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Draft Minutes of the Pullman Civic Organization  October 15, 2025  

 

President Karin Moreno called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.

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New members Kailey Woolard and Denzel Johnson were welcomed.

 

Karin gave a shout-out to Jacqui, Sue, and Lorraine for addressing fly-dumping on Cottage Grove.

 

Presentation: IDNR’s Anthony Rubano delivered information on state and federal financial incentives (tax credits) for historic buildings, including contributing buildings in the historic district.

 

No minutes from the September meeting were available.

 

Reports

  • Treasurer (Mike McMahon): Opening balance as of Sept. 1: $35,992.74; closing balance as of Sept. 30: $36,323.83. This will be filed for audit.

  • Beman (Rogelio Cadena): Since the beginning of the Facade program, over $150,000 has been invested. This year’s applications for the program, due Dec. 31, are available on the PCO’s website. Motion: to increase the grant from $1500 to $2000. m/s/p - 30 yes, 5 no, 1 abstention (Mike Shymanski/Jim Badali).(The committee will discuss points raised in the discussion: improving ease of application and allowing homeowners on House Tour this year to apply retroactively.)

  • Community Improvement (Andy Morgen): The Forestry Dept. removed (and missed)  a number of dead trees in the neighborhood. The work on the west side of 110th and Cottage is to install a sidewalk. Discussion: at Tom Shepherd’s request, Andy will draft a letter to the Alderman/City requesting 113th be resurfaced. At Mike Shymanski’s suggestion, a subcommittee was formed to compile infrastructure issues in Pullman. Volunteers consisted of: Sue James, Brent LaRowe, Lynne Collins, Mike Shymanski, Melinda Moore, Tom Shepherd, Larry Kuhn, Kailey Woolard, Denzel Johnson, Rebecca Conant (as HPF liaison).

  • Education (Karin Moreno): Poe School would welcome candy donations.

  • Hospitality (Beverly Ash-Larson): Thanks to the Choir for hosting today, with committees signed up through May.

  • House Tour (Cindy McMahon): Despite beautiful weather and great volunteer and car show turn out, our numbers were down 30% (780 tickets sold vs 1121 in 2024). It is quite possible this reduction is due to the government shut down, closed NPS Visitor Center, and perception that this would impact the tour.

  • Membership (Arlene Echols): We have 275 members (28 of whom are new, complimentary ones). Of these, 170 have paid by cash, 48 by check, and 24 by PayPal via our website.

  • Safety (Tom McMahon): The issues with summer’s miscreants and a homeless man camping out on Pullman School playground seem to be resolved. However, there has been a rash of plant thefts throughout Pullman. Thieves have been caught on cameras using garbage cans to transport plants, but have not been identified.

  • Welcome (Linda Feutz): Welcome new neighbors Kailey Woolard and Denzel Johnson

  • Audit (Mike McMahon): the committee will reconvene in January.

  • Pullman House Project (Mike Shymanski): The Coffee Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday and has maps available to support visitors during the shutdown.

  • HPF (Rebecca Conant): Also to support visitors, the Exhibit Hall will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 11-3. Volunteers are needed and welcome to staff the building. For Open House Chicago, the Lowden Miller building will have an exhibit of artifacts showing what it was like to ride a Pullman car. The Macabre Tour is Oct. 26 and tickets are available online.

  • Garden Club (Brent LaRowe): The Club’s Holiday Party is Dec. 3. Members will be planting $500 worth of bulbs in the gardens it maintains. Plants from the small bed in Pullman Park along 111th were removed, with uncertainty as to its future with the replanning of 111th.

 

Old Business

  • Reformation Church (Arlene Echols): Onyx 36O is close to closing on the building for reuse as a medical center. Arlene stopped two men from stealing the church’s sign.

  • Animal Blessing (Marnee Schereck/Andy Morgen): Andy and Marnee thanked all for participating and announced a profit of $2425 to be distributed to the sponsored animal rescue groups and churches.

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New Business 

Trunk-or-Treat (Tom McMahon): All are invited to bring a decorated car to pass out candy on Oct. 31 in the Exhibit Hall parking lot. Setup 4 pm, distribution 5-7 pm.

  • Veterans Day (Tom Shepherd): The ceremony will be on Nov. 11 at 11 am, beginning inside Pullman School. The committee is still seeking a soloist to sing the national anthem. 

