GGNA Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Carl Wasielewski

Attendance included Bryan, Carl, Clarence, Michelle, and , Sally

The meeting opened at 7:00 with a discussion of the November 14, 2005 Neighborhood Social at El Cid. It was decided that Bryan would bring membership forms for new members, that a reduction of $1 on the price would be given to members, that Carl would bring a sign in, that Michelle would bring her organization's health care positions, that Clarence would bring Change, and that there would be at least a verbal announcement and possible a written announcement of next month's general meeting, including elections, that would take place at Goethe School. Carl promised to call the school to confirm their ability to host.

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The board then discussed a nominating committee to recommend new board members. Each year, GGNA's 9 member board has three slots open, and three new neighbors are elected for three year terms. A number of names were suggested, and the nominating committee will make recommendations.

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The board next discussed sending a letter to the Alderman's office regarding 2145-2149 N Talman, and 2150 N Rockwell. Two of these lots had a plumbing business, and a third was vacant. They were some of the several slots of land that were zoned commercial (C1-1), and that GGNA worked to get downzoned to residential (R3). The zoning committee had met with potential developers, and there was some confusion over what was the actual zoning of these lots. Carl will write a letter on GGNA's behalf to determine.

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Clarence suggested that anyone with a GGNA tattoo get in free to the Neighborhood Social. There was unanimous agreement with this suggestion.

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The board then agreed that it would be fun to have another Neighborhood Social in February, possibly around Valentine's.

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Finally, Carl brought up that GGNA could very easily have a representative on the 35th Ward Zoning committee (Sally had brought this issue up at a previous meeting). In the 35th ward, every community organization has the right to appoint a member to represent them on the Zoning Committee. The portion of GGNA boundaries between Altgeld and Logan, and between California and Western is in the 35th Ward. It was recommended that we find a neighbor who lives in that area and would be willing to attend 35th Ward Zoning Committee meanings, as well as GGNA meetings. Anyone who would recommend such a neighbor, should speak to the Board.

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Finally, Sally discussed whether GGNA should be involved in the Health Care Referenda project. It was decided that GGNA's 501(c)(3) status prevented us from being involved in political organizations like that, but that individuals could get involved if they desired.

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The meeting ended with much conviviality, and more than one margarita. All neighbors are encouraged to attend.