Sept 6, 2011 MINUTES FETCH DOG PARK LEADERSHIP TEAM

Danville Public Library 2^nd floor

Sept 6, 2011

6:30-8:00 Pm

Present, D Fridy, E Grzelak, Joe and Ruth Schatz, T Doss, D Jacobs, J Mason

Absent: S Lane, Shadley’s (were not notified of the meeting due to error by JMason-apology made, error corrected)

The meeting was called to order and presided over by JCMason.  The minutes of the Nov 9, 2010 meeting as on website were approved.

A review of the Rules and Regulations as is on the website was reviewed.  They were especially reviewed in light of an incident in mid August.  An owner/handler was present when her dog became aggressive and the incident was witnessed by E Grzelak, T Doss, and Steve Houghton with all agreeing on the basic facts. Animal Control from Humane Society had been called and also witnessed acts of aggression. The handler refused to leave with her 2 dogs and the HS contacted Danville Police who responded promptly with those responsible leaving the park under protest. On August 16 the tags revoked and money refunded to the party by the HS.  Apparently the dogs had shock collars.  It was felt that there were several opportunities to defuse the situation along the way if the handler had followed suggestions in our handbook.  Since aggression is reason enough to leave it was not felt it was necessary to include shock collar in the handbook. More details as observed will be included in the minute book of Fetch Dog Park

The prompt response by the authorities was commended. The Humane Society has been making an effort to come to the Park and check tags to be sure all are in compliance.

The Appeals Process that was prepared by D Jacobs in response to a request from J Adams (Past director of HS) in June of 2010 was reviewed. A copy of it is present in the HS.  It discusses the process whereby someone who has had licenses revoked may regain the license by appearing before the Leadership Team that would serve as the Hearing Board.  It was felt this should be posted on the website and J Mason will discuss this with S Foster at the time the minutes are ready.

The financials from inception to July 31, 2011 were presented and discussed.  At present our balance is $11,478.54 as reported by Gayle (Lewis) at the City.  There is minimal discrepancy with J Mason figures that were calculated from balance sheets provided by Gayle  at City.  Going forward the sheets will be reviewed monthly.

A discussion was then held as to how funds the park will need should be raised.  Should the basic fees per animal be increased?  Most felt the increase should not take place yet.  We wanted it as low as possible so that more would be encouraged to take advantage of it.  Alternative ways of raising funds to take care of maintenance needs as well as improvements were discussed.  The majority felt that some kind of focused drive (similar to Vermilion Animal Shelter) should be held once every year or 2 as opposed to going around for “handouts”.  It was decided to table this discussion and study it.  It was suggested that we poll the members for ideas.

D Jacobs then began the discussion of new business items.

1.       He gave a brief history of the gift to the city that allowed for the purchase of the 61 acres that became the Harry and Marguerite Espenschied Park.  Harry E gave the city the money for the purchase and named it in honor of his parents.  Harry, (son) died at age 92 in April 2011.  The printout from the DHS publication was given to D  Jacobs by M Denman, Supt of DHS

2.      The water is in the park and working.  The delivery of the water at the faucet has a unique design.  It is not a pump but a faucet that looks like a pump. Pushing handle forward and holding it allows water to flow after short delay. When handle is pulled back water stops and the water level falls down in pipe BELOW freeze level so no drainage at end of season necessary.

3.      NO FOOD IN PARK signs up at each gate.

4.      Arrangements being made to get a “bone” on our Donor sign to recognize the Animal Welfare League of Central Illinois for their financial contributions to Fetch Dog Park

5.      Two large “designer” type FETCH DOG PARK signs are being prepared by 2 designers in shape of bone.  One will be displayed on the arch at entrance and the other site to be decided ??at location near entrance off Kimball.

6.      Dog park Shelter.  After review of many options and in consultation with S Lane a final recommendation is made. It is 10’x10’ “umbrella type” pyramid (NOT CANTILEVERED) which can withstand winds 90 mph which brings it into city codes. The central support would be imbedded in concrete. The city could install it.  2 would be placed in large dog side and 1 in small dog side.  A specially designed bench 6’ for each was proposed. Total cost approximately $7000.00.  The Leadership Team voted for yellow “shade” and Steve Lane will be authorized to order. See illustrations at end of minutes.

7.      New trees are available and replacements for those not surviving are planned for October

8.      Dr. T Halloran is in process of aerating and fertilizing. No weed spraying is planned.

It was discussed that D Jacobs and J Mason would meet with HS officials and tour the facility, discuss 2012 tag orders and reminder cards.  We also plan to remind them to hand out our Fetch Dog Park booklets with new tags for anyone who does not possess one.

