• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

BOARD MEETING FOR FRIENDS OF FLORIDA STATE PARKS BOARD MEETING MINUTES Oct. 21-22, 2016 District 2 Administrative Office 4801 Camp Ranch Rd, Gainesville, FL Board Members in attendance: Don Philpott Marylou Klein Gil Ziffer Tammy Gustafson Fritz Musselmann Board Members in attendance via Conference Call: Richard Goldman Ben Pingree Robert Larkin Thomas M. Pennekamp Board Member Emeritus and Ex-officio Members in attendance: Donald Forgione Dale Allen Sally Hess Staff and other guests in attendance: Christine Small Dick Donaldson JulieAnne Tabone Excused absences: Amy Rodriguez Paula Dockery Ron Piasecki Don Philpott called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM | Page 1 of 7 | Consent Agenda (Distributed via email before the Board Meeting) I. Park Tour (optional) 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM II. Call to Order (start tape recorder) 9:15 AM a. Welcome and introduction of guests b. Approval of the consent agenda (distributed via email) i. Minutes of the last Board meeting ii. Financial annual report to 09/30/16 iii. Membership report to 09/30/16 iv. Discussion/questions from pulled consent items (if any) c. Approval of additional items (if any) d. Housekeeping – meeting amenities III. Director’s Report & Q/As 9:30 AM IV. Break 10:15 AM V. Discussion Items 10:30 AM a. Wisconsin Estate Update (added to agenda during meeting) b. Florida State Parks Foundation – Where We Go From Here c. Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation Update (added to agenda during meeting) d. Insurance e. LIFE program f. Accessibility programs g. Statewide park managers and CSO meeting (Nov 29-Dec 3) h. Volunteer Awards VI. Additional Business 1:00 PM VII. Adjournment (stop recorder) 1:15 PM VIII. Next Meeting Dates and Locations Page 2 of 7 Quarterly Board Meeting Don Philpott began recording the meeting. The opening session was called to order, introductions were made, and the consent agenda was discussed for the FFSP October 2016 Quarterly Board Meeting. Upon a motion made by Gil Ziffer and seconded by Tammy Gustafson, the Board unanimously agreed to approve the consent agenda for the October Board Meeting. Florida State Parks Department of Environmental Director’s Report Donald Forgione presented the Florida State Parks update and based his report on the situations surrounding Hurricane Matthew. Forgione commended the Florida State Parks employees involved in setting up for the storm and handling the aftermath of the hurricane. He discussed several situations that the state employees had to overcome as a team in many of the Florida State Parks. Overall, Donald Forgione was impressed and extremely proud of the work that both the volunteers and the employees did to help restore the Florida State Parks after Hurricane Matthew. The FFSP Board engaged in a discussion about the costs associated with the cleanup. Donald Forgione briefly described how FEMA works, the budget, and the restoration process through FEMA. See the Florida State Parks Official Report Update submitted by Christine Small before the Board Meeting on page 5 of these minutes, titled Attachment 1. Wisconsin Estate Update Don Philpott began a discussion surrounding the potential beneficiaries from an estate in Wisconsin. As of 10/21/16, there was a hearing held when the man’s “child” was granted 90 days (until 01/10/16) to submit a brief explanation as to why he should get part of the inheritance. However, for his statement to be considered, he must first pass a DNA test (which he has already previously failed). If FFSP receives this sum of money, the organization will need to be prepared to handle the aftereffects. Gil Ziffer has prepared a statement for the media if FFSP receives the money. It was agreed that only two spokespersons should handle media inquiries - Don Philpott and Gil Ziffer. The Board discussed several outcomes and how to manage the situation regarding the potential funds FFSP may receive. Even though the funds may not be received for almost a year, the Board discussed possible plans of action. These plans included the board and foundation structure, personnel, and several other topics. Ben Pingree suggested constructing an investment policy for FFSP. Ben described to the Board what the ideal investment plan would look like for FFSP. Tom Pennekamp spoke on the philanthropic aspect of the Wisconsin Estate. He explained that is important to engage the appropriate professionals to manage the funds. Robert Larkin outlined some legal implications and Ben Pingree discussed strategic next steps for the organization. Florida State Parks Foundation – “Where We Go From Here.” Don Philpott proposed that Tom be invited back on to the board as a director of FFSP. Upon a motion by Marylou Klein and seconded by Ben Pingree, the Board unanimously approved to re-establish Tom Pennekamp to be a member of the Board, instead of an Emeritus Board Member. Page 3 of 