THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
Summary of BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Aug. 1, 2001

Remarks

President Jim Knutson welcomed the three new members of the Board of Directors: Pablo Drobny, Shirlee Hitchcock and Buzz Minnich.

Executive Session

1. The board selected the following officers for the 2001-02 fiscal year:

• President and Chairman of the Board: Jim Knutson
• Vice President: Buzz Minnich
• Treasurer: Fred Nicas
• Secretary: Jim Walters

2. The board also appointed at least one of its members to each of the five standing committees. (See committee section below for names)

Old Business

1. Jim Knutson said the renewal of the association's agreement with the city is forthcoming. The City Council has given it its required readings and there do not appear to be any obstacles. The final document will be sent via the Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine.

2. Jim Knutson said had no news to report on the organization seeking a permanent meeting site.

3. Jim Walters has not received any response from the five local high schools concerning assistance in conducting a census of the Dog Park. If none of the schools respond after the start of the new school year, he will make contacts with marketing and mathematics instructors at Cal State Long Beach.

4. In committee news:

Projects & fundraising: Chairwoman Lori Edwards; board representative Gerry Facon
-- Pet Fair: The board agreed that the first attempt at this type of fundraiser went very well. Ms. Edwards and Mr. Facon are to send out thank-you letters to those who donated items for the various auctions and give-aways. The board agreed that the committee should present a proposal for allocating a portion of the proceeds to assist organizations that benefit animals. This will help fulfill our obligation as a 501-C charity, Mr. Facon said.
-- Yard sale: Mr. Facon reported that $$190 was made at the July 28 sale.
-- Fall fund-raisers: Being considered for the remainder of the year are an Ice Dogs night, Christmas concerts, the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade. Jim Walters asked that the committed select an event at the next meeting so that it can be promoted in the fall edition of Paw Prints.
-- Items: Mr. Facon said that he has obbtained items that the city discarded when the animal shelter moved to its new location, which the association might want to use in a fundraiser or giveaway.
-- Portraits in the Park: Fred Nicas annd Gerry Facon said that the first event attracted 10 participants while the second drew about two dozen. After expenses, it appears the association netted about $150..
Nominations and elections: Chairman and board representative Pablo Drobny.
-- Election: Secretary Jim Walters willl provide the new chairman with documents from the 2001 election.
Maintenance & planning: Co-chairmen Jim Knutson and Fred Nicas.
-- Sprinklers: Mr. Nicas will see that a 360-degree sprinkler and line are installed at the center stump before the next shipment of ground cover is delivered. Another are that might receive these sprinklers is at the west end at the old little-dog park.
-- Signs: Buzz Minnich has taken a photto survey of the signs at the park. Jim Walters will check with the City Council to see when the revised City Code regulations covering the park will go into effect so that new, consolidated signs can be posted at the entrances to the park: he will also check with former board President Joan Shamitz as to where the current signs were made and what they cost.
-- Bag boxes: Jim Walters noted that thhe lid of the middle white box along he south fence has lost one of its hinges. Shirlee Hitchcock noted that the board should also look into repainting the three.
-- Third watering station: Mr. Knutson said that the association has tried just about every suggestion that the city has made to alleviate the mud hole around this watering station. If all attempts are exhausted without success, the city may have to install a new drain, he said. It was agreed that any type of new watering station that the board installs on a trial basis will go here.
-- Ground cover: Mr. Nicas said that 2000 tons of decomposed granite will be dropped and spread this next week. This will complete coverage over the center of the park.
Broken gate: The new inside gate at the main entrance has been installed. The board allocated $500 for the gate; the new gate cost $150.
-- Signs: Buzz Minnich provided the boaard with a composite of signs at the park. There are at least 15 signs around the park. The board members are in general agreement to consolidate them into a few near each entrance. No action was taken on the matter.
-- Pet Promenade: Mr. Knutson said thatt the association's diagram of the second phase of the Pet Promenade and a letter have been sent to Terry Lortz of the Parks Department proposing a division of duties and a timetable. Mr. Nicas, a licensed contractor, has offered to donate the labor; the association has asked the city to do the excavation and remove the dirt. Mr. Nicas said that he hopes the project can proceed in October, after those who gave money for squares are notified so that they can write in the wet cement the day of the pour.
Membership: Co-chairwomen and board representatives Carolyn Reed and Shirlee Hitchcock.
-- Welcome package: Ms. Reed has been llooking into bandannas, dog tags and other inexpensive items that could be given to dog owners when the join the organization.
-- Pamphlet: Mr. Walters said that he wwill continue to put together an association flyer for new members and park patrons. He has been waiting for the City Council's final decision on revisions in the City Code.
-- Logo: Board members generally agreedd that a new, "hipper" logo would be appropriate so that it could be used on giveaway items and perhaps hats and T-shirts. Ms. Reed will look into apparel to sell and Ms. Hitchcock will assist her. A logo contest was suggested.
-- Members roll: The secretary has 172 memberships on the 2001-02 roll to date. The total a year ago was 88; at the end of membership year 2000, it was 111. A breakdown of this year's membership drive shows that 78 of those memberships are renewals and that 94 are new. Of those, 11 are patrons ($100), 3 are sustaining ($75) and 19 are supporting ($50).
Communications & advertising: Chairmen and board representatives Jim Walters and Gerry Facon.
-- Paw Prints: Mr. Walters will continuue to edit the quarterly while Mr. Facon will seek ads and/or an underwriter. Mr. Facon will also attempt to get health and other non-association news for the newsletter. Fred Nicas noted that educational information in the newsletter will also help the association fulfill its 501-C obligations.
-- Bark Board: The second side of the bboard has been covered and is now usable Mr. Walters reported that pictures from the Pet Fair have been posted on it.
-- Letterhead: With the addition of neww board members, Mr. Walters will prepare new stationery for members and email it to them.

New Business

None.

1. Next regular board meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 5 at Shirlee Hitchcock's home.

-- JIM WALTERS, Aug. 18, 2001