Present: John Davidson (Park Supervisor), Susan Fontana (WPAC – Co-President), Denise Browning (WPAC-Co-President), Richard Tilley (WPAC Treasurer), Doug Wood (WPAC – Secretary and Garden Club), John Shirk (Urban Encounter), Clintina Taylor (Park Kids Parent), Toni Anderson (Park Kids Parent),Lisa Stauff (Park Kids Parent), Anais Vargas (Park Kids Parent), Christina Vargas (Park Kids Parent), Patricia Bryowsky (Park Kids Parent), Elaine Coorens, Adam Housley (Dog Park), Ryan Jackson (softball), Paula Barrington (WPBT Chamber), Lyndsey Snyder (Vermiculture), Jordan Bley (Lil’Kickers), Cameron Robbins (Parkways Foundation)
- Minutes – Doug Wood – October Minutes were read and approved.
- Treasurer’s Report – Richard Tilley submitted treasurer’s report.
- Committee Reports
- Dog Park Committee – Adam Housley – Dog Park Cleaned November 7 – 10am. Went well. Upcoming fundraisers will be planned and announced.
- Web Site Committee – Tim Kolecke – Absent
- Softball – Ryan Jackson – Season went well – season over.
- Gardens and Landscape Committee – Doug Wood reported on French Drains working, Vandalism to benches and Quotes for repairs-Park District committed to assist, Wicker Sculpture restoration grant proposal to WPB-SSA#33 to be submitted in Nov., WPGarden Educational Programming’s support, Wicker Park Conservancy Update, upcoming Fountain Decorating Social to be held Saturday, November 21- 10am-4pm, and fundraiser at Grand Street Gardens. Lyndsaey Snyder (vermiculture) – will assist programming committee with composting and garden sustainability.
- Parent Committee Meeting-Education-Events-Clintina Taylor, Toni Anderson Gave report on meeting held at 6:15pm the same evening. The group is working on laying out all programming for WPAC approval and for public to view, for publicity, and are updating education survey results. She reviewed upcoming events: holiday movies -Dec 17-6:30 Title not confirmed (CMTY), Dec 18 – 6:30-Grinch-Jim Carey (PK), Dec 19-1pm Grinch (SRMAT) and skating parties (Jan 15). Long term – music festival, green festival, summer picnic, Valentine Day Dance/bowling Night-Rock and Roll Bowl – Fri. Feb 12. Proposals derived from this committee will be submitted to WPAC for approval. Meetings to be held each month prior to WPAC meeting – 6:15 pm.
- Collaboration Committee – Faces of Wicker Park – John Shirk – A meeting held Tuesday, November 3 at 7:15. Group decided to create the forum on the web and have two sections – Wicker Park Stories and Faces of Wicker Park. Both sections would be open to all ages. An event would be scheduled when there was enough material generated on-line and when appropriate funding is obtained. Next meeting to be announced when web and other arrangements are ready.
- Staff Reports – John Davidson (Park Supervisor) discussed teen and children’s programming and an array of special events – also assisted in Clintina’s and Toni’s presentations. The Halloween movies went well and were a huge success.
- John Davidson requested that his report be moved to first on agenda each month.
- During the presentation – WPAC Members discussed the return of the Sexual Abuser to the park and John Davidson said he’d speak with staff and the police to obtain a photo. Group discussed the Security Guard and her responsibilities – stating they see her most often in her car in the parking lot. Questions were asked about Budget Requests: portable toilets. Park Staff had no information on Budget Results.
- Parkways Foundation Grant – Cameron Robbins announced the Parkways Foundation’s support of the WPGarden Club’s Educational Programming for adults and children. The group granted $1,460 to the adult Programming and $750 to the Park Kids Grow Music Garden project.
- Boo-palooza – Paula Barrington and Susan Fontana reported that Boo-Palooza was a huge success. Time change was suggested to accommodate children’s naps – that is – end event earlier.
- Lil-Kickers – Jordan Bley- Lil’Kickers is going well with huge attendance-will be moving inside on Fridays and Saturdays. Sylvia Ramos requested information on scholarships. Group is looking into the request.