An open meeting of the Sauganash Community Assn. was held on March 24, 2009 at the North Shore Community Bank.

President Jennifer Costales called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Alderman Margaret Laurino introduced Jonathon Silverstein, Director of Special Projects for the City of Chicago , who was there to present the Blue Cart Recycling Program to our neighborhood.  The program is being implemented in the city by region. In 2008, 92,000 homes received their carts.  The goal is for 140,000 to receive their carts in 2009 and the entire city by the end of 2011.

Collections will begin in our area on Monday, April 6.  Curb service of blue carts will be every two weeks on the same day as black carts. Blue carts will be labeled designating materials for recycling.  There will be separate pick up for yard waste.

Two web sites are available for further information:  www.bluecartschicago.com and www.chicagorecycles.org.    A block captain program is in a place and persons willing to volunteer for their block can call 312 744 5702. 

A question and answer period followed.

After a short break, President Jennifer Costales resumed the business part of the meeting. 

A representative of Sauganash Neighbors for a New Park reported that $375,000 has been raised and another $75,000 is needed to get to their $450,000 goal.  She wants the Community to know that progress is continuing to be made on the plans.  Any questions can be directed to their website http://www.sauganashneighbors.com and bricks are still available for purchase. 

The membership committee reported that membership is 684 and two have paid for 2010.

The Treasurer’s report was presented and approved.

Plans for the 4^th of July celebration are in progress.  Event Chair, Renee Bennett, is looking for volunteer help for this popular community event.  Members of the Community can call the SCA hotline, 773–777-3393, and leave their name and number and she will contact them.

There will be a presentation at the open meeting regarding the Emerald Ash Borer. 

Two of our members reported that they attended the February CAPS meeting.   Incidents are taking place in our neighborhood and it is important to report any occurrences, including graffiti, to 311 or 911 in the case of emergencies.  This will improve safety in our neighborhood. 

An advisory council for the Sauganash Park has been formed to work with the Chicago Park District and the new supervisor of the park.  Two Board members attended the first meeting and candidates were nominated for the officer positions.  A second meeting was to be held for the election.

President Costales said that noise from O’Hare is a mounting problem in our neighborhood due to new flight patterns and added runways.  Concerns can be addressed to O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.

Plans for the 5K race are continuing.

The nominating committee as designated the bylaws will meet and present a slate at the next board meeting.

An opening meeting will take place at the Sauganash School on May 19 at 7:00 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M.

2002