National
Conservation District
Employees Association
District Employees Put Conservation on the Land
Minutes of meetings held at 2007 Annual Meeting, February 3 - 7, 2007, in Los Angeles.
(MS Word copy of these minutes)
Board of Directors Meeting
Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, February 3, 2007
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Present: Officers
Robert Dobbs, President
Cindy Moon, Vice-President
Connie Richmeier, Treasurer
Glenda Lewis, Secretary
Rich Baden. Past President
Rich Duesterhaus, Executive Direction
Regional Representatives
Tim Riley, Northeast
Tommy Brooks, Southeast
Irene Moore, South Central
Peter Vigil, South West
Jeri Trebelcock, Northern Plains
Carolyn Kelly, Pacific
Sharon Underwood, South Central
Guests
Martha Newby, KY
Linda Smith, KY
Stephanie Young, KY
Mamie Caison, NC
Ann Spake, SC
Donna Roads, IL
Paula Templeton, OK
Fredia Rice, OK
President Dobbs called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
Tommy Brooks gave the invocation.
President Robert Dobbs gave a President’s report. A copy is attached. One thing President Dobbs is especially proud of is the fact that the association hired Mr. Rich Duesterhaus as Executive Director. President Dobbs was very pleased with the feedback received from the National Leadership Partners meeting in Nashville. He also stated that most of the items outlined on the Action Items have been completed.
President Dobbs then asked Rich Duesterhaus to give his report. Rich stated he is still learning with the employees and it is a pleasure working for the association. Rich stated he feels that the employees are recognized as full partners. He and Robert both attend monthly and quarterly meetings as scheduled. Rich stated he is in contact with Gene Whittaker almost daily working on the IT system. This is definitely a work in progress. Rich also stated that 6 people who attended the Nashville Leadership Conference and were approved for stipends have not submitted their bills to receive reimbursement.
Minutes
Glenda Lewis, Secretary, presented the minutes from the June 2006 Board meeting.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Sharon Underwood and passed to approve the minutes.
Financial Reports
Connie Richmeier presented the financial reports.
Motion: A motion was made by Irene Moore, seconded by Jeri Trebelcock and passed to approve the financial reports.
Connie Richmeier presented the 2006-2007 proposed budget.
Motion: A motion was made by Connie Richmeier, seconded by Cindy Moon and passed to approve the proposed budget.
Connie Richmeier reported to date 27 states have paid their dues. Connie also reported she has brochures for the Association membership dues and encouraged all to join. Connie reported that the raffle sales have not gone very well. She stated we all need to sell, sell, sell.
Audit Committee Report
Sharon Underwood, and Carolyn Kelly performed the audit on the books and they stated all was in order.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Peter Vigil and passed to accept the Audit Committee report.
Tour
Cindy Moon reported 86 tickets have been sold for the tour to the Reagan Library. She stated we have 110 seats so tickets can be sold. The tour will leave from the second floor at 12:00 noon.
Dance
Rich Baden reported that 61 tickets have been sold for the dance. Rich Baden thanked Rich Duesterhaus and Peter Vigil for helping hire the DJ. Decorations are being done by Ann Spake and Glenda Lewis.
Luncheon
President Robert Dobbs reported we are expecting 120 people at the Luncheon
Employee Choice Awards
The employee winner is Martha Newby from Kentucky and Andrew Jackson from Florida.
NRCS Contribution Agreement Report
Rich Duesterhaus gave an update on this agreement. He stated in Phase I we received $20,000.00 to set up a national data base. Pilot stated have been used and we are now waiting on NRCS to inform us of the format they would like to use. Phase !! is ready for signing. Rich also reminded everyone that $200.00 reimbursement per state will be offered to the states that turn in their state information as an incentive.
Partner Reports
Cliff Lundin, Chairman, and Ed Hoxsie, NCDEA member, of the Urban, Community and Coastal Conservation Strategy made a presentation. Every Acre Counts is their emphasis and they asked the employees to support this effort. Stu Trefrey with NASCA was also present.
Motion: A motion was made by Rich Baden, seconded by Carolyn Kelly and passed to write and send a letter to NACD containing a resolution supporting this effort.
