Central Neighborhood Association

8-30-08 Meeting Minutes

Central Neighborhood Association

Central Neighborhood Association
Meeting Minutes
August 30, 2008



The Central Neighborhood Association held its regular monthly meeting on Saturday August 30, 2008, 9am at the Porter County Public Library 103 Jefferson St. in Meeting room B.

9:05am Meeting called to order

In Attendance: Candace Shaw (P), Keith Kirkpatrick, Robert Cotton, Juanita Cotton (S), Mark McColly, Stephanie Gerdes, Walt Breitinger, Danielle Griffis, Duane Davidson, Debbie Walsh, Norma Schoop, Pat Tanner, Elmer Hess, Bea Hess, Rich Smith, Tim Daly and Joyce Hicks.

Candace Shaw made a motion to approve the July minutes and by unanimous consent they were approved.

Due to illness it was agreed to table our Treasurers report until the next meeting. Motioned and approved.

There was a brief discussion on the Franklin/Calumet Triangle where the willingness of officials to work with C.N.A. members.


Robert Cotton reported on the upcoming Block Party. Tim Daly sent a letter to the Board of Works for approval to close Franklin Street at Erie and Calumet and Franklin at Institute Street. Don Evans sent a letter to attorney for the schools and board of health for guidance on the use of school property and other sanitary requirements. Felt confident in an appearance by Jon Costas’s band the “Conservadelics” slated to perform from 12-2pm. Don Evans had not yet confirmed his German Music band could joins us but if so they will provide music from 2-4pm.

Tim Daly expressed confidence the Board of Works will close the streets Institute-Erie-Franklin and Calumet. The B.O W. meet during the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month and should notify us in plenty of time if there were any problems with our request.

Keith Kirkpatrick asked if there was any cost associated with the event.

Robert Cotton replied in regard to the Conservadelics, with 4 members only $100 a piece for 2 members other than he and deputy Mayor Hanna. There would be an expense for signs. Maybe someone within the association has a talent to construct or access to a friendly retailer. Don Evans did not indicate a cost for his group to play. Sponsorship for event has been solicited from Town and Country Market and Wise Way and as yet had not replied. They may offer a discount on items purchased. A crew to organize and execute the potluck aspects is needed in order for it to work smoothly. We also need help with the promotion to bring people out for the event. We need a grounds crew to set up everything at least 6 people. He can be reached at trebor46385@yahoo.com or 888-835-4056 ext. 2534 or 312-447-2534. Best time to reach is during the day between 9-5.

Mark McColly What about activities for kids, or maybe a possible book sale to raise funds.

Keith Kirkpatrick If anyone wants to do a book sale fundraiser or whatever let him or her do it.

Debbie Walsh will come up with children’s activities for the event.

Candace Shaw went back to old business stating the grass will go down in the fall and Steve will give the C.N.A. time to form a group to work with him.

A discussion began on why the city doesn’t want to put in a fountain, how people are tracking through the triangle, how there’s no crossing on the south end and how the city felt it was dangerous for crossing.

Candace Shaw said she and Linda Whitton requested Steve price a shorter fence to keep people away from the corner. She suggested we meet at the triangle next month since the library was not available for a September meeting.

Robert Cotton suggested consideration for a 9-11 memorial garden. It might be a good idea because the park is already doing them in Foundation meadows park and it may meet the lower maintenance desired by park officials.

Candace Shaw said Linda Whitton was in favor of a formal old traditional garden, she had put a plan together.

Keith Kirkpatrick The history is the city has been pretty receptive. Let a small group go with recommendations to Steve.

Candace Shaw Spoke on the possibility of the fountain as an art piece without running water but as a planter.

Danielle Griffis wants to work on the triangle group with Keith Kirkpatrick.

Keith Kirpatrick mentioned Paul Marciniak might want to be on the triangle committee.

Candace Shaw said there should be about 6 people in the group.

Someone wanted to know, where the boundary lines were.

Candace Shaw said we do flyers up to Harrison Blvd.

Keith Kirkpatrick said, we split Banta off from the C.N.A. people on Glendale were part of us. We wanted only the downtown area.

Candace Shaw, I could bring a map of the boundary in for you to see. Gary Hicks put together a history night for young people and the map was created.

A longtime member brought the photo album from 1980 to pass around.

Candace Shaw brought up the Historic District, Tiffany Tolbert and what it takes to be approved, possibly taking 10 houses to start and allow people to join in.

Keith Kirkpatrick We need a group to look at that and move forward with it.

Rich Smith I would like more information. He was directed to the Historic Districts website and the C.N.A. July minutes on line.

Candace Shaw mentioned Landlords probably would not cooperate.

Keith Kirkpatrick said people look at housing standards; the city will enforce quality standards. The only backlash will be people who don’t take care of their property.

Candace Shaw maybe we’ll start with 5 houses on Michigan Street.

Norma Schoop You must be willing to do the upkeep for the city to enforce.

Candace Shaw said 25ft setbacks altered the conservative district; any new construction would have to fit the neighborhood. November we’ll discuss zoning Standards. October we’ll discuss the triangle.

There was discussion of there being no landlord database. How people have lived in the rentals so long you’d think they owned them. A discussion ensued on the new condos on Franklin and Institute.

Bea Hess said her neighbor on the north side of her, redid their home and the neighbor on the south gutted theirs and returned it to the Victorian style.

Keith Kirkpatrick will try organizing the by laws. Get the history of the 6-7 houses together for the open house between Halloween and Thanksgiving. To include: The Pierces, Ferngrens, Kirkpatricks, Gerdes’, Hick’s and possibly the clumbies. We can create and print a map to sell for $5.00.

Candace Shaw said Robert Cotton mentioned something about that.

Keith Kirkpatrick said we need a decent sized map so we can print up brochures at (Evans Placks & Promotions located at 603 Lincolnway). A walk in design print shop at the popcorn fest displayed for people to see.

Candace Shaw go to genealogy.org then go to 1910 or 1905 to see the old fountain and trolley from the lake to downtown.

Rich Smith said the city allowed the condo plan, they pushed through to get the variance for renting and owner occupied condos.

Candace Shaw said Jake Wagner built them.

Tim Daly warned us about historic districts and how Architects and Real estate agents pushed it in the Banta neighborhood.

Candace Shaw motioned to adjourn the meeting. She announced there would be no meeting on September 27th and we could possibly meet at the triangle on that date and discuss what we’d like to see done with it. She said our next regular monthly meeting would be held October 25th, 2008 at the Public Library.

10:40am Adjourned

Respectfully submitted:
Juanita Cotton
Secretary CNA