SPAR Board and Staff were excited to welcome a packed house of neighbors and community members for our Fall 2023 Community Meeting at Hyperion Brewing Company. We hosted a variety speakers whom provided great updates for upcoming projects in and updates for Historic Springfield including:

• Mike Haskins, SPAR Executive Director, introduced himself to the community and provided updates from SPAR
• AJ Rodriguez, SPAR Board of Directors - Vice President, announced the 2023 Board of Directors Election Season
• Crissie Cudd who presented an update on the Springfield Housing Market
• Daniel Ashworth, Charles Garrison, Ashantae Green, and Bill Hoff presented on the Mayoral Transition Committees
• Jimmy Peluso, City Councilman for District 7, held a community conversation

If you missed the meeting, please view the Powerpoint presentation with all the discussed information.

PURCHASE THE BEST-PRICED JAGUARS TICKETS IN TOWN!

SPAR is proud to participate in the Give & Go program, which allows us to to offer the best-priced Jaguars single game tickets in town and to raise funds for Springfield. With every ticket you purchase, up to $20 is automatically donated to SPAR. 

Purchase tickets through this link for the best prices and ensure a donation to SPAR.

Give & Go is a partnership of the Nonprofit Center, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jaguars Foundation, and the DuBow Family Foundation.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, June 26, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President) AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Margie Viss, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Katie Derringer, Bryant Shumaker, Pam Batts-Brown, Tim Hope, Alison Blitch, John Shermetaro

Absent: Annie Howe, Jason Hardwick, Ben Alcorn

Guests: Samantha Frank, Bill Hoff 

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and May meeting minutes APPROVED
2. Ratify E-Vote: Motion to send the attached letter as drafted to COJ planning staff regarding the 27 E. 7th St. PUD (application number L-5811-23C, tracking number L-5811).   - APPROVED via email vote on 5/25/23 (Jason, Pam, John, Ben, AJ, Tyler, Mallik, Annie, Kelly, Alison, Daniel, Margie voted in favor)
3. Ratify E-Vote: Motion to send the attached letter of Support for the REHAB bill (Ordinance 2023-0316) to City Council. (Kelly, Jason, Daniel, John, Ben, Margie, Annie, Tyler, Bryant, Ryan, Alison - via text voted in favor; AJ, Katie, Mallik voted against)
4. Motion to accept the letter of board resignation from Ben Alcorn as presented. APPROVED
5. Motion to approve the as presented by the Finance Committee. APPROVED
6. Motion to approve the as presented by the Finance Committee. APPROVED
7. Motion to create TAP Taskforce APPROVED

Meeting Adjourned: 7:28 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA

Monday, May 22, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President) AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Alison Blitch, Margie Viss, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Katie Derringer, Bryant Shumaker, Pam Batts-Brown, Jason Hardwick, Ben Alcorn, Tim Hope

Absent: Annie Howe, John Shermetaro

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Bill Hoff 

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron

Motions:

1. 27 W 7th - PUD - write letter (tabled)

2. VOTE: Motion to write a letter of opposition of the demolition of 1926 Perry St (denied)

3. VOTE: Motion to write a Letter of Support for the Florida Humanities’ grant program with FSCJ. (approved)

4. VOTE: Motion to write a Letter of Support for the Historic Landmarking of 1217 Walnut St. for HPC. (approved)

5. VOTE: Motion to create a restricted line item in the Operating budget for Player Funds relating to the July 4th East/Westside baseball game to include player fees and player recruited team/equipment sponsorships.  Will exclude beer sales and event sponsorships. (approved)

6. VOTE: Motion to approve the CSGP Corporate Resolution form indicating the Executive Director, Mike Haskins, as the authorized official for SPAR. (approved)

7. VOTE: Motion to approve debit cards for President (Kelly Lezama) and ED (Mike Haskins) (approved)

8. VOTE: Motion to approve President (Kelly Lezama) and Treasurer (Mallik Singareddy) full authorization for: (approved)

• Wells Fargo operating 
• Wells Fargo restricted - SAMBA
• Wells Fargo restricted - CSGP

9. VOTE: Motion to approve President (Kelly Lezama), Treasurer (Mallik Singareddy), and Executive Director (Mike Haskins) as authorized signatories for checks: (approved)

