Category Archives: Meetings

ICON Membership Meeting Monday, September 25, 2023 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethren.

Please join ICON for our membership meeting on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 6:30pm.

Location

First Church of the Brethren
2115 Yale Blvd
Springfield, IL 62703

Agenda

  1. Welcome & Introductions
  2. Supporter of ICON Award to Former Adwoman Kristin DiCenso –  Jill Steiner
  3. The “Build Springfield” Initiative – Sai Joshi – Bloomberg Harvard Fellow – City of Springfield
  4. Registration Ordinance Discussion Update – Polly Poskin
  5. Establishment of non profit update – Jill Steiner
  6. Treasurers Report – Donna Mathis
  7. Approval of Minutes – Jan Von Qualen  ICON July 23 picnic minutes
  8. Open Discussion
  9. Adjourn

ICON Membership Meeting Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:30 pm at First Church of the Brethren.

City Council Candidates Meet & Greet!

Please join ICON for our membership meeting to discuss Election survey results.

Location

First Church of the Brethren
2115 Yale Blvd
Springfield, IL 62703

Agenda

  • 5:30pm City Candidates Meet & Greet
    • Refreshments will be provided.
  • 6:30pm Welcome
    • City Candidates Introductions & Statements
    • Members Open Discussion (Candidate Questions)
    • Steering Committee Updates
  • 7:30pm Adjourn

ICON Membership Meeting Monday, January 30, 2023 at 6 pm at First Church of the Brethren

Location

First Church of the Brethren
2115 Yale Blvd
Springfield, IL 62703

Agenda

  • Welcome
  • Steering Committee Updates
    • 2023 Goals and Objectives
    • City Election – Candidate Survey & ICON Candidate Interviews
  • ICON Organizational Change – PAC to Non-Profit Status
  • 2023 Meeting Dates
  • Meeting Speaker Ideas/Recommendations
  • Committee Vacancies
  • Members Open Discussion
  • Adjourn – 7:30 PM

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday October 24, 6pm

The Zoom link was sent via email. Please contact for more information.

Meeting Agenda

  1. Welcome
  2. ICON Annual Meeting and Dinner
    Monday, November 28, 6pm at Maldaner’s Restaurant
    Each ICON member’s dinner ticket is paid.
    Each recipient of a Good Neighbor Award receives two paid dinner tickets.
    We hope Members and Good Neighbor awardees bring additional friends and family!
    Tickets for additional dinner attendees only $25!
  3. 2023 Steering Committee Elections
    The election of ICON 2023 Steering Committee Members will be at the Annual Meeting on November 28.
    Elected Steering Committee members will assume their offices on January 1, 2023.ICON Steering Committee – Proposed Slate 
    Chair, Mark Mahoney, 2023-2024 (2-year term)
    Vice Chair, Jill Steiner, 2023-2024 (2-year term)
    Treasurer, Donna Mathis, 2023-2024 (2-year term)
    Secretary, Jan Von Qualen, 2023-2024 (2-year term)
    At Large (odd year), Polly Poskin, 2023-3024 (2-year term)
    At Large (odd year), Kurt DeWeese, 2023-3024 (2-year term)
    Continuing
    At Large (even year), Jamie Adaire, 2022-2023 (2-year term)
    Vacant
    Parliamentarian
    At Large (even year)
    Committee Chairs
    Budget Chair, vacant
    City Council Chair, vacant
    Events Chair, vacant
    Problem Properties Chair, vacant
    Interested in serving on the ICON Steering Committee? Call or email Polly at
  4. Good Neighbor Awards
    Please submit your nominations by November 1 at https://springfieldicon.org/good
    Awards be presented at the Annual Meeting on November 28.
    The Steering Committee will select winners before the Annual Meeting in each of four categories:
    – Individual
    – Organization
    – Business
    – Public Service
  5. ICON transition from current status as a Political Action Committee (PAC) to Non-Profit Organization
    The ICON Steering Committee recommends that ICON Membership approve that the Steering Committee proceeds with discussions to determine if it is in the best interest of ICON to transition from a PAC to a Non-Profit Organization and bring such discussions in the form of a recommendation to the Membership no later than January 30, 2023.
  6. ICON 2023 Membership meetings
    Last Monday of the month IN-PERSON
    First Church of the Brethren
    2115 Yale Blvd
    Springfield, IL 62703
  7. New Business
  8. Old Business

Election at Annual Meeting in November

At the ICON Annual Meeting in November 28, an updated slate of officers to take effect January 1, 2023 will be voted on.

ICON by-laws

Any vacancy occurring among the Steering Committee of SPRINGFIELD ICON PAC prior to the end of their terms shall be filled by a plurality vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The term filled by any vacancy shall expire at the next general election of the Steering Committee. However, should the Chairperson vacate that position, the Vice-Chair shall fill the position for the remainder of the Chairperson’s term and a new Vice-Chair shall be elected at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

ICON Members-Only Meeting: September 26, 2022, 6pm, ONLINE via Zoom

This is a members-only meeting. The Zoom link is in the email sent to members.

Meeting Agenda

On Monday September 26, ICON membership will vote on Steering Committee officers to replace two recent resignations. 

  1. Welcome & Introductions
  2. ICON Annual Meeting – Mark Your Calendars!
    • Monday, November 28: IN PERSON Annual Meeting!
  3. Good Neighbor Awards
    • Bring your Nominations by Oct. 30.
    • Categories: Public Service. Business, Organization, and Individual.
  4. Add ICON Members: Recruit! Engage others!
  5. Finalize New Officer Slate (see details below)
  6. 2023 City Elections: Aldermanic Forum? Or, Mayoral Forum?
  7. ICON legal status: considering a possible change.
  8. New Business, Old Business

Election at Annual Meeting in November

At the ICON Annual Meeting in November 28, an updated slate of officers to take effect January 1, 2023 will be voted on. That slate will be announced by email at least 30 days before the Annual Meeting.

ICON by-laws

Any vacancy occurring among the Steering Committee of SPRINGFIELD ICON PAC prior to the end of their terms shall be filled by a plurality vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The term filled by any vacancy shall expire at the next general election of the Steering Committee. However, should the Chairperson vacate that position, the Vice-Chair shall fill the position for the remainder of the Chairperson’s term and a new Vice-Chair shall be elected at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

ICON Membership Meeting: May 23, 2022, 6pm, Goodenow Insurance

Guest Speaker: Gina Lathan

Gina Lathan, who works with the City of Springfield’s Restore, Reinvest and Renew Program, will give a program presentation and speak about the work she is doing with the Heartland Continuum of Care strategic plan to address homelessness. Gina is the owner of LathanHarris, Inc.

May meeting agenda (PDF)

  • Guest Speaker: Gina Lathan
  • April 25, 2022 (PDF) minutes will stand approved as presented unless there are changes.
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Brief City Council update
  • Problem Property Update
  • Brief update on new Ward Maps
  • ICON accomplishments and activities
  • Open discussion
  • Upcoming
    • Steering Committee meeting Monday, July 18, 5:30pm
    • Membership picnic Monday, July 25, Lincoln Park (ICON will supply drinks; bring your own dinner or something to share or just yourself!)

Location

Goodenow Insurance
717 N. Grand Ave
Parking on North Grand Ave.

Minutes from April 25, 2022 (PDF)

ICON Membership

Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership for 2022!

Not a member? Need to Renew?

Join or renew now!

ICON Membership meeting April 25, 2022, 6pm, Goodenow Insurance

Goodenow Insurance
717 N. Grand Ave
Parking on North Grand Ave. or in the rear of the building.

Topic: “ICON 101: Keeping Neighborhoods Healthy”

Agenda (PDF)

  • March 28, 2022 (PDF) minutes will stand approved as presented unless there are changes.
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • City Council update
  • Problem Property Update
    • Large Item Pickup address at City Council April 5
    • Summary of Recommendations and Follow Up to the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative
    • Health Safety and Sanitation ordinance – quarterly questions for the City
    • Inconsistent collection of Administrative Court Fees
  • ICON 101: Keeping Neighborhoods Healthy
  • Open discussion
  • Upcoming
    • Steering Committee meeting Monday, May 16
    • Membership meeting Monday, May 23, Goodenow Insurance
    • Membership picnic Monday, July 25, Lincoln Park

Location

Goodenow Insurance
717 N. Grand Ave
Parking on North Grand Ave. or in the rear of the building.

Minutes from March 28, 2022 (PDF)

ICON Membership

Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership for 2022!

Not a member? Need to Renew?

Join or renew now!

ICON Membership Meeting March 28, 2022, 6pm, Zoom

Guest Speakers

Join ICON on Monday March 28 at 6pm via Zoom.

Our guest speaker will be Colleen Stone, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is contracted by the City of Springfield to provide large item pickups for residents in the City of Springfield. Habitat also sells used furniture, building materials and housewares at their ReStore.

Schedule a Large Item Pickup…
Habitat Restore…

Join us to learn more!

Agenda

  • February 28, 2022 minutes will stand approved as presented unless there are changes.
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Guest Speaker Coleen Stone, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity
    • Discussion, Q&A
  • City Council brief update
  • Problem Property Update (Bill)
    • Address City Council Tasks
    • Continue to identify two distraught properties in wards two, three, five six and eight.
  • ICON Membership Open Discussion
  • Upcoming
    • Steering Committee/PPC meeting April 18, 5:30pm, zoom
    • Membership meeting April 25, 6 pm Goodenow Insurance 717 N. Grand Ave. (Parking on North Grand Ave. or in the rear of the building)

Zoom Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83831068632

Join Zoom by Phone: +1 312 626 6799 (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 838 3106 8632

ICON Membership: Join or renew now!

ICON Membership Meeting February 28, 2022, 6pm, Zoom

Guest Speakers

Join ICON on Monday Feb 28 at 6pm via Zoom to discuss the CityWorks software program with Riley Potts, GIS Coordinator with the City of Springfield. Josh Roughly, an architect with the City of Springfield Building & Zoning Department will also attend.

CityWorks software provides infrastructure management for permits, construction, maintenance and replacement — with functionality for asset management, community development and communication, risk management and project management.

Join us to learn more about this critical tool for compliance and supporting thriving neighborhoods!

Agenda

  • Guest Speaker Riley Potts
  • Minutes from Jan 31, 2022 (PDF)
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Brief City Council update
  • Brief FY2023 City Budget review
  • Problem Property update
  • Vacant Building Registry update – meeting with Nate Bottom, Josh Roughley, Rich Benanti, and Riley Potts on February 15.
  • Tracking Problem Properties – discussion on tracking selected properties through the entire process through eventual abatement.
  • Membership vote to add George Tinkam to the ICON Steering Committee.

Zoom Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82485355928

Join Zoom by Phone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 824 8535 5928

ICON Membership

Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership for 2022!
Not a member? Need to Renew?
Join or renew now!

Please join ICON on Monday January 31 at 6pm via Zoom

Agenda:

  • Treasurer’s Report
  • City Council Brief
  • Problem Property Report
  • Guest speaker suggestions
  • City budget meetings for fiscal year 2023
  • ICON membership notification of George Tinkam’s nomination to the Steering Committee. Membership vote on George’s nomination to be held February 28, 2022.
  • Town Hall meeting presentation on Garbage from our annual meeting breakout room discussion.
  • Open discussion
  • Unfinished Business

Upcoming Meetings

  • Steering Committee/Problem Property Committee meeting February 21, 5:30 pm via Zoom
  • Membership meeting February 28, 6pm via Zoom

ICON 2021 Year in Review… (PDF)

Citizens Club: Confronting Inequities in Springfield: Housing Challenges 10/6, 5:30pm

Please join the Citizen’s Club for a special virtual evening policy forum: 

Confronting Inequities in Springfield: Housing Challenges
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 5:30 – 7 pm

Register here: https://uis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AhTVj8syS9Os7H6nkXYJLQ


Moderator: MARCELLA BAIETTO, Evening Anchor at FOX 55/27 Illinois

Panel

VALERIA CUETO
Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network (SIAN), Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for Memorial Health System

TY DOOLEY
Interim Director for the School of Public Management and Policy at the University of Illinois Springfield

JACKIE L. NEWMAN
Executive Director of the Springfield Housing Authority and Chief Executive Officer of the Peoria Housing Authority

POLLY POSKIN
President of Harvard Park Neighborhood Association


This program is the third program in the Confronting Inequities in Springfield series, sponsored by the Citizens Club of Springfield in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield. The goal of the series is to increase the public’s awareness of disparities that exist in our own backyard and to encourage discussion and action to create a more just and equitable community.

This program will focus on strides made and continuing challenges in securing and maintaining affordable and safe housing for all residents of our community. The panelists will address the issues low-income and immigrant residents face securing affordable and safe housing, the aging housing stock including the need for revitalization, the need for quality housing throughout our community, policy discussions/advocacy efforts, and the status of current and future plans.

The Steering Committee for the series includes Willis Logan, Dominic Watson, John Allen, Maria Crain, Sheila Stocks-Smith, Lisa Stone, John Stremsterfer, Lakeisha Purchase, Richard Bowen, and Beverly Bunch.


Two Ways to Watch:

This is a virtual event which can be viewed via Zoom Webinar. Pre-registration is required.
Register here: https://uis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AhTVj8syS9Os7H6nkXYJLQ

The event will also be streamed live on Citizens Club of Springfield Facebook Page. No registration required.
https://www.facebook.com/citizensclubspringfield

ICON September 27 Membership Meeting 6pm

SEPTEMBER MEETING AGENDA

by Zoom

ICON Business

  • Approval of May 2021 and July 2021 Meeting Minutes.
    • A copy of the minutes can be found here.
  • Approval of Treasurer’s Report
  • City Council Update
  • Problem Properties Update
  • Presentation: The Next 10 – Jane Ford
  • Member in Good Standing upcoming vote:
    • Proposed Changes to ICON bylaws to allow outsourcing Campaign Disclosure and Treasurer duties.
      • Members will vote electronically on October 27, 2021.
    • Engaging a resource to assist with Treasurer duties and campaign disclosure reports to the Illinois State Board of Elections
    • Draft Steering Committee slate:
      • Treasurer: Carol Kneedler (1 year term)
      • Secretary: Open
      • At-Large: Jamie Adaire (2 year term)

Community News

  • The 2021 Old State Capitol Farmer’s Market continues through the end of October. Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8a-12p on Adams Street

If you have items you’d like to share via ICON’s Community News, please email !

ICON July 2021 Membership Meeting Monday July 26, 6pm – Iles Park Pavilion

The meeting will be held outdoors under the covered pavilion at Iles Park (corner of Ash and 6th Streets). We will be celebrating 10 years of ICON activism with a boxed picnic and cupcakes! Social distancing is encouraged and we ask any unvaccinated attendees to wear their masks when directly engaging with others.

ICON Business

  • Approval of May 2021 Meeting Minutes. A copy of the minutes can be found here.
  • Approval of Treasurer’s Report
  • City Council Update
  • Problem Properties Update
  • Discussion: ICON as a political action committee (PAC) vs. a 501(c)3 (non-profit)

Community News

  • The 2021 Old State Capitol Farmer’s Market is back! Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8a-12p on Adams Street
  • The Levitt Concert Series returns for 2021 on Thursday nights from 6p-8:30p on the North Mansion Block. This concert series runs from June 3rd to August 5th.

ICON May 2021 Membership Meeting – Mike Jackson on Historic Preservation, City Planning, Older Neighborhoods

Springfield ICON held their May 2021 membership meeting on May 24, 2021 via Zoom. Architect Mike Jackson joined us to discuss historic preservation, city planning and the impact (or lack of impact) on older neighborhoods.

Springfield ICON Annual Celebration 2020: from resilience to collaboration

ICON Annual Celebration 2020

From Resilience to Collaboration

Although the pandemic has put a halt to many of our usual activities, work in our neighborhoods has continued by people and organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in our city.

ICON also continued to recognize and celebrate the efforts of those who are working to improve neighborhoods with a virtual celebration the week of November 16 through 20 with a series of videos and social media posts. Watch the videos here…

Interactive Online Forum

Thursday, November 19, 6:30pm

ICON hosted an interactive virtual forum with local panelists to speak on the topic “From Resilience to Collaboration.

Watch the forum here…

Mark Forinash, Cafe Moxo and Adams Family Group (Small Business)

Mark Forinash

Mark Forinash, Cafe Moxo and Adams Family Group

Mark and Shawna Forinash moved to Springfield in April 2007 to open Cafe Moxo in the downtown area. Mark has always wanted to own and operate a restaurant and knew that Springfield IL was the perfect place for his concept. Shawna is a realtor with the Julie Davis Team at The Real Estate Group and enjoys helping out at the restaurant when she can. Mark and Shawna have a 6-year old boy named Baker and enjoy spending just as much time playing as working in the community.

Tess Fyalka, Director of Employee Development & Engagement for O’Shea Builders, (Individual)

Tess Fyalka

Tess Fyalka, Director of Employee Development & Engagement, O’Shea Builders

Tess Fyalka serves as Director of Employee Development and Engagement for O’Shea Builders where she has the privilege of working with a fantastic team of professionals and the opportunity to play a small role in helping each to become the best version of him or herself. Tess is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, specializing in leadership development.
Prior to joining O’Shea, she spent 14 years as an independent consultant. She has written more than 2,000 articles, white papers, blogs, and chapters in books on topics related to management and leadership. She and her husband Eric are the parents of two young adult children, Lauren and Aaron.

Scott McFarland, Springfield Families Helping Families Facebook Group Creator and Executive Director, Missouri Community Service Commission & Director of AmeriCorps programs in Missouri, (Community Organization)

Scott McFarland, Executive Director, Missouri Community Service Commission & Director of AmeriCorps programs in Missouri

Scott McFarland, Executive Director, Missouri Community Service Commission & Director of AmeriCorps programs in Missouri

Scott is the Executive Director of the Missouri Community Service Commission, and the Director of AmeriCorps programs in Missouri. Prior to this, Scott spent 14 years at the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, with the last six years as Executive Director. There he oversaw Illinois’ AmeriCorps and volunteer programs, which provided over $101 million in investment to Illinois communities each year.