Discussion was started about time and feasibility of the annual meeting of membership but it was limited because it was closing time at library. Thoughts expressed were for the fall at the park /. Presentation of the bone for Animal League or installation of designer signs.

NOTE SHELTER ILLUSTRATIONS. on Pages 3, 4 below

Sorry the outline of the “cover” requires close look. This bottom one is it.

Respectfully Submitted JCMason 9/7/2011

FETCH Dog Park

Minutes of Nov. 9, 2010 Meeting

Danville Public Library

5:30 pm

Attendees: Nancy Ruzic, Elisabeth Grzelak, Deb Fridy, Tony O’Neal. Tamara Schooler, Joe and Ruth Schatz, JCMason, Terry Shadley, Tracey Doss and Darrel Jacobs

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Mason, Darrel Jacobs and Deb Fridy and was called to order at 530 PM.

The goal of this meeting was to discuss the production and sale of the FETCH Dog Park Cookbook. And to update on current/future issues of the Park.

1. Cookbook overview –

a. To raise $3000 by selling 600 books

b. Pre-sell, with prepayment, 300 books to cover the cost of the original shipment

c. Minimum profit of $5 per book

d. All recipes submitted by Dec. 31, 2010

e. Pre-sales will begin Jan. 2011 thru Feb. 15.

f. Finished product for Spring distribution by April 1, 2011

2. Budget for sales

a. A $500 budget for Cookbook sales and expenses was approved

3. Prizes for most cookbook sales

a. First place – $100 gift card

b. Second place – FREE park tags

c. Third place – t/b/d

4. What’s next

a. Submit recipes to Morris Cookbook

b. Publicize Pre-Sale ordering

a. Radio, newspaper, email, website

b. Open P.O. Box at Westville post office to receive orders by mail

c. Issue 3-part receipts to buyers – must present to receive book

d. Order cookbooks based on sales

5. Recent FETCH news

a. Tags will be sold in January for the year of 2011 and will be good for that one year.

b. The tags for FETCH will only be sold at the Danville Humane Society

now

c. County Market is donating the bags for the waste at the park

d. A Leadership Team is being formed to be the “Executive Committee” of the Park to deal with the day to day issues (SEE ABOVE 11-30-10)

WHAT HELP IS NEEDED:

b. Submit recipes

c. Distribute order coupons

1. Take to your work, church, grocery store, local business, etc.

Respectfully submitted . . . Deb Fridy

FETCH Dog Park
Minutes of Sept. 14 Meeting
Danville Public Library 5:30 pm

Attendees: Nancy Ruzic, Elisabeth Grzelak, Deb Fridy, Tony O’Neal. Tamara Schooler, Joe and Ruth Schatz, JCMason, Terry Shadley, and Darrel Jacobs

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Mason, Darrel Jacobs and Deb Fridy and was called to order at 530 PM.

The goal of this meeting was to discuss the production and sale of a FETCH Dog Park Cookbook. And to update on current/future issues of the Park.

1. Cookbook project overview –

a. To raise $6000 by selling 600 books

b. Pre-sell, with prepayment, 300 books to cover the cost of the original shipment

c. Minimum profit of $5 per book

d. All recipes submitted by Dec. 31, 2010

e. Finished product for Spring distribution by April 1, 2011

f. Cookbook Design and configuration – Coordinator: Deb Fridy

g. Recipe Submission – Coordinator: Elisabeth Grzelak

h. Book Pre-sales – $10 each- Sales Coordinator: NEEDED

a. Anticipated start date of pre-sales is November 1, 2010

WHAT HELP IS NEEDED:

o Someone to help get the recipe submission sheets out into the community

o A coordinator for the pre-sales

o WE NEED RECIPES TO FILL THE BOOK – ASK EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!!

2. Flowers at the Park

a. Clematis are being planted on south fence

b. Planning to plant perennials at the entrance gate this fall using flowers donated from members yards

3. The well

a. The City is going to hire an electrician and a plumber to dig water lines for the well

4. The shelter

a. A plan to build a 16 X 16 shelter straddling the fence between the big dog and the little dog park is progressing and should be completed this fall

5. Safety issues

a. As you would expect, there have been a few dog fights. A procedure for dealing with aggressive dogs in regards to park admittance is being developed.

b. Bringing food and toys into the park seems to be the root of some of the dog fights. Please ask everyone you know that uses the park to please follow the rules that are posted . . . this is for the safety of both hounds and humans.

6. Park maintenance

a. Spraying – the park is being sprayed this fall by Berry’s. In order to kill the thistle and the poison, the spray needs to be applied at precisely the right time so that the root system is killed. This should alleviate those issues.

Next meeting?? Middle to end of October . . . based on quantity of recipes already submitted.

Respectfully submitted . . . Deb Fridy . . .

