LINCOLN PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING

MAY 21, 2009--FRIENDLY TOWN CLASSROOM; LINCOLN PARK

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the president, Brenda Dwiggins, who welcomed the attendees and introduced the guest speaker, Chris Voccio, the new publisher of the Danville Commercial-News. Mr. Voccio stated that his first goal is to eliminate "sloppiness" and mistakes from the newspaper, and to emphasize local news more in both placement and content.

He also would like to shorten the gap between production and distribution of the paper, including going back to using carriers instead of the postal service for delivery. He then responded to questions and comments from the audience.

The reading of the minutes of the April 16 meeting was dispensed with because they were distributed in the newsletter. There were no corrections.

Treasurer Ellen Vanesse reported a balance of $1089.41.

Old Business:

>Brenda Dwiggins reported that the planning for the District's House and Garden Walk on July18 was progressing, and that many volunteers will be needed for various duties. The plans are for 6 homes, 7 gardens, and 1 porch to be on display between 10 am and 4 pm. Rain date is July 25. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the walk. Sales stop at 2 p.m. Volunteers will receive a free ticket.

>Brenda reported that there has been an increase of crime, vandalism and loitering in the district. BE VIGILANT and report any suspicious activity to the police.

<Our Association did not submit an application for a Keep Vermilion County Beautiful grant this year.

New Business:

>Brenda will check to see if the renovation of Friendly Town will interfere with the use of the education center for our meetings.

>Brenda called attention to the "Make It Bloom" contest sponsored by the Danville Garden Club and urged us to submit nominations from our neighborhood.

>The Vermilion Co. Master Gardeners Walk will be Sunday, June 28; 12-5 p.m.

>Timothy Dann's Salon was commended for their landscaping of the south park entrance. They will receive the LPHDHA improvement award for the month.

>Harold Melton moved that the current officers be reelected for the coming year. The motion was seconded and passed. Rick Thompson was elected as an additional Director. Officers are: Brenda Dwiggins, President; Joyce Melton, Vice President; Nancy Bates, Secretary; Ellen Vanesse, Treasurer; Directors, Dona Farnsworth, Sue Jones, Rick Thompson.

Aldermen Report:

Mike Puhr announced that the city's assessed valuation had gone up so the tax rate would be slightly lower ($.06/$100 assessed valuation).

There is no city ordinance against barbequing on a porch.

Alderman Puhr won the 50-50 drawing and donated the proceeds to the Association.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Nancy Bates, Secretary