Board Meeting: August 22, 2022

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES August 22, 2022

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Monday, August 22, 2022

Starting at: 6:30

Adjourned: 7:43

Location: via Zoom

Who’s at the table?

• Adam Kingsley

• Ashley Woodthorp

• John Ratzenberger

• Dan Spiegel

• Joanne Oyer

• Joven Ebio

• Note: Brent Webb will be leaving the board due to relocation.

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. Old Business

• Motion to approve June 27th meeting minutes

Motion by: Ashley

Seconded by: Joven

• 4715 N Western approved! Appreciation Night at Roots 

• Good turnout from development team, HOLS and Alderman Martin.

• Meeting Re: Fifth Third Bank Development/Affordable Housing

• State of Amazon Fresh unclear

• Katharyn Hurd would like HOLS to comment at Aug. 26 meeting re: safety issues at Lawrence/Western, traffic islands, etc.

 2. Planning and Development Committee Report

• Building Next to Roots

• Western Avenue Project

• Question: How does one apply for residence?
  Answer: Anyone who qualifies can apply through property manager or designated person

• Leland Greenway update

• Master Plan update 

• All great news. Moving forward, has partial funding, details to follow.

3.  Treasurer's Report

• July balance: $6,731.68

• HOLS is in good shape financially

• Annual Report - need to get addresses from everyone still and then to file a report?

• Completed

4. Outreach Committee Report

• State of the Neighborhood coming up - video this time

• Need questions from before

• Interviews will be taped late Sept.

• Ask community for questions

• Come up with google doc

• Tom has masterlist in Ashley’s emails

5. Beautification Committee Report

• Community Garden

• Drama with Rats

• One gardener poisoned the rats, other members concerned about soil contamination

• They want a budget for them - what do we charge for management

• Budget is $3,000; 15% management fee for HOLS

• HOLS needs to understand gardeners’ priorities

• Had an in person meeting in late June

• New member just came in a replaced one who moved away

• Some members said No for the cameras

• Graffiti on Walgreens wall - will handle after season is done

• Still need to do:

• Price out new items desired and apply for grant

• Signs for fence

• Ashley participating in planning for Levy Center mural

6. Events -  Things coming up:

• Applefest - October 1st and 2nd - going out in newsletter

• HOLS will recruit volunteers via newsletter

• Ravenswood ArtFest September 10th-11th?

• Needs volunteers

• Movie Night at Ainslie Art Plaza?

• Davis Theater/Carbon Arc Movies - turns it into a beer garden, offer wine

• HOLS would like to have a table at these events

• Wed September 7 - 10 things I Hate About You

• Wed September 21st - North by Northwest

• Wed October 19 - Hocus Pocus

• Other events ideas?

• Business Trick or Treating

• Garden Walk - join Ravenswood’s? North Centers?

• Possibly join in 2023; contact Sherry Skalko

• John will look into getting a tablecloth with our logo

7. Marketing/Swag

• Shirts - Bonfire versus Raygun

• Raygun is local, similarly priced, but time limit/purchase requirement - can someone else spearhead this? 

• Joanne will contact Raygun

8. New business:

• Should we renew our annual Zoom account?

• No. Move to Google Meet.

• John will look into permanent mail address. Contact Chamber of Commerce and UPS.

• Next meeting will be held on Oct. 26.

Motion to adjourn by: Dan

Seconded by: John

Board Meeting: June 27, 2022

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES June 27, 2022

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Monday, June 27th, 2022

Starting at: 6:30pm

Adjourned: 7:48

Location: via Zoom

Who’s at the table?

• Adam Kingsley

• Ashley Woodthorp

• John Ratzenberger

• Dan Spiegel

• Joanne Oyer

• Joven Ebio

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. Old Business

• Motion to approve April 19th meeting minutes

Motion by: Ashley

Seconded by: Joven

• Spring Cleanup 

• Good turnout, increased visibility by wearing our HOLS shirts, much appreciation from neighbors

• Monday, April 25 - Tattler Benefit

• Event for veterans, Ashley, Joven and Brent attended

• Ravenswood on Tap

• Would like to participate but too many people are on vacation

• EcoFest June 18th

• 22 new people signed up to enter raffle/21 joined newsletter, big success for HOLS

• Should get our own tent? Yes on tent, but customization is too expensive

• Earned $80+ for HOLS

• Dan and John gave out information printed on eco-friendly seed cards with out QR code

• Kids and parents appreciated Ashley and Joven’s facepainting

• Chalkboard increased visibility

• Barley’s Biscuits brought in the dogs

2.  Treasurer's Report

• Current balance: $6,630.49

• Updated Report sent out June 6th

• Annual Report - need to change from Allen’s address - waiting on name/address change

• Includes $150 from Anthony at Merz Apothecary

3. Planning and Development Committee Report

• 4715 N. Western Ave. Update

• Can accomodate 48 parking spaces

• Anthony (from Merz) and Coalition for Affordable Housing will make a pitch in support of the project, HOLS will sign-on

• Expect a “no” from the mayor, leaving Ald. Martin to decide next steps

• Master Plan update 

• The hope is to roll out proposed plan within two months

• Leland Greenway update

• Still a possibility this summer

• Cannabis dispensary approval

• Tentatively approved pending second meeting

• Others?

• Dan expressed continuing concern over dangerous intersection at Leland and Leavitt; HOLS agrees to keep on top of issue; are cameras or one-way streets being considered

4. Outreach Committee Report

• New Newsletters and Media page - Will be starting to add newsletters to website and any other articles we are mentioned in

• Continue efforts to get non-board members involved in volunteering for events

• Promote active business members

5. Beautification Committee Report

• Community Garden

• One of the neighbors donated a garden hose

• People are stealing plants? Can install security cameras but need wifi so would need to either befriend local businesses and do an extender or set up a hotspot

• New lock for fence - twice

• Still need to do:

• Price out new items desired and apply for grant

• Signs for fence

• Stay on top of rat problem and ward to install lights on nearby poles

• Clean up weeds 

• Ashley participating in planning for Levy Center mural

• Down to final selections

6. Events -  Things coming up:

• Square Roots festival - 10 volunteer minimum

• Many members on vacation that weekend

• Most previous volunteers are former HOLS board member

• We might pick up unfilled shifts at the last minute, but we do not have the capacity to provide 10 volunteers at this time

• July 4th bbq with Vasquez at Winnemac - haven’t heard anything since they mentioned - is anyone around this weekend though?

• Almost everyone is out of town or already has plans for the 4th

• Fundraiser? See Brent’s email

• Let’s consider August 20 and invite aldermen, possibly have a BBQ at Tattler or set up/partner with Ainslie Arts Plaza

• Consider attending Movie Night at Ainslie Arts Plaza or one of the Movies in the parks

• Movies in the Park 

• All in favor of partnering for movies

• Winnemac Park - June 18th - Encanto (already done)

• Gross Park - Fri August 19th - Moana

• River Park - Tues August 23rd - Respect

• Movies at Ainslie Art Plaza (John will contact The Davis)

• Davis Theater/Carbon Arc Movies - turns it into a beer garden, offer wine

Wednesday July 20 

Wed August 17 

Wed September 21

Wed October 19

Time: Showing occurs 30 minutes after sunset

Movies: TBD

• Other events ideas?

• Block club parties - can check ChiStreet works and make notes of ones in our area and then hit them up

• Community Garage Sale - August?

• Revisit in spring 2023

• North Center Garden Walk - doing something similar

• Revisit in 2023

• Others

• Join Ainslie Arts Artisan and Makers Saturday events?

• Revisit in 2023 

• Farmers Market - hard timing wise though

• Most board members work during the day

• Apple Fest - share with Brent?

• Let’s look into it. Although, we would need to partner with the Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for it to be feasible for us to attend. Or, if Brent’s folks can join we might have enough coverage. 

• Update the website with these events 

• Forgot to talk about this last time - Should we come up with a process for making events?

