sought. Motion by Forell, Bayard seconds, directing that up to $500 be allotted from the ASNA general account for party expenses. Motion passed.

Membership/Communications

Chair Wallace reported that renewal letters were delivered to ASNA members. She encouraged board members to also pay up. Membership flyers will be distributed along with the neighborhood party flyers and there will be a membership table at the party. The person who signs up the most new members will get a free membership.

Greening

Gary Forell reported that Co-Chair Bunn has suggested that ASNA pay for someone to water the new plantings and cut the grass on the Ravenswood parkway, since few residents had signed her volunteer sheet for this. Co-Chair Christy had estimated the cost at $230 a month and contributions are welcome. Four families then volunteered to pay for a month:

Chris Bayard/Kate Robinson

Linda Wallace/Gary Forell

Greg Ratliff/Kevin Thompson

John & Trudi Gavin

All those present thanked these folks for their generous gestures. Checks should be made payable to ASNA and delivered to Treasurer Nordstrom.

New Business

Property Tax Increase

Forell and Gavin on a meeting at Bell School with a representative of the assessor office. They recommend two actions: Appeal your valuation and urge your state officials (governor, speaker, state senator and representative) to reinstate the 7% cap on tax increases. The group agreed to host a meeting on August 28 with an ombudsman from the County Assessor’s Office and to invite State Representative Larry McKeon (pro-cap) and State Senator Carol Ronen (anti-cap) to meet with ASNA at its September meeting. The Methodist Nursing Home will be contacted for a location. President Thompson advised that the State Legislature’s “veto session” in November is a critical time for legislators to act, should they choose to do so.

Other Business

Also agreed that the October ASNA meeting should focus on neighborhood traffic concerns and that a representative of the alderman’s office will be invited.

Adjournment

Motion by Ratliff, Krueger second, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 P.M. The next meeting is

Next Meeting

Monday, July 10, 7 p.m., home of Linda Wallace & Gary Forell, 5109 N. Ravenswood.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen Christy

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ASNA Minutes 2006-May-08

by Noel Suarez on June 6th, 2006 at 1:20 pm cst

May 8, 2006

7:00 P.M., Ratliff/Thompson Residence, 1712 W. Carmen Ave.

President Kevin Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:20 P.M. Also present were Julia Bunn, Trudy and John Gavin, Harijs Friss, Gary Forell, Art Gregg, Camilla Krueger, Cathy Leszczynski, Bill Montgomery, Gregg Ratliff, Kate Robinson, Kathryn Ruetz, Erich Schrempp, Linda Wallace, and Sara Wetzel.

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Schrempp, Robinson seconds, approving minutes of April 10, 2006 meeting. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Vereen Nordstrom was unable to attend; Thompson gave her report. At present the Ravenswood Parkway fund has $1500.00 in it and the ASNA General Fund $1098.85.

Committee Reports

Social

Chair Robinson reported all permits in hand for the July 15 block party; her group will contact local businesses for support (except those on Ravenswood that contribute to the parkway work). Trudy Gavin joined this committee on the spot. Wallace further added suggestions of “Dancing at Dusk,” a talent show, and a neighborhood band.

Membership/Communications

Chair Wallace reported the latest newsletter is out. Trudy Gavin has found two new members. All dues are up for renewal on July 1; Wallace will hold a membership drive on May 21 and 22, with an e-mail solicitation as well. Trudy Gavin further suggested waiving the membership dues for whoever recruits the most new members.

Greening

Co-Chair Bunn reported all plans ready for the May 13 ASNA Greening Day, with flyers and posters to be sent out soon. Work starts at 9AM planting new bushes and flowers and picking up trash along Ravenswood. She further noted little success in getting people to sign up to maintain the parkway, and suggested that ASNA pay local labor to water the new plants and cut the grass. The group agreed and she will look into this idea.

Old Business

Garage Sale

Thompson noted this is set for June 3 with a flyer to go out two weeks before; a master permit will be pulled from the City for all those participating. All sales will be either in front of the houses or in back; this was not decided however.

Speed Bumps

Thompson reported petitions underway for same on Winona and the Winona-Carmen alley. There is some dissention however about installing speed bumps on Winona.