Scott is a member of the Board of Directors for the America’s Service Commissions (ASC). He currently is the Vice Chair and Public Policy Chair for the Association and the Chair of States for Service. In these positions he oversees policy and advocacy efforts for all state service commissions and promotes national service in statehouses and in Washington, DC. He previously served as the Program Chair and Host Committee Member for the 2012 National Conference on Volunteering and Service, on the Illinois Terrorism Task Force Community Resiliency Committee, and the Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Council.

Scott hails from the Quad Cities area of Illinois and now lives with his wife, Amber, and children, Anastasia, Addison, and Clark, in Springfield IL. Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a Teacher’s Certification from Western Illinois University in 2006 and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2008. He is currently a Doctor of Public Administration candidate at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

An Eagle Scout and avid volunteer, Scott takes great joy from camping, community service, podcasting, and teaching. He was named the 2018 Outstanding Executive Director by America’s Service Commissions and one of Springfield’s Forty Under 40 by the Springfield Business Journal. During the COVID-19 response, Illinois Times readers voted him the local public servant going “Above and Beyond” to give “hope for the future.” He is an awardee of the President’s Call to Service Award for over 4,000 hours of volunteer service. He is also an elected member of the Springfield School District 186 Board of Education where he serves as the Board President.

In his personal and professional life, Scott continues to live by his motto, “better yourself by serving others.”

Alderwoman Doris Turner, City of Springfield Ward 3 (Public Service)

Alderwoman Doris Turner, Ward 3

Ward 3 – Alderwoman Doris Turner

Doris Turner was first elected to the Springfield City Council representing Ward 3 in April 2011 after having served for ten years on the Sangamon County Board. Doris is retired from the Illinois Department of Public Health after working 33 years for the State of Illinois. She is a past member of the Springfield/Sangamon County Health Initiative Board of Directors, Springfield/Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, Voices for Illinois Children Springfield Leadership Team, and a founding board member of the Southern Illinois University Federally Qualified Health Center.

She is a current member of the Sangamon County Board of Health, Medics First Board of Directors, Friends of Sangamon County Drug Court, and co-chair of the Springfield High Speed Railroad Community Advisory Commission.   Alderwoman Turner is the second woman and first African American to be elected Chairman of the Sangamon County Democratic Party, the first African American to be elected to the Executive Board of the Illinois County Chairmen’s Association, and the first woman and African American to serve as Springfield’s Mayor Pro Tem.

Alderwoman Turner is a lifelong resident of Springfield, and has lived all of her adult life in Ward 3. Alderwoman Turner and her husband, Cecil, have three children and 10 grandchildren.


Sponsors

Big thanks to our Annual Celebration Sponsors, our Annual Sponsors and Friends of ICON
View our sponsors…

Sponsorship opportunities are available…

Good Neighbor Awards

Every year since 2014, Springfield ICON has recognized individuals, organizations, businesses, and public servants who make an objective, measurable positive impact on the quality of life for Springfield residents through our Good Neighbor Awards.
Read more about our Good Neighbor Awards…

ICON Members have selected one award winner in each of four categories: Individual, Community Organization, Business, and Public Service. Winners will be recognized in video presentations during the ICON Annual Celebration the week of November 16. See below for more details.

Monday, November 16

  • ICON Vice-Chair Polly Poskin presents the ICON Year in Review.

Tuesday, November 17

Wednesday, November 18

Thursday November 19, 6:30pm – Interactive Online Forum

  • ICON hosted an interactive virtual forum with local panelists to speak on the topic “From Resilience to Collaboration.

Friday, November 20

  • ICON Chair Bill Baskett presents ICON’s focus for 2021 and introduces ICON Steering Committee members for 2021.

ICON Membership Meeting Monday, Oct 26, 6pm

The ICON membership will meet via Zoom on Monday, October 26 at 6pm. This is a members-only meeting.

Agenda

  • Approval of September 2020 Membership Meeting minutes: ICON Minutes…
  • 2021 Steering Committee elections – please see slate below.
  • Update on ICON Annual Celebration. Find out more here…

2021 Steering Committee slate

This slate is being provided a month ahead of the October 26, 2020 membership meeting in accordance with our by-laws. The purpose of the October 26 meeting will be to approve this slate.

To be approved at Annual Business Meeting (Oct 26) for two-year, 2021-2022 term

  • Chair: Bill Baskett
  • Vice chair: Polly Poskin
  • Parliamentarian: Martin Vandiver
  • At-large (odd year)
    • Michael Higgins
    • Donna Mathis

Committee Chairs

  • Budget: vacant
  • Problem Property: Bill Baskett
  • City Council: Carol Kneedler
  • Events: Jill Steiner

Continuing (approved by the membership at the 2019 Annual Meeting)

  • Treasurer: Carol Kneedler (2020-2021)
  • Secretary: Jess Weitzel (2020-2021)
  • At large (even)
    • Mark Mahoney (2020-2021)
    • Jamie Adaire (2020-2021)

 

 

ICON Monthly Membership Meeting – Monday, September 28, 6pm

The ICON membership will meet via Zoom on Monday, September 28 at 6pm. This is a members-only meeting.

Agenda

Good Neighbors

Four Good Neighbors were selected by the ICON members at the meeting 9/28. Look for announcements during our Annual Celebration events the week of November 16.

We sincerely appreciate everyone who nominated a Good Neighbor for 2020. We received exceptional nominations this year and we wish we could recognize every nominee as a Good Neighbor. We recognize that the work being done by Springfield’s good neighbors across our community is impactful and makes our city better every day.

Even if your nominee didn’t win this year, we hope that you nominate Good Neighbors in the future!

Good Neighbor Information…

 

Hearts for Healthcare Workers – signs for members!

Springfield ICON has purchased a limited number of yard signs from Hearts for Healthcare. Any ICON member in good standing may request a sign for their yard until signs run out.

To request a sign, email or call Polly Poskin at 217-741-3264.

Who Benefits?

Across the country hundreds of hospitals and their foundations are making great strides to address the challenges of supply shortages, facility inefficiencies and a great strain on our healthcare workers. It is our mission to not only show our support through an inspiring community-wide display of signs, but to also provide funds to the foundations that represent those hospitals on the front lines of the current pandemic facing America.

See beneficiaries…

Get more information, purchase your own sign, or make a donation at  https://www.heartsforhealthcare.com/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICON monthly meetings will be cancelled until further notice.

Pillsbury Cleanup Saturday, March 7

Moving Pillsbury Forward will hold a Pillsbury Cleanup Day on Saturday, March 7, 9am-Noon, 15th and Phillips.

Where:  Corner of 15th St. & Philips St.
When:   9:00 am until Noon
What:  We will be removing trash, litter, and weeds around (not on) the Pillsbury property
Why:  To improve health, safety and general quality of life in the area.

Wear gloves. Bring loppers and/or a rake if you wish.
Donuts, water, coffee for all!

Sign-in starts at 8:30.  Needed tools and supplies will be provided but, bringing your own is good also. With enough volunteers we can get this done and work our way into cleanup of adjacent streets and alleys also.

Hope to see everyone there!
Doughnuts sponsor: Krispy Kreme
Coffee sponsor: Custom Cup
Bottled water sponsor: County Market

Contact for more information.

ICON Members Only Meeting – Monday, February 24, 6pm

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION!

We will meet on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 6pm at Goodenow Insurance on North Grand. 2020 meetings for February through October will be held at:

Goodenow Insurance
717 North Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62702

On-street parking is available in front of Goodenow, and overflow parking available at Noonan True Value Hardware on the corner of North Grand and 9th St.

FEBRUARY MEETING AGENDA

ICON Business

  • Approval of January 2020 meeting minutes, found here.
  • Treasurer’s Report as of February 24th, 2020
  • Problem Properties Committee Report
  • City Council Committee Report

We will not have a speaker this month. Instead, we will discuss ICON’s proposed Waste Hauling & Problem Properties platforms as a “committee of the whole.”


Community & Neighborhood News

  • The City extended the bid period for its sale of city-owned vacant lots. More information can be found on the City’s website at https://www.springfield.il.us/
  • The City’s yard waste pickup program will resume service in April. In the meantime, yard waste can be picked up using the former sticker program and by calling your hauler.

 

ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser – November 18, 2019 – at the Inn at 835

Presentations | Awards | Photos | Sponsors

ICON held its Annual Party Fundraiser on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the Inn at 835 Conservatory (835 South 2nd Street).


PechaKucha Presentations

Visionaries wanted – what’s your vision for Springfield?

PechaKucha Night (www.pechakucha.org) is a lively event that brings imaginative people together to share inspiration and ideas. Many talents might be hidden within the community and PKN is all about bringing them into the light. Over 800 cities around the world now hold PechaKucha Night events.

The theme of this night is Springfield 2020 and Beyond.     Share your vision of our community.

View the PK presentations from November 18…

ICON Good Neighbor Awards!

ICON Good Neighbor AwardsThe Good Neighbor awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses who make an objective, measurable positive impact on the quality of life for Springfield residents in inner city older neighborhoods.

The 2019 Winners were:

  • Paul O’Shea – Individual
  • Juan Huerta, Director of Community Relations, Springfield, IL – Public Service
  • Tiffany Roe and Litina Carnes, Land of Lincoln Bookshare – Community Organization
  • Bruce and Cheryl Schempp, Kennedy-Schempp Properties, Inc. – Business

Read more about the 2019 Winners here…

Read more about the Good Neighbor Awards and Previous Winners here…

Photos from the Party!

ICON Vice-Chair Polly Poskin introduces 2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winner (Individual) Paul O'Shea.

ICON Vice-Chair Polly Poskin introduces 2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winner (Individual) Paul O’Shea.

2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winner (Public Service) Juan Huerta speaks after being introduced by Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin and Lynn McMenamin.

2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winner (Public Service) Juan Huerta speaks after being introduced by Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin and Lynn McMenamin.

2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winners Community Organization) Tiffany Roe and Litina Carnes, of Land of Lincoln Bookshare, accept their award.

2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winners Community Organization) Tiffany Roe and Litina Carnes, of Land of Lincoln Bookshare, accept their award.

2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winners (Business) Bruce and Cheryl Schempp, of Kennedy-Schempp Properties, Inc., accept their award.

2019 ICON Good Neighbor Award Winners (Business) Bruce and Cheryl Schempp, of Kennedy-Schempp Properties, Inc., accept their award.

Jill Steiner was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on Healthy Neighborhoods for All

Jill Steiner was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on Healthy Neighborhoods for All

ICON Secretary Jess Weitzel introduces a PechaKucha speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser.

ICON Secretary Jess Weitzel introduces a PechaKucha speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser.

Chris Richmond was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on the Pillsbury Plant - Past, Present, and Future

Chris Richmond was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on the Pillsbury Plant – Past, Present, and Future

Mary Frances was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on Ecotourism in Springfield, Illinois

Mary Frances was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on Ecotourism in Springfield, Illinois

John Shafer was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on Some Ideas for Downtown...

John Shafer was a speaker at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser, with a PechaKucha presentation on Some Ideas for Downtown…

Chair Carol Kneedler gives a surprise PechaKucha presentation on ICON 2020 at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser.

Chair Carol Kneedler gives a surprise PechaKucha presentation on ICON 2020 at the 2019 ICON Annual Party & Fundraiser.

Support ICON – Sponsor Better Neighborhoods!

ICON Members Only Meeting October 28, 2019

We will meet on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 6:00pm at First Church of the Brethren.

ICON Business – Annual Party Fundraiser Planning

  • Review of August Minutes (will be approved by consent unless there are changes): ICON August 2019 Membership Meeting
    • No minutes from September as we hosted the documentary screening of “Citizen Jane: Battle for the City.”
  • Good Neighbor Awards…
  • Nominations 2020 Steering Committee
  • PechaKucha presentations

Community & Neighborhood News

Citizen Jane: Battle for the City film screening, Monday September 23, 5:30pm

Citizen Jane: Battle for the City

Join Springfield ICON and Downtown Springfield Inc for a screening of the film about Jane Jacobs.September 23, 2019
Doors open at 5:30, film from 6-7:30pm
Lincoln Library
Carnegie North room

Writer and urban activist Jane Jacobs fights to save historic New York City during the ruthless redevelopment era of urban planner Robert Moses in the 1960s.

This 2017 documentary is about the work of Jane Jacobs, the visionary activist and author of “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”.

Join Springfield ICON and Downtown Springfield, Inc. on Monday, September 23, 2019 at at the Lincoln Library, Carnegie North room.
Doors open at 5:30 – film starts at 6:00pm.

Free and open to the public.

Preview the documentary…

ICON Monthly Meeting August 26, 2019

We will meet on Monday, August 26 at 6pm at First Church of the Brethren.

Speaker

Newly appointed Public Works Director Nate Bottom will speak about the upcoming budget season and Public Works funding for CityWorks technology, staffing, and services.

ICON Business

  • DRAFT Minutes for July 29, 2019…
  • City Council update
  • Problem Properties update
  • Citizen Jane film screening Sept 23, 6-7:30pm, Lincoln Library Carnegie North room – in partnership with Downtown Springfield, Inc.
  • ICON Annual Party: PechaKucha – “What is your vision for Springfield?”  and Good Neighbor Awards

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting July 29, 2019

We will meet on Monday, July 29, 2019 at 6:00pm at First Church of the Brethren.

DRAFT Minutes for July 29, 2019…

ICON Business

Discussion: Combating Homelessness & the Center for Health and Housing

Erica Smith, Executive Director , Helping Hands of Springfield

Springfield has seemingly seen a growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness over recent years. Two local organizations, Helping Hands of Springfield and the local Salvation Army, are looking to root out homelessness at its cause by focusing on individual’s health and permanent supportive housing options instead of strictly short term shelter.

A partnership between Helping Hands, the Salvation Army, Memorial Behavorial Health, and HSHS St. John’s Hospital is proposing a Center for Health and Housing downtown that would provide a one-stop shop for individuals experiencing homeless to access mental and physical health care, emergency shelter, and permanent housing assistance. Join us to learn more about this exciting development!

Community & Neighborhood News

  • The 2019 Levitt AMP Springfield weekly concert series on the North Mansion Block at 6pm. This is an ongoing every Thursday night this summer until August 1st.
  • MacArthur Boulevard’s next Bites on the Boulevard food truck meetup will be held at 1413 S. MacArthur Blvd from 5-9pm on Tuesday, August 6th

ICON Monthly Meeting June 24, 2019

We will meet on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethren.

ICON Business

  • Approval of May Meeting Minutes
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • City Council Update
  • Problem Properties Update

Speaker

  • The discussion will focus on the results of last month’s SWOT analysis.

    In the past, ICON has spoken in support of newer neighborhoods around zoning and development changes that were detrimental to neighbors. Should we expand to explicitly represent newer neighborhoods, which share issues like crumbling infrastructure, problem properties, cut-back services and ill-planned development?

Community & Neighborhood News

  • The 2019 Levitt AMP Springfield weekly concert series on the North Mansion Block at 6pm. This is an ongoing every Thursday night this summer until August 1st.
  • Fourth of July celebrations around town:
    • June 29 – Twin Lakes Subdivision Fireworks Extravaganza
    • July 4 – Concert (Levitt AMP Springfield) + Fireworks, Downtown Springfield
    • July 5 – Rock the Dock, Lake Springfield
    • July 26 – Fireworks at the Springfield Sliders, Robin Roberts Stadium
  • MacArthur Boulevard’s next Bites on the Boulevard food truck meetup will be held at 1413 S. MacArthur Blvd from 5-9pm on Tuesday, July 9th.
  • Please take a moment to complete a transportation poll for the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission here.
    • From the SSCRPC: Your input is being sought at this time to provide SATS with an understanding of the state of the current transportation network through the eyes of the people who travel within the area. The survey will take only a few minutes and your time and thoughts are appreciated.

ICON Monthly Meeting May 20, 2019 – 6pm

The topic will be “ICON Identity and Scope” – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT).

In the past, ICON has spoken in support of newer neighborhoods around zoning and development changes that were detrimental to neighbors.

Should we expand to explicitly represent newer neighborhoods, which share issues like crumbling infrastructure, problem properties, cut-back services and ill-planned development?

Please note new time: 6:00pm!

Location

First Church of the Brethren, near the corner of Yale & Ash. We will meet in the basement.

ICON Membership Meeting March 11, 2019 – Vote for Candidate Endorsements

This meeting is for ICON members with membership current as of Feb 11, 2019.

We will meet on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethren.

The only item on our agenda will be discussion and votes for candidate endorsements for the 2019 Municipal Election.

To participate in the endorsement discussion and vote you must be:

  • A fully-paid individual member of ICON by February 11th,
  • Not paid for campaign work, and
  • Not a candidate for any City of Springfield election.

Election 2019 Aldermanic Candidate Forum – Wards 6-10 – Thursday, February 7, 6pm

The 2019 Aldermanic Candidate Forums for Springfield, IL will take place over two evenings at South Side Christian Church (2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704):

1. Wednesday, February 6th, 6:00-9:00pm…

2. Thursday, February 7th, 6:00-9:00pm

Half of the Wards (and their candidates) will have their forum on Wednesday, and the other half of the Wards will have their forum on Thursday evening.

For Thursday’s Forum, there will be Aldermanic Candidates from Wards 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Learn more about the 2019 Aldermanic Forum here…

Check back later for more information, including a listing of which candidates will be attending the forum.

Sponsored by Springfield ICON and MacArthur Boulevard Association

Election 2019 Aldermanic Candidate Forum – Wards 1-5 – Wednesday, February 6, 6pm

The 2019 Aldermanic Candidate Forums for Springfield, IL will take place over two evenings at South Side Christian Church (2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704):

1. Wednesday, February 6th, 6:00-9:00pm

2. Thursday, February 7th, 6:00-9:00pm…

Half of the Wards (and their candidates) will have their forum on Wednesday, and the other half of the Wards will have their forum on Thursday evening.

