Gifford Park Association
General
Membership Meeting Minutes, March 18, 2010
355
E. Chicago St., Room 239
Attending: Jeff
Jacobson, Tony Sanchez, Bill Briska, David & Jennifer Williams, Dan &
Pat Miller, Jay Kjellander, Barb Counterman, Joe Kjellander, Ali Hallock, Doug
Tomsha, Carol Anderson, Dan Skaggs, Warren Tejes, Jeff McIntire, Gregg Hagen,
Amanda Carlson, Linda Voss, John Krzyzanowski
Guests: City of Elgin representatives Vince Cuchetto
and Cherie Murphy
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
Jeff’s Handouts and Announcements:
Congratulations to member Fran Cella for
receiving an Image Award for her years of work with the GPA. Congratulations also to Tanner and
Wyeth Bednar for receiving an Image Award for their band’s benefit concerts.
Motion to approve the minutes of February 18,
2010 by Joe Kjellander, seconded by Jennifer Williams. The motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Evan Hennessey was unable to attend. No report filed.
ROPE Officer’s Report:
Eric Echevarria was unable to attend.
As always, if you have
questions or concerns about activity in the neighborhood, contact Eric directly
at:
Or: (847) 354-3394
Standing Committee Reports:
Chair Alicia Lykins
not in attendance. Jeff issued reminder
that the annual membership potluck is scheduled for Friday, April 16th,
from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Lord’s Park Pavilion.
Chair Barb Counterman
had nothing new to report.
If you have ideas for
programs or wish to volunteer please Facebook Barb or e-mail her.
Historic District
Chair Laura Jacobson
not in attendance. Jeff Jacobson
reported that there would be a meeting soon, and that the Gazette would be
ready for distribution shortly.
Chair Carol Anderson
reported that the next meeting was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. March 29th
at the DNA offices, 2 N. Douglas. She
indicated that she needed volunteers to assist with staffing and to run the
potluck and after-party.
Chair Dan Miller
reported that the GPA Golf Classic now has Facebook and Twitter pages.
May 28, 2010 Golf Classic:
Chair Jay Kjellander indicated that the media
campaign was scheduled to begin in April, including exposure in local
restaurants and bars with GPA golf classic cards and coasters.
Jay continues to request help to solicit
sponsors and players!
For more information
please visit the website:
http://www.golfinvite.com/gpagolf
Or go to facebook and search for
Gifford Park Golf Classic
City Manager’s Office reps Vince Cuchetto and
Cherie Murphy engaged the membership in an informal dialogue regarding our views
of the community – strong points as well as opportunities for future plans for
improvement and development. The lively
conversation included suggestions for development of downtown commerce,
marketing of Elgin as a community, discussion of grant programs, and discussion
of needs for infrastructure improvements.
Vince also discussed concerns related to code enforcement, and Cherie
spoke about community event plans.
Amanda Carlson presented a proposal for a new
fund-raising event for this year. GPA
would host a 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving Day, with a portion of proceeds to
benefit local charity. The membership
voted to go forward with the idea.
Motion to budget $7,000 in start-up and development costs by Joe
Kjellander, seconded by Dan Miller. The
motion carried. Details regarding the
event will be posted as they become available.
To volunteer to assist with the project, please
contact Amada Carslon:
(630) 400-6687
Dan Miller reviewed his February 18th
presentation regarding developing a park in the Grandview area. Dan requested GPA support to petition City
of Elgin to fund the park and move forward with its development. A specific detail of his proposal requests
that the parking lot provided also accommodate parking overflow from
neighboring rental properties. Dan moved
that Jeff Jacobson write a letter to the city on GPA’s behalf with this request,
motion seconded by Joe Kjellander. The
motion carried on a show of hands by a vote of 9 to 8.
Other Comments & Concerns:
Jennifer Williams reminded everyone that May is
preservation month, and that it would kick off with a Great Unveiling event on
Saturday, May 1st. She
requested GPA’s assistance with the unveilings that would be conducted that
day, starting with the property at 120 N. Liberty, and proceeding to other
properties as needed.
Jeff McIntire requested that the minutes note
his strong disapproval of the Grandview proposal.
Motion to adjourn:
Moved by Barb Counterman, seconded by Evan
Williams (per Jennifer Williams).
Motion carried with meeting adjourning at 8:45 p.m. After-meeting in room 239.
Reminder: There will be no general membership
meeting in April. By tradition, we will
hold our annual membership potluck Friday, April 16th, from 6:30 -
8:30 p.m. at the Lord’s Park Pavilion.
We hope all can attend!
Next general membership
meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, 5/20/10 at 355 E. Chicago, Room
239.
Recorded by David Williams, Secretary