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FICRA Board Meeting Minutes 11-3-2011

FICRA BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 3, 2011

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

The minutes of the special board meeting on October 18, 2011, to discuss building issues, namely the oil spill, and Crime Watch, were approved as corrected.

Lynne gave her president’s report on all the great activities that have taken place, and the projects going on at NCC to make it functional and attractive.  She stressed the need to tell people about FICRA and the NCC and to encourage people to become involved.

 

Treasurer’s report:

Beginning balance:       $1400.06

Deposits                          3742.42

Total expenses               3169.76

New balance                  1972.72

 

Money market              $30,347.67

Transfer to checking       1,300.00

Ending balance          $29,051.51

 

Trust beginning bal.     $5374.33

Expenses                         1176.94

Ending balance            $4198.07

 

Complete report is attached to these minutes.

 

CRIME WATCH:  Stan Weston reported that Fox Island has much less crime than the surrounding areas.  The island has been quiet, as it should be.

 

BUILDING:  Lynne showed a new binder to be left in the kitchen with information about the building showing where things go, and a check list for users.

 

STRUCTURE AND FACILITIES:     Tony Moore reported that:

 

*   the work to drain downspout water away from the building is complete, and

Tom Purvis has submitted a bill.

*   the oil tank has an added brace to protect the line into the building.

*  Insulation bids are in for $5000 to do the crawl space, pipes (ducts?) first, evaluate, and then insulate the floor.  At this time he does not recommend insulating the walls.  The furnace is working better than it has in the past and he recommends testing the effectiveness of the heating system this winter before revisiting wall insulation.

 

INTERIOR:  Carolyn Braden explained that because the building committee expected to have volunteer labor for painting the bathrooms and halls, and had not counted on repairing many areas of plaster, that they have been getting bids for the job.  Because of this being a ‘maintenance and repair’ issue, she submitted the expense to the FICRA board.  Of six companies that bid the job, the committee recommends Traditional Drywall (Bill Frickelton) to do the plaster repair, and Classic Painting (Richard Jones) to do the painting.  The combined cost will be $3900.00, plus tax.  The committee will meet again with the contractors to review the scope of work.  It was moved, seconded and passed to allow this expense with the stipulation that it not exceeded the stated amount.

 

ACTIVITIES:  Karen Craven reported that there have been 14 very successful events this year, and thanked all who helped with the recent pumpkin carving contest. She would like to add a pumpkin growing contest next year. Carolyn thanked Karen for the wonderful pumpkin serpent.

 

*  The second Astronomy Night will be on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 7:00.  If cloud cover prevents sky-gazing, there will be programs inside.

*  The coyote forum will be Nov. 15, at 7:00.

*  Holiday art events for children 6 to 12 will be Nov. 18, 4:30 to 6:00; and

Nov. 19, 10 to noon.  A charge of $15 will cover supplies.

  • Game night will be the Friday after Thanksgiving.  It will be a pot luck with Trivia.
  • The Christmas Tree Lighting will be Dec. 4, with the Wicklines entertaining afterwards.

Karen asked for feedback on the bridge signs.  It was stated that the lettering is easy to read, and the frequent changes (a 3 day limit) keeps everyone looking.

 

NATURE CENTER:  Phil Craven reported that the NC committee will meet Nov. 16 with a work party Nov. 19.

  • recognition stones have been discussed.
  • He feels that volunteers should be recognized and requested appropriations of $70 to buy a cedar board to attach to the back of the existing Nature Center sign, with a title plaque explaining gratitude for the contributions of individuals from this time forward, and the first individual plaques listing the names of the individuals.  It was moved by Mimi and seconded by Jean to approve this project. Much discussion followed in consideration of those who have contributed so much before this time. The present stones recognize those projects. It passed 3 to 2.
  • The committee is trying to use GPS to define the trails.  Islander Ann Bogle, a certified wetland specialist, is helping map the wetlands according to vegetation and soil samples.
  • Srevan has obtained all required approvals for his project, is raising money,  and hopes to start soon.
  • The committee has taken members of the Greater Peninsula Conservancy to see the Nature Center.
  • Some committee members are interested in becoming ‘stream monitors’.
  • The committee has logged 26 people hours in the past month; 166.5 for the year.  Lynne encouraged everyone to keep track of volunteer hours in the new binder that is in the FICRA closet in the south classroom.

 

BY LAWS:  Jim Braden reported that the committee has reviewed recommendations submitted by FICRA members.  A draft of the bylaws will be sent to the committee and board for comments; he met with the pro bono attorney this week and expects information from her by Thanksgiving.

 

PUBLICITY:  Jean read a statement addressing the animosity that has been prevalent in the community since the March election.  She listed the many accomplishments of the present board, before speaking of the problems presented by attacks and destructive criticisms of the board.

Lynne described the duties of the publicity chair: the dissemination of information about FICRA activities and events through social media (the ficra.org website, Facebook, and the blog), and  bulletin boards at NCC.  She stressed that the purpose of the Facebook page is to get information to the membership and receive comments and suggestions.  It is not a discussion page.  She shared the fact that the board has been rudely attacked on these pages and some comments have been removed as inappropriate.  This is not an unusual practice … newspapers also require their posts to be civil and appropriate.

 

BUDGET:  The budget committee has met and will meet again later this month.  A budget will be presented in January.

 

There was a request for a report on the rentals scheduled for the building.  A calendar can be found on line under ‘Events’ that shows all rentals.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Lynne requested volunteers to help with decorating and activities for the Christmas Tree Lighting, and requested ideas.

 

Hal Goodell announced that it is not too early to think about the plant sale on the first Saturday in May. It is a good time to divide plants to sell.  Sand and Soil Garden Club has a truckload of plants already.  The plant sale needs publicity to increase customers.  Lynne suggested adding the Plant Sale to the Nov. newsletter.

 

Lynne, Tony, John Joliebois, and Michael Goodwin were thanked for clearing the brush on the north side of the lawn.

 

With the clearing of blackberries we have a brush pile to be removed on the weekend.  It was suggested that the overgrown arborvitae on the NE corner be removed on Friday and added to the pile.  Jim Braden will be in charge.

 

Carolyn requested donations of plants for the new planting in front of the building.  As the plant list develops we can list them on the website.  We need volunteers to stain 170 feet of picture molding early next week.

 

Janice Minnick introduced Stan Fleming, our county council representative who was visiting.

 

Max moved that the board go into Executive Session in order to discuss a legal matter.  It was seconded and passed.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Peterson, Sec.