MINUTES OF AUGUST 17 MEETING

DANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

5:30 PM

Attendees: Deb Fridy, Tony O’Neal. Tamara Schooler, Dana Johnson, Joe and Ruth Schatz, Clare Dodds, Dr. Denise Fischer, JCMason, Darrel Jacobs, TShadley, CShadley and Janice Kain

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Mason and Darrel Jacobs and was called to order at 530 PM.

The meeting was opened by discussing issues that had arisen since there has been access to the Park before and after the Gala on June 12.

1. Tony reported that pit bulls appeared outside the park and essentially prevented some inside the Park from leaving. Humane Society responded and removed the dogs. The HS staff was well aware of these dogs because they frequently get loose. DISCUSSION: It was felt that the HS be consulted on this issue-is there a limit to this behavior that would require impounding.? Apparently they did not appear friendly and frightened the people in park with their dogs.

2. A 30# beagle got under the fence of the east maintenance gate. A screen was placed over it to identify it. DISCUSSION: SHORT TERM FIX—2 wheelbarrow+ of dirt in area so owner could leash dog before gets out. LONG TERM—talk with Steve Lane about putting asphalt chips on inside of gate and then gate would open only one way-out

3. It was felt too many people are not watching and picking up poop after dogs. Weekends are worse. Poop patrol rounds production increases from 3-4 bags to 10-15

DISCUSSION: D JACOBS HAS GOTTEN A SOURCE OF BAGS. The new owner at Priceless Foods on Fairchild has agreed to furnish rolls of plastic bags that are used for produce. Darrel is preparing signage to acknowledge the gift and encourages all “volunteers to thank him when in store”. They will need to be re-rolled to accommodate our dispensers. Joe Schatz has agreed to take that project on and help keep dispensers full.

Steve Lane will be asked to get some new signs made for inside the park to remind people to pick up. It also behooves all of us to be on alert and tell the owner if their dog is doing his business. Please remind all to tie a knot in bag to keep down flies and odor.

4. City probably will install surveillance cameras at some point for added security.

5. The well has been successfully drilled and the water source (@approx 180+ feet down) is located on the west side of the fence close to junction between large and small park. DISCUSSION: It was felt the water could be piped into each close to the junction (N/S—E/W) fence so each park have its own source with very little pipe being needed. Drainage is reasonable here. Eventually it would be nice to have a fixture with a lower bowl so dogs could easily access it. We are not aware of any timetable for completion of this. We are grateful to the Espenscheid family for their foresight on this issue.

6. Shelters: Discussion: Be great to set up shelters in such a way that they could straddle fence so that small and large dog owners could socialize. Several areas are feasible for this. Meetings could also utilize them in less than wonderful weather. DJacobs suggested that perhaps pavilions at the abandoned Girl Scout Camp on Woodbury Hill in West Harrison Park might be utilized. Deb Fridy volunteered her husband to check feasibility. As we improve the amenities of the park hopefully we can accomplish something for shelter.

7. Remind Aqua that they volunteered to put some re-cycled hydrants in the park. Hopefully this might save trees or future plantings. Future planting of flowers has been discussed over email but did not come up at meeting.

8. Concern about hours and extension as days shorten: Discussion: It was pointed out the hours are dawn to dusk and it does not seem practical to change that. Lighting for night use is not in the foreseeable future.

UPDATE;

Darrel Jacobs discussed past, present and future concerning our finances and upcoming expenses. We initially raised about $25,000.00 and this paid for signage and fence. Subsequently it became apparent that we would need a good mower since we would be responsible for mowing in our area. Dr. Halloran filled in capably in the beginning but it was felt we should have our own mower. After looking at 3 dealerships and their equipment we felt B&D had the best used mower for the money and our needs. JMason and DJacobs put some money in to make sure there would be no shortfall (mower 5800.00). The city maintenance man checked it out and o.k.’s our purchase. Most of the mowing duties have been handled by DJacobs and Tony O’Neal and it is going very well. Takes about 5 gal of gas per mowing and around 3 hours of time-start to finish.. With Dr Halloran’s equipment and expertise we are planning to aerate—seed– and fertilize this fall. Also with Berry’s expertise we plan to spray a special herbicide ($150.00/qt.) to take care of broadleaf and especially Canadian Thistle this fall. Steve Lane feels the city equipment can help with the spray. Planning and preparation for this is underway. Since purchase of mower we have had several significant donations and have approximately $1000.00 balance in our fund but we will need to raise more as we continue to improve the quality of the park. DJacobs has asked Mr Bill Bounds who is one of the leaders of the Animal Welfare League to consider another donation to assist us. DFridy is also a member of the group and believed there was a meeting coming up at which that request would be discussed. Over 200 tags have been sold.

