Broward Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Board Meeting Minutes
Date and time: Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 PM
Location: 1704 SW 10TH ST.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33312
In attendance: Richard Brownscombe: PresidentMarianna Yi: Vice President
Kay Taylor: Secretary/TreasurerEddie Yi: Program Director
Pete Taylor: Web MasterMolly Taylor: Secret Woods Naturalist
New Business:
* Possible Change of Venue: Discussed a possible change of venue to Secret Woods Nature Center for regular monthly meetings and board meetings. Richard presented Molly with a formal letter stating same and also our IRS/Tax exempt documentation. Molly stated she would need a revised letter specifying at least 2 special events BNPS would be assisting with or coordinating for the park. The letter needs to also list the exact dates of the meetings and mention board meetings.
Richard and Kay will compose the letter and present to Molly.
The following venue issues werediscussed:
Parking lot security: Molly stated the gates could be closed but not locked at a predetermined time to deterunsanctioned activities. If we felt it necessary, a note could be left on the gate with a cell phone number to callin case late arrivals were confused or had difficulty getting in. Membership would be informed of process.
Field Trip Parking: Molly stated there should be no problem parking there for field trips. The gates are open until 5pm . Later access would have to be pre-arranged.
Computer Equipment Access: Secret Woods is unable at this time to provide us with a projector or laptop, although on rare occasions there may be one available for us to use. Speakers would need to be notified that they should bring their own computer equipment. There is a pull down screen available.
Motion made to move to Secret Woods Nature Center. Motion carried unanimously.
Kay and Richard will collaborate on composing a letter to IFAS and formulate a plan to inform our members of the move.
* Speaker list for 2012-2013 Season was discussed. Molly suggested contacting local municipalities (Pembroke Pines and Weston were specifically mentioned) within the county for speakers. Currently there are manymitigation areas and open spaces which are owned and managed by their parks and recreation departments. Another idea is to contact their waste management departments as they manage large tracts of land also. Eddie will investigate. See attached Events list.
* Public Outreach: Penny Davis from the Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Ft. Lauderdale has invited us to participate in their "Babies, Blooms, and Butterflies" event during Thanksgiving weekend (November 23-25 2012). It was agreed we should have a presence. Richard, Molly, Kay and Pete will work out the schedule pending more information from the Museum. Kay will coordinate. See attached Events list.
* Treasurer's Report: A detailed breakdown of our current finances was presented. (See attached financial report.) Total funds: $710.55 ($692.55 in the bank plus $18.00 in petty cash.) Richard gave Kay a check from the state chapter for membership for $172.90. Discussion ensued as to allocating funds for professional marketing materials such as Rap sheets, brochures, banners, tents, etc. No concrete decisions were reached although all agreed this is an area which warrants funding. Domini funds were briefly discussed, but tabled action on them until next meeting. (See attached Domini funds statement)
* Acknowledgements: Thanks to Richard for making us a banner which was used for this year's Earth Day celebration and can be used for future events. Thanks to Eddie for being proactive in obtaining our speakers for the upcoming season. We have very few holes to plug!
* Future Board Meetings: Motion made to publicize and hold board meetings at least quarterly at Secret Woods Nature Center. Molly said this would be no problem if they were scheduled during regular park operating hours or during those evenings when the park is already scheduled to be open. We will inform Molly of the month and desired times and she will give us available dates. This motion passed unanimously.
Old Business:
* Minutes from May Board Meeting read and unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned: 9:00 PM