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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2001-2005Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes March 21, 2001 Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 13, 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Members Present: Paul D'Agostino Steve Engleman Peter Gordon Gene Grabowski Linda Lutz Max Rubin Don Terras Lighthouse Park District Don submitted a report, which is attached to these minutes. The Lighthouse Park District has received a grant for rehabilitation of the fog horn houses. It is the intention of the Lighthouse Park District to use the north fog house as a maritime visitor center. The District has a grant pending for a new video of the history of the lighthouse. At some point the boards of both the Lighthouse Park District and the Ladd Arboretum Committee will need to sit down and discuss the foghouse and its use. Don is looking forward to having the foghouse used as was intended. The garbage area by the garage was bad over the winter. Snow piles are an obstacle as trash is plowed in front of receptacles. The Lighthouse has trouble recruiting volunteers to do tours. The publicity on the site has been overwhelming with lots of requests for use. Ecology Center Linda reported that activity in the greenhouse is geared toward the annual spring plant sale. The summer camp program in the foghouses this summer is primarily the several session of Kinglet (camp for 5 year olds) and EcoExplore (for 4u , 5u' and 6"' graders). The time frame work for the Lighthouse renovation may create some timing issues, which will have to be worked. through. Summer camp locations are tight for the Ecology Center camps as well as other recreation camps. Most school sites are taken. Spring programming at the site will consist of an after school program and campfires that use the campfire circle. The Ecology Center is slated to be under construction beginning in spring or early summer. Programming will have to be moved off site to places such as Lovelace Park and perhaps the foghouses depending on renovation work. Peter Gordon Peter noted that the Art Center is close to getting an estimate on coach house. They will have drawings and now need to get estimates on the drawings. The Art Center's philosophy is to have the Center to the renovations and then negotiate with the City regarding the lease of the building. Peter and Gene will walk around the building and update the list of what the Art Center needs. Max will evaluate what can be done by his department this year. The Art Center has been busy over the winter dealing with snow and snow damage. The masonry joints have suffered. Peter will meet with Paul regarding the outdoor sculpture and its removal. The rammed earth has an acrylic binder that may be problematic. The new sculpture will be in place and may use shards from the current piece. The new piece is a group of 25 figures (clay) that will be staked into the ground. The general effect will be a life size figurative piece. The area will have to be marked off for water and sewer lines. Paul D'Agostino Paul noted that the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society was requesting a one -day event at the Lighthouse site. The police Chief and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are interested in the program, which would consist of a one -day antennae placement. Don Terras has said no this year due to construction. Dates requested were August 4 h — 5"' or August 18"'. They were requesting to set up a temporary station with active ham radio operators. Don will put this before his Board at their April meeting. General For next the meeting: • Paul will report on the repairs done on the fountain, pond and grotto. About $6,000 of the $24,000 left by Fred Yoder has been used. The committee agreed that funds should be used for some type of recognition plaque for Fred Yoder. Perhaps laser cutting into the rock. Washrooms will be open by mid -May depending on the weather. Washrooms are cleaned 2 — 4 times a day on weekends and twice on weekdays. • The Art Center will be going to the Human Services Committee when they have estimates for the Coach House. • Lighthouse Board Park District Commissioners are: Dan Wefler Mike Wagner Craig Fochler Jeremy Wilson John Wertheimer Beth Schraeder Evelyn ? Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, June 13t', 2001 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes March 20, 2002 Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 12, 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Members Present: Brook Pam Elesh Steve Engleman Peter Gordon Gene Grabowski Linda Lutz Mary Ann Pollard Don Terras Lighthouse Park District The LHPD will be working on an IL Historic Preservation Agency grant with the work needing to be completed by July 315% they received an extension. Work has started again restoring wooden windows in the tower. Screens will be put in the 3 tower windows. Don discussed the 'water and sewer" barricade on the parkway. It has been there 8 months. Most likely the basin is being repaired. Gene will check on this Ecology Center Linda reported that construction is progressing on the Ecology Center. Summer plans include camps at the foghouses. Registration Is going well. Linda work with parking systems to get permits for camp staff so they can park on the street and not in the parking lot. Activity continues in the green house. Spring plant sales will go to the building fund. The Ecology Center will work with the Fire Department to begin scheduling the fire ring. Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes March 20, 2002 Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 12, 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Members Present: Brook Pam Elesh Steve Engleman Peter Gordon Gene Grabowski Linda Lutz Mary Ann Pollard Don Terras Lighthouse Park District The LHPD will be working on an IL Historic Preservation Agency grant with the work needing to be completed by July 3151; they received an extension. Work has started again restoring wooden windows in the tower. Screens will be put in the 3 tower windows. Don discussed the 'water and sewer" barricade on the parkway. It has been there 8 months. Most likely the basin is being repaired. Gene will check on this Ecology Center Linda reported that construction is progressing on the Ecology Center. Summer plans include camps at the foghouses. Registration is going well. Linda work with parking systems to get permits for camp staff so they can park on the street and not in the parking lot. Activity continues in the green house. Spring plant sales will go to the building fund. The Ecology Center will work with the Fire Department to begin scheduling the fire ring. Art Center Peter thanked Gene for taking finial down and capping. The bathroom vent is in the finial and would be costly to repair. Perhaps the back finial could be put on the front; or one could be used from the coach house. Peter reported that the Art Center would not go ahead with renovating the coach house. The stonework at the curb was done: it may need a repair job after winter. Gene will check. The new sculpture will be a reworked version of the current piece. Most likely the piece will change over a 6-week period. Peter will discuss with Paul. The pond continues to leak. It was refilled last summer and fall. The lining is lower, current thinking is that the water line behind the pond is the problem. It would cost an estimated $20,000 to totally rework the pond which is a Jens Jensen design. 56,000 of Fred Yoder's money was used for the pond. The rest would be available for landscaping. We will wait and see what will happen to the coach house and renovation. Parking continues to be a problem at the Art Center. Some cars arrive at 8:30 Am and are there all day. Perhaps a time limit could be imposed or something could be worked out with parking systems. A suggestion was made that the Art Center observe regularly and get the license plate numbers so perhaps the problem can be solved with a simple phone call. Pam Elesh]Art Center & Garden Club of Evanston On April 20"' there will be a big cleanup at the site from the beach wall to the wildflower garden including mulching and litter pick up. The Garden Club of Evanston will continue to clean up the pond. The Art Center maintenance crew will keep refilling the pond weekly in the summer. Nature's Perspective did a great job on the pond. The problem has to be in the piping, creating a drainage problem. The pond is self-contained. Gene will talk a look in the early spring if he has a chance to determine if there is a problem. Gene would like to see a contract so he knows what was done during the repairs. Steve Englernan Steve brought up the issue that the Lighthouse Park District is looking for a visitor's center with intentions to use the north foghouse. Also for discussion is whether the Ecology Center summer camp program currently using the north and south foghouses could be held in the garage. The Human Services Committee will deal with the issues and how to best preserve and protect the historic architectural integrity of the site. The coach house had the windows replaced. The City of Evanston has revenue problems. It may be the time to look at the site as a revenue source. Ideas suggested included a greenhouse/garage caf6. Wildflower Garden Mary Ann asked if the Garden Club of Evanston could buy at cost through the City. They are interested in buying 1 tree. Mary Ann will check with Paul. An oak tree needs to be trimmed. GCE will be hiring some brickwork that will complete the edging. Gene said he might have 7 feet of stone to complete the work. The west side of the greenhouse is a Jens Jensen designed area. It would be terrific to renovate the space according to the original design, The area around the coach house can be done after construction. A suggestion was made to have a plan for the entire garden renovation funded through grants. Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, June 12'6, 2002 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes June 12, 2002 Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 18, 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Members Present: Dave Cook Paul D'Agostino Pam Elesh Steve Engleman Peter Gordon Linda Lutz Mary Ann Pollard Don Terras Evanston Art Center Pam Elesh discussed the pond. Despite efforts by Nature's Perspective to fix the pond, the pond is losing water. Dave agreed to review the contract with Nature's Perspective to determine what was done; the committee noted that the contract might be vague. Paul will give Dave the plans. Currently the water is lower than the liner. Earth Day weekend 100 kids cleaned up the millennium park area to the dunes. Girls and parents did an amazing job. The event received great media coverage. Pam asked Paul to check on ordering some more rose plants for the small beds in the parking lot. Paul thought it would be fine if some of the older kids from the Ecology Center camps did some dune management especially cutting small willows and pulling grapevines. Garden Club of Evanston Mary Ann told the committee that Gene Grabowski had done a great job with the edging bricks at the North Foghouse (lining the walkway). Mary Ann also thanked Paul for the great tree -trimming job. Additional pea gravel was added. The Garden Club would like to buy a tree (in the fall) to plant next to the North Foghouse. The wildflower garden group will clean out the pond and re -fill it in 2 weeks; they have been doing this on a regular basis. Ecology Center Summer camp started this week for the Ecology Center. Summer camp counselors will be issued a parking permit so they can park on the street for the duration of the camp day versus parking in the Art Center lot. The camps at the North Foghouse will be 2 sessions of the 5-yr. Old camp (Kinglet) and 2 sessions of the 9 — 12 year old camp (EcoExplorer). The end of summer camp, summer summit will alternate between the North Foghouse and the Ecology Center for 2 weeks. Most plants have been removed from the greenhouse. Linda has been talking with a landscaper who is interested in working with the greenhouse and cleaning up the exterior plantings. A number of years ago some plantings were introduced according to the former Jensen plans, but it is obvious that the area needs help in order to be more visually attractive. The area around the coach house is quite overgrown. Permits for the fire circle are now done through the Ecology Center. People having reserved the fire circle check with the Art Center for the "faucet key". No deposit is required at this time. It is hard to determine if the "faucet key" is picked up: this is necessary so those participants have access to water should problems with the actual fire occur. The committee suggested that people pick up the permit and key from the Ecology Center. Facilities Management Dave noted that the windows are done on the coach house. So far there are not permanent plans on what to do with the coach house. It is still possible that apartments may be an option for the site. The site/facility will not be sold to a developer. Ivy should be removed so damage does not occur to the building and roof. Currently the exterior masonry is OK. Kitchen and bathroom areas need to be redone. None of this work should affect the garden or plans to redo areas of the Jensen garden plan. The committee reviewed what they recalled was done to the pond: • The rocks were taken out • Pond lined with heavy gauge plastic • Foam was put in the rock formation where there were cracks • Extra foam on the rocks was cleaned • New wire gauge installed • New pump installed, a rock was placed over the cage to hide the pump Dave will review and report back in September. Some of the Fred Yoder money for landscaping could be used for a memorial for Fred. Suggestions were possibly a brass plate that could be cemented on a rock honoring Fred. The committee discussed the flagpole and whether it should be removed or painted. Repainting with silver appears to be the best option. Art Center Peter reported that he will be relocating to Carlsbad California to take a position as arts manager. Brook Mader will be the Interim Director. The Committee expressed their thanks to Peter for his work at the Art Center and wished him well in his new position. Peter noted that there was a little damage to the front sidewalks; this was not as bad as the year before. Dave will check it out. The sculpture will be moved soon. The Art Center will work with Paul on the relocation. Next year the current figures will be rearranged. Three figures have been destroyed/damaged. The figures will be mostly in the front grounds. Peter noted that the dumpster tops are really bad and inquired whether there are any with metal tops. tots of animals are getting in the trash. Paul will check with streets and sanitation to see what other kind of top is available. Parks/Forestry Paul noted that some work had been completed in the Wildflower garden. He will look at the Box Elder at the west end to see how much decay is there. If the tree does not test well it will be taken down in the winter. One tree has been removed. Trash pick up seems to be going OK at the shelter. Paul noted that the Girls Scouts trimmed the small willow trees Lighthouse Park District Don distributed his report for the Lighthouse Park District for June 12, 2002. Don brought up the topic of a chain kink fence along the embankment from the northwest comer of the Lighthouse Beach overlook. A fence could prevent debris from blowing away. Snow fencing or a low fence that still would permit a great view could also be an alternative. Don also reported again that a broken ground terminal cover problem had not been addressed. Dave will take a look after the meeting. Alderman Engleman stated that the federal government passed legislation to sell Coast Guard maintained optics and is looking for people to take care of lighthouses. He wondered if this program affected the Grosse Pointe Lighthouse House. Don indicated that there is really no effect on Evanston's lighthouse. Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, September 18'�h, 2002 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes September 17, 2002 Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Members Present: Larry Boswell Paul D'Agostino Steve Engleman Linda Lutz Don Terras Others Present: Leslie Murphy, consultant with City of Evanston Connie Zibco, landscape architect Evanston Art Center The finials were removed and are down. Concrete work is to be done in handicapped area. The outdoor sculpture will remain the same until spring. Ecology Center The fire ring area will be rebuilt as an Eagle Scout project. Ecology Center staff have been working with the Fire Department to determine priority improvements. Permits for use of the fire ring are administered through the Ecology Center. Linda will check to see how many permits are issued to non-residents (134 permits were issued, 31 were non-residents). The fire circle is available for use when the water at the Art Center is on: the season is from April through the end of October. Permits may be reserved beginning in March 2003. Water is generally turned on the first day of spring. Traditional ecology camps were held at the Lighthouse site using the north and south foghouses. After camp care was also held at the site due to continued construction at the Ecology Center. The Ecology Center attempted to get parking permits that would allow summer camp staff to park on the street instead of in the Art Center parking lot. This met with limited success as several tickets were issued and staff was instructed to park at Orrington School, which is a bit far. Staff will continue to work on the situation for summer 2003 to help alleviate parking problems at the Art Center. Parks/Forestry The Parks Division has been working with the Garden Club of Evanston helping with storm damage to the Wildflower garden. Parks will also look at the Box Elder and determine what to do with that tree. The pond is still running and leaking. Parks will notify the Art Center when the water is turned on. Lighthouse Park District The Lighthouse Park district received an Illinois Heritage Grant which will fund a number of projects in the keepers quarters, oil room, and passageway. The film shown at the site was redone in the spring. Tours will continue through the end of the