  • My Block, My Hood, My City (Lorraine Brochu): The group’s report from their Spring meeting with residents showed a concern of the North/South Pullman divide. Those present at their Fall meeting proposed one way to address this would be to participate in the group’s holiday decorating, where My Block funds the decorations and volunteers from both North and South Pullman work together to have their houses decorated or decorate others. This effort would require volunteers from the PCO to spearhead the effort.

 

Announcements 

  • The Historic Pullman Empowerment Organization’s fundraiser is Oct. 16 at ArtSpace. Donations welcome.

  • Services for long-time Pullmanite Bob Jordan were announced for Oct. 23rd.

 

Split-the-Pot: Cindy McMahon volunteered to run this next month. Mike McMahon was the evening’s winner of $26 and donated the money back.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:52 pm.

 

Submitted,

Lorraine Brochu, Vice President

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Minutes of the Pullman Civic Organization, August 20, 2025

 

Meeting called to order at 7:14 pm by President Karin Moreno.

 

Welcome to new member, Sara.

 

Briefing by Richard Wilson on what is involved with the $1.3 million for the Market Hall stabilization.

 

Soren Spicknall gave info about the opening reception, Sat, August 30, 6-10 pm, of the art show sponsored by Pullman Arts.

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Motion: to approve minutes of the July meeting. M/s/p Cindy McMahon/ Roderick Lewis 

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Treasurer (Mike McMahon): opening balance $38,101.58. A 13 mo., CD of $10,000.00  was opened at 3.1%, maturing August 2026. 

Insurance for the PCO was paid at $390. Closing balance $35,887.04

 

Committee Reports:

  • Beman: The ceremony for the rededication of the marker for State landmark status will be 10 am August 30, outside Exhibit Hall.

  • Communication (Lorraine Brochu) : A new chair is needed as well as people familiar with Wix for the website.

  • Community Improvement (Andy Morgen): Issue with trees and lights still being out on Cottage Grove.

  • Education (Karin Moreno): School has started, and committee needs volunteers

  • House Tour: October 11, 2025, and October 12, 2025. Volunteers needed.

  • Membership (Arlene Echols): We have 256 Members

  • Safety (Tom McMahon): Very successful CAPS meeting was held,  Police have the names of the children who were causing trouble in the neighborhood.

  • Welcome Committee (Linda Feutz): asks people to let her know new neighbors’ names.

 

Organization/Ad Hoc Committee reports

  • Morris and Chorus: Chorus will be starting up again in September.

  • HPF (Rebecca Conant) : Volunteers needed for Labor Day Parade and walking tours in the 3rd Sunday of the month.

 

Announcements:

  • October 5, 2025 will be the  Animal Blessing.

  • Summer event: Lorraine Brochu is organizing a Movie Night at the end of September.

  • We still need a volunteer for Block Captain and Split-the- Pot.

  • Please come out to the Labor Day parade and Farmers Market.

 

Motion to adjourn at 8:18 pm m/s/p Sue James/Ed Kruger

 

Submitted,

Yvonne Smith, Secretary 

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Minutes of the Executive Board of the Pullman Civic Organization, August 13, 2025

 

Call to Order at 7:07 pm

 

The Secretary read the minutes of the July board meeting with one correction, that some of the membership count included complimentary membership. 
 

Treasurer Report: Opening balance; $38,101 Closing balance: $35, 887.05

 

No Zone Director reports.

 

Committee reports: 

  • Beman - Joli Brown reported invitations have been sent out to special guests for the August 23 rededication of the sign marking the historic status of Pullman.

  • Communications - no report 

  • Community Improvement - Andy Morgen reported lights out on Cottage Grove

  • Education - Karin Moreno noted a lot of area back to school events,with school starting August 18.

  • Hospitality - Discussion: could those doing the Hospitality shift also handle Split the Pot.

  • Membership - Arlene Echols reported we have 234 members, and 24 are new neighbors

  • Safely - Tom McMahon stressed the need to attend the CAPS meeting on Tuesday, August 19 at 6 pm to discuss the minors that are creating havoc, throwing rocks, stealing, but are too young to be arrested.