For Wednesday’s Forum, there will be Aldermanic Candidates from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Learn more about the 2019 Aldermanic Forum here…

Check back later for more information, including a listing of which candidates will be attending the forum.

Sponsored by Springfield ICON and MacArthur Boulevard Association

Small-scale development workshop with Bernice Radle – Friday November 16

Springfield ICON will host a discussion about small-scale development in Springfield’s older neighborhoods on Friday November 16 from 8:30-11:30am.

Participating in the workshop will be Bernice Radle, the founder and CEO of Buffalove Development and Little Wheel Hustle, companies in Buffalo, NY that work to bring vacant spaces back to life. Her projects have been featured in TedxBuffalo, in the NYTimes, and on American Rehab Buffalo on HGTV / DIY Network, and her work has received awards for historic preservation.  Bernice is the keynote speaker at ICON’s Annual Party Fundraiser on Thursday evening, and on Friday morning she will present more in-depth information about her work and answer questions.

Bernice will also participate on a panel with local people involved in development in Springfield’s neighborhoods to talk about their experiences.

One of our goals for the workshop is to foster partnerships between businesses that could collaborate to create economic development by rehabbing older properties or developing vacant lots in Springfield, thereby increasing property values throughout the city.  If you know of anyone doing work in older neighborhoods – we’d love to have a good turnout and lively discussion on Friday morning – please feel free to forward a link to this post.

There is no cost to attend, but we request you RSVP to or 217-528-9803.

Location & Parking

The workshop will be at the Illinois Association of Realtors, 522 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62701. Please plan to park offsite since the event will be during business hours.  There is street parking in front of our building, or we suggest the parking ramp at 6th and Capitol, which is just a few short blocks away.

Thanks to our Sponsors

The Springfield Business Journal… and the Illinois Times…

Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association & Enos Park Development…

John Shafer & Associates…

Illinois Association of Realtors…

ICON Annual Party Fundraiser & Annual Meeting – November 15, 2018 at the Inn at 835

Keynote Speaker | Sponsors | Good Neighbor Awards | Pictures

The ICON Annual Party Fundraiser (and Annual Meeting) was held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Inn at 835 Conservatory (835 South 2nd Street).

Download the flyer…

The ICON Annual Meeting and Holiday Party Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Inn at 835 Conservatory (835 South 2nd Street).

Keynote Speaker – Bernice Radle

Preserving neighborhoods through small scale development

About Bernice Radle

Bernice Radle is the owner of Buffalove Development, Regional Director for City Dining Cards, host on American Rehab Buffalo (DIY Network & HGTV), one of five members on the City of Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals and a VIP with the Buffalo’s Young Preservationists. A self-described urban planner, preservationist and building science nerd, she loves cities, public spaces, cats, music, historic preservation and Buffalo!

Founded in 2012 by Bernice Radle, Buffalove Development is a small scale real estate development company focused on rehabilitating vacant and underutilized historic buildings in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY. Little Wheel Restoration Company LLC is a preservation focused construction company in Buffalo, NY.

See Bernice Radle’s Talk at TEDxBuffalo…

Bernice Radle’s ICON Presentation

Download the PDF of Bernice’s presentation…

More information can be found at

berniceradle.co
buffalovedevelopment.com
www.buffalobossbabes.com/buffalo-boss-babes/2017/8/31/buffalo-boss-babe-bernice

ICON Good Neighbor Awards!

ICON Good Neighbor AwardsThe Good Neighbor awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses who make an objective, measurable positive impact on the quality of life for Springfield residents in inner city older neighborhoods.
Winners were recognized at the Annual Party & Meeting on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Learn more about the Good Neighbor Awards…

Pictures from the Party!

Thanks to our photographer April Smith.


Thank you to Our Sponsors!

ICON Monthly Meeting October 29, 2018

We will meet on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethren.

ICON Business

  • Minutes from last month’s meeting (will be approved by consent unless there are changes).

Speaker

  •  Adena Rivas will speak about City of Springfield Waste & Recycling programs for Public Works: branch, yard waste, household hazardous waste, large item pickup.

Community & Neighborhood News

 

ICON Monthly Meeting September 24, 2018

We will meet on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

  • Minutes from last month’s meeting (will be approved by consent unless there are changes): Minutes August 2018.

Speaker

  • The speaker is to be determined.

Community & Neighborhood News

 

For more information about the 2018 Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC), go to RNNC’s Facebook event for the 2018 conference…

Icon Ash Street Cleanup Nov 4, 2017 - thanks to everyone who participated!

ICON Litter Pickup June 30 – Ninth Street: North Grand to Sangamon Avenue

Members of the Coalition of Inner City Older Neighborhoods (ICON) are sponsoring a litter pick up on Ninth Street from North Grand to Sangamon Avenue and seeking individuals to help.

Those wishing to volunteer will meet on Saturday, June 30 at 8am in the parking lot of Noonan’s True Value at 801 North Grand Ave East, Springfield, IL 62702.

ICON members will be providing doughnuts, pick up tools and garbage bags. Volunteers should being their own work gloves.

ICON Monthly Meeting July 30, 2018

We will meet on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

  • Minutes from last month’s meeting (will be approved by consent unless there are changes): 6-25 Membership Meeting.
  • Vote on changes to bylaws:
    UPDATE: Changes were approved at the meeting.
    View our current Bylaws on our About page…

    • Article V – Meetings
      Information about the regularly scheduled meetings for the next calendar year shall be provided verbally at the December annual meeting.
    • Article VI – Steering Committee
      The Steering Committee of SPRINGFIELD ICON PAC shall be chosen in a general election before December 31 of each year.

Speaker

  • We will be forgoing a speaker this month in order to discuss the January Aldermanic forum and solicit questions from the membership.

Community & Neighborhood News

 

ICON Monthly Meeting June 25, 2018

  1. We will meet on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

  • Minutes from last month’s meeting (will be approved by consent unless there are changes): May18_MemMtg_Minutes_DRAFT.
    • Thank you to Jess Weitzel, Secretary, and Bill Baskett, Acting Treasurer.

Speaker

  • Joe Gooden, Springfield zoning

Community & Neighborhood News

  • July 10th. 5-9pm: Bites on the Boulevard Food Truck Meet-Up at 1413 S. MacArthur Boulevard

 

ICON Monthly Meeting May 21, 2018

We will meet on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

  • Apr18_MemMtg_Minutes_DRAFT: Minutes from last month’s meeting (will be approved by consent unless there are changes).
  • Bill Baskett will be voted on as Acting Treasurer.

Speakers

  • William O’Hearn, Library Director, Lincoln Library, will share some of the services and resources that we currently provide at our library so folks in your neighborhood can get the most out of their library.
  • Jane Ford, Friends of Transit, will talk about working with SMTD as system wide route changes and moving transfer center will happen this August.

Community & Neighborhood News

 

ICON Monthly Meeting February 26, 2018

We will meet on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

Speaker

  • Public Works Director Mark Mahoney will discuss the impact of recent tax increases and the Fiscal Year 2019 City of Springfield budget on the operations of Public Works.

Community & Neighborhood News

 

ICON Monthly Meeting January 29, 2018

We will meet on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

Annual Meeting recap – great event!

Consent Agenda – minutes:

Proposed ByLaws Change

  • Committee chairs are members of the Steering Committee
  • The size of the Steering Committee is increased by the number of active committee chairs

City Council update

Problem Properties update

Discussion: Real Estate Development & the Inner City

  • Dan Sale, CEO, Capital Area Realtors
  • Jimmy Clayton, Capital Area REALTORS, Government Affairs Director
  • Dean Graven, Director of Operations, Safeguard General Contracting
  • John Klemm, Sangamon Realty and Klemm Development Corporation

ICON Annual Meeting & Holiday Party Fundraiser – December 13, 2017

Speaker Presentation | Awards | Sponsors | Photos

The ICON Annual Meeting and Holiday Party Fundraiser was held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Inn at 835 Conservatory at 835 South 2nd Street.

Guest Speaker

Our speaker was Vasudha Pinnamaraju, Executive Director at the McLean County Regional Planning Commission. Vasu spoke about quantifying cost vs. return for specific economic development projects and the impact on municipal finances.

Click here to download a PDF of her presentation… (PDF – 4 MB)

 

Congratulations to our Good Neighbor Award Winners!

  • Business: Linda Renehan, Springfield Vintage
  • Individual: Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin
  • Community Organization: Habitat for Humanity, Colleen Stone
  • Public Service: Darryl Harris, Division Manager; Michael Carr, Suzanne Duncan, Michael Gant, Barb Jones, Matt Morrell, Tiffani Selinger, Paula Zink

Good Neighbor Details, including photos…

 

Huge thanks to our 2017 Holiday Party sponsors for supporting Springfield neighborhoods!

Please visit and thank our sponsors!

2017 Meeting & Party Photos

ICON Monthly Meeting November 27, 2017

ICON will meet on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

November 27 DRAFT minutes…

Agenda:

ICON Business

Annual Meeting & Holiday Party

Comprehensive Plan Update

  • No substantive amendments from Planning & Zoning Commission
  • One commissioner abstained, citing concerns from developers
  • Plan to be considered by City Council on Dec 19
  • Effects of Sprawl: Centennial Pointe Subdivision on Lenhart Road

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Meeting October 30, 2017 – Springfield Comprehensive Plan

We will meet on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

October minutes DRAFT…

OCTOBER MEETING AGENDA

  • ICON Business
    • August minutes for consent…
    • Problem Properties update
    • City Council update
  • City of Springfield Comprehensive Plan
    Overview of the plan and why you should care
    Download the DRAFT plan as of 10/10/2017…
    (PDF, 94mb, prints full-size as 11″x17″)
    Download the DRAFT appendices as of 10/10/2017…
    (PDF, 21mb, prints full-size as 11″x17″)
    More information on the City of Springfield website…Speakers
    Bonnie Drew, Deputy Mayor of Springfield
    Molly Berns, Assistant Director, Springfield and Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission
    Carol Kneedler, Comprehensive Plan Committee Member
  • Regional Neighborhood Network Conference
    Brief overview by Carol Kneedler
  • Annual Meeting & Holiday Party
    • Wednesday December 13, 5pm, Inn at 835 Conservatory
    • Update and nominees for Good Neighbor Awards (to be announced in November)
    • Tickets $35 for sale – online ticket sales coming soon!
    • Sponsorships available – download the 2017 sponsor flyer…
  • Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting August 28, 2017

We will meet on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

Minutes from Aug 28 meeting…

ICON Business

  • Minutes from July Meeting…(will be approved by consent unless there are changes.)
  • Planning for ICON Annual Meeting & Party Fundraiser – Wednesday, December 13, 2017
  • ICON Good Neighbor Awards…
  • Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) 2017
    The Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) will take place October 5 – 7, 2017, at the Old National Events Plaza in downtown Evansville, Indiana.
    RNNC is a gathering of community leaders and volunteers to exchange information with one another in order to gain valuable ideas to take back and help improve or transform their own communities. It features a wide variety of workshops about state of the art approaches to neighborhood improvement, presentations by experts and leaders in urban and neighborhood development, and lots of fun, food, and entertainment!

Speaker

  • Deborah Hereford, Director Of Section 8, Springfield Housing Authority

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting July 31, 2017

We will meet on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

Agenda

Discussion of ICON Focus Areas

  • Problem Properties
  • Garbage
  • Comprehensive Plan

Regional Neighborhood Network Conference – learn more at www.rnnc2017.com

Annual Meeting

Community & Neighborhood News

National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1st – various neighborhoods throughout Springfield are participating. Here are a few we know about:

 

ICON Monthly Meeting April 24, 2017 – LOCATION – Union Baptist Church

We will meet on Monday, April 24, 2017 at 6:30pm at Union Baptist Church (Choir Room, 1st Floor) at 1405 E. Monroe, Springfield, IL, 62703. Please note that this is a change from our regular meeting location.

ICON Business

Guest Speakers – Trees

  • City Arborist Jeff Reim
  • Anne Logue, Sustainable Springfield

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting March 27, 2017

We will meet on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern.

ICON Business

Topic

  • ICON Members will debate and vote on whether to endorse a candidate for Ward 6.
  • This is an ICON Members-ONLY meeting.
  • Candidates and paid campaign staff are not eligible to vote.
  • According to ICON Bylaws (view current Bylaws on our About page), you must have been a member for 30 days before the election. If you were an active paid member in 2016, you may pay your 2017 dues at the meeting, if you haven’t already done so.

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Holiday Party and Annual Meeting Fundraiser 2016 – Monday, Dec 12

ICON Holiday Party and Annual Meeting Fundraiser 2016

Support Springfield’s Neighborhoods – Support Springfield ICON

You are invited!

Monday, December 12, 2016
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Maldaner’s Restaurant

  • Buffet Dinner, soft drinks
  • Cash Bar

Tickets $30 per person available from an ICON Steering Committee member or online at icon2016.eventbrite.com.
Due to limited seating capacity, tickets MAY NOT be available at the door.

Agenda

  • Social Hour
  • Guest Speaker: Mercy Davison, City Planner, City of Normal, IL
  • Buffet Dinner
  • ICON Election, Third Annual Good Neighbor Awards

Minutes from the Annual Meeting…

Good Neighbor Awards

See previous winners…

Individual
Doris Turner, Ward 3 Alderman

Organization
First Church of the Brethern

Business
Goodenow Insurance Agency, Inc.

Thanks to Our 2016 Sponsors!

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Alderman Joe McMenamin

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Ann Vandiver, Tupperware2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Sister Cities Association of Springfield Illinois

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Alderman Herman Senor

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - O3 Internet Consulting

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - The Avenue North Grand Improvement Association2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Alderman Jim Donelan

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Harvard Park Neighborhood Association

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Alderman Andrew Proctor

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Springfield City Treasurer Misty Buscher

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - MacArthur-Boulevard Association

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Iles Park Neighborhood Association

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - HyVee Springfield Illinois

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Kristin Dicenso for Ward 6 Alderman

2016 Holiday Party Sponsor - Historic Westside Neighborhood Association

ICON Monthly Meeting November 21, 6:30pm

We will meet on Monday, November 21 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern (downstairs in basement). Please note that this is not the last Monday of the month, but we have adjusted our schedule to not conflict with Thanksgiving weekend.

ICON Business

Minutes from November Meeting…

Speaker

  • Mayor Jim Langfelder will talk about his criteria for nominating Barry Becker as interim replacement as Ward 6 Alderman.

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting October 24, 6:30pm

We will meet on Monday, October 24 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern (downstairs in basement). Please note that this is not the last Monday of the month, but we have adjusted our schedule to not conflict with Halloween.

ICON Business

ICON Updates

Good Neighbor Awards - nominations for 2016 awards are due by October 31, 2016

Program

  • Regional Neighborhood Network Conference Recap
    Join us to hear what other cities in the midwest are doing about problem properties, affordable housing development and community involvement.

Code enforcement is community development! — Joe Dulin, Assistant Community Development Director, Peoria

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting August 29, 6:30pm

We will meet on Monday, August  29 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern (upstairs).

ICON Business

ICON Updates

  • City Council update
  • Annual Awards Nominations Open
  • Comprehensive Plan – surveys available now; deadline TBA
  • RNNC in Champaign / Urbana Sept 29-Oct 1, 2016RNNC.com

Guest

Katie Davidson, Director, Innovate Springfield
Learn about Springfield’s new business incubator.

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting July 25: Comprehensive Plan workshop Neighborhood Leaders

We will meet on Monday, July 25 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern (upstairs).

ICON Business

ICON Updates

  • City Council: Garbage, problem properties
  • RNNC in Champaign / Urbana Sept 29-Oct 1, 2016RNNC.com

Springfield Comprehensive Plan Workshop

Call to neighborhood leaders: provide input to Springfield’s next comprehensive plan!

Guest

Molly Berns, Assistant Director, Springfield – Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission

The Comprehensive Plan sets forth a vision and goals for the future of Springfield, including the land use plan that is consulted when making zoning recommendations to the Springfield City Council.  As such, it is a critically important document that can help preserve the residential character of neighborhoods and attract desirable businesses to commercial areas.

Questions to be Considered at the Workshop Monday night

  1. Help us fill in this blank: “In 20 years, Springfield is a city where ___________?” Tell us what you would like to see and/or be able to do in Springfield that would fill in the blank.
  2. We want to get an idea as to how you value certain things. One way that we get an idea of value is to think about the things we are most proud of; things we want to even show-off! OK, help us a bit with that. In 20-years, if you were asked to show a visitor you thought well of around Springfield, what would you like to be able to show that visitor that would show your pride in the city?
  3. If the Mayor of Springfield came to you and said that he or she would like to advance one project or effort of your choice, with price being no object but it would have to be something reasonable and that could be done in no more than 20 years, what would you suggest that project or effort be?
  4. If you were to be offered the opportunity to receive $500,000 to spend on your best idea to improve the City of Springfield, what would you propose to spend it on?
  5. If you were asked to identify the one place or area in Springfield that you believe needs the greatest attention for improvement, where would that one place or area be, and what would you propose be the first thing done to improve it?
  6. What is the one thing that you like to see or do most that you now must leave Springfield to see or do?

Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting June 27, 6:30pm

We will meet at First Church of the Brethern, near the corner of Yale and Ash.

June Agenda

ICON Business
Minutes from May…  (will be approved by consent unless there are changes.)

ICON Updates
Guest Speaker

Lisa Clemmons Stott, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.
Read the SJ-R.com article announcing Lisa’s hiring…

(Katie Davidson, who was to speak about the Springfield business incubator, couldn’t make this month’s meeting  due to a schedule conflict and will be rescheduled for a future meeting.)
 
Community & Neighborhood News

ICON Monthly Meeting May 23, 6:30pm

We will meet at First Church of the Brethern, near the corner of Yale and Ash.

Download April’s draft meeting minutes…

Speakers

Monthly Meeting Monday March 28, 6:30pm

We will continue discussion about ongoing problems with problem properties and garbage, with updates from Carol on the status of ordinances at City Council.

