Fort Collins Audubon Society
Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, November 2, 2000
National Seed Storage Lab
Colorado State University

IAttending:  Sue Kenney, Bill Miller, Ron Harden, John Waddell, Joel Hurmence, Laurie Zuckerman, Barb Turnbull, Bob Blinderman, Cynthia Melcher, Rick Harness, Louise Creager

The minutes of September 6, 2000 were approved. 

LEADERSHIP

It was announced that Scott Baily, Linda McNamara, and Kathleen Tracy had resigned from the FCAS Board of Directors.  The positions of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer positions are vacant for the upcoming year.  Those Officers, Chairs, and Directors present indicated their willingness to continue in those positions.  Elections will be held at the January program meeting. A nominating committee was appointed: Bill Miller, Bob Blinderman, and Cynthia Melcher.  Any nominations should be presented to the committee.  They will then discuss the openings, and approach the nominees.  John Waddell indicated his willingness to serve as Treasurer.

EDUCATION

Audubon Adventures is being discontinued in our chapter, as teachers have not responded to requests for contact.  Cynthia and Louise are looking at a pilot program of an ecology club.  A need will be established; we will look at what is being offered presently in Fort Collins.  These opportunities will be offered to group groups and organizations, like Boy/Girl Scouts Scouts, rather than schools.

NEWSLETTER and PUBLICITY

The newsletter committee consists of Dale Agger and Laurie Zuckerman.   Communications with the Web Page Designer, (Joel Hurmence) is going well.  Joel is moving so must give up his position as Publicity Chair but will continue to do the web page.  Sue has made up some job descriptions for the newsletter committee, but would like some review before distributing. November is the printer’s busiest month and it needs to be brought to them quickly so as to be assured of timely distribution.  Copies of our newsletter are presently being offered at Wild Birds Unlimited.  We decided to look at other options for distribution to increase participation and interest in our chapter.  Senior Center and the library were suggested.  John and Cynthia offered to distribute.

MEMBERSHIP

An effort needs to be made to increase membership.  Sue Kenney and Dale Agger will be working on strategies.  Until the end of December, the national office is offering chapters $30 from each new member we bring in.  This is particularly helpful since the membership is only $20.  We will also receive a percentage, about $22, from each member who renews their subscription.

BIRDATHON

Rick Shroeder, Cynthia Melcher, Jackie Boss, Sue Kenney and Susan Kirkpatrick met with the National Birdathon Coordinator and discussed ideas on how this program could grow.  Rick submitted some ideas that he would like do to discuss.

 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT (CBC)

Cynthia met with Kevin Cook and Bill Miller.  She has all the material necessary to make it happen.  The center of the count circle previous area has had been changed.  It will be indicated on the maps being distributed.  JAX has graciously offered us a room for a pre-meeting on December 11 from 5:45 to 8:50 P.M.  She would like to have an orientation for NEW people from 6:30 - 7:00 P.M.  The meeting for seasoned participants to be from 7:00 - 7:30 P.M.  Information will be included in the newsletter and at next week’s program. She stresses the importance of the CBC and will make note in the newsletter article.  An effort will be made to place new participants with seasoned.  This is an excellent opportunity for new birders to learn about our local winter residents. This can also be used as a recruiting tool! Dates of the CBC are posted on the web site.  Cynthia would like to clarify a point regarding the $5 fee for the CBC.  If participants do not pay this fee, their data is included; counted with the organization,  however, their names will not be published in the report.  Cynthia has approached Miles Blumhardt about a feature article on the CBC in the Coloradoan.  Bill Miller will build an e-mail list of participants.  Barb Turnbull has graciously offered her home for the potluck after the CBC.  Thanks so much!  Cynthia will give directions to those who RSVP.

 STRATEGIC PLANNING

Sue Kenney had asked Bill Miller to develop a structure by which FCAS will to set policy.  Miller would like to an executive committee to be established to deal with and react to issues. This decision issue needs to be addressed further. Miller pointed out that we are the second largest environmental organization in the community, after in membership only to the Sierra Club in this community.  As an outcome of the policy discussion setting for the chapter, it was agreed that the strategic planning process needed to restart.  A planning meeting was set for December 2.  Susan Kirkpatrick will facilitate.

Kenney asked each committee to meet prior to the planning meeting and discuss some specific goals for 2001 and 2002, how to attain those goals, what would the budget look like, and who would do what specific tasks to attain the goals. Susan Kirkpatrick  has reminded us to celebrate our accomplishments.  This could be done at our end of the year pot luck.  Harden suggested having some items to offer people as recognition, such as outstanding member. 

STATE CONFERENCE

Those who attended:  Sue Kenney, Bill Miller, Cynthia Melcher, Rick Harness.

It was generally felt to be a good conference. Cynthia was motivated by two of the workshops, publicity issues being one.  It was an excellent opportunity for brainstorming different ideas.  She felt more time was needed to discuss common problems each chapter runs into.  All agreed the networking alone was worthwhile. Rick felt it was interesting to see how the national organization works.  Sue felt the facilitator for the volunteer management workshop was not familiar enough with Audubon chapters to be effective.  The state office plans to hold a workshop each fall, we will send in suggestions for next year’s workshops.  Cynthia suggested a workshop to train people to be activists (referring to the “Fending-off-the-sharks” issue).  Bill suggested a broader use of the “Co-General” internet alerts.  This could be used more effectively to alerts alert our members of legislative alerts.  There is a meeting in Boulder, January 10.  He will keep us informed.

AUDUBON of COLORADO

Ron Harden reported there is a new Development Coordinator – Patrick Hayes.  His bio is included in the minutes Ron gave us.  After deciding that Chatfield and Grand Valley Audubon centers are the most under served groups, these will be their focus for education.  New officers were elected for the coming year.  Harden will continue to serve as our chapter representative for the following year.

Harden indicated that Colorado Audubon Council will continue with Project Fund grants.  We may be able to use some of these funds to send people to a conference or perhaps for training for lobbying activities.  AOC emphasized that it is important for us to find out what our local nature centers are focusing on and discuss where our chapter can fill in the voids.

 On the political front Bob Schaffer received a 0 rating from the National League on of Conservation Voters.  An alternate to consider is Dave Swartz.  Mr. Swartz is a science teacher from Rocky Mountain H.S.  He is a write in candidate.  You may visit his web site at www.voteDave2000.com

Rick Harness reminds informed us that the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center is seeking donations for their annual auction in February at this time.  It was agreed that a an annual membership in FCAS would be donated. 

Reminders

Newsletter deadline is November 9, the program is November 9, and the Fossil Creek Wetland clean-up is set for November 11, 1-4 pm. 

Meeting adjourned at 9:20.