Lyle S. Hallock Memorial Park Clean-up
Thanks for the residents who helped spiff-up our park on Sat Oct 18. Would not have happened without the leadership and multiple tools that Chris Everts brought to repair the fense. We had fun, fellowship and enjoyed the donuts, cup cakes, Avanti's sandwiches and pizza.
Sep 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING
MINUTES
September 10, 2025
6:00 pm
1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604
AMT- Meeting Room
Members present: Ron Givens, Rachael Parker, Bob Beckenbaugh, Chris Everts, Marguerite Everts, Barbara Jackson, Steven Contos, Pat Palanza, Karen Kortz, Aloysia Mitchell Joyce Billings, Dave Billings, Jerry Quintiliani, and Hosea Washington
Guest: Denise Jackson, Jeremy Hopwood, Sargent Chris White, Poala Mendez, John Sims and Curtis DeWeese
I. Call to Order – Welcome – Ron Givens
Meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm
II. Minutes from July 9, 2025, Meeting – Rachael Parker
Rachael Parker stated that everyone was give a copy of the July 9th minutes upon entering the meeting please take a few minutes if not already done so to read through them.
Motion was made to approve the minutes as presented by Bob Beckenbaugh and second by Steve Contos. Motion Caries.
III. Treasurers Report - Marguerite Everts
Marguerite Everts passed out the treasurers report (attached) Motion made by Jerry Quintiliani and seconded by Bob Beckenbaugh to approve the Treasurers report as presented.
IV. Committee Reports (updates/status)
a. Membership – Chris Everts – Still working on a way to reach more people so that more dues can be collected. Chris mentioned that the website once its in place will help with this along with getting some type of online pay service.
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell
Aloysia reported that she had made connections with 3 new residents. She stated that Bob gives her the list that shows in the journal star and that is how she knows who to reach out to. She also mentioned that one of the new residents had their car stolen right from their driveway (formerly Dennis’s Home).
c. Call Em All – Bob Beckenbaugh thanked Aloysia for always getting him the information on the new residents so he can add them to his list. He feels like this is a good system and that it does work when we need to get the word out about something quickly to all.
V. Report on National Night Out Event – Karen Kortz
Proclamation from the Mayor Rita Ali –
Ron Givens read the proclamation give to Wardclliffe Neighborhood Association that was not able to be delivered on the night of National Night Out.
Karen Kortz thanked all that helped that night in the various areas to make it a success. She reported that the total cost to put on the event was $635.37, reminding all that $200 will be reimbursed back to the association from the city. She mentioned that at one point they counted a little over 70 in attendance but because people were coming and going, she felt like it was closer 100 in attendance. She believes having all the chairs helped so it allowed people to stay longer. She also would like to see more games there for the kids next year. The games were popular. Bob Beckenbaugh mentioned that he took pictures and sent them to Hosea and he got them posted on the website. Ron Givins mentioned that we all need to help spread the word about the events so that we can continue to have good attendance and grow the attendance.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
b. Results of Landscaping Award Content – Joyce & Dave Billings
Joyce stated that her and her husband had a great time doing this task. She suggests that we increase the number of houses that get this award. Those that won were so excited about getting recognized. Each award was $25 each
c. Mini Grant update and approval of 2025 Mini Grant request
$1,170 additional landscaping, $1,030 Website enhancements, $300 Fall neighborhood Event
We have until December 19th to spend the funds.
Aloysia Mitchell wanted to emphases that the money needs to be spent prior to Dec. 19th
Ron Givens asked about possibly using some of those funds to help with the needs at the park. Chris Everts mentioned at the park there is landscaping work and repair of a post and some clean up. Mr. Sims volunteered to dig holes for post if needed. Rachael Parker suggest that we roll that work into our fall festival so to speak. Use that time to get the association to meet up do the work and then all eat lunch together. Invite everyone to come out for our fall meet-up and lunch.
d. Traffic Report Update: Sargent Chris White, Peoria Police Dept., Jeremy Hopwood and Poala Mendez, City of Peoria (Full Reports Attached)
e. Website status full report – Hosea Washington and Steve Contos
Hosea reported that the scope of the project was changed where items could be updated whenever a change on the site was requested for purposes of updates. He stated that there will be training sessions for a couple of people to know how to perform these updated. He suggested an administrator be assigned to do this and he will train the person or persons. Steve Contos volunteered to be the administrator/webmaster. Hosea will assist when needed.
f. Update of Information on Empire Lounge – Mr. John Sims
Mr. Sims shared what happened with his citation and why he withdrew his application at that council meeting. He also talked about several other concerns regarding keeping his business open. He stated he is committed to providing a safe and well-maintained establishment that will cater to an older crowd, with strict dress code. He continues to look for support from our association. He also mentioned that he is willing to help with getting residents to pay their annual dues by possibly passing out coupons to those that pay their dues.
Councilwoman Denise Jackson –
Denise spoke regarding what our city is going to look like in the next year or two and they are going into budget season are trying to plan accordingly. She talked briefly about the donation for the riverfront amphitheater. The city is looking for a new riverboard. In 2026 Boyd gaming will make their announcement if they go from boat to land or not.
VI. New Business
Proposed 2025-2026 Budget –
Vlll. Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business motion to adjourn was made by Aloysia Mitchell and second by Bob Beckenbaugh, meeting adjourned at 8:22pm
• Next meeting will be on November 12, 2025. Bob Beckenbaugh will chair that meeting
The next Wardcliffe Neighborhood Association meeting is scheduled for Nov 12, 6 pm, Advanced Medical Transport, small conference room.
Please join us. Let your voice be heard. Agenda will be posted in advance as well as minutes from our Sep 24 meeting. Key agenda item is the proposed budget for remainder of 2025 and 2026. Please email proposed agenda items to: rbeckenbaugh1@sbcglobal.net
Winners of Aug 2025 WNA Landscaping/Curb Appeal Awards
The following homes were selected for their great landscaping/curb appeal:
2705 W. Rustic Ridge
2334 W. Overbrook Dr.
2908 Wardcliffe
Each residence received a $ 25 gift certificate from Nena'sAce Hardware. Thanks to Joyce and David Billings for coordinating the event.