Guest Speaker: Dave Varner will talk about bringing the Frontier Baseball League to Springfield.

Minutes from February 29… will be approved by consent unless there are changes.

First Church of the Brethern, near the corner of Yale and Ash.

ICON Monthly Meeting February 29, 6:30pm

The ICON February Meeting will be February 29, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

Topics will include Problem Properties in Springfield.

January 25 meeting minutes for consent approval…

February Meeting Agenda

Guest Speakers – Problem Properties

  • Krista Appenzeller, Assistant Corporation Counsel
  • Paula Zink, Housing Inspector

ICON Committees

  • City Council update
  • Membership update
  • Neighborhood Associations

Bylaws / Membership Change Vote

Steering Committee will meet Sunday March 20

Community Organization News

ICON Monthly Meeting January 25, 6:30pm

January 25, 2016, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

For approval on consent agenda

January Meeting Agenda

  • Annual Meeting Recap / Feedback
  • Steering Committee Update
    • 2016 Steering Committee
    • Jan 9 Meeting Notes
      – Bylaws: clarify & simplify membership – vote next month
      View current bylaws…
      Download Dates for 2016… – last Monday EXCEPT…
      Carol attended DSI Annual Meeting Jan 20; thanks to ICON!
      – Goals & Action Items: focus & events for 2016
  • City Council update
    • Ward Plans posted
    • Letter to City Council in favor of garbage reform
  • Membership Renewals
  • Guest Speakers
    • Public Works Director Mark Mahoney
      Garbage
      Public Works Certification
      Effect of proposed budget on Public Works Department
    • Elizabeth Scrafford, Sierra Club
  • Community Organization News
    • Affordable Housing – meeting with Community Health Roundtable
    • Iles Park Neighborhood Association (NA)
    • The Highlands NA
    • Indian Hills NA update
    • MBA event with ICON & other NAs – April 14
  • Next meeting February 29 – Leap Day!

Public Works Director Mark Mahoney talks to Springfield ICON about garbage, Public Works Certification and the upcoming Public Works Budget.

Public Works Director Mark Mahoney talks to Springfield ICON about garbage, Public Works Certification and the upcoming Public Works Budget.

City of Springfield Public Works Director Mark Mahoney talks to Springfield ICON members.

City of Springfield Public Works Director Mark Mahoney talks to Springfield ICON members.

ICON Annual Holiday Party & Annual Meeting Fundraiser 2015

Support Springfield’s Neighborhoods
Support Springfield ICON

You are invited!

Monday, December 7, 2015
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Shepardo’s in Vinegar Hill

  • Pizza, Pasta & Dessert Buffet, soft drinks
  • Cash Bar

Tickets available at the door for $25.

Agenda

  • Social Hour
  • ICON Update 2015
  • Second Annual Good Neighbor Awards
  • ICON Election
  • Buffet Dinner

Good Neighbor Awards

Individual
Mark Mahoney, City of Springfield Public Works Director

Organization
Family Service Center: Compass Program

Organization
Northside Children’s Community Library

ICON Good Neighbor Awards 2015. Organization - Northside Children's Community Library; Compass After-School Program. Individual - Mark Mahoney.

Springfield ICON Holiday Party 2015 - Chair Carol Kneedler, Vice Chair Polly Poskin

Springfield ICON Good Neighbor Award 2015 - Northside Children's Community Library

Springfield ICON Good Neighbor Award 2015 - Compass After-School Program, Springfield, Illinois

Springfield ICON Good Neighbor Award 2015 - Mark Mahoney, Director of Public Works in Springfield, IL

Springfield ICON Good Neighbor Award 2015 - Mark Mahoney, Director of Public Works, with Polly Poskin and Carol Kneedler

Springfield ICON Holiday Party 2015 - Mayor Jim Langfelder, with ICON Chair Carol Kneedler

Springfield ICON Holiday Party 2015 - Mayor Jim Langfelder - ICON Chair Carol Kneedler

Springfield ICON Holiday Party and Annual Meeting 2015

Springfield ICON Holiday Party and Annual Meeting 2015 at Shepardos in Springfield, Illinois

ICON Monthly Meeting November 23, 6:30pm DATE CHANGE

The ICON November Meeting will be November 23, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703. This is a different date than we have previously listed.

ICON Business

Speakers
  • Mayor Jim Langfelder & City Legal Counsel Jim Zerkle: Annexation of “donut holes”
  • Lisa Stott: Urban Planning & Downtown Revitalization

 

Springfield Ward plan meetings start Nov 2 – attend yours – give your input!

Your input is needed! City of Springfield Ward Plan meetings are open forums where citizens are welcome to share their priorities. Topics could include: economic development, infrastructure, recreation, public safety, utilities, community resources, transportation, housing development, and beautification. Mayor Jim Langfelder said the process will help the City create a cohesive strategy for Springfield. The schedule is below, along with links to help you identify your ward.

We encourage residents of older neighborhoods to attend and discuss inner city issues that are critical to the health of Springfield’s core and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Ward 2
Monday, November 2, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Southeast High School Commons, 2350 East Ash

Ward 10
Wednesday, November 4, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Hope Church, 3000 Lenhart Road

Ward 1
Thursday, November 5, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Firefighters Club, 940 West Lake Shore

Ward 4
Saturday, November 7, 9:00 to 11:00 am
American Legion Post #32, 1120 Sangamon Ave

Ward 3
Monday, November 9, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
St. Cabrini Church, 1020 North Milton Ave

Ward 7
Saturday, November 14, 9:00 to 11:00 am
South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur

Ward 6
Monday, November 16, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave West

Ward 8
Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
LRS, 2451 West Monroe

Ward 5
Thursday, November 19, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Nelson Center at Lincoln Park

Ward 9
Saturday, November 21, 9:00 to 11:00 am
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 West Washington Street

Residents who have questions about the forums may contact the Mayor’s office at (217)789-2200.

Read the full press release here…

Find your ward here…

Contact your Alderman…

ICON Monthly Meeting October 26, 6:30pm

The ICON October Meeting will be October 26, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

September 28 Meeting Minutes for approval on consent agenda…

City of Springfield Municipal Code – 98.06.Chronic_nuisances… (as of 10/20/2015)

October Meeting Agenda

ICON Monthly Meeting September 28, 6:30pm

The ICON September Meeting will be September 28, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

August 31 Meeting Minutes for approval on consent agenda…

September Meeting Agenda

  • Kevin Seals from Hanson Services will talk to ICON about rail relocation and the Springfield Rail Improvements Project. We hope to know whether federal funding for Ash and Laurel underpasses are approved by then.

From the July 27 SJ-R:

According to a Federal Railroad Administration analysis of 10th Street consolidation, nearly 120 homes and 53 businesses would have to relocate to make room for added tracks. Union Pacific freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains would move from Third to 10th Street. The entire project is expected to take years and to cost more than $300 million, according to state and federal figures.

The first big piece of consolidation, a $20.6 million underpass at Carpenter Street, is scheduled for completion early next year, said Jim Moll with the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, a local rail advisory group.

“The Carpenter Street underpass is moving along pretty much on schedule, though we have lost some time with all the rain this summer,” Moll wrote in an email.

Ash and Laurel streets are next in line for underpasses through rail consolidation, depending on funding. Moll said the city of Springfield should learn in September or October whether federal funding has been approved.

Read the full story at SJ-R.com…

ICON Monthly Meeting June 29, 2015, 6:30pm

The ICON June Meeting will be June 29, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

May 18 Meeting Minutes draft for consent approval…

June Meeting Agenda

Herman Senor, Alderman Ward 2
Juan Huerta
, Community Relations Coordinator

  • Ward 2 update
  • Supporting neighborhood residents
  • Starting and maintaining neighborhood associations
  • Ideas for helping residents in unincorporated areas “donut holes”
ICON Issues & Action Items – Committees
City and Community Updates

ICON Monthly Meeting Mon., May 18, 6:30pm

The ICON February Meeting will be May 18, 6:30 pm, at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

ICON minutes May 18, 2015

Agenda

Dave Varner, Ward 4 liquor license issues

Juan Huerta, Community Relations Coordinator

Andrew Proctor, Alderman Ward 5 and priorities for ICON members:

  • Unregulated boarding houses with 5 or fewer residents – halfway houses
  • Non-owner occupied property registration
  • Garbage: billing by CWLP
  • Boarded Properties: shortening the time frame from 3 to 1 years
  • Incentives for developing empty lots / distressed housing (remove disincentives)
  • Single point of contact for Neighborhood Associations
  • Urban Planner
  • Other

ICON Dinner Meeting at Suzy Qs April 27

ICON will celebrate the election of new city leadership and the end of election season! 

Dinner at Suzy Qs in Enos Park on Monday April 27th at 6:30pm.

Suzy Q’s, 716 E Enos Ave


ICON Members eat free courtesy of ICON.   Friends are welcome to join us by paying for their own dinner & drinks – or become an ICON member that night!

Menu choices will include:
• horseshoes (hamburger and turkey)
• chicken cobb salad
• pork tenderloin sandwiches (grilled or breaded)

Please RSVP to by Friday, April 24, at 4pm so we can let the restaurant know the number of attendees.

Springfield ICON Announces Candidate Recommendations for 2015

ICON Press Conference Candidate Recommendations for Springfield, Illinois Municipal Elections, 2015.Today, for the first time ever, Springfield Inner City Older Neighborhoods is recommending Springfield municipal candidates for election.

Springfield ICON is a group of neighborhood leaders who work together to improve the quality of life throughout Springfield’s older neighborhoods.

An improved quality of life in older neighborhoods will raise the quality of life for all Springfield residents. The resulting absence of blight, increased attractiveness to visitors and potential residents, increased tax revenue, inner city economic development, and city pride are good for the entire City.

  • ICON focuses on responsible property ownership, a cleaner Springfield, neighborhood-friendly zoning, infrastructure maintenance, neighborhood revitalization, and visionary City leadership.
  • ICON promotes public policy changes to improve Springfield.
  • ICON attends City Council meetings and tracks votes on key issues.
  • ICON evaluates city leaders and candidates on their record and on their promises.

Springfield ICON has been preparing for this year’s election nearly as long as the candidates have. We’ve hosted conversations with mayoral candidates, we held a public forum in January for all aldermanic candidates, we’ve talked with other candidates since then, and we recently evaluated survey answers from aldermanic candidates.

We thank all candidates for sharing their ideas and vision for Springfield and for their willingness to run for public office and to serve the citizens of Springfield.

“All it takes is six votes” for an improved quality of life in Springfield, and ICON believes the following recommended candidates will provide the visionary leadership that Springfield needs:

Ward 1 Alderman: T Ray McJunkins

Ward 2 Alderman: Herman Senor

Ward 3: Alderman Doris Turner, who has been instrumental in promoting ICON issues while on the City Council

Ward 4 Alderman: Dave Varner

Ward 5 ICON membership expressed even support for both Alderman Sam Cahnman and Andrew Proctor

Ward 6: Alderman Cory Jobe, who has been a tireless promoter of ICON issues and a visionary leader in city redevelopment

ICON Press Conference Candidate Recommendations for Springfield, Illinois Municipal Elections, 2015.Ward 7 Alderman: Michael Higgins

Ward 8 Alderman: Ernie Slottag

Ward 9 Alderman: Jim Donelan

Ward 10 Alderman: Phil Chiles

City Treasurer: Misty Buscher

City Clerk: Rianne Hawkins

Mayor: Jim Langfelder

We’re Springfield ICON, and on April 7, we ask you to support our recommended candidates to make a difference in the future of Springfield.

Special Members-Only Election Meeting Mar 23, 6:30pm

Springfield ICON will hold a special meeting to finalize recommendations on candidates for public office in Springfield, IL.  The meeting will be held on Monday, March 23 at 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethern, near the corner of Yale & Ash.  This replaces the regular monthly meeting for March.

February 23 Meeting Minutes…
ICON Election Recommendations Process – Approved February 23, 2015

  • Attendees must be a paid (for 2015) Individual / Family / Lifetime ICON member to attend & vote. Member Organizations may not vote.
  • Candidates, candidates’ families, candidates’ campaign workers are excluded from attending in order to ensure open discussion.
  • After discussion, the vote in each race will be by paper ballot.

Factors taken into account for recommendations:

Special Members-Only Election Meeting Wed, Feb 11, 6pm

Bernie & Betty’s Pizza
Wed, Feb 11, 6pm

ICON Members will review the Report Card for candidates and voting records of sitting Aldermen and decide whether to recommend specific candidates.

Forum Voting Tally…
Election Forum minutes…
Click here to watch the full 2 hour video with the candidates’ comments…
Current Aldermen voting record coming soon…

GetCovered Open Enrollment at St. John’s February 13-15

Enroll Now Springfield!

Need health coverage? Open Enrollment ends February 15. Join us for free, in-person enrollment help!

When:
February 13, 2015 – 9:00AM – 10:00PM
February 14, 2015 – 9:00AM – 6:00PM
February 15, 2015 – 9:00AM – 11:00PM

Where:
St. John’s Children’s Hospital
Main Lobby – Yellow Rose Tea Room
Entrance off 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62769

It may help to bring the following:

  • Full names, Birth dates, and Social Security numbers for you and any family member enrolling
  • Proof of Illinois residency (i.e. Illinois driver’s license)
  • Employer/income information (i.e. paycheck stubs, W-2)

Or beat the deadline by scheduling an appointment NOW at (866) 311-1119.

Contact Amanda Kozar, Regional Outreach Coordinator, at 217-685-6312 with any questions.

To learn more about the Marketplace, visit GetCovered.illinois.gov

Sponsored by Get Covered Illinois, St. John’s Hospital, Family Guidance Centers, Springfield Urban League, Central Counties Health Centers, and Illinois Migrant Council.

Download the flyer here…

ICON Aldermanic Forum Monday, January 26, 2015

Springfield ICON held a Citywide Public Aldermanic Forum on Monday, January 26 from 6:30 to 9 pm at the Dove Center, St. John’s Hospital.

Forum Voting Tally…
Election Forum minutes…
Click here to watch the full 2 hour video with the candidates’ comments…
Voting record of current Alderman coming soon…

Photos

ICON’s Aldermanic Forum provided an opportunity for Springfield residents and ICON members to get to know Aldermanic Candidates for the City of Springfield and to evaluate candidate positions on issues of importance to older neighborhoods.

Due to the large field of candidates and the time constraints of such a public forum, the issues, questions and process were pre-defined:

Aldermanic candidates were provided a list of issues prepared by the members of ICON and partner organizations. A moderator introduced each issue, and representatives from member and partner organizations posed 11 questions to the candidates. Candidates voted, and then candidates had an opportunity to briefly explain their position.

A candidate report card will be published summarizing the positions of candidates along with candidate biographies and their vision for Springfield.

You can make a difference – get educated, get involved – all it takes is 6 votes!

The forum was hosted by:

Downtown Springfield Inc.
Springfield ICON Downtown Springfield Inc.
Springfield SDAT MacArthur Boulevard Association
SDAT, Springfield Sustainable Design Assessment Team MacArthur Boulevard Association

ICON’s Mission

ICON’s mission is to improve the quality of life
for Springfield residents in inner city older neighborhoods.
View or download a list of City of Springfield Candidates…

Letter to the Editor: Get Involved – Make a Difference!

The decisions being made today that have the greatest impact on you and your family’s quality of life are those being made, not in Washington DC or state government, but by ten of your next-door neighbors.

Do you know who these neighbors are? Have you talked to them? Have you ever seen them at work, discussing and sometimes arguing over what they say are “your” problems? Do you know whether they are really as concerned about the value of your home and the safety of your neighborhood as you are?

We didn’t know these 10 people either – until we started asking them questions four years ago. They are our elected City Council Aldermen. We don’t want you to feel bad if you answered “no” to these questions – we want you to do something about it. Now you can be “in the know” and prepared to cast an informed vote on Election Day.

On Monday, January 26th, Springfield ICON (Inner City Older Neighborhoods), a coalition of neighborhood leaders, and partner organizations will be hosting the 2015 aldermanic candidates in a public forum. You’ll get to meet with candidates from all ten wards. You’ll have a chance to see how they react to a series of questions posed by representatives from a variety of organizations. We’ll cover issues related to blighted property, garbage collection, infrastructure, zoning variances, city planning, transportation, and neighborhood revitalization.

The forum will be held in the Dove Center at the Prairie Heart Institute on Mason Street between North 6th and 7th Streets, and it starts at 6:30 pm. Members and partners of ICON will be there to begin to get to know the new candidates, as we have come to know the current ten aldermen. You need to be there, too!

Join us Monday night as we continue the process of finding six votes to improve the quality of life in Springfield. Find out more, including notes from our conversations with mayoral candidates, at www.SpringfieldICON.org.

Carol Kneedler, Chair, Springfield ICON (Inner City Older Neighborhoods)

Read the letter to the editor on the SJ-R.com…

Visit our Election 2015 page… (aldermanic candidate bios coming soon)

Visit the event page…

Join our mailing list…

ICON Annual Meeting/Party Monday, December 15, 7pm

ICON members hosted their Annual Meeting and Holiday Party on Monday December 15 at Obed and Isaac’s. About 30 members and guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and good company. Chair Carol Kneedler provided a summary of ICON activity for 2014 and ICON’s plans for 2015.

Download the minutes as a PDF…

ICON presented our First Annual Good Neighbor Awards to an organization and two individuals who embody ICON’s Mission:

  • Vera Garrett from Springfield Community Garden Family Fit Center started in 2009 with one community garden on the lot adjacent to her home and has grown that into a non-profit with 4 gardens that empowers residents by promoting healthy eating, exercise, education, and participation in community activities.
  • Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association has taken the initiative in residential revitalization – with a land bank, recruiting urban pioneers to rehab distressed properties and ensuring those rehabs are in sync with the neighborhood’s historic character, and directly litigating problem property owners for faster results. Michelle Higginbotham accepted the award for EPNIA.
  • ICON founding member and Vice-Chair Steve Combs is an individual with a king-sized attitude and voice – an icon, if you will, of community organization.