New Business

Graffiti

There has been a small rash of “tagging” on Winona; a bad house has three urchins believed to be the source of this. Thompson and Wetzel volunteered to attend the next CAPS meeting to voice ASNA’s concerns.

Aldermanic Relations

Alderman Schulter’s annual fundraiser is June 8. Motion by Thomson, Wetzel seconds, for ASNA to purchase one ticket to same. Motion passed.

Adjournment

Motion by Bunn, John Gavin seconds, to adjourn; the meeting concluded at 8:33 P.M. The next meeting will be at 7.M. on June 12 at the Gavin residence, 1714 Winona.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen Christy, Secretary

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ASNA Minutes 2006-April-10

by Noel Suarez on May 13th, 2006 at 8:07 am cst

April 10, 2006

Meeting was held at the house of Julia Bunn and Ben Hollis, 1731 Carmen.

Minutes from last month were approved by Julia Bunn and Katie Robinson.

Treasurer’s Report Vereen Nordstrom:

Committee Reports:

Social:

No news, just reminders. Party still scheduled for July 15th, permits obtained. It will take place along Ravenswood from Winnemac to Winona.

Another reminder: garage sale on June 13.

Greening:

We’ve received $600 from GreenNet for the embankment; which means more planting and maybe a weed whacker. Thanks to all the folks who watered the embankment last year : it wouldn’t have survived the drought without it.

May 13 is the Greening/Cleaning day: it starts at 9 AM. We also want to get people to sign up to take turns weeding and cleaning the embankment this summer. More to come on website and in newsletter.

Communication/Membership:

Newsletter getting closer : will be ready for Greening day. We sold 2 ads for the newsletter : we need to sell more and volunteers for doing so are welcome.

Membership drive date in late May or early June: June 3rd has been suggested.

New Business:

Tree Planting from the Alderman’s office: People without trees on their parkway can register for a tree through the alderman’s office. Membership drive and newsletter will have more details.

Bill Montgomery has volunteered to head the Community Development Committee.

Garage Sale will be on June 3rd: Linda Wallace will do the ads and arrange for flyers.

Motion to adjourn: Ben Hollis. 2nd: Vereen Nordstrom.

Next meeting at Kevin Thompson’s house, 1712 W. Carmen. June meeting at Trudi Gavin’s house, 1714 W Winona; July Meeting at Linda Wallace’s house, 5109 N. Ravenswood; September meeting at Sara Wexel’s house, 1741 W. Carmen.

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Andersonville South Neighborhood Association (ASNA) Meeting Agenda for Monday, April 10, 2006

by Noel Suarez on April 9th, 2006 at 7:55 pm cst

Monday, April 10, 2006

1731 West Carmen Avenue

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes from March 2006 Meeting
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Standing Committee Reports
1. Membership/Communications (Need volunteers to help finalize newsletter and sell ads)
2. Social Committee (Need volunteers to help organize & coordinate July Block Party)
3. Community Development (Still in search of volunteer members for this committee)
4. Greening Committee (Volunteers for neighbor clean-up day and neighborhood planting day)

Old Business

New Business

1. Tree Plantings -Neighborhood Canvass date
2. Other New Business

Adjournment

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ASNA Minutes 2006-March-20

by Noel Suarez on April 9th, 2006 at 4:27 pm cst

March 20, 2006

7:00 P.M., Bayard/Robinson Residence, 1752 W. Carmen Ave.

President Kevin Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. Also present were Chris Bayard, Stephen Christy, Gary Forell, Kate Robinson, Erich Schrempp, Helena Carroll, Cathy Leszczynski, Julia Bunn, Greg Ratliff, Noel Suarez, Vereen Nordstrom, and Ben Hollis.

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Carroll, Leszczynski seconds, approving minutes January 10, 2006 meeting. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Nordstrom reported that the ASNA balance as of March 20, 2006 was $1119.85, with a new membership of $25.00, all for a total current balance of $1144.85.

Committee Reports

Membership/Communications

Forell noted that his wife Linda was working on getting the next newsletter ready well before the block party.

