HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Conservancy Bd Minutes May 2014Assembly: The Parks Conservancy Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 5:30 P.M. in conference room 119, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC.
Present: Theron Marshall, Eric Blaesing, Oliver Carter, Beth Dawson, Melissa Ivey, Jeremy Wilson
Absent: Faye Brock, Tom Conway and John Dismukes.
Staff: Tara Duckworth, Tanya Gurganious, Andy Johnson and Janine Powell.
Topics:
Approval of Minutes. The meeting was called to order by Theron Marshall who asked that changes be made to the spacing in the minutes of the April meeting. Additionally, he asked that
parenthesis be added to 501(c) (3). Those changes were noted. Theron then asked if there was a motion to approve the minutes with the changes as noted. The following motion was presented:
Motion by Oliver Carter with second by Eric Blaesing that the minutes of the April meeting be approved with the recommended changes. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Committee Reports
Policy. Jeremy stated that a letter was received from IRS. The letter basically stated we will either get approved for the nonprofit status or we can get put on a 180 day track in which
additional information may be asked for. Still hopeful that the nonprofit status will be received by the end of July. Nothing else done with committee since that time.
Volunteer. In Faye’s absence, Janine shared that the beautification event held Saturday was a great success. The Plant an Azalea project has generated $685 to date. More than 30 volunteers
helped with the project. The committee will continue to roll it out as it has become very popular. The Garden Club is extremely happy with the partnership.
Events/Fundraising efforts are continuing.
Fall Food Truck Frolic & Earth Day 2015. Eric shared that the fall Food Truck Frolic will be held October 26th at Hugh MacRae Park. All of the vendors from the spring event have signed
on again. New vendors are: Flaming Amy’s, Kettle.cornKettl cCorne Corn?, Tasty Ts as well as an ATM vendor. In all we have 13 participants. Eric also asked staff about the possibility
of adding bike racks. Andy Johnson will take care of that.
Additionally, Eric shared that Earth Day still up in the air. Unclear of a distinct date of when it will be under our umbrella; and if money is made, who gets it. Will meet with the
Earth Day committee once our 501 (c) (3) is received.
Next Steps for Conservancy. Tara informed the board that June 16th is the date for the County budget approval. Once we know definitely what the budget will be, we can set
priorities for special projects. Ogden Skate Park, the widening of Hugh MacRae trail (not wide enough right now to accommodate bikes & pedestrians) and the expansion of the greenway
are the projects proposed. The greenway funds are seed money to apply for DOT grants (80/20 grant) to start Smith Creek Greenway and extend the Middle Sound Greenway from Market Street
to Red Cedar. Suggested that these are excellent opportunities if we want to establish ourselves as a fundraising arm.
Additionally, the board will have to vote on officers at the June meeting. She asked the board to think about who they would like to recommend for positions. (Two board members’ terms
will end, Tom Conway and Theron Marshall. However, we will only have one vacancy as Tom has elected not to renew and Theron has elected to continue.)
Beth Dawson shared information she received from the County Clerk regarding board appointments. (June 2nd is the deadline for applications.) She asked that we put an announcement on
our Facebook page regarding the opening on the board. The announcement was shared on Facebook immediately.
Eric Blaesing shared that he would like to see the Star Program get a little more formalized. The Board discussed ways to have stars earn incentives/different levels.
Oliver Carter suggested we develop a goal in next 6-12 months to come up with criteria for the program. Hope to get a couple of stars for each park. (This will be an action for the
volunteer committee to take.)
Non-agenda items. Janine shared that she is working on the website and will bring information to the next meeting.
Adjournment. Motion by Eric Blaesing; second by Oliver Carter that the meeting be adjourned.
Meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
Transcribed by Tanya Gurganious