LINCOLN PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007

7:15 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by the President, Brenda Dwiggins, who welcomed the attendees and introduced the speaker, Maria Sermerscheim, from the U. of I. Extension Service. Maria directs the Family Nutrition Program, and described the Youth and Community Gardens project, where classes about nutrition and gardening are taught in a "hands on" manner to adults and children in gardens at various locations in the city and county.

Since the minutes of the April meeting were included in the newsletter and there were no corrections, Keith Bates moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with. The motion was seconded and carried.

Treasurer Pro Tem Ellen Vanesse reported a balance of $1087.00, after an expense of $130 for signs to be placed in the neighborhood announcing the meetings, as suggested at the last meeting.

Old business:

>The new neighborhood meeting announcement signs were used for this meeting, and the response from the association was positive.

>Brenda reported on the prices for LPHD printed tee shirts and caps. The information will be published in the next newsletter, and interest in ordering them will be gauged by responses.

>The Halo Project Painting Blitz is looking for applicants who can meet their criteria for having their homes painted as a public service project.

>A copy of the Danville Area Transportation Study was passed around. Garfield School is the applicant from the City of Danville, and the grant would pay for repairing sidewalks and upgrading crosswalks for the children who walk or ride bikes to school.

>Joyce Melton presented information and nominating forms for the "Make It Bloom" competition, this year sponsored by the City and chaired by Mayor Scott Eisenhower and his wife. The program seeks to encourage the enhancement of the city's appearance with gardens and landscaping, awarding prizes to winners in various classifications.

>Cathy Johnson reported that the LPHD yard sale will be June 9, with June 16 as a rain date.

Participants are encouraged to donate part of their profit to the District.

>There is apparently no progress in addressing the obvious city code violations at 1218 Sherman in spite of numerous complaints by members of LPHD. Rocky Hill will contact the city to check on its status and push for enforcement.

New Business:

>Vickie Haugen will be the guest speaker on "Economic Development" in June. Members expressed an interest in knowing how the housing situation in Danville is affecting the recruiting of businesses to the area.

>Dennis Crane introduced himself and told members he was rehabbing the little store on Grant Street for use as a rental residence. Members expressed a desire for a tour when finished.

>Park cleanup will be Saturday, May 26, 9:00 a.m.

>Election of officers: President, Brenda Dwiggins; Vice President, Joyce Melton; Secretary, Nancy Bates; Treasurer, Ellen Vanesse; Directors: Dona Farnsworth and Rocky Hill. Cathy Johnson volunteered to help Carol Case as Block Captain.

Remarks by Aldermen Mike Puhr and Jerry Askren:

>They briefly outlined the Mayor's plan to enforce registrations of both landlords and tenants, and to increase inspections and registration of rental housing. Code violations will be aggressively enforced by the city.

>They mentioned several city employees who received performance raises this year.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Nancy Bates, Secretary