  • Welcome - no report 

 

Special/Ad Hoc committee reports:

  • Audit Committee - volunteers Sue James, Megan Baldeshwiler and Brent LeRowe will meet with Mike McMahon soon to audit the books.

  • Morris and Chorus - Karin noted the choir will sing at the Animal Blessing.

 

Organization reports:

  • Bielenberg-No Report

  • Garden Club-No report

  • HPF - Volunteers needed 

  • House Tour-8 houses secured  thus far. Lorraine noted that House Tour is a committee.

  • NPS - Mike Shymanski reported that NPS and HPF have begun discussions for the 250th year Anniversary of the United States, perhaps a picnic. 

  • Motion: that the PCO invite a volunteer to join NPS and HPF in these discussions to see if there is a suitable role for residents. M/S/P Lorraine/?

 

Old Business:

  • Reformation Lutheran Church- Report was given by Arlene, there will be a hearing on August 27, 9:30 am to close out issue of transferal of ownership.

  • Discussion: Ways to highlight the work of committees, Block Captains, and Zone directors could include articles about their work in upcoming Flyer articles.

  • Meet & Greet- Karin will host a Meet & Greet next Wednesday at 6:15pm with current Block Captains and Zone Directors and anyone interested in being one.

  • Block Captains:

    • Zone 2-112th block St. Lawrence, East- Jessie and Grace DeLlano volunteered as well as someone who spoke with Harriette Watson.

    • Block Captains are still needed for: Zone 3 - 113th block Langley, East and West; Zone 4 - 114 St. Lawrence.

  • Discussion: Summer event: What could replace the picnic? Lorraine offered to plan a movie night in September. Tom and Andy offered to help.

 

New Business:

  • Speakers for General Meetings - Lorraine reported that the HPF will speak about upcoming work on Market Hall at our August general meeting. She reported that IDNR is unable to accept our invitation as this would require overtime approval. Martin Tuohy provided website links for their projects’ scope. Other suggestions were discussed such as IEPA to discuss odor control, Ald. Beale, David Doig, and April Jackson, UIC charette professor.

  • Per our Bylaws, a budget should be presented to the membership in September. Chairs will be asked to submit funding requests. Discussion: the possibility and implications of changing our fiscal year to match the membership year.

 

Announcements:

  • Labor Day Parade - Sept 6

  • Blessing of the Animals, Andy gave details of event. Discussion: the possibility of some of the proceeds going to our Pullman rescue groups.

 

Motion to adjourn at 9:09 pm.

 

Submitted,

Yvonne Smith, Secretary 

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Minutes of the Pullman Civic Organization, July 16, 2025

 

Karin Moreno called the meeting to order at 7:11 pm.

 

Motion to approve the minutes of the June meeting, as posted on the website, m/s/p Rebecca Conant/Cindy McMahon

 

Treasurer (Mike McMahon): Opening balance as of May 1, $37,465.43.  Closing balance as of June 30, $38,101.58.  A new CD for 13 months at 3.1% interest will be opened soon. In order to avoid the $9 fee for paper statements, Mike will opt for electronic statements. The annual donation to the HPF and insurance has been paid.

 

Committee reports:

  • Beman (Rogelio Cadena/Mike Shymanski): The remade 1970 marker commemorating Pullman’s historic status will be rededicated August 23 at 10 am in Pullman Park.

  • Membership (Arlene Echols): We have 209 members to date.

  • Safety (Cindy McMahon for Tom): There will be 5th District Council meeting on July 28 at 6pm to discuss the City’s consent decree progress. National Night Out will be Aug. 5 at the Factory grounds, and CAPS meeting will be Aug. 19 at 6 pm at the Exhibit Hall.

  • Audit: Karin requested volunteers to serve.

  • Picnic: Karin reported that due to a lack of volunteers to lead the planning, we won’t have one this year but hope to start planning n January for one next year.  Mike Shymanski noted HPF and NPS are exploring a kind of recreation of the July 4, 1892 picnic here on July 4, 2026. Motion: for the PCO to participate in some way in this picnic if it happens. m/s/p Lorraine Brochu/Mike Shymanski

 

Organization reports:

  • Garden Club (Brent LaRowe): The Garden Walk was a success, thanks to the gardeners, volunteers and guests who participated.

