DOG PARK MINUTES August 27, 2009

Civic Center

ATTENDANCE:

16 signed in: Jennifer Wright, Kathy Hoaks, Bob Mitchell, Michelle Hein, Nancy Ruzic, Elisabeth Grzelak, Tracy Larsen, C. Luanne Freed, Kelly Freed, Terry Shadley, Marilyn Cox, Carol Carter, Todd Mcntyre,Darrel Jacobs, John Mason. Alderman Steve Foster

FINANCIALS

The meeting was opened by J C Mason at 1730 who presented the financial total to date of $18,291.15. The expense of printing brochures by Faulstich has been paid out of Donations ($1838.85) leaving us with the above balance. Wrist band sales have been relatively brisk at 1-$3 2-$5 and T-shirts at $20.00. We are running out of Beagle shirts and there are now 75 Maggie shirts on order from Apparel Unlimited on Georgetown Road. All thank you and memorials have been mailed and we are current to date. 56 sent out. The procedure is this-presented by J C Mason: The City of Danville office prepares the formal thank you letter and its amount on their stationery. I will pick these up at appropriate intervals and mail them out with our DOG Park thank you’s (hand and paw handshake). If it is a memorial then a separate letter goes to them with just our paw and hand letter.

We now have a letter prepared by the city over Doug Ahrens title that Darrel or I can print out after we put in the name of the prospect, i.e. County Market confirming ahead that the donation or service is tax deductible as made to City of Danville/Dog Park. City Finance Director, Gayle Brandon want s a copy of each letter so they can be tracked. IRS implications were reviewed by Darrel Jacobs.

CONTACTS

In view of the nice article and pictures we need to continue our fund raising efforts anticipating costs of fence will be higher and if funds allow we could add some amenities at startup. STRIKE WHILE IRON IS HOT. The contacts list was reviewed, updated and discussed. Copy to be included with minutes. There are some loose ends as noted that will need to be addressed by personal contact and Darrel Jacobs and J C Mason agreed to continue pursuing them. The member ship present was encouraged to make personal contacts of lawyers, dentists, physicians, chiropractors, merchant s and friends. Plenty of brochures are available. Our updated and re-designed poster was redone, framed and enclosed with Plexiglas. Images on Gilbert did a wonderful job on it. They also did not make any charge for their services because they thought it was great cause for the city of Danville. Great In-Kind donation. This will be put to great use in presentations such as upcoming noon Rotary on October 26

Diana Bryant was unable to attend the meeting but provided an update from the Vermilion County Animal Shelter via email:

1. They no longer mail out rabies alert letter-just postcards. With the loss of that potential spread of information we will need to pick up the brochures and search for other mailing sites-water Company , Banks etc

2. There is the feeling that the use of their “Doggy Banks” for funds collection might confuse donors so that offer is off the table

OTHER CONTACTS

A decision was made to pursue the bagging and carry out at County Market. The letter requesting this from the city indicating deductibility has now been prepared and mailed to E Grzelak who will be scheduling and calling for volunteer s

It was decided we would not initiate the selling of Elder Berman coupons at this time. Some concern that this would hamper similar efforts by the schools

Daschund Festival at Fairgrounds on Sept 12 appears to be an attractive opportunity. Kathy Hoaks has assumed the leadership role here. The poster, wrist bands, T-shirts, brochures and informational material about our ink cartridge recycling will be displayed. All who can help please contact Kathy The application has been submitted.

Todd McIntyre suggested the Ellsworth Park Festival and he is looking into that and organizing it. If you can help please contact Todd . Coordination with Kathy for display material and wrist bands will be necessary.