month. Condensation in the tower becomes an issue as cold weather sets in. Tours do try to accommodate special interest groups when they are in the Evanston area. Bumpers placed along the garbage area are pushing into the fence. If the bumpers could be secured (so they didn't move) damage to the fence could be prevented. Don distributed the recent Director's report for the Lighthouse Park District. Leslie Murphy The Board welcomed Leslie Murphy to the meeting. Leslie is working with Judy Aiello to gather information on the Lighthouse Complex site in terms of the needed capital improvements and develop a comprehensive plan that may meet some of the projected capital costs. Ms. Murphy has worked with Judy Aiello on a variety of things including TIF research issues. For the Lighthouse Complex information on history, leases, and expectations are important as well as verifying what organization has paid for what at the complex. She would like to gather information on assets and values of the site. An inventory of capital needs, jurisdictions, capital expenditures, and previous issues are important for the basic report. Ms. Murphy will meet individually with representatives of each interest to research the information she needs. Complex Landscape Connie Zipco brought to the Committee's attention the garden area in front of the greenhouse noting that it could be a spectacular area. Problem areas of the site include the beech tree, the garden bordering on Sheridan Road, and the side flower bed which has not had attention for while. The Committee discussed restoration of the area including: • Development of a plan • Volunteer maintenance support from garden clubs and Garden Council • Development of a budget for the area The greenhouse area has some erosion and the entrance area needs to made more inviting. Paul will check and see if any funds are available from the Fred Yoder gift. The Committee approved the development of a plan for the area. Additionally repairs need to be done in the dune area especially with the wooden landing and railing Facilities Management Dave Cook sent word that a worts order had been filed to fix the "sewer" problem as noted at the last meeting. Additionally an 8.5 by 11 inch plaque would cost around $300 and take about a month (to commemorate Fred Yoder's contribution). Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, March 19th, 2003 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes March 19, 2003 Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Members Present: Judy Aiello Lary Boswell Dave Cook Paul D'Agostino Marta Lannert Linda Lutz Brooke Marier Ann McMann Don Terras Elizabeth Tisdahl, Vh Ward Alderman Lighthouse Park District Don Terras distributed a copy of a Lighthouse Park District report that was sent to the City of Evanston Human Services Committee Lighthouse Area Complex strategic planning Judy Aiello reported that she had undertaken a study of the Lighthouse Area Complex as part of her responsibilities preparing a 5 year capital budget. As the Lighthouse areas serves all of Evanston, not just the local neighborhood, it is important to look at the entire site and its operation. Her report, which goes to the City of Evanston's Human Service Committee, gathered information on the capital needs of the area as a whole. In order to understand the area the report has developed a comprehensive view of who is responsible for what specific areas, what each organization does how each organization uses the site, and who owns what. The report's content strove to collect current information and highlight the capital needs of the area. A capital funding goal will be determined based on the work that needs to be done as outlined in a master plan. The last master plan was developed in the 1970's. Ideally a task force will be set up that will include the Lighthouse Area Committee as well as additional members. The Human Services Committee is interested in the composition of the task force as well as the process. One goal is to have the master plan ready for October 2003 so it can be put in the 5-year capital plan. The process of looking at the site as a whole came up when the Human Services Committee looked at the Coach house and tried to figure out whether the best use would be as apartments or facilities for the Evanston Art Center. The Art Center did extensive studies and determined that they were not interested in the Coach House as an Art Center facility. Repair of the apartments is estimated at S 100,000. Issues to be addressed regarding the site include: 1. Funding for the site: including the long term maintenance of the site and buildings 2. Information on what activities are done on site as well as who is currently responsible for various activities and sites 3. Determine whether the site is being used appropriately Maintenance has been deferred at much of the site due to funding constraints. The City of Evanston has been responsive in addressing emergency situations. Currently the City's capital project budget is S6 million-, S2 million for parks additional funds include street assessment, service center, streetlights and similar projects. The report highlights what an asset the Lighthouse Area Complex is to all of Evanston. While the grounds at the site are open until 11:00 PM, the buildings have more limited hours. It would be hard to determine the actual use the site has, as much is unmonitored. Lighthouse Park District Don Terras reported visitor records area not recorded in terms of residents and non-residents. He indicated visitors are local as well as regional and national due to the wide spread interest in lighthouses. As programming has increased more people are using the site. The LHPD feels the site is overused. Tours are generally individuals and bring in approximately $3,000 a year. The LHPD has to consider insurance costs as well as City of Evanston regulations. Tour numbers are kept low due to liability. People can walk to the tower. Work- study students from Northwestern as well as volunteers do the tours. Don does host some tours; children's tours (must be 8 years old) do not include a walk up the tower. Each tour averages 20 people. Washrooms are a problem. Task Force Composition The Human Services Committee will review the old master plan (JJ&R study) and the current document. The HSC will need to approve the development of a task force. Providing this occurs, it was agreed that the proposed task force for the site should include: Community representatives (2) Art Center Board member plus user (2)? Representative Lighthouse Park District (Board member plus Don) Representative Ladd Arboretum Committee (Board member plus Linda) Art Center Director Members of the current Lighthouse Area Committee Citizen at large Preservation representative Garden Club of Evanston representative The proposed task force would have 12 —15 members representing diverse and varied constituents. Art Center Brooke noted that the Art Center Board had not seen the report. She thought this was an exciting idea. Several ideas from the Conservation Committee included extending the wildflower garden to the dunes, and renovate the area behind the Art Center to include the farmer Jens Jensen bird sanctuary Fire Circle The Ecology Center is taking reservations for the fire circle. The site date is reserved and put on the calendar when payment is received (S25 residents, $50 non-members). The Fire Department issues the permit on line; the permit must be displayed on site. The permit season is from mid -April to late October coinciding with the availability of a water source. The Ecology Center will send a monthly calendar to Larry. Ecology Center Some spring school programs are scheduled at the site, primarily outdoor programs. The Ecology Center will have a summer camp program at the foghouses. Summer camp begins June 16t''. The greenhouse continues to need repairs. Most plants Krill be taken out prior to summer, as there are no cooling fans. Facilities Management Dave Cook reported that a plaque for Fred Yoder would be approximately $300. The grotto still does not work, it has worked sporadically and still leaks although the source of the leak has not been located. As the grotto is a continual issue, the committee decided to hold off on any action and wait for the plan. The Garden Club as well as others have filled the grotto continually through the summer. Evanston Art Center The current outdoor sculpture will change. The figures will be removed and be returned to the artist. Paul has checked out several trees. Miscellaneous The committee will continue to meet March, June, and September. The wildflower garden walk surface is difficult to walk on; a harder surface should be considered. The Lighthouse building is on the national historic register, the Art Center is on the local historic register. The bumpers are effective at the garbage can area. Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday.. June 11 th, 2003 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes June 11, 2003 Next Meeting: Members Present: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Larry Boswell Dave Cook Paul D'Agostino Pam Elesh Marta Lannert Linda Lutz Brooke Mader Ann McMann Don Terras Elizabeth Tisdahl, 7"' Ward Alderman Lighthouse Area Complex strategic planning Alderman Tisdahl reported that the Human Services Committee has not discussed the Lighthouse Area complex strategic planning. The Human Services Committee meets July 7`h and will be determining whether a task force should be developed. The Human Services Committee will then pass their recommendation along to the City Council, which will need to approve the formation of a task force. Alderman Tisdahl will keep the Committee updated on the task force proposal. Garden Club of Evanston Wildflower Garde nlButterfiy Garden Marti and Ann reported that the Butterfly Garden had its annual spring-cleaning and is ready for the summer. The Wildflower Garden looks good. Two trees are looking poor and Paul will take a look at those and evaluate. Pellets for the pond were purchased that should prevent mosquito larvae from developing. Northshore Mosquito Abatement does do some larvaciding. Pam emphasized that it is important to gather information on assets of the site. Additional information on larger capital expenditures and the current history should be taken into account. The Garden Club of Evanston will prepare some information for the committee. Art Center Brooke noted that some cars are routinely parking in the Art Center lot. The Art Center suspects these are commuters. The Center will keep track of the cars, the number of hours parked, and the license plates. This data can be reported to David Jennings. The beaches were cleaned with a tractor that reportedly did damage to the dune area. At the north edge of the beach the sand had accumulated so you could walk over the breakwater. Some was shoveled away. Now there is some standing water at the east edge of the dune. Lighthouse Park District Don pointed out that there has been some vandalism at the lookout area at the edge of the dunes. Don indicated there was a hole in the sand at the bottom of the stairs. Paul will check out the situation. Don also asked Paul to check out the coach house and fence area. Don is concerned with the composition of the Task Force. Some suggested perhaps some "neighbors -at -large", or member(s) outside the Vh Ward as the park has citywide use and appeal. Lighthouse Beach has the 2"d highest attendance of all of the City's beaches. Don suggested that is was important to maintain the park site. He reported that there is graffiti on the north wall at the end of the GCE's millennium project site. Paul will check out. Hawthorns were planted as a deterrent and seem to be working well. Don will be the Grand Marshall for the 4 h of July parade. Facilities Management Dave identified numerous things that need to be done on the site. At this point it's hard to determine which projects should be prioritized. When the task force is established and a direction set, then projects can be prioritized and work can begin. Economic Development The Lighthouse complex site has suffered as the City is stressed financially and unable to support it with capital funds. Some grants may be available. With the development of the task force a fundraising plan may be a project of the committee. Outreach programs as well as cooperative programming could be helpful with additional funding. The Art Center and Lighthouse Park District can add to economic development in the City. Both Don and Brooke are on the Illinois Association of Museums conference planning team. The conference will be September 24 — 260. Brochures on Evanston could be put in the participant packets. Brooke noted that the Art Center is beginning to document the economic impact of their programs and classes on such things as art supply purchases and restaurants. A new more modest out door art sculpture will be installed. Ecology Center Linda announced that the Ecology Center camp program would start on June 16'`. The site will have 2 different camps (both Kinglet and EcoExplorer). Approximately 30 campers will be on site daily. After camp care will be held at the foghouses as the Ecology Center does not have an occupancy permit for the new addition. The green house will be shut down for the summer, The absence of working fans makes the greenhouse too hot in the summer months. Facilities Management Dave Cook reported that a plaque for Fred Yoder would be approximately $300. The grotto still does not work; it has worked sporadically and still leaks although the source of the leak has not been located. As the grotto is a continual issue, the committee decided to hold off on any action and wait for the plan. The Garden Club as well as others have filled the grotto continually through the summer. Dave noted that they have hired a project manager for the Sherman Avenue garage and he's looking for a temporary residence. A facility like the Coach House would be perfect for this housing situation. Minutes Pam moved, seconded by Dave to approve the minutes of the March 2003 meeting. The Committee approved the motion. Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, September 17th, 2003 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee Meeting Minutes September 17, 2003 Next Meeting: Members Present: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 1:30 PM Evanston Art Center Larry Boswell Dave Cook Paul D'Agostino Pam Elesh Marta Lannert Linda Lutz Elizabeth Tisdahl, 701 Ward Alderman Ecology Center Linda noted that the camp season is over. As always the Lighthouse site is popular with parents and campers. A couple of classes will be held at the foghouses this fall: two pre-school child/parent program series that will last for 6 weeks. The ceiling of the north foghouse continues to deteriorate. The campfire permits will end the beginning of November when the water will be turned off. In October the interior benches in the greenhouse will completely replaced as will the gravel floor. An Evanston Eagle Scout candidate, Zach Lehner, who has successfully solicited the necessary construction material through donations, is doing the project. The community garden program will wind down at the end of October. Facilities Management Dave will be looking at the buildings (Art Center, Coach house and foghouses) to see what it would take to maintain them, as well as give recommendations. In spring 2003 the Art Center analysis determined that the renovations costs would exceed $200,000 and should include railings, doors and window replacement. Looking at a general goal to rent -out the property, the costs would be at least $150,000. The coach house interior is very 60's; the apartments would have to be modernized and would require electrical upgrades as well as meet ADA standards. Rental income could be in the neighborhood of $2500 - $3000 with parking available. Garden Club of Evanston Wildflower Garde nlButterfly Garden Marti noted that the Silver Maple at the garden entrance has a resident animal. Paul will check tree branches near the wires over on the Art Center side. There is some concern that branches may fall landing on the lines and result in electrical service interruption for the Art Center. Paul will have his crews check around the lines and branches around the coach houses also. Pam asked several questions about issues the Lighthouse Site Task Force might consider. A major issue would be whether there would be a budget for the gardens on the complex. Currently the Garden Club of Evanston does the Wildflower and Butterfly gardens. Parks/Forestry helps with the millennium project area and around the greenhouses. Pam noted that the Jens Jensen plan would be a good guideline for restoration on the site. The cost of this type restoration work should be part of the Task Force Plan. The committee discussed how ADA guidelines affect the site in terms of the garden areas as well as the beach raising questions conceming whether garden areas would be destroyed in order to be accessible. The committee reached no conclusions. Art Center Lary announced that the Art Center has a new director, Allan Leder. Allan is an Evanston resident and has an extensive arts administration background. Regarding maintenance, Lary noted that two doors on the metal shop (conservatory) would be replaced. The overhangs will be put back. The finials on the Art Center will be replaced. Next Meeting The Committee agreed to meet on Wednesday, March 17th, 2004 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Respectively submitted, Linda Lutz Lighthouse Landing Committee March 17, 2004 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, Judy Aiello, Alan Leder, Larry Boswell, Melanie Fiera, Marti Lannert, Paul D'Agostino, Don Terras, Pam Elesh, Dave Cook, Linda Lutz Evanston Art Center Diamond Fest The Committee welcomed Alan Leder who joined the Art Center in October as director. Alan noted that the Art Center will be 75 years old this year and a series of special programs are being planned. On September 12 there will be a free family event, Diamond Fest Day, which will be celebrated both indoors and outdoors with the idea to expand awareness of the Center to a new audience in and around Evanston. This is not a fundraiser but a support event. The Art Center is just beginning to work on this. The idea could piggy back on an idea generated at the Lighthouse Task Force meeting which was an event that celebrates all organizations