2015 Steering Committee Members were elected

Chair, Carol Kneedler, 2015-2016
Vice Chair, Steve Combs, 2015-2016
Treasurer, Darrell Riffey, 2015 (to fill vacant 2nd half term position)
Parliamentarian, Karen Jacobs, 2015-2016
At Large (odd year), Polly Poskin, 2015-2016

(Positions not up for election for 2015)

Secretary, Marty Vandiver, 2014-2015 (full 2-year term position)
At Large (even year), Jamie Adaire, 2014-2015 (full 2-year term position)

ICON-annual-20141215-1 ICON-Annual-20141215-Mayoral-Candidates

ICON-Annual-20141215-3 ICON-Annual-20141215-5

ICON-annual-20141215-Good-Neighbor-Awards ICON-Annual-20141215-Vera-Garrett-2

ICON-Annual-20141215-Enos-Park ICON-Annual-20141215-Steve-Combs

ICON-Annual-20141215-4 ICON-Annual-20141215-2

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, November 24 – Conversation with Candidates

Conversations with Candidates

Mayoral Candidates will talk to ICON about their vision for Springfield and answer questions from our City Council Committee and ICON members.

7:00pm    Mayor Mike Houston
8:15pm     Samuel Johnson

Download the minutes…

Issues & Action Items (6:30pm)

  • October 27 Meeting Minutes draft for consent approval
  • ICON Bylaw changes to allow non-voting memberships for Organizations:
    o Article III – Membership: Membership can be as an Individual, as a Family or as a non-voting / affiliate Organization.
    o Article IV – Voting Privileges: Organizations may not vote; members of affiliate Organizations must be Individual ICON Members to vote.
  • Annual Meeting 12/15 at Obed & Isaac, 5:30-7pm
    o ICON Steering Committee considering slate of candidates for 2015
    o Good Neighbor Awards – to a person & to an organization
    o To vote, renew your 2014 membership before 12/15 if you haven’t already done so!
  • Aldermanic Forum January 26, 2015 – save the date!

 

Springfield Inner City Action Items

Congratulations to Enos Park for their recent success in directly addressing problem properties through direct legal action!

Read the full story at: http://illinoistimes.com/article-14639-blight-patrol.html
Find out more about the state ordinance that allows direct civil action against a problem property (in violation of state or local ordinances) within 1,200 feet of a property you own at https://springfieldicon.org/news/problem-properties-direct-civil-action/

Citizen’s Club Policy Breakfast

Friday, November 21, 7:30am Coffee Reception, 8:00am – 9:00 Program
Hoogland Center for the Arts
“THE LINCOLN HERITAGE WATER TRAIL – SANGAMON RIVER”
Speakers:
Louis Yockey, IL Dept of Natural Resources
Kent Massie, Massie, Massie & Associates
The Sangamon River winds through the heart of The Prairie State of Illinois. The 85 mile stretch between Decatur and Petersburg has the direct historical connection with the life of Abraham Lincoln as well as many opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. In 1965 Illinois Governor Otto Kerner designated the Lincoln Heritage Canoe Trail through this area. This presentation of a draft study will include recommendations for awareness and stewardship of the river and associated environments, recreation and eco-tourism opportunities, and heritage and historical connection to Abraham Lincoln. This will be an exceptionally interesting and informative program.

Local First Monthly Meeting

Friday, November 21, 2014 — 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Boccardi’s on 3132 Cockrell Ln, Springfield, IL 62711
Speaker:
Mike Buscher, President of the Capital Area Association of Realtors and member of LFS
We will be ordering off the menu so individual check amounts will vary.
RSVPs requested. Please email Bill McMahon at

ICON Meeting: Conversations with Candidates, Monday, October 27, 6:30 pm

October Monthly Meeting
October 27, 2014, at 6:30 pm
First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703

October Meeting Agenda

Conversation with Candidates

Mayoral Candidates will talk to ICON about their vision for Springfield and answer questions from our City Council Committee and ICON members.

  • 6:30pm Sangamon County Auditor Paul Palazzolo
  • 7:45pm City of Springfield Treasurer Jim Langfelder

Paul-Palazzolo      Jim-Langfelder-160

Issues & Action Items

September 29 Meeting Minutes draft for consent approval…

Vote on letters to Mayor & City Council expressing ICON support for:

ICON Bylaw changes to allow non-voting memberships for Organizations – to be voted on 11/24:

  • Article III – Membership: Membership can be as an Individual, as a Family or as a non-voting / affiliate Organization.
  • Article IV – Voting Privileges: Organizations may not vote; members of affiliate Organizations must be Individual ICON Members to vote.

Annual Meeting 12/15 at Obed & Isaac, 5:30-7pm

  • Approval for buffet expense
  • ICON Steering Committee considering slate of candidates for 2015 – input from membership
  • Good Neighbor Awards – to a person & to an organization
  • To vote, renew your 2014 membership before 12/15 if you haven’t already done so!

Aldermanic Forum January 26, 2015 – save the date!

Springfield Inner City Action Items

  • Have a chronic problem property near you? Call police for nuisance issues for every incident to build a case to have problem tenants evicted or for getting it registered as a nuisance property. If you have a problem property near you – keep in touch with your Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO)!
  • Flooding information from 10/23 SSCRPC presentation: RainReady.org has helpful information for homeowners, municipalities & states/regions.

Save the Dates: ICON 2014

ICON meetings are usually the last Monday of the month, except as noted below.

11/24/2014 Conversation with Mayoral Candidates – Mayor Mike Houston
12/15/2014 Annual meeting & holiday party
12/29/2014 NO meeting
1/26/2015 Aldermanic Candidate Forum

ICON Monthly Meeting Mon, Sept 29, 7pm – Mayoral Candidate Gail Simpson

The ICON September Meeting was held on Sept 29 at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

SEPTEMBER MEETING AGENDA 

Alderman Gail Simpson, mayoral candidate, talks to ICONConversation with Candidates 

  • Mayoral Candidate: Springfield Alderman Ward 2 Gail Simpson will talk about her vision for Springfield and answer questions from our City Council Committee and ICON members.

 Issues & Action Items 

  • Peoria Public Forum Recap: discussion & priorities; letter in support of ICON priorities
  • City Council – statement to City Council; letter in support of Judge John Taylor Home
  • Zoning – Susie Weissburg will talk about package liquor zoning
  • Public Policy – City Budget: identify ICON priorities for a meeting with Budget Director Bill McCarty
  • Election 2015 – planning January Aldermanic Forums – date?
  • Outreach – volunteer for neighborhood calendar needed
  • Annual Meeting / Party 12/15 planning: Nominating Committee & Awards
  • Transportation – link to SATS report; public comments until Oct 7

September, 2014 meeting minutes…

SATS – Transportation Improvement Comments open until Oct 7, 2014

SATS has prepared the Draft FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) of road, bicycle, pedestrian, and mass transit projects in the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA).  Projects slated for implementation during each year are indicated along with the sources of funding.  An Illustrative Projects List is also included to identify projects that are priorities for future transportation dollars made available to the area.

The public may submit comments on the draft plan by Oct 7 to .

ICON Public Forum on Peoria’s Neighborhood Revitalization – Monday, August 25, 6:30pm

Springfield ICON (Inner City Older Neighborhoods) Coalition hosted a public forum on neighborhood revitalization on Monday, Aug. 25, with special guests from Peoria.

Videos and Downloads are below.

Peoria Department of Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator

In June, the city of Peoria hired a full-time Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator for its Department of Community Development. The Peoria Community Development Department provides professional advice, technical expertise, and quality service in the areas of Urban Planning, Zoning Administration, Neighborhood Development, Grants Management, Building Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development to achieve goals set by the Peoria City Council and to create, maintain and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Peoria.

ICON and about 75 guests heard from Peoria city representatives about the new Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, its recently approved neighborhood wellness plan, and how Peoria is approaching the problems of blight, crime and infrastructure decay.

To download PDF handouts, click on the file names below:

ICON-Peoria-Forum-2014-Wellness-Map
ICON-Peoria-Forum-Expanded-Nuisance-Property-Program
ICON-Peoria-Forum-Nuisance-Property-Program-Roles-Responsibilities
ICON-Peoria-Forum-Handbook-for-Landlords-and-Tenants
ICON-Peoria-Forum-2014-Training-Session-Landlords
ICON-Peoria-Forum-Animal-Control
ICON-Peoria-Forum-2014-Model-Lease

Video of the Public Forum

Agenda

6:30-6:40 p.m.            Welcome by Steve Combs, ICON Vice-Chair

6:40-7:10 p.m.            Panel Discussion & Presentation
Moderator: Carol Kneedler, ICON Chair
Panelist: Joe Dulin, Assistant Community Development Director
Panelist: Shannon Techie, Senior Urban Planner, City of Peoria
Panelist: York Powers, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator
Panelist: Eric Setter, Economic Development Specialist

7:10-8 p.m.      Question & Answer Session

Cookies and lemonade will be provided by ICON.

Download the press release…

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, July 28, 7pm

To ICON Members and Participants,

Our July Monthly Meeting will be held at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

Agenda

This is a combined Membership / Steering Committee Meeting.

  • SATS Transportation Update – Kevin Milhelcic
  • Planning for August 25 special event with Peoria City officials.  York Powers, new Coordinator of Neighborhood Revitalization; Nicole Fredrick, Senior Grant Coordinator; Shannon Techie, Senior Urban Planner; and possibly the Assistant Community Development Director will join us to discuss the recent creation and hiring of a coordinator for Neighborhood Revitalization. This is an opportunity for us to find out how Peoria is approaching the problems of blight, crime, and infrastructure decay.  The Dove Center has been reserved for ICON from 4:30-9:30pm; the event will begin at 6:30pm.

Issues / Action Items

  • Neighborhood Calendar
  • Grant Resources; workshop?
  • Problem Property update (Landlord workshop?)
  • ICON budget priorities for City of Springfield
  • Election Forum planning

July 28 Meeting Minutes (draft)

Public input meeting – downtown greenspace Monday, 7/14, 5pm

Parklet - photo credit Paul Krueger https://www.flickr.com/photos/pwkrueger/Maldaner’s Restaurant invites you to: downtown parking spaces as seasonal greenspace

MONDAY, July 14, 5pm
Maldaner’s Restaurant
222 S 6th St., Springfield, IL

Come provide input and hear about the latest in urban design and liveable cities.

Maldaner’s invites you to find out more about an innovative idea in downtown greenspace: using parking spaces either as seasonal outdoor dining patios or as “parklets”, small seasonal public mini-parks.

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, June 30, 7pm

To ICON Members and Participants,

Our June Monthly Meeting will be held at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

Speaker

Delilah Nelson, Family Service Center
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
for the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Download the SEP Presentation Handout here…

June 30 Meeting Minutes (approved)

Issues / Action Items 

 

ICON Neighborhood Picnic June 8 – Lake Park

Come join your neighborhood friends for an afternoon of music, games and summer fun. Make some new friends from throughout Springfield’s older neighborhoods.

Lake Park mapSunday June 8, 2014
1:00pm to 6:00 pm

Lake Park at Lake Springfield   (Off East Lake Drive across from the Henson-Robinson Zoo)

We had a great time with neighborhood leaders, Porkpie & the North End Allstars and good food – thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the beautiful weather!

Food

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Lemonade and Iced Tea provided. ICON will also provide plates, cups, napkins and plastic ware.
Please bring a dish to pass.
Note: This is an alcohol free event

Music

Picnic-Flyer-2014-grillPorkpie and the Northend All-Stars
Blues, Funk, Soul, and Jam
2:30 – 5:30 pm

Games

Kids games, plus a park playground. Bring a favorite kids game, your wiffle
ball equipment or a kickball.

Picnic-Flyer-2014-watermelon-ant

Click here to see the flyer for more information.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Ace Sign Company
Hanson Professional Services
Historic West Side Neighborhood Association
Cory Jobe, Ward 6 Alderman
Knox Knolls Neighborhood Association
O3 Internet Consulting
Rianne Hawkins, Springfield City Clerk’s Office, & Neil Calderon
Suzie Qs
Ann Vandiver Tupperware
Wallace Tax Accounting

Thanks to our 2014 Picnic Sponsors!

ICON to receive Mayor’s Historic Preservation award for Neighborhood Preservation Efforts

ICON is honored to be a recipient of the 2014 Mayor’s Historic Preservation award in the Neighborhood Preservation Efforts category. The Awards were presented on Monday, May 5, at the Lincoln Park Pavilion, 1601 North 5th Street, from 5:30-7:30pm. The award ceremony was held immediately after a short reception.

Thank you to Mayor Houston & the Historic Sites Commission for Springfield ICON’s Neighborhood Preservation Award!
Congratulations to other recipients: Lincoln Depot, Dunn Building, Booth House, Historic Black Firehouse, Strawbridge-Shepherd House, Municipal Center Bridge Fountain & Plaza, African-American History Museum, SJ-R’s “Flashback Springfield” series, “Journey to Greatness: Character lessons from the Past”.

Mayors-Award-Historic-Preservation-2014 Mayors-Historic-Preservation-Award-2014 Mayors-Historic-Preservation-Award-ICON-poster

Historic Sites Commission

The award is given by the Historic Sites Commission of Springfield, IL.  Visit their website at historiccommissions.springfield.il.us

They have a great list of historic sites in Springfield at historiccommissions.springfield.il.us/PhotoGallery.asp.  Click on the image to see details about each site, including address, history, contact information and website links (for some).

 

ICON Green Summit Monday, April 28, 6:30pm

Our April Monthly Meeting featured presentations by environmental leaders from Springfield and the surrounding communities, with discussion and questions following.

Speakers

Vera Garrett of Springfield Community Garden Family Fit Center

Vera Garrett of Springfield Community Garden Family Fit Center

Tom Clark & Michael Higgins from Springfield Bicycle Club

Tom Clark & Michael Higgins from Springfield Bicycle Club

March Meeting minutes… (approved)

April Meeting Minutes… (draft)

Ward Map Redistricting Process & FOIA Response…

First Church of the Brethern
2115 Yale Boulevard, Springfield, IL

ICON at Earth Day Springfield on Saturday, April 26

Join Springfield ICON at Earth Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10am to 2pm!

Springfield’s Annual Earth Day Celebration  is a ZERO WASTE event at Lincoln Park.  Bring the family and enjoy food, music and local earth-friendly vendors.  Find out about environmental initiatives taking place right here in Springfield!

Earth Day Springfield - coming together to make a difference

Earth Day Springfield – coming together to make a difference

 

Outreach Chair and Secretary Marty Vandiver and ICON Chair Carol Kneedler

Outreach Chair and Secretary Marty Vandiver and ICON Chair Carol Kneedler

 

ICON's new banner

ICON’s new banner

 

ICON at Earth Day 2014

Enos Park – good neighbors!

 

Refashioned fridges with earth-friendly messages.

Refashioned fridges with earth-friendly messages.

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, March 31, 7pm

ICON’s March Monthly Meeting was held at First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703.

Speakers & Topics

  • Alderman Cory Jobe was ill and will be rescheduled for May to give an aldermanic report on the state of Ward 6 and his vision for our City and older neighborhoods.
  • Budget Director Bill McCarty provided a detailed picture of how the 2015 Springfield City Budget will impact ICON initiatives and how ICON can participate next time.  See meeting minutes for details.
  • Chair Carol Kneedler presented an overview of Springfield Ward Map redistricting.  Handouts described the process, current and draft maps were on display, and discussion included possible changes to the draft map to keep neighborhood associations together in one ward where possible.
  • Attendees celebrated ICON’s fourth birthday with cake and punch, thanks to Secretary Marty Vandiver.
  • Members voted to spend $300 on posters and banners to display at upcoming events.
  • Outreach Committee Chair Marty Vandiver discussed ICON’s participation in Earth Day on April 26 and plans for an ICON picnic on June 8.
  • The April 28th ICON meeting, the Green Summit, will start at 6:30pm to allow the three presenters adequate time for their topics.

Download the draft minutes from March 31, 2014…

Monthly Meeting Monday, February 24, 7pm

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to ICON’s February Meeting. Tamara Browning, journalism professor at Benedictine University and students from her Advanced Journalism Writing class were our special  guests.They were observing the ICON meeting in the context of covering a government beat.

ICON Mission & Vision

ICON’s Mission and Vision, which had been extensively debated at the most recent Steering Committee meeting, were presented to the membership for discussion and approved. The Mission was approved as written, while the Vision statement was discussed in some detail. Steve Combs and Mark Anderson emphasized ICON’S role in promoting intentional residential and commercial development and holding the city accountable for meeting established zoning requirements. Polly Poskin promoted the concept of holding property owners accountable for maintaining properties and picking up garbage.  Paul O’Shea put forward the concept that a liveable community is a lot about being walkable and that perhaps ICON’S biggest goal is a better quality of life for all Springfield citizens. The Vision Statement passed after the discussion points had been debated.

Download ICON’s Mission and Vision as a PDF…

Mission

ICON’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Springfield residents in inner city older neighborhoods.

Vision

ICON preserves, improves and promotes older neighborhoods, whose residences and businesses reflect a commitment to a safe, attractive, viable, livable environment for residents and entrepreneurs.
ICON supports and partners with community leaders and promotes the election of government leaders who share ICON’s vision and who actively work to enhance the appeal of residential neighborhoods with intentional residential and commercial development.

Speaker

Joe McMenamin, Ward 7 Alderman Joe Mc Menamin, Alderman from Ward 7, gave his assessment about the state of the ward and his vision for Springfield. He began his presentation by stating that he thought that ICON had the most potential for good among community organizations. Joe had a negative assessment of current conditions in older neighborhoods ringing the downtown area; they are either declining, or have the potential to decline. In his view, these neighborhoods are a drag on the entire city and hurt Springfield’s image with outsiders.

Joe then offered his arguments for a city residency requirement and proposed incentives for policemen and firefighters to live in older neighborhoods.

