Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2000Ladd Arboretum Committee Board Meeting December 4, 2000 Board Members Present: Board Members Absent Staff Members Present: Marti Bjornson Irene Gregory Gordon Guth Rick Diamon, EEA Myra Janus Charles Smith Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Coordinator Board vacancy Currently 2 vacancies are open on the Ladd Arboretum Committee. Board member responsibilities include the EEA which raises funds for the Ecology Center and Ladd Arboretum. The vacancies may be filled at any time depending on the lists presented to the Mayor for approval from City Council. Lighthouse Park District The legal department for the City of Evanston has not reached any conclusions regarding the authority of the Lighthouse Park District to determine how the north foghouse should be used for programming. Community Gardening Evaluations of the garden sites were completed. Ms. Gregory questioned the build up of concrete blocks and grading that occurred in the fall near the south west border of the community gardens. The Board requested that Ms. Lutz contact David Jennings, Public Works Director, for an explanation. Gardeners are concerned that non -gardeners can climb over the blocks into the gardens, as well as the pooling of water that may be a result of the concrete block configuration. Ms. Gregory also wanted to know what are the US EPA guidelines regarding manure at the community garden site. Currently it has been explained that the operation of the City of Evanston compost site has regulations that do not allow manure within a certain distance of the site. The community gardens at James Park as adjacent to the site. Mr. Jennings will be contacted to determine the answers to the questions raised by Ms. Gregory. The Board suggested that Mr. Jennings could be invited to attend the meeting in person if that was preferable. Next Meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, January 8, 2001 at 7:00 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ladd Arboretum Committee Board Meeting November 6, 2000 Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Staff Members Present: Marti Bjornson Rick Diamon, EEA Gordon Guth Myra Janus Charles Smith Irene Gregory Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Coordinator Board vacancy We have been unable to contact Board Member Matt Frazel. In checking with the city manager's office, they too have not been able to contact Mr. Frazel. Records indicate that Mr. Frazel's term expired in May 2000 so he is officially off the Board. Lighthouse Park District The current lease for the lighthouse Park District was drawn up in 1937 and is still current. There is still no opinion from the city's legal department on the issue of the foghouses. Community Gardening Evaluations will be done in early November. Office Furniture Donation The Ecology Center received a donation of office furniture from Dorenfest Inc. in Chicago. Cost of moving was approximately S2500 and the furniture was used to set up the Ecology Center offices. The classroom and animals were moved into the former office. Fall Flower Sale The Fall Flower Sale grossed 54,000 for the Ecology Center. Next Meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, December 4, 2000 at 7:00 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator Ladd Arboretum Committee Board Meeting Monday, October 2, 2000 Board Members Present: Board Members Absent Staff Members Present: Marti Bjornson Rick Diamon, EEA Irene Gregory Myra Janus Charles Smith Gordon Guth Matt Frazel Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Coordinator David Jennings, Director of Public Works Sat Nagar, Engineering McCormick Boulevard Mr. Nagar explained that the City of Evanston has gone to the Sate and Federal governments regarding the condition of McCormick Boulevard; the street is failing apart and needs to be repaired. The Federal agencies agreed that the street is falling apart and approved money to go ahead and initiate plans. Mr. Nagar noted that the Department has been working for 6 — S months on developing a pre -concept plan in order to provide ideas that can be given to an engineering consultant to develop a concept plan which would include a cost estimate. Phase I represents the concept, phase 2 is construction plans with the construction scheduled to start in 2003. Basically the drainage system is failing, water fills in the 2 outer lanes and has no place to go. Mr. Jennings explained that McCormick Boulevard has substandard lane widths and clear zones (areas with no trees and streetlights). In Skokie the width of McCormick Boulevard is 12 feet. Asphalt depth is 10 inches. McCormick is an arterial street. The options for improvements include 2, 3, or 4 lanes. Daily car travel is 14,000. Flooding is a storm sewer problem as well a street problem. Standing water seeps into the street construction and destroys the street base. Mr. Jennings explained that as a condition of funding the road improvements the process will convert McCormick from a state street