Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006-2008Lighthouse Area Committee Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 1:30 PM Wednesday. September 20, 2006 Attending: Alderman Elizabeth Tisdahl, Don Terras. Larry Boswell, Pam Elesh, Linda Lutz, Teiko Jordan, Vicky Wagner, Dave Cook, Paul D'Agostino, Ann McMann Evanston Art Center The back door of the Art Center (basement door) is about to fall off. Roof damage is causing leaking into the office areas. Dave indicated that he would should call a roof contractor and setup a time to come and review the situation Dave will determine the status of the work order and report back to Larry. Dave thanked Larry for patience. The door may be a security issue to protect against intrusions at night when students are in class. Dave and Lary will look at the door after the meeting. Vandalism on the lawn this summer was intense. Of the 15 pieces more than half were damaged; 9 suffered in several incidents of vandalism. The group discussed whether additional lighting would be warranted. Don remembered that at a previous meeting Doug Gaynor had indicated security lighting was needed. He also noted that double parking in the cul de sac is a problem. Two extra lights, maybe solar ones located in "dead' areas would really help. Vicky noted there has been some vandalism back by the foghouses where plants ripped out. These two lights would help light problem areas. Larry indicated that mercury vapor lighting on the lawn is what the Art Center would support. Alderman Tisdahl asked that the security lights be provided. Facilities Dave discussed the issue of rehabbing the Coach House noting it was discussed before Council. Current work may be stopped on the Coach House. Several issues including the lease with the LHPD as well as other remaining additional site issues are holding up the work. The drawings will be finished and decisions made. The City Manager will give direction after the drawings are completed. Basic maintenance is what Is being accomplished now. Perhaps with the Coach House project additional lighting could be included. Dave, Don and Larry will all go and take a look to determine the best locations. Security lighting and Coach House lighting may be different. Alderman Tisdahl agreed that lighting should be a priority. Money is available. Dave noted that the Garden Club of Evanston can put their tools back in the garage, Don noted that some articles are in the LHPD area of the garage. Dave and Don will check the tools. Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Tisdahl noted that current budget deliberations are reviewing all types of Issues. Money may not be available to fund the Art Center and Coach House recommendations. A tremendous amount of money is needed for the Art Center and not a lot of money to be distributed. Building permit fees help to reduce the City's portion of the property tax. The City's portion of the property tax is small compared to the two school districts. Additional sales taxes are coming in but not enough to fund all capital requests. The group noted that conservation of buildings has to be a consideration. Liz addressed a rumor of the possible sale of the Art Center as commented on in budget meetings. Park land is a priority; green space will need to be preserved. Speculating on a potential sale is nowhere near a possible sale. Guidelines would have to be established. Liz noted that budget cuts have to be made. There are always pressing Issues that add to the budget; City officials realize that deficit financing can't go on. Evanston Civic Center Generally it is assumed that the current Civic Center will not be the site of the new Civic Center. The park, however, would remain intact. It is more feasible and the less expensive for the taxpayer to sell the current Civic Center to fund a new Civic Center. it would be preferable if a potential developer would rehab the existing building versus tearing it down. Some land but not all would be preserved. Vicky noted that the Hibernia development at Harrison involving demolition of a church was done in a very sensitive way. Pam noted that Farmer's Market land should be preserved as it is wonderful. She noted there is some speculation that the relocation may be in the Research Park. Parks Paul discussed the park renovation at Lawson Park: there are two site concepts that will be taken to the family which is providing $300,000 of the cost of the project. The cost of the renovation is $700,000 for the Lawson Parts accessible playground. Public parks are important parts of the City and Lawson is next in line for renovation. The Parks division rotates public park renovations on an 18 year cycle. Matching funds or groups that raise funds show support of an aspect of the community for a park renovation. Paul noted that the Lawson Park renovation will be contained and only several sidewalks are projected that would traverse Lighthouse Park property. Garden Club of Evanston Vicky reported that renovations in the wildflower garden have used up the Club's funds for tree trimming. The Honey Locust and the