Florence County Citizens in ActionBarbara W. Burgess - Program Chairman
Programs 2003-2004
FLORENCE COUNTY CITIZENS IN ACTION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 23, 20041. The Regular Monthly Meeting of FCCIA was held at the Venus Pancake House with 38 members and guests present. Chairman Licia Stone convened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Lewis Foster led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Regular business was suspended and Barbara Burgess introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Harry Logan, Regional Editor of the Morning News. Mr. Logan thanked Mrs. Burgess for inviting him and congratulated FCCIA for its interest in government and in the community. Mr. Logan spoke about topics, which have appeared in the Morning News since he has been the editor. A brief question and answer period followed. Mrs. Burgess thanked Mr. Logan and presented him with a token of our appreciation.
3. Regular business resumed with Bill Hoffmeyer giving the Treasurer�s Report. Mr. Hoffmeyer reported receipts of $536.00 and disbursements of $372.75 leaving a balance on hand of $804.01 for March.
4. Chairman Licia Stone stated that it had been suggested that the FCCIA have a brochure and a newsletter. She said that Diane Mascara has volunteered to begin a newsletter. Bari Heiden agreed to help with the newsletter. Chairman Stone also said she believed our logo should appear on the brochure.
5. Chairman Stone reported that the Nominating Committee has been working and results would probably be given at the next regular meeting.
6. Chairman Stone appointed a Membership Committee and asked that they meet with her on Saturday, March 27, 2004 at the Atlanta Bread Company at 11:00 a.m.
7. Chairman Stone addressed the subject of the Discretionary Funds. She stated that she had sent a letter to Chairman Mumford, the members of Florence County Council, the county attorney, and the county administrator with a copy of the Attorney General�s opinion. The letter has been ignored.
She stated that Jack Nettles has appeared twice before County Council to discuss the misuse of the discretionary funds and twice was ignored. She said that FCCIA held two press conferences concerning the discre-tionary funds, but County Council ignored the issue.
On February 19, 2004, Eric Heiden spoke to the County Council. He informed them that we had contacted lawyers and that we are prepared to take legal action. FCCIA followed with newspaper ads asking for public financial support for the lawsuit.
On March 4, 2004, County Council passed a resolution requiring the vote of all nine council-men to approve the expenditures from the Discretionary Funds. Chairman Stone asked if this was a victory. �Yes� was the answer. But it was not a total victory.
She said had it not been for the FCCIA this would not have come about. She said we would have to hold County Council�s feet to the fire for as long as it takes.
Chairman Stone reported on a meeting with the county administrator and the county attorney. Other reforms to the discre-tionary funds were discussed at this meeting. FCCIA members T. C. Griffin and Lou Vause were also present at this meeting.
Mrs. Stone also gave a report of a conversation with one of the Charleston attorneys hired to take the case. Since the Council has taken action to vote on the discretionary funds, the case will not be pursued at this time.8. Walt Ranson gave a brief report on the progress made by the Website Committee. Diane Mascara has joined this com-mittee and is helping to post information and update the website.
9. The Phone Committee was recognized for the outstanding job they have done.
10. Program Chairman Barbara Burgess announced that Dr. Harvey Kaymon will be the April speaker and State Representa-tive Jim McGee will be the May speaker.
11. It was reported that members of the Radio Committee, Murray Jordan and Dr. Eric Heiden had been on the radio talk shows in March.
12. There was a brief discussion of the reminder cards, which will be mailed monthly. The Telephone Committee will function for events and notices not covered by the card.
13. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alberta Poole
Acting Secretary