involved at the Lighthouse site. Melanie explained that there would be lots of activities for families, a festival atmosphere, make and take art projects in addition to performance artists, faculty demonstrations, a collaborative temporary art piece, raku pottery firings, and sale of student and faculty art. The Art Center has produced a brochure that will be sent out to 13,000 non members as well as the 3,000 members. An additional media piece will follow in May will in -kind events, sponsorships, and event underwriting. Contact Melanie with ideas. The Art Center would also welcome contributions for mailing, postage, sponsorship, and the like. A Diamond raffle (tickets at $75) will be an additional project. The City can add an additional piece of publicity with an article in Fall Highlights (Donna Stuckert will contact Melanie). The Ecology Center can do nature art in the fog houses, open the south fog house exhibits and perhaps the Garden Council can do a greenhouse project such as small cuttings to plant and take home. Alan mentioned that a special events permit is needed as well as a tent permit. The beach house bathrooms should be open through September 12'. Another possibility is a kick-off for a non -for -profit organization which was suggested through the Lighthouse Task Force. This could be publicized in 2004 and launched in 2005, especially if the event became an annual one. Parking remains problematic. NU will not be in session so some parking may be available along with shuttle buses. Banners will help to advertise the event. Outdoor Sculpture The present sculpture will be gone by the end of April. Installation of the new sculpture will take place from May through June 30''. Dennis Kowalski will be developing a sculpture that has 6 canoes and highlights the Great Lakes community, Native Americans, history of the canoe, and navigating the lake waters. The Ecology Center offered a large red canoe for the exhibit. Canoes used in the exhibit will be anchored. Alan will show the plans to Dave and Paul to review site and landscape issues when he has a more detailed proposal. After some discussion of the flagpole, Dave should have the pole removed by the second week of May. Lighthouse Park District Don noted that this is the 75m year for the LHPD also. The Park District will set aside the date and Alan and Don will discuss collaborative efforts. Garden Club of Evanston Vicki Wagner and Taiko Jordan are the new chairs for the Wildflower Garden. Ann McMann is the conservation chair responsible for the Butterfly Garden. Paul will do some trimming along the wall at the north end of the garden. Ecology Center The Ecology Center will continue to send Lary lists of the campfire circle use. Camp sessions begin mid -June and go through mid -August. There may be an opportunity for the sculptor (Dennis Kowalski) to work with the summer camps: the camps do canoeing and the sculpture theme integrates well into this year's camp theme of Lewis and Clark. Lighthouse Task Force Judy is near completion on a draft for the Task Force which should be distributed in early April for review. Once the Task Force signs off on the document, it is reviewed by the Human Services Committee. There is some money available through the City's CIP (Capital Improvement Program) for repairs to the roofs at the Art Center and the north fog house. The City budget begins March 151 at which time the City goes to the bond market and develops a structured bond sale. Money is received by May and CIP projects can begin. Plans for the coach house were approved in the 2003 CIP budget (approximately $250,000 for apartment renovation). These plans did not include consideration of the coach house (greenhouse section) as a visitor center. The RFP for the architect can not go out until the CIP money is in place. The scope of the work will be developed with the architect. Dave is willing to look at any proposal. Linda has pictures of the old greenhouse and will get those to Dave. The idea of a traffic cut in off Sheridan Road would have to be put in a CIP budget. It was suggested that Traffic Engineering review the idea and present their results to the Task Force. CIP project funding also funds projects like the Art Center finials. $30,000 is in the 2004 budget for projects to be determined which is probably not enough for finial replacement. Next Meeting: June 9t' at 1:30 PM. Don will host and possibly do a tour for the group. Lighthouse Landing Committee June 9, 2004 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, Larry Boswell. Vickie Wagner, Taiko Jordan, Don Terras, Pam Elesh, Dave Cook, Mary Ellen Schwartz, Linda Lutz Garden Club of Evanston Pam Elesh reported that the circular seat area at the top of the stairs leading down the dunes is cracked and loose. This could be a potential hazard. The Club will get a repair estimate that should go to Dave Cook. Dave will look at the space at the end of the meeting. Pam reported that she had worked at the Butterfly Garden area. There was discussion regarding the dune area. Clean up in the dunes area should occur October through May. Don Berg from the Chicago Audubon Society had called Don Terras and discussed the dune as habitat for birds that could nest in the low grasses. There is concern about dogs (more than people) disturbing the area; dogs should be leashed or perhaps the dune could be considered part of the beach, which would then prohibit dogs. Mr. Berg will be sending Don a letter regarding the dune area as habitat. When Don receives the letter he will forward it to Alderman Tisdahl. The Garden Club will also send a communication regarding the importance of cleaning up the dunes at times when nesting birds are not active. Taiko and Vicki reported that the Garden Club of Evanston will continue to clean out the grotto. The cover has slid out and may need to be weighted to hold it down. Members have done some time consuming trimming on trees in the wildflower garden which have not been trimmed for a long time. A Box Elder near the Nature Center is in perfect condition and some native shrubs could be added to the area. The Beech tree near the north fog house should be removed to a better place with more sun. It is multi -stemmed and could be a specimen tree. Paul could take a look at the beech and see if transplanting is possible. Ecology Center The Ecology Center continues to administer the registration for the campfire circle. Registrations are primarily Evanston residents (90% plus). Groups using the fire circle do not always clean up in an appropriate manner. Debris can be scattered and the fire circle disassembled. Summer camp training begins this week with camp programs starting June 10, and running through mid August. Parking permits are issued for summer camp staff, which allows for longer street parking so staff is not using the main parking lot. Greenhouse operations cease in the summer due to the heat and the inability of the greenhouse fan system to cool the building. Lighthouse Park District Don noted the current condition of the dumpsters. The cover is deformed and does not close; most likely a new dumpster is needed. Additionally there are too few cans. Don suggested receptacles for organic material as well as recycling. Vicki thanked Don for the quick removal of storm damaged trees in the North East Park. Don noted that Sunrise Tree Service did the work. Task Force The Committee discussed the Task Force recommendations. There is some concern that the bunker should be removed. The timing of the removal is important, as is the "neatness" of the removal process. Evanston Art Center Diamond Pest Larry reviewed plans for Diamond Fest, the one time event that celebrates the 750 anniversary of the Art Center on September 12, 2004. Parking for the event will be off site and signs will direct people to additional parking. They are checking on CTA and PACE bussing as well as the NU shuttle. Alderman Tisdahl said she is meeting to discuss the CTA buses on the Sheridan Road route that are apparently empty most of the time. CA buses are hoping to service the student population. The Chamber has set up a meeting to discuss bus service as well as the PACEICTA buses that take NU students to Old Orchard. Additional activities for Diamond Fest will include wildflower garden tours by the Garden Club and activities in the foghouse by the Ecology Center. Dave will check with Larry regarding water that is pooling in a well that may stem from a clogged drain. Parking lot Mary Ellen noted that the islands in the parking lot need to have the shrubs cut back as well as a possible dead tree removed. She noted that the STOP sign area could be a safety issue, as you can not see bikers or pedestrians on the sidewalk. Perhaps some trimming needs to be done here. Facilities Management Dave reported that work is being done on the Art Center trim. He is also working with the CIP to determine what funding is available to fix ongoing problems. The Art Center has a leak on the north side. Dave suggested that Larry and Alan work with him to develop a plan for the expenditure of the remaining funds. They may want to consult with an architect to move through the process sequentially. They hope to choose an architect for the coach house