Minutes
Meeting of February 26, 2008
Present:
Chairman James Ireton, Chairman Elect Mike Preti, Secretary Mary Jane Marine, Treasurer Lena Wallop, Cindy Pilchard and Michele Preti.
The executive committee meeting was held in the home of Mike and Michele Preti on Riverton Wharf Road in Riverton, MD beginning at 6:30 PM. The meeting was basically informal, centered on a light dinner prepared by Michele Preti and guided by an agenda prepared by Mike Preti.
Agenda topics were as follows:
I. Executive Committee:
How would persons be selected to serve on the executive committee and upon what criteria? Length of service; should a nominating committee suggest members and on what time schedule should the executive board meet?
The group decided that a nominating committee should be appointed at our next meeting to suggest members to serve on this committee (interchangeably referenced as Board). The number of persons to serve should be increased from those listed above (Charter allows 15 persons), and that the Board should meet on opposites months from those of the NC general meetings. The Board should meet shortly before a general meeting to make sure everything is "all together" and shortly there after to strategize as to suggestions for improvements and benefits to the neighborhoods. The group suggested the following persons as possible Board members: Kathryn Byrd, Ernie Emoud, Cindy Pilchard, Michael Poremba, and William (Bill) Smith.
II. Incorporation:
The benefits of being incorporated as eligible for grants, tax exempt and such was discussed. Some on the committee said that although initially against incorporation, they now believe that incorporation would be to the advantage of the NC. Mike Preti said he would have the legal papers for incorporation available at our next meeting.
III. Dues and Other Sources of Income:
As noted above incorporation would allow opportunities for receiving grants. It was suggested perhaps we would consider hiring a consultant for organizational development and a counter to that, tapping our member's expertise to assist in that regard. It was noted that the group felt that the $10.00 membership fee was not a deterrent for persons to join the NC.
IV. Recruitment, Membership and other Committees:
Much discussion occurred in regard to increasing our membership. It was noted that issues bring folks out to meetings but getting them to become members was more difficult. Part of the challenge being general meetings with neighborhood issues/topics attracting and keeping persons for membership that may not necessarily be related to the specific issue/neighborhood meeting. The group agreed that continuing with topics of interest to neighborhoods at our general meetings was the way to attract persons to attend but increasing our membership would be an ongoing topic for discussion.
It was noted that we lack follow-up after our general meetings which may serve to benefit the neighborhood later. It was agreed that serving as a link between a neighborhood and the NC topics of interest at a general meeting an "Issues with results", "showing results of our meetings", such as handouts, lines of communications with speakers and related agencies, should be a goal set for planning every general meeting.
It was decided that we should consider a membership committee in the future but not right now. It was noted that a nominating committee is needed to recommend persons for expansion of the executive committee.
V. Specifics:
1. Pinehurst Neighborhood:
It was noted that the NC had been asked by County Executive Rick Pollit, Jr., Jim Fineran and Dave McCloud to assist with concerns in the Pinehurst School Neighborhood. It was suggest that some of the NC executive committee meet with these gentlemen to discuss that matter in detail with a focus on doing something positive for the neighborhood.
2. General topics:
The following topics were discussed in general terms: environment, growth and development, Paleo Channel, Rain Gardens, trees, birds, 20 minutes for each speaker, September Congress Convention, Senior Citizens matters, less than 10 neighborhood associations membership, neighborhood associations newsletters promoting NC, Quality of Life, affordable housing, homeless, neighborhood focus, work force, jobs, safe neighborhoods and maintaining and improving a neighborhood or tearing down and rebuilding.
3. NC Address:
It was decided to change the NC address from Fruitland to a post office box in Sharptown since two of the Executive Committee members reside near there.
VI. Meetings and Topics:
April 29, 2008 - Environment, Water Resources Rain Gardens, Trees/ or birds. The meeting location to possible be either Mallard Landing or Nutters Crossing Club House.
July 22, 2008 - Subject - Housing, location to be determined.
September (23?) NC Convention - Subject - Seniors location to be determined.
VII. Assignments:
Mike Preti and James Ireton will handle the initial meeting concerning the Pinehurst Neighborhood discussion. Cindy Pilchard will contact Nutter's for possible meeting location. James Ireton and Mary Jane Marine will meet to further organize the NC paperwork and membership listings/mailing labels. All EXCM will thank Mike and Michele for hosting this meeting and providing the dinner.
VIII. Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Date of next Executive meeting to be determined in the near future.
Secretary, Mary Jane Marine
Draft February 27, 2008
