EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2004; 8:30 A.M.
FAIRVIEW OFFICE CENTER

Welcome/Attendance

Esposito called the meeting to order at 8:35 A.M. Executive Director Danna Widmar was also present.

Minutes

Bartlett made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 2, 2004 meeting. Hughes seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

Financials

Erber reviewed the May financials. She reported that the $25,000 contribution from the Offield Family Foundation did not post until June 3rd. The ending balance was $99,817.21. Hughes made a motion to approve the May financials. Simon seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

Consulting Opportunities

Widmar reported that she was contacted about a couple of consulting opportunities. The Catholic Church is looking to go through a facilitation process. Little Traverse Township will be doing education as part of their continued Wellhead Protection Program. Widmar requested comments on whether or not to continue discussions with these two groups. The Executive Committee discussed the two opportunities and agreed that it would be good to continue discussions with both organizations. Esposito suggested that if we do consulting we should set the price, do a good outline and set a maximum not-to-exceed fee. Gallagher suggested that we consider bringing in manpower to be an alternative to fill in for work in other areas. He also suggested that we also bring in experts, such as on the Catholic Church project, when necessary to accomplish a project.

Board Nominations

Erber indicated that three positions needed to be filled on the Board of Directors. She suggested that Lynn Glahn should be considered. She also identified that Jim Bartlett would be another good candidate since he will go off the board completely once is no longer the immediate past president. Hughes indicated that she would like to make sure that the nominees are voted on separately. Everyone agreed to think more about potential candidates prior to the next Executive Committee meeting.

Annual Meeting

Widmar indicated that the annual meeting agenda was being set and asked if anyone thought a speaker or an additional program should be offered. The committee discussed the pros and cons of outside speakers. Everyone agreed that the purpose was not necessarily to offer an outside perspective, but that participation and input from a land use authority might be a good addition to the meeting. Milliken, or a member of the statewide Land Use Task Force, was suggested as a good outside participant to pursue. It was suggested that an invitation to Milliken would be appropriate. Widmar agreed to draft a letter to William Milliken.

Executive Director’s Report

Widmar reported that she had spoken with a woman who might be interested in doing some part time PR and marketing work. She is relocating to the area in the fall and is interested in doing some work that is community oriented. Widmar indicated that having assistance with the area of the office would greatly increase productivity on special initiatives.

Widmar reported on various projects, as follows:

Website Report

Widmar indicated that another website work session had been held and that there was good representation from Little Traverse Township, West Traverse Township, Friendship Township and Pleasantview Township. The work sessions are intended to provide editors with the opportunity to work on individual projects with assistance from staff. Additional sessions will be scheduled to assist communities with their website efforts.

Bike Update

Widmar reported that she, Bill Dohm and Al Dika had a meeting with the Real Estate Division of Michigan Department of Transportation. MDOT indicated that the trail easements along M-119 should be obtained prior to submitting the Federal Enhancement Grant request. Having the easements in hand will make the application strong. MDOT also indicated that each trail easement is recorded and therefore will require current title work. Funding for the title will have to be obtained. Widmar also reported that the drawings with proposed trail location are complete and available for viewing.

Fundraising Report

Gallagher reported that the committee had worked on and completed a fundraising letter. He also indicated they are recommending a newsletter be produced and mailed with the fundraising letter. Widmar indicated that she hoped the newsletter could be mailed in advance. Gallagher and Widmar agreed to meet and execute a plan for the campaign. Widmar indicated that Mary Ellen Hughes and Jill from Nub’s Nob had done an extraordinary amount of work on the database and that it was in good shape.

Meeting Schedule

Upcoming meeting dates:
Thursday, July 15, 2004, Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 11, 2004, Annual Meeting of Members

Mid-Year Review

The Executive Committee then excused Widmar to discuss her mid-year performance review.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 A.M.



______________________________ ____________________________
Denise Simon, Secretary Dated