| Doc. #2008-04
CAYUGA LAKE WATERSHED NETWORK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Wells College, Aurora, NY
Directors present: Mark Delaney, Ronda Fessenden,
Deb Grantham, Doug Haith, Chuck Kroll, John Mawdsley, Julie Patterson,
and Kevin Zippel
Excused directors: Brian Boerman, Joe Cambridge,
Ruth Richardson, Eric Riegel, Bill Shaw, and Keith Tidball.
Also in attendance: Sharon Anderson
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by
John Mawdsley, Chairperson. Patterson made a motion to approve Board
Minutes from the December 11, 2007 meeting, Zippel seconded. Unanimously
approved.
Business:
Plan of work:
Anderson reported she has received no further information on plans
of work or budget needs from committees. Mawdsley acknowledged that
the work of the Decade 2 Committee and the forthcoming discussions
of the organization’s focus, along with the change of having
to make sure all staff time is funded makes plan this year more
challenging. Committee interests and work plans influence the Board,
and the direction set by the Board influences the work of committees
in a “which comes first the chicken or the egg” fashion.
Zippel suggested there be a meeting of Committee Chairs to go over
how to create an annual plan of work. Mawdsley will consider.
The Outreach Committee sought feedback from the Board before they
put further effort into programs they have been planning. Anderson
noted that if she knows what tasks are expected of the office, she
can estimate the amount of time and budgeted dollars to allocate.
The Board reached consensus that the first photography/poster contest
should be postponed until 2009 to allow more time for planning,
fundraising/sponsorship and promoting. Goulds Pumps might again
pay for prizes. Other sponsors related to photography or arts may
be able to added. The Board requested the Committee identify funding
sources as well as a plan for the contest.
Holding Lakefest in much the same way or in a revised way was discussed.
The Board reached consensus that the Outreach Committee should be
prepared to discuss at the Feb. Board meeting its preference for
Lakefest. Directors were asked to bring ideas related to what the
organization might do for public outreach instead of Lakefest that
would be less resource intensive and how to fulfill the Bylaw of
holding an Annual Meeting in August. A decision on Lakefest will
be made at the Feb. Board meeting. Mawdsley directed Anderson to
prepare the 2008 Budget as if the usual format of Lakefest were
to happen.
No specific plans were noted for the 10th anniversary celebration
other than including information related to that milestone in publicity
for events such as the spring conference, the annual meeting, etc.
Major Donor Campaign initiative:
Anderson reported on her meeting regarding the donor campaign initiative
with Steve Mount, who has been serving on the Finance/Development
Committee. He suggested that given where we are in the process,
cultivating donors and long-term members via personal contacts was
deemed more effective than events.
However, personal invitations to our events of people to have them
learn more about us may be valuable, such as personal invitations
to the spring conference, a spring farm tour, etc. The Annual Appeal
and membership revenues this year both yielded very good income.
The group to lead this initiative will include at least two Board
members and volunteers were requested. The group will develop a
plan for 2008. Anderson is meeting with a new potential volunteer
with fundraising background.
Spring Conference:
For a while the Issues Committee has been interested in having annual
spring and fall conferences, one at the north end and one at the
south end. After Anderson reviewed the proposed speakers, the Board
decided by consensus to hold the conference this spring. Since the
past two conferences were held at the north end of the lake, this
upcoming one will be held at the south end. Hearing no objections,
Anderson will visit two Ithaca schools as possible locations. The
Board decided by consensus that members should be charged significantly
less than non-members. Anderson is to report on progress at the
Feb. Board meeting.
Grantham, Fessenden and Zippel were all willing to assist with
seeking sponsorship. The latter two would like to have a sample
script, suggestions of whom to contact and details about the conference.
Anderson to follow up.
2008 Budget Update
Figures for 2007 end of year will be available soon. On an accrual
basis there will be a minor surplus. In early 2008 cash flow is
still of some concern. Grantham, as Assistant Treasurer, has taken
over oversight of day-to-day finances and budgeting. She recommends
the organization have a goal, and plan to achieve over time, for
a reserve that will cover several months of operating expenses.
WQIP Job Description
Traditionally the Finance Committee has finalized and brought to
the Board job descriptions for staff positions. The Board affirmed
this practice. A finalized job description for the WQIP stormwater
work will be brought to the Board in February.
Other Business:
By consensus the Board decided to cease the practice of having a
light dinner as part of the meetings. Directors are welcome to bring
their own dinner.
Reports:
Watershed Steward: In response to questions from Anderson, the Board
affirmed that the one-page written monthly reports of her efforts
are helpful and no changes to format, organization or content were
suggested.
Committees: Highlights of recent meetings were provided.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Tasks
Mawdsley: Consider Plan of Work process;
Outreach Committee: Create plan and look for funding for
poster/photo contest for 2009; Proposal for Lakefest on what to
do the same and what to do differently.
All Directors: Come to Feb. meeting with ideas for public
outreach and how to accomplish Annual meeting if Lakefest not held;
Anderson: Organize spring conference and provide information
to Kevin and Ronda on seeking sponsors;
Anderson & Finance Committee: 2008 budget;
Mawdsley: Talk with Directors not yet on a committee;
Anderson & Mawdsley: Plan of Work for 2008.
Decisions
Poster contest postponed to 2009. Reaffirmation of 12/07 BOD vote;
Members are to be charged significantly less than non-members for
the Spring Conference;
Job descriptions are recommended by the Finance Committee to the
Board for approval;
Light dinners will no longer be served at Board meetings.
Feb. Agenda Items (in no order)
Decade 2
Lakefest
2007 End of Year Finances
2008 Budget
2008 Plan of Work
Spring Conference
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