He stated that raising the sales tax rate for infrastructure improvements is a bad idea at this time because the city should first be tackling its expanding pension debt. Joe went on to say that the increase in sales taxes may drive more families to outlying communities, thus hurting the city’s tax base.

Joe emphasized his role in pushing for Administrative Search Warrants in 2011 to have the MacArthur Park Apartments inspected and cited for code violations. He defended a no vote on strengthening the city code and enforcing boarding registration because in his view, the fees were too steep.

Alderman Mc Menamin stated that he and his wife had purchased and renovated several pieces of property in older neighborhoods and promoted local incentives to strengthen neighborhoods, e.g., the Ward 6 Fund. Joe did admit that real improvements in older neighborhoods could approach $1 million.

Prior to a question and answer period, Joe pledged to accept no campaign funds from unions, developers or companies doing business with the city and asked other alderman to do the same.

Sharon Riffey, Chair of the City Council Committee, moderated the question and answer period and was joined by Mark Anderson in questioning the alderman.

In response to a question about where Springfield, could find additional financial resources, Joe stated that the city garage consolidation could save $1 million per year and a wage freeze could garner another $1 to 2 million in savings.

A question concerning his no vote on the modified garbage system promoted a firm reiteration that he would not support the change. Joe added that the city should not be the middleman.

Joe feels that the City Council and not the mayor should determine non-union city workers wage increases. Currently the mayor can grant increases by executive order.

ICON Focus and Action Items

  • March 31st meeting – Bill McCarty -City Budget issues and Cory Jobe – Ward 6 issues and city vision.
  • ICON has filed a FOIA request for the ward redistricting map.
  • Earth Day celebration will take place April 26th, 10am -2pm at Lincoln Park with ICON staffing a booth.
  • June 8th – ICON Neighborhood Picnic (Food, Music, games and displays). Details will be forthcoming.
  • Transportation Enhancement study – report by Kevin Milhelcic. Two sub groups are working on ideas; 42 ideas being considered by Group 1, 26 ideas being evaluated by Group 2.   Ideas will be refined over the next 4 meetings; many issues are pedestrian related.
  • ICON Treasury: $1,983.05 (as of February 10th)
  • SDAT Planning & Design Working Group – Architects and business owners are formulating ideas for downtown Springfield.

Prepared by Marty Vandiver – ICON Secretary

ICON Meetings & Events 2014

Meetings are usually in the basement of the First Church of the Brethern at 7pm, generally on the last Monday of the month, with a few exceptions – please see dates below.
First Church of the Brethern

2115 Yale Blvd, Springfield, IL 62703

January 27
February 24
March 24
April 28 – Green Summit
May 19 (5/26 is Memorial Day)
June 30
July 28
August 25
September 29
October 27
November 24
December 15 Annual Meeting & Party
December 29 – NO MEETING

The first meeting of 2015:
January 26, 2015

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, January 27, 7pm

Springfield, IL large item pickup helps to address fly dumping in older neighborhoodsPlease join ICON for our Monthly Meeting!

SPEAKERS
  • Abby Walden, Springfield Public Works
    Large Item Pickup Program
  • Josh Collins, Springfield Chamber
    SDAT Downtown Housing Study
  • Plus updates on ICON issues.

 

January 2014 Meeting Recap

Abby Walden, Springfield Public Works recycling coordinator spoke to ICON about three upcoming environmentally friendly activities:

  • Hazardous waste pick-up at the Illinois State Fairgrounds
  • F and W Resources large item pick-ups
  • Annual Earth Day celebration

The hazardous waste drop-off will be on April 12th from 8am until noon.  Public Works plans to make this an annual event.

Two residential large item pick-ups will be completed by F and W Resources each year with three items allowed each time. F and W can be reached at 528-1649. In addition, a Spring large item drop-off is also being planned. Proof of Springfield residence will be required; details of the large item initiatives will be forthcoming.

The annual Earth Day celebration will be held on Saturday, April 26th from 10am until 2pm, either Downtown, or in Lincoln Park. Environmentally friendly messages from community groups will be accepted, details will be publicized.

Abby responded to a question about publicizing the benefits derived from the $1.50 monthly recycling fee by indicating that a press release would be forthcoming.

 

Our second speaker at the January meeting was Josh Collins, who handles governmental relations for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Josh summarized the recent Downtown Housing Study  which was completed by Bowen National Research for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and its community partners, Downtown Springfield Incorporated (DSI) and the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT). The final conclusions from the study which started in summer 2013 (based on 2012 data) can be found on the websites of the Chamber, DSI and SDAT.

Bowen National Research completed a Downtown Analysis (Primary Study Area) and a City-Wide Analysis (Secondary Study Area. Among the conclusions reached by the study, the following ones stand out:

  1. Nearly 15,000 (30.0%) of Springfield households are cost-burdened paying over 30% of their income for housing.
  2. Downtown renters pay approximately 25% more rent for Market Rate Rentals than Springfieldians  living elsewhere in he city.
  3. Downtown housing has a 99.3% occupancy rate with only nine vacant units currently available. 95% occupancy is considered optimal.
  4. Plenty of development sites exist in the downtown area which have the potential for resolving pent-up demand.

Following Josh’s presentation, a period of questions and discussion focused on what downtown housing projects are in the works, what types of funding mechanisms are available, and what type of downtown residents  are we trying to attract. Victoria Ringer of DSI indicated that there are three downtown housing projects underway and developer interest in potential downtown projects. These projects would add an additional 130 housing units to downtown, but will need a combination of public and private funds to come to fruition.  Federal tax credits, TIF funds and energy tax credits were mentioned as incentives needed to build more downtown housing

The consensus among discussion participants was that different age groups and lifestyles need to be considered when promoting downtown housing. Virtually everyone agreed that young professionals are an important element in a vibrant downtown housing market for their economic impact and the fresh ideas that they contribute to the community.

 

Prior to adjournment, Jen Aholt indicated that a nighttime running event and fundraiser at Oak Ridge Cemetery will take place on May 3, 2014 from 6pm until midnight. This activity will be a fundraiser for restoring the original gate at Oak Ridge prior to the 2015 Lincoln funeral reenactment.

Prepared by Marty Vandiver, ICON Secretary

ICON Annual Meeting & Party Dec 16, 2013, 5:30pm

Meet and Greet
CITY OFFICIALS

and 

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS

Who’s been naughty

 who’s been nice?

The ICON elves are makin’ a list and checkin’ it twice!

We know when aldermen are a sleep

We know when their awake

We know when their votes have been bad or good

And we’re going to keep pressing for goodness sake

So don’t shout, pout, or cry, we’ll tell you why

Good things are coming to town

Let Santa know what you want under your neighborhood tree!   He’s got solutions for boarded houses, garbage collection, recycling, nuisance abatement, zoning, and loud noise 

 

Santa’s having Christmas cookies and milk but we’ve got hors d’oeuvre and a cash bar JUST FOR YOU!

When

MONDAY

DEC. 16, 2013

5:30 TO 7 P.M.

Where

Maldaner’s Restaurant  

Upstairs lounge

 

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, August 26, 7pm

To ICON Members and Participants

Our August meeting will be held tonight, 7 p.m., at First Church of the Brethren, Ash and Yale.

The Zoning Review Committee met to discuss guiding principles by which they feel ICON should evaluate zoning proposals. There are a number of  zoning issues being considered by the city staff and Zoning Commission which will have an effect upon our neighborhoods 1) down zoning in MacArthur Boulevard and Enos Park, 2) changes to traffic flow along Lawrence at MacArthur and Walnut, 3) ordinance waiver for parolee half way houses, and 4) waiver for homeless shelter.

The committee did not review the merits of any of these zoning issues but concentrated on potential guidelines ICON could use to determine if we want to support these or future zoning proposals. We based our discussion on factors we felt would impact on the “Quality of life” for our neighborhoods.

We want to use tonight as a working meeting to identify those items we feel are critical to the Quality of Life in our neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll join us to help make a list of things we “want” for our neighborhoods.

Steve

494 6668

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, April 29 7pm

To ICON members and participants:

We will hold our April meeting next Monday, 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren. You don’t want to miss this one even if it snows again!

Norm Sims, Executive Director of the SSCRPC, will join with us to explain the procedures followed in reviewing request for waivers to current zoning codes. The issue of zoning waivers has created concern in a number of our older neighborhoods. The Steering Committee feels we need to increase our knowledge and involvement in this process.

Several resources from the SSCRPC website:

Download “Considering Spot Zoning”…

In addition, Kevin Greene with the Springfield Bicycle Club will bring us up to date on the proposed plan for bicycle paths in the city and there connection countywide with other communities. It seems every study done (R-DAT,S-DAT, CLUE) on how Springfield can become more viable concludes we need different traffic patterns and enhanced biking and walking paths. For some reason this plan is on hold. We need to find out why and what we can do to get it moving.

Speaking of traffic, ICON’s support of a 1% sales tax increase to enhance the infrastructure of the city was defeated by one swing vote. The Council did approve a .5% increase, however, that will only help fill 325 miles of pot holes for the next three years. There is no money in the ordinance for maintaining the other 325 miles and certainly none for any new projects. The city will still be in a catch up mode during the next two years of this Councils tenure. We’re not going to get ahead of the curve.

In addition to our fight to get the garbage ordinance changed, we have work ahead of us for the next two years to find leadership that has a greater vision of how to create  more viable neighborhoods as the core of our historic city.

Steve

494 6668

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, March 25 CANCELLED

MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW

To Our monthly meeting will be held Monday, March 25th, 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren (Yale and Ash). We are at the half way point in working with this administration and City Council. We’ve had success with some of the ordinances we supported (boarded properties) but some setbacks (garbage collection).

As we head toward the 2015 mayoral and aldermanic elections, we need to refine our goals and priorities for the next two years. Monday’s meeting will be a working session to review the expansion of ICON’s committee structure to help increase membership numbers and participation.

We also need to initiated an outreach program to join with other associations and groups with common problems and goals. We believe this effort is critical to enhancing our citywide visibility and influence. As part of that effort Polly Poskin and I met with the Community Input Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. We discussed a wide range of issues which we will share with you at the meeting.

Jen Dillman, president of the renamed MacArthur Boulevard Association, has indicated she would like our two associations to work more closely together. In addition the Springfield Bicycle Advisory Council has asked our support for the SATS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (refer to website) and a citizens group protesting the construction of a cell tower on Pasfield Golf course is looking for us to get involved.

We are in a much better position to bring about changes to our neighborhoods in the next two years than we were when we started, especially if we join with other groups and neighborhood associations.

We need your input. Please join us Monday night. Come ready to build a stronger organization with clearly articulated goals.

Steve, 494 6668

 

Download Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan…

 

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday February 25 – Springfield Infrastructure Plan

Mark Mahoney and John Higginbotham presented a “Street & Sewer Infrastructure Analysis” specifying repairs and maintenance for roads, sidewalks and sewers over the next 3 years at an estimated cost of $86.6 million.  No funding has been proposed to pay for the plan; we are waiting on the City to propose a plan that would be acceptable to at least 6 members of the City Council.  In addition to needed repairs, small expansion of sidewalks and possibly the addition of bike-friendly improvements would be done.  Several reasons why we should invest in infrastructure repair & maintenance now:
    1. Increased future cost of wages and materials.
    2. Continuing and cumulative deterioration that will require even more work if we don’t address it now; savings from preventive maintenance and extending life of roads & sewers.
    3. Possibility of Consent Decree mandating improvements and civil penalties from EPA for lack of acceptable progress in eliminating sanitary sewer overflows to groundwater. (Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District required to spend $4.7 billion over 23 years and fined $1.2 million.
Aldermen have a priority list of repairs in their wards.  ICON has requested improvement maps and the priority list.
Infrastructure expansion and modernization are not part of this plan, and would most likely need to be funded, at least in part, by state and federal funding and grant funds.
– Public Works continues to address garbage scofflaw issues, citing 100-200 garbage ordinance violators a week through a “very labor intensive” process involving confirming addresses without service, visual inspections, citations, Administrative Court, Circuit Court, a watch list for repeat offenders, and waivers only for senior citizens who can prove sharing garbage pickup.
– The waste & recycling changes are proceeding, with the $1/month increase effective April 1, 2013.  The CWLP software vendor is providing a proposal to implement billing on CWLP bills, which will take effect no later than January 1, 2014.  The City hopes to implement CWLP billing sooner.
Consistency of waste hauling services continues to evolve, including garbage can size and routes and scheduling to facilitate citations for people who chronically leave garbage cans on the street.  Changes are sent through the Circuit Clerk so Aldermen are aware of changes.
– In addition to our regular attendees, we were joined by 3 representatives of Springfield Lakeshore Neighborhood Association and 1 representative of the Springfield Bike Club – see below for details.
– Support our host, First Church of the Brethren for their Pancake BreakfastMarch 9 at 7am
Next meeting Monday, March 25, 7pm.

Icon Monthly Meeting Monday, January 28, 7pm

We will hold our January ICON meeting next Monday the 28th, 7 p.m., at the First Church of the Brethren, Yale and Ash. Dan Winters, General Manager of Allied Waste, will be our guest speaker.

The executive committee had a chance to meet Dan last November. He has a lot of information to provide us regarding Allied’s recycling and waste pick up program. Since the mayor and aldermen have recently approved changes to Springfield’s ordinance, one that ICON supported, I believe there is much we can learn about what Allied can provide.

This presentation is part of our efforts to better understand what services we can expect from the haulers regarding both garbage and waste removal. We plan to actively support and promote the new recycling efforts of the city but will continue to lobby for changes in garbage collection.

Look forward to seeing you Monday night. If you have not yet join ICON for 2013, you can register at the meeting.

Steve
494 6668

ICON Annual Meeting Monday 12/17 – Suzy Qs

To ICON Members and Participants

Remember Monday, Dec 17th, 5:30 p.m. at Susie Q’s.  We’ll have a supper get together to end a very busy year – a $10 plate diner and election of Steering Committee positions open for the coming year.

Please RSVP to confirm a seat at the table!

Steering Committee slate
Steve Combs, President
Michelle Higginbotham, Vice President
Karen Jacobs, Parliamentarian
Polly Poskin

Steering Committee members not up for re-election:
Bill Castor, Treasurer
(Carol Kneedler and Jamie Adair will switch roles, with Carol taking on responsibilities of Secretary.)

Garbage Update
Since our last meeting Mayor Houston has presented a revised ordinance which the members of your Steering Committee have supported public in a press release (attached) and a presentation by Carol Kneedler at the last Committee of the Whole meeting. The ordinance falls short of our original recommendations to Jobe, Turner, and Mahoney but we felt it was at least in the right direction. The Tuesday following our meeting the council will continue debate and vote on the ordinance (ie increase waste and recycling fees to $1.50 a month and collect fees thru CWLP).

Regardless of how the vote comes out, your current Steering Committee is ready to “fight the fight” over the next two years if we have too! Two more years and aldermen will be up for election.

Steve

494 6668

If you haven’t joined ICON for 2013 please Springfield-ICON-Membership-Application and come with $30, $20 for membership, $10 for diner.

Monday, November 26 – ICON Monthly meeting

7pm First Church of the Brethern.

Remember we’ll hold elections at our last meeting of the year (12/17/12) for chairmen, vice chairmen, parliamentarian, and one at-large position. If you’re interested in serving as a member of the Steering Committee please let us know at the  next meeting.

We’ll also need to collect membership dues next week so everyone wanting to vote for officers is a current member in good standing. (attached)

Hope you all have a enjoyable Holiday weekend. Look forward to seeing you next Monday.

Steve
494 6668

ICON Monthly Meeting – Sept 24 ~ Residency Information

Springfield ICON will meet on Monday, September 24 at 7pm at the First Church of the Brethern at 2115 Yale Boulevard.

More information, contact Steve Combs at 217-494-6668 or

City Residency Referendum
Residents of the City of Springfield will have the opportunity to vote on an advisory referendum in the November election regarding a City residency requirement for City employees.
The discussion at the ICON September monthly meeting included statements for and against.
Josh Witkowski, a Engineering Technician at CWLP, who attended as a citizen and ICON member, not as a representative of CWLP, shared the following information about residency, which he compiled from a FOIA request:

Wed, Sept 26 – Town Hall Meeting: Changes to City Garbage

ICON is sponsoring three town hall meetings to discuss the changes proposed in the ordinance:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 26: 7 to 8:30 p.m., South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd.
  • Thursday, Sept. 27: 6 to 8 p.m., Wanless Elementary School, 2120 E. Reservoir St. (Also a Ward 3 community meeting)
  • Thursday, Oct. 4: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St.

Read more about the changes…

Thurs, Sept 27 – Town Hall Meeting: Changes to City Garbage Pickup

ICON is sponsoring three town hall meetings to discuss the changes proposed in the ordinance:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 26: 7 to 8:30 p.m., South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd.
  • Thursday, Sept. 27: 6 to 8 p.m., Wanless Elementary School, 2120 E. Reservoir St. (Also a Ward 3 community meeting)
  • Thursday, Oct. 4: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St.

Read more about the changes…

Thurs, Oct 4 – Town Hall Meeting: Changes to City Garbage Pickup

ICON is sponsoring three town hall meetings to discuss the changes proposed in the ordinance:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 26: 7 to 8:30 p.m., South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd.
  • Thursday, Sept. 27: 6 to 8 p.m., Wanless Elementary School, 2120 E. Reservoir St. (Also a Ward 3 community meeting)
  • Thursday, Oct. 4: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St.

Read more about the changes…

Recycling Resources

 

At the July, 2012 ICON meeting, Abby Walden, new Director of Recycling for Springfield, Joan Walters, moderator of the Zero Waste program, and Marie Streenz, Community Relations Director for Midwest Fiber, a privately owned recycling (harvesting) company in central Illinois offered a “vision” of seeking “zero waste” that has become an integral part of the ICON vision.

The following is a quote received from Fred Puglia, “Vision Is the Art of Selling What is Invisible to Others”… Jonathan Swift

Joan and Marie have provided their information for our use:

A Brief History of Recycling by Joan Walters, moderator of the Zero Waste program.

