Minutes of the July 27, 2009
Meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
Attendees: Rich Burton, Tom Krinke, Michele McNulty, Mike White, Tom Triplett, Matt Rasmussen, and Stephen Ledo. Absent: Mike Harnetty, Judy Rydeen, and Karen Schik.
1. The agenda was approved without any amendments.
2. The minutes of the June 22 meeting were approved.
3. Resignation.
Tom reported that Carol Seefeldt decided to reluctantly resign from the board because her extensive time commitments with Taco Daze and other civic activities. She was also hesitant about having to take policy positions on issues that her spouse Mayor Denny would also be dealing with in his official capacity. The board accepted her resignation and expressed deep appreciation for all she does for the city.
4. Discussion with Peggy Lynch. Peggy is the executive director of the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County. She was invited to visit with us about the lessons she has learned in organizing and operating a Friends organization. She recounted their history and successful (and not so successful activities). Their annual tree sale is the major money-maker, but it requires substantial work. A popular part of the sale is the "tribute tree" program where a family can have a specific tree planted as a remembrance for a deceased friend or family member. As for policy initiatives, she is most proud of the "no net loss" of parkland ordinances that the county and the St Paul City Council have enacted at the urging of the Friends. She left with us materials about the tree sale and a brochure on ways to remove buckthorn and other noxious plants. The group thanked Peggy for her ideas and offer
5. Mining Project. Tom reported that several members of the Friends had inquired about whether the organization intended to take a position on the proposed Zavoral mining operation at the corner of Hwys 95 and 97. After substantial discussion, the board agreed that it was not timely for the Friends to take a position since the city's environmental review process was just now beginning. The consensus was that the Friends should follow the review process but not take a position, at least until the environmental review is completed.
6. Financial Report:
Treasurer Rich Burton reported that the Friends' account with the Parks and Trails Council now has $1382.31. The board approved a motion that Tom Triplett be authorized to renew the Friends' membership in the Council and be reimbursed for $35.
7. Future Activities:
a. September Fundraiser - Tom will follow up with Carol Seefeldt about a possible date for a fall fundraiser at the Big Marine Regional Park. Carol had been working in this since the last meeting.
b. Boy Scouts - Tom and Stephen will coordinate about having the Boy Scouts participate in future Friends volunteer activities. Stephen suggested that Tom visit one of the upcoming troop meetings.
c. Taco Daze - We now officially have a booth at the event, and we will ask Friends members for volunteers to staff the booth. Karen has obtained an expert on invasive species removal to participate at Taco Daze. Michelle volunteered to develop a new membership brochure to distribute at the event.
6. Meeting Schedule:
a. The next Friends meeting will be on Monday, August 24 at 7:00pm. This meeting will be very important as we will finalize plans for Taco Daze and the fundraiser.
b. Future meetings will be on the 2d Monday of the month in the Heritage Room at the Community Center. Dates for upcoming meetings include September 14; October 12, November 9 and December 14.
Respectfully submitted by Stephen Ledo and Tom Triplett