Linden tree have suffered some storm damage recently and need to be trimmed. Paul will take a look at the trees and see where they are located and what can be done. Deadfall and branches are a problem in the area of the gardens. Two Hawthoms near the curve of the path have broken branches. Crabapples are planted on the west side of the north foghouse. There Is a concrete walk. 3 Foahouse Butterfiv Garden The butterfly garden is looking good. The grass between the two foghorn houses is marginal. The area has been re -seeded. Something unique may have happened this year during the summer or perhaps in the camp program to cause a problem. The summer was really quiet in general including partying at the beach. All agreed that calling the police early in the season was effective. Private lighting in the area has been helpful Lighthouse Park District The lease agreement may be ready for signing in October 2006. A fence was replaced on the north side of the LHPD property. In part the project included work done as part of an Eagle Scout project. Lighthouse tours were well promoted. Lighthouse hours were posted on a sign near the wildflower garden which was helpful. Don thanked the Garden Club for their 70 years of work and noted media coverage of the Club. Wildflower Garden Nels Johnson removed branches from trees near the €oghouses bringing more light in. The fountain is being worked on; Nature's Perspective is waiting for a dry period to determine where the location of the water loss. Pam thanked Don for his letter, The Nature Conservancy is interested in discussing the renovation of the Jens Jensen garden at this site. They are interested in a migration route along this southwest quadrant of Lake Michigan. The City of Chicago is involved. Pam displayed a Nature Conservancy brochure that featured the Grosse Point Lighthouse, Lynn Meachum and Barbara Goldenberg will talk about the property, funding, and preservation of the site. The Jens Jensen garden at this site makes the site unique. Ecoloov Center Linda announced that fall pre-school programs will be held in the (oghouses; two evening programs and two daytime programs. The home school program on Tuesday morning is also at the site. The greenhouse will be kept at a minimal level to reduce costs. Dave will coordinate. Grants were submitted for repairs on the foghouses. Next Meetinq: March 21, 2007 1 Lighthouse Area Committee September 20, 2006 Lighthouse Park District I. Lease Agreement The proposed lease Agreement between Evanston and the Lighthouse Park District for operation of the original 1873 lighthouse structures will be the focus of a meeting between Evanston Legal and the District on Sept. 29. It is hoped that this new lease will be "rubber stamped" by the end of October. 2. Fence Replacement/Repair and Installation The District has replaced the white "Kentucky" running board fence that was in disrepair on the north side of the lighthouse property. The District also sponsored an Eagle Scout project to make repairs, scrape and paint the fence running along the Sheridan Road sidewalk of the lighthouse property. In addition, through a generous donation from The Garden Club of Evanston, rustic picket fence was installed east of the keepers' quarters. This fence will separate the keepers' yard from the wild flower gardens bordering the area, protecting the gardens from people walking through them and helping to maintain the privacy of the south keepers' quarters. 3. Lighthouse Tours The District -sponsored tour program had excellent promotion over the last year with information appearing in Evanston Arts & Recreation magazine; Time Out Chicago Magazine; the cover and inside of AT&T Yellow pages; Pioneer Press' "Room With a View" feature; North Shore Magazine; Evanston Sourcebook; Chicago North Shore Visitors Guide; Illinois Travel Guide; Chicagoland Regional Tourism Map; and ECTV's "Zine" production. 4. Garage Bay and Site Security During asbestos removal in the coach house garage District property was moved to the greenhouse for safekeeping. However, there was much unclaimed material in the garage and it somehow all was placed in the south bay designated for District use. I'd like to get this material removed so that we may once again use this bay. In addition, I'd like to once again bring up the matter of extra lighting in the area for security. We discussed this at a previous meeting with Doug Gaynor present and I thought it was determined that some extra lighting would be added to the cul-de-sac parking area. The recent vandalism at the Art Center should underscore the need for more lighting around the property as this type of criminal activity could easily spread around the site to adjoining properties and neighborhood areas. (Page 4 submitted by Don Torras) s Lighthouse Area Committee Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:30 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Attending: Don Terras, Larry Boswell, Pam Elesh, Linda Lutz, Teiko Jordan. Lisa Scully, Paul D"Agostino, Ann McMann Lighthouse area landscaninq Pam distributed information from a book on