  • HPF (Rebecca Conant): The HPF membership drive is underway. Rebecca announced the following events:

    • The Far South Side Community’s focus group on buses and routes in the area will be on July 17 at 6 pm.

    • Chicago’s Taste of Pullman will be on July 20.

    • Labor Day Parade will be on Sept. 6 at noon.

    • Alley tours starting in August.

    • The next subject in their speaker series will be on Haskell and Barker.

  • House Tour (Cindy McMahon): This year’s tour is Oct. 11 and 12. 6 houses have been secured and volunteers needed.

  • NPS (Rebecca Conant): There is a new exhibit in the Visitor Center on the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

 

Announcements:

  • The next hearing on the fate of Reformation Lutheran Church is Aug. 27.

  • The Animal Blessing will be October 15 from 1 -4 pm.

  • Block Captains are still needed for 112th and St. Lawrence, East; 113th and Langley, East; and 114th and St. Lawrence, West. All current Block Captains, Zone Directors and those interested in being either are invited to a meeting prior to the August General Membership meeting.

  • There will be a bike ride prior the Taste of Pullman on Saturday.

  • The 9th Ward is sponsoring a Pet Food Pantry on July 18th.

  • Farmers Markets continue on Wednesdays 7 am – 12 noon into October.

 

New Business:

  • Sue James requested having a representative from IDNR be invited to a meeting for a progress report. Lorraine will submit an invitation.

  • Cindy McMahon has asked Rev. Luther for an update on the work at the Greenstone Church, given the community’s GoFundMe and City Councils release of funds for the exterior.

  • New member Laurie Pearson of 113th and Forrestville was welcomed.

  • Split the Pot: With Arlene’s retirement, new volunteers are needed to sell tickets prior to meetings. Ed Kruger was this month’s luck winner of $23.

  • Membership Raffle: Mike Aaron was this final month’s winner of $50.

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Motion to adjourn at 8 pm. m/s/p Lynne Collins/Rebecca Conant

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Submitted,

Lorraine Brochu, Vice President

 

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Minutes of the Executive Board of the Pullman Civic Organization, July 9, 2025

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Present: Beverly Ash-Larson, Lorraine Brochu, Rogelio Cadena, Rebecca Conant, John Cwenkala, Arlene Echols, Susan James, Mike McMahon, Tom McMahon, Karin Moreno, Melinda Moore, Harriette Watson

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President Karin Moreno convened the meeting at 7:07 pm

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Treasurer report (MMc): Balance as of 6/30/25, $38,101.58. Mike will reinvest the balance from the last CD into a 13 mo. CD at 3.1%, per the discretion given by the membership. Suggestion made to refute $9 paper fee to U.S. Bank. Our general liability insurance is up July 1. Mike will contact former treasurer Elizabeth Mishler, in whose email the account is, to have her pay the $390 due and reimburse her, and update the account with a PCO email. Karin notes the PCO iPhone device and PayPal Square have been passed along to her from Elizabeth.

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Zone Director reports (HW, BAL for Beatrice Hardy): ZD 2 West and ZD 4 West need Block Captains.

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Committee reports:

  • Beman (RC): Rogelio reported on the reinstallation of the marker and associated celebration on Aug. 23. Discussion: possible other dates to accommodate events by NPS and the Pullman Porter Museum to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters that weekend. The board decided to hold to Aug. 23 in the morning for a low-key event, to feature speakers on the Hotel veranda, light refreshments, invitation to original members of the Beman committee. The committee will propose a budget. The marker’s installation will be delayed to next year due to the 111th St construction project. The committee will also seek an estimate for the installation.

  • The committee is planning an IDNR tax incentive workshop, virtual or in person, tentatively in Oct.

  • Communications (LCB): Lorraine suggested exploring a new chair and proposed Lauren Hartman, who has served on the committee. Discussion: creating a complete contact list of board members, Block Captains, and chairs. Tabled.

  • Community Improvement (AE): Arlene reported that a derelict garage at 113th and Champlain has a demolition notice, and the damaged garage at 114th and Forrestville has been removed.

  • Education (KM): Karin will contact the Pullman School principal about a need for a uniform drive.

  • Membership (AE): Arlene reports 188 paid members.

  • Safety (TMc): Tom announced the upcoming 5th District Council meeting on July 28, 6 pm, will present updates on the CPD’s consent decree with the State.

