Harbor Area Regional Board of Resources, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Readmond Township Hall

Welcome/Attendance

Present: Dale Scott, Bill Dohm, Tom Gallagher, Bill Wiechmann, Diana Call, Bob Sandford, Joey Arbaugh, Steve Witte, Michael Esposito, Sandy Baker, Jim Bartlett, Dan Branson, Kathie Breighner, David Buzzelli, Joan Fenton, Mary Ellen Hughes, Gene Reck.
Absent: Howard Wood, Nan Hogan, Denise Simon, Jean Jardine, Alan Dika, Dale Labrie, Tom Shier, Greg Voelker, John Foster, Tom Bailey, Gail Gruenwald, Henry Singer, Dave Larson, Ray Kiogima, Charles O' Neill, Maureen Nicholson, Kathy Lott, Ross Blumke, Jack Deegan, Kathy Erber, Doug Fuller, Neal McCue, Rob Mossburg, Betrina Snively, Doug Tayler.
Staff: Danna Widmar, Preston McGregor.

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by President Tom Gallagher.

Minutes

Hughes moved, seconded by Scott, to approve the minutes of the May 31 board meeting.
Motion carried.

Financial Report

Michael Esposito presented the financial report to the board on behalf of treasurer Kathy Erber who was unable to attend. Through the end of July, the expenses for HARBOR, Inc. are in line with the 2006 budget. The fundraising campaign is about to begin for the year that will show on the budget report at the next meeting. Hughes moved, seconded by Bartlett, to approve the finance report. Motion carried.

Because of term limits spelled out in HARBOR Inc.'s bylaws, Kathy Erber has reached the time frame allowed as the treasurer. Kathy was HARBOR Inc.'s first treasurer and has helped frame the budgeting process. The board recognized her significant efforts and commitment.

Bike Path

Danna reported that the M-119 bike path is approaching the design phase by the state. Some discussion has taken place to improve the scope of the path to include a 10' wide trial, instead of 8', which are the same standards as has previously been built in the area. Easement discussions are continuing and the interest in granting the easements has increased.

Recreation Plan

The working committee has given clear direction on how to document what is being discussed in the meetings. This written document includes recommendations for formalized agreements. The group is looking at development costs for trails.

The documents will be in hand by the end of September and the HARBOR Inc. board should see information from the reports in October. DNR approval of the plans are then required before any DNR grants can be pursued. The draft plan is being written to both proceed as a joint plan or as separate implementation by the various entities.

Board Involvement in Committees

Discussion took place on ways to involve more HARBOR Inc. board members in a variety of projects that the organization is involved in. Gene Reck suggested that a possible project for the organization might be exploring how to bring high speed Internet to outlying regions of the area.

Election of Officers

The executive committee submitted the following slate of officers for election: Denise Simon, Chairperson, Michael Esposito, Treasurer, and Kathie Breighner, Secretary. The position of Vice Chairperson is still vacant. Baker moved, seconded by Fenton, to accept the slate. Motion carried.

There is an open position on the executive committee and the committee is looking for someone interested in serving on the committee.

The board thanked outgoing chairperson Tom Gallagher for his leadership and commitment to the organization.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

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Kathie Breighner, Secretary Dated