Harbor Springs Regional Board of Resources
March 24, 2010
Harbor Springs City Hall

Present: Gene Reck, Nan Hogan, Alan Dika, Alan Hegedus, Bill Dohm, Michael Esposito, Bill Wiechmann, Bob Sanford (WT representative for John Baker), Joey Arbaugh, Greg Voelker, Tom Bailey, Mark Tompkins, Joe Breighner, Scott Herceg, Jim Bartlett, Justin Bassett, Dan Branson, Kathryn Breighner, Kathy Erber, Doug Fuller, Tom Gallagher, Mary Ellen Hughes, Charlie MacInnis, Neal McCue, Paul Mooradian.

Absent: John Baker, Fred Troup, Denise Simon, Gordon Kruskie, Dale LaBrie, Tom Shier, Leroy Gregory, Margie FitzSimons, John Foster, Gail Gruenweld, Fred Hoffmann, Rob Fuhrman, Ray Kiogima, Charles O’Neill, David Jones, Jeanne Benjamin, Jack Deegan, Joan Fenton, Rob Mossburg, Doug Tayler

Also present: Danna Widmar, Preston McGregor, Tom Richards

Charlie MacInnis called the meeting to order at 8 a.m.

Minutes

Tom Bailey made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 13, 2010 (with correction) and the amended minutes of the meeting of September 30, 2009. The motion received a second from Jim Bartlett. Motion carried.

Financial Report

Michael Esposito presented a report on the financial status of the organization. Expenses and income for 2009 were close to the budget with both being slightly less than the budgeted figures.  Michael noted that there is deferred revenue connected to a three-year Frey Foundation grant.

Project and Program Reports

Danna provided an extensive written report to the board prior to the meeting and then discussed parts of it.  The Merit project is an effort to deliver broadband to more areas of the state.  This might enhance the potential for service to the HARBOR Inc. area but as has been seen in the past, there may still be limitations due to inadequate business to justify the cost involved. 

There was discussion about hosting a celebration for the completion of the M-119 trail in August.  As progress continues with the resolution of the missing Wequetosing Golf Course section, an August date might allow for a complete celebration.

Work continues on Safe Routes to Schools grant request. A resolution needs to be approved by the board to support the encouragement aspect of the proposal and Danna will submit information on this electronically.  A Board of Directors meeting for approval of the resolution is set to occur on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 12:00 noon at Harbor Springs City Hall.  Board Members will be given a form to participate via proxy, if unavailable on that date.

The Hoyt Trail application is due into MDOT March 26. Request for Proposals for engineering is going out soon.

The Ford Park project was not funded and the project has been tabled.

Fundraising

Several grant applications have been submitted including to the Bay Harbor Foundation (Safe Routes to Schools encouragement), Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation (educational/public forums), and Safe Routes to Schools. Other possibilities include Oleson Foundation and Mott Foundation.

Board Survey

Danna drafted a survey for the HARBOR Inc. board and provided it to board members.  Danna asked for comments on the draft by April 1. The final survey will be sent to board members electronically.

New Business

Danna discussed the upcoming deadline for Smart Growth Technical Assistance. Discussion took place on directions for this proposal including Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and working with the governmental units on this.

The meeting was adjourned at 9 a.m.

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Kathryn Breighner, Secretary      Dated