Gifford Park Association
General Membership Meeting Minutes, June 16, 2011
St. Mary’s Church, Binsfield Hall, 397 Fulton Street
Attending: David & Jennifer Williams, Dan & Pat Miller, Ali Hallock, Chris & Karen Bach, Doug Tomsha, Bill Briska, Amanda Carlson
Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.
David’s Handouts and Announcements:
A thank you to Chris, Karen, Matt and Mike Bach, Glenna and Martina Preradovic and Selma for handing out water to the runners during the Fox Trot on Memorial Day.
David Knorr has started construction on GPA’s new website
Secretary’s Report:
Motion to approve the minutes of May 19, 2011 by Bill Briska, seconded by Chris Bach. The motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Dan Miller reported $21,059.16 in our checking account and $80,131.32 in our CD’s and money market account.
Standing Committee Reports:
Membership
Chair Dorie Alpha not in attendance.
Program
Chair Fran Cella not in attendance.
Historic District
Chair Donna Leetz not in attendance.
Public Relations
Chair Barb Counterman could not attend the meeting but submitted the following report. House walk post cards, posters, etc are being designed and completed by Julie Schmitt. The existing GPA website and House Tour web pages are being updated by Dan Miller and Julie Schmitt until the new site is up and running. Dan and Barb have distributed a request for sponsors to place ads in the tour booklet. Barb is looking for someone to launch and maintain a Facebook page just for the House walk. Please see Barb or anyone on the House Walk committee if you are interested. The Center for Cultural Heritage is looking for host families for 4 french students from August 1-21. Please contact Elisabeth at 847-331-8305 or [email protected].
Events coming up: Elgin Harvest Market on Thursdays, Elgin Boat Races (6/18 & 19), Volunteer gardeners needed June 18 at 463 and 457 E Chicago Street, Julie Schmitt’s Plant Sale on June 18, Elgin Brewfest June 18 & 19, the Next porch party is at Dan & Pat Miller’s on June 24, Rummage Sale on July 23 at Our Redeemer Free Methodist Church.
Housewalk
Bill Briska indicated there was no updated news to report.
Tree-for-All:
For the committee David Williams reported that the committee is on to the next phase. They are planning on going door-to-door to solicit additional participants, focusing on locations that need trees, but didn’t respond to the previous requests by post.
Thanks a Lot! Turkey Trot:
Amanda Carlson reported that the website is up and running for registration. Over 2500 cards added to Foxtrot participant bags. She still has 700 cards to give out at other upcoming events.
110 S Channing Rehab:
Dan Miller brought a request before the membership to pay for cedar, clear materials to manufacture components for both porches. Dan is donating his time for free but Habitat for Humanity has only budgeted for Pressure-treated wood. A motion was made by Bill Briska to provide up to $500 to cover the costs of the materials, seconded by Karen Bach. The motion carried. Dan will provide receipts for reimbursement after he has bought the materials.
Great Unveiling:
Dan Miller reported that the unveiling was held on May 21 at 218 Villa Street. Thank you goes out to the City, Jennifer Williams, Cody Tyler, Dan & Pat Miller, Bill Briska, Doug Tomsha, Michael Gibbons, Becky Crockett, Tom Krebsbach, Chuck Keysor, John LaFleur, Rebecca Hunter, and Deborah Allen.
Other Comments & Concerns:
David announced that July 31, GPA will host a table at Concert in the Park @ Lord’s Park. Set-up is at 1:30 pm. If you are interested in helping, please contact him.
Parks and Rec is looking for a volunteer Neighborhood Park Coordinator for our neighborhood to create events and activities at our local parks. Please contact volunteer coordinator Renee Edsall if you are interested.
[email protected] or (847) 931-6770
On September 9 is the United Way Day of Caring. This year’s projects will be about reaching out into the neighborhoods and helping our residents. If you would like to volunteer or have suggestions for projects please contact Cherie Murphy at city hall.
Also, Mayor Kaptain is hosting Community Conversations around town to collect residents input. Check out the city’s website for future dates, locations and times.
Motion to adjourn:
Moved by Dan Miller, seconded by Chris Bach.
The next general membership meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at St. Mary’s Church, Binsfield Hall, 397 Fulton Street.
Recorded by Jennifer Williams, Secretary