Ink jet recycling. The Funding Factory of 380 E Bayfront Parkway, Erie, PA has provided a START Kit with direction for packing and also the size cartridges they will accept. We are working on getting this project up and running. We have received a large assortment from TRIDAN and Walgreen’s (acct on Voorhees). We have talked to County Market (N&S) and will be contacting BCBS for their used cartridges. Kelly and Luanne Freed have volunteered their talents for box construction for the County Markets. Hopefully the word will spread and this will provide income down the road for items we need (i.e. poop bags). With success we will need to organize sorting and packing parties. www.fundingfactory.com. Email: Info@funding factory.com. They have been contacted and posters, shipping boxes and labels for pre-paid UPS is on the way. Volunteers will be need in this promising effort.

Website Ready

Thanks to the talents and generosity of Alderman Steve Foster and his website development company, BEAMSCO, we have a beautiful website. As it develops we will be able to describe our park, have the rules and regulations readily available, fees, memberships, etc. Our brochure will help in donations and provide usage and membership information. Steve gave a brief presentation of the fundamentals, has provided all the fees necessary and we are up and running. Very- Very exciting. Thank You, Steve, from all the volunteers in the Fetch Dog Park Group. Great in-kind donation. www.fetchdogpark.org

TIME TO ORGANIZE

A general discussion regarding what routes we might take at this point from informal group to a more formal group with bylaws developed. This discussion was lead by Kelly Freed as a prelude to his presentation and drafts for rules and regulation. He had prepared a packet with a format followed by his suggested ONE PAGE RULES AND THEN A PAMPHLET VERSION WITH MORE DETAIL. A COPY WAS HANDED OUT TO MOST MEMBERS PRESENT WITH PLAN THAT THEY WOULD READ, DIGESTED, AND BE READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FINAL FORM AT THE NEXT MEETING.

The consensus favored a formal organization that could present, represent and be a valuable resource to the City that would be a force in ensuring the success and longevity of the Dog Park Concept. Eventually bylaws will be needed

At this point a Nominating Committee was proposed with the charge of developing officer structure and organizational guidelines to help the volunteers move forward and create an organization that will ensure survival of the Dog Park Dream. Volunteer members: Kathy Hoaks Chr, Kelly Freed, Nancy Ruzic, Tracy Larsen, Elisabeth Grzelak spoke up early but any who want to help please contact Kathy Hoaks

T he meeting concluded at 710 PM. Thanks to all who attended. Diana Bryant, Deb Fridy, Jeannette Gourley expressed their desire to be present but unable because of circumstances beyond their control. 7 new members expressed their desire to help.

Respectfully submitted. Will be attached to Yahoo and our new website.

J C Mason

Minutes of July 9 Meeting

DOG PARK GROUP

Meeting Attendance 13

Bryant, Diana

Fertaly, Marzy

Freed, Luanne

Fries, Tom and Marti

Fridy, Deb

Grzelak, Elisabeth

Jacobs, Darrel

Larsen, Tracy

Mason, John

Reitsma, Jackie

Ruzic, Nancy

Shadley, Terry

The Leadership Team and above volunteers met at the Civic Center at 530 PM on July 9. Sign-in and introductions preceded the business meeting. The minutes of the June 17 meeting were discussed and approved with no corrections.

Darrel Jacobs presented the financial report that was through May. After brochure expenses we have $1060.00 in our account with the city. He discussed utilization of the brochure form to specify memorials, honorariums, as well as outright donations at all the various levels. He also noted how the form could be secured with staples or scotch tape and mailed directly. A copy of a proposed thank you letter prepared by Tracy Larsen showing a paw and a hand shake was presented and discussed. It needs some revision and update but all agreed the picture was perfect and we need to proceed with thank you. Darrel J is staying on top and at present plans to do the thank you’s. Hopefully he will need some help soon. He is awaiting a letter from the City Treasure in regards to Tax status of donations. At this point copies of the article on the Champaign Dog Park were distributed. The idea of fees and preparation of rules and regulations for the city to review and ponder was briefly discussed. Because of our memorandum of agreement and the need for approval on any such issue by the city we will need to address that issue soon.