  • House Tour (RC): 7 houses have been confirmed.

 

Old business: Arlene announced the next meeting for Reformation Lutheran Church’s fate, 7/16.

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New business:

  • Discussion: Events. There being no volunteers to organize a summer picnic, there will not be one this year and we’ll try next year. Other events to consider next year: Union Railroad Museum visit, trip to Sox game, activities for families with young children, movie nights either outdoors or in Exhibit Hall. Lorraine will contact Chicago Park District to get on the list for their events next summer.

  • Arlene commended Mike Manika for cleaning up after the 4th of July fireworks, but suggests we could schedule a communal cleanup for the 5th, next year.

  • Discussion: ways to highlight the work of committees, Block Captains, and Zone Directors in upcoming Flyer articles.

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Motion to adjourn at 9:15 pm. m/s/p LCB/MMc

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Submitted,

Lorraine Brochu, Vice President

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Minutes of the Pullman Civic Organization, June 18, 2025


President Karin Moreno convened the meeting at 7:05 pm.


The newly elected board members were inducted.


The minutes of the May meeting were read and approved. m/s/p Cindy McMahon/John Cwenkala
 

Karin extended thanks to outgoing secretary Kathy Lynch for courageously holding down the fort during the absence of both president and vice-president this Spring.


Treasurer: no report
 

Committee reports:

  • Beman: Karin Moreno reminded folks to save the date of Aug. 23 for the rededication of the historic marker, led by the committee.

  • Community Improvement: Andy Morgen and Rebecca Conant reported on the upcoming 111th St. corridor work – lighting, lower speed limits, reduced lanes, bike lanes, raised crossing. Andy noted Sherwin Williams will clean their 115th St. streetscape for Garden Walk.

  • Education: Karin invited new members to join and seeks any willing to serve as chair.

  • Hospitality: Beverly Ash-Larson thanked the executive board for the evening’s refreshments. Welcome committee is on deck for July.

  • Membership: Arlene Echols thanked those who prepared the pre-meeting hotdogs and estimated the membership at @130.

  • Safety: Tom McMahon announce the upcoming Police District meeting would not be talking about the consent decree. June 24th is the makeup CAPS meeting at 6 pm.

  • Welcome: Linda Feutz welcomed 4 new neighbors on Forrestville Ave., another on 113th St. and Susan Salisbury at the meeting.

  • Chorus: the recent Sing-Along was a success.

  • Audit: Contact information of past committee is needed.

  • Picnic: Volunteers are needed to put together festivities for the rededication of the historic marker on Aug. 23.
     

Organizations:

  • Historic Pullman Garden Club: The Garden Walk is June 28.

  • Historic Pullman Foundation (RC): This year’s Labor Day parade and Eddie Fest will be on Sept. 6, in case the PCO or any groups would like to participate. Taste of Chicago will be July 19.

  • House Tour (CM): This year’s tour dates are Oct. 11 and 12 and volunteers are welcome to the meetings on the 4th Wed. of the month at 614 E. 113th at 6:15 pm.

  • Old business:

  • Reformation Lutheran Church (AE): The next meeting to decide the property’s fate is July 16 at 9:30 am at the Daley Center, Rm. 109.

  • UIC charrette (RC): About 50 people came out to this student-led project to workshop ideas to connect Pullman to Big Marsh vis 115th St.

  • CD: Karin noted we need to open another CD, to replace the one that matured.

  • Annual donation to HPF: tabled until discussion at the next executive board meeting.
     

New business:

  • Andy Morgen announced the next Companion Animal Blessing, Oct. 15, 1-4 pm outside Exhibit Hall. Motion: that the PCO cosponsor the event and donate its share of any proceeds to St. Anthony’s Church, Greenstone Church, and the two animal groups involved with the event. m/s/p (Andy Morgen/Lynne Collins)

  • Motion: to put the meeting minutes online with some paper copies available at meetings. m/s/p Rebecca Conant/Kathy Lynch

  • Discussion: Mary Aaron asked if others had raccoon and rat problems. It was suggested that a call to 311 would be useful.

  • Membership raffle: Lorraine Brochu was this month’s winner.

  • Split the Pot: Paul Mishler was the evening’s winner of $37.
     

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm.
 

Submitted,

Lorraine Brochu, Vice-President

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