• Deciding who point person is

• Promoting is done by: Point person? Outreach? Events?

• Point person will send information to Outreach who will

• Add event to HOLS website

• Add event to Facebook and Instagram

• Additional post closer to time of event

7. Marketing/Swag

• Shirts - Bonfire versus Raygun

• Raygun is local, similarly priced, but time limit/purchase requirement

• Let’s consider Raygun and switch if they are easy to work with

• Ashley will do a test run

8. New business:

• Membership - made a list of current members!

• Businesses that have signed up - what can we do with current business members?

• Get a discount if a member?

• Yes, need to work out details

• Blockbins - not a member but reached out

• Merz Apothecary

• Lincoln Square Beer Wine Spirits - $500 donation late last year - 4625 N Lincoln - I remember this being a thing with planning and development - is that still happening?

• No

• Gateway to Learning/Dorothy’s Cafe?/Barley’s Biscuits?

• Jerry’s Sandwiches/Geraldines Cafe

• In general, promote in newsletter and social media

• Members only benefits? Send out a coupon to their emails?

• Yes

Motion to adjourn by: Ashley

Seconded by: Joven

Board Meeting: April 19, 2022

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES April 19, 2022

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

Starting at: 6:30pm

Adjourned: 8:18

Location: American Legion Tattler Post 

Who’s at the table?

• Adam Kingsley

• Ashley Woodthorp

• Brent Webb

• Dan Spiegel

• Joanne Oyer

• Joven Ebio

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. Old Business

• Motion to approve February 15th meeting minutes

Motion by: Dan

Seconded by: Adam

Approved unanimously

• Ward Night - success! Mostly due to people coming for Matt Martin/Mike Quigley. 

• We should do a similar event for Vasquez.

• Some inquiries about HOLS

2.  Treasurer's Report

• Credit Cards and checkbook situated with new treasurer

• New process - Send invoices/PDFs of receipts to treasurer 

• Treasurer will provide detailed statements to board

• Current balance: $7, 245

• Bonfire - merch profit added

3. Planning and Development Committee Report

• 4715 N. Western Ave. 

• Project still looks questionable, HOLS continues its support

• 4725 N. Western Ave applied for special use permit for residential units on the second floor

• Master Plan update 

• Rollout potentially in a few months, including funding information

• Leland Greenway - considering changing to a one-way heading East from Lincoln to Damen to create room for bike lane and changes proposed - does HOLS support/have any initial feedback/red flags to send to alderman?

• There are still too many unknowns for HOLS to comment. Local residents might oppose the change to a one-way street. We will continue to stay engaged.

5. Outreach Committee Report

• Newsletter deadline - first Saturday of the month and then hoping to get out mid-month - please email with “Newsletter” in subject line. Ashley updated website with Dan & Brent’s pics

• Ashley updated Meeting Minutes on website - can Secretary do this moving forward? Unless we can figure out a way to automate it?

• Yes

6. Beautification Committee Report

• Community Garden

• Met with Andi from Matt Martin’s office

• Will be contacting building owner for potential future mural

• May be able to add more lights on existing Western lightpole lower down as well as alley poles to add more light at night - waiting to hear back from Josh on that

• Was able to have pest control monitor the perimeter for rat issue but can’t go inside - will poison the soil. Spoke to Josie from pest control and she recommended we buy at least quarter-inch thick hardwire cloth and bury it six to seven inches deep along all of fence perimeter - waiting to hear back from Andi on if that is something the city can help with for the cost/labor of that

• Got the ok to put up signs as long as they’re not hanging - can just attach to the fence - won’t need a permit

• All plots have been renewed and six new members added

• Spring cleanup - did last weekend with shed building

• New Shed!

• Space for our cleanup tools as well - lockbox code is in our password list for future reference

• Had to get TaskRabbit person to help put it together - took 4 hours on Saturday and 1 hour on Sunday- will forward bill to treasurer for reimbursement = $338.25

• Proposed cost was = $864.44

• Overall cost once we return the anchoring kit and tool organizer and add in taskrabbit fees = $1,087.87

• Still need to do:

• Price out new items desired and apply for grant

• Signs for fence

• Stay on top of rat problem

• Ashley participating in planning for Levy Center mural

7. Events -  Things coming up:

• Meeting with Winnemac Dog Park this Thursday at 7pm

• Spring Cleanup this Saturday 10:30am-12:30pm

• So far no one has signed up but about half didn’t register last year and just showed up so still doing

• Monday, April 25 - Tattler Benefit for Revived Soldiers Ukraine 6pm-midnight

• EcoFest June 18th 10am-2pm - Joanne is point person on this

• Joanne will meet with Andi to get details

• Fundraiser?  Co-host with someone else?

• Brent suggested:

• Partner with local businesses/orgs  for events in space or party rooms, e.g., Mi Fogata, Jimmy’s Pizza, Queen of Angels, Dank Haus, Tattler Post

• Happy hour, pancake breakfast

• HOLS will attend July 4th bbq with Vasquez at Winnemac,  set up a table/Sign- In Sheet

• Consider attending Movie Night at Ainslie Arts Plaza or one of the Movies in the parks

• Other events ideas?

• Block club parties - can check ChiStreet works and make notes of ones in our area and then hit them up

• Community Garage Sale

• Happy hour? Even if it’s just us - get us out there in the neighborhood more

• Others?

• Join Ainslie Arts events

• Apple Fest

• Square Roots festival

• Update the website with these events 

8. Marketing/Swag

• Shirts for every board member - will send out survey for sizes - will look into getting them at cost through Bonfire

• Pens

• Signs for Community Garden

• More stickers/buttons

9. New business:

• OK to share emails with GRO to join them in meetings - next one is May 3 with Mike Quigley at Dank Haus 

• Member/business spotlight

• Awards for businesses

• Open newsletter up to community - how best can we help you? What projects are you working on? Who would handle incoming queries? Or are we at our limit?

• Decided to table for a future date

• Let’s do more things as a team whenever possible

Motion to adjourn by: Ashley

Seconded by: Joven

Board Meeting: February 15, 2022

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES February 15, 2022

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022

Convened: 6:19 p.m.

Adjourned: 7:35 p.m. 

Location: American Legion Tattler Post 

Who’s at the table?

• Adam Kingsley

• Ashley Woodthorp

• Brent Webb

• Dan Spiegel

• John Ratzenberger

• Joanne Oyer

• Joven Ebio

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. Convene

• Hello! 

• Quick review of annual meeting, welcome new board members: Brent Webb and Dan Spiegel

Motion to approve 2022 HOLS Annual Meeting Minutes by: Adam

Seconded by: Joven

(approved by continuing board members, pending approval via email from new board members)

2.  Treasurer's Report

• Transitioning to new treasurer

• Need to transfer credit card 

3. Planning and Development Committee Report

• 4715 N. Western Ave. 

Commissioner of Housing Marisa Novara has weighed in, proposing a change to increase parking for the project’s residents. Alderman Martin and developer do not support this suggestion, nor would the local business community

• 4410 N. Western Ave.

                         Proposal for a bar at Sunnyside Tap location

• 4529-31 N. Western Ave.  

Developer requesting a zoning change to develop residential units on ground floor

• Master planning committees are reconvening after some slowdowns due to covid (e.g., for Lincoln Ave. North and Western Ave. brown line plaza projects)

5. Outreach Committee Report

• Need photos of new members, Brent and Dan, for website

• Joven will edit videos from annual meeting and post

• Considering using Google analytics to track HOLS data/traffic/memberships

• Working on newsletter

• Event this weekend: Winter Brew, needs volunteers

• Farmers market starting in April

• State of the Neighborhood

• Consider co-hosting state Senate forum with other neighborhood groups

• Figure out most effective format. Possibly, 30-minute interviews with officials, questions submitted in advance.

