HARBOR AREA REGIONAL BOARD OF RESOURCES, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2004; 8:00 A.M.
FRIENDSHIP TOWNSHIP HALL

Welcome / Attendance:

Executive Director Widmar took roll call.

Present: Bill Mulder, Joey Arbaugh, Bill Dohm, Tom Gallagher, Dale Scott, Denise Simon, Bill Wiechmann, Al Dika, George Kilborn, John Foster, Nan Hogan, Henry Singer, Maureen Nicholson, Kathy Lott, Max Putters, Sandy Baker, Kay Baker, Michael Esposito, Mary Ellen Hughes, Tom Shier, Roselyn Letzmann, Michael McElroy, Tom Bailey, George Menzi, Fred Walstrom, Dan Branson (arrived after role call), Danna Widmar

Absent: Diana Call, Dale Labrie, Greg Voelker, Wil Cwikel, Dave Larson, Ray Kiogima, Kathie Breighner, Kathy Erber, Jean Beckley, Jim Bartlett, Martha Dyksterhouse, , Dick Schiller, Charles O’Neal, Ross Blumke, Dave Buzelli, Jennifer Zulski, Jack Deegan, Rob Mossburg

Guests: none

The meeting was called to order by Michael Esposito at 8:05 AM at the Friendship Township Hall. Members had been emailed the agenda, minutes from BOD 4/28/04 meeting, minutes from 8/11/04 annual meeting, June 2004 financial report, Fundraising Report, Website Report, Trail Report, and BOD notice of mailing address.

Election of Officers

Scott moved that the following slate of officers be elected:
- Chair, Tom Gallagher
- Vice-Chair, Denise Simon
- Treasurer, Kathy Erber
- Secretary, Kathie Breighner
Dika seconded. Motion Carried.

Gallagher assumed chairmanship of meeting. There was discussion regarding the fact that the three appointed members to the Executive Committee and officers are on the same term schedule, with concern that these should be staggered terms to provide an overlap in experience. Scott suggested electing the other three Executive Committee members now and working on the wording of the By-Laws outside of the meeting. Discussion occurred regarding the need for changes to the By-Laws and the current term of the remaining members of the Executive Committee. Letzmann moved, Bailey seconded that Article 5, Section 1 of the By-Laws be amended to include a one-year term from September 2004 to September 2005 for the non-officer members of the Executive Committee with terms in subsequent years to be two (2) years, to alternate with the election of officers. Motion Carried.



Appointment of Executive Committee Members

Esposito moved, McElroy seconded appointment of the following members to the Executive Committee (one-year terms): Dan Branson, Mary Ellen Hughes and Al Dika. Motion Carried.

Minutes

Letzmann moved, Esposito seconded approval of the minutes from the April 28, 2004 Board of Directors meeting. Motion Carried. Esposito moved that the minutes from the August 11, 2004 Annual Meeting of Members be approved with the following change to #8: add “The following board members were unanimously elected to fill the eight (8) two-year community member director positions (through August 2006): Jim Bartlett, Jean Beckley, Kathie Breighner, Dave Buzzelli, Rob Mossburg, Michael McElroy, Jack Deegan and George Menzi.” Letzmann seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

Financial Report

The financial report was given by Esposito in Erber’s absence. Simon moved; Dika seconded approval of the financials. Motion Carried.

Executive Director’s Report

Widmar started the Executive Director’s report by mentioning several dates of upcoming events:
• Wednesday, 9/8, 5:30 PM – Officials Gathering at the Tribal Administration Building. She encouraged all board members to attend and host.
• Thursday, 9/16, 9:30 AM brainstorming session regarding planning for next year.
• Wednesday, 12/1, 8:00 AM – Board Meeting, Harbor Springs City Hall.

Bike Committee
There was a general meeting hosted by Dohm at Little Traverse Township Hall with property owners. Top of Michigan Trails Counsel is going to apply for grants to cover the legal and title costs for easements. September 14, 5:30 PM, is the next meeting. Widmar noted that the budget dollars don’t really show the amount of work done on a project like the bike path or web site because that does not account for her time.

Website Committee
There was a meeting with LIAA to finish the requirements of the current DEQ grant by 9/30. Widmar would like to complete the grant requirements by 9/30 so that the remaining funds from the DEQ can be received before December 31, 2004. The grant requires natural resources education materials. This would be equivalent to what we have been calling the “Recreation Brochure.” The brochure won’t be done by the end of September, but will be completed as soon as possible thereafter and printed in January or February. Widmar encouraged all members to get any additional information on recreational and open space assets to her.

Recreation and Open Space
Widmar reported that a lot of information is now available on the website. She has taken a few names for committee involvement, and will be getting that committee in action soon. She has met with some people for input in pursuing additional grants.

HARBOR Inc invited the Supervisor and Planning Commission Chair of each township and City of Harbor Springs mayor and city manager to meet to explore interest in working jointly on projects in the future. Simon hosted the meeting which resulted in very positive and open discussion about working together in the future. Widmar indicated that there are grants available to communities willing to plan together. The grant could pay for educational programs such as Purchase of Development Rights and Transfer of Development Rights; mapping; and alternative means of implementing proposals.

Bailey announced that there would be an Open Space presentation covering Petoskey, Resort and Bear Creek Townships, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. He noted that surveys indicate more than 80% of people would pay to protect open space. Arbaugh noted that West Traverse Township is getting ready to send out a survey.

Scott asked for samples of a resolution that could be used by townships to show support of joint work. Widmar agreed to provide an example of wording for a resolution.

Website
Esposito reported, saying that the report written by Widmar was very good. He thanked the county for sharing the GIS data. Widmar reported that LIAA has offered to do two Planning Commission meetings to demonstrate the mapping capabilities. The Friendship Township representatives, Scott and Simon, offered to cooperate.

Fundraising Report

Gallagher reported that YTD income was $66,000 in donations and grants. $112,000 is budgeted. We are way short of $200,000 goal for year. He noted the importance of Widmar’s planning skills, and that it may be good to have some part-time office help to free Widmar for bigger jobs. He requested that members ask their township boards and people they know for support. Letzmann stated that governmental units need to use a quid pro quo contract to donate. She requested that townships be given an example that shows what services will be provided.

New Business

The schedule for meetings was proposed by Widmar: Board of Directors meetings on 12/1/2004, 3/2/2005, 6/1/2005, 8/31/05, Annual Meeting of Member on 2nd Wednesday of August (8/10/05). Esposito moved, Scott seconded approval of proposed schedule. Motion Carried.

Widmar requested that members submit their contact information again even if they just did it. An annual report was distributed. Esposito noted that an annual report requires financial attachments. Widmar agreed to attach the financials.

Open Forum

Gallagher encouraged attendance at the Officials Gathering. Bailey recommended a book published by the ACLU called “The Rights of Indians & Tribes”.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:12AM.



_____________________________ ____________________________
Denise Simon, Vice Chair Dated