Ford
Homes Historic District Board Meeting
Meeting Minutes
Thursday,
October 9, 2003
Present: Mike
Assenmacher, Amy Jelso, Carter Brown, Leon Bergeron,
Dan Alford, Jenny Neill, Teresa Klimkiewicz
Absent: None
Next Meeting: To be determined - - November date
possible if needed.
Meeting began at 7:35p
Introduced board members.
Reviewed agenda items.
Distributed sample newsletter for review, comment, input. Distributed
minutes of May board meeting for review.
In review of committee agenda, it was agreed that we would
keep “standing committee status” as the first topic for discussion during
committee meetings. Includes Building
Committee, merchandise, sign rental, tent rental, Welcome Committee, update on
Home Tour (if needed).
Mike suggested that we look into ordering new merchandise
and getting rid of remaining items in stock.
Teresa will speak
with Sylvia regarding new merchandise and provide an update to the Board, as
well as an inventory (if possible).
Amy brought up a recent issue with the tent rental
situation. Amy’s neighbor was angry
because she was not able to obtain a District-owned tent when she wanted it,
and refused to pay for the rental because of the inconvenience. Discussions on how situations of this type
should be handled in the future were tabled.
No news on birthday / birth announcement signs.
It was discussed that the Home Tour may be cancelled this
year due to lack of participants. As of
the meeting, there were only 3 confirmed houses. Teresa advised that at least 8 are needed to make the Home Tour
viable. A deadline of October 23, 2003
(Fall Meeting) was set by Sylvia Tillman as “last call” for home tour volunteers.
All present reviewed newsletter that is to be delivered by
October 14th to residents.
Mike has already posted it to the website.
Teresa advised that Erika Morrison and family will host
the District tent for the Halloween Walk on October 30, 2003. Mike advised that Ron & Becky Mallord
will be judges for the Pumpkin Carving contest – also on the same date. Mike will ask for volunteers at the Fall
Meeting to help judge pumpkins. Teams
will be sent out in the District to determine the best carved pumpkins. Leon, Mike, Amy, and Teresa volunteered to
assist. Mike will request homemade
“goodies” at the Fall Meeting. Set up
for the Halloween Walk will begin at 6:00p on the 30th.
Teresa advised that there is no status as yet on the
historic district signs. Mike stated
that the City of Dearborn DPW is piloting a program for historic districts in
Dearborn to make signage consistent throughout the city. The FHHD is one of the “test subjects” for
this pilot. Kurt Klimkiewicz is heading
up the Signage Committee, and will follow up with Kurt Giberson at the DPW on
the status of the signs. Mike advised
that the signs for the poles would be similar in design to the median
sign. The District has not yet been
given a cost for the signs; Mike advised that the FHHD will have to pay the
City of Dearborn for their costs, but with no markup.
Amy volunteered to host the Christmas Walk on December 20,
2003 should no one else volunteer. Mike
to ask for a volunteer at the Fall Meeting.
Mike also advised that he has all the decorations from the last
Christmas Walk in his garage. Ron
Mallord volunteered to play Santa.
Leon suggested that, if the Home Tour occurs, the District
should provide someone on the Trolley (if we can get it again) to talk about
the homes and point out significant homes in the District. Teresa suggested Sylvia or Dave Tillman.
All discussed the upcoming Fall Meeting agenda. Mike announced that the District will
collect canned food items and donate them to the church. In exchange for each canned good, residents
will receive one raffle ticket for donated prizes and/or FHHD merchandise. Mike asked for volunteers at the meeting to
take the canned goods and give out tickets.
All were asked to get donated prizes from local merchants and let Mike
know by October 17, 2003.
Dan to provide a Treasurers Report at the Fall Meeting.
Resident Josh Brandwene will speak at the Fall Meeting on
the upcoming FHHD Hockey Night at UM-Dearborn on November 15, 2003.
Jenny suggested that the District announce meetings on
lawn signs. Discussion tables for
future discussion, but is considered a possibility for the Spring 2004 Meeting.
Jack O’Reilly will be the featured guest speaker at the
Fall Meeting. Leon suggested that Jack
be given a small token of appreciation for this time. All agreed, and it was determined that FHHD merchandise will be
given. Teresa to get merchandise from
Sylvia. Mike suggested a thermal mug.
Mike suggested that the board members sit together at the
front of the meeting – separate from the rest of the residents so that the
residents will know who is a board member.
All approved.
It was also suggested that, if the crowd isn’t too large,
everyone introduce themselves and say what street they live on. Mike also wants to read the names of recent
volunteers, introduce officers, and other dignitaries if present. It was further suggested that coffee and
cookies be served, and nametags be offered.
Prizes will drawn at the end of the Meeting.
Mike suggested that the District consider “adopting” a
window at the T-Plex – Piquette Avenue Model T Plant restoration project. An
entire window or just a portion of one can be sponsored. The District would also get an engraved
plaque on the window. Cost is $1200 for
an entire window, and $300 for ¼ of one.
Mike feels that the District should support this cause and “give
back”. It was determined that this will
be tabled for future consideration, as the sign project must take priority at
this time.
Dan advised that Matt Galanty did a very nice job of
taking care of the Park Street Park this year, and suggested that he be
approached about mowing next year as well.
All approved. A discussion about
scheduling a Park Clean-Up Day was tabled as it is now too late in the
season. To be revisited in the spring.
Mike advised that he will email the agenda to board
members for the upcoming Fall Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40p.
__________________________
Minutes submitted October 13, 2003
Prepared by Teresa Klimkiewicz, FHHD Secretary (2003-2005)