LINCOLN PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING

SEPTEMBER 18, 2008; 7: 30 p.m.; Friendly Town Classroom

The meeting was called to order by the president, Brenda Dwiggins, who welcomed the attendees and introduced the guest speaker, Illinois State Representative Bill Black, Republican, from the 104^th District, which includes Danville. He updated the attendees on the current political and budget situation in the state, emphasizing the status of the financial cuts and closures unilaterally made by the Governor, which affect Kickapoo State Park as well as numerous state facilities and social agencies downstate. He pointed out that our current political climate was harming the economic climate of Illinois, with over 80,000 jobs lost during the last 5 years, many to our surrounding states. He addressed other issues and questions as well, such as the November ballot issue of convening a Constitutional Convention to consider revisions to the 1970 state constitution, restrictive covenants, ethics reform legislation, etc.

The reading of the August 21^st minutes was dispensed with, since they were printed and distributed in the District newsletter. There were no corrections.

Treasurer Ellen Vanesse reported a balance of $1286.20, including the donation of last meeting's 50-50 winnings by Sue Jones.

OLD BUSINESS:

>LPHDNA will partner with the Vermilion Co. Museum on a House and Garden walk next summer in our Historic District. Homes, gardens, and volunteers are all needed to participate, and revenue will be shared with the Association.

>Vermilion Co. Animal Control or the Danville Humane Society should be notified if animals are not restrained outside, or lack adequate food, water, and shelter.

>Alderman Askren reported on the Sept. 8-9 "blitz" by the city to identify code violations, which included both homes and alleys. There were 33 homes found in violation, 19 of which remain open cases. Alley work is ongoing.

>Neighborhood Services Specialist Nathan Ingold will address the speeding situation in the District with monitoring equipment and appropriate enforcement.

NEW BUSINESS:

>Further measures to make the Governor and Legislature aware of our displeasure for closing Kickapoo State Park and other sites, as well as cuts in funding various State human services, were presented and discussed.

>The marker for the LPHDHA tree in the N.W. corner of the park has been corrected. Dona Farnsworth moved that LPHDHA sponsor another tree this year; the motion was seconded and passed.

>Several LPHD homeowners expressed concerns that standards for remodeling and renovations in the District were not being applied equally to everybody, and wanted to know who decides on the criteria and how to appeal a decision. Discussion ensued, and Brenda offered to assist them in contacting the Historic Preservation Committee and the city's Development Department to resolve their questions. It was suggested that we have representatives of the Historic Preservation Committee present a program about their function and authority to LPHDHA next season.

>Park clean-up will be Sat., Sept. 27^th at 9:00 a.m.

>The property improvement award was awarded to the Lawless home, 1119 Grant St.

REMARKS BY ALDERMEN:

Jerry Askren announced that the new garbage trucks were coming, and alley maintenance problems were being addressed. Manhole covers have stopped disappearing, as recycling centers are implementing procedures to avoid accepting metal which may be stolen property.

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

Winner of the 50-50 drawing, Susan Barnes, donated her winnings back to LPHDHA.

Nancy Bates, Recording Secretary