Attendees: Barbara Snyder, Nancy Simpers, Jo Ann Dawson, Bob Carroll, Jerry Newman, Rick Waterhouse, Holly Hannum, Dennis Clower, Larry Klevans, Jim Campbell

President Dennis Clower called meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

Minutes stand approved as emailed and distributed at meeting. Nancy moved to approve minutes as recorded, Ralph seconded, all approved.

Previous to the meeting being called to order, a walk was taken to the Finley Barn (next to Nature Center) to review site for construction of pavilion. After returning to center, the board unanimously decided to look further into stabilizing the Finley Barn (contractor to meet with Dennis and Ralph at 3:30 on Friday 22nd). At which point the pavilion can be constructed and tied into the outdoor classroom already existing.

Financial Report: by Larry Klevans.
Net income from Earth Day Fundraiser was $6252.58. Total Revenue for month of May $14,336, Expense $14,691. YTD Revenue $53,315, Expense $37,542. We have an offer to pre pay oil at 1.099 from Walker Oil, will check with Alger also. Jerry Newman will check with Bob Cameron about sponsorship. We will contract for oil.

Nature School Report: by Holly Hannum. Letter from United Way of Cecil County is happy to continue their support. Grant approved from Waterfowl Festival, Inc. for $5000 was approved this week, asked for banner.
School budget: Grades 1 and 2 (assuming CCPS funding), Grade 3 Bar Foundation, 7500; Grade 4 Soil Conservation District, 9000; Grade 5 Waterfowl Festival-5, 000 and Bar Foundation 2500; Kindergarten Lion's Clubs-900 and CC Arts Council $2100 (anticipated); Cleaning microscopes-$300; Mounting bluebird $200. Americorps volunteer is Stacy Schultz. Will work until Aug 17.
Jim motioned that we accept Holly's proposal for budget for school. Nancy and Jerry seconded. All approved.

Personnel Committee: report by Dan Schneckenburger. Dan introduced Pat Holleran. Barb introduced Karen Nusic (in absentia) as our new volunteer coordinator.

Grants: by Ralph Young. Ralph wants an extra one-hour meeting each month to talk about funding at Cecil County Public Library, Elkton Branch. With two meetings a month we would have a twice a month reminder of things to be done. Suggested Nancy, Doug, Larry, Jerry, Dennis. Wants to go after a 1.5 million grant from Pew Organization. DNR Land Unit Plan to be sent out to board members. Wayne Suydam (DNR) said 25 year grant would be fine with discussions every five years to make sure options are being carried out.

Buildings and Grounds: report by Jerry Newman. Bee display is here. Laura Linton has a bigger hive. Will replace the one we have with another hive next Spring (cost $125).
Stacy will mow this year.
Mowers Nancy motioned we go for John Deere (don't get a mulching blade). All were in favor.
Brown state signs Jerry Newman will look into getting for Rt. 273.

Membership: report by Bob Carroll. Will go to membership renewal each month. Board members will match a renewal do this in October. Thank A Thon in September by phone. Nancy offered use of the two offices of ERA one in MD and one in DE to have a bank of phones to use for volunteers and/or board members to call whole membership list. Will revisit by-laws to change renewal dates during next meeting.

Board Meeting Date and Grants Committee Date: Charlie Smith cannot make third Wed of every month. Will email people about 2nd Monday Board Meeting and Fundraising meeting 3rd Wednesday. DATES NOT FINALIZED YET.

Board Retreat: Sometime after the Christmas holidays. Saturday. Donaldson Brown Center will check.

Program Activity Report: by Barb Snyder
Nature Center will be represented at Cecil County Fair. Talk up memberships, have a beanbag toss, display, etc. Board members signed up for evenings, will also call on volunteers to help. Thursday 26 and Saturday 28 are still open. Friday 20th has two bd. members signed up, Saturday through Wednesday have one member signed up.
Rick suggested we send stickers with newsletter to put on calendar as reminders will check availability. Ashland Nature does that.
Ann Stubbs is donating plants for Herb Garden; Rick Waterhouse will dig since he doesn't have to mow the week he signed up. Will talk to Whig regarding photo op for Ann and garden.
Newsletter will go out in August highlighting sponsors and donors. Regular newsletter will go out early September.
Have offered clubs that are members the option of using center for meetings. Dennis asked Jerry to work on a building use form.
Activities will be listed in Whig publications ‚ Road Runner‚ and ‚Discover Cecil County‚ Will contact Tourism director Sandy Turner.
Programs are detailed in newsletter.

 
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Snyder  

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