Merchant Park Community Garden

Meeting notes from 1/26/11

Plot development

Assuming all existing plots are filled. Awaiting renewals data – deadline is March 15th for all applications. Decision to build 5 new plots to keep momentum and grow the garden. 1 of these is likely to go to St Viators (pre school teacher). Market the 4 remaining plots and build contingency for any others left open. Awaiting proof of concept on concrete idea. On reviewing the IIT plan, numbers 14-18 will become the new plots. Donny says we can cut any existing timbers to fit. Landscape fabric is $300/1500sq ft minimum purchase. Plot exchange meeting on March 21st won’t be held if no one wants to change plots.

Action Points
The application for is available online at the MPCG website. Gardeners can download and return to Veronica with payment. Details are on the bottoom of the form.

Here is a link to sign up/renewals

http://www.merchantparkcommunitygarden.org/about/application/

Flyer

We need a flyer which can be marketed online and printed for distribution. A slideshow would be useful tool for updating our donors on progress and tapping more funds.

Action Points

Sonya to pull together the flyer and market on Everyblock. Veronicas email address and Google number should be put on the flyer. Collect photos on Flickr for a slideshow.
Bob will print copies to be distributed within the “triangle” (Pulaski, Milwaukee and Addison) within the next month
Ann will approach the Alderman’s office, specifically about Horse Fence funding and water.
Jane will email GIPNA and The Villa communities

WIC and food donations

Erin is waiting for a response.

Social calendar for 2012

Ron has emailed a draft.

Action Points

Jane to verify schedule, all gardener meetings should be bi-monthly and executive committee meetings bi monthly so we have 12 meetings annually. Jane to schedule with All Saint’s Church.

Fruit Trees

We have a grant submitted as part of an openlands grant currently awaiting approval. Bob has information on Arborday trees foundation where we can get trees cheaply. Unsure about what soil we require to plant the fruit trees. The IIT plan suggested we would use soil taken from the ground where we are planting the trees to make the “mound” however there is concern over the use of new organic materials when planting fruit trees.

Action Points

Ann to consult Glenda about the best way to plant the trees.

Lumber

Still no definitive lumber inventory. The Park district has timbers available on the South Side.

Action Points

Bruce to complete and inventory of plot materials
Bob to continue his conversation with Home Depot

Horse Fence

Waiting for IIT to determine fence length but in the meantime we can work on the existing area.
Quotes from Bruce for fence around $25/ft. Fence fundraising parked unless we can get donations. Require some big signage and free food bins to help eliminate theft and waste.

Action Points

Bruce to complete and inventory of plot materials
Ann to contact Alderman about possible donations from discretionary income for our fencing.

Rain Barrels

Bryan will donate 2 * 60 gallon barrels. Bob has access to a 1500 gallon tank.
Jerry has information on the city initiative to get money back on purchase of rain barrels. They are available for each household. We can purchase 2 additional barrels individually and obtain a refund from the garden.

Action Points

Bob/Bruce to calculate what would be required to support a huge tank
Jerry to verify process for city initiative

Fundraising

Saturday May 12th, 2nd Annual garden kick off. Inaugarate new fruit trees if we have them. Plan for a bake sale and raffle.
Rummage sale – All Saint’s or piggyback off St Viators event on June 2nd. We could rent a communal table and also sell plants/seeds. Alternative venue – All Saint’s.
Annual seed sale to run again.
Drink nigh @ Rated R bar on Pulaski.

Action Points

Ann to email Helen H to follow up with St Viators regarding their June rummage sale.
Fundraising committee to approach Rated R Bar about event and Chicago Kayaks for donation for raffle.

Recycling centers donations

Donations available but at random. Keep it in mind and check back periodically.

NeighborSpace update

Because of a new process at NeighborSpace it has meant slight delays to soil checks, but should speed up the overall approvals process. Expect testing in the Spring.

Committee updates

Water – Ongoing. No new updates. See Rain Barrel item 8.
Compost – No updates
Fundraising – See item 10.
Marketing & Communications – Emily restored the entire MPCG website following hacking.
Social – March 6th first meeting of the year @ 4016 W Eddy St.
Plot Planning and Construction – No new updates

attendees:

Jane McKay
Ann Kauth
Greg Lakota
Jerry Curry
Veronica Harrigan
Jessica Angus
Bob Heywood
Gudrun Petterson
Bruce Yaeger
Janice Barney