project. The City has a list of pre -approved architects who responded to an RFQ and received approval. This list may be expiring. Dave will send contact Joe Byless who may be interested in responding to the next RFQ. Right now the goal is to set up the coach house for rental and the job is considered a rehab one. The greenhouse is not part of this project as plans may develop the space as a future information center. Pam reported graffiti on the north wall rocks. She will call the graffiti hotline. Grotto The Art Center will continue to fill the grotto. It takes an hour or so to fill. The Garden Club will keep the area clean. Some of Fred Yoder's money was spent to fix the grotto and it there is still a problem. It is looking like the grotto should be completely redone. Perhaps ultrasound equipment used by pool maintenance operations could be used to identify the lead. Next Meeting: September 8'' at 1:30 PM. Meet at the Evanston Art Center. Lighthouse Landing Committee September 8, 2004 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, Larry Boswell, Don Terras, Pam Elesh, Dave Cook, Mary Ellen Schwartz, Leslie Murphy, Melanie Fearst, Linda Lutz Diamond Fest Melanie discussed the upcoming Diamond Fest and distributed the proposed program asking for people to make suggestions that can be added to the final draft. Evanston Hospital and Orrington School will provide additional places for guests to park. Garden Club of Evanston Pam reported that Garden Club of Evanston volunteers will be at Diamond Fest all day. They will have handouts for the Butterfly and Wildflower gardens. There will be a crew out to clean up the gardens prior to the event. Pam will investigate what kind of restoration help is available from the Garden Conservancy. Pam thanked Dave for fixing the stone seating bench as well as getting the grotto in working order. Thanks also to Larry for filling up the grotto throughout the summer. GPLA Task Force Leslie reported that the GPLA Task Force is reviewing a draft that will be sent out to the Human Services Committee. The GPLA is scheduled to meet with the HSC on September 20'` at 7:00 PM. Leslie encouraged as many GPLA members as possible come and be part of the discussion. Comments on the draft can be sent to Leslie; the overall piece will not change significantly as all members had agreed on most Ianguage.The GPLA is a good plan that doesn't' solve everything but is representative of the task force members. The report suggests that the City of Evanston staff explore some ideas such as traffic studies that will take a long time to gather important information. The Task Force will continue to meet periodically. The process of working on a new lease between the City of Evanston and the Lighthouse Park District continues with the LHPD board, City Manager's office and Aldermen involved. During the process some historic leases have been mollified. Historical records are sketchy for areas such as around the Chandler Center. Don is helping with documentation showing what was covered in the older leases. Beach Access The ADA aspects of beach access are a little sketchy and remain open for discussion concerning what is the most efficient, reasonable way to have beach accessibility. The Task Force wants the area to be accessible, but does not recommend a specific plan. Parks/Forestry and Recreation may recommend a plan based on cost and priority issues. The Committee and Task Force will be aware of any plan as it is developed. Evanston Art Center Lary noted that there are 2 newer dumpsters that can be moved and wheeled and can be picked up by the garbage truck. Work on the roof was completed and the leak fixed. The Art Center would like to paint the windows and would provide paint and labor. They requested scaffolding from the City and the City was not willing to approve the loan of equipment. Without the scaffolding the project is too expensive. Mary Ellen noted that in the handicapped parking area stonework has some "dings". Dave will take a look and Larry will get an estimate. The IL Arts Council will hold its annual meeting on October 17`' at the Art Center. Mary Ellen noted that the Art Center had S24,000 from the City to spend. The first priority is to fix the leaking roof and cracked tiles to prevent further leaking. The next priority is new windows. Dave mentioned that he is working on an RFP for windows which may include plans and specs that the Art Center can use. Parks/Forestry Paul reported that dead trees had been removed and the entrance area in front of the greenhouse has been cleaned up. The beech tree near the foghouse should be moved; early spring would be the best time to move the tree. Don added that Vickie and Keiko had picked out a place in Lighthouse Park for the tree. Ecology Center Community gardens in the park did well this year. Plots will be cleaned up by the end of October. The camp program was completed in mid -August with all programs going well. The foghouses were used alternately for the Kinglet (5 year olds) and the EcoExplore (e —fig' graders). The fall session of Nature Pals (a parent and child class series) will be held this fall; one session meets in the morning and another in early evening. Lighthouse Park District Don reported that the LHPD had a fundraising drive mid summer with targeted donations for a new plasma screen and an AV system for the Lighthouse film. Preparations are underway for Diamond test. Facilities Management Dave reported that plans for the Coach House are on hold. He is looking at prioritizing repair work on the foghouses and the Art Center. Dave will monitor how the funding goes on the next round in the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) program. Dave is working to get an architect on board first and then determine what projects could be accommodated. The process is a long and complicated one. Human Services Committee Meeting The Committee discussed how to present the report to the HSC and agreed that a brief introduction and segments explained by representative community members would be a good structure. Alderman on the HSC include Alderman Tisdahl, Newman, Feldman, Jean -Baptiste and Bernstein. Next Meeting: March 9th at 1:30 PM. Meet at the Evanston Art Center. Lighthouse Landing Committee March 9, 2005 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, chair, Larry Boswell, Dave Cook, Paul D'Agostino, Pam Elesh, Linda Lutz, Don Terras, Ann McMahon Evanston Art Center Lary reported that the current canoe outdoor sculpture exhibit will be taken down and he distributed pictures of the new installation that will take place in April 2005. The outdoor sculpture has metal elements that will be about 15 feet high. The geometric pieces will be anchored in the ground. The Art Center has requested that the artist bring in a structural engineer to make sure the objects won't roll over. Larry asked about the status of the temporary report on the porch now outside the potterystudio. Dave noted that about S20,000 remains from last year's CIP funds dedicated to the Art Center. No new funds have been allocated to the Art Center. The flagstone, railings, architect and plans for the porch area will most likely be more than $20,000. Dave suggested using the money to hire an architect to begin to establish plans for windows, porch area, as well as prioritizing various needed building repairs. Dave will look at designated and new architects that could bid on the project. There is concern that the Art Center has physical needs that need to be addressed. Dave noted that the Art Center may want to re -prioritize the extent of the projects to be addressed. Facilities Management Funding has been approved for the repair of the Art Center coach house. Elliot Dudnick and Associates have been selected to be the architect for the rehabilitation of the coach house. Dave reported that the GPLA requests were put in the CIP. Dave felt that CIP funding was responsive to the GPLA requests and would help to fund the initial architectural work necessary. $234,240 is allocated for the coach house. Drawings are started and the work should be done this year-, most likely in early fall for the outside work and the interior work could be done in the colder months. if possible some work may be done on the garages. $60.000 has been allocated for the fog houses. The architect should be selected in the next four months. By the time the architect completes drawings, work should be scheduled for spring of 2006. Facilities Management has been in conversations with Knudson (he is interested) regarding work on these two buildings. The committee expressed the opinion that familiarity with the site and experience would be a plus. The work would need to be historically accurate. The group discussed combining projects especially if funds could be saved by using the same architect for several of the designated projects. The CIP funds are spread out over a few years and the coach house and foghouses were selected first. The coach house project will have money coming back in through rental fees. Lighthouse beach house repair funds have been allocated for the improvement of the beach house. This will include painting, some toilet partition replacement, door replacement, and plumbing repair. Facilities