President: Linda Anderson called the meeting to order at the Gas & Electric Credit Union, 2300 4th Avenue, with Daryl Empen as our host.

Secretary: Diane Oestreich emailed the February minutes.

Vice President: Pam Saunders - Pam Saunders came late but our meetings seem to be covered. On April 15, we will meet at the restored-for-apartments Voss Brothers Lofts, 2125 3rd Avenue. If an apartment is vacant, we may be able to tour it. In May we will meet after the award presentation during a Monday City Council meeting (date to be arranged) at a downtown venue, possibly a coffee shop. Pete & Terri Cone volunteered to host the June 17 meeting and Martha Dismer said she would host a summer meeting, possibly in July, at her Rock River home.

Treasurer: Daryl Empen reported a balance of $2885.37 after depositing checks for membership and OHJ. We finally were able to pay ($343) for the Keystone booklet we republished last year. The bill had been sent to the Keystone Neighborhood organization rather than us. We had received a grant for this publication.

Corresponding Secretaries: no additions

Committee Reports/Business

1. Neighborhood Partners:
   Diana Alm was traveling but reported that Terry Anderson had not yet committed to being a NP representative for us. She had sent him information. After a very brief explanation of duties, Pete Cone expressed an interest. Diane will follow up to see if Terry is still interested and will ask Diana to send Pete more information. Linda reminded officers and board members of the Neighborhood Rendezvous, which will be held at the Botanical Center on March 31.

2. RIPS Website:
   Pete has been doing an excellent job of updating his pages. Members expressed some concern that the main page has not changed for months, which may discourage people from checking out the changed pages. After Pete retires, he may have more time to spend on the page.

3. Membership – OHJ Subscriptions:
   Diane reported that we had 54 membership renewals so far and 10 Old House Journal subscriptions. She noted that subscriptions are just as inexpensive (or even a bit less!) via the internet and it may be unnecessary for us to offer them.

4. Endangered Buildings/Preservation Projects:
   Diane said that an architecturally significant, but very poor condition, home will soon be demolished by the city. She said the city is working to ensure that the historically significant elements of the exterior are salvaged. The home is an I-house, believed to be the only one of its kind in Rock Island, at 1128 4th Avenue. Diane suggested that those who are interested may wish to see and photograph the exterior before demolition.

5. Awards:
   Most of our meeting was spent viewing candidates for annual awards. Daryl photographed about 16 buildings that had been suggested for awards during the past year, some of which had been carried over from the previous year because they were unfinished. Many of these projects were still unfinished. However after viewing the digital photos and much discussion and evaluation, we decided that we had good candidates for two certificates, four awards, and two “special achievement” honors. Martha will purchase 10 frames. For one of the presentations, we may make a granite plaque similar to what was given for sidewalk restoration. This will be further investigated.

6. Announcements & General:
   Thursday, March 27, 7 pm. Moline Preservation Society will sponsor a presentation by David Wise about his recent restoration of the Alsene Flats, 421 13th Street, in downtown Moline. The presentation will take place at the flats. Please bring a lawn chair for seating.

   Broadway Home Tour upcoming on May 17-18, from 11-3 each day. Volunteers will be needed to work at the houses. Two RIPS members have houses open – David Cordes & Bryan Pattschull at 816 20th Street, and Dennis and Francy Ricketts at 2208 7th Avenue.

   Long View Centennial Celebration - Friday, July 18, 5 – 8 pm. Featuring the unveiling of new lions, food, music, dramatization of historic characters, and more, this event was initiated by the Friends of Long View with strong support for the Parks Department. Linda said that the Junior League had decided to assist as a special project as well. Much help and many volunteers are needed.

   Rock Island refrigerator magnets – Diane offered free new refrigerator magnets which have the latest city phone numbers for many services, from animal control to street patching.

   Daryl said that there will be TWO unveilings in Broadway on Saturday, April 19. The first, which is hoped to unveil the entire house will take place at the Jackson House, 824 20th Street. Owners David & Bryan intend to restore the tower after the unveiling. The second house that same day is at 820 22nd Street. Depending on the turnout, this may not be completely done. However if the front is completed, the owner can replace a missing porch.

Meeting adjourned by consensus.