Alfred Caldwell by Dennis Domer. Caldwell collaborated with Jens Jensen an a number of projects including the Clark House! Caldwell considered the Clark House 'a great masterpiece' and "the best thing I did in my lifetime." Pam reported that the fountain continues to be a source of frustration. The project has started and stopped. Holes have been filled in and leakage continues. Nature's Perspective filled in cracks and is waiting to complete the work. Gravel needs to be cleaned up. The current project is $600 - $800. So far $6,000 has been spent from Fred Yoder's legacy on restoration of the grotto. Last year Pam's donation to the Park Foundation was used to improve the parking lot vegetation. The plants appear to have wintered well; plant material near the house may be re-evaluated. A bench was placed in an open area near the beach house building, Perhaps a spreading tree, such as a thom-less hawthorn might be a better choice for that particular location. Additionally Pam announced that she and her husband will be providing funding to improve the natural area around the fire circle! Barbara Rosborough will again do the design and work. Some brush and a fallen tree will be cleared by the Parks/Forestry division. The group thanked Pam for her commitment to the sitel Evanston Art Center Larry reported that the back door of the Art Center (basement door) has been fixed as well as the roof damage repaired. Thank you to Facilities. The Art Center is exploring the Idea of doing a haunted house as a fundraiser just before Halloween. As part of the procedure, the Art Center had several inspections that revealed the current exit signs need to have a 90 minute back-up battery. Lary Is working with Dave Cook to replace the signs to meet the required regulations for battery back-up. Vandalism as the site has continued. A couple of months ago the Art Center was broken Into at approximately a AM. Entry was through a side door by the director's office. Several doors were locked and the intruder had to leave by a complex route, stopping to take $20 from the donation box. The current alarm is not audible from the outside. Police (and Lary) were in the area but did not locate the intruder even though they arrived on the scene quickly. Ann added that lately there appears to be a lot of burglaries in east Wilmette. - �, s::, ..: r •� r. '_ �; r.Yt74Y:5Z,�.�.�Y.1i' y n�.;s..'� � C Nothing to report on additional security lighting. Coach house The project is on hold for the moment. Glass was knocked out of a window last week. Parks/Forestry Paul reported that 24 trees had been removed from the Lawson Park area. Don had a crew that took out 12 more. Although the area looks bare right now, it should look better when the trees leaf out. Noah's playground has raised approximately $400,000 in private donations for a special needs playground. Work will begin this summer. Plans are almost completed. The entire project is about $800,000 with the City contributing 5400,000. The donor has applied for a grant through a playground equipment company. Should Noah's playground be the lucky winner, the additional $300,000 would be used to enhance accessibility of the site including the restrooms, pathways, and beach entrance. Some discussion was held on whether the playground plan has sustainable aspects as well as green design. The group suggested perhaps using recycled material, and reducing the amount of concrete. Several members may pursue contacting the donor and others involved. Garden Club of Evanston Ann reported the history of the Butterfly Garden has been written and the garden photographed as well. Information is on rile at the Smithsonian! Lisa and Teiko reported that the Wildflower Garden's pathway needs maintenance. The group discussed gravel types and accessibility. Paul will be working with the Garden Club on evaluating the path and how to proceed. Vicky reported (by e-mail) that the Hawthorn damage on the curve was pruned last fall. Bartlett trimmed the entire site comprehensively three different times. Milbum parkway has a Honey Locust and Linden that need trimming; Paul is aware of the situation. The Club is concerned about dead fall from these trees causing damage to people and property. Ecoloov Center Linda announced that the furnace in the greenhouse failed in December. All plants were frozen. The extent of the repairs still need to be determined. Next Meetina: Mav 30, 2007 Lighthouse Area Committee March 21, 2007 Lighthouse Park District 1. Lease Agreement The final draft of the proposed lease Agreement between Evanston and the Lighthouse Park District will be presented for review to the District by the end of this week after review by Evanston Parks, Facilities Management and Legal. It is hoped that this matter will come before the City Council sometime in April. 