6. Beautification Committee Report

• Working on renewing community garden plot applications, assignments (1-year, 1 plot/person only), $75/year for each plot, look into getting a sign

• Still considering a mural for the wall, continuing to reach out to contact person at Walgreens

• Gardeners have requested

• A shed

• A lock

• Motion sensor lights

• Spring cleanup in April

• Ashley participating in planning for Levy Center mural

• Brent will reach out to Chamber of Commerce to review options for flagpole in front of Walgreens (too short)

7. New roles

• President, Ashley Woodthorp   (John is stepping down from president due to work commitments)

• Vice President, John Ratzenberger

• Treasurer, Dan Spiegel

• Secretary, Joanne Oyer

• Planning Committee Chair, Adam Kingsley

• Outreach Committee Chair, Joven Ebio

• Events coordinator, Brent Webb

• Beautification Committee Chair, open

All approved unanimously

Motion to adjourn by: John

Seconded by: Brent

2022 Annual Meeting: January 26, 2022

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

January 26, 2022 - Tattler Post, American Legion

Annual Meeting Agenda

Notes transcribed from Zoom meeting recording.

6:30 pm – Let’s Meet the Current Board 

Welcome from president, John Ratzenberger

• Challenging year for HOLS because of COVID

• Yet, HOLS accomplished a lot

  • Save Your Ash Campaign raised over $33,000 and saved 260 ash trees in the neighborhood (Bravo Ashley!)

  • Took over community garden from Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

  • Neighborhood clean-ups

  • Christmas in the Wards: raised $12,000 for gift cards to help local families in need

• Thank you volunteers and board members for your contributions

• Introductions

  • Board members introduced themselves, role at HOLS, why they joined

    • John Ratzenberger

      • President since Feb. 2020, business member, joined board three years ago, does fundraising for a local nonprofit, Gateway for Learning, “This is the best place to work, live, and play.”

    • Joanne Oyer (submitted bio to be read)

      • Secretary, original steering committee member, relocated from Boston, kids in CPS, copy editor by day, committed to making Lincoln Square a welcoming place.

    • Joe Struck

      • Treasurer, has filled other roles. Has lived in the area for eight years, important for him to “be involved making the neighborhood the best it can be.” Leaving to pursue a campaign for state rep.

    • Tom Benedetto

      • Works in government, joined board 2 years ago to engage “government officials and citizens” in dialogue, coordinator for State of the Neighborhood. Has filled other roles. Leaving due to relocation.

    • Joven Ebio

      • Chair, Outreach Committee. Joined the board this year. Builds websites, professionally. Responsible for communications/social media/membership/newsletters. 

    • Ashely Woodthorp

      • Chair, Beautification Committee. HOLS board since 2018. Spearheaded Save Your Ash fundraiser. Also runs neighborhood cleanups and community gardens. Involved in art, sculpture, murals and plantings in the neighborhood. Needs volunteers.

    • Adam Kingsley

      • Chair, Planning and Development Committee. Has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. At Welles with his dog daily. Evaluates proposed projects and developments. Works with aldermen, providing input from neighbors and HOLS. HOLS “advocates for us” (the residents). 

• Committee tasks, goals, and what happened in your committee 2021 (Committee chairs reviewed in their intros)

  • Beautification (Ashley) - so much activity!

  • Planning & Development (Adam) - always so active in our community

  • Outreach (Joven) - it’s more than just social media, it’s events like State of the Neighborhood and as COVID wanes (please please please), more opportunities for volunteerism and community networking events.

Go meet Committee Chairs and find out how to get more involved

• Planning & Development (Adam)

• Beautification (Ashley)

• Outreach (Joven)

• Online - if people want to chit chat and get to know each other, go for it! Zoom will continue for a while.

Elections

• Thanks to our hosts, the Tattler Post and Brent Webb

• Now Let’s meet the candidates!

  • Brent Webb

    • Relocated from CA, veteran: crypto linguist/Afghanistan combat vet. Involved in development and community outreach/advocacy for veterans. Was youngest Post Commander in the country. Revived Tattler Post. “Trying to find ways to get [himself and veterans] involved in the community”

  • Dan Spiegel

    • From So. California, docent for Chicago Architectural Center, works in commercial real estate industry. Believes in cities, master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. “Always gravitated to Lincoln Square” and wants to be involved, “be the change” and bring a positive influence to the community and public discourse.

• Vote!

“Approve Brent Webb to be a future board member for the HOLS board of directors.”

Approved unanimously.

“Approve Dan Spiegel to be a future board member for the HOLS board of directors.”

Approved unanimously.

“Congratulations to new board members!”

Meeting is officially over, but if you'd like to meet your neighbors, now is the time! 

Board Meeting: December 14, 2021

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING AGENDA December 14, 2021

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021

Convened: 6:10 p.m.

Adjourned: 7:44  p.m. 

Location: Gideon Welles Craft Beer Bar and Kitchen

Who’s at the table?

• John

• Adam

• Ashley

• Tom

• Joe

• Joven

• Joanne

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. Convene

• Hello! How’s it going? 

  • Everyone is well.  Busy at work. Getting ready for the holidays.

2. Approve Minutes from August Board Meeting: Unanimously approved

     Approve Minutes from September Board Meeting: Unanimously approved

3. Treasurer's Report

• Current balance = $16, 755 (prior to Christmas in the Wards distribution)

• Save Your Ash campaign closed out. Total amount raised and paid out = $33,000. 

• Raised $12,700 for Christmas in the Wards (fundraiser to purchase Target gift cards for local families in need. Recipients identified by local principals and social workers.

• Plans to implement new processes to simplify financials 

• Looking for a permanent street address

4. Planning and Development Committee

• Proposal for liquor store at 4625 N. Lincoln Ave was submitted/not approved ?

• Tax credits approved for Community Builders’ proposed development at Lincoln/Western. HOLS continues to follow the process. We remain committed to the principals in our Planning and Development Vision Statement. Developer has engaged in community meetings. HOLS will continue to share information about these opportunities. 

5. Beautification Committee Report

• Fall clean-up needed more participants. Have purchased our own supplies.

• Ashley will meet with Chamber of Commerce for input, planning for community garden, and will change rules and regulations document registration to HOLS. Consider a mural for Walgreens wall.

• Leland Greenway coming in 2022

6. Outreach Committee Update

• Ashely and Joven represented HOLS in the Square for Halloween to give out candy, engage with neighbors. Will participate next year.

• Tom attended the District 19 CAPS meeting. Police addressed uptick in local crime.

• State of the Neighborhood

  • Reviewed options for future meetings. ZOOM or in person? Weekend day or weeknight? Tom will create a template after following up with elected officials.

• Joven and John finishing newsletter

• Plans to implement new processes to simplify membership status tracking

7. Annual Meeting

• Per by-laws, annual meeting is held once/year “The annual meeting of the membership shall be held on the third Thursday of January of each calendar year, unless there is good cause shown to change the date”

• Potential date/place 1/26 at Tattler Post (John will confirm)

• All members invited, membership must be current to vote

• New members can join at meeting

• The board of directors can have (up to) a total of nine members.  “The number of Directors of the Board, including Officers, shall be nine (9). Each Director shall serve a term of two years following election to the Board, or, if sooner, until the Director becomes disqualified to hold office.” HOLS encourages members to run for election. Between one resignation and three current open seats, we will be adding (up to) four new board members for two-year terms.

• Reach out to local business members to consider coupons for HOLS members

8. Adjournment

Board Meeting: September 14, 2021

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING AGENDA September 14, 2021

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Convened: 6:07 p.m.

Adjourned: 6:54 p.m. 

Location: Welles Park

Who’s at the table?

• John

• Adam

• Ashley

• Tom

• Joe

• Joven

• Joanne

• Guest, Nancy Wade

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. Convene

• Hello! How’s it going? 

  • Everyone is well.  Happy for the cooler weather. Congratulations to Ashely and Joven on upcoming wedding, Oct. 16.