to local jurisdiction meaning that the current section of the Boulevard will become City of Evanston's responsibility. The State will pay to construct the boulevard up to the required standards. Currently there are 4, ten -foot lanes with 1-Y2 feet on each side for a total of 43 feet. The street needs to be widened to 47 feet, which is the absolute minimum. The standard clear zone is 5 feet, in addition to the federal guidelines of 56 -- 57 feet means a fib -foot highway %vidth. The state will waive 2 feet of the clear zone if City of Evanston designs a 3 55 clear zone. A 31/2 foot dear zone will minimize curb cuts and tree root dame. Lanes are proposed at 11 feet to meet minimum standards with 1',_ feet for curbing. Evanston %would design a 47 foot street with 7 feet of clearance, which officials believe would be approved. Some places may require a turn lane. As part of the proposed project the Grant Street extension at the Green Bay end of the arboretum would be permanently closed. A temporary traffic signal has been installed at McCormick with a permanent signal installed in 2003. The Board thanked Mr. Jennings for this improvement. Cross walk lights are set so pedestrians have 24 seconds to cross the road. Regarding the issue of speeding on McCormick, Mr. Jennings explained that there was no know calming device to slow down traffic outside of adding enforcement from police. The proposed project is a S3.1 million dollar project. If the City of Evanston does not use the federal money. City of Evanston funds would need to be used for the required improvements. Under the proposed funding 80% of the cost uses federal money and 20% state funding. Right of way is considered 30 feet from the centerline and may vary from 60 to 140 feet. A formal survey will help determine the extent of the area involved. The Board discussed the roadside trees that would be affected in the road improvements. Issues included: • Burying the utility lines (Ameritech, AT&T, ComEd) • Looking at both sides of McCormick Boulevard as potential arboretum • Trees would have to be removed or relocated • Older Elm tree roots may suffer stress • Tree replacement is a 3 to 1 ratio • Trees less than 5 inches were not counted in the proposed number of trees affected • Road alignment may change to accommodate roadside tree areas + The LAC would like input on the tree replacement, location, and species to ensure consistency with the Arboretum's mission • Road construction plans could be incorporated with the future strategic planning process the LAC plans for the Arboretum • Eggleston Paris area could become a garden area, visually extending the Arboretum • Bike lanes: could they be incorporated? Mr. Jennings and Mr. Nagar discussed a number of options with the Board. The Board expressed that the street construction provides an opportunity to make this section of McCormick Boulevard better. The LAC would like to be part of the design process and thanked Mr. Jennings and Mr. Nagar for the open, informative discussion. The Board encouraged Mr. Jennings to hire a consultant who would hold several public discussions, similar to the one this evening, and gather ideas from the public. These ideas and the construction requirements can then be combined to form the concept plan. Fall Flower Sale The annual sale is set for October 14 and 15u. This will be chairman, Charlotte Omohundro's last sale, as she will be moving to Michigan in December 2000. Lighthouse Park District No news from the legal department on the issues regarding the foghouses. City of Evanston lawyer, Ellen Szymanski, is researching the issue. Community Gardening Paul D'Agostino will monitor the situation and report back on the situation with the compost area next to the community gardens. Keep Evanston Beautiful The KEB organization will be moving to the Ecology Center. They have to move out of their Civic Center office, as the space is needed for other staff. The move should take place after the flower sale. Board Vacancy The LAC has a least one open position. In order to effectively complete the responsibilities of the Board it is important to have all positions filled. Next Meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, November 6, 2000 at 7:00 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator x Ladd Arboretum Committee Board Meeting Thursday, September 14, 2000 Board Members Present: Irene Gregory Gordon Guth Myra Janus Charles Smith Board Members Absent Marti Bjomson Matt Frazel City Budget Process Ms. Lutz reviewed with the Board the City's budget process. A basic budget will be submitted to the Parks/Forestry and Recreation Department. The Ecology Center, as other divisions, will not be adding new programs or personnel. Summer camps and seasonal counselors will be addressed by evaluating which camp programs were successful, where we need more staff or program supplies. and which camps will be redesigned. No major changes will be made to the Ecology Center operation budget. The Department budget is due September 30, 2000. Lighthouse Park District