Friends of Laurel Park Board Meeting

The board will meet to the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

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August 6, 2024

 

The meeting was called to order by Mike Erwin at 7:03pm at the Fleetwood Clubhouse.  Other board members in attendance were Susan Hileman, Jim Wilson, Ann McFadden and Myra Watkins.  Deb Bridges and Ed Mattern were not present.

 

VP PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE    

Mike confided that he was excited to be presiding for the first time.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT, TREASURER’S REPORT, 2024 OPERATING BUDGET

All reports were approved.

 

SPONSOR THANK YOUS

Myra reported that all sponsor thank you’s are up to date.  Susan was given the certificates to be framed and will return them to Mike or Ed.

 

DONORS 

Jim reported we have 120 donors year-to-date and approximately $10,007 in donations.  In the past, by year-end, we’ve had 150 donors, so Jim thinks we’re on track.

Ann suggested we put letters out at concerts and maybe on a table in Town Hall.  She also has extra donation packets to give out to anyone who has neighbors who might want one.

 

THANK YOU CARDS FOR DONORS - ANN

She reported all will be finished by Thursday, August 8th.

 

VOLUNTEERS – SUSAN AND MYRA

Myra has a few more volunteers and will resend the spreadsheet to Susan who will email them.

 

MAINTENANCE CREW GIFT - ANN

Ann displayed the certificate and the board agreed it looks good.  Ilene will print it off and Ann has a frame for it.  She will also ask Tamara if it can be presented to the maintenance crew at the open council meeting in August.

 

HISTORY TOURS WRAP

There were a total of 3 tours this year.  All went well, although the sound system did not work and so there were a few grumblings about that.  Mike will ask Knox about using a better mic to improve the sound for next year.  Also, 9 people from the 1st tour didn’t show up.

 

 

 

GIFT FOR KNOX AND TROLLEY CO

The Trolley Co has already received a $100 tip.  Ann will ask Knox’ wife Laurel what he might like and report back to the board.

 

BICYCLE EVENT – AUGUST 17TH 

Ed will attend, Susan and Mike will try to attend the event, scheduled for 10am at Laurel Green.  Susan will send an email to all volunteers interested in biking.

 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS DAY – AUGUST 23RD 

Ed and Susan will staff an FLP table from 9-11; the event will be held at the Congregational church parking lot.

 

NEXT CONCERT – SEPTEMBER 7TH 

Several board members were able to listen to the upcoming band and all really enjoyed the group.  The band has indicated they like to set up early, around 2pm, and will contact Ed with more details.  

 

TRAIL DEDICATION

Ann would like to be able dedicate a trail built by Heidi and Paul Landolt  to them.  She suggested a plaque mounted on a rock, such as used at Flat Rock Park.   After some discussion, it was determined that this is really a Town issue.  Mike will check with Parks and Greenway to see if that committee wants to have specifications for any kind of memorial placed on public property.  Jim will discuss the idea of a Centennial  honor roll with the committee.

 

BIRD SANCTUARY SIGN

The bird sanctuary sign falls into the same category as trail dedication markers.  Carey and Lutrelle O’Cain have already indicated their willingness to pay for the sign.  The topic will be brought up at the next working council meeting for council to discuss.

 

ECUSTA TRAIL – JIM

Jim reported that the July minutes from Rail-Trail Advisory Committee indicates the trail is still on track to open by the end of 2024.  The Friends of Ecusta Trail is busy putting together sponsorship levels and naming opportunities while the landscape architect is working on signs and amenities.  The board will probably need to wait until October  for more definitive information.  

 

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE – JIM

Jim reported there is now a fundraising committee and a packet is finalized to be used to present to potential sponsors.  Formal presentations to sponsors start next week.  Jim gave the board a list of all potential sponsors and asked members to  email him with any other suggestions.

 

 

 

2025 CONCERTS

The Asheville Junction Band has already inquired about playing next year.  They will be at Trailside playing from 6-9 on the 17th .  Several board members will try to show up including Myra.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Mike has contacted a state wildlife specialist to make a presentation about deer control after a conversation with the chief of police who indicated citizens are concerned.

 

Ann brought up the fact that the new trash collector has different rules about recycling and not much has been disseminated.  Mike suggested the Town hold an informational meeting and will contact Deb to get it on the agenda.

 

ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the Fleetwood Clubhouse.  Mike will fill in as Secretary for Susan.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Susan Hileman, Secretary