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.