2. Approve Minutes from August Board Meeting - VOTE by email

August minutes were emailed to board members for
approval.

Unanimously approved

3. Treasurer's Report

• Current balance = $29,502.04

(Mostly for Save Your Ash, around $2,500 is HOLS)

• Collect funds from Facebook and GoFundMe to complete Save Your Ash campaign

4. Beautification Committee Report

• Possible fall clean-up (date TBD)

• Save Your Ash Coalition, Nancy Wade, co-chair - VOTE

  • 330 trees in HOLS’ borders

  • Save Your Ash (SYA) raised approximately $33,000 from private donors to treat almost all of them

  • SYA has formed a coalition of civic groups to push to renew city funding of ash borer treatment

    • Requesting $2,700,000 (roughly $60/tree, 45,000 trees, citywide, all neighborhoods must be included)

vs. $45,000,000 to replace with new saplings 

• Nancy will attend State of the Neighborhood to present

  • HOLS will provide a letter of support 

    • Proposal (motion: John)

I, John, propose that the board HOLS advocates for the city to fund the ash tree treatments and not leave it to the citizens to fundraise.
Seconded by: Ashely

Unanimously approved

• Tagging process update

  • Nancy and Ashley coordinating tagging trees this weekend (Sept.18-19)

• Need volunteers to assist?

  • Yes, please help tag trees on 9/18 if available

5. Outreach Committee Update

• Farmers Market volunteers

  • Continue outreach for additional volunteers.

• State of the Neighborhood

  • 10/16/21

  • 10 am to 12 pm at the Davis Theater

  • Register via Eventbrite

  • Confirmed electeds: Ald. Martin, Ald. Vasquez, Comm. Gainer, Sen. Simmons, Rep. Quigley. Nancy Wade presenting on Save Your Ash Coalition

    • Five minutes to present, five minutes to answer questions

  • Zoom?

    • Too complicated

    • Geraldine’s providing 20% off to attendees before and after event

  • Need projector with logo, power point

  • Tribute to Tom Fincel (John)

  • Action item: Set up laptop to register members, pay dues, request Applefest volunteers

• Conversion of MailerLite content to MailChimp complete

• Joven and John finishing newsletter

6. Planning and Development Committee

• Adam, John and Tom continue to represent HOLS in monitoring the master planning process for the CTA Western Brown Line plaza (project also involves LSRCC and Teska (developer)

  • Considerations include parking, farmers market location

• Taproom now open in former Huttenbar location

• Work on medical center continues in former Brauhaus location

7. Adjournment

Board Meeting: August 10, 2021

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING AGENDA August 10, 2021

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Convened: 6:27 p.m.

Adjourned: 6:56 p.m. (due to rain)

Location: Welles Park

Who’s at the table?

• John

• Adam

• Ashley

• Joanne (via FaceTime)

• Joe

• Joven

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

1. State of the Neighborhood

2. Merch!

3. Outreach position 

4. Beautification updates?

5. Farmers Market volunteers

6. Planning and Development updates?

• Hello! How’s it going?

  • Jumping right in. A bit of a late start.

  • Proposal (motion: John)

I, John, propose that the board elects Joven Ebio for a two-year term board term on the Outreach Committee. Seconded by: Adam Kingsley

Unanimously approved

• Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from June Board Meeting

  • Motion pending: June minutes will be emailed to board members for approval.

I, John, propose that the board approves the minutes from the June 8, 2021 board meeting (via email)

Seconded by: Tom Benedetto

Unanimously approved 

• Treasurer’s Report

  • Finances are great. Balance = $26,402.79. Most is for Save Your Ash campaign. Balance includes income from the community garden ($75.00/plot x 35 plots annually).

  • Action item: John will look for any outstanding funds from Paypal and donor box and provide an update.

  • Action item: John will send a check to Save A Tree.
    
    

• Secretary update

  • HOLS Merch Store is up and running. Will add to website.

• Committee Updates

• Planning & Development

  • The Western Brown Line Station Master Planning has slowed down a little. A survey will be going out to the community in September that we will push out to membership. After the survey, hopefully, we can get Jodi from Teska & Associates to come to a Planning & Development Committee meeting.

  • Lincoln Ave. North Master Planning is moving quickly and HOLS board members have been a part of that process as well.

  • No new news about the 4715 Western Ave development. 

• Beautification

  • Save Your Ash campaign was a huge success!

    • Raised enough money to save at least 250 trees. Thank you, Ashley.

  • HOLS will no longer maintain the garden plot on the corner of Giddings and Oakley. Signs will be moved to community garden.

  • Considering coordinating with Open Lands on a grant to plant 12-40 trees in the neighborhood.

  • A second Community Clean-Up is in the works for the fall.

  • Sulzer Library maintenance 

    • 10-20 planters.

    • It is HOLS’ understanding that this will be managed by the 47th Ward Green Council and SSA.

• Outreach

  • Joven Ebio will chair the Outreach Committee.

  • Need more volunteers for farmers market.

  • Upcoming event

    • Tom has confirmed the State of the Square, Oct. 16, 2021, 10:00-noon (hard stop) at the Davis Theater

Board Meeting: June 8, 2021

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING AGENDA June 8, 2021

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Convened time: 6:05 p.m.

Adjourned time: 7:12 p.m.

Location: Welles Park

Who’s at the table?

• John

• Adam

• Ashley

• Joanne

• Joe

• Tom

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

• Hello! How’s it going?

  • Everyone is doing well. Happy to be outside. Need more community involvement.

• Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from April Board Meeting

  • April minutes will be emailed to board members for approval.

• Treasurer’s Report

  • Finances are strong. Balance = $4832.33. 

  • John and Joe have a new HOLS debit card.

  • New revenue source: see notes under Beautification Committee — community garden.

• Committee Updates

  • Planning & Development

• Adam, John and Tom are on a steering committee to represent HOLS at meetings for proposed  redevelopment of the Western Brown Line Plaza. Master Plan and study process forthcoming.

• 4715 N. Western: HOLS co-signed a letter of support for the TCB proposal, along with the Lincoln Square Chamber and others. Additional meetings will occur if TCB's proposal advances. TCB is not expected to know the status of its application until late 2021 or early 2022.

• Beautification

  • Final month for Save Your Ash campaign.

    • Has raised $9,500, needs $40,00 to treat 330 trees. 

    • We Will is a potential source of funding for environmental projects like this.

    • Purchase memorial tags.

    • Will promote in newsletter and social media.

  • HOLS has taken over the management of the Lincoln Square Community Garden at 4811 N. Western Ave. from the Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

    • All plots are in use.

    • $75.00/plot x 35 plots annually.

    • Needs signage.

    • Needs exterminator — reach out to City Grange and other community garden managers for referral.

    • Home to a stray guinea pig, will try to relocate it.

  • Community Clean-Up was a success!

    • Big thanks to Ashley!

    • At least 12 neighbors helped and Rep. Mike Quigley participated.

    • Consider doing twice a year.

  • Sulzer Library maintenance 

    • 10-20 planters.

    • HOLS needs details about the extent of our involvement.

• Outreach

  • Sierra has resigned from the board. We will look for a new Outreach Committee chair.

  • In general, need more community participation. Ideas:

    • Table at farmers market, apple fest, Halloween, and other events

    • Merchandise

    • More board members posting on social media

    • Signage at all events

    • In-person all community meeting, consider discount at Baker Miller for attendees

    • Upcoming event

      • State of the Square, Oct. 16, likely at the Davis Theater

• Proposal (motion: John)

I, John, propose that any expenses over $300.00 will required a board vote.

Seconded by: Tom Benedetto

Approved

• Old Business:

  • Lights at Welles Park

    • Issue is still being considered. 

    • WPPA appreciated our letter. 

    • Proposal has decreased from six lights to two.

• New Business

  • See notes above.

• Adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Board Meeting: April 13, 2021

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES April 13, 2021

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Convened time: 6:03 p.m. 