• Wells Fargo operating 
• Wells Fargo restricted - SAMBA
• Wells Fargo restricted - CSGP

10. VOTE: Motion to move Wells Fargo restricted - security account to Wells Fargo operating account and close Wells Fargo restricted - security account (approved)

Experience PorchFest with our all-inclusive food and drinks package! VIP tickets include:

• Access to VIP area with amazing view of Main Stage
• Complimentary beer, wine, and food
• Access to VIP restroom facilities
• Invitation to our Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2024

$250 - PORCHFEST FRIEND

• 1 VIP pass which includes access to VIP Area with bathrooms as well as complimentary beer, wine and food
• 1 ticket to Sponsor Thank You Party

$450 - PORCHFEST FAMILY

• 2 VIP passes which include access to VIP Area with bathrooms as well as complimentary beer, wine and food
• 2 tickets to Sponsor Thank You Party
• Family name listed on donor signage in main festival area

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA

Monday, April 17, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President, AJ Rodriguez, at 6:02 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Alison Blitch, Annie Howe, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Katie Derringer, Bryant Shumaker, Pam Batts-Brown, Tim Hope 

Absent: Margie Viss, Ben Alcorn, Jason Hardwick, John Shermetaro, Kelly Lezama

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Blake Duffy

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & March Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to grow board to 18 members (made by AJ Rodriguez/Governance) VOTED DOWN BY ALL 
3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:06 pm.

SPAR Board and Staff were excited to welcome a packed house of neighbors and community members for our Spring 2023 Community Meeting. We hosted a variety speakers whom provided great updates for upcoming projects in Historic Springfield including:

• Mike Haskins, SPAR Executive Director, introduced himself to the community and provided updates from SPAR
• Vicki Helow of Encore Research Group, who presented on the importance of engaging in clinical research
• Crissie Cudd who presented an update on the Springfield Housing Market
• Daryl Joseph and Jeffery Foster of JaxParks, who presented on Springfield Park brownfields work that will take place this Fall
• Michael Ryan of Corner Lot Development, who presented updates of Corner Lot's project at 1st and Main
• Emily Moody and Tanya Watts of Future of Cities, who presented updates on the Phoenix Arts + Innovation District
• Kay Ehas of Groundwork Jacksonville, who presented updates of the Emerald Trail
  
  

If you missed the meeting, please watch the recorded video located on our Facebook page with all the discussed information.

Date: 2/7/2023

Location: Historically Hoppy Brewing Company

Time: 6 pm

Watch the Whole Community Meeting Here

Date: 12/7/2022

Location: Wells Fargo Community Learning Center

Time: 6 pm

Watch the Whole Community Meeting Here

Date: 9/6/2022

Location: Historically Hoppy Brewing Company 

Time: 6 pm

Watch the Whole Community Meeting Here

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

March 20, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Kelly Lezama, at 6:02 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President), AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Alison Blitch, Annie Howe, Margie Viss, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., John Shermetaro, Bryant Shumaker, Katie Derringer, Tim Hope 

Absent: Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn, Jason Hardwick

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Mike

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & February Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to pull old business motion to take a stance to oppose the proposed duplex on zero E 4th St alley because it is in opposition to the overlay off the table by Tim Hope. Pulled from table and then voted down unanimously.
3. Motion to write a Statement of Facts letter for 1628 Walnut St property as presented on the drive. Motion made by Kelly Lezama. Yea: Kelly Lezama, AJ Rodriguez, Mallik Singareddy, Alison Blitch, Annie Howe, Margie Viss, Daniel Ashworth Jr., John Shermetaro, Bryan Shumaker, Katie Derringer  Nay: Tyler Grant, Ryan McFarland APPROVED
4. Tim Hope moves to issue letter to oppose demolition of 1217 Walnut to permitting department and push to CRIC to determine how to designate as contributing. Tim Splits motion. 
   1. Issue letter to oppose demolition of 1217 Walnut to permitting department. APPROVED 
   2. Push to CRIC to determine how to designate as a contributing structure Yea: Kelly Lezama, AJ Rodriguez, Mallik Singareddy, Alison Blitch, Annie Howe, Margie Viss, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Bryan Shumaker, Katie Derringer, Tyler Grant, Ryan McFarlandall Nay: John Shermetaro 
5. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:30 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 27, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Kelly Lezama, at 6:03 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President), AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn, Tyler Grant, Alison Blitch, Daniel Ashworth Jr., John Shermetaro (V), Bryant Shumaker (V)

