BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MONTHLY MEETING: February 21 , 2001
MINUTES
Attendees: JoAnn Dawson, Jerry Hendricks, Jerry Newman, Ralph Young, Dan Schnekenburger, Larry Klevans, Nancy Simpers, Doug Hill, Bob Carroll, Barbara Snyder
President Dennis Clower called meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Minutes -stand approved as emailed and mailed.
Financial Report: Larry Klevans reported a $2000 contribution from Phase Foundation from Potomac MD, and payment from last year from United Way. People from DE have pledged $7000 to Nature Center through United Way -big donations from MBNA. Larry is sending "Thank You" letters, all names will be added to our general list. We need to let Cecil County residents who are Delaware workers know what the donation number is before the United Way campaign starts next year. MD gives us $3500 flat rate.
Publicity Committee: Doug Hill: 38 letters are out and signed by Nancy and Doug asking for donations for becoming sponsor of video. Have received $300.00 for video. Range of gifts asked for was $200-500, no other response (companies of 100 employees or less were asked). Doug will do another campaign asking for less money -$50-100. Film is basically ready to go Alex is working on it.
Membership: Bob Carroll stated that we have 158 renewals at this time, Jim Campbell may have some more. 100 members have not renewed yet. Another letter will go out. Since we changed membership year date to April 1, it can reiterate that members are not late in paying their dues. 14 new members -responses to mailing done in November from Chamber list. Will put in notice about EarthDay Birthday with membership letter. Karen is reminding people to renew in newsletter.
Special Appeal: Dan Schneckenburger is hesitant about sending out another plea for money to our membership list. Dennis stated is not to go to membership, will go to Chamber list (was originally to be sent after membership campaign). Dan will check if it's Chamber envelopes, it will go out this week, if it's Membership envelopes, will hold until June.
Personnel Committee: Dan Schneckenburger has job descriptions for Executive Director and Education Director. The Board is obligated to renew Holly Hannum's contract by 4/1/01.
Dan motioned to approve job description of Educational Director as presented, Ralph Young seconded. All approved.
In the Executive Director job description: #5 should read "administer budget of the Foundation as developed . . ."
#8 should read "Foundation" instead of Nature Center. Under Job Requirements: #2 needs to be "and" instead of "an", and delete #4. (Add already adopted flow chart to back of Executive Director job description.) Motion to approve amended description of Executive Director was made by Dan; JoAnn Dawson seconded it. All approved.
Internal Audit Report: Doug Hill reported: "On February 7, 2001, Douglas Hill, member of the Board of Directors, reviewed the financial records and procedures of the Fair Hill Environmental Foundation, Inc. provided by Larry Klevans, Treasurer, and Sue Barr, financial staff, and found that, to the best of his knowledge and ability, these records and procedures are in order and reflect standard financial operating procedures. No instances of irregularities, inconsistencies, or errors were apparent in either the records or procedures."
Buildings and Grounds: Jerry Newman is at Nature Center 1-3 hours most days, if someone wants to paint, give him a call. Kitchen, dining room done, Uncle Bob's room done. Jerry is still working on getting someone to do the stone work on the chimney. Will rope off chimney area for upcoming bluebird activity. There will be trail day March 10. Copy machine should be up and going -repairman was there 2/21.
Nancy Simpers will write letter to Cecilton Lions Club re major work on the building.
Nominations for Board Members: Nancy Simpers reported that Rick Waterhouse (Elementary School teacher in Christina District) has accepted, Charlie Smith (Colonial Metals) has accepted, Rick Carrion, Science Teacher, Elkton High School-accepted, Chuck Dolor - W. L. Gore previously accepted, Rebecca Tacconi-Psychiatric Counselor with Governor Bacon Center- previously accepted. New Board Members will be recognized at our Earth Day Event -will issue special invitation to them for March meeting.
Program Committee:
AmeriCore and Vista volunteers are available to help at Nature Center will check into their availability.
Connectiv will publish upcoming events for free in their bills.
Dennis will get out list of "Route" sponsors. About 500 people will participate in walk. Dennis will email letters that he sent to route sponsors. Need major sponsors.
Need to get something into school newsletters.
Maybe give Sue Barr responsibility to be "general" of marchers and team captains.
Barb will talk to Trail Spinners to find out if they have an event planned that would supercede the EarthDay Birthday.
Barb will call Mel Adams and talk to him about marking trails.
Bake sale table-asking all board members, staff and volunteers for bake sale donations.
Food: Call Elk Chapel restoration society -Geraldine McKeown, 398-5447 or Paul Knettler, Richardson's Ice Cream, (also ask about plant donations)
Bob Carroll is asking for plant donations from a friend of his. I will check other sources also.
Nancy will provide prizes for Scavenger Hunt
Register to walk is $10 a head, ask for donations.
Dennis will email information about route sponsors and I will email sponsorship forms.
First registered marchers will get choice of water bottle or T-shirt.
Sunday is rain date.
Invite politicians.
Barb to go to Lion's Club Thursday Feb 22.
Also we've been invited April 11 to speak to about 150 Gore Employees.
Meeting date and time for Board meeting will remain at 6:00 on the third Wednesday, next meeting scheduled for March 21, 2001 at the Nature Center.
Program Committee will meet March 7 at 5:30 at the Nature Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Snyder