Management anticipates that this work will be implemented at the end of the 2005 summer. Parks/Forestry Pam asked if it were possible for Parks/Forestry to do some clean up in the Millennium project area that was worked on by the GCE several years ago. Without weeding the area could easily revert to heavy undergrowth. Paul will review the site. Generally Parks/Forestry provides once a year clean up. Garden Club of Evanston Vickie Wagner sent in a report for the Garden Club of Evanston as she, Teiko Jordan, and Mary Ellen Schwarz are working at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Vickie reported that while the islands in the parking lot have been cleaned up some (removal of dead shrubs and some pruning). A big bush needs cutting back that may require a ladder. Paul will take a look and determine what needs to be done. The Garden Club also requests that the beech tree growing next to the north foghouse be moved when the ground is workable. If possible either Vickie and/or Teiko would like to be advised so everyone can agree on the new location. Paul will review this spring. Teiko, Pam and Ann met with the Judy Pollock of the Audubon Society to discuss a bird sanctuary area on the park grounds. In reviewing the area for its potential as an excellent migratory station, timely maintenance would have to be done. Promoting plants that are attractive to bird populations is essential. The area has a lot of plants that are not attractive to birds at the present time. The area discussed was from the dunes through the millennium project area. The idea is that the lakefront is a migration route especially in fall and spring that could be enhanced. Small areas could be tackled at a time. This project would be a large one and is too large an area to be maintained by the Garden Club of Evanston although it could be tackled by several groups. Ann will call Judy Pollock and ask about grant possibilities for the small area behind the Art Center. Ann will also talk to the Northshore Bird Club. If the area behind the Art Center was segmented and selected as a potential area, could the Parks/Forestry Division maintain the area? Paul will take a look at the area and see what would be required. Paul will look in the summer with an eye to perhaps doing some work in the fall. The general limit of the maintenance Paul could do would be a once a year clean-up. Pam and GCE new president Reed Hagee, are meeting with the Garden Conservancy this weekend. Pam had developed a packet that she submitted to the Garden Conservancy. The Garden Conservancy's mission is saving old gardens. The group is interested in the Jens Jensen aspect of the site including the wildflower garden. The Conservancy is not heavily involved in the Midwest and would like to be involved in this area. Ecology Center Linda reported that there has been a request to shoot a commercial on location at the greenhouse on Tuesday, March 15t'. The location manager has filled out permits with the City. The shoot would be from 7 AM to 1 PM although they anticipate being done by noon. The parking area must be accessible as well as the disposal area. The location manager will be checking in with the Art Center and Lighthouse keeper. Summer camps plan are to have the Ecology Center's oldest campers at the foghouses. This group of 32 children does nature study, outdoor adventure, field trips, and participates in off -site camping trips. The Committee discussed household hazardous waste collection days. The Evanston Environment Board is working on this. Lighthouse Park District Don reported that he received a nice packet of information from the Smithsonian Institution indicating that the Wildflower Garden on the lighthouse grounds is officially listed in a database at the Smithsonian Institution as an historic garden. Mary Ann Pollard took photos and presented information to the Smithsonian for both the Wildflower Garden and the Shakespeare garden. Don congratulated the Garden Club on this recognition and their continuing work on the gardens in Lighthouse Park. The LHPD Board is moving ahead with the new lease agreement with the City of Evanston. Judy Aiello and Leslie Murphy attended the LHPD Board meeting in January. Negotiations will be continuing over the next few months concerning the lease. The LHPD is considering mounting a special exhibit on the Lady Elgin disaster shipwreck disaster which heavily influenced construction of the Grosse Point Light Station. The exhibit would be up for several years and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the sinking of the Lady Elgin. Don is writing the script, working on the design elements, and is acquiring artifacts for the proposed exhibit. He has secured a model of the Lady Elgin and might be able to obtain a model of the Augusta, the ship that ran into the Lady Elgin. The Committee discussed using space at the Art Center in conjunction with the LHPD for future exhibits. Special exhibits could include paintings of the Lighthouse, seascapes, etc. Don attended the National Maritime Heritage Conference in Norfolk, VA, where he was moderated a panel discussion, and presented a lecture, on Public Programming at Historic Lighthouse Sites. He also provided a PowerPoint presentation at the Chicago Historical society during the Chicago Maritime festival. Elm injections program Don asked about the proposed elm tree injection program. Paul explained the new elm tree program. The LHPD would like to dovetail the elm trees on the LHPD property with the City program. Paul explained that the LHPD would get the same price for injections as the City. The LHPD properties would not be covered although any parkway trees on LHPD property would be covered. Tree diameter has to be at least 10 inches. The injection cost looks like S10 - S11 an inch. Treatment has to be done every 3 years. Garbage pickup Trash pick up in the parks begins Memorial Day and continues through Labor Day; pick up is done every day. in the month of May pick-up is weather dependent and based on staff availability. If there are lots of picnic permits Paul places more cans on the site and schedules pick-ups accordingly. Don noted there is a section of chain link fence in Fullerton Park. A tree fell and the LHPD had the tree removed. The fence is still there and could be removed. Paul will look at it to see if the fence is easily removable and able to be salvaged. Sunrise Tree Service is taking care of the stump. City of Evanston Web -site The Committee discussed having recycling information easily accessible on the City's website. Linda will convey the request to Donna Stuckert. Links to the LHPD website to as well as the Ecology Center (.laddarboretum.org) could be listed. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Lighthouse Complex Committee will be on Wednesday, June S, 2005 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center. Lighthouse Landing Committee June 8, 2005 Attending: Elizabeth Tisdahl, chair, Larry Boswell, Dave Cook, Doug Gaynor, Pam Elesh, Linda Lutz, Teiko Jordan, Ann McMahon Next Meeting Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center... Evanston Art Center Larry reported that the new outdoor sculpture is in place, "Sculptural cargo" which opens today. There is no additional lighting planned. Cur rent flood lights may the sculptural pieces. in the winter there may be additional lighting on the piece itself. Garden Club of Evanston The islands at the Art Center parking lot will be cleaned out and pruned by the Parks Division. Pam reported that the Garden Club of Evanston is 90 years old this year. She would like to receive some publicity and the group suggested that Pam contact Donna Stuckert in the City Manager's office for possible publicity. Pam and Teiko are cleaning the pond today. They will be adding time -release mosquito pellets to reduce the number of potential mosquitoes. Ann reported that the Wildflower Garden looks glorious. Several new trees and shrubs have been planted including a River Birch (Betula niara) near the bluff, Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus narviflora) west of the south foghouse, and three Purple Smoke bushes (Cotinus atrouumurea) near the back door of the Keeper's house. The butterfly garden is well underway with many plants blooming continuously through the summer months. Pam met with The Garden Conservancy representative. who considers the garden to be really valuable (the area that surrounds the old Clarke estate). This is a most valuable landscape in terms of the historic nature of the Jens Jensen design and planting. The Garden Conservancy representative suggested that a sole gardener be devoted to the landscape restoration over the next few years to completely restore the landscape. She will provide information on the Stanley Smith Trust grant application. The Garden Club of Evanston could supervise the project, but can not do the bulk of the work. Additionally ETHS interns could become involved in the restoration work in the. Pam indicated that invasive plants should be cleaned out (such as volunteer small tree seedlings) of the area surrounding the Art Center. Doug will talk to Paul to set up a yearly maintenance that may address the issue. Pam noted that the Beech tree on the west side