The legal department is evaluating the issue of the north foghouse at the lighthouse -landing site. The Ecology Center has operated both the north and south foghouses for over 26 years. The Lighthouse Park District is applying for a grant that will include restoration work on the north foghouse. Lighthouse Park District staff indicated that after the renovation work the Ecology Center's use of the site would have to be re-evaluated. Major revenue implications may come into effect if summer camp programming can not continue at the site. Community Gardening The James Park community garden will have a workday in the fall where the garden paths will be re-established. Gardeners in June indicated that the fall would be the best time for this work. James Park gardeners continue to be concerned over the work at the compost site, which involves cement blocks that area adjacent to the southwest section of the garden fence. It is conceivable that intruders could stand on the blocks, and go over the fence. The other gardens are continuing harvest season activities. k Summer Camp Review Summer camp enrollment and revenues were down. Wildflower afternoon session was cancelled, and Ecoquest enrollment was low. Kinglet did very well as did the end of summer camp, Terminal Buds. Staff will review and evaluate for improvement in the summer 2001 season. Revenues were down $15,000. Expenses were also down, but not in proportion to the revenue loss. Fall Flower Sale Charlotte Omohundro who has chaired the Fall Flower sale for 20 years will be moving at the end of the year. This years sale will be October 14 and 15tn at the Ecology Center. Volunteers are needed for all aspects for the event. The sale generates about $4,500 combined with sales at the Farmers Market. Board Vacancy The LAC is down one position. It is critical during this time when the Board has - many responsibilities, including fundraising, that the Board be at full strength. Next Meeting The next meeting of the EEA will be Monday, October 2, 2000 at 7:00 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator Draft -not anaroved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, August 21, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Marti Bjomson Irene Gregory Myra Janus Board Members Absent: Matt Frazel Gordon Guth Charles Smith Staff Members Present: Linda Lutz A quorum was not present. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Thursday, September 14, 2000, at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator Draft -not aoproved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, July 10, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Marti Bjornson Irene Gregory Myra Janus Charles Smith Board Members Absent: Matt Frazel Gordon Guth Staff Members Present Linda Lutz Ecology Center Renovation Bids for the Ecology Center renovation were opened July 6t'. There were three bids: Company Base Bid Cost/square foot G. A. Johnson and Son $897,580 $355 Rudnick & Company $984,900 S390 Continental Construction $712,000 S282 All bids were rejected. Construction costs are high now. Muller and Muller will investigate to find out why costs are so high. The EEA was expecting that the cost of the project would be approximately $400,000. The EEA will research why the estimated costs are so high. The project will be re -bid in September. Sets of plans may be given to some contractors to get an idea of their estimated cost of the project. Lighthouse Park District Foghouse Issue Ms. Lutz reported that there has been no change in the investigation regarding the "ownership" of the foghouses. A legal opinion will be issued after a survey of the property is completed. Community Gardening Program Update Ms. Lutz reported on a meeting with the James Park gardeners on June 21`t Gardeners were concerned about the water line and lack of pressure (this is a result of the James Paris renovation and compliance with existing codes. Problems do exist and the Parks/Forestry Division is looking into the water situation) M Gardeners were also concerned about the status of the paths within the garden. It was agreed that the paths would be re -aligned in the fall. Ms. Lutz noted that a volunteer would site the paths, which should be 4 feet wide. Staking will be done and gardeners can adjust their adjacent gardens to fit within the nera pathway system. Realigned paths should promote a 'neater' look to the whole garden. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District The MWRD has given their approval to the Ecology Center construction project. Approval from the MWRD is required, as the MWRD is the legal landowner. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, August 21, 2000, at 7-00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator r3e Draft -not aanroved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, June 19, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Marti Bjornson Irene Gregory Gordon Guth Myra Janus Charles Smith Board Members Absent: Matt Frazel Staff Members Present: Linda Lutz 4th of July The Board discussed the 4th of July Association's plan for the Independence Knoll section of the Ladd Arboretum. Several issues regarding proposed stairway entrance to the Knoll were discussed. General opinion was that bushes should be planted at the north end of the Knoll, the stairway should be moved to the south side of the Knoll. Proposed concrete was problematic. Generally the Board discussed the importance of a master plant and right now the Board is does not want to do anything permanent that could be irreversible_ Ms. Lutz will write a letter to the 4th of July Association encouraging them to keep the LAC informed of their planning. The LAC will keep the 4" of July Association appraised of the progress of the strategic plan for the Arboretum. The Board discussed taking a trip to the Morton Arboretum perhaps in early October. In relation to the strategic plan for the Arboretum, the Board could observe plant communities constructed as habitats and tree communities. The Board noted that with proper planning the Ladd Arboretum could have second story plantings such as Red Bud or Sweet Bay Magnolia's. Summer Camps Summer camps are all in session. Enrollment is down and average of 15%. Possible reasons include campsite location changes, District #65 summer school, competition from other Recreation/Arts camps, etc. As a result summer camp revenues will be down. 1�c Gathering The Board discussed having social activities with hoard members and their families. The date of July 16'h or 3e was suggested. The Board will decide at the JOi meeting. The Board suggested inviting Mr. D'Agostino also. Lighthouse Complex Ms. Lutz reported that there is no report from the Legal Department regarding the foghouses. The Board discussed the possibility of writing grants for improvement of the site. Areas such as the beach and council ring, as well as the buildings could be improved and capital improvements made. Tree Issues Several Board members expressed interest in the Tree Keepers program. The Board agreed that public information on the long-range tree -planting program is a good idea. Eggleston Park Meeting Ms. Bjornson reviewed the meeting held at the Ecology Center with a group of gardeners and neighbors that use the Eggleston Park area that is proposed as a nursery for the Parks/Forestry Division. Ms. Bjornson noted that gardeners did not have an objection to paying for use of the gardening space if the City provided water. Most attendees were opposed to the nursery concept because a nursery would infringe on their use of the area. Several other areas were discussed as possible sites including the former Permalawn area. Rotary Grant The Rotary Club of Evanston has given the EEA $1500 to be used to develop an exhibit on the Friendship Garden area of the Arboretum. The Board noted that this could be part of an exhibit that ties in many aspects of the Ladd Arboretum. Joint Meeting with the Environment Board The Board cancelled the joint meeting with the Environment Board for July 251h as few Environment Board members could make the meeting. The Board like the parkway tree replacement idea where people would donate money for a parkway tree. A pre -approved list of trees and City approved contractors could facilitate the quick replacement of parkway trees. Wood Chip Pile The Board agreed that the current wood chip pile in the Arboretum parking lot looks terrible. It does not provide a good entrance to the Arboretum. Currently dumping of garbage is a problem in the wood chip area. it 7 May Meeting Minutes Mr. Guth moved, seconded by Ms. Gregory to approve the minutes of the May 15, 2000. The Board approved the motion. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, July 10, 2000, at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator �Jc Draft -not approved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, May 15, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Matt Frazel Irene Gregory Gordon Guth Myra Janus Charles Smith Board Members Absent: Marti Bjornson Others Present Evanston Environment Board Members Gwen Burton Poole David Schreier Staff Members Present: Linda Lutz Tree Concerns Gwen Burton Poole and David Schreier discussed with the Board some issues that the Environment Board has concerning trees. Ms. Poole and Mr. Schreier reviewed the tree maintenance, removal, and replacement done by the Parks/Forestry division. Currently only 200 —250 parkway trees are replaced every year. If disease or storm damage is high as many as 500 — 800 trees may be removed or die off. The Environment Board would like to kelp the City Increase the number of parkway trees planted each year and are interested in partnering with a group such as the EEA that could take in private funds. Homeowner, instead of waiting up to 6 years for replacement of their parkway tree could pay a donation covering the cost of a tree and planting. The goal would be to have a new tree in place approximately a month after the donation. Other issues the Environment Board is interested in discussing include investigating the possibility of the City creating a "tree commission.' After lengthy discussion the LAC suggested that the LAC and Environment Board meet at the Ecology Center on Sunday, June 25 at 4:00 PM to view the Arboretum, discuss tree issues, and decide if there is common ground relating to researching tree issues further. x April Meeting Minutes Mr. Guth moved. seconded by Ms. Gregory to approve the minutes of the A rill 10. 