Absent: Katie Derringer, Annie Howe, Tim Hope

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Margie Viss

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS (Motion Log):

     1. Board of Director appointments / Installation - Margie Viss (1st term) & Pam Batts Brown (2nd term) APPROVED

     2. CCB - Facade Grant Criteria review: Verbiage Recommendations (Amended by McFarland)

• Your project must meet all Historic Preservation Commission guidelines and must NOT damage any existing historic facade or make structural change
• You must submit a narrative description of the proposed change
• Please attach a copy of your approved Certificate of Appropriateness “COA” for your proposed work if required

     3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 6:51 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 13, 2023

7:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Kelly Lezama, at 7:01.

Present:  Board Attendance

AJ Rodriguez, Alison Blitch, Annie Howe, Ben Alcorn, Bryant Shumaker, Daniel Ashworth, Jason Hardwick, John Shermetaro, Kelly Lezama, Mallik Singareddy, Ryan McFarland, Tyler Grant, Katie Derringer, Pam Batts-Brown

Absent: 

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Tim Hope

Staff: 

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to increase total staff salary budget to $145,000 from $125,000 and alter associated lines as needed. APPROVED.
2. Authorize Board President to move forward with negotiations with Org Design selected candidate with the total compensation package not to exceed revised budget. APPROVED.
3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:30 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 23, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:00 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer) - V, Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez, Ryan McFarland, Mallik Singareddy, Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn, Tyler Grant, Alison Blitch, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Bryant Schumaker, Katie Derringer

Absent: N/A

Guests: Bill Hoff, Todd Hollinghead, Tamera Branam - Eastside Library rep

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS (Motion Log):

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & December Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to ratify the e-vote for the letter of opposition to the LaVilla Daily’s Gas station: APPROVED
3. Motion to move the Wells Fargo Building Funds ($1,000.72) to VyStar Building Savings account: APPROVED
4. Motion to move the VyStar Operating Savings ($23,087.39) to VyStar Operating Checking account: APPROVED
5. Motion to move VyStar Building Checking ($62,934.88) to VyStar Building Savings: APPROVED
6. Motion to accept the presented Officer Election slate: President - Kelly Lezama, VP - AJ Rodriguez, Secretary - Ryan McFarland, Treasurer - Mallik Singareddy: APPROVED
7. Motion to accept the new CSGP Corporate Resolution Certification: APPROVED
8. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:06 pm.

Throughout Historic Springfield, one of the most beloved installations to be found is the collection of Little Free Libraries. The Little Free Library program started in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin with a small handful of libraries. In the eleven years since the first library was built, the Little Free Library network has grown to include over 100,000 registered libraries in over 100 countries worldwide. An estimated ten of those make their home in our one square-mile.

If there's one thing that we appreciate, it's the walkability between the Little Free Libraries. Neighbors can take an afternoon stroll and visit quite a few of them; simultaneously, dropping off and picking up reading material. Our Community Coordinator, Mandie, makes sure that not only is the SPAR Little Free Library regularly stocked with books, but that the rest throughout the neighborhood are stocked, as well. If you ever have books to donate, please feel free to swing them by 1321 North Main Street and she will disperse them. ⁠

Little Free Library Map

As you can see by the map above, Historic Springfield has at least one Little Free Library in every quadrant except the Northeast Quadrant (east of Main Street and north of 8th Street) of the neighborhood. We would love to see a neighbor take the challenge of establishing a Little Free Library in that quadrant. The steps to doing so are fairly easy.