of the north foghouse needs to be transplanted to another area. Doug will have Paul take a look at the tree. The Club's Millennium project area really needs some weeding. Linda suggested that perhaps campers from the EcoExplorer camp could pull up garlic mustard and other invasives. Pam noted that the path needs to be cleared and cleaned as well as wood chips spread along the area. Ann noted that Shoshana Cohen from KEB provided some volunteers (from a geocaching group) that cleaned up the graffiti wall at Lighthouse Beach. The group picked up trash. Ann mentioned that KEB has an Adopt -a -Spot program. Ann would like the literature on Adopt -a -spot. Ann and Mary Ellen cleaned up the steps as well as the path from the fire circle. Pam indicated that the step area always harbors trash and requested that they be cleaned up more often. Doug indicated that the lifeguards generally clean the steps several times a week. The fire circle area needs to be cleaned up also. The bluff area by the foghouses is overrun with grapevines and trees. Doug will check with Paul to see how the invasives can be removed. Beach/Bluff Ann noted that there is an increased amount of partying in the dune and beach area. The occurrences seem more frequent and extend for longer periods of time. Doug reported that the rangers patrol until 11 PM. Individuals seem to be coming in after 11 PM and parking somewhere else. Ann indicated that the activity occurs all night There is a hole in the water department fence and some activity may come in through there. The park rangers are not sworn officers; they will get out of their vehicles. If they see activity that requires police attention the rangers call it in. Doug said most of the activity is starting at 10:30 - 11:00 PM: there has been a spike in activity in the last 10 days. The police should be notified about all occurrences. Lang indicated that there is a big raccoon problem on site. They have come up to the Art Center entrance. The raccoons are scaring the students. Traps can be secured through animal control. Linda will provide Teiko and Larry with an animal relocation service. Animal relocation requires a permit as disease can be spread through relocation. Garbage cans are picked up on a daily basis in the park. Some large picnics will generate a fair amount of trash which is attractive to wildlife such as raccoons and opossums. Facilities Dave reported that they are going out for bid soon. There is a pre -qualified group in existence which will be disbanded in June. Dave would like to see Mr. Knutson received the project as he is qualified and understands the preservation aspects of the renovation work. The work is for the Art Center and the foghorn houses. Dave will let the RFP in July 2005. Mr. Knutson did some of the lighthouse restoration. Dave reported that budget development process begins in August and he will be placing Lighthouse Area projects on the list. Dave will have a better idea as the process continues about the likelihood of Lighthouse area projects being funded. Elliot Dudnek is the contractor for the coach house project. .Ecology Center The EcoExplorer summer camp will be located at the foghouses. The camp is 8 weeks long with 32 campers ranging in age from 9 -12 years old. Extended care for summer camps will be located at Oakton School; as a result the camp schedule runs from 9:15 PM to 3:30 PM. The community garden is functioning well. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Committee will be Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center... Lighthouse Area Committee Wednesday, September 19, 2005 Attending: Alderman Elizabeth Tisdahl, Don Terras, Vicky Wagner, Larry Boswell, Pam Elesh, Linda Lutz, Teiko Jordan, Paul D'Agostino, Art Center Larry noted that Saturday will be the Art Center's Raku day. Everyone is welcome. Lary also mentioned that he had received a letter regarding a request to have picnic tables set up in back of the Art Center for people to use between classes. Paul had also received a letter requesting re -setting the pathway which would include re -setting the original flag stones. Both these ideas were being proposed as Eagle Scout projects. Picnic tables could be a problem for grass mowing and may present some security issues. The committee suggested using the picnic tables at the picnic shelter. Don could make reservations for the Art Center to use the picnic shelter. Currently 2 benches are in the area behind the Art Center and provide seating. The Committee agreed that picnic tables behind the Art Center was not a good idea. The committee agreed that resetting the original slate stone path was a great idea. Paul will call the scout making the proposal to confirm the requirements for the path. Lighthouse Park District Don is working with the Park District's attorney to get lease negotiations started again with the City. Don is working to get the Park District working at a faster pace to work with the issue so there can be some resolution. Parks/Forestry Paul reported that some clean up has been done on the parking lot islands. One light in the parking lot is being covered so he will have crews work on that. Paul and Dave Cook will be working on the North Foghouse to determine if the ivy is holding the gutter up or if there will be an issue if the ivy is removed. There are some funds for helping with the roof. First step is determining the condition of the roof. This should be done this fall. Paul reported that wood chips were delivered this summer and the summer camp from the Ecology Center laid wood chips all along the Garden Club of Evanston's Millennium project area. Paul is looking into vegetation for the parking lot; suggestions were made for Rosa rugosa. Garden Club of Evanston Pam reported that work has been done on a draft for the Garden Conservancy grant to be used as a basis for starting work on the Jens Jensen restoration. A decision will be made in November on the grant and the City will be notified whether or not the project qualifies for funding from the Garden Conservancy., In talking with Northwestern, GCE was offered some help through voluntary NU students on the Jensen garden project. Pam noted that S2500 had been raised and placed in a special fund to help with the Jensen garden project. Pam suggested that perhaps the money should be taken out of the Art Center and used to start the fund. Pam will check with the Art Center's financial officer, Marcia Levy. Ecology Center Linda noted that the Ecology Center summer camp laid wood chips in the Millennium project area. Paul's crews delivered about 3 truckloads of chips. Fall programming at the site will include 2 pre-school classes where parents and children meet once a week for 8 weeks on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Permits for the fire circle will run through the beginning of November when the outside water is shut off. GCE Wildflower Garden Vicky reported that the Club had the trees in the garden trimmed which has let in more light. Roots under the hemlock area are quite exposed and the Club has been leaving leaf litter under the trees in order to build up the soil. Vicky wondered if mature compost could be trucked in and put under the trees. Paul will bring compost over in November for the Club to spread. Vicky asked about a picket fence between the garden the Lighthouse yard. The Garden Club is willing to perhaps repair the fence over the next 2 years. Vicky will propose to the Garden Club as Don indicated fencing would be greatly appreciated. Vicky thought that a fence would enhance the area for both the GCE and the Lighthouse Park District. The beech tree against the North Foghouse is still a problem. Beech trees are best moved in the spring. Vicky noted that the tree is an issue now. The roots will cause problems for the building as the tree grows. Dumpster Don brought up the issue of dumpsters. A year or 2 ago one dumpster was replaced. Now the other dumpster is rusted and has no lid. Larry will call Streets and Sanitation to see about replacing the poor dumpster. Larry will also take care of removing a pile of stones from a past sculpture project. Plants Don said that people are complaining about the tall burdock that is overhanging the sidewalk and thought is should be trimmed. Parks has done some plant pruning. Don suggested replacing an area about 10 feet back from the road and sow with grass or ground cover for better visibility. Paul will investigate. Pam asked that a series of volunteer maples near the steps at the fire circle be cut down. Paul will take a look and determine a course of action. The idea is to have a clear view to the Lake. Lighthouse Task Force The Committee discussed whether the Task Force will be meeting again. Alderman Tisdahl will talk with Judy Aiello about a semi-annual meeting. Some items to discuss are the Lighthouse Park District lease, as well as other recommendations that Task Force made. City Budget Schedule Paul noted that currently the City is working on operational budgets. The capital improvement project budget will be developed as the process continues. Dave Cook is currently looking at the North Foghouse. Next Meeting The Committee will meet again on Wednesday, March 15 at 1:30 PM at the Evanston Art Center.