2. Broken Water Main A knock on the door at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, February 9 brought news that a water main had broken that served the lighthouse and that the water to the keepers' quarters would have to be turned off. The water main is located on the parkway and there was a question of jurisdiction between the Water Department handling the matter or Evanston's Facilities Management Department ---which did ultimately make the necessary repairs by Saturday afternoon. The brick surface support for the cover and entrance to the underground main was damaged during repairs, however, and will need to be replaced. 3. Lighthouse Signage The District has ordered new signage indicating hours of operation for touring the lighthouse that will be displayed at the two entrances to the site ---on the west and north -- and on the front of the building. Other signs have been ordered and will be installed when complete and weather permitting. This is in keeping with one of the provisions of the new lease agreement between Evanston and the District. a. Restoration Project The District has undertaken a project to restore the two front doors and trim on the exterior of the lighthouse and the interior vestibules. This work is being financed through the District's Lighthouse Preservation Fund. 5. Tree Trimming in preparation for renovation of Lawson Park and the new Noah's Playground For Everyone, the District did extensive tree trimming on the south side of North east Park to complement tree trimming performed by Evanston Forestry. 6. Garbage Durnpsters Weil over a month ago, I was told by a sanitary engineer that one of the dumpsters on the Art Center property would be replaced. This has yet to be done. The displacement of the dumpster in question has changed, so that it projects out into the driveway turn around. This damaged dumpster needs to be replaced and the configuration retumed to normal. (Page 3 submitted by Don Terras) - - - - � .- .. - : �� . . - ^""i='• _ y�.-.;�:�, tor, � `-y--- Hiu Lighthouse Area Committee Next Meeting: wed.. sent. 26. 20071:30 PM Wednesday, May 30, 2007 Attending: Larry Boswell, Pam Elesh, Linda Lutz, Paul D'Agostino, Ann McMann Gene Grabowski, Tracey Norfieet, Liz Tisdahl Tracey Norfleet was observing the meeting as part of an objective of the City of Evanston's strategic plan to review Boards and Commissions Lawson Park Plavaround Paul reported that plans for the playground are finished and the bid opening is June 19`1. Construction will begin in late July 2007 and ,tune 1, 2008 is the technical completion date. Last minute items such as landscaping can be completed next year. The playground did not get the Playschool grant. Funders are looking at a Kellogg grant through the Evanston Community Foundation to perhaps create an endowment that would give some additional funds for construction and some matching funds for an endowment. Paul addressed the Committee's concerns about utilizing green technology in the construction saying it was really too late in the design process to add a green element. . Paul said paths need to be concrete due to maintenance. There is not much area where permeable pavers could be used. Some areas are using granular material. The design will try to be as green as possible as the project progresses. Llahthouse Park District Linda circulated Don's Lighthouse Park District report. The committee discussed the garbage dumpsters and noted that the dumpster situation should be directly reported to Suzette Eggleston, Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation (866-2940). Paul will talk with Streets and Sanitation. . Alderman Tisdahl noted the lease agreement is completed with an extended number of years to the lease. The lease extension will let donors know that the LHPD will be in charge of their current properties and be able to prioritize future plans. Ecoloav Center Linda reported that the community garden program is going well. 8 — 9 gardeners are at the site. The greenhouse breaker cut power to the furnace in December and growing plant material froze. The situation has been fixed. The summer camp EcoExplorer (4"' — 6"' graders) will be at the foghouses. The camp has 32 campers and does adventure trips including overnights. After camp care will be at Lincolnwood School. Evanston Art Center Larry reviewed the new outdoor sculpture installation called Bird's Nest. This is the first Installation to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The sculpture is an internatlonal collaboration with the physical component being done by an American artist and a Finnish artist will be doing the sound component. oil owl - Larry thanked Gene and crew for repairing the basin area and making a clean step up and down. Garden Club of Evanston Pam reported that the butterfly garden has been planted and everything including the clematis looks wonderful. Butterflies are there, toot The wildflower garden is at the end its season. Vicky would like additional gravel where it's worn down (weeds are in the gravel and they don't want to use a weed killer). Pam met representatives from the Garden Conservancy and Audubon Society and walked through the site. The property needs some help perhaps through volunteers and private funding which could potentially make the site look more inviting for the public. Pam would like to start a not -for -profit organization