April 20, 2024
Welcome and Introductions
Overview and History of Action Ridge
Nan and Liz gave a brief overview of the history and founding of Action Ridge in 2017. They shared early goals, past achievements, and the development of our interest areas.
2023 Achievements
Affordable Housing: Kristin Berg presented.
Purpose: The purpose of the Affordable Housing Committee (the “Committee”) is to promote AH in Park and to perform other duties as described below. (Refer to Charter)
Email list of @50, monthly meetings on zoom with 8-10 active participants
Comprehensive Plan – attended PZC meetings, sent in comments on Housing Chapter, participated as a stakeholder with consultant (phone interview), encouraged letters/comments and had 50+ sent in. Petition signed by @70 residents in support of AH
IHDA Housing Plan – participated in community focus groups to identify need and make recommendations, attending City Council meetings, encouraged comments/letters
Education –
Action Steps –
Discussion Group: Karen Banks-Lubicz presented.
This group meets about every other month. Some of the recent books they have read are:
The group also saw two movies: In Colin, Black and White and The Last White Man
They would like to have more participants and welcome anyone to join them. They are open for suggestions or ideas.
The first book for 2024 will be Me (Moth) by Amber McBride
Environment/ Sustainability: Tim Milburn and Jeanne Wells presented.
Currently, this team’s main purpose is to share information with Action Ridge members. In 2023 they gave regular updates and action items through the weekly email. Projects they worked on include:
Gun Violence Prevention: Joan Bludeau Lavelle presented
This team shared critical information though the weekly newsletter and at Action Ridge meetings. They attended gun violence prevention events, provided information for submission of witness slips on assault weapons bans.
Joan, Noreen, Mimi have faithfully served as co-chairs for several years. They would like to step down and hope others will take their place. We have appreciated their commitment and dedication and thank them for all they have done!
Nan has been talking to Sara Knizhnik a gun violence prevention advocate about collaborating with the organization SAFE.
Voting and Elections: Chris Parson and Pat Lofthouse presented.
Action Ridge organized voter registration at Maine South last year. They have established dates for events at all three local high schools in 2024. We have 37 deputy registrars and registrars in training. There is always a need for more. The training is on-line and only takes about 45 minutes.
2023 proved to be a stellar year for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Here are highlights:
Policing and Criminal Justice
Alissa Goldwasser shared a draft presentation entitled Youth Problems in Park Ridge: An Overview and Recommendations. The presentation included statistics of juvenile crime in Park Ridge in 2023. The group responded positively, and she will continue to hone the presentation and suggest action items and next steps.
Presentation of 2024 slate of candidates for Action Ridge Leadership
The slate of candidates for 2024 were presented. Kristin Berg made a motion to approve the slate. Jane Curry seconded, a vote was taken, and attendees voted unanimously to accept the slate as presented.
Discussion of Non- Partisan Status
We had a lively discussion regarding whether we want to continue as a non-partisan organization. Benefits of being non-partisan include:
We will continue as a non-partisan group.
Membership and Participation
We had a brief discussion about attracting new members and increasing participation in interest areas, meetings, and events. Some newer members suggested having a more active presence on social media. We will continue this discussion at the next meeting.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM
Respectfully submitted, Kate Kerin and Nan Parson