SWWHA Meeting April 30, 2009

The meeting was called to Order, a quorum established, agenda adopted and minutes from the October 22, 2008 meeting approved as printed in the newsletter.

Committee updates: Architectural Committee Tom Ballou had no report at this time.

Grounds Committee: Cyd Schmidt gave us a year’s notice and we are looking for a replacement. We also need to hire someone reliable to work 2 to 3 hours a week.

Matt Harader, webmaster, reported that the neighborhood website is nearly ready to go and will be set up on “Go Daddy”. Right now you can access the site at shadywoodwest.org

Mark Burghart our treasures reminded us that our Dues are due every October for the next year. There was some discussion on a replacement for the fence along the north side of the church on 34th street. So far we are just replacing rotten boards. Eventually we’ll have to replace the posts. This is an issue we’ll discuss more when it becomes more imminent.

Dave Holthaus our Vice President reported only one newsletter came back as undeliverable.

Old business discussed included neighborhood siding replacement. Jake Ediger is head of the committee and he reported that they did not want to be too restrictive but it is necessary to keep the integrity of the neighborhood. They are working on guidelines to keep it similar to what the resident currently has or to go through the architectural committee. So far there don’t seem to be any unacceptable materials. Tom Ballo is soliciting your comments and suggestions, please contact him with your comments or suggestions. heartlandaces@cox.net

Thank you to Brigett Wood for spearheading the dinner club, we all appreciate her extensive efforts for this enjoyable way to spend time with our neighbors.

Make note that it is graduation time again and you should keep a lookout for vandalism and if you see anything happening report it!

We discussed the coyote situation and it was stressed that if you did not want coyotes in your yard you must quit feeding the birds. It was suggested you go the internet and check out The Cook County Illinois Coyote Project Bulletin 929 on Urban Coyote Ecology and Management for complete information. This explains clearly the cycle from dropped birdseed, to rodents, to coyotes. Caution: Your pets should probably have some identification with your phone number and keep them supervised or inside.

Mary Torrance, our former secretary has moved from the neighborhood. Nominations were solicited and Marianna Nothern was selected as her replacement.

A nomination committee consisting of Marsha Hagg and George Webb was selected and conviened for a short meeting to select officers for next year. We will vote on the slate in October.

There was a break-in attempt on Stonybrook Drive during the last week of April. You might want to add or activate all your motion detection lights, use your alarm system and keep your garage door closed especially when you are in the back yard. We discussed better lighting at both entries and the possibility of a closed loop surveillance system. If anyone is interested in such a system for your personal use, they have them at Dicks for around $100.00.

Some of the sidewalks in front of our houses are getting worse and the city has a program that will pay ½ of the cost. Please e-mail Tom Ballou heartlandaces@cox.net with addresses of needed repairs that you either notice on your own property or in front of someone else’s property.

We discussed water problems from the church runoff, speeding in the round-about (15mph), and no yield to pedestrian signs. If you are adding to the burn pile in the commons area, please keep it ON THE PILE, and don’t just add it near the pile. That makes the pile spread out too far and it then, when lit, scorches the neighbor’s healthy trees.

One final caution…the sun from the east in the morning and the west in the afternoon blocks the view of the cars and they are unable to see people running or walking in the street. It is advised, especially during these times, that you stay on the sidewalks.

Respectfully Submitted

Marianna Nothern

Recording Secretary

Those attending the meeting:

Jennifer Macleay

Jake and Esther Ediger

Edith Bronson

Mark Burghart

John Brandau

Cyd Schmidt

Mary Weber

George Webb

Larry Streckr

Jane W. Fowler

Tom Ballou

Dave Holthaus

Gordon and Pamala Schmid

Bill and Marcia Haag

Matt Harader

Susan Kay Meyer

Marianna Nothern