Green Saves Green Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 6, 2023

6:30 p.m., Pasquotank County Library



Present: Sharon Burtner, Nita Coleman, Phil Donahue, Marlene Greer, Charles Jordan, Jane Snyder, Jared Tardiff, Adam White, Sheila Wrenn 


Board Orientation

The question was asked what new board members need to know about GSG and how we should handle the orientation. It was decided the following would be sent electronically for board members to review on their own: History of GSG, Bylaws, Annual Reports, Financials, Insurance Policy, Current Committees, and information about our social media. Nita will send out the packet of information via email before the next general meeting.


Board Roles and Expectations

We are an all-volunteer, autonomous organization. Board members are expected to uphold our values and principles: Nonpartisan; Inclusive; Believe in collaboration not confrontation; Believe everyone can make a difference. Board members should be an ambassador for GSG. What we want from our board members is their expertise, knowledge, connection to the community, and help in setting the direction of the organization. We ask, but do not require, each board member be actively involved in one GSG project a year. Fundraising is not part of a board member’s obligation, but financial support of GSG by the board makes a statement, and positions us more favorably for grant funding..


Future Board Considerations

  1. Have an annual target goal for fundraising.

  2. Create a Planned Spending Budget.

  3. Scholarship Award. Create annual GSG scholarships to be awarded to one or more students who have participated in a GSG initiative. We currently have $500 in scholarship funds. Jane Synder will create an outline of how this would work and will present it at a future meeting.

  4. Determine potential ways to use the Clay Foreman and Jim Sakolosky Memorial Funds for their designated purpose. Two ideas were for a scholarship or Roots & Shoots project.

  5. Create an ongoing maintenance fund for the Goat Island Platform similar to what Rotary Community Corps is doing for the Fenwick-Hollowell Trail. The question of responsibility for maintenance was raised. It was agreed the issue would be raised with the director of the city Parks & Rec Dept. before further action will be taken.


Other Areas of Focus for 2023

  1. Move the litter issue up the chain both in the city and county.

  2. Get the community involved.

  3. Continue our effort for the restoration of the Knobbs Creek Nature Trail.


Financial Report

The draft 2023 budget is not yet complete. It will be ready by the next meeting. Our financial position is good. GSG has about $35,000 in the bank; $10,000 of which is in a CD maturing in a year. We do not have any pressing financial needs.



Conflict of Interest Policy

If you think you might have a conflict, you have a duty to disclose it. The person or the board can decide if the individual needs to recuse him/herself. All board members were asked to sign the policy.


Actions Taken

  1. The board voted unanimously to pay $600 to Christina Weisner for her to start the student Earth Day 2023 art projects.

  2. The board voted unanimously to fund the full $1,600 to Gavin White for the renovation of the Goat Island Camping Platform with the understanding GSG would provide additional funds up to $500 to complete the project if needed.

 

Next Board Meeting

No date set. We will wait until we have action items then set a meeting date. It was agreed to continue holding the board meeting immediately following the general meeting.