Task Force Report
President Dobbs asked Tommy Brooks to give a report on the By-Laws, Policies and Procedures Committee. Suggestions were made and approved as follows:
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Sharon Underwood and passed to establish an addendum to the NCDEA by laws to better record all adopted policies.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Peter Vigil and passed to date all adopted policies with month and year of adoption.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Rich Baden and passed to archive deleted policies to have record for future NCDEA boards to reference if needed.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Tim Riley and passed for the Board of Directors establish a dollar amount for unbudgeted expenditures the Executive committee may approve the amount of which will be reviewed and set at the annual meeting.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Cindy Moon, and passed that an external audit of NCDEA financial records by a CPA within 5 years.
Motion: A motion was made by Tim Riley, seconded by Peter Vigil and passed to adopt a policy to provide for bonding of those handling NCDEA funds.
A decision was made to form a committee to review a procedure for the removal of an officer from the board. Tim Riley will chair, Peter Vigil and Linda Smith will serve. Policy is to be presented at the mid-year meeting.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Sharon Underwood and passed to establish, by policy or bylaws, how the board will establish standing committees. The President shall be authorized to establish special or ad hoc committees.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Connie Richmeier and passed when director has two unexcused absences from NCDEA meetings or calls, the president shall communicate with the appropriate leadership in that region.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Connie and passed that if membership dues or fees are being assessed the by laws need to reflect the adopted policy from February 1, 2004.
NCDEA Logo
President Robert asked Rich Duesterhaus to report on the progress made on developing a NCDEA logo. Rich passed around several styles and asked the board to “vote” for their favorite and make any comments. When this is done Rich will present to the board.
Nominating Committee Report
The following slate of officers were presented by the committee which consisted of Rich Baden, Chair; Greg Baneck, Irene Moore, Peter Vigil, Phil Griswold, Tommy Brooks and Tim Riley.
President: Cindy Moon
Vice-President Connie Richmeier
Treasurer Glenda Lewis
Secretary Tim Riley
Motion: A motion was made by Sharon Underwood, seconded by Tommy Brooks and passed to accept the slate of officers as presented. The new board will take office on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007.
Partner Comments
Pete Jahraus, NASCA, joined the meeting and made general comments. He stated he was looking forward to working with NCDEA and continuing the great relationship we currently enjoy.
John Redding, NACD Treasurer, made comments. He stated he is looking forward to continuing working with NCDEA and he and the board appreciate all NCDEA does for the partnership. He also invited everyone to the 2008 meeting in Reno.
Arlene Lancaster, NRCS Chief, informed us of things going in with NRCS. He explained some of the programs and changes we could expect with the new Farm Bill. He thanked NCDEA for working with the partnership.
Joan Smith-Freeman, First Vice-President for NARC&D made remarks next. She gave the group information on the budget problems affecting NARC&D and thanked the NCDEA for all our work with the partnership.
Financial Policies
Connie Richmeier presented the Financial Policies for approval.
By-Laws
Mary Currier and Tommy Brooks were asked to report on the changes to the bylaws. Mary Currier presented each item that was changed or updated. After much discussion the motion was presented.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Tim Riley and passed to approve the By Laws as presented with corrections. There was one nay vote and one abstention.
Motion: A motion was made by Tommy Brooks, seconded by Peter Vigil and passed to include the date of January 5, 2007, on the By Laws.
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Submitted,
Glenda B. Lewis
Secretary, NCDEA
Power Brunch
Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
President Robert Dobbs called the luncheon to order and welcomed everyone.
President Robert Dobbs then introduced the board members and the regional representatives.
A delicious brunch was enjoyed by all.
The guest speaker was introduced by Rich Duesterhaus. Ann Gambrell of Creative Time-Plus gave a very informative presentation on the skill of Organization. Everyone in the room could relate to this message and it was well received.
President Robert Dobbs presented the Employee Choice Awards to the 2007 winners. Martha Newby from Kentucky and Andrew Jackson from Florida received their plaques. Both were honored to be selected for their award.
President Robert Dobbs then asked the newly elected officers to come forward to be installed.
President Cindy Moon, Vice President Connie Richmeier, Treasurer Glenda Lewis and Secretary Tim Riley took their oath of office.
Past President Rich Baden expressed his appreciation of working on the board and stated he would still be involved with NCDEA.
President Cindy Moon presented a gift to President Dobbs.
