Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
Inaugural Membership Meeting

January 29, 2009, 7-8 pm
Heritage Room, Scandia Community Center

Present: Tom Triplett, Rich Burton, Mike Harnetty, Mike White, Matt Rasmussen, Michele McNulty, Jim Martin, Karen Schik, Sue Rodsjo, Anne Hurlburt, Carol Seefeldt, Alex Bildeaux, Stephen and Dave Ledo.

Tom Triplett, Secretary of the incorporating board (including also Rich Burton and Mike Harnetty) called the meeting to order. Tom noted that the three incorporators had met prior to the meeting in order to formally adopt the bylaws which would govern this first membership meeting. Copies of the bylaws were distributed.

It was noted that the bylaws provide for current members (those having paid the $20 dues) being able to take action at this meeting. Several of those persons in attendance who had not yet paid their dues did pay them, and all were therefore deemed eligible to vote.

Tom also noted that for membership meetings, a quorum is required for action. A quorum is defined as the lesser of one-tenth of eligible members or 20 persons, whichever is fewer. With about 65 current members of the Friend, a quorum is therefore 7 persons, and the quorum requirement was easily met.

There were two items on the agenda:

  1. Election of New Board
    Discussion:
    1. Need insurance for volunteer activities? City insurance will cover for activities on city property, but we need to check into what might be needed and what other organizations do. Board does not need insurance - a recent state law protects board members who are acting in "good faith" and not in their own self-interest.
    2. Duties of board. Tom suggested meeting every 2 months to carry out the mission of the organization. Primary tasks will be fundraising and organizing events and activities.
    3. Board of directors. Tom noted that the bylaws require between 3 and 15 members for the board but that a more desirable size would be 7-15 members. Ten members present volunteered to serve on the board: Tom Triplett, Rich Burton, Mike Harnetty, Mike White, Matt Rasmussen, Michele McNulty, Jim Martin, Karen Schik, and Carol Seefeldt. One seat will be left open for the board to appoint. Senior Patrol Leader Stephen Ledo from the Elim Boy Scout troop volunteered to be an ex-officio voting board member. Motion to approve all the nominees, the open seat, and the ex-officio member was passed.
  2. Ideas for projects
    Volunteer projects suggested for inclusion:
    • Trash pick-up at the boat landings seemed like a good first event (easy for anyone to participate, easy to organize).
    • Exotic brush removal (Lilleskogen, Wind in the Pines, and other city property).
    • Building steps at Wind in the Pines.
    • Trail maintenance at Wind in the Pines.
  3. Other board projects might include:
    • Start looking at maps to identify priority parcels for protection/parks/trails.
    • Landowner outreach.
    • Assist landowners to enroll in the Washington Co Land and Water Legacy Program.
    • Explore land acquisition opportunities.
    • Assist in developing the Gateway trail.
    • Look for and apply to grant programs.
  4. Scout troop activities. Stephen Ledo noted that several members of the troop are looking for Eagle Scout community service projects and that some of these might involve parks and trails activities. The other committee members expressed their gratification for this offer.

Tom will suggest some February meeting dates for the board in the next few days. Motion to adjourn made and passed at 8:15 pm.

Submitted by Karen Schik.