7 In Addition, Donald Philpott officially presented the idea of forming a finance/restructuring committee to plan for the anticipated inheritance. The committee would include Tom Pennekamp, Benjamin Pingree, Robert Larkin, Gil Ziffer and Don Philpott. Upon a motion by Marylou Klein, and seconded Fritz Musselmann, the Board unanimously approved to form a financial committee to deal with finances of the Foundation (in regards to the Wisconsin estate). The above motion led to a discussion of the schedule surrounding the three physical board meetings and the phone conference “meetings” for the Executive Committee. Typically, the Executive Committee is comprised of only the Officers of the Board. The goal is to create this finance/restructuring committee, as an addition to the Executive Committee, to prepare for receiving the funds. Upon a motion by Gil Ziffer and seconded by Marylou Klein, the Board unanimously approved to meet three times a year from now on and to set up an Executive Committee of the officers which would meet between board meetings. Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation Partnership Dale Allen presented a brief update from the FGTF Board. The Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation has applied for a very elite grant with the McArthur Foundation, and they hope to find out by January if they have been short-listed. He also proposed renewing discussions to increase the partnership with FFSP. As part of this discussion, the Board discussed the lack of diversity among visitors to the Florida State Parks and the Florida Greenways and Trails. Education in the Parks Program (LIFE) Don Philpott presented an update and a brief overview (for the new Board Members) on the Education in the Parks Program and the LIFE Program. The programs are finally starting to generate more interest and responses. Don Philpott discussed some of the successes of past projects and presented an update on the upcoming projects. Insurance Don Philpott led the Board in the discussion over the FFSP’s statewide insurance policy. The insurance policy allows FFSP to offer Board Liability Insurance to any CSOs if they are a member. They are still looking into a different form of insurance to help cover other liabilities for CSOs, who are members of FFSP. The Philadelphia Insurance Company has suggested setting up FFSP as a franchise so that member CSO’s – as franchisees - would not have to itemize the liabilities covered. Don is hopeful that they are close to an agreement, and that the premium will come down from $30,000 a year, the cost quoted by an alternative company. The Board needs to alert the CSOs and the CSOs presidents again about the Board Liability Insurance offered through FFSP’s CSO Membership. The topic will also be discussed at the statewide CSO President’s meeting in December. Access for All Campaign (AFAC) / Accessibility Programs Don Philpott presented a brief update on the Accessibility for All Campaign in Paula Russo’s absence. Don informed the Board that they are still paying grant writers to help collect funds for the accessibility programs. FFSP is paying the grant writers (Grant Pathways) $1,000 a month to write the grants; however, for every grant awarded there has been a significant return on investment. Don believes this collaboration should continue. Page 4 of 7 Upon a motion by Gil Ziffer and seconded by Richard Goldman, the Board unanimously agreed to renew the contract with Grant Pathways at a time to be determined by the president. Annual State Park Gathering and Statewide Park Managers and CSO Meeting Don Philpott presented an overview on the Annual State Parks Gathering (not to be confused with the DEP/Florida gathering). Don stated it was very successful; however, they did operate a slight monetary loss for this meeting. Next year’s meeting will take place in Pennsylvania. Don Philpott also presented a brief update on the progress of organizing the Statewide Park Managers and CSO meeting. FFSP needs to put together an agenda for the Statewide Park Managers and CSO Meeting. The meeting is to be held at the Altamont Springs Hilton (right off of I-4). Additional Business: Board Members Don Philpott discussed the situation regarding Lonnie Ledford, the Social Media Board of Director for FFSP. Under the bylaws, if a Board Member misses three board meetings, they are no longer a member of the Board. The FFSP Board gave Don Philpott approval to alert Lonnie Ledford that he is no longer a member of the Board. Volunteer Awards Marylou Klein presented an update on the Volunteer Awards Committee and the process for selecting the winners. Marylou wanted the Board, especially the new Board Members, to be aware of the committee. The committee is at this time: Marylou Klein, Don Philpott, Sally Hess, Ron Piasecki, Ben Pingree, and Richard Sanchez. There are thousands of nominations a year, and JulieAnn Tabone helps Marylou with the nominations process.

Load more

  7

Copy Link