GPA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Date: September 21, 2007

Location: Savannah, Georgia

Members In Attendance:
Dan Reuter
Ellen Heath
Frederick Gardiner
Diana Wheeler
Patti Cullen
Eric Bosman
Tim Preece
Paul DeCamp
Tracy Dunnavant
Rob LeBeau   
Kathleen Field
Paul Forgey
Holden Spaht
Laura Beal
Laura Keyes
Larry Vanden Bosch
Gary Cornell

Attendance by Proxy:
None

Attendance by Teleconference:
None

President Ellen Heath called the meeting to order at 7:50 a.m.  There were no proxies and it was determined that a quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

The minutes of the July 26, 2007, Board of Directors meeting were unanimously approved as drafted.

BUDGET UPDATE

Bosman provided information regarding the budget.  He gave revenue totals to date as well as year end projections.  LeBeau said he anticipated making $5,000 to $10,000 on the fall conference.  Heath reminded the Board that GPA still owes money to ASLA for the spring conference.  Bosman discussed additional expenditures that were outstanding.  Heath encouraged the Directors to hold more district events in the future.  Field discussed the fall planners’ luncheon.  The Board talked about possible locations and projects that would appeal to the membership. 

DISCUSSION OF 2008 CONFERENCES

LeBeau said his committee was considering several locations for the spring conference in the metro Atlanta area. They discussed the need to be within one hour’s driving time of Atlanta to involve the greatest number of participants.  Gardiner suggested pursuing a location on the south side of the city.

DISCUSSION OF VACANT DISTRICT 5 BOARD SEAT AND OTHER BOARD POSITIONS

Heath reminded the Board that the District 5 seat was currently vacant.  She said she had spoken with Kristina Harpst who indicated a willingness to serve.  Heath made motion to appoint Harpst as the District 5 representative.  Seconded by Reuter.  All in favor.

Heath informed the Board that she had not spoken with Kellie Brownlow to see if she was willing to continue serving as the Planning Officials’ Development Officer.  She reminded the Directors that Brownlow had been on maternity leave, which made it difficult to approach her regarding her continued service.  Heath said Gary Cornell had agreed to stay on as Professional Development Officer, but added that she had not approached Steve Cover to see if he was still interested in remaining the Vice President of Legislative Affairs.  Reuter mentioned the benefits of visiting the website georgiansforcommunityprotection.org in terms of legislative initiatives.  Cornell suggested possibly having a slot at the fall or spring conference geared towards legislative affairs.  Reuter informed the Board that he would be attending APA’s Legislative Forum.

UPDATE ON ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF POSITION

Heath stressed the need to move forward in hiring an administrative person to assist GPA.  She said around $40,000 would be budgeted for the position.  Reuter suggested broadly advertising the position over the next month.  Cullen asked if they had developed a job description.  Heath said no, but added that the duties and responsibilities had been discussed.  She felt 1,000 guaranteed hours would be needed to peak someone’s interest.

MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Heath discussed the memorial foundation and stressed the need to move forward with the project.  Preece asked how the Foundation’s Board would be set up.  Heath said David Kirk was looking for guidance in that area.  Bosman said he felt Bill Ross should serve on the Board and volunteered himself to serve as well since he would be maintaining the financial information.

FUTURE MEETING

Heath informed the Board that another meeting would be needed before the end of the year to discuss the work program.  Wheeler suggested coordinating it with the fall planners’ luncheon.  The consensus of the Board was to go with this suggestion.

APA PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL GRANT

Reuter told the Board that he had submitted a grant application to the APA President’s Council seeking monies to document some of the life works of GPA’s more senior planners.  He added that he had requested $3,000 for the project.  Reuter said he felt this would cover the cost of a student video project.

FAICP CANDIDATES

Heath said GPA had submitted four FAICP candidates for consideration.  She listed the nominees (Gary Cornell, Larry Fonts, Nancey Green Leigh, and Jerry Weitz).

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tracy S. Dunnavant, AICP
Secretary