Recycling Works from Marie Streenz, Community Relations Director for Midwest Fiber
The role of the recycling industry in the zero waste economy with an inside look into a Material Recovery Facility.

Midwest Fiber still considering drop-off sites

Tim Landis, SJ-R, August 20, 2012

  A drop-off recycling facility in Springfield remains a possibility, says Mike Shumaker, vice president of operations for Midwest Fiber Recycling.  The company took over collection and processing of recyclables through the Green Business Network of Springfield in June. Network coordinators said the previous partner, DTK, was unable to accommodate the growing volume. As part of the new partnership, a drop-off facility at 11th and Madison streets closed.

“We’re definitely looking,” said Shumaker. “It probably would include a building and processing center, and would create some jobs.” Midwest just marked the one-year anniversary of a new, single-stream recycling facility in Normal. In the first year, more than 49.1 million pounds of recycled material was processed, according to the company.

 


Green Business Network of Springfield
The Green Business Network of Springfield is holding a membership drive to expand to a critical mass in order to achieve their goals.  If you join the GBNS now, you can still do so for $25 – membership fees will increase this fall.  Please consider joining the GBNS and reach out to your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues in our community to ask them to join GBNS and support recycling in Springfield.

GBNS active projects include:

  • Recycle Springfield
  • Green Certification
  • Better Bag Project
  • Green Procurement
  • Battery Project

Description of the benefits of membership
GBNS membership form
GBNS.org website

Please join and spread the word about GBNS!


Illinois Green Economy Network
Adapted from Wynne Coplea’s presentation to the Citizen’s Club of Springfield 7/27/2012:
Benefits of Zero Waste in Action:

  • Resources saved
  • Service $$ expenses saved
  • Greenhouse gasses reduced (see EPA WARM model)
  • Community sectors engaged
  • Participants take personal responsibility for their own materials/choices
  • Improved community image
  • Attractive to young professionals
  • JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Zero Waste Program Possibilities:

  • Maximum reuse, maximum reduced
  • More recycling, greater number/type items, greater number/type of collection bins
  • Composting, including Food Scraps (Soil Production)
  • Responsible reuse/repair & recycling of special items, e.g. electronics, household waste
  • Less landfilling; virtually no incineration
  • Remember: “A big enough pile of anything is worth something to somebody!”

Read more at the IGEN website: igencc.org
Download / view the slide deck from the presentation 7/27… (PDF 2.6mb)

Contact IGEN:
Wynne Coplea, Director of College Partnerships
IL Green Economy Network
309-268-8128

 

 

 

ICON Meeting Monday, July 30th

To ICON Members and Participants

The July ICON Meeting will be held next Monday the 30th at the First Church of the Brethren, Ash and Yale, 7 p.m.

If you missed the Citizens Club program on “Zero Waste” Friday morning, you’ll have a chance to review and discuss some of the main points of that presentation at our meeting Monday evening. Abby Walden, new Director of Recycling for Springfield, will be joined by Joan Walters, moderator of the Zero Waste program and Marie Streenz, Community Relations Director for Midwest Fiber, a privately owned recycling (harvesting) company in central Illinois.

It is this “vision” of seeking “zero waste” that has become an integral part of the ICON Ordinance Review Committee’s recommendations for changes in the current garbage collection process. The following is a quote received from Fred Puglia. “Vision Is the Art of Selling What is Invisible to Others”..Jonathan Swift
This is ICON’s challenge! We must educate and convince 6 aldermen that removing garbage and waste from every residential property is a responsibility of the City, one to be administered and controlled by the City.

Look forward to your input on this extremely important issue!

In addition, Mark Cullen, Corporation Counsel, will provide an update on recent legal action and the huge increase in fines and citations related to boarded and problem properties.

______________________________

Alderman Joe McMenamin wanted to make sure you were aware of the Weekly Docket Report of Housing cases scheduled for Municipal Court each week, with Ward # location of each address. This is information available to
Aldermen, local neighborhood associations (particularly in older neighborhoods), and individuals that wish to monitor and follow up regarding problem properties in their areas. He is trying to get it uploaded on a weekly
basis to the City’s Web site, to make the Report as widely available as possible to interested groups and individuals. I personal use this report all the time for Enos Park and concur that it is extremely important. Check with
your aldermen to help get this report.

Steve

ICON Monthly Meeting Monday, June 25th

To ICON Members and Participants

We will hold our next ICON meeting Monday, June 25th, 7 p.m., at the First Church of the Brethren, Yale and Ash. Mark Cullen, city attorney, will join us to review new language in the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance which is on the July 3rd agenda for final passage. The new language should strengthen the position of the police department and city legal to bring and enforce legal action against individuals involved in repetitive violations of city code. This ordinance, in addition to the boarded property ordinance approved earlier, will provide a one two punch to reduce problem properties which have plagued the older neighborhoods.

During a press conference held Thursday morning, Mayor Houston emphasized his commitment to be more aggressive against landlords who allow their properties to deteriorate and become overgrown with weeds. He has initiated a very proactive approach to problems that have blighted the neighborhoods. Housing inspectors have increased the number of citations they have issued from 469 in 2011 to 1,354 during the same time period this year. All of this reflects the type of changes we have been seeking from the city ever since ICON was formed two years ago.

We encourage you to join us next Monday to review the effect of these changes on our neighborhoods.

Steve

P.S. Go to city website and check on ordinance 2012-227

 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 98, SECTION 98.06 OF THE 1988 CITY OF SPRINGFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED, REGARDING CHRONIC NUISANCES

ICON Monthly Meeting April 30, 7pm

To ICON Members and Participants

Our April meeting will be held next Monday the 30th at First Church of the Brethren, Yale and Ash, 7 p.m. Mark Mahoney will provide latest update on enforcement efforts regarding boarded property, code violations, fly dumping, and excessive grass. We will also have members of the Regional Planning Commission make a presentation on the newly proposed bike paths through out Sangamon County. I think you’ll find it interesting to see how these path intersect our neighborhoods.

I also need to get your neighborhood summary describing your location, demographics, and pluses/negatives as it relates to your impact on the downtown area (refer to Enos Park sample). This information will be given to the seven researchers coming to Springfield May 7-9 as part of the SDAT project.

I’ve attached 2 press releases regarding the SDAT team members and e-mail contact with Cindy Davis and Todd Higginbotham to confirm your involvement.

SDAT Schedule

SDAT Springfield PR

SDAT Springfield Final Team Announcements

www.SDATSpringfield.com

Steve Combs, 494-6668

ICON Monthly Meeting March 26, 7pm

Our ICON meeting will be next Monday, March 26th, 7 p.m., at the First Church of the Brethren, Yale and Ash – SDAT Steering Committee

I have invited Lisa Stott, Chuck Pell and other members of the SDAT Steering Committee, Victoria Ringer, and Michael Higgins, to explain how the neighborhoods encircling the downtown area can contribute to increasing the number of people who work, live, and play in the central core of the City. Whether its changes in traffic flow, enhanced walking and biking facilities, incentives for neighborhood retail development, promotion of unique history and architecture, or more aggressive marketing of inner city neighborhoods as bedroom communities for downtown, each of our neighborhoods has something special to offer.

SDAT Bus Tour, Group Sessions & Public Hearings in may

On Monday, May 7th there will be a bus tour to orient the 10 members of the Sustainable Design Assessment Team to downtown Springfield. Last month members of the ICON Steering Committee took 3 members of the SDAT group on a tour of the neighborhoods. The upcoming tour will concentrate more on the downtown however we want the surrounding neighborhoods to provide information we will give to the Team that describes the neighborhood and how it can contribute to increasing the viability of downtown. I’ve attached an example of how we would describe Enos Park.

In addition to the tour there will be a series of small group sessions and public hearings over a three day period (5/7-9/12). We hope you will clear your schedule for this project.

City Mowing Bids

We’ll also have an update on the mowing bids with the City. There will be a meeting in the Council chamber, noon, Wednesday the 28th. Final application bids are due Friday the 30th by 2 p.m. See you next Monday.

Steve

SSCRPC – Regional Comprehensive Plan – your input needed!

HELP US SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY!

The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission invites you to participate in the development of a Regional Comprehensive Plan.

There are two ways for you to be involved in this process:
1. Attend one of three community workshops to tell us your concerns, values, and desires:
March 8th – 6:00 pm
Sangamon Co. Dept. of Public Health
2833 South Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62703
217-535-3100

2. ONLINE: www.hlplanning.com/sscrpc

Download the workshop flyer…

February 27 Membership Meeting

ICON Members and Participants:
Our February meeting will be next Monday (2/27), 7 p.m., at the First Church of the Brethren, Yale and Ash. Mark Mahoney will be our guest. He will bring us up to date on early results of the new ordinance regarding boarded property. He will also identify the city’s priorities for infrastructure projects included in his proposed budget for Public Works. If approved, it would double last year’s budget.

Following our meeting last month, members of the ICON Steering Committee hosted a bus tour around the city for three members of SDAT. These three are part of a larger team that will be surveying the downtown area later in May. They were here to get an overview of Springfield in an effort to find ways to get more people to work, live, and play in the inner core of the City. The surrounding neighborhoods, most of whom are active members of ICON, will be included in the final study.

The full team of 8 to 10 professional people from around the country will return May 7-9 for three days of meetings and analysis. ICON has been asked to arrange another bus tour for the entire group. Individually, we should all keep those dates open to participate in a series of group sessions and public hearings. More information will be forthcoming!

Just a reminder that Thursday is the last scheduled hearing on the 2013 budget. It should provide a great deal of insight as to how each aldermen will try to balance the cost of basic services with jobs for public employees.

Look forward to seeing you next week.

Steve
494 6668

ICON Members Get Budget Details from Director McCarty

The ICON membership was provided information and insight into the 2013 proposed budget by Bill McCarty, Director of the Office of Budget & Management, at the January ICON meeting. The proposed budget reflects an emphasis on repaying old debts and doubling the funds for infrastructure. The budget for the Corporate fund, which is only one of several funds making up the city’s entire account, projects $111.6 M of revenue and has been given to the aldermen as balanced.

Director McCarty indicated OBM is anticipating 1) delayed State Income Tax from 2012 will be collected and attributed to 2013, and 2) a specific grant for firefighting equipment will both provide some of the new funding for a balanced budget. The $1.6 M delayed State Tax and $1.2 M SAFER grant plus a small (1.5%) anticipated increase in the 2013 Sales Tax figures, coupled with a reduction of $639,000 of staff expenses, as recommended in the Maximus report, is projected to put the city in a position to repay the two ongoing debts and still allocate $8 M for streets and sidewalks.

Although the SAFER grant provides for new fire trucks, the budget does not reflect any new funding for police or fire staff. However, approximately 20 police officers will be called up to start the year long process of qualifying for assignment. This will not increase the total number of police officers but fill anticipated openings caused through fruition.

Joe McMenamin, Ward #7 alderman, reminded the members that there were going to be a series of public hearings at 5:30 p.m. on February 2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 16th. You can find a detailed report for the 2013 budget on the City’s website:
Overview of proposed budget…
City of Springfield page to download entire budget…

Following the presentation the membership unanimously approved a By Law change related to the number of positions on the Steering Committee and the election process. Once approved the following members were elected to the new positions: Karen Jacobs, Parliamentarian, filling the last year of Jen Aholt’s term; Carol Kneedler and Polly Poskin, new At Large positions.

The next ICON membership meeting will be held Monday, February 27th. The public is invited. If you want to join ICON, individual membership is $20. You can join at the meeting or get an application from our website.

December 2011 Meeting

We will hold our December meeting this coming Monday the 19th, 7 p.m., at Maldaners. Michael Higgins has invited us to use the basement meeting room and will have soft drinks and refreshments available for us.

We will review the following issues-

  1.   membership registration
  2.   proposed By Law changes
  3.   Ordinance Review Committee points for consideration regarding garbage collection

Because our current By Laws call for a 30 day notification of proposed By Law changes, and those eligible to vote on the changes must be members in good standing at the time of the notification, we will ask those of you who plan to join ICON for 2012 do so at this meeting so you’ll be able to vote on the recommended changes at our January 30, 2012 meeting.

We will also review the initial points of concern outlined by the Ordinance Review Committee regarding garbage collection. I have attached the outline of those points which has been given to Mark Mahoney and Mark Cullen.

Hope all of you will be able to attend. If not Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

ICON Meeting – August 29th

To ICON Members and Participants A reminder our August ICON meeting will be held next Monday the 29th at First Church of the Brethren 7 p.m. (Yale and Ash).

We will continue our discussion of the current waste pickup program and get an update on the status of the problem property ordinance. There was a lot of excitement earlier this month regarding the inspection of MacArthur Park Apartments. It was our new Corporate Counsel’s first effort to start to clean up the neighborhoods.

The following is part of the e-mail I sent him on behalf of ICON You certainly know how to make a “hell of a entrance” when you take on a new job! On behalf of the ICON Coalition, I want to thank you for your proactive, hands on approach to addressing the problems at the MacArthur Park Apartments. The team of city inspectors, police, fire, and legal staff is an example of the type of coordinated effort used in other cities around the country which has proven successful in reducing, if not eliminating, property that creates a blight on our neighborhoods.

The mayor and council are also addressing the issue of forming a MacArthur Boulevard TIF District, another important step in bringing about positive changes to our neighborhoods. With the support of the five aldermen who have actively participated in the ICON movement, I hope we will soon have an ordinance to increase fines and establish definite time lines on how long a problem is allowed to exist. Remember, we need to attend the Council meetings to stay on top of issues related to the neighborhoods.

Steve

494 6668

July Meeting Hightlights

July 25th Meeting Highlights:

Another great meeting with a lot of input from a lot of people.

Bill Logan, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, provided an update on the meeting with the mayor and aldermen Jobe, Simpson, and Turner, regarding the ICON proposals to eliminate problem properties. With the appointment of Mark Cullen as Corporation Counsel, city legal will now start to review the recommendations.

Kent Gray, an attorney for a number of smaller communities in the area, identified a strategy to reduce the number of problem properties in the neighborhoods. He emphasized enforcement is the key to resolving most problems.

Paula Zink, housing inspector, encouraged grassroots involvement in reporting problems. The neighborhoods are the eyes and ears for identifying and reporting the problems. She encouraged everyone to add the following number to their cell phones and use it every time they see garbage, trash, or other problems. 789 2167

We also had Paul O’Shea, City Planning, Sheila Stock Smith, mayoral candidate, Chris Boyster, County Board member, Rick Davis, Lake Area Disposal, and Mike Seitz, Illini Disposal, participate in the review of solutions to problem properties and initial discussions about the city’s garbage collection program.

Polly Poskin provided an excellent review of the history leading up to the current collection program and its policies. We will continue to discuss this issue at our next meeting. The ICON Ordinance Review Committee will start to do some research on ordinances, programs and policies of collection programs of other cities.

I am still looking for members who can make a commitment to attend City Council meetings on a regular schedule. Please let me know which Tuesday of each month you can attend. First and third our regular Council meetings, 2nd and 4th our Committee of the Whole. The 3rd Tuesday meeting is preceded with a review of zoning issues. Check website for agenda       http://www.springfieldcityclerk.com/

If you haven’t hear from your NPO or housing inspector lately, give them a call! Let them know you want to help!

 

Steve

494 6668

Welcome to Springfield ICON

 

P.S. Historic West Neighborhood is hosting a free ice cream social this Thursday, July 28th, starts 7 p.m. at Douglas Methodist Church (Douglas and Governor Streets). Come early before its gone!

Also check attached website for Regional Neighborhood Network Conference, September 22-24 in Cincinnati  http://www.xavier.edu/communitybuilding/rnncincinnati/index.cfm

Enos Park sent two reps last year. Great experience, lots of good ideas. Michelle Higginbotham will be on program this year.

ICON Update 7/22/11

To ICON Members and Participants

 

Just a reminder we will meet next Monday, July 25th, 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren, Yale and Ash.

 

The aldermen who met with Mayor Houston a couple of weeks ago will bring us up to date on their discussion of the ICON proposals. I have also asked Kent Gray, an attorney for a number of the smaller municipalities in the area, to join us for that review.

 

Mark Cullen has been approved as new chief counsel for city legal. At last Tuesday’s Council meeting, Joe McMenamin asked him to explain his position on problem properties. He emphasized the need for stronger enforcement and developing strategies to get property owners to correct the problems. The ICON strategy of registration, time limits and increasing fines, and ultimately demolition and foreclosure, we hope will be seen as a positive step in the right direction.

 

We will also initiate discussion of the current garbage collection policy. Polly Poskin will review the position taken by a special committee appointed last year to see how the program was working. I have also asked Paula Zink, housing inspector, to attend and provide input as she did at our last meeting.

 

 

Steve

 

Monthly Meeting July 25th 7pm

Our monthly meeting will take place at First Church of the Brethren (Ash & Yale St.) at 7pm on Monday, July 25th! All are welcome!

 

Message from Steve:

To ICON Members and Participants

 

We had a great turn out at our June meeting and a very informative discussion of the current efforts to prepare an ordinance to enforce time limits and fines for problem properties. Since the meeting, Gail, Doris, and Cory have met with mayor Houston to explain our proposals. The mayor has asked that we give his two newly hired enforcement lawyers and appointed corporate counsel a chance to review the  recommendations. We’ll get an update on the status of the ordinance at our July 25th meeting.

 

We will also start a discussion on the current process of collecting garbage. Polly Poskin will review the recommendations proposed by a special committee that has reviewed the process.

 

As a follow up to the recommendation we each commit to attending a council meeting, I’m asking you to confirm a date you would be able to attend on a regular bases. Respond by e-mail or sign up for a date at our meeting on the 25th.

 

1st Tuesday of the month          City Council

2nd Tuesday of the month         Committee of the Whole

3rd Tuesday of the month         City Council & Zoning/Planning Agenda

4th Tuesday of the month          Committee of the Whole

 

Meetings start at 5:30 p.m.