Adjourned time: 7:20 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Who’s at the table?

• John

• Paige

• Adam

• Ashley

• Joanne

• Joe

• Tom

• Sierra

Attendees constituted a quorum.

AGENDA:

• Hello! How’s it going?

  • Generally all OK but busy.  

• Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from February Board Meeting

  • Approved

• Treasurer’s Report

  • New Credit Cards 

    • New debit cards will be issued to John Ratzenberger and Joseph Struck

  • Cancel old cards

    • Cancel old debit cards for Emily Ransom and Paige Worthy

  • Sales Tax Exemption Application

    • Needs to be submitted

• Account balance = $2,123.22

• Save-Your-Ash flyers have been paid for

• Review member and donations list, transactions can be found in donor box

• Committee Updates

  • Planning & Development

    • 4715 Western meeting

      • Alderman Marting met with the community. Proposed plans not yet in place.

    • 4649 N. Damen Ave. Application for Tobacco Business Lice

      • HOLS does not support this project. Our position has not changed.  John will respond to Alderman Martin’s office.

    • Updates on other projects?

      • Put policy statement on preservation of two-flats on HOLS website

  • Beautification

    • Save-Your-Ash

Committee needs more help in general

• Flyers have been printed, need to pass out/post

• Catalogue trees/data collection

  • Competition with GROW and other neighborhood groups?

  • Historical tree treatment data exists but unclear how to obtain it from the city

• Fundraising

  • Approach local businesses for donations

  • Reach out to Chamber of Commerce to include in their newsletter

  • Earth Day clean-up

• April 24  is city “Clean and Green” clean-up day

• HOLS will participate, meet at the tracks (Western Ave. L stop)

• CIty provides shovels, rakes, and bags

• Details posted on HOLS FB  page https://www.facebook.com/events/512471919917192/?post_id=512471949917189&view=permalink

  • Leland Corner

• What to do with the parkway? 

  • Space has potential for a patio, bench, landscaping, sculpture

  • Some ideas have challenges (e.g. can’t pour concrete around trees)

  • Needs funding

• Proposal (motion: Ashley)

I, Ashley, propose that the board approves $200 for plants for the Oakley/Gidding HOLS garden.

Seconded by: John Ratzenberger

Approved

• Community Garden?

  • The Chamber of Commerce has requested that HOLS take over the management of the community garden on Western Ave.

• Proposal (motion: Ashley)

I, Ashley, propose that HOLS takes over the management of the community gardens.

Seconded by: John Ratzenberger

Approved

• We are excited about the idea, need to understand 

payment logistics, applications. Walgreens provides the water — will this continue? Schedule waste pickup from April–Nov.

• Outreach

• Monthly Newsletter process

  • Send updates to Sierra

  • Sierra will create a Google form for each committee

  • Coordinate social media messaging

  • Take photos of our events

  • Newsletter will summarize everything happening within HOLS

  • Ways to increase membership?

    • 10% off small businesses or coupon book for members

    • Member survey in the future

• Welles Park Lights Project

  • Statement to WPPA

    • HOLS does not have a consensus at this time and will not issue a statement of support. We recommended that all those concerned reach out to the Welles Park Advisory Council or the alderman’s office

  • Statement for Alderman

    • HOLS will contact Alderman Martin’s office and outline valid concerns we are hearing from both sides 

    • New Business?

      • Paige Worthy resigned from the board and will submit a note to the president. We thank her for her years of service and wish her well.

• Adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Board Meeting: February 9, 2021

Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING AGENDA February 9, 2021

Attendees: John Ratzenberger​, Paige Worthy, Joe Struck, Tom Benedetto, Adam Kingsley, Ashley Woodthorp, Joanne Oyer

Secretary: Joanne Oyer 

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Attendees constituted a quorum. The meeting was convened at 6:05 by John Ratzenberger, president. 

Welcome from the president

John welcomed board members, and introduced new member, Joanne Oyer, to the board.

He then noted that the bylaws authorized him to nominate Sierra Buffum as a new board member-at-large to be voted on by the full Board. Her qualifications were reviewed and she was unanimously approved.

Discussion of board positions, responsibilities, nominations

Vote

• Officers (One-year terms)

  • President: John Ratzenberger

  • Vice President: Paige Worthy

  • Treasurer: Joseph Struck

  • Secretary: Joanne Oyer

    • Unanimously approved

• Committee Chairs: (One-year terms)

  • Beautification: Ashley Woodthorp

  • Outreach/Fundraising/Events: Sierra Buffum and Tom Benedetto

  • Planning & Development: Adam Kingsley 

    • Unanimously approved

• Member-at-large

  • Tom Benedetto

    • Unanimously approved

Transition

• Former officers and committee chairs will work with new officers to ensure a smooth transition: priority

• This year, board leadership will focus on recruiting new members to begin a 2022-2023 succession plan, including reaching out to peers and providing more opportunities for current committee members to lead 

• Consider adding more support for Beautification Committee chair

Motion 1

I, Tom Benedetto, move that the board adds Joseph Struck and John Ratzenberger as co-signers on our Wintrust account.

Seconded: John Ratzenberger

Unanimously approved

New Business

• Revamp and streamline membership process, determine point person (treasurer?)

• Review bylaws as they pertain to boundaries 

• Social media: send posts to John, consider more posting in general to improve HOLS visibility

• Chair to begin bi-monthly check-in meetings with individual board members ?

• Tom will continue to be our contact for local law enforcement, could take on additional role as CAPS liaison

• Simplify processes overall 

• HOLS is now using MailerLite for email distribution

Committee updates

Beautification Committee

• Save Your Ash

  • Ashlee and Nancy Wade are heading up the local arm of this effort to save the ash trees within the HOLS boundaries from an invasive species

• Created event on Facebook 

• Hosted an informational meeting online for community

• Next informational meeting scheduled for Feb. 23

• Could Levy Center or schoolchildren help with this effort?

• Need flyers

Planning and Development Committee 

• Paige recommended tying committee into HOLS technology to simplify tasks

• Zoning Planning Committee meeting on Wed., Feb. 17. Guest: DPD

  •  Western Ave. corridor project

  •  De-conversion issue

Outreach and Fundraising

• Consider Sierra for chair

• Consider creating a city public liaison role to interface with city officials and  manage incoming communications/prioritize what HOLS will share on website

Approval of minutes from 12/8/2020
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16-FIXC5SmR7b6_rEYUHSoOxPC41ayk3U/edit

Adjourn at 7:08pm

Annual Meeting: January 19, 2021

Annual Meeting

Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Adjourned time: 8:00

Location: ZOOM

Who’s at the table?

Ransom

John

Katy

Paige

Adam

Ashley

Allen

45 member attendees

1. John: Thank everyone for coming. It’s been a difficult year with the pandemic and things really slowed down over that time. 