2000. The Board approved the motion. Meeting Change Ms. Gregory requested a temporary change in meeting date. For June the Board will meet on the 3" Monday of the month, which is Monday, June 19'", Ladd Arboretum Master Plan The Fourth of July Association needs a letter regarding their appearance an the Arboretum Committee and the initiation of a master plan. Ms. Lutz will send David Jennings. Director of Public Works. a copy of the April minutes. The Board discussed whether the power lines along McCormick Boulevard could be buried as part of the project. The Board would like a diagram of the entire Ladd Arboretum. Future mornies will need to be allocated for the master plan project. In the future the Board will have a meeting dedicated to the Arboretum master plan. Lighthouse Park District Ms. Lutz reviewed a development plan of the Lighthouse park district to day some construction work on the north foghouse. Don Terras, the current superintendent of the Lighthouse Park District has written a grant to do sorne restoration wrork on the Lighthouse and included approximately 540,000 for the north foghouse,. Mr. Terras would like to use the north foghouse to house larger groups of tourists that come to see the lighthouse. Neither the Board nor the Ecology Center staff was involved in the grant writing or concept development.. Considerations for the LAC to discuss include whether the facility would WIl be available for the Ecology Center's use year round. Currentty the 10-week summer camp program brings in considerable revenue for the Center. Other issues would be the legal requirements. who has jurisdiction. lack of access to the light tower, etc. The Ecology Center has maintained the north foghoLse since 1974. The Lighthouse Park District has an annual budget of S43.000 raised through taxes. Mr. Guth agreed to be the Board's representative on the issue. The Board agreed that it should be consulted when the facilities under its jurisdiction are under consideration for an alternative use. Eggleston Park Gardens The Ecology Center will host a public meeting on Tuesday. May le. to discuss the Parks/Forestry Division's plan to develop a tree nursery along McCorm ik Boulevard. The Board suggested investigating the Permalawn site. r Summer Camps Low enrollment for EcoQuest may be a revenue issue for the Ecology Center. Summer camps are the most productive source of program income. Expenses will be controlled but will not make up for tha kawer enroltment. Community gardens Ms. Gregory reported that the perennial sale is James Parts raised 5200. Additional funds may come in if remaining plants were sold at the Garden Fair. Three people have signed up for soil testing. Ms. Gregory is distributing brochures in various locations. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, June 19, 2000, at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator x Draft -not aooroved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, April 3, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present Marti Bjornson Irene Gregory Gordon Guth ; Myra Janus Board Members Absent Matt Frazel Charles Smith Staff Members Present.: Linda Lutz Meeting Change Ms. Gregory requested a temporary change in meeting date. For May the Board will meet on the 3b Monday of the month which is Monday, May 151'. Ladd Arboretum Master Plan The Board discussed 3 issues relating to the Arboretum Master Plan. The proposed timeline, letter to the Fourth of July Association, and the McCormick Boulevard work. The Board suggested that the end date of the construction for the Ecology Center renovation should be the deadline date to begin implementation of the Ladd Arboretum Master Plan. Ms. Lutz will check with the Parks Division regarding the work that Lincolnwood garden club has done and whether it will be completed. The Fourth of July Association needs a letter regarding their appearance at the Arboretum Committee and the initiation of a master plan. McCormick Boulevard is slated for widening in the year 2003. David Jennings, Public Works Director, will be coming to talk with the Board about the details of the plan. The Board raised several issues here including: A traffic light at the comer of Bridge and McCormick The closing of Grant street at the east end of the Arboretum Dragging along McCormick Boulevard Partnership with the Evanston Police In discussing the 4'r' of July Association's plant suggestions were: FA Rotate the plan 90 degrees having the grand entrance on the south side The purpose of the master plan is that no individual component can make a decision about what to do within this area The proposed flagpole could