 

Check http://www.springfieldcityclerk.com/ for agenda and schedule

 

Look forward to seeing you at the Monday, July 25th meeting, 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren (Yale and Ash).

 

Steve

494 6668

ICON Monthly Meeting June 27th 7pm

The Monday, June 25th meeting will be held at the Assisi Conference Center in the Main building of St John’s Hospital. The Assisi Center is right next to the hospital library. There is convenient parking in the garage at Carpenter and North 9th Street.

We are anticipating a number of aldermen will attend and review with us the proposal to eliminate problem properties. The recent SJ-R article was related to the 1st of three phases the ICON Ordinance Review Committee has recommended be implemented to help eliminate problem properties in our neighborhoods. The other two dealing with registration of rental property and foreclosure are yet to be introduced.

Mayor Houston reconfirmed his campaign commitment to eliminate boarded properties at Friday’s Citizen Club meeting. The process he outlined was identical to what we have reviewed and supported at our ICON meetings over the last 12 months. I am optimistic that with his leadership and the council’s support most, if not all, of our concerns will be addressed.

If we have enough time Monday, I would also like to start a review of your ideas on how to best resolve the issue of garbage collection. I want to use our points of discussion for the Ordinance Review Committee to prepare some initial recommendations for our next meeting in July.

And finally we want to identify ICON members who will attend City Council meetings on a regular basis to speak on behalf of ICON and/or their neighborhood associations. We have had five aldermen actively participate in our meetings, we need to actively participate in theirs!

Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Come prepared to get involved.

Steve

ICON Monthly Meeting June 1, 7pm

The last Monday of May falls on Memorial Day so we have changed our meeting date to Wednesday, June 1st.

Mark Mahoney, newly appointed Director of Public Works and a driving force behind the formation of the ICON Coalition, will be our special guest. Clear your schedule for the new meeting date and come with questions.

The meeting will be held at 7pm in Bunn Auditorium at St. John’s Hospital. Please enter through the lobby at Carol Jo Vecchie Women and Children’s Center.

ICON Members Win Aldermanic Seats

The ICON PAC is pleased and proud to announce that four of its dues paying members have been elected to serve on the Springfield City Council for the next four years. Doris Turner (Ward 3), Sam Cahnman (Ward 5), Cory Jobe (Ward 6), and Joe McMenamin (Ward 7), have all been active participants in reviewing and discussing solutions to problems of the inner city older neighborhoods. Gail Simpson (Ward 2), who was unopposed in the recent election, has also been involved with the ICON program from day one.

ICON, formed in March of 2010, has been reviewing nine common problems identified by 11 neighborhood associations at their first meeting. Since then, over 70 different individuals representing 20 associations have participated in the monthly meetings. An Ordinance Review Committee has been preparing recommendations to present to the City Council that will enact stronger language or new ordinances to eliminate the blighted conditions in the older neighborhoods.

With the help of these five aldermen, ICON hopes to get the unanimous support of the Council to revitalize the older neighborhoods and thereby enhance the image, safety, and quality of life for the entire city.

ICON will also seek the continued input of those candidates who were not elected but have attended our meetings and expressed interest in our common issues, including ICON members Sheila Stocks-Smith and Michael Higgins.

ICON Celebrates First Birthday

ICON celebrated its first birthday at the March 28th meeting by announcing its proposed program to eliminate problem properties in the older neighborhoods. The coalition of Inner City Older Neighborhoods first met March 2010 with 19 representatives from 12 neighborhoods. Since the first meeting 71 individuals; neighborhood representatives, city and county officials, aldermen, and candidates for city administration have participated in the monthly ICON meetings.

At the first meeting neighborhood representatives identified nine of their most pressing common problems. Five of the top seven were associated with owners of rental property, those you live in those properties, and the structures themselves. An Ordinance Review Committee was selected to review Springfield’s current ordinances, those of neighboring communities (Peoria, Decatur, Rock Island, Bloomington), and the policies and procedures of the current administration. From this review a 3 phase, 7 step process has been proposed to eliminate the problem properties.

Problem properties are identified as those that

1) have 2 or more code violations for more than 60 days old

2) are unoccupied, unsafe and open to trespass

3) are a visual blight on the neighborhood

4) have two or more nuisance abatement violations within a 60 day period

5) lower the property value of neighboring property

The 3 phases to eliminate these problems start with the registration of all rental property. No registration fee will be charged, but the owner or a designated manager who resides in Sangamon County, if the owner does reside in Sangamon County, must file the appropriate paperwork before a predetermined date.

The second phase emphasizes specific time limits on the correction of external and internal code violations. Fines will be imposed starting at $200 per code violation and increasing by an additional $200 for each allocated 60 day work period. Property with violations not corrected within 180 days (3 sixty-day work periods) will be declared uninhabitable and boarded. Properties may also be boarded if there are six or more violations at any one time. When properties are boarded, boarded property registration fees of $2,000 for the first year, $4,000 for a second year, and $6,000 for the third will be levied against the owner. At the end of the second year of being boarded, problem properties will also be down-zoned to R1 for single family use only.

If, at the end of the third year, the violations have not been corrected, the city will initiate foreclosure proceedings. Foreclosure may be started before the end of the third year if city liens reach an amount equal to 70% of the assessed value of the property. Property secured by the city will be given to not-for-profit groups having the capability of renovating the property or demolishing and infilling with new construction.

At any time throughout this process, if the property owner corrects the violations and clears all financial obligations to the city, the property will be reinstated for rental use. A mandatory inspection program will be established to confirm property in violation of codes for more than 60 days meet code standards on a regular basis after the violations have been corrected.

Following a discussion of the proposed recommendations, members reviewed the positions taken by the aldermanic candidates at the March 3rd forum hosted by ICON, DSI, MBBA, and IPA. Refer to the voting positions of each candidate regarding the key issues in the recommendations (PDF download) on our Springfield Election 2011 page under the Political Power tab along with surveys, radio and print interviews, and candidate endorsements from other organizations.

ICON Seeks Candidate’s Positions

ICON Seeks Candidates’ Positions

Download the voting positions of each candidate regarding the key issues in the recommendations (PDF) on our Springfield Election 2011 page along with surveys, radio and print interviews, and candidate endorsements from other organizations.

Over 80 people attended the Citywide Aldermanic Forum hosted by ICON, DSI, MBBA, and IPA. Twelve of the 16 candidates running for aldermanic seats in six Wards answered questions posed by representatives from the four host organizations. By a show of hands the candidates identified their positions on 29 different questions related to 12 different issues. Although the candidates had been provided the issues before the Forum, the questions were new. As an elected alderman with more time to research specific proposals and ordinances, positions might change. However, results of the Citywide Forum provided interesting insight into issues that certainly will be brought before the City Council in the near future.

Regarding distressed and boarded property, 100% of the candidates supported the City using foreclosure proceedings to take control of problem properties, and 11 of the 12 candidates supported increasing the fines and putting a limit on how long properties could remain boarded. They also supported down zoning problem properties from multi-unit rentals to single family homes if landlords don’t correct violations within a year. When asked about establishing zoning overlays for redevelopment projects, such as East Springfield, MacArthur Boulevard, and Enos Park, the majority acknowledged they were unfamiliar with that process. After Michelle Higginbotham, Vice Chairmen of ICON and the lead representative of the Enos Park Master Plan, explained it was a way to address specific zoning and code issues for more effective revitalization of older neighborhoods without needing citywide changes, the candidates supported the concept 100%.

Issues gaining little support from the candidates were 1) a moratorium on city expansion, 2) limit on funding projects on the outer edges of the city, 3) mandatory construction of parking garages with all new development in the downtown area, and 4) a single hauler for citywide collection of garbage and trash. However, the vote was split 6 to 6 in having a single hauler for a specific section or area of the city, such as individual neighborhoods. Eight of the 12 candidates did support having a single billing agent, such as CWLP, for garbage collection.

In discussing various financial issues the candidates unanimously supported establishing new TIF Districts for both business and residential neighborhood redevelopment projects. They also agreed 10 to 2 that stakeholders within each TIF District should be included in the process of reviewing requests for funding, and Downtown TIF funds should be used as an incentive during the last 5 years of that funding program for internal renovation of empty office buildings to create more downtown residential space. They also voted 10 to 2 to dedicate corporate funds for new sidewalk construction, and 9 to 3 to re-appropriate the 2% hotel/motel tax specifically for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

In reviewing various social issues the candidates unanimously agreed that state and federal funds designated for the homeless in Springfield include services for those identified as chronically homeless, and additional funds should be sought for a full service day center. The candidates also supported payday loans not to exceed 36% which is what the Federal regulations are for veterans.

ICON Not Stopped by Storm

 

Even though the State government closed down Monday afternoon, January 31st, 24 ICON members and guest met to review issues regarding the older neighborhoods of Springfield. Included in the group were 3 mayoral candidates (Mike Houston, Bill McCarty, and Sheila Stocks-Smith), 6  aldermanic candidates (Sam Cahnman, Cameron Counts, Michael Higgins, Cory Jobe, Joe McMinamen, Kris Theilen) and one incumbent alderwomen, Gail Simpson. Many of the participants had just come from the City Council’s 4th Budget Workshop. There was a spontaneous discussion of the proposed budget with direct input from three of the current aldermen.

 The nine (9) common concerns itemized by the neighborhoods at the first ICON meeting were identified for the candidates and new guests. Those concerns, which are now the basis of ICON’s agenda, were reviewed with the help of the new Springfield ICON website. (www.springfieldicon.org)  It was pointed out that 4 of the top 5 neighborhood concerns are related to the all inclusive issue of problem properties. 

The Ordinance Review Committee has met twice since we last discussed the issue of problem properties at our November meeting. The committee is prepared to move forward with recommendations to the City Council related to rental property registration, fines and time limits related to code violations, boarded housing fees, time limits for demolition, and foreclosure procedures. 

We are waiting for ordinances from city legal regarding a number of proposals from Treasurer Langfelder, specifically to establish a centralized data base and designation of the Treasurer’s office to coordinate collection and enforcement. 

The ICON Aldermanic Forum will be held Thursday, March 3rd, at the Dove Center at 7 p.m. Downtown Springfield Inc., MacArthur Boulevard Business Association, and Illinois People’s Action group will co-host the event with ICON. We are in the process of identifying the issues each group would like the candidates to address at the forum. 

Our next meeting is Monday, February 28th, 4 days before the Forum. Please reserve both dates.

ICON Host Candidates at Holiday Meeting

 The December ICON meeting was held before the Holiday Season to meet and greet candidates for the April 5th city elections. There where over sixty attendees including three mayoral and six aldermanic candidates including the following

    Mayoral

            Mike Coffey

            Mike Houston

            Sheila Stocks-Smith

      Aldermanic

            Cameron Courts

            Mike Higgins

            Cory Jobe

            Joe McMenamin

            Ryan Tozer

            Doris Turner

 ICON is working with the Citizen’s Club to coordinate a series of mayoral and aldermanic forums. ICON will also help coordinate meetings of the neighborhoods within each Ward.

 The ICON Ordinance Review Committee is comparing ordinances from Rock Island, Peoria, and Decatur regarding rental property registration, nuisance abatement, boarded property, foreclosure procedures, and garbage pickup. These issues will represent the platform to be presented to the candidates for their review.

ICON Officers Elected

November ICON PAC Meeting

ICON members unanimously confirmed the slate of officers recommended by the temporary Steering Committee. The ICON PAC officers for the next two years are

            Steve Combs, Chairman

            Michelle Higginbotham, Vice Chairman

            Jamie Adair, Secretary

            Bill Castor, Treasure

            Jen Aholt, Parliamentarian

The temporary Steering Committee recommended the addition of two (2) at large members. Steve asked Bill Castor to Chair the By Laws Committee and prepare changes to the by-laws for approval by the ICON membership. After discussing the current definition of a member, as relates to resident of Sangamon County versus Springfield, the By Laws Committee was asked to review this qualification. The group unanimously approved a recommendation to have a $20 individual membership fee, a $30 family membership, and a $200 life membership. Fourteen individuals purchased their membership (12 individual and 1 family) at the end of the meeting

Following a lengthy and productive discussion of the first step needed to resolve problem properties (i.e. registration and periodic inspection of rental property) the Ordinance Review Committee was asked to take the various options and prepare a summary report for the January meeting. Points to be clarified included

            1) what constitutes a rental property for the sake of this ordinance

                (residential vs. commercial, single unit vs. multiunit),

            2) what are the specific thresholds from which follow up action will be taken,

            3) what are the time limits and financial structure for violations of the ordinance

            4) what are the cost involved in initiating new inspection procedures.

Jen Aholt was asked to Chair a Candidate Forum Committee to set up a schedule and agenda for a series of public forums to be held by the ICON PAC in the three months leading up to the April elections. The Citizen Club will be hosting a public forum for mayoral candidates February 4th and March 25th. There are other anticipated meetings to be held by individual neighborhood associations.

ICON will invite all candidates to a meet and greet social December 13th at the Vinegar Hill Dublin Pub. A $10 charge will cover Horse shoes and drinks. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will replace the normal end of the month ICON meeting for December.

Carol Kneedler announced that the ICON website is up and running. Check it out at www.springfieldicon.org!

A good site is one that is constantly changing. That’s your job! Keep providing us new information, pictures, etc.

The next four months are extremely important in formulating the ICON platform for the improvement of our neighborhoods. We have a unique opportunity to not only shape the makeup of the city council with seven contested seats but also the leadership of city administration. Let’s not look back after the April elections and lament the fact we didn’t do enough to take control of the destiny of our own neighborhoods. Join with us by becoming an ICON PAC member. Bring the attached membership registration form with you to the Dec. 13th meeting or send it to ICON PAC c/o Bill Castor, Treasure, 600 E Adams, Springfield, IL 62701

ICON Forms PAC

As of the October 25th meeting the ICON Coalition is now the Springfield ICON PAC. Michelle Higginbotham (Enos Park) made the motion to except the Springfield ICON PAC by-laws which was seconded by Carol Kneedler (MBBA) and unanimously approved by 29 representatives from 15 neighborhood associations. With the addition of five new participants at the October meeting, ICON has now had 49 individuals representing 20 neighborhoods from six wards participate in this movement to find six votes on the Springfield City Council for neighborhood revitalization.

After the vote a temporary Steering Committee was established, as called for in the by-laws, to set up a date, time, and place to hold an election of officers of the Springfield ICON PAC. Initial Committee members include Higginbotham-Enos Park, Castor-Vinegar Hill, Schuering-Harrison Park, Vandiver-Hawthorne Place, and Combs-Enos Park.

After reviewing the steps taken by City legal to formulate new ordinances, Jen Aholt (Lincoln Park) recommended a committee be set up to study current ordinances and provide recommendations that the ICON PAC could support as part of its political platform for the coming municipal elections. A committee of 9 representatives was selected (Higginbotham-Enos Park, Castor-Vinegar Hill, McMinamen-Historic West, Jacobs-Old Aristocracy, Hunter-Iles Park, Poskin-Harvard Park, Adaire-Bunn Park, Schuering-Harrison Park, Combs-Enos Park).

The next ICON meeting will be held Monday, November 29th 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren (Yale & Ash). We will 1) discuss the recommendations from the ordinance review committee regarding problem properties and 2) elect officers to the ICON PAC Steering Committee.

ICON Ready to Confront Problem Properties

We continue to increase the number of people participating in the ICON meetings. There were three new representatives at the September meeting which makes a total of 39 different participants representing 19 neighborhood associations from 6 wards.

Our next meeting will be Monday, October 25th, 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren (Ash and Yale in Harvard Park). We encourage everyone who has attended at least one of the ICON meetings to join us for this special meeting. We will be voting on By Laws to formally organize the ICON Coalition into a PAC. We would like all of you to be part of that special event.

We will also have a member of city legal review with us some of the issues related to putting together city ordinances. Gail Simpson has spoken to Jennifer Johnson on our behalf regarding problem properties in our neighborhoods and how we can strengthen current ordinances or introduce new ones. As part of that issue Jennifer has offered to look up information about boarded properties. 

 Gail has also found an excellent source of information from other municipalities addressing vacant, problem properties.

Make sure you read through this material so you know what others are doing that we may also want to incorporate into our ordinances.

Go to www.bpichicago.org/VacantPropertyResources.php  This page has 3 documents which provide an overview of nine tools that have proven most effective as municipalities have worked to reduce the negative impact of vacant properties. Each succeeding document (1,2,3) goes into more detail and provides more examples of ordinances being used by different municipalities.

How Can Municipalities Confront the Vacant Property Challenge?, and

3  How Can Municipalities Confront the Vacant Property Challenge? An Appendix to the Toolkit,

In an effort to strength our approach to resolving problem properties in Springfield, Gail, Mark, and Sam have indicated their willingness to review  different ordinances as part of the following three phased approach to resolving the problems:                                                                                    

1) registration and periodic inspection of rental property (Cahnman)                                  

2) increased fines and reduced time limits to correct violations (Mahoney)                          

3) initiate foreclosure procedures to acquire problem properties.  (Simpson)

Each alderman reviewed their initial thoughts on the specific steps and received feedback from the ICON participants.

Another issue ready to be reviewed is the results of a recent commission studying the new garbage pickup program.

The ICON website will soon be on line. The list of boarded properties to be  review at our meeting will be included on the ICON website in addition to a direct link to each neighborhood association site.

Remember we’re looking for 6 votes! It all starts with you being proactive! Gather information, pass it on to others, and then educate your aldermen.

Next ICON Meeting: 8/30 7pm First Church of the Brethern

Our next meeting will be Monday, August 30th, 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren, Ash and Yale.

Jim Langfelder, City Treasure,  will join us to talk about some of the  recommendations he made to the City Council regarding ways to stay on top of money due the city and steps to take to collect fines and fees. 

We will also have an update from Jen Aholt regarding the possibility of ICON forming a PAC to carry out our political objectives.

Carol Kneedler and members of the ICON website committee will provide information about our new site.

Polly Poskin will review some of the issues that will be covered during the coming ICON meetings as a lead up to the elections next year.