Social

Robinson reported that the mid-winter party (February 12) at T’s was a great success, with over 40 people attending, and had cost ASNA only $66.00. She announced the date of the 2006 block party: July 15 on Ravenswood between Winona and Foster.

Community Development

This committee is inactive; Thompson and Wallace are still seeking a new chair for same.

Greening

Bunn and Christy announced May 13 as the Greening Day; it is also the date of the ward clean-up. Bunn reported she had filed another grant proposal for the parkway. Christy noted he was seeking 2006 maintenance contributions from the businesses along Ravenswood and had already secured $500.00.

Old Business

By-Laws

Thompson noted the by-laws had been posted on the web site since the last board meeting, thanks to Suarez and Wallace, and that no comments had been received. Several persons then spoke up with particulars as follow:

Article III: Only full members can vote

Article VI, Section 1: change meeting dates to monthly

Article VII: minor typo

Ad Hoc By-Laws Committee chairs Bayard and Christy agreed to make these changes. Based on this, motion by Thompson, Bunn seconds, approving new by-laws as amended. Motion passed.

New Business

Community Service Requests

Leszczynski reported that she is starting a petition for speed bumps on the Carmen-Winona alley; all present signed same. She noted further that a petition for speed bumps on Winona is in the works.

Nominating Committee

Thompson noted that this group had found no one new to run for office. Motion by Ratliff, Carroll seconds, nominating current office slate for a new term. Motion passed.

Officers are: President, Kevin Thompson; Vice President, Linda Wallace; Secretary, Stephen Christy; and Treasurer, Vereen Nordstrom. Kate Robinson is chair of the Social Committee. Julia Bunn and Stephen Christy, are co-chairs of the Beautification Committee, and Linda Wallace, chair of Membership/Communication.

Membership Dues

Thompson reported on a proposed new dues schedule as follows. Parentheses indicate current dues.

Students/Senior Citizens (over 65) $5.00 ($5.00)

Individuals $25.00 ($15.00)

Families $30.00 ($25.00)

Businesses $50.00 ($25.00)

Associates Open to donation

The group agreed that those businesses supporting the Ravenswood parkway maintenance with cash donations to same should not be solicited.

Motion by Bunn, Nordstrom seconds, approving new dues schedule to become effective June 1, 2006. Motion passed.

Other Business

Street Trees

Bunn announced she will organize a sign-up sheet requesting new trees to fill in blank spaces along the ASNA streets and submit same to the Alderman. All present thanked her and looked forward to her report.

Adjournment

Motion by Bayard, Schrempp seconds, to adjourn. Motion passed; meeting adjourned at 8:19 P.M. The next meeting will be at 7:00 P.M. April 10, 2006, at the Bunn/Hollis residence, 1731 W. Carmen Ave.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen F. Christy, Jr.

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ASNA Minutes 2006-Jan-06

by Noel Suarez on January 15th, 2006 at 11:10 pm cst

January 10, 2006

7:00 P.M., Christy Residence, 1747 W. Carmen Ave.

President Kevin Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:07 P.M. Also present were Chris Bayard, Stephen Christy, Gary Forell, Kathy German, Camilla Krueger, Kate Robinson, Erich Schrempp, Linda Wallace, and Sara Wetzel.

Approval of Minutes

Motion by Bayard, Schrempp seconds, approving minutes of November 18, 2005 meeting. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Nordstrom being absent, Thompson reported that she told him there is a little over $1000.00 in the general account, not counting the landscaping balance which Christy reported is about $200.00.

Wallace noted that Howl-o-ween was a great success with expenses of $505.09 and revenues of $548.65, for a balance of $43.56, said balance to be applied to the Ravenswood Parkway Beautification Fund. Linda said she felt ASNA should repeat the event next year, and all agreed.

Committee Reports

Membership/Communications

All present agreed this committee deserved a “pat on the back” for its accomplishments in 2005. The committee’s report is attached.

Thompson noted the difficulty in getting folks living on Ashland or Foster involved in ASNA. Nonetheless the group agreed, having reviewed the committee report, to do the same events again next year, only better.

A brief discussion of future newsletter issues found Krueger suggesting a column on recycling and German a regular feature on artwork by neighborhood children.

