Department/Committee / FTA Board of Directors / Date9-20-14
Meeting Place / Wekiva Springs State Park
Presiding / Carlos Schomaker, President / Meeting Time / 8am – 5pm
ATTENDING
Tom Daniel VP Trails, Holly Parker, VP Dev., Leslie Wheeler Secretary, Pam Hale, Treasurer / Directors: Jim Powell, Jan Wells, Meredith Rust, David Denham
FTA Staff: Janet Akerson, Eric Mason, Meghan Donoghue, Jeff Glenn / Excused: Chuck Barrowclaugh, Eve Barbough
Guests: Joan Jarvis
TOPIC / DISCUSSION/ACTION / FOLLOW-UP
Roll call and Quorum - Carlos / 15 positions; 9Directors present.
Quorum established.
President’s Report
New Board members / Chapter Strengthening Intiative (CSI) will be focus of Chapter Council.
Sandra Friend has started the Florida Trail Alliance similar to other AT hiking associations. The FTA Long Distance Hikers Committee says they will fill the role of expert advice.
Carlos asked for volunteers from Board to serve on Nominating Committee and/or to develop Board Orientation packet. We need to improve selection process, though Fred Goldstein, had made some progress.
Adam Wiegard and Megan Digeon were introduced as potential new Board members.
Board will send votes by email. / See attached resumes.
*Note – since this meeting, Adam and Megan were accepted as Directors.
FTA Members’ Code- Carlos / Code says “not to carry firearms”. Initially, code was written to allay fears of private landowners. / Board voted to retire the Members’ Code, though language supporting Leave No Trace and other trail ethics will be put on the website.
VP Development – Holly Parker / National Public Lands Day – Sept 27 provides good time to publicize FTA. 12/2 – Giving Tuesday. There will be an end-of-year push sent to all members.
Holly is planning a major Indigogo Crowdfunding event . We need campaign volunteers, and gifts for high level donors.
Holly wants us to host 3 regional fundraisers using unique venues.
Encourage members to vote Yes on Amendment 1 – use social media. / Study will be discussed at June 9 Coalition meeting.
Google “We Build Trails in Low Places” to view
video by North Country Trail Association.
Board asked to send Holly names of potential donors.
Financial Review – Pam Hale
Projects / FTA broke even last fiscal year!
Jan Wells and Tom Daniel motioned to accept budget as presented. Approved 100%.
Pam discussed need to have a portfolio of project requests with defined goals and costs so the Board can plan priorities. Need a procedure on how to request a project and funding from the Board. Board can incorporate these requests into next year’s budget. / Summary of last year’s performance to go on website. FY 15 budget also to be posted.
Pam will attend Chapter Council next week to explain new budget.
VP Membership,
Eve Barbour / Board is asked to start soliciting gifts for Annual Conference.
Discussion of new member categories.
VP Trails, Tom Daniel / Volunteers Dave Costakis and Don Mock have updated 42 maps plus Ocean to Lake. We will be able to print maps on demand in the office.
Eric Mason – Skills Training. Already have 63 participants.
Just hired 2 seasonal technical advisers.
Reviewed Trails Report – on website.
Megan Donoghue – Tshirts were mailed out to all trail volunteers yesterday.
Some discussion about Florida Wildlife Corridor expedition. Tom stressed that relevant sections need to be in good shape.
Staff Report – Janet Akerson / Membership drive gained 100 new members. Using new accounting software (Peachtree). Upgraded server to Windows 7. Ductwork replaced in office. Will sell Xterra and van. Website upgrade expected in November.
Adjournment / Tom Daniel moved to adjourn meeting, Pam Hale seconded. All approved. / Meeting adjourned at 2:40pm.
Submitted by Leslie Wheeler, Secretary
January 4, 2015
Chapter council / 27-Sep / Gainesville- Paramount Plaza
2015 / board meeting / 24-Jan / White Springs- Community Center
chapter council / 31-Jan / Gainesville- Paramount Plaza
annual conference / 4/10/15-4/12/15 / Life Enrichment Center- Fruitland Park, FL
board meeting / 25-Apr / Melbourne
chapter council / 2-May / Gainesville- Alachua Conservation Trust Lodge
board meeting / 18-Jul / Jacksonville
board meeting / 10-Oct / Tampa
chapter council / 17-Oct / Gainesville
2016 / board meeting / 23-Jan / Tallahassee
chapter council / 30-Jan / Gainesville
MLK 2015 weekend is Jan 17-19
Easter is April 5, 2015
Earth Day is Apr 25, 2015
FTA BOD Minutes9-20-2014page 1 of 5