Draft Minutes

Virginia Audubon Council Meeting

April 20, 2002

Kilmarnock, Virginia

Caroline Coe, President, called the meeting to order at 9:40 am. The following Chapter members and guests attended:

Cape Henry
Andy Tate 

Jimmy Bradshaw

Fairfax
Manny Barrera 
Walter Simonson

Richmond

Caroline Coe
Jeanne Menuet
Brian Moores

Margaret O’Bryan

Ellen Ackerman

Northern Neck

Rick Skelton

The Council approved the minutes and accepted the Treasurer’s report after some discussion of interest on funds and use of funds.

Margaret O’Bryan described an event at Shirley Plantation, scheduled for June 23, to raise money for the Virginia Important Bird Area (IBA) program and for the State office. Potential $1000 donors will be invited; John Flicker, NAS President, will attend.

The Council noted that Richmond Audubon is hosting the annual meeting of the Virginia Society of Ornithology, April 26 to 28.

Caroline reported on the IBA program. She noted that Eileen Rowan, IBA lead, attended an IBA conference in California. After Caroline and Ellen’s meetings with Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), it appears that funding for IBA project will be released soon. Eileen Rowan may have found new office space for the IBA project; E.L. Carlyle may have additional information on office space.

Caroline asked Andy Tate and Manny Barrera to assist her in reviewing the contract once a copy is produced by DGIF.

Caroline noted that the Council needed to negotiate a graceful exit from the Henricus Education Center office space. The VAC had received a draft lease for the space only in March, but the space is not what’s needed by the Council. However, we have been there for a year and it would be only fair to pay Henricus for utilities and other expenses. (See Council Decision below.)

The Strategic Plan needs modification to allow the VAC and the State Office. The current Strategic Plan calls for the VAC to transform into the State Office. (See Council Decision below.)

Summary of Council Decisions:

1. Established a Committee to review and monitor the contract with DGIF to fund the Virginia IBA.  Committee members are Caroline Coe, Andy Tate, and Manny Barrera.

2. Authorized Caroline Coe and Margaret O'Bryan to meet with Walt Heyer of the Henricus Foundation to let him know that the Council is no longer interested in signing a contract for the space at the Henricus Education Center and to reach agreement for payment, not to exceed $600.00, for VAC expenses at the Henricus Building over the past year.

3.  Requested that Brian Moores e-mail to Manny and Caroline the changes to the Virginia Audubon Strategic Plan needed to allow the VAC to remain in existence after the State Office is formed for posting on the VAC web site. 

4. Richmond Audubon will take the lead in proposing a suitable memorial for Fred Scott.

5. VAC Chapter contact list needs updating.  (Note: current list emailed to VAC members on April 23, for update by mid-May.)

6. Nominating Committee established: Members: Manny Barrera, Tom Teeples (invited), and E.L. Carlyle (invited).  Committee will be formally established once invitees accept.

7. Next VAC Meeting: July 28, tentatively set for the DGIF facility at Richmond with Westminster Presbyterian Church as Plan B.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 pm, and most Council Members gathered for lunch and a bird walk at Hickory Hollow.

Respectfully submitted,

Manny Barrera

Secretary