Social

Robinson noted the need to plan at once for a winter party if ASNA still wished to have one. She had done some investigating of locales, finding Ebenezer Church now too expensive, and the Edgewater Historical Society’s party room rent reasonable, but only available for catered events. Hopleaf Bar is also available for $200.00.

She further noted T’s has its back room available for free with a cash bar and the cost for any food provided. T’s will also buy back any unsold drink tickets. Those assembled liked the concept of T’s but agreed the event should not be a fund-raiser. Motion by Thompson, Bayard seconds, setting a $300.00 cap on ASNA costs to sponsor an ASNA mid-winter party from 3-6 P.M. on either February 12 or 26, with a minimum $5.00 donation requested at the door. Motion passed. Robinson will proceed with this directive.

Community Development

This committee is inactive; Thompson will seek a new chair for same.

Greening

Christy reported no activity due to the winter months; however he will send out solicitation/support letters to local businesses soon as is done most every year.

Old Business

By-Laws

Wallace will work with Noel Suarez to get the proposed new by-laws posted on the web site; Bayard has a few last-minute revisions and will forward same to Wallace. The Board will approve these new by-laws at the next meeting unless someone raises any issues regarding same.

Other Business

Gang Issues

German and others have noted increased activity by idle youths on Carmen Avenue, accompanied by an increase in discarded “love gloves” and liquor bottles and, most recently, graffiti on sidewalks. Thompson noted that he had contacted the City’s graffiti blasters who should be on-site soon, and also suggested ASNA invite the District Commander to the next ASNA meeting. German agreed to get the address of the landlord of the building emanating these problems.

2006 ASNA Calendar

The assembled group agreed with Thomson projected future dates, as follow:

• Annual Meeting: March 13
• Midwinter Blahs Party, February 12
• Board Meetings: second Monday of each month, except no meeting in February due to party at T’s.
• Next Newsletter: April
• Neighborhood Cleanup/Greening: May
• Garage Sale: June 3
• Block Party: July 15, on Ravenswood or Carmen (Thomson to look into mechanics of partly closing Ravenswood)
• Howl-o-ween: October 28
• Holiday Event: December 10

Adjournment

Motion by Bayard, Wetzel seconds, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M., with the date and location of the next meeting to be determined pending the date of the mid-winter get-together at T’s.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephen Christy

Membership/Communication Committee Report

–Linda Wallace, chair

Meeting 12 07 09, Suarez residence

Present: Camilla Krueger, Noel Suarez, Linda Wallace

What we’ve accomplished:

We accomplished our major goals of increasing membership and communication. The personal outreach via door-to-door blitz was very successful. The neighborhood party also gave us a big boost. Our thanks to everyone who helped on both of these. We ended the year with about 25 percent of Andersonville households as paid members. We may have been overly ambitious on the 50 percent membership goal but 25 percent is pretty darn good! There has been more and better communication thanks to the email list, newsletter (published twice) and-ta da-our website, thanks to Noel.

Newsletter

• Post the latest newsletter online.
• Keep the large format-it stands out more.
• Make it useful, timely
• Try to improve photo reproduction
• Contact new members who expressed an interest in the newsletter.
• Check the alderman’s email newsletter for items of interest to include.
• Start now to work on the spring newsletter, e.g. articles/ads.
• Approach Julia/Stephen about doing an environmental/gardening column with practical tips for area residents.
• Post newsletter ads on the website for additional visibility.
• Start now to get ads for spring (and hopefully, fall newsletter).
• Have back ups for volunteer designers: Julia, Noel and maybe Kathy

Next year/next steps:

Follow the same game plan. Do it better. Keep promoting the website. We strongly recommend that ASNA adopt a calendar for next year’s events early in the New Year so publicity can be planned accordingly.

Draft Calendar 2006???

February-Winter Blahs party

April-Spring Newsletter (with 2005 annual report per bylaws) publish in late April with news about Greening/Clean up Day

May-Door-to-door Membership Blitz

Greening/Clean upDay

July 15 Neighborhood Party

September-Garage Sale

October-Howl-O-Ween

December-Holiday Event

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