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FICRA Board Meeting Minutes 9-1-2011

FICRA BOARD MEETING
September 1, 2011

President Lynne Goodwin opened the meeting at 7:30 with the pledge of allegiance.

The minutes from the last meeting were approved as read.

Lynne gave her president’s report:  thanking the hard working people who volunteered at the FICRA Fair and helped make it such a successful event,  and Peninsula Light for being a sponsor and serving cake in celebration of the completion of the underwater cable installation.  She announced that the new website is up and running; the Crime Watch Blog is up; and there is a PayPal button for paying dues and making donations to Crime Watch and the Building Trust.  She noted the All Island Garage Sale coming up on Sept. 10, the kid’s clothes swap on Sept. 24.  She showed pictures from the fair that were featured in the Gateway’s Harbor Life section.

Treasurer’s report:  Mimi Miller reported on the proceeds from the Fair:  $8106.15 was brought in; expenses were $1458.92, leaving a profit of $6697.23 which is $2500 above last year.

Major expenditures for the month were for the oil cleanup.  The insurance payment was $11,000; $9846.50 was paid out, leaving $1153.50.  She has a bill for more than that amount, but believes insurance will cover that as well.

It was moved and seconded and passed to approve the report.
Dave McHugh requested to have a report of balances and expenditures at future meetings.  Mimi gave a quick estimate of $35,000 in the money market fund, $4000 in the FICRA account, and $3500 in the Trust account.

Presentation: Lynne presented Chris Piotrowski’s mother, Sherrie, with the scholarship check of $500 for Chris.  Sherrie explained that Chris is enrolled at WSU, and appreciates the scholarship from FICRA.

Coyote Problem:  Lynne explained that she has heard from several FICRA members and friends on the island about the problem of coyotes.  She has spoken to Officer Emily Watson with the GH Police Dept. and  Officer Johnson at the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Michelle Tirhy, a biologist with Fish and Wildlife has a 45 minute slide presentation that she would like to present in November.  The board expressed agreement that FICRA’s job is to present a forum for Fox Island residents to discuss and learn about how to handle the population of coyotes on the island.  Max demonstrated a ‘Coyote Clapper’ that he made from directions on the Dept. of Wildlife website.
Jim Peschek, a long time Fox Island resident and builder, warned of the consequences of social media and the Crime Watch reports alarming people unduly.  His business was impacted when clients decided not to buy a house on the island because of the impression they had from visiting the website .
Sue Supplee countered with the argument that social media allows residents to track where the coyotes are most seen.  Others contributed points on the subject.  Lynne asked Sue to help with the forum when Michelle Tierry comes to speak, and asked for others to help.  Sue Delaney and Mike Gordon volunteered.

Committee reports:

Crime Watch:  Stan suggested that people moving to the island check crime analysis reports that show that FI has the lowest crime rates in the county.  He reported that there have been boat motors stolen and burglaries through unlocked or open upper story windows.  There is now a caretaker on site at the sandspit.  He also suggested that the Pierce County Sheriff’s department has a member who is licensed to shoot coyotes with a bow and arrow.

Building exterior:  Max reported that the contaminated dirt from the oil spill has been removed.  The drainage in the back of the building has been done; the front will be done after the All Island Garage Sale.  Tony has four bids on insulation, but more information is needed before making a decision.  The building was damaged by a delivery truck but will be repaired by Erin Rockery .
Lynne reported on the Pierce County Health Dept.’s order to address the abandoned water well.  It must either be decommissioned or maintained for irrigation use.

Building interior:  Lynne read a request for volunteers to do the following tasks:
•    apply weather stripping to the exterior doors.
•    Repair blackboards in the north classroom with slate supplied by FICRA.
•    Install new bathroom sinks and repair the water fountains.
•    Apply Kilz to the bright paint in the north classroom closet.
•    Sand the tops of the north classroom lockers.

Activities:  Max reported that maps for the All Island Garage Sale will be at the Alliance Church and the NCC.  There is still time to sign up for space at the Museum or NCC.

Lynne reported on the upcoming events:
•    New to You clothing swap for kids on Sept. 24.
•    Men’s coffee to resume on Wednesdays
•    Mommie and Me to resume in October.
•    Another Astronomy night in October.
•    Casper BabyPants concert on Oct. 7, 6:30 to 7:30, (doors open at 6:00) to entertain 0-7 year old residents.
•    Santa will come to the Christmas tree lighting; the Wickline’s have been invited to perform.

Nature Center:  Ed Burrough reported that there was a good response from the Fair booth with 17 people taking guided tours.  The committee has put in 155 person hours on Nature Center work from February through August.  The next work party is on Sept. 17.

By laws:  Jim Braden reported that FICRA by-laws work has been accepted as a project for WAACO, but there has been no response from participating attorneys to work on it.  He explained why the committee is requesting legal assistance.

Unfinished business:
•    Lynne reviewed the bridge sign policy.  A copy is attached.
•    Lynne reflected on the Fair and stated that forms are available for suggestions for next year.  Some suggestions:
o    Have a shuttle available.
o    Have more handicapped parking spaces.
o    Have more recycling bins.

Good comments about:
o    Raffle room
o    Local artist’s displays
o    The layout of the booths
o    The field games

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35.
Jean Peterson, Sec.