A listing of all the contacts and brochure drop off by the members to date was presented and the following compilation is made

Barney Realty, BEAMSCO, Berry’s Garden Center, BigR NVerm, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Butternut Bread and Store,

Carmack Car Capital, CB Devonshire, Carle Clinic Fairchild, Chittick Eye Care, County Market NVerm,

CVS-need corporate letter, CB Devonshire

Danville Noon Rotary, Dan Commercial News, Dan Metal Stamping, Dairy Queen on E Main, Days INN

Dentists, Satterwhite, Ashton

Dollar General

Envirox LLC E. Fairchild, ERA,

Farren Realty, Fern Cline, First Choice Realty

Groomer s: South Paw, Pampered Paws, Lone Oaks

Hawkeye Foods, Honeywell Corp

Kennels: Hillcrest Pets Plus, Best Friends,

Leverenz Parts and Fuel

Mervis Industries

Polyclinic

Provena: ER, Administration, Med Record s, cancer clinic, gift shop.

Salon and Spa: Timothy Dan, Larry Pauls, Reflections

Satellite Cable/Nextel

Shutte & Frey Auto Bowman

Taco Bell, Towne Machine and Toole

Veterinarians: Hillcrest, Vermilion, Hillcrest Stateline, Eastlake, Fairchild

Vermilion Health Dept Susan Bounds

Westville: Post Office, Depot

Following discussion of above the two meeting tables discussed some new initiatives.

1. Discuss with Jean Beck about Farmers Market Booth JCM

2. Display and presentation at a Dan’s game JCM

3.Presentation at Georgetown Fair Jackie Reitsma

4. “Piggy” Banks for donations DB

5. Used cartridge mail in DF

6. Labor Day Parade?

7. Raffle

8. Contact own dentist (remainder to be contacted by JCM after list compiled.

Van Burk to be contacted

9.Other contacts to be pursued from the D. Jacobs table

Sue Ellen Hinkles, Danville Health Club, Escape, Dr Fisher, Sunset Ice Cream Social on Thursday, Danville Elks Club, Boat Club

The next initiative utilized a list of business in the Danville area. There was a list of 80 potential candidates to be made aware of our effort and to have brochures distributed to them. Out of the master list there were 36 that no one had a connection with and it was felt we could assign them at a later date following completion of the first contact phase. Those who accepted a name to contact will report during the interval till next meeting.

The meeting concluded at 730 with the next meeting to take place in August with an attempt to engage a larger group. At that time we will assess progress on our initiatives.

Submitted by J C Mason

7/22 add on volunteer:

Mary Pribble

Dog Park Minutes June 17, 2009

630 to 800 PM at Civic Center

Attendees: Sign In Sheet

Adams, Joanne

Bryant, Diane

Freed, Kelly and Luanne

Freed, Luanne

Fries, Marti *

Fridy, Deb *

Grzelak, Elisabeth

Darrel Jacobs

Lane, Steve CITY REP

Larsen, Tracy *

Mason, John

Ruzic, Nancy

Shadley, Terry *

The meeting was opened by J C Mason. He presented the historical development of the Park beginning with the initial meeting with D Ahrens and S Lane in May of 2008. Research including visiting Dog Parks in Florida, Colorado and Urbana, IL and the internet led to present proposal utilizing Espenscheid Park under the auspices of the city park system. This would allow us to raise funds that would be tax deductible and develop an organization to work with the city to develop the rules and regulations by which the Dog Park would function. At the Public Works Committee meeting in May the proposals, design and Memorandum of Agreement as presented by S Lane and Darrel Jacobs was approved. At the May 19 meeting of the City Council the proposal was reviewed and approved. So we are now ready to proceed with the priority-FUND RAISING.

The Memorandum of Understanding was discussed by Darrel Jacobs highlighting the responsibilities of the Dog Park Group (exact structure, officers, bylaws, rules and regulations to be developed as fund raising concludes-goal for fence $18,000.00). Following the presentation a brief question and answer session was held.