The brunch adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
Submitted,
Glenda B. Lewis
Secretary, NCDEA
Board of Directors Meeting
Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Present: Officers
Robert Dobbs, President
Cindy Moon, Vice-President
Connie Richmeier, Treasurer
Glenda Lewis, Secretary
Rich Duesterhaus, Executive Direction
Regional Representatives
Tim Riley, Northeast
Tommy Brooks, Southeast
Irene Moore, South Central
Peter Vigil, South West
Jeri Trebelcock, Northern Plains
Sharon Underwood, South Central
Guests
Martha Newby, KY
Mamie Caison, NC
Ann Spake, SC
Pam Hawkins, NC
Donna Roads, IL
Mary Currier, NH
President Robert Dobbs called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.
Irene Moore gave the invocation.
Mary Currier requested that President Robert Dobbs and Secretary Glenda Lewis sign the copy of the By-Laws with corrections for the permanent records. This was done.
President Dobbs asked for a vote concerning the new NCDEA Logo.
Motion: A motion was made by Connie Richmeier, seconded by Tommy Brooks and passed to use the logo with the most votes. Rich Duesterhaus will send out the final copy to everyone.
President Robert Dobbs made some closing remarks. He stated he was very pleased with the support and the extreme success we enjoyed during his terms.
President Robert Dobbs installed the new Regional Representatives.
President Cindy Moon presented her opening remarks and plans for the future. She stated she thinks that we have a very strong team; she is sure NCDEA will continue to grow. She thanked Robert and all the past presidents for all their hard work to get NCDEA where it is today. President Cindy stated we would continue to use Roberts Rules of Order during all meetings. She intends to have a positive approach and positive attitude. She again expressed the need for professional confidentiality in our work. She stressed her desire that the board always look and dress the part of professionals where every where we go. Her bottom line - COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE.
Cindy asked for comments on the 2007 meeting. Rich Duesterhaus stated that NCDEA was responsible for two of the breakout sessions and they were well received. Some of the problems that came up were due to new NACD employees. Some negative and positive comments were made about the printed program.
Raffle
Connie Richmeier stated the expenses for the raffle was $2,536.00 and as of now the income is only at $500.00. She also stated that some of the representatives did not sell their tickets but they did not turn them back in and she was going to have to have more printed. Connie also stated that her husband Gary has tirelessly manned the table selling tickets.
Tour
Connie Richmeier stated that the tour brought in $4356.00. The expenses were $2679.00 with a profit of $1677.00. Irene Moore stated that Ohio has decided to discontinue their state tour so it is possible we will pick up more of them on our tours. Someone heard complaints that we did not have water available on the tour. This will be addressed next year in Reno.
Dance
Connie reported we collected $575.00 at the door for the dance. 72 people had paid NACD for the dance on their registration.
Associate Members
Connie reported she has received 3 associate member applications and she would gladly accept more.
Booklet
Connie stated she would email a copy of the booklet that was prepared to everyone. She also stated she has 40-50 extra copies if anyone wants them.
Financial Transfer
Motion: A motion was made by Robert Dobbs, seconded by Peter Vigil and passed to authorize the transfer of finances from Connie to Glenda. Also give authority to Glenda and Cindy to sign on account.
2007 Mid-Year Meeting
Mid year meeting was discussed. Dates will be May 31 – June 2. The meeting will start at 12:00 noon on the 31st and adjourn at 12:00 noon on June 2nd. The place is yet to be determined. Prices will be compared for the best value.
Scholarship Committee
President Cindy asked for volunteers to serve on the Scholarship Committee. Ann Spake was appointed as chair with Sharon Underwood and Jeri Trebelcock serving.
Employee Choice Awards
President Cindy asked for volunteers to serve on the Awards committee. Irene Moore will serve as chair with Linda Smith and Tommy Brooks serving.
Fund Raising
President Cindy asked Tim Riley to chair, Robert Dobbs and Rich Duesterhaus to serve on the Fund Raising Committee.
Sharon Underwood reported that their state has made several thousands dollar profit on a cookbook. She said the process is very user friendly with the recipes being submitted on line. This is through Morris Press.
Board Training
The Executive Board will address Board Training. RC&D has several types of training modules that could be used.
Membership/Outreach
President Cindy asked Connie to chair the Membership/Outreach Committee. Would like to encourage all representatives to be a on a first name basis with the partner leaders in each state. She would also like each representative to make monthly personal phone calls to their state presidents.
As is the custom at the close of this meeting comments were received from everyone in attendance. The comments were very positive and all sound ready to continue working to promote NCDEA in each of their areas.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Submitted:
Glenda B, Lewis
Past Secretary