Potential stewards can either buy one from the LFL Online Store or build one themselves, then register it buy purchasing a charter sign. The last step would be adding your Little Free Library to the global map. As only three of our current libraries appear on the global map, we'd love if our other neighborhood stewards would consider adding their libraries to the map, too.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, December 19, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez (V), Ryan McFarland, Todd Hollinghead, Mallik Singareddy, Christine Lane, Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Ben Alcorn

Absent: Bryant Schumaker, Jennifer Chapman

Guests: Bill Hoff, Carrie O’Rourke, Tyler Grant, Kimberly Green, Katie Derringer

Staff: Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & November Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to transfer $20,000 out of operating account into our designated Porchfest account: APPROVED
3. Motion to add to policy and procedures that Governance is required to present all eligible board applicants to the board for a vote: DENIED (N-John)
4. Motion to release the Org Design applicant resumes to the board members - Motion withdrawn
5. TABLED MOTION: Motion to take a stance to oppose the proposed duplex on zero E 4th St alley because it is in opposition to the overlay. Motion to table this motion with the action item to follow up in December: APPROVED - Motion tabled to January 2023
6. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:47 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, November 21, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:09 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy - V (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez - V, Ryan McFarland - V, Ben Alcorn, Todd Hollinghead, Mallik Singareddy - V, Christine Lane - V, Bryant Schumaker, Jason Hardwick

Absent: Pam Batts-Brown, Jennifer Chapman

Guests: Katie Derringer, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Tyler Grant, Alison Blitch, Bill Hoff - V

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & October Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to validate email votes for Redistricting letter, ED Resignation, and Corner Lot revised letter: APPROVED
3. Motion to approve an additional $2,000 for plumbing repairs ($12k from $10k): APPROVED
4. Motion to accept the Executive Director Job Description as presented in the November board packet: APPROVED
5. Motion to approved the 2023 Budget as presented: APPROVED
6. Motion to take a stance to oppose the proposed duplex on zero E 4th St alley because it is in opposition to the overlay. Motion to table this motion with the action item to follow up in December: APPROVED
7. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:47 pm.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, October 17, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:06 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), Joey Marchy (Vice President),  John Shermetaro (Treasurer) (V), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Annie Howe, AJ Rodriguez,  Jennifer Chapman (V), Ryan McFarland (V), Ben Alcorn, Todd Hollinghead, Mallik Singareddy, Christine Lane, Bryant Schumaker (V), Jason Hardwick

Absent: Pam Batts-Brown

Guests: Vito Russo, President of historic District in Palatka - Palatka Porchfest - 1st Saturday in December (11am-7pm)

Staff: Kelly Rich

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & September Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to accept the new board member slate as presented: APPROVED
3. Motion to spent $5,000 from recent specified donation for additional snowflake pole decor: APPROVED
4. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:28 pm.

Let us introduce you to our 2022 Candidates for the SPAR Board of Directors! The Board of Directors are presenting Daniel Ashworth Jr., Alison Blitch, Katie Derringer, Kimberly Green, and Tyler Grant as new candidates who would bring valuable skills, passion, and knowledge to our organization. 

Please learn more about the candidates by reading their bios below. If you have any questions for them prior to voting at the annual meeting, please submit them before December 7th to [email protected] and the candidates will provide their answers at the Annual Meeting.

SPAR members will be able to vote on candidates at our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 7th at the Wells Fargo. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Aside from voting, SPAR members will receive updates about on-going projects and efforts in the community. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, September 19, 2022

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President, Tim Hope, at 6:11 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Tim Hope (President), John Shermetaro (Treasurer) (V), Kelly Lezama (Secretary), Mallik Singareddy, Todd Hollinghead (V), AJ Rodriguez, Ryan McFarland, Jason Hardwick (V), Ben Alcorn (V)

Absent: Christine Lane (E), Bryant Shumaker (E), Pam Batts-Brown (E), Jennifer Chapman, Annie Howe, Joey Marchy 

Guests: Diane Graese, Bill Hoff

Staff: Kelly Rich, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & August Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to approve for SPAR to apply for the COJ Community Beautification matching grant. Potential projects to discuss: 
   1. Tree well Liners (Kelly)
   2. Art/Mural Project

Amended motion to approve for SPAR to apply for the COJ Community Beautification matching grant for adding tree well liners to Main St: APPROVED

1. Motion to keep the Wells Fargo accounts at less than $250k FDIC insured level: APPROVED
2. Motion to approve up to $10k for plumbing repairs on sewer line: APPROVED
3. Motion to automatically sell any stock donations and roll into a Prudential account unless specified differently by the donor: APPROVED
4. Motion to approve to sell and roll over stock donations to pruco unless anything specified by the donor: APPROVED
5. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:17pm.