The brochure developed by Tracy Larsen was then presented and discussed. The highlights of giving levels and how to make out the check to assure deductibility was emphasized as well. Gayle Brandon, Finance Director 17 West Main Street will keep our records and allow us to keep track and respond with thank you’s. The level of giving up to Top Dog will allow us to develop recognition markers in the future. All of those present took copies to personally distribute.

A discussion was then held about how we should go about fund raising and several possibilities were discussed.

Presentations to civic groups, churches

Information booths at fairs, the Mall

Distribution at stores, an events Civic Center)

It was decided in view of the smallness of the group at this meeting that a LEADERSHIP TEAM of volunteers should form to meet and determine specific direction and focus. They are

1. Joanne Adams 2. Diane Bryant 3. Luanne Freed 4.Marty Fries 10 E. Grezlak

5. Deb Fridy 6. Darrel Jacobs 7. Tracy Larsen 8. John Mason 9.Terry Shadley

It is planned that the leadership team will meet in July with some more interested parties and plan some events and coordination. All those present took copies of the brochure to distribute to friends, fellow employees and other venues to spread the word. Each will keep track of the areas they have covered. The formal meeting adjourned at 8 PM

Prepared by John Mason

Following the meeting I received an email with some great ideas from Elizabeth Grzelak which I will present to the Leader ship team at their meeting

1st Meeting Dog Park -Minutes December 9, 2008 530 to 730 PM

Conference Rooms 2and3 USMC

Purpose: Inform and Explore Feasibility of a Dog Park in Danville

The meeting was opened by John Mason who briefly explained the development of the idea for a Dog Park in Danville with its benefits. The various explored options were briefly discussed and based on this research he presented the most viable recommendation. In cooperation with the city we raise tax deductible funds that would be used to establish the Park in existing park space. As this proceeds we would need to organize a governing structure to oversee membership, dues, rules and regulations, maintenance, and addition of amenities. The city with its resources would be able to provide insurance, assist in the upkeep and interact with the Dog Park governing body to insure accountability and assistance similar to present arrangements with the Skateboard Park and Soccer facility.

Steve Lane, Supervisor of Parks for the City of Danville, then presented description of proposed site and utilizing a blown up aerial view. The proposed site would be in the 65 acre Espenscheid Park donated to the family in honor of their parents. This area is north on Kimball where it joins Voorhees between Anderson Electric and M-H Equipment. It lies between the active railroad tracks on the east and the inactive tracks to the west. About 5 acres would be set aside near the road and fenced. The fence would be a 4-5 foot split rail fence with wire backing suited in appearance with the natural intent of the park. The estimated cost of materials is $18,000. Adjacent to the road would be a parking area. The fencing would have an entry holding area and be divided into a small and large dog area. In the future park planning would include a well and restroom facilities. The long range plan is to keep the area as natural as possible with trails and the Dog Park would fit in well with this plan.

Darrel Jacobs continued the informative session with his conversation with Gayle Brandon, City of Danville Finance Director. Checks made out to City of Danville/Dog Park would allow funds to be kept separate and be tax deductible. They could be accessed by a work order from the Parks Department. They would be able to keep track of donors so appropriate thank you’s and memorials could be recorded.

All of the above issues were explored and discussed in quite a bit of detail and it was the consensus of the group that the project was doable and LET’S GET STARTED.

Fund raising ideas ,raffles, biscuits, online sites and person to person solicitation were all discussed. The idea of a contest for naming utilizing the schools and prizes was mentioned.

The following plans are now in place based on the above discussions:

1. Second meeting in January to be presided over and called by Darrel Jacobs ( date to be determined).

2. Preparation of a brochure to be organized by Darrel Jacobs and assisted by Tracy Larsen and any other volunteer

3. Plan for date and presentation to City Planning Committee

4. Distribution of information sheets and donation forms to appropriate sites. DVM offices, groomers, Vermilion County and Danville Humane Societies JCM

5. Preparation of list of all those interested with names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses as now available. JCM (a volunteer has offered to develop a site on yahoo and send invitations to view it)

The meeting was attended by 20+ and concluded at 730PM

Submitted by John Mason