for the site which includes the .fens .Jensen garden restoration and bird sanctuary. The organization could partner with other groups to make this happen. Mr. Steffano, a nationally known gardener says that the site is historically important. He suggested hiring a gardener to weed, water, and plant the property. Pam noted that it is a great space and should look better; facilitating that will require both private and public money. The Committee applauded the formation of a not for profit organization. Pam will continue to gather information. Pam loves the site and believes that what the GCE has done is fabulous: LHPD has done their part. There is a long history of working with the City of Evanston. She added that ideas for funding were given by the Audubon Society and the Garden Conservancy. Pam was pleased to announce that she and her husband are donating money to plant more plants. Barbara Rosborough will be planting this Friday (Paul approved the plant list). The Committee thanked Pam for her commitment! Facilities Manaqement Gene reported that they replaced the doors on the beach house and did some routine maintenance. Gene will check and see what the latest status is on the Coach House. This area is being re -considered for funding and that funding may be in question. Lakefront Planninq The Committee was delighted that the Lighthouse Beach area will be a part of the Lakefront planning process for Evanston. Current funding from an IDOT grant will cover planning as well as bike paths. The City has no funds to contribute at this time. Liz reviewed the City's financial status and noted that the City's finances will look bleak for awhile. A priority is funding the Police/Fire pension fund which has been under funded for 20 years. Approximately $100 million is needed. Ideas for expanding revenues include a possible increase in the real estate transfer tax a $1 for every $1000; a referendum would be required. Although some would suggest increasing fees to developers; the City will may consider a moratorium on building downtown until there is a downtown plan in place. Several TIF districts will come to an end in 2010 and 2011. Dune Stairway Gene will take a look at the top of the stairs that lead down to the dunes at the North foghouse. Erosion is undercutting some stone that could cause a problem. 2 S . 1 • Additionally Ann reported that there is a hole In the fence at the Water Treatment Plant and people come through to the beach. There are some bags of garbage at the end of Lincoln Street. Gene will call Tom Jackson regarding the fence. Lighthouse Task Force Liz will reconvene the Lighthouse Task Force at a point in the future now that the new LHPD lease is in place. Next Meetinci: The next meeting of the Lighthouse Area Committee Is Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center LHPD Submitted by Dan Terras Lighthouse Area Committee May 30. 2007 Lighthouse Park District 1. Lease Agreement The final draft of the proposed lease Agreement between Evanston and the Lighthouse Park District was approved by the Human Services Committee on May 7. The City Council approved the Agreement last night on a consensus vote of 9-0. Final approval by Lighthouse Park District board is forthcoming. This culminates a nearly four year ordeal that began with the formation of the Lighthouse Area Task Force. 2. Ligtttbouse Signage In compliance with one of the provisions of the new lease agreement, the District has installed new signage indicating hours of operation for touring the lighthouse that have been displayed at the two entrances to the site --on the west and north ---and on the front of the building. Other signs have also been installed on condition of the Agreement. 3. Restoration Project The District has completed a maintenance project to restore the two original front doors and trim to the lighthouse keepers' quarters and the interior vestibules. This work was financed through the District's Lighthouse Preservation Fund. 4. Garbage Dumpsters Maintenance of the dumpsters continues to be a problem. After replacement of one dumpster, the other broke down 2-weeks ago and needs to be repaired or replaced. Garbage piles up fast in this area and without the use of both dumpsters trash has a tendency to blow all over the area. 5. Band In the Para: Day The District's annual Band in the Park Day will be held on Sunday, August 19 this year. The Wilmette Band will perform from 4-6 pm. Over the last several years this "low intensity recreational event" draws from about 50-75 people. It has become a favorite with neighborhood locals. 