Friends of Dicken Woods General Assembly
Minutes for the Monday, November 3, 2003 meeting at Dicken Elementary School
Attending were Helen & Mason Barr,
Jim Boyd, Matt Britt, Brian Cressman & Amanda Humphrey, Jack Eaton,
Sandy Foulke, Stephanie Hunter, Diane Imredy, Tom Ivacko, Tim Kennedy,
Theresa Leite, Harvey & Rayelene Mieske, Deb Norbotten, Nan Perry,
Erik Stalhandske, Marian Williams, Doug Wood.
Erik Stalhandske chaired the meeting and opened proceedings at 7:03.
Congratulations were offered by Erik on
city council's approval of the purchase of Dicken Woods! Marcia
Higgins, Bob Johnson and John Hieftje spoke well in our favor. Margie
Teal has supported us from the start.
The minutes from our September 8 and
October 6 meetings were moved to acceptance by Tom Ivacko, seconded by
Marian Williams, approved unanimously.
Erik reported that John Hieftje said
during the city council meeting that DW scored highly, higher than some
recent parkland purchases. Since the city council approval, Ron Olson
told Erik that the property has not been purchase yet, but that this is
not unusual. The city attorney has not had time to review the purchase.
We should create a trail design group, with five members of DW and two
from the school district. We need to layout trails with Ron Olson,
hopefully this year. Ron has talked about sings, but doesn't have plans
for a dedication. Ron also worked on the language of the city council
resolution. He is in a new job, but can still be of help with DW.
Proposal B email responses from FoDW
have all been supportive. The vote should be close, and will need a
good turnout to pass. Opponents of B have used DW as a bad foretaste of
Proposal B's approval. John Hieftje seems to have a significant
investment in its passage. Marian Williams thought DW letters to the
Ann Arbor News were effective in countering negative commentaries.
The AADL has no formal talks planned
with the city, regarding a branch library on DW. Roger Frazier said he
may talk with Josie Parker sometime in January, but he doesn't expect
movement from the AADL. He would expect any development to be limited
in size, and in a corner, away from houses. Jack Eaton reported that
the city has no limitations on the use or divestiture of parkland. He
feels our best option it to take charge and develop it as a natural
area.
A Tree Planting Ceremony was suggested
by Stephanie Hunter. She would like to do something symbolic
Thanksgiving weekend. Plant a tree in a threatened area, serve cider
and donuts, and hike the perimeter. Erik Stalhandske propose Saturday,
November 29 at 11:00. Dave Borneman might be able to provide a guided
tour. Tom Ivacko would like to have the school kids involved, possibly
have the 3rd graders read their DW poems. We could contact the
musicians from the benefit concert, reserve the Dicken auditorium, and
invite the bishop. Invitees should include Cathy O'Donnell, Park Staff,
Principal Jaeger, and Ken Monash.
Ceremony Planning will be handled by Stephanie, Tom, Bryan, Deb, Jack, and Erik.
Bishop Mengeling's decision was retold
by Erik. Apparently, the bishop decided to visit DW himself to
determine whether the diocese should sell the property as parkland or
for a branch library. Upon seeing the site, he stated, "It should be a
park." The diocese then proceeded to make arrangements with the city.
Treasurer Deb Norbotten presented our
financial picture. She said approximately three donors have asked for
their contributions back, and one new donor may still contribute.
- In the bank: $38,523.27
- Unpaid pledges: $11,935.00
- Reimbursements: $2,100.00
- Current Funds and Pledges: $48,358.00
DW's $50,000 pledge is, according to
City Council (Marcia Higgins), not required for the purchase. Ron Olson
is not concerned about that issue. Tom Ivacko stated that the PAC made
their recommendation considering our $50,000, and only voted to up the
offer to match the AADL's offer with it in mind. The PAC helped us by
not specifying our pledge in the purchase language. This unencumbered
and facilitated the purchase. He feels it is important to honor our
commitment, and that the donation to the city would force the issue with
the AADL. Doug Woods is concerned about the efficient use of our
funds. He feels that if we maintain control of the funds, we can
maximize their effect by adding sweat equity. Mike Champion stated that
early on we had talked about earmarking the money for an endowment
towards maintenance, versus reimbursing the PAC. Marian Williams
supports our commitment, but is skeptical of the general fund. She
prefers the endowment option, and wants to ensure that the city provides
full services to DW, without deducting the efforts of FoDW. Jack Eaton
commented that although Erik and Tom offered the money to the PAC,
"their boss (city council) said 'No'." We formed to protect the
property and maintain our domain over it. The $50,000 is insignificant
in purchasing city property in general, but significant for the
neighborhood.
Tom and Erik will consult with the PAC regarding their position on our pledge.
The Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase Showcase
is still willing to sponsor a fundraiser for FoDW. Diane Imredy knows
the manager, and will stay in contact with her. Such a fundraiser is
generally supported, but will not be acted on at this time.
The Next Meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2003.
Motion to adjourn by Jim Boyd, seconded by Brian Cressman. Motion approved unanimously.
The meeting ended at 8:33
Minutes taken by Jim Boyd.
