LPNA MEETING September 25, 2008

St Joseph School Cafeteria

Meeting called to order by President Jen Gedaminski at 6:37 PM

Old Business

Treasurer’s Report – Cathie Bryant reported a balance of $840.38 in the LPNA checking account. This is the balance after all the neighborhood signs are paid in full, the “Parknic” was paid for, and a new order of shirts and hats has been paid.

Party in the Park (Parknic) – J.D. Noseck reported that 75 neighbors attended the picnic, and everyone had a great time. Jen congratulated Janell Noseck on leading the committee for the picnic. J. D. later reported that there is still interest among neighbors in an LPNA-sponsored Chili-Cook-off in the Park this fall. A Committee was formed with volunteers Clay Bellot, Doug Williams, Roger Schmitz and Gary Dickerson.

Springfield in Bloom Update – Penny Harris from SARA Center / 5 th Street Renaissance Center reported that the LPNA Sponsored project next to their new building placed 2 nd in the contest. She presented LPNA with Recognition and Merit plaques in honor of their assistance. Jen recognized Doug Williams for his donation of plants and hard work on the project. Penny also reported that the new property is nearly at capacity. The offices are now opening at 7 a.m. to accommodate waiting clientele, who will now have access to the offices before the opening hours of St. Joseph School. They made this concession as a response to neighborhood concerns voiced at previous LPNA Meetings. SARA Center is looking to revisit a Memorial Garden initiative that had started earlier but been put on the back burner for awhile.

Zoning and Urban Development – Kerry Lewis reported no new zoning issues with the neighborhood.

Adopt a Street Clean-up – The Clean-up date is October 3 rd at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Lincoln Park sign at the corner of 5 th and Sangamon. Jen is hosting a party at her home afterwards.

New Business

2009 America in Bloom – The City of Springfield will participate in the nationwide America in Bloom contest, using a “Paint the Town Red” theme. A committee was established for LPNA involvement. Doug Williams, Jennifer Ausmus, Kerry Lewis and Clay Bellot volunteered for the Committee.

2009 2 nd Annual LPNA Home Tour – Jen announced that it is time for the membership to starting thinking about a Home Tour for 2009. A Committee was established to explore the level of interest and potential volunteers that would open their homes. Roberta Reif volunteered to chair the Committee, and will be assisted by Audrey Bellot, Roger Schmitz, Dave Ridenour and Cathie Bryant.

St. Joseph Church Bells – Msg. Tom Holinga reported that the Bell system, donated by the Muellers in memory of their daughter, is nearing completion of installation. The Church will be testing soon to determine the proper level of volume.

Officers / Nominating Committee – Currently there is a vacancy for an LPNA Neighborhood Safety and Crime Prevention Officer who would handle the Neighborhood Watch Program. Jen is currently handling that position, and her two-year term as President will end this fall. LPNA has put together a Search Committee for candidates for replacement. Jen reported that J.D. Noseck would prefer to resign his position as Social Activity Director in favor of filling the Safety and Crime Prevention vacancy. A motion was made by Jim Trotter and seconded by Cathie Bryant to allow the transfer to take place. General membership voted on the motion, with none opposed. Any members that would like to volunteer to fill Officers’ vacancies, or suggest a viable candidate should contact Jen Gedaminski or Kerry Lewis.

Miscellaneous Information – Jen continues to receive complaints about barking dogs, and asked all the members to pay attention to their own dogs and their neighbors’ in an effort to resolve the issue.

J.D. Noseck reported that new LPNA Sweatshirts, T-Shirts (now available in women’s sizes) and hats are now available for purchase. Prices: Sweatshirts: $25, Men’s T-Shirts $15, Women’s

T-Shirts $10, Caps $10. Anyone interested should contact J.D. Noseck, or attend any LPNA function, where the apparel is always available.

Evening Topic

The Guest Speaker for the meeting was Dr. Walter Milton, Jr. Superintendent of Schools for Springfield District 186. Dr. Milton reported that much restructuring of the schools is in progress in efforts to comply with No Child Left Behind mandates. He provided details of changes in place for the District, which includes 15,000 students and 2,400 employees. Dr. Milton fielded questions about his support for a new building for Springfield High School in a west-side location, where property is already owned by the District. He announced new programs in place as part of the District’s Rigor, Relationships and Relevance Campaign. Dr. Milton also voiced his wife’s and his personal appreciation for the Springfield area, and their desire to raise their young children in District 186 schools.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m.

Submitted by Cathie Bryant on behalf of Karilyn Eastvold, secretary.