3 Lighthouse Area Committee Next Meeting: Wed March 28,20081:30pm Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Attending: Larry Boswell, Paul D'Agostino, Brain Arbuthnot, Vicky Wagner, Ann McMann, Liz Tisdahl, Karen Taira Garden club of Evanston Ann reported that Rosborugh Partners has been hired to weed. They are searching for a new landscaper for the Jans Jensen Grotto, as Nature's Perspective has not returned calls. Ann reported that the Lighthouse area was quiet this summer, most likely due to the increase in police presence early in the season. She thanked Alderman Tisdahl for her assistance. Ann reported that there is still a hole in the fence at the water treatment plant. Brian said that he or someone from Facilities Management will take a look at it. Facilities Management Brain reported that there is nothing urgent from Facilities Management. Wildflower Garden Vicky reported that the missing stones behind the south foghouse have been replaced. The Chalet Nursery matched the stones and created "the patio" on the west side of the south foghouse. That was an area where it was difficult to get anything to grow, and the patio is a great improvement. Vicky reported that Paul helped relocate the stones that were piled behind the foghouse and had them put in the area south of the Art Center. New pea gravel was added this summer. Vicky reported that new trees were added this year including a Blue Spruce, and Golden Sumac. Vicky also reported that they will be losing the giant Box Elder on the ridge near the north foghouse. Nels Johnson tree service will most likely take it down in October. Paul added that there is definitely no way to save it. Vicky and Karen expressed interest in finding out the age of the tree. Paul said he would try to get Nels Johnson to keep a "slice" of the tree. Karen suggested it be stored at the site with an explanation. Lawson Park Construction Paul reported that Lawson Park is taking shape. There are cut outs along the driveway for additional parking. The current parking along the drive is not legal, as it does not allow two cars to pass safely when cars are parked. The new parking will alleviate that and add a few more spaces. Paul reported that there will also more accessible spots near the shelter. Paul reported that the amenities in the park are scheduled to be in over the next three weeks. There was an unmarked water line that was excavated. The result is a loss of water to the community gardens. It will take 2-3 weeks to regain water. Paul also noted that the Facilities Management department was unable to fix it, as it is too old to find the parts needed. Evanston Art Center Larry reported that the one garbage dumpster that was turned over for repairs appears to be fixed, but is still turned over. Paul will find out and get it corrected. Larry also reported that the 2nd floor fire escape is in need of attention. It looks like it should be replaced. Facilities Management has a work request, and Brian stated that they will update the Art Center this week. Lary also stated that the Art Center staff recently had some problems obtaining permits for the council ring bonfires online. When they attempt to submit, it is returned. Karen stated that the Ecology Center had not had other complaints about the permits but Art Center staff should call the Ecology Center if they have problems in the future and they will assist in the process. Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Tisdahl reported that there is not much new. There is not a lot of the City money for the upkeep of the Art Center building. In the near future, the Police and Fire pension will take a lot of the City's resources, and the school districts take a large portion of property tax money. Ecoloov Center Karen Taira reported that the site was well maintained by all parties this summer. The Ecology Center will continue fall programs, but they will be on a much smaller scale than in the summer. There will be one evening class, four day time classes per week, and six campfires at the council ring. Programming will conclude in early November, when the water is turned off. Next Meetiinq The next meeting of the Lighthouse Area Committee is Wednesday, March 26, 2008. i •.:'^, a;lsra:�wt�. °�'�Ir `c a. Lighthouse Landing Committee Next Meeting: Wed June 11,20081:30pm Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, Larry Boswell, Paul D'Agostino, Brain Arbuthnot, Don Terras, Pam Elesh, Paula Danoff, Ann McMann, , Linda Lutz Garden Club of Evanston Pam discussed the grotto. She contacted Nature's Perspective and gave a $350 deposit for work on the grotto. Nothing has been done. Pam contacted an expert in fountain repair Clauss Brothers. Clauss Brothers is also involved in Noah's Playground. William Smith from Clauss Brothers and Pam did a site visit earlier this month. He believes that the foundation is fixable. He will be getting an estimate to Pam in hopes of completing the work by .tune. It needs to be tuck -pointed and previous material needs to be removed. They will look for leaks. Mr. Smith does not feel that the whole fountain needs to be dismantled. He would take out stone and check for leaks. There is probably a drain at the bottom as that is typical of fountains constructed during that time. Alfred Caldwell was the supervisor of the job at the Art Center. He actively worked with Jens Jensen. Pam showed a book on Alfred Caldwell and read from a pertinent section. Art Center Paula Danoff, Director of Development and Communications at the Art Center, talked about the new outdoor sculpture (by Matt Dehaemers) which will be installed