be hinged in the other direction which would not interfere with the aesthetics of the Friendship Garden area of the Arboretum. • Community Garden Program Discussion on the Community Garden program included a 4-foot wide designation for garden paths and water situation at James Park. Summer Camps Ecoquest day camp will be held at Willard School due to summer school at Lincolnwood. Lighthouse Park District The Lighthouse Park District has submitted a grant that includes work on the north foghouse currently utilized by the Ecology Center. The north foghouse would be redone to be a gathering place for large groups to see a film on the lighthouse in lieu of going in the actual lighthouse facility. The Ecology Center would not be able to hold summer camps at the site in the north foghouse. This plan was developed by the LHPD. Ms. Lutz will investigate with the City of Evanston regarding jurisdiction of the foghouses. For 25 years the Ecology Center has maintained the foghouses. March Minutes Mr. Guth moved, seconded by Ms. Gregory to accept the minutes of the March 2000 meeting. The Board approved the motion with the correction that the April meeting was April 10"', not April 3d. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, April 3, 2000. at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator x: Draft -not aooroved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, March 6, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Marti Bjornson s Matt Frazel Irene Gregory Gordon Guth Myra Janus Board Members Absent: Charles Smith Staff Members Present: Linda Lutz February Meeting Minutes The Board approved the minutes of the February 7, 2000 meeting. Bill for administration of the EEA 1999-200O The Board reviewed the prepared bill, which delineates the costs for administering the Evanston Environmental Association. The Ecology Center staff administers the EEA membership files, mailings, newsletters, and assorted responsibilities of organizational management. The bill for expenses for the 1999-2000 fiscal year is presented at $23,265.52. The Board forwarded the bill to the EEA. Payment is generally made in March for the previous year, the payment is credited to the Ecology Center at the end of the fiscal year (in this case March 2000). Community Garden Program Discussion on the Community Garden program included issues that will be addressed at the March 13"' general gardeners meeting. Issues included: • Size of plots: plots are not equal in square feet • Path width; needs to be 48 inches • Garden representatives and the collective council • Number of plots gardeners can rent • Opening the garden program to new gardeners Ladd Arboretum Master Plan The Ladd Arboretum master plan discussion was held over for another Board meeting. The Board agreed that several -issues needed to be addressed: • A response to the Fourth of July Association regarding their plan for Independence Knoll situated in the Ladd Arboretum (a presentation was made to the Board late last year). • How should we proceed on the master plan • Upcoming issue of the proposed 2003 plan for McCormick Boulevard Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, April 3, 2000, at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator X Draft -not annroved. Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, February 7, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Marti Bjomson Irene Gregory Gordon Guth Myra Janus Board Members Absent: Matt Frazel Charles Smith Others Present: Erin Randall, League of Women Voters observer Staff Members Present: Linda Lutz January Meeting Minutes Mr. Guth moved, seconded by Ms. Gregory to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2000 meeting. The Board approved the motion. Ladd Arboretum Web Site Work continues on the web site. Mr. Lomax sent an information sheet to the Board regarding the site and its contents. The four -page document was distributed at the meeting for the Board to make comments. Comments will be reviewed at the March meeting. The web site can be viewed at: users.aol.com/evanecoctr. Community Garden Program The City has requested that the Ecology Center hold all garden contracts until after a decision has been made on the Levy Center location as well as the Indoor Sports center. Currently both locations may be located at the site of the James Park Community gardens. The contracts will go out on February 11t'. Egelston Park, on McCormick Boulevard, has garden plots that are gardened privately, although the land belongs to the City of Evanston. There are approximately 20 —30 gardeners at this location who are not in the community garden program. The Parks/Forestry Division would like to use the property as a nursery for trees. After some discussion the LAC thought it would be wise to hold a meeting with the gardeners and discuss the nursery. If we work quickly gardeners could be accommodated in the Community Garden program this spring. The Ecology Center will continue to administer the community garden program. At this point there is no plan to hire a garden coordinator. Most recently the secretary position for the Ecology Center acted as the garden coordinator. This secretary position has been filled on a part time basis without the garden coordinator field responsibilities. As this is a transition, the Ecology Center is open to looking at the administration of the gardens in a different capacity. A meeting with garden representatives and interested gardeners will be held an Monday, March 13"'. 