Board of Directors

NOTICe

Monday, March 14, 2011

Watters’ Home, 1186 N. Pitt Street

Present: Roger Waud, Tom Soapes, Sally Ann Greer, Greg Ogden, Christa Watters

Absent: Ernie Lehman

1. The minutes of the February 14, 2011 board meeting were unanimously approved as corrected.

1. Treasurer Tom Soapes reported a current bank balance of $7,495.06. Gross proceeds from the annual Winter Party were $1837.00, including $650 from admissions and dues and $1187.00 from the silent auction. After deducting party expenses of $495.19, the Winter Party net proceeds were $1,341.81.

1. Membership: Tom reported 93 current paid up members, up from 75 last month. Eight were new members who joined at the Winter Party, others were renewals.

1. Winter Party: Sally Ann Greer reported that all went smoothly at the party, held in the Alexandria House party room. Ann Kaupp and her committee did a great job with the food. Roger tended bar. Board members helped monitor the auction table; all but 3 items sold. Greg has recorded all donations on a spread sheet for reference next year. He asked for a uniform document to use in future solicitations. Board members will send him copies of alternative letters and forms to use. Some businesses prefer e-mail contacts. All thank you letters suitable for IRS proof of donation have been sent. Restaurant gift certificates sold well. The board discussed starting most auction items at slightly higher levels, perhaps at least one-half of value for restaurant certificates.

1. NOTICe Web Site: Greg Ogden presented copies of his plan for a redesign of the web site. He is working with our web technician on the project, and proposes to come up with a draft redesign for board comment/approval in 2 to 3 months. The Board approved that he go forward with the draft redesign after getting a cost and schedule proposal and submitting it for board approval electronically. The board agreed to remove the logos of other organizations from our site (Sierra Club; politicians, etc.). These had been incorporated through copying documents onto the site; we agreed in future to delete the logos prior to posting such informational documents. The board agreed we should work to circulate our Web address more widely to encourage more use of the Web site. We discussed building a “hit-counting” system into the new Web site. Greg believes that can be done without cost and will look into it.

1. VI.Bi-monthly Newsletter: Roger reported getting favorable feedback on the newsletter and believes it is important to consider this a major service and outreach tool. It will be incorporated in the “Current” section of the Web site as we intend it to continue to address issues of current concern. Expanded versions of articles can also be linked to the newsletter or posted elsewhere on the Site. The board decided to ask Tania to keep doing the newsletter, either as a trade or for a fee of $200. Roger will ask and see if Tania agrees.

1. Replacement for Susan Wobst: Susan resigned from the Board in the interval since the February meeting, as she plans to move from the area. After discussion of several possible candidates, the Board decided to ask Ginny Hines Parry, who was nominated by Sally Ann Greer, if she would be willing to join the board. Roger will call her and report back. If she refuses, we will consider other candidates. We will need to elect a new vice president as Susan was our VP. The board tabled the election until the next meeting when we have a full board again.

1. Issues of Interest: No new information is available about the Bus Barn site beyond that a new site on Cinder Bed Road in Lorton has been found. The board expects a report on the Sierra Club meeting on the campaign to close the GenOn Plant taking place tonight (March 14) at MetroStage. Ann Kaupp and Ernie Lehmann are attending. The Waterfront Plan comes before the Planning Commission at a Public Hearing on April 5 at 7:30, in City Council Chambers.The Planning Commission is scheduled to act on this item on May 3, 2011. There was no further news on the Harris Teeter development.Sally Ann reported that she had forwarded a plan for Windmill Park to the Planning Staff. Roger asked if this area on So. Union Street is relevant to NOTICe and North Old Town residents. Sally Ann said it is part of a continuous waterfront.

1. IX.Other Business: Sally Ann reported that due to personnel changes at the Old Colony Best Western Inn, she will need to renegotiate our plan to hold the next membership meeting in their conference center.

1. X.The meeting adjourned at 9:25.

Respectfully submitted,

Christa Watters, Secretary

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