Gifford Park Association

General Membership Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2010

Downtown Neighborhood Association Offices, 2 N. Douglas

Attending: Jeff Jacobson, Tony Sanchez, David & Jennifer Williams, Evan & Brenda Hennessey, Dan & Pat Miller, Alicia Lykins, Paul Durrenberger, Roy & Linda Voss, John & Carol Anderson, Tom Hokenson

Guest: Chuck Keysor

Meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m.

Jeff’s Handouts & Announcements:

Jeff passed around a proof of the Gazette, which will include info on the Housewalk.

Secretary’s Report:

Motion to approve the minutes of June 17, 2010 by Evan Hennessey, seconded by Brenda Hennessey. The motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Evan Hennessey reported $42,289.25 in our checking account, $176.00 in our PayPal account, and $53,772.63 in our money market account.

ROPE Officer’s Report:

Eric Echevarria unable to attend.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about activity in the neighborhood, contact Eric directly at:

echevarria_e@cityofelgin.org

Or: (847) 354-3394

Standing Committee Reports:

Membership

Chair Alicia Lykins had nothing to report.

Program

Chair Barb Counterman not in attendance. Tony Sanchez said there was nothing to report.

Historic District

Chair Laura Jacobson not in attendance. Jeff Jacobson reported that the Gazette would be ready for distribution shortly.

Public Relations

Chair Dan Miller had nothing to report, except that Julie Schmitt is taking the lead on Housewalk promotion.

Housewalk

Carol Anderson had little new to report, indicating that the next two meetings will be as follows:

Wed. 7/21, 7:00 p.m. at the DNA Offices – “labeling party” for mailings

Mon. 8/2, 7:00 p.m. at the Elgin Historic Museum – steering committee meeting

David Williams reported that the after-party would take place at Club 217, upstairs at the Elgin Public House.

Also a reminder that in lieu of a meeting we will have the annual pre-housewalk potluck on Friday August 20^th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Lord’s Park Pavilion

Thanks a Lot! Turkey Trot:

Chair Amanda Carlson not in attendance. Brenda Hennessey reported that she is waiting for final confirmation of the race route from the city.

To volunteer to assist with the project, please contact Amanda Carslon:

ABCarlson80@hotmail.com

(630) 400-6687

Foreclosure Inspection Initiative:

Guest Chuck Keysor presented ideas regarding an ordinance he has proposed to city council. The ordinance would require foreclosed properties to submit to and pass a city inspection as a pre-requisite for receiving an occupancy permit upon sale.

Carol Anderson moved that GPA lend its support to the idea, Tony Sanchez seconded.

The motion carried, with Jennifer Fritz-Williams abstaining.

John Anderson moved that Jeff Jacobson write a letter to the city stating our support, Tony Sanchez seconded.

The motion carried, with Jennifer Fritz-Williams abstaining.

For additional details on Chuck’s proposal, you may contact him at:

chuck.keysor@sbcglobal.net

Or: (847) 622-1835

Other Comments & Concerns:

David Williams reported that GPA will co-host a Concert in the Park with Summit Park Neighbors. We will set up a tent to promote Housewalk, and to sell cold beverages to attendees. Thank you to Chuck Keysor for his input regarding his experience hosting a concert.

The concert is Tuesday evening, July 27^th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Wing Park.

Final scheduled porch parties for the season are as follows:

7/23  7:00 p.m.  384 Division, Hosted by John & Carol Anderson

8/6    7:00 p.m.   570 Park St., Hosted by Doug Tomsha

8/21  6:00 p.m.  141 Hill Ave., Hosted by David & Jennifer Williams

National Night Out is August 3^rd, and will include a city-hosted party in Gifford Park.

Evan Hennessey moved that GPA sponsor in the amount of $300, John Anderson seconded. The motion carried.

Jeff Jacobson reported that there might be a salvage opportunity coming up. More details when available.

Motion to adjourn:

Moved by Evan Hennessey, seconded by John Anderson. Motion carried.

Reminder: In lieu of the August general membership meeting, we will have our annual August potluck on Friday 8/20, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Lord’s Park Pavilion

Next general membership meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, 9/16/10, at our usual location, the U-46 building, 355 E. Chicago, Room 239.

Recorded by David Williams, Secretary