2000 at 7:00 PM to discuss several issues including: should gardeners be allowed 2 plots, should garden fees reflect actual square feet of gardening space, ideas for garden improvements (McCormick and Lighthouse gardens have had no improvements over the last few years), garbage and manure availability. Current Bill for EEA administration for 1999-2000 Ms. Lutz will prepare a bill for the EEA for the administration of the EEA organization for the year 1999-2000. Ladd Arboretum Master Plan The Ladd Arboretum master plan discussion was held over for another Board meeting. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, March 6, 2000, at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator PV Draft -not approved Ladd Arboretum Committee Monday, January 10, 2000 7:00 PM Board Members Present: Marti Bjornson Gordon Guth Myra Janus Board Members Absent: Matt Frazel Irene Gregory Charles Smith Others Present: Barry Greenberg Staff Members Present: Linda Lutz Ladd Arboretum Barry Greenberg addressed the Committee. He is a long time and frequent walker in the Arboretum and enjoys the Arboretum. Mr. Greenberg picks up scraps of paper in the Arboretum on his walks. He noted that the MWRD is supposed to send a person to clean up the banks and he does not think this happens. Mr. Greenberg has identified 5 areas of the Arboretum that seem to have a higher concentration of litter. He has noticed that the current work in the deep tunnel area on Green Bay has lots of wind blown litter, as does the wind generator and lawn by the Ecology Center. The parking lot at Bridge and McCormick is not cleaned up according to Mr. Greenberg and the area by Emerson has a lot of wind blown litter. Mr. Greenberg suggested having the City employ a person with a stick and nail to clean up the litter. He also suggested talking with Kingsley and Haven schools about treating the Arboretum as a "living room" not a place for litter. Mr. Greenberg said that he thinks the Arboretum is an important resource for the community and he would like to see the level of litter reduced. He also suggested that the City take a look at the signage by the compost pile area in an effort to reduce dumping in the area. Ms. Lutz said she would have someone do litter pick up two days a month to work on the problem. PV Ecology Center Budget Ms. Lutz reported that the City of Evanston budget process is again very tight this year. The Ecology Center is on a list of services not generally offered by municipalities that the Council will review during the budget process. The Council conducts budget hearings in January along with a public meeting on the budget. As of now there are no indications that the Ecology Center will have additional budget cuts beyond those proposed in the budget development process. Ladd Arboretum Web Site Work continues on the web site. Additional information on the Ecology Center has been inputted. The web site can be viewed at: users. aol.comlevanecoctr. Community Garden Program Ms. Lutz informed the Board that the Douglas Hoerr landscaping firm would like to have a demonstration area at James Park. Here they would try out various color and species combinations (test plots). The Board agreed that this would be a very positive addition to the Garden and clean up some of the front entrance. Garden contracts will be going out in January. There was discussion about the garden plots along McCormick on the MWRD leased property that are not part of the garden program. The City would like to use the land as a nursery for plants coming in that will later be transferred to City parks. The current gardeners could be relocated to the community garden program. In the past this garden program has paid $25 each to a house owner adjacent to the gardens for water. The house was recently sold and the new owner is not interested in this arrangement. This past summer gardeners had to haul their own water to the plots. Suggestions by the Board included: • Have the LAC write a letter to the gardeners • Hold a meeting at the Ecology Center with the gardeners • LAC could chair the meeting • Meeting goal: to seek cooperation in the proposed relocation or Camp Registration A new registration system will be installed in January. Cano registration for the Ecology Center camps ►vill again be part of the Recreation Division registration. Details have been discussed with Camp Echo to ensure that the session we send to Camp Echo will be profitable. Next meeting The next meeting of the LAC will be Monday, February 7, 2000, at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lutz Ecology Center Coordinator