Everyone who has visited the park has been impressed by its beauty and visitors say it compares favorably with any others they have seen or visited.

FUTURE PLANS:

The idea of a walkathon was discussed. It could promote three purposes

1. Make more aware of the Park and its trails to walk. 2. Increase awareness and usage of the Dog Park and thus increase membership 3. Promote foot health

Dr. Fischer commented she would be glad to work with the organizers and felt she could obtain Pedometers. Free foot exams and Blood pressure checks could be added. After much discussion it appeared the best date would be a Saturday-Sunday October 23 & 24 after the Covered Bridge Festival. A 2 day event would be needed because of conflicts on Sat or Sun. Even the group present had conflicts that could limit participation at one of the days. Deb Fridy agreed to be chairman and pursue planning and organizing volunteers. We hope to appeal to walkers and runners and utilize the trails in and around the Dog Park. An appeal will be made to volunteers that were not present at the meeting.

Respectively submitted, JCMason 8/21/2010

MINUTES Dog Park Meeting Tuesday June 3, 2010 at JCM house

ATTENDEES: Gourley, Ruzic and Frannie, Grzelak, Shadley’s, Anderson, Jacobs, Fridy, Schooler, O’Neal, Mason. Larry Anderson a new member (ph213-1672,1711 N State, Westville,61883

The meeting was opened by D Jacobs. He presented what is developing at the park now and tentative arrangements for locating vendors, cars. The tag sale area, auction items will be placed east of entrance along fence and under tent cover, any dog vendors will be under shade around periphery, Big R at west because of power needs, Tractor supply along fence so water access for troughs is easy. With proposed 8-10 vendors they would be placed in grassy area south of main park lot. Over flow parking along south entry road and around blue building. Jacobs, O’Neal, Anderson, and Mason to be there at 0900 on Sat June 12, 13 to help with vendor location and parking. Anderson to find “yellow jackets” for Identification and “stand-outs”in the parking process. Blue hats for volunteers on the way from Jacobs. Weiner King near ticket sales, Custard Cup near radio setup with Big R. Volunteers Mason, O’Neal and Shadley will bring some “extra “poop bags” Steve Lane is working on dispensers and hopefully they will be ready of Gala. (See our Flyer above) LINK TO GALA

J Adams from the Humane Society has volunteered to be in charge of tag sales and can be assisted by Grzelak, Ruzic, Gourley and Shadley’s. For those who do not have rabies paper s they will be given receipts for their fees and can pick up tags at Humane Soc later as they present receipt with rabies certification papers. They can use receipt for their free hot dog. At adjacent tables the door prizes, auction items and a 50/50 donation ticket sale will be available. T-shirts and wrist bands to be available

The 50/50 donation will be sold as a $1.00 dollar ticket or 6 for $5.00 or 12 for $10.00 and drawing each day. Half proceeds to Dog Park and ½ to winner. Must keep ticket and be present to win. Drawing daily near 3PM

Using the list of gifts solicited by Schooler, Gourley, and others– tabulated by Hoaks a selection of door prizes and auction item groupings will be developed by Hoaks and Gourley. Hoaks has developed a format which she will prepare so that those volunteers at table can promote and keep track . Jacobs has purchased a roll of tickets that can be used for door prize drawings and also for the 50/50. Highest bidders for auction items can be notified on Sun. All comers are eligible for door prizes. They can pick up ticket at table and keep appropriate stub with the other portion going to the drawing jar. Winner has t o be present with ticket. Drawings around 3PM each day.

Deb Fridy volunteered to be in charge of drinks and has a friend to volunteer with her. Pepsi has donated 5 cases and she will purchase additional along with water. The water will be sold for $1 and after re-imbursement of her costs any profit will go to DP. The price of Pepsi will be determined by cost but figuring the 5 free cases the cost will be kept down profits dealt similar to water. Anderson, O’Neal, Mason and Jacobs to bring 2 coolers with ice.

Mason presented copies of invites, fliers, programs and the informational booklet on dog park etiquette that will go with each tag sale. Schooler and O’Neal provided a stack of colored fliers . The program only deals with events of leash cutting, plaque unveiling with remark s by Mayor and other city officials and will be handed out on Sat. The invites and fliers to be presented to friends and establishments for FYI and hopefully increase attendance. Mason is to mail invite and flier to all donors of record.

A plea was made to encourage friends to volunteer on Sat and Sun. O’Neal and Sanders to check Friday on any mowing needs. All of us would be available as gofers as well. Mason to bring 3 chairs, 2 card tables and one folding table. O’Neal and Schooler may have access to some chairs and tables and D Jacobs to check on Church.

Meeting adjourned with a tasting of wine developed by Jacobs. The product was approved for sale as a silent auction item. Time 730PM Jcmason

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