   1. Things are picking up. Development is happening. 

   2. Excited for the enthusiasm and reassured by the attendance  of 45 people attending this meeting

1. Departments

2. Planning and Development

   1. Last meeting was for the new development on 4400 N Western

   2. Good use of the space, hoping to get approval from the alderman

1. Western and Leland development

   1. Visioning session is in the works with both aldermen

1. Lawrence and Western-Fifth Third Bank

   1. Project on the table for this space. 

      1. May be a well known grocery store (Most likely a  Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh)

      2. Alderman may not have approval control for the space due to no zoning change

2. Big plans for Western review Addison to Devon

3. Meeting next February

   1. Discussion will take place regarding changing zoning, allowing for more units

4. There is a lot going on in 2021. Positioned to answer the call and provide input. 

5. Planning and Development is our biggest committee—Paige

   1. If anyone is interested please fill out the form 

6. Outreach Committee

   1. Biggest successes this year

      1. Farmer’s Market was a huge success.

         1. Volunteers answered the call

         2. Protocols were handled effectively for health safety 

         3. Based on vaccine rollout, protocols may be needed again

         4. Farmer’s Market in Lincoln Square is in running to for best Farmer’s Market in Chicago (Please vote)

         5. Our work made us even more appealing to vendors

   2. More volunteers and marketing muscle needed for Outreach Committee

      1. Fill out form if you would like to contribute

1. Beautification Committee

   1. Reach out to us if you have an idea for beautification

   2. Cleanups are a great idea, open to new ideas

   3. Recap of year:

      1. Fall Cleanup was a success

      2. Spring Cleanup in the works?

         1. Probably the area below the El which has had a lot of complaints

      3. Plans to continue flower planting at corners of neighborhood

         1. Sculptural bench is in the works

      4. Big Project—Save your Ash

         1. Trees in danger of being killed by emerald ash

         2. Ash trees in city will likely die in next three years if not treated

         3. Emerald ash borers cause trees to die of lack of nutrients

      5. There is a treatment!

         1. Costs approximately $100 per tree

         2. $1000 to remove tree if it dies

      6. Chicago dept of forestry stopped treatment in 2018

         1. Budget cuts stopped the program

         2. Civics group west of the river fundraised and were able to save the trees 

         3. More informational meeting January 26th at 7:00pm

1. Brent from Tattler Post stated that Columbus Ohio has been dealing with Ash problems and it’s a tough issue. They are Happy to help in any way they can.

1. Board Elections

   1. Alan is leaving us unfortunately

      1. Some members are still in their terms

   2. New Board member up for Vote—Joanne Oyer

   3. Everyone who objects wave or indicate in chat a “No Vote” for Joanne or for any current board members up for reelection

      1. Zero no votes recorded

      2. Joanne is officially a board member

2. Chicago released announcement that they plan to have all Chicagoans vaccinated by May

3. John-Next Board meeting is in February

   1. We are all getting there and getting more active

   2. Thanks everybody!!

Board meeting: December 8, 2020

AGENDA

HOLS board meeting 

Date: Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Via Zoom

Attendees: 

Tom Adam

Ashley   Allen

Paige John

Joe

Old business

1. How is everyone? 

   1. Allen is dressed as Santa Claus

   2. Christmas will be a bit different this year

2. Any updates on anything?

   1. Even with the pandemic still in full force, people are adapting and some things are starting to pick up again

3. Financials: 

   1. Still trying to get cosigners for the account, transition is still in progress. 

   2. Annual Report needs to be filed with the state

   3. Brief statement with IRS to maintain status

   4. Currently about $2K in funds

New business

1. Promote small business holiday shopping? 

2. Take photos of the neighborhood to promote small business shopping 

Committees:

Beautification

1. Save the Canopy 

   1. Bugs threatening to kill all ash trees in neighborhood, which is a very significant portion of the trees. 

   2. Non-profit is working to try to save these trees. Team up?

   3. Could get community involved in identifying all the ash trees, “adopt a tree” 

2. Upcoming meeting

          1.Virtual meeting to discuss with the non-profit group next week

3. Any new projects?

Cleanup happened, there was some confusion with the alderman’s office.

Had 3-4 people for each zone.

Idea for putting an artistic bench near the meat market. Cost was estimated at $10K.

Pastores brunch owner may not want the bench, plans for patio seating. 

Planning & Development

1. Development at Eastwood & Western

   Former printing company building?

   Idea is the design will match the adjacent building

   Will include 

   1. Leland Greenway Project

   2. federally funded project

   3. Accommodations for bike ways, Clark to Rockwell

   4. low stress east to west bike pathway to connect to bike paths on the river

Outreach/fundraising

1. Events

2. Winter outreach ideas?

3. Donor match: We present two charitable organizations and match donations up to $250.00 each ($500 match total)

   Options include Lawrence Hall; Friendship Center; My Block My Hood My City; and Igrow

   Discussed having donations added to membership renewal, but decided against idea

1. Folded Map Project

   1. Idea is to explore your “sister block” and explore the neighborhood on the opposite side of the city. 

   2. i.e. if you folded the city map in half, the block that would meet your block

Special reach out to Farmer’s Market volunteers? 

Paige offered to work on something to send 

Other

1. Elections? 

   1. All online due to present situation.

   2. Election  via Zoom. January 19th 7:00pm

   3. Up for election: Adam, Paige, Jon, Allen. One open spot. 

   4. Other members committed to staying on the position. Jon offered to see if anyone wanted to take on his role as president. Emily not present. 

2. Plans for next year? 

   1. Difficult to predict how things we’ll be with the pandemic

   2. Involve 40th ward more, including the alderman in terms of developments and projects

Board meeting: September 23, 2020

AGENDA

HOLS board meeting

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Who’s at the table?

Ransom 

Ashley

John

Allen

Tom

Paige

Joe

Adam

Old business

1. Approve previous meeting minutes: 

   1. Approved by all members

New business

1. Treasurer’s report

2. Banking: motion of Tom and Paige to change address of bank account to 2270 w Leland

   1. Over $2K in funds currently, little spending now due to pandemic

   2. Tom working with Wintrust to get access

State of Neighborhood Event

1. 10/10/20 at 10:30 am

2. Zoom Meeting-Account has been purchased for unlimited access

Honorary Guests:

Alderman Vasquez and Alderman Matt Martin

Congressman Quigley

House reps Ann Williams and Greg Harris

State senators Heather Steans and Sara Feigenholz

Cook County Commissioners Bridget Gainer and Bridget Degnen

Dick Durbin is a maybe

3. Co-sponsoring with Lincoln Square North Neighbors and Greater Rockwell Organization

4. Baker Miller 20% off for all attendees

Slides and Content?

Focus will be on speaker’s faces more than slides, but we can send slides to attendees

1. Use chat to provide links, etc. regarding what is being discussed 

2. 32 registrations so far via Eventbrite (not including Facebook livestream)

Committee Reports

Planning & Development

1. Ainslie-Lincoln will be getting a mural. Process is moving quickly. 

2. Plans to create an art-centric area for the neighborhood to extend

3. New businesses aren’t opening for the most part due to pandemic worries

Outreach/fundraising

1. Annual event has added a new member, no additional fundraising

2. Farmer’s Market has been going well, some management be applied to keep things safe regarding Covid restrictions

Census

1. -40% of city hasn’t completed census, deadline is end of month. 

   1. HOLS should send out a message to push for completion

   2. Census is important for Lincoln Square and the whole city of Chicago for Federal funding and representation

Beautification

1. Clean-up scheduled for October 17th

   1. Hoping both aldermen can attend

   2. Possibly reach out to other leaders and make it a large event

   3. 10:00-2:00pm are designated times at the moment

2. Hoping to create a clean-up in November

   1. Street cleaning ends by November, but leaves still falling in past years due to global warming

   2. Events like this can be done fairly easily with social distancing and mask wearing

First ward council meeting was last week. First since February.

Alderman Martin looking to possibly set up “block captains” to look out for their respective blocks, report issues

1. Can HOLS contribute? 

2. Could lead to increased membership, donations. 

Anything else?

Everyone is excited for the State of the Neighborhood event! 

Adjournment

Board meeting: July 22, 2020

AGENDA

HOLS board meeting 

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: GoTo Meeting

Who’s at the table?

• Ransom   

• Joe

• Tom

• Ashley

• Allen

• John

• Paige

• Adam

• Old business

  • Safe Streets has been going well. People are enjoying summer as best they can with safety measures in place.

• How is everyone? 

  • Everyone is doing well given the stress and concerns of the pandemic.

  • General consensus of the group is that we won’t be able to plan any large events or hold neighborhood meetings until 2021 after a vaccine is distributed. 

• New business

  • Some plans for the neighborhood are underway despite the limitations of the pandemic. 

• Committee biz

  • Beautification-Some neighbors have contributed to beatifying their corners with plants. 

  • Planning & Development:

    • The Leland Avenue project was not approved for funding this year, but they have not given up and plan to apply again. 

    • -There has been a strong pushback, largely based on misinformation. 