in June. The Art Center is hoping to collect 6,000 messages for the bottles which will be part of the exhibit. Paula passed out pens and film to write messages. The messages should highlight Lake Michigan. This year's sculpture is a unique opportunity for the Art Center to involve people in the community to be a part of this outdoor sculpture. The goal is to raise awareness of the Lake and the Evanston Art Center. The exhibit opens June 1, 2008. The Art Center is planning a big day of activities. Paula has worked with Art Reach contact Steve Frost at District 65 as part of the initiative to collect bottle writings. Linda volunteered to take 100 messages and invited the Art Center to attend the Ecology Center's Earth Day event on April 19. Linda will get the information to Paula. Ecoloav Center Linda noted that the Ecology Center will be using the Lighthouse site for some spring programs starting the last week in April continuing through June. Ecology Center summer camps will hold the EcoExplore program at the site. The 4 week program for 4 — 6'h grades will start June 17 and have 2 sessions. The after camp care program will be held at Lincolnwood School. Linda and Brian will investigate the status of the greenhouse; currently The Talking Farm initiative is interested in starting seedlings in the greenhouse as part of their community demonstration project. The Talking Farm will be gardening in the Twiggs community garden at the Simpson and Bridge streets. Facilities Management Brian discussed the fence opening at the Water Department. Facilities is looking at a permanent option. Facilities has made a temporary repair, they are looking to make a permanent one. Don Terras noted that another issue is a lighting one. Don met with Judy Aiello and Leslie Murphy. They discussed a security issue regarding lighting In the cul de sac; as of now there is no lighting in that area. The lighting is not for the path. Brian will look at this and he'll talk with Don Terras about solutions. Garden Club of Evanston Conservation Ann announced that they will be cleaning and planting the butterfly garden this spring. Noah's Plavaround Paul reported that the target date for finishing Noah's playground is June 1, 2008. The dedication date is still in question. The construction work is due to be finished Jung; 1, 2008. Crews are working on the construction of the walkway to the restrooms. They are on target to start that construction after Labor Day when the beach is closed. Paul noted that some plants will have to be re located. This will be done early during the construction. Pam and Paul will discuss. Several trees will be removed including Box Elder and Ash trees which are in the way of the walkway. Evanston Art Center Larry noted that the Art Center has experienced a rodent problem. They will be placing some rock traps around the outside of the building. Lary has moved the recycling containers over by the garbage area. At the former position at the north side of the Art Center, recycling materials are not being put In the receptacle. Don noted that the garbage area continues to be a problem. The less stuff over there the better. It's hard to keep neat. Winds blow material onto the Lighthouse property. Larry agreed to relocate the recycling back to the north side of the building. Larry will contact Suzette Eggleston for recycling containers as well as the pick up for recycling. Ann added that it would be good to encourage recycling in the parks. Lighthouse Park District Don reported on meeting with Judy Aiello and Leslie Murphy regarding concerns at the Lighthouse Park site. This was a round table discussion. Don thinks things are going well. He is concerned about the security of the site. The Lighthouse made it through the winter without any kind of catastrophe. Don is continuing to work with Paul on the transition from Noah's playground to the other areas of the Lighthouse Park property. The new lease agreement leaves the foghorn signal buildings under the management of the City of Evanston. The City continues to seek funding to refurbish the buildings. Don noted that the grant situation is very competitive and funding is limited. Alderman Tisdahl Liz noted that the City has completed the budget process and things are quite bleak. Information numbers on the Civic Center indicate that refurbishing the building are estimated to be between $30 - $50 million. The Civic Center continues to deteriorate. Next Meetinq June 11 at 1:30 PM 2 Lighthouse Landing Committee Next Meeting: wed. sept.17, 20081:30pm Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, Larry Boswell, Paul D'Agostino, Brain Arbuthnot, Paula Danoff, Linda Lutz Ecatoi3v Center Linda reported that there was some vandalism at the Lighthouse site (sign), as well as the greenhouse (window shot out) and graffito at the Beach house and Art Center. It's a good idea to report incidences. Summer camp will meet during the day and after camp care will be held at Lincolnwood School. The EcoExplorer camp does go away on campouts. The Ecology Center will send Lary a calendar of the summer camp program. Linda told the committee that this meeting is her last one. She's enjoyed her work with the committee and wishes continued success. The responsibilities of the Ecology Center Manager will be divided up among different staff members starting July 1. Liz and the committee agreed that's it's important to continue to have a representative from the Ecology Center on the Committee. Noah's Playground Paul reported that Noah's Playground will be dedicated on July 20 at 3 PM. The public is invited. ParkstForestry The City will be replacing the walkways along Sheridan road; this work will be done in July. ft Paul reported that tree removal was done at the Lighthouse property. The potholes In the entrance drive will be fixed. Paul met with Pam and Jim Elesh. who will be donating the cost of restoring the grotto which will be done by Ctauss Brothers. The work should be done in July. Many thanks to the Elesh's for restoring this landmark. Facilities Brian reported that they had fixed the holes in the fence with hole and it should be secure. Facilities has reworked some lighting and reset eyes so the parking lot Is more illuminated consequently light should be better inthe area that has been pretty dark. Art Center Larry asked whether there was a bike rack near the parking lot and Paul will check and see what is available. Paula reported that the first Cinema under the stars is in July. The movies are being advertised through e-blasts as well as hanging banners out front. The Art Center Is also sending flyers home with art campers. Paula will e-mail the schedule. The annual meeting for the Art Center Is Thursday June 12 and Is open to the public. tt', -'F'"''4 The outdoor sculpture dedication went well. The sculpture is lighted at night and takes on a whole different experience. The Art Center is experiencing a significant amount of vandalism as well as other parts of the site. Reporting incidences is the first step In working on the issue. Citr status Liz reported that the he City is continuing to work on the very real issues of finance, staffing, and public works. Next meetint_September 17 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Lighthouse Park District Report to Lighthouse Area Committee (In Absentia) .tune 11, 2008 Administrative I was elected president of the American Lighthouse Coordinating Committee at the National Maritime Heritage Conference in San Diego. The American Lighthouse Coordinating Committee (ALCC) is a consortium of organizations and indi% iduals from North America and overseas dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of American lighthouses. The ALCC is one of the hinge pins in the U.S. national maritime heritage community. This position is for a 3-year term of office. Exterior Cap1W Improvements The District has replaced our old sign on the front lawn of the lighthouse with a new one and has contracted with Hanson Roofing to replace the passageway roof as part of a phased project that will replace other portions of the roof on the keeper's quarters. Vandalism In what we hope will be the only act of %andalism to report this year, we had a front sign ripped off the Sheridan Road fence. Tours We opened the lighthouse for specially arranged touts in mid -May and are now open for weekend tours as well through September. Interested parties can find out all of the information on line at %%nvw.erossenointliehthouse.net Respectfully submitted, Don Tetras, Director Lighthouse Park District Grosse Point Lighthouse National Landmark Lighthouse Landing Committee Next Meeting: Wed. March 18, 20091:30pm Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Attending: Larry Boswell, Brain Arbuthnot, Paula Danoff, Karen Taira Ec_ oiaav Center Karen reported that the Ecology Center's EcoExplorer summer camp dug up and cleaned out the fire circle. The campers and staff reset all the bricks in the area. Karen also reported that fall classes will continue at the site weekly until mid November. Karen announced the Green Living Festival on October 4, 2009 9am4pm. The event is free and will feature 50 "green" vendors from the area as well as demonstrations on how to lesson your impact on the Earth. Facilities Brian reported that they are continuing with work on the beach entrance. lift station, and creation of a fully accessible ramp. The bathrooms will also be updated. He also reported that they will soon begin their rounds to check the boiler and will be checking the electricity for the pond by the grotto. Art Center Lary reported that they are receiving complaints about lighting in the area between the door and the parking lot. Regarding the coach house, they are $100,00.00 short of what Is required to fix it. There is no decision for any action at this time. Paula reported that the "Heating Up' exhibit is beginning soon. The Art Center partnered with the Youth Job Center for the project. Karen will have the information available at the information table at the Green Living Festival. The Winter expo will be November 21"to December 13'". Next meeting March 18, 2009 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center.