    • -One sticking point in the opposition has been parking. It is inaccurate as there will be not be a net loss in parking spaces. 

    • -Other opposition is based on the misconception that affordable housing is section 8 housing, which is something different entirely. 

  • HOLS can and should help push this forward any way it can, including hosting a town hall style meeting—virtual or not depending on future parameters. 

  • Outreach/fundraising

    • -Limited headway on fundraising. Difficulty fundraising if we cannot host events. 

    • -One way to increase fundraising would be to increase membership. But how to do that? 

    • Creating signs to advertise could be one way. 

    • -Taking measures to attract more social media attention.

  • Events

    • The Farmer’s Market has been a huge success

    • -Distancing measures are in effect and have been followed. 

    • -Limiting the amount of people on the premises at any one time has also created a relaxed, enjoyable environment for all. 

    • -Advertising at Farmer’s Market could add membership and attract attention during a time of limited events. 

• Other biz

  • Elections coming up in November. Some state issues on the ballot affect Lincoln Square residents as well as the rest of Chicago. 

  • We made a statement, but now, how do we live it?

    • -There is some debate regarding how we should approach issues whereby residents can have different viewpoints and stances. 

    • -Generally speaking, we take a stance on affordable housing, our approach to growing a diverse community, and some other positions. 

    • -We are, however, largely apolitical in that we present information to the community and gather input to give voice to the community, 

  • ONE Northside Fair Tax

    • -This organization has offered to coordinate with HOLS to present their case for voting for the Fair Tax in Illinois.

    • -The organization very clearly favors the passage of the Fair Tax, and is not an objective/bipartisan organization.

    • -As discussed, HOLS does not take political stances. 

    • -Using HOLS to present their case to the neighborhood would signify taking a clear stance on the issue. We agreed we should not take a stance and should not have them present. 

    • -Fair Tax is an important issue. Perhaps we should present some general information to the neighborhood, our provide unbiased sources of information.  

• What else can we be doing for our neighbors?

  • Continue to look out for one another. Help small businesses. Think of new ideas for ways to create benefit to residents and businesses. 

• Changes to Account Managers/Signers

  • Due to changes in board members and their roles, we need to approve changes to the account managers for the organization’s account. Changes to be made: 

    • Adding Emily Ransom, John Ratzenberger, Paige Worthy, and Thomas Benedetto as signers.

    • Removing Allen J Schild, Emily A Stone. 

    • Unanimously approved by all members of the HOLS organization. 

Board meeting: May 20, 2020

HOLS board meeting 
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: GoTo Meeting 

Who’s at the table?

Ransom  Adam

Ashley   John

Joe    Allen

Paige   

1. Catching Up

Board members talked about how they’ve been spending their time since we last spoke. Members discussed how and if they have been working, and the mental toll the quarantine starting to take on everyone. 

1. CTA Bus Operations and Priorization Plan

   • CDOT is working with the CTA to put a series of procedures in place for when economy opens up

     • There will be special, persistent cleaning procedures

     • Masks will be required for all passengers and driver

   • CTA Prioritization Plan

     • CDOT is working out how busses can have traffic prioritization to be more timely and reliable

     • Busses would potentially be able to pass traffic first when a light changes to green, among other privileges. 

2. Safe Streets Initiative   

   • The Safe Streets initiative is moving forward and will likely be on Leland Avenue for our neighborhood

   • The safe streets will still allow residential through traffic, as well as delivery and emergency traffic.  

   • This plan is in motion so the HOLS role is largely helping to answer citizens questions, concerns.

3. Ward Assistance Funds

   • Of discussion is the use of our organization to collect donations to give to those most in need within Lincoln Square at this time. 

   • Legality Issues: Is this even legal? 

     • HOLS may have to register differently to do this.

     • It could get very complicated and prove very time consuming

     • Consensus is not to move forward with this idea

1. What Should we do?

   • The board reflected on all the present obstacles COVID is placing on our organization and asked what we can doing during this time. 

   • What can we do to help people in the community?

     • Talking with Friendship House and seeing if any assistance or outreach may be beneficial. 

     • Reaching out to non-profits within the neighborhood to see if they have any needs that HOLS can help fulfill. 

1. Rent Relief

   • The board discussed whether any government relief could happen regarding rent for furloughed or laid off workers.

     • Alderman Martin has proposed an ordinance that would allow renter’s to defer rent payments.

   • The ordinance has not gained a lot of traction at this time

   • There are legal barriers; any rent proposal likely needs to be approved by State of Illinois.

1. Beautification

“Show us how you’ve beautified your home” idea and other beautification proposals.

• Little traction from neighborhood residents to this post. 

• Gardening tutorials could be one way to get people outdoors while still safe from others

1. Planning & Development

The Community Builders not receiving tax benefits

• The plan is almost certainly not moving forward due to not receiving tax benefits

• They could try again at the next opportunity to apply for these funds if the space is still available

1. #TakeoutTuesday

   • We have featured some restaurants and can continue to do so

1. Musician spotlights?

   • There has not been any progress made on this as it is difficult to get participation

   • Can look at other avenues to reach artists or make them interested

1. Financials

   • Tom got the Treasury account opened under his guidance. 

     • Duties are still in transition

     • There has been one donation of $50.00

1. What else can we be doing for our neighbors?

   • We can show our support of non-profits but we are limited in action presently. We can “play it by ear” and work on something if inspired to do so. 

Board meeting: April 22, 2020

MINUTES

HOLS board meeting

Date: Wednesday, April 22nd

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Online Meeting

In Attendance: 

John Ratzenberger    Adam Kingsley

Paige Worthy        Ashley Woodthorp

Joe Struck            Allen Schild

Tom Benedetto        Emily Ransom

1. New Business

Meeting Began with some general discussion about how the lives of the board members have changed since COVID-19, and how we are all spending our time. 

1. 1.Social Media has been quiet for most neighborhood organizations   

   1. -Few events happening

   2. -Difficult to plan anything given the uncertainty 

   3. -City of Chicago not accepting any event applications whatsoever

1. In order to elicit ideas, the main elements of Heart Of Lincoln Square were announced and ideas were encouraged: 

1. Beautification: 

   1. -“Show us your home projects”

      1. posting for residents to share home projects they are working on

      2. Encourage picture worth beautification projects and home upgrades   

   2. -La Grow tree planting: An organization that will plant a tree on your yard for them to then use its produce in their beer. 

      1. Feature the business with a bio and a link to have tree planted in your yard. 

      2. Encourage residents to support this business in other ways as well. 

   3. City Grange: 

      1. Online planting classes for residents to watch via our Facebook page. 

      2. Free for members, encourage them to buy from La Grange to show support

2. Planning and Development: 

   1. -The Western/Leland Development did not get the government tax credits

      1. The only likely option is to reapply at a later time. 

      2. Not plausible for the project to work without these credits.

                                                2.Some projects still moving forward in their preliminary stages

1. Outreach/Funding/Events

   1. The following ideas were proposed: 

      1. -Live music shows: 

         1. Local musicians could host virtual solo concerts on a certain day and ask for donations. 

         2. Add a link for optional donations

      2. -Featured restaurant of the week: 

         1. -Each week feature a restaurant from Lincoln Square

            1. Small bio about the restaurant

            2. Advertise their specials and specialties

1. Other Topics: 

   1. Up for a vote: The resignation of HOLS Board Member Katy: Approve

The meeting adjourned with a tentative plan to have our next meeting at 6:00pm on Wednesday, May 20th. 

                -

Board meeting: Feb. 27, 2020

MINUTES

HOLS Board Meeting

Date: Thursday, February, 27, 2020
Convened time: 7:28 p.m.
Adjourned time: 8:40 pm
Location: Spoon Thai

Who’s at the table?

• Ransom

• John

• Paige

• Adam

• Ashley

• Allen

• Joe

• Tom

AGENDA:

1. Discussion of Board Positions & Responsibilities:

   1. President

   2. Vice President

   3. Treasurer

   4. Secretary

   5. Committee Chairs:

      1. Beautification

      2. Outreach/Fundraising/Events

      3. Planning & Development

2. Voting for positions:

   1. President: John nominated by Adam, 2nd by Tom. Approved by vote.

   2. Vice President/Past President: Paige nominated by Adam, 2nd by Ashley. Approved by vote.

   3. Treasurer: Tom nominated by Allen, 2nd by Ransom. Approved by vote.

   4. Secretary: Joe nominated by Ransom, 2nd by Paige. Approved by vote.

   5. Committee Chairs:

      1. Beautification: Ashley will remain Chair.

      2. Outreach/Fundraising/Events: Allen/Paige will lead.

         1. Signature Events: Tom will coordinate.

         2. Social Media: Ransom will post. She “can’t wear a big hat, but can wear a beret.” So Committee Chairs & Board will develop and send content to Ransom. 

      3. Planning & Development: Adam will remain Chair.

3. Transition:

   1. Allen will coordinate dates and times for officers to change banking information. 

   2. John will meet with Past President Paige (P3) first and then will coordinate meetings with Officers and Chairs to discuss the upcoming year.

4. Completed regulatory paperwork with IL and federal.

5. Next Board Meeting: March 25th, Location TBA

6. Next Community Meeting: April 16th - Building a Better Block

Annual meeting: Feb. 20, 2020

MINUTES

HOLS Board Meeting
Date: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020
Convened time: 7:28 p.m.
Adjourned time: 8:40 pm
Location: Tattler Post

Who’s at the table?

• Ransom

• John

• Katy

• Paige

• Adam

• Ashley

• Allen

• 30 member attendees

AGENDA:

1. Paige with a few words:

   1. Introduction of HOLS to the community.

   2. Introduction of Alderman Matt Martin

   3. Thank you’s!

      1. Borelli’s! Great food. Great community treasure.

      2. Brent & the American Legion for hosting us again.

         1. They are turning 75 this year so keep an eye out for an event this year.

      3. Introduction of Committees:

         1. Planning & Development

         2. Outreach/Fundraising/Events

         3. Beautification

2. Introduction of Board Nominees:

   1. Joe Struck - approved by vote of association members with no nay votes.

   2. Tom Benedetto - approved by vote of association members with no nay votes. 

3. Board recognized Paige Worthy and her outstanding service as President the past two years over the association. Thank you, Paige.

Board meeting: Nov. 12, 2019

MINUTES

HOLS board meeting
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019
Convened time: 7:11 p.m.
Adjourned time: 8:35 pm
Location: Paige’s apartment

Who’s at the table?

• Ransom

• Stone

• John

• Paige

• Adam

• Ashley

Old business

1. Approved previous meeting minutes (Stone, Ashley):

   1. September 2019 minutes

New business

1. State of the Neighborhood recap (Paige)

   1. 170 RSVP’d

   2. 70 attended

      1. A lot of people showed up who weren’t on the RSVP list.

      2. A number of those individuals did sign up for email list and 5 signed up for membership.

      3. BlockClub is really helping getting information out to people and helped attendance. 

      4. Alderman Martin and other neighborhood associations were also helpful in getting word out. 

   3. Other events that day that impacted attendance:

      1. Halloween Holiday Parade

      2. CTU Strike

   4. Feedback from attendees:

      1. Felt informative but not ground-breaking

      2. County Commissioners were engaging

   5. We feel it is a flagship event for the association will proudly continue it. 

   6. Will look to make sure coffee comes from a local shop in 2020.

2. Treasurer’s report (Paige on behalf of Treasurer)

   1. Haven’t spent a lot this year as we received a few donations offsetting costs for items like Beautification committee.

   2. Still working on best practices to link QuickBooks and membership.

3. Committees

   1. Planning & Development (Adam)

      1. Learnings from first couple of presentations

         1. Have felt that the committee is functioning as intended thus far.

         2. Committee can always have more individuals volunteer but they must be members of the HOLS Association.

      2. Future developer presentations

         1. Brauhaus meeting has been postponed by developer.

         2. There is a residential change request as well in waiting. 

         3. Still looking to have informational/educational meetings for committee as well to help make informed decisions for the betterment of our community.

      3. Master Plan stuff

         1. Committee has reached out to the Chamber to see about having a discussion about the recently completed Master Plan to see if there is anything the committee can do/keep in mind during meetings.

         2. Chamber has told association to wait as there is a lot of work that needs to be done behind the scenes first.

   2. Outreach/fundraising (Paige on behalf of Katy)

      1. 11/21 happy hour - 

         1. YAY! - Gideon Welles -

         2. see the Facebook event

         3. Thank you Sheila Devi for making this happen.

      2. Neighborhood org brain trust (GRO/LSNN)

         1. Volunteer Snow Brigade

            1. Everyone is very excited especially with the positive media attention.

            2. 50 have signed up to shovel

            3. 3 have signed to receive

            4. Please spread the word to those in need to sign up to receive.

            5. And spread the word to get more “Snow Angels” signed up. 

   3. Beautification    (Ashley)

      1. Allen is finishing up the signage to go out by the area that was beautified by the beautification committee this summer.

      2. Committee meeting to be held in early 2020 to discuss spring cleaning and future projects.

      3. City Grange has offered courses to members during the winter time as well. They are awesome.

4. EOY membership push?

   1. 650 on email list

   2. 81 members

   3. Can currently signed up to get rest of 2019 free with your paid 2020 dues.

   4. We should make up an email/communication from the Treasurer about “where does our money go”.

      1. Need to build out metrics to support:

         1. Number of hours volunteered at events

         2. Hours volunteered at Advocacy and Committee Meetings

         3. Etc.

5. 2020 board elections

   1. Does this 9-member board structure still make sense?

      1. If streamlining can occur, what would that look like? What would the roles be?

      2. Everyone believes this 9 member team is good as a volunteer organization with everyone’s schedules and responsibilities.

      3. One question: what is the true role and responsibilities of the Vice President? What is the best use of their time and talents?

         1. Suggested that maybe this person works with the Executive Committee and Board in general for strategic planning initiatives for the organization and executing those plans. 

      4. Other defined roles:

         1. Past President - main responsibility is strictly to answer questions and ensure that knowledge is shared/passed.

         2. Member At Large - non-Executive Committee and non-Committee Chair position(s). Role is support all committee chairs and Executive committee in responsibilities. 

   2. Who is planning to run again?

      1. Not running in 2020: Jules, Stone (Paige not running for President)

      2. Up for election in 2020: Adam, Ransom, Allen (?)

      3. Beginning second year of two year term: Ashley, Katy, John, Paige

   3. Plan for officer succession (specifically president)

      1. Start scanning committees now for recruits to the board 

   4. How can Paige pass on institutional knowledge? What documentation needs to be created?

      1. Since Paige still has one year left on her two year term, she has agreed to stay on and will serve in a Past President role.

      2. This is a volunteer association. We must set and respect boundaries for those that volunteer. 

      3. Definitely make use of the shared drives for past information and knowledge.

      4. We really should look for someone with some IT/Computer/Marketing expertise to assist with all the newsletter, MailChimp, etc.

      5. Each person on the Board  in their role/position, especially Executive Committee and Committee Chairs should work on a “What did I do in 2019?”

         1. Intent is just to make sure we acknowledge the amount of work someone does in their volunteer position while also putting into writing for the next person what the role can look like. What if the Secretary of HOLS wins the lottery tomorrow? Need to make sure the work of that position does not have a gap.

         2. This will also help with the “metrics” as listed in Item #4.D.i. List out the hours worked/volunteered and what the tasks are so that we tell the world (well, Lincoln Square) what the association is doing on their behalf to make our community stronger.

6. Next Meetings:

   1. January Meeting - location and date TBD